Only in El Paso: The 2011 C-USA Tournament Recommendation Thread
by Adrian Mac on Feb 22, 2011 2:53 PM MST
in The Dig (Conference USA Round Up)
Email
Print
First of all, how awesome is that banner image? Anyway, one of these days, and probably this summer when we have time to kill, I want to do a series called "Only in El Paso" where we can all vote on the Sun City's best restaurants, hotels, bars, tourist traps, etc. Why? Isn't this a sports blog? Yes, but you guys would be amazed how many times I've been emailed by fans from opposing teams, or from the Sun Bowl teams, asking two primary questions:
1) Where's the best Mexican food?
2) Where's the next best Mexican food?
It happens. A lot. Obviously, today you can get reviews on Yelp and get the best local deals at I'm Doing El Paso. But, with the C-USA Tournament coming along in just over two weeks, I thought it would be fun to have an open thread where we can all toss out some of our local suggestions for favorite places, bars, drink specials, cultural things. That way, I can have a place to direct people who want to know where the locals get their grub on. This summer, to help kill the time, we'll do a full series where we vote on one category a week- similar to how they did it here at Texas Tech's SBNation site DoubleT Nation. Then, I'll burn the results to the sidebar in a "Welcome to El Paso" widget.
Also, to be honest, I don't get to spend as much in the EPT as I like, so hopefully I can get some good recommendations for myself. There has to be life past Papa Burger and Kiki's right?
So, after the jump, I'm going to toss out some category suggestions and the likely candidates. I thought it might be a good idea to get things going with the poll to end all polls: Where the Best Mexican Food in El Paso? By the way, if I'm missing your favorite place, drop it in the comments and I'll add it to the poll.
Categories and some random thoughts on the contenders. What am I missing?
1. Best Mexican Food (See Poll) I love this question because it almost always depends on what part of town you're from. I don't care what you say, the answer is KIKI'S!! But seriously, Carlos & Mickeys, Lucy's, Forti's? The options are are ridiculous. What's your place?
2. Best BBQ
Rudy's, State Line, Rib Hut, Tommies,
Rudy's is the only "chain" that I put up here,but it is a Texas chain that I doubt they have in 7-8 C-USA markets. And, they have Green Chile Stew which alone is worth mentioning. Note to central Texans heading to EP- State Line is the same thing as County Line. Rib Hut kills it, huge portions of food and its across from the Don Haskins Center.
3. Best Steak:
Cattlemans, Great American Land & Cattle, The Edge of Texas
Cattlemans is the place that is on food/travel channel all the time. Great place and especially fun if you have kids because they have a lot more than beef at the Indian Cliffs Ranch.
4. Best Hotels Near UTEP
Hilton Garden Inn, Doubletree, Holiday Inn West.
5. Best Bar
Cincinnati, Hemingways, Aceitunas Beer Garden, Hope & Anchor --
Clearly I haven't been on the town in a long while (Cue my Danny Glover Voice "I'm getting too old for this &%&:) because I don't know a whole lot about the current EP bar scene. I will say that I really like Hope & Anchor which is on Mesa near UTEP. Great patio and an awesome jukebox. Did I mention the patio? One of my biggest complaints about EP bars is the general lack of patios. The city has incredible weather like 340 days out of the year. Winter (usually) lasts about 4-6 weeks from the last high school football game to Christmas. The patio at Hope & Anchor is a great place to enjoy the sun.
6. Best Tourist Attraction
The Tramway, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Old Mesilla, Franklin Mountains State Park
I know I'm slacking here. The tramway is an awesome way to see the city. It's funny because it seems like people in El Paso I know have never been. It's really a very cool place to check out. Old Mesilla is a nice place for an EPT visitor's wife to go explore while her husband watches 4-5 straight C-USA games at the Don.
7. Best Burrito!
Rafas, Bonny's, 50's Cafe, Burritos Crisostomo, Real Burrito
Which brings me to a point about El Paso marketing. I live in central Texas where Freebirds and Chipotle make the best burrito you can get your hands. Don't get me wrong, they're both good. A monster cayenne chicken fajita burrito with queso at Freebirds ain't a bad way to spend an afternoon. But, these places have nothing on Rafa's (my personal favorite) or the 50's cafe right by UTEP. I think El Paso should claim burritos as their "Philly Cheesesteak" and market the heck out of it. Seriously, in central Texas they don't even make breakfast burritos. They make breakfast tacos. What's going on here?!
