Back to El Paso after maaaaaaannny years
It's probably been about ten years since I've gone back to my hometown. Used to know all the best "dives" and hangouts. I'll only be there for two full days.
Since then, I've learned how to make eggplant parm. like, if not better than Bella Napoli, so I can finally let that one go (much to my husband's delight).
My go-to places used to be:
Lucy's!!! for Tony's tacos, machaca
H&H Carwash for a chile relleno
G&R's for chile con queso and a stiff margarita
Casa J's in Kern Place - salpicon (but I heard Henry sold the place to his brother and his brother's place never was as good)
Ardivino's for pizza
Jaxon's for a stiff drink and people watching
I HATED Little City in Canutillo - way too greasy and my boss made us eat it every Friday
Don't have time to go get yummies at Brass Cactus or that other place with the pirahanas and parrots outside of town. (been so long, I can't even remember the name of the town or that crazy restaurant).
Hear going to waaa-zoo (J-town) is out of the question these days.
amysuehere
Nov 06, 2009 11:41AM
I think you mean Little Diner, instead of Little City. Little Diner is some of the best in El Paso. Chope's near Mesilla is also excellent.
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Yes, Little Diner and no - me no likey!
It's one of those wierd places like Matt's El Rancho is to Austinites...
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We have a family disagreement re Little Diner- my family feels about it the way that you do. I like it because they have some things that places in El Paso "proper" don't have. Interesting that that is the one place that people are hot or cold about
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I think it's just because it's soooooo greasy, I just can't enjoy the flavor (which it does have oodles). Do you know if G&R still has that yummy chile con queso?
Is Lucy's still as good as I remember?
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I love Lucy's ( sorry, couldn't help myself). But you need a strong stomach for the ambience- and need to be ok with something less than sparkling clean. I wish that I could remember the breakfast dish that I order- it is colorful and wonderful.
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I lived in EP for 20 years and was a regular at Lucy's, so I know what I'm in for - some OUTSTANDING food. Just wanted to make sure things hadn't changed.
I always go for a "custom plate" of one chile relleno, one Tony's taco (the old way), and some machaca. I also ask for the special secret salsa they reserve only for people who ask for it. yummm.
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One of my favorite places is Dominic's on Montana. Every single time I go to El Paso, I try to make it by there at least once. The food is wonderful, the service stellar, and I pick a few of their handmade chocolates to keep in my hotel room.
Lunch at La Malinche's on Geronimo (just across the street from Carlos and Mickey's) is also a favorite.
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What is the full name of Carlos & Mickey's? I am also much-removed from the area. I have fond memories of it, and whenever I try to tell people to go there, I have to say, "It's called Something Something Carlos Y Mickey," and I feel like an idiot.
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Los Bandidos de Carlos and Mickey's!
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Thank you!
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Shows you how long it's been. Never heard of them. Can you suggest your favorite dishes at each? Are any of my old haunts worth revisiting?
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My favorite appetizer at Dominic's is the artichokes in lemon basil cream sauce. The mushrooms are a close second. For the entree, I love the Shrimp Diablo. It's hard not to get that every single time; however, I've never had a bad or even mediocre meal there. Last time I was in El Paso, I tried their swordfish and it was fantastic.
At La Malinche's, I love the green chile enchiladas. They're excellent. Frequently, though, I'm swayed by some of the daily specials. The salsa at La Malinche's is, imho, the best I've ever had. I wish they'd bottle it so I could bring some home.
From what I hear, H&H is still a go-to kind of place. I've not been there but it's on my list for the next time I'm there.
Jaxson's is consistently good. The past few times I've been there, they've been out of a few of their house-made brews so that's disappointing but not a deal-breaker.
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A quart of tequila between friends, put on a chile ristra around your neck and go to Chico's Tacos.
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