This place has been around since the 1920s. It used to be called Tony's place. They opened up illegally during prohibition era and after in the 1930s opened it as an actual restaurant. It has been in the family now for 4 generations. Seems like this is a staple in El Paso. I am giving it a 4 because they don't have many drinks in terms of alcohol and no dessert either. The food is okay but not mind blowing. Their service however is amazing, hands down 10/10. Our server was great. read more

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Great service, chips and queso are outrageous! The homemade salsa was spicy but delicious. Highly recommended when in El Paso. read more

L & J Cafe - Entrance - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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I don't know much about El Paso - it's always been a drive through city for me but there is one thing I do know...L&J is the frigging Mex bomb! I'm always a little gun shy over super popular restaurants like L&J - they tend to never match my expectations. Honestly, L&J exceeded my expectations. Oh, those chips! I could have just eaten the chips and been happy. (The green and red salsa is a tad hot so be careful dear Gringo.) My three taco dinner was near perfect. The potato and beef was perfectly matched to the beans and rice. I was very pleasantly surprised. My spouse