8. Best Burger
Papa Burger, Charcoaler, Rosco's, Toro Burger, 5 Guys, Frisco's, Big Bun, Federal Courthouse Bar & Grill
I only put 5 Guys (a chain) here because the twitter buzz is unlike anything I've ever seen for a place that I'm not particularly a fan of. It's good. But, I'd take Papa Burger in a cage match. Toro Burger jumped in popularity after Texas Monthly came out of nowhere and named it the 4th best burger place in the state of Texas. I generally avoid burger places with wine lists, but burgers are very good, and it's near UTEP, and they have a solid tap beer selection.
Charcoaler? Great place that hasn't changed much. That's good when it comes to the food but bad when it comes to the fact that they don't take debit/credit cards. C'mon Charcoaler, it's the 90's. Oh wait.
Updated: I got an email from a reader suggesting I add Federal Courthouse Bar & Grill to this category since they make the "Tatanka Burger" which is a massive 8 pound burger. That's right, for a mere $35.00 you and your whole posse can get down on an 8 lb. burger. It's definitely worth checking out, but my real question is "Federal Courthouse Bar & Grill?" That's the name of the place? I'm assuming when it came time to name the restaurant, the conversation went something like this:
Owner: "Well, we need to name the place. Any suggestions?"
Chef: "Well, we are near the Federal Courthouse. How about "Federal Courthouse?"
Owner: "But, on the other hand, we're a bar and grill. What if we call it "Bar and Grill?"
Awkward silence.
Chef: "I got it! Federal Courthouse Bar and Grill!"
The rest, my friends, is history.......
9. Fine Dining
Geo Geske, Ardovino's Desert Crossing, Billy Crews, Cafe Central,The Garden
Geo Geske is closest to UTEP. Ardovino's is just about the best looking place in town. Cafe Central is the heavyweight that gets the most pub.
10. Chicos Tacos (A Category of it's own)
Photo Courtesy of My iPhone
Let's face it, this is the place that El Pasoan's always take out of towners to. It's the place with the most buzz. This is the place that El Pasoan's who move away from the 915 probably miss the most. Seriously, when I'm in town, nothing is more cruel than messaging a pic like the one above to someone I know is outside of Chicos' jurisdiction. And, it's often the place that gets so much hype that out of towners go and say... "Really?! This place. It's filthy!"
Seriously, Chico's is an El Paso thing. You might love the tacos, which are rolled and come drenched in a watery, tomato based sauce and smothered in cheese. What kind of cheese? Nobody really knows. Or you might hate them like you hate being sick on Saturday. Noones ever in the middle with Chico's. You love it or hate it. But, it's impossible not to have a "best of" list about El Paso without mentioning the place. Some people are disgusted by the dirty bathrooms, and the general (lack of) upkeep at most of their locations. I eat there 4-5 times a year if I'm lucky but I haven't been in a Chicos bathroom since '99. Then, there are famous chefs who say "It's the best thing they ever ate."
Think about it, Chico's Tacos is the only restaurant you've probably ever been to where the filth is accepted, they don't take credit cards, the security guard sleeps in his car outside, and the bathrooms use the "rolling paper"cloth thing that just goes in circles. Yet, you don't care because it's so damn good. I'll be there in two weeks.
Only in El Paso.
For the latest UTEP Miners News, follow Miner Rush on Twitter and Facebook.
31 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Mexican food poll
Three votes, three different place- this is gonna be fun to watch.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Here's my input
1. Forti’s and C&M are pretty close for best Mexican food
2. Rib Hut or State Line, Rudy’s and Famous Dave’s are great too, but are national chains.
3. Cattleman’s by far, Great American is great too and less expensive
4. All three of those hotels are nice, and conveniently located
5. Best bar to just hang at and watch a game definitely Hemingways or Cincinatti Bar, but Hope and Anchor is cool, and Hoppy Monk has opened up and has a great patio and extensive beer selection. If you’re trying to go out in a nice and trendy atmosphere, Downtown (Union Plaza) is the place to be.
6. Those are out best attractions unfortunately, I might add the outlet mall for shopping.
7. Best Burrito, I’ll add Real Burrito which is right near campus.
8. Best Burger’s BY FAR are charcoaler or rosco’s, and I stress the BY FAR.
9. If you’re not from El Paso, DO NOT EAT CHICO’S…Just my fair warning, I mean if you’re from here its a pretty good meal every once in a while, and people who move away always want to come back and go to chico’s but I RARELY meet someone that isn’t from here that actually likes it. I could be wrong though.
