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    501 Bar & Bistro

    3.4 (28 reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Bars, Mexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

    501 Bar & Bistro Photos

    501 BAR & BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Happy hour specials
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - 501 Bar & Bistro

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    $1 Margaritas on Friday night.
    Scott K.

    I went to 501 for the first time last night to meet some friends for happy hour. I can't review the full menu, but I would certainly come back for some $1 margaritas and $1 tacos. The large patio is well shaded and was a great place to have a few drinks even though it was still pretty warm. Inside is a bit quirky, yet charming. The staff were friendly, although they didn't want to serve the two large groups on the patio at first. I'm generally not a fan of margaritas, but c'mon, they were $1! Great happy hour deal and pretty delicious margaritas. I also tried the chicken, beef and guacamole tacos. Guacamole were my favorite by far. A little messy, but delicious. The chicken was tasty, though a little dry and the beef was nothing special, but still good. Apparently you have to ask for salsa and you definitely want to! The salsa was a great compliment to the tacos. Just the right amount of heat and very very good.

    Lovely antique-looking chargers on the tables.
    Adrienne A.

    My fiancé and I stopped by here today for lunch, and were quite impressed! First, the décor is beautiful. I'm talking antique-looking silver chargers on the tables, oversized decorative lantern chandeliers, terracotta tiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Loved it. Next, the speed: we met at just past noon, and had signed the bill and left by 12:35. And even with this lightning-fast service, neither their service nor food suffered. My fiancé decided on the Steak Tampiqueña, and I got the Tacos al Pastor. Both were delicious-- made with flavorful, fresh ingredients. The Charro Beans and rice were delicious as well. The House-Made Lemonade was sewwt and tart, just like I want it. They make it in-house, and when we got our glasses, the waitress said they had literally just finished making up the batch for the lunch hour. You could really taste the quality of the ingredients. I know they have $1 Tacos $ Margaritas, as well... we'll definitely have to come back and give those a try sometime!

    You have arrived
    Tanya Y.

    Let me start by saying, this is a generally good review and I would in fact partake in some eats and drinks in this beautiful establishment...but I did have a couple of 'You-need-to-get-your-shit-together' moments at 501. Overall, 501 Bar and Bistro is charming, bright and inviting. Sure it has a few quirks, like the patch work done on the ceiling that hasn't been repainted to match the rest of the ceiling, but I like it. With it's large floor to ceiling windows that are surrounded by bushes and trees, it let's the light flood in without leaving your sweating from the El Paso sun...it's almost something I'd expect to see in a place near a river or lake, maybe San Antonio. Like I said, it does have a few quirks and yes, they're worth mentioning so I'll quickly rattle them off: Half of the tables are wobbly and it appears as though someone has gone through and tried to rectify the problem by using coasters (tacky, I know), no umbrellas on outdoor tables, we already talked about the patch work...I think that's about it. The staff is very enthusiastic...not necessarily the most informative, but enthusiastic nonetheless. I asked what our waitress would recommend and she listed about half of the menu. Everyone does seem to be doing something even when it really isn't that busy which is nice to see. Somehow I settled on the Buffalo Blue Burger...big regret unfortunately. 501 is the kind of place where you run into lawyers and the City Planner and all these other fancy-pants people that you don't really care about, but you also don't want to look like a 5-year-old slob who doesn't know the orifice in the middle of your face is where the food goes. I looked like a 5-year-old slob who doesn't know the orifice in the middle of my face was where the food goes. This burger is a disaster. The buffalo sauce is not thick enough to go on a burger. F**king disaster. Did I get buffalo sauce on my shirt, yes. And then I proceeded to rub ice cubes on the bright red spots on my sheer blue shirt. The buffalo sauce has the right amount of kick, but it is way to watery. After I decided to use a fork and knife to eat my burger (there's something wrong with a burger than requires silverware) I did find that I enjoyed the flavors and they really did pile on that blue cheese...yum. Eventually I just gave up on this burger and decided to finish my fries and go ham on this mess when I got home. I will admit plating wasn't that pleasing, but they did plate with purpose (I think they should separate the buffalo sauce from the blue cheese if they continue to use this watered down stuff). My dining PIC went with the Tilapia (I think) and it did taste like it had been sitting under a heat lamp for a bit, but the flavors were there and the garlic mash was on point. I'd go again. I think I just expect more out of place for simply being local, but it is decent food and a good price and the ambiance is worth the experience.

    $1 tacos
    Isah K.

    The atmosphere is nice. Nice outdoor seating. Great way to enjoy the cool El Paso nights. On the downside, they stop serving their menu around 8pm on a Saturday night. After that, just $1 tacos

    Everything tasted like nothing

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    Pearl Divers Oyster Bar - Oysters

    Pearl Divers Oyster Bar

    4.8(17 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    Fresh oysters !!! Shipped every 2 days!! They get shucked right in front of you at the bar seating…read moreand they are so yummy!!! NOT grimey !!! Also had the crudo (salmon, tuna, scallops) with the soft delicious bread. The deviled eggs were good too. Truth be told I came for the oysters tho- a variety of easy and west coast options. You would never think downtown El Paso would have a spot like this but I'm glad they do!! It's a great place to pregame before a chihuahuas game!

