We are taking our son to UTEP this weekend for recruiting trip. Any restaurant recommendations are appreciated. TIA

Been a long time since I lived there but Monteleones Italian is an awesome spot. Owned by some old movie producers and authentic Italian. I know, it ain't Mexican food but so good.
Cafe Central downtown El Paso is a great fancier place.
The authentic Mexican food places are everywhere. Don't have any names as I just don't remember.
And of course, Chicos Tacos. Heart attack in a paper tray.

Went with the wife on a business trip last year. She traveled there 2 or 3 times/yr for about 20 years. We only ate Mexican.
L & J's Cafe is the best - can't miss.
Carlos & Mickey's is loved by many
We also went to Lucy's(hole in the wall, close to campus, really good)

Any food in particular? I know mexican but what plates are you leaning toward? I wish I could recommend one place that covers all the bases but being from El Paso I know this isn't the case.

Also, I think chicos is not that good.

Gnome Sayin said:

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Any food in particular? I know mexican but what plates are you leaning toward? I wish I could recommend one place that covers all the bases but being from El Paso I know this isn't the case.

Also, I think chicos is not that good.

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Any Mexican of course but also open to other non-Mexican options. We have two nights so will do one Mexican night and one other. Obviously closer to UTEP is a plus but wouldn't rule out others further away if good enough. Thanks and thanks to others above for recs.

Chicos Tacos is a shell of what it used to be. They outlived their cheese supplier and it was downhill from there.

TMfrisco said:

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Went with the wife on a business trip last year. She traveled there 2 or 3 times/yr for about 20 years. We only ate Mexican.
L & J's Cafe is the best - can't miss.
Carlos & Mickey's is loved by many
We also went to Lucy's(hole in the wall, close to campus, really good)

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All good recs.

We liked Morra Mia

For BBQ, State Line is a solid choice. Not too far from UTEP.

Did anyone eat chicos sober?

Don't overlook kaedama. Very solid Ramen.

Chicos sucks. But definitely hit tacotote for great "fast food tacos."

L&J is overrated but good.

Don't miss toconeta.

Hopefully you got the cream of green Chile soup at Cafe central.

Agree. I wasn't impressed with L&J. Many locals told us we should have went to Kiki's. Overall great trip. I really enjoyed it.

West Texas chop house

If you don't want to go out to Cattleman's Steakhouse, Corralito Steakhouse is very good

Honestly, if you want a damn good steak thats not fine dining, go to Victoria's Mexican grill in Canutillo. All the steaks are good, but the Arrachera is really good.

Cattleman's is for the experience bit there are better steaks to be had.

Blackstreet said:

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Agree. I wasn't impressed with L&J. Many locals told us we should have went to Kiki's. Overall great trip. I really enjoyed it.

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Chile colorado from Kiki's

Coates said:

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Did anyone eat chicos sober?

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There is, or there was, a pattern of evolution.
1. Start eating there as a kid. Just fun to eat out, and you don't know any better.
2. You get older and discover alcohol. You then discover what a waxy paper boat of grease and fake cheese will do for the drunk munch at 2:30 am.
3. You return as a grown up and eat there for the nostalgia. You ask yourself how you ever managed to eat there sans booze. Until now, where you realize even the nostalgia can't overcome what it's become.

RIP a double order with green sauce and fries.

barnacle bob said:

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Cattleman's Steakhouse
A bit out of town

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This is literally the only thing worth suggesting.

I don't know. I thoroughly enjoyed Taft-Diaz and Cafe Central.