My take....
-Mexican food: I hang my hat on Forti’s Mexcian Elder
-Steak: Cattlemans without a doubt
-BBQ: can’t go wrong with Rudy’s, but Rib Hut is second to none.
-Bar: I’m an Aceitunas kind of guy, but can’t go wrong with Hemingways either.
-Burger: the Charcoaler takes the cake but I do love me a Whataburger in its absence.
-Tourist Attraction: Juarez….. ummm, can’t go wrong with Scenic Drive
-Burrito: Real Burrito is my champion in this category.
-Chicos Tacos: what’s there left to say? I’ll agree though that if you’re not from EP then you’ll be disappointed that they don’t like it the way you do. I only know ONE person not from EP who has actually loved Chicos. Everybody else I’ve spoken to not from EP who’ve tried it have nothing good to say about it.
-Finally: I’ll toss in…wait for it….Wienerschnitzel! Yep, you heard that right. I love me some Chili Chees Fries and some Mustard Dogs. If you’re not familiar with it from any place east of Central Texas then I highly recommend it for something quick, easy and satisfying.
One other category....
High End Dinning: I’m partial to (in order) Ardovinos Desert Crossing, Billy Crews and Cafe Central.
Wienerschnitzel
Mmmm… you gotta have a chili cheese fries burrito
by MinerBulldog on Feb 22, 2011 5:02 PM MST up reply actions
Real Burrito- One of those places
I’ve seen and never stopped at- now, I have to.
Wienerschnitzel! It is a chain, yes, but damn we used to destroy those family packs you get- its like 8 chili dogs and 4 fries for like 6 bucks. That place was great.
The old Hamburger Stand used to be good too. Too bad it closed.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Real Burrito
It is really good. They even have healthy options like nopaled on a wheat tortilla.
by MinerBulldog on Feb 22, 2011 5:59 PM MST up reply actions
What about Big Bun for best hamburger?
I used to eat there after school and I really liked it. Still try to eat there when I visit, been it’s been a couple years now.
Amazingly, I've never eaten there
Now, it’s on my list- 2 shout-outs already.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
some others
-Mexican – While, due to the mix of atmosphere and good food, I vote for Carlos & Mickey’s, you gotta include Carnitas Queretaro, Taco Tote (though it’s now a chain), and Chope’s. I think Chope’s is overrated, but you gotta go at least once to eat decent Mexican food in or next to a biker bar (with a forty, of course).
-Burger – Big Bun is strangely delicious. You also gotta remember Frisco Burger. While I usually eat a double and a single, I’m told the burgers are pretty good at Chico’s, too.
-BBQ – BBQ is meant to be eaten at hole-in-the-wall places. You gotta have Tommy’s (downtown) or Biggie’s (Mesa, near Sunland Park).
-High(ish) End – G2, Geske’s Grill, The Garden, and The Greenery.
-Steak – Great American.
-Bars – Hoppy Monk, Oasis (next to/in the Plaza Theater), and Clicks (I think it might be a chain, but all the games are fun).
-Tourist – The tramway is cool, but put your hiking boots on and take a hike in the Franklin Mts State Park (before TXDoT ruins it).
Should have had a higher end category
Will update when I get a chance to do that.
Hoppy Monk- that opened just recently, need to get over there next time I’m in town. I hear the tap selection is really good. Is Frisco burger on the east side? That’s my problem, I never go over there so I don’t know anything about the favorites on that side of town.
I might have to write a separate segment on Chope’s because of the fact that you can walk around with a 40. In Public. And nobody frowns on you. In fact, you’re weird if you don’t have a 40 which is exceedingly rare (especially outside the EPT).
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Yes, to everything you said
Hoppy Monk – The tap selection is huge (and they have a great patio). One of the owners was smart enough to choose opening a bar over becoming a lawyer.
Frisco – Yeah, it’s on the Eastside (on Yarhorough, closeish to Montana)
Chope’s – You should definitely do a segment on it. Maybe it even falls under the tourist attraction category.
by MinerBulldog on Feb 22, 2011 6:02 PM MST up reply actions
Now I have to try Big Bun
Because I love their website. That website is no nonsense. No ads, no flash, no pages! Just: THERES NOTHING LIKE BIG BUN and the Menu. Oh, and they cater?!