    Happiness is a dozen oysters and good company…read more Pearl Divers is a very spacious, bright and welcoming establishment with some of the best oysters, staff and menu options! Cocktails are uniquely crafted, the ambiance pulls you right in and the bar is probably the best place to be! It's very clean as well! They have a good range of an oyster selection with great pairings, something for everyone at the table! I was so happy to see Crystals hot sauce again! I'm a dirty martini girl and of course I'd recommend blue cheese stuffed olives! The fries were crispy, hot and served as a nice sized portion as a shareable. Customer service is 10/10, very attentive, kind and knowledgeable on the menu items and engagement with guests. I've had the opportunity to visit twice and this will be one of my frequent regular visits while here in El Paso! As they say, the world is your oyster--and this place serves some of the best pearls of the sea I've had."

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    Amar - Ribeye was cooked perfectly & delicious!!

    Amar

    4.3(253 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Their Salmon is absolutely the Best! with the sauce and veggies…read more I order Salmon at every restaurant we dine at and this one is far the Best‼ Will definitely go back again

    As soon as you sit- has a restaurant employee ever told you to eat quickly because they need your…read moretable promptly for other reservations? YUP!!! My mom made a reservation for 3 people, June 19th, 2026. Upon arrival, staff advised our table was occupied by other patrons, & would have to find another table. They proceeded to sit us at a table meant for 2. We did not fit comfortably, and plenty of other tables seemed available. I approached front desk and requested a change of table. The staff (3 women) proceeded to explain me about their reservations, table availability, restaurant occupancy, table #'s, etc. They were not polite, were flustered & stressed out. They were checking but stated it was not possible, I basically had to beg, to be moved to another table. it worked, and we got moved. This took about 10-15 minutes. it really was a hassle... I was ready to walk out...How could you start your dinning experience like this? Anyway, we ordered drinks, appetizers & main course, as soon as we got the 1st appetizer, a an employee came to the table she told us: They have other reservations, & need our table, and we need to rush so they can take care of their reservations. I could not believe her. By the way, no other patrons were getting rushed out, just us. This woman really ruined the mood. Ive never been told to eat quickly because there are other reservations in need of my table. I told her- to go ask other patrons for their table, and to STOP disturbing us. she walked away.. on to the food review: I got the Jamaica Mezcalita- it really was great tasting & a beautiful presentation in a coupe glass, nicely garnished. Highly recommended- or not? (the waitress told me to rush & get out?? Mezcal is meant to be zipped..) My mom had the mandarin mezcal drink- beautiful presentation, she loved it. See pictures. Appetizers: we had the Jalea de mariscos & tuna nikei. Beautiful presentation & delicious- ( but did we enjoy it? not really, were told to rush.) My parents each had the tacos de pulpo, I got the Maracuya Ceviche- again beautiful presentation & taste.. as we started eating, we had another visitor- the woman from the from desk, this time saying she was leaving, and she had the nerve to tell me to not stress out & enjoy, proceeded to mention everything about the reservations, tables etc. It was annoying. I told her- that's an internal restaurant issue, i dont work here, I am a customer. I dont even know why they kept burdening me with all their internal issues. I will say nobody had the courtesy to apologize. Not one person said- sorry for the inconvenience. All i wanted was to have a nice dinner with my parents & AMAR's staff made sure to made it uncomfortable and rude. Where do you hire your staff? Exception: Max the waiter, he did a good job, was pleasant Resumen en Espanol: Jamas en la vida nos habian dicho que comamos rapido por que necesitan la mesa para otra reserva. Increible. Que pena tener un contraste tan fuerte de comida deliciosa, con empleadas groseras y sin consideracion. Fue la cena mas incomoda de mi vida, no se disfruto la comida, ni el lugar y no puedo creer que nadie penso en la coordialidad de ofrecer una disculpa por los muchos inconvenientes. Me trataron como si yo fuese empleada del restaurante contándome todos los problemas internos que tienen y apurandome... A pesar de tener un muy buen menu, no lo recomiendo. Mucho menos en fin de semana. Son especialistas en mal servicio al cliente y arruinar experiencias. Amistades me habian comentado que el servicio era malo y desorganizado, pero decidi darles la oportunidad por que mi Mama tenia muchas ganas de ir.. mis amigas tenian toda la razon!

    Photos
    Amar - Bar area

    Bar area

    Amar - Tacos de pulpo

    Tacos de pulpo

    Amar - Pisco Sour

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    Pisco Sour

    501 Bar & Bistro - seafood - Updated September 2026

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