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Just read a review on "Real Burrito"
Great burrito place and the only place this side of the freeway which I know sells tripitas. Good selection of fillings and everything tastes homemade. They come very close to the real thing from Juarez except that they have free wi-fi.
Is Real Burrito the first place in the known world to have tripitas and wi-fi?!!
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Las Cruces
It’s also worth the drive to check out De La Vega’s Pecan Grill. They brew their own delicious pecan beer.
I'll have to check that out
EPT now known for local breweries in the area.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
FYI- I updated the post to reflect some of your suggestions
Including the burger section in response to a reader email. 40 Votes now and its awesome to see how spread apart the voting is so far.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Best place to watch a UTEP road game
Ale House on Lee Trevinio. Im getting sad i miss El Paso so much
Just my two cents
Ok, first off, as a native El Pasoan- I think you need to clarify for out of towners that there are different varieties of Mexican cuisine in our region. One’s idea of “Mexican” food can vary dramatically depending on the region. It’s like saying- I love American food- what the heck does that mean?! I almost think you need three categories of “Mexican” food in our region:
1. Authentic Mexican as in from Mexico which has a very different flavor that is not necessarily recognizable to our region- different spices, flavors, etc. that are indigenous to old Mexico. A few examples of this variety include: Carnitas Queretaro, Carousel, Maria Chucena, etc.
2. El Paso Mexican is a class all its own. El Paso Mexican, in my opinion, combines Mexican and New Mexican cuisine with a border twist. Examples of this variety include Kiki’s (don’t miss out on their green chile enchiladas and queso fries), Delicious (their infamous gorditas are a must), L & J Cafe (the machaca and taco platters are phenomenal), Forti’s (just can’t go wrong with their menu), Leo’s (flautas!) and Carlos and Mickey’s (did someone say margarita?!). Visitors to our region, who very likely count Taco Bell as their only excursion into Mexican cuisine, will undoubtedly enjoy these dining experiences. You won’t find it anywhere else. And, by the way, please never refer to any of these restaurants as “Tex Mex.” That’s an insult in our neck of the woods.
3. Finally, there is none other than- New Mexico-Mexican— which is essentially El Paso Mexican with a New Mexican (Green Chile) flare. Friends of mine from the “Valley” of Texas will never truly know how great this variety of Mexican food really is. By “Valley”- I mean those Texans who consider anything in a tortilla a “taco” (which is blasphemy by El Paso standards) and who have never been fortunate enough to know what a green chile tastes like. I truly pity the Valley folk. New Mexico-Mexican is what makes our regional cuisine so special. It’s a delectable combination of green chile (in everything from chile rellenos to chile verde to chile con queso) and red chile spices that are indigenous to the Hatch river valley that is such an integral part to our part of the country. For those of you want to give this New Mexican-Mexican breed of Mexican cuisine a try- you must check out The Little Diner, The Riviera (aka “The Riv”), La Union Station (home of the $2 margarita), Chopes, and La Posta in Old Mesilla.
So, while I’m a big fan of G2 and the Garden, I’d also like to add a few contenders to your “high end” category that I think are worth mentioning:
Crave- interesting Nuevo American menu. Wonderful breakfast and brunch selections on the weekends and an all around great place to enjoy a mimosa on a Sunday. Their pancakes are phenomenal. Tiny place so get their early- well worth it.
Pot au Feu- one of El Paso’s best kept secrets. Obscure downtown location with a remarkably sophisticated (and organic) menu. Their pasta and duck dishes are worth the trip. My particular favorite is their wild salmon and orzo dish. The white chocolate creme brulee is a must.
Magic Pan (on Doniphan or Cincinatti)- all around great restaurant with a mediterranean twist. Can’t go wrong with their menu.
Finally, I think you need to add two more categories to best restaurant that are definitely worth mentioning- Best Pizza and Best Seafood (that’s right- I know we are in the desert but we have a few great seafood places worth mentioning):
Best Pizza: I have three favorites. I’m also not talking about Pizza Hut or Domino’s. I’m talking about legitimate, wood oven pizza:
Ardovino’s Pizza- also known in my family as the “skinny pizza.” Locally owned and simply fantastic. Locations on the eastside, westside and (my fave) on Cincinnati (by UTEP). They also have a great beer selection.
Sunset Pizza- also known as the old Burger King on Mesa and Executive. Great pizza and calzone menu and one of the few places with a decent patio and draft beer selection. Interestingly eclectic.
Cafe Italia- also known as the old TCBY across from the old Lomart on Mesa. This restaurant is phenomenal. Their chef even makes his own mozzarella and grows his produce in his own private greenhouse. Best part of Cafe Italia: it’s BYOB. So, grab a bottle of wine (or two) and get there extra early. Small place and it fills up quickly on the weekends.
Now, on to Seafood- (that’s right- I said seafood) you’ve got to check out:
1. Pelican’s on Mesa: old school feel but great seafood selection and bar. Their pecan crusted salmon and shrimp monterrey are my favorites.
2. Koze Teppan Grill: surprisingly fresh seafood and sushi options.
3. Shellsey (my fave)- hands down best oysters in the region. Out of town members of my friends and family think this might be the best oysters they’ve had anywhere. Interesting cajun/caribbean/mexican menu. Close to UTEP. Great ambiance, cozy patio and beer on tap.
Finally, here is one more option for those visitors who are looking for something other than Mexican food, burgers, pizza, and Chicos. For an interesting dining experience that is completely authentic and offers some healthy menu options try Farah’s on Mesa by UTEP. Authentic mediterranean and Greek home cooking. It’s also BYOB. Simple place but great food.
This is just my two cents. Welcome to El Paso and hope you enjoy our desert mountains and regional cuisine. There is no other place like it!
by The Mash on Feb 22, 2011 9:30 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
Wow! Rec'd.
No kidding, this comment needs to be memorialized somewhere on the site as a reference point for all future discussions of EP Cuisine. And I couldn’t agree more on the difference in “valley” vs. El Paso Mexican food.
I think we found our resident Top Chef!
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
I really like Cafe Italia for excellent Pizza as well!
I highly suggest it.
How could I forget?!
Best burrito: Real Burrito! (aka old Arby’s on Mesa/Sunbowl)
Don’t think you’ll find a burrito joint anywhere that offers homemade whole wheat tortillas, fat free black beans, spinach/mushrooms, and soy chorizo on their menu. Their regular burritos are pretty damn good, too. May have the best mole and machaca burritos in town.
Most importantly~ by UTEP. Great view of the mountains.
L & J is taking this thing over!
Could definitely go for a cold beer there right now.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Food + Tourist attracton in one....
If you have driven along Interstate 10 near downtown El Paso and wondered how a Mack truck ended up in a neighborhood next to the freeway, it is actually part of the art work that gives Monteleone’s Ristorante Italiano its unique style. The décor is quite interesting—the front of the buliding looks like a Mack truck and the inside has a gangster theme with several busts of Hollywood figures such as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to include the sound of indoor rain. Made to feel as if you’re eating in the middle of a Chicago alley. With the restaurant being an old converted house, there are several small dining areas that used to be rooms in the house. The “Mob Room” looks like what used to be a small bedroom that now contains some of the more interesting art work as well as a real craps table and roulette wheel from Las Vegas that are now used as dining tables.
If nothing else, an interesting experience for a meal out. Click on the link above for some pics.
Ive eaten there!
First off it’s really good- Pizza excellent. The owner designed sets for movies and he’s made a really cool looking place to eat. I’m mobile but later I’ll post some pics. Id rank it as one of the best first date places:
1. Lots to talk about with decor
2. Good food and wine.
3. Near the freeway for a quick escape should things go bad quick.
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
In the interest of full disclosure....
My cousins own the place. You’re right, he used to design movie sets in Hollywood and she is an Engineer so as team, he designs it and she knows how to build it. Great family dining. Just tell them “your cousin Mike B. in Austin” sent us here. Not guaranteeing it’ll get you a discount, but you will get the full service treatment. I wish I had photos of all the other cool things that they’ve designed and built as they have truly made some fun things and are really talented.
Wow, I'm surprised no one has mentioned "La Malinche" for best Mexican
food restaurant. Has it gone out of good graces lately?
Damn. Just ate there a month or two ago-
They have a location off Doniphan in the upper valley now- had chile rellenos and their salsa is legit. That’s how deep the qiality is- a place like that has fallen through the cracks
Axes Up. Miner Rush - For UTEP Miners Fans
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanShots on Miner Rush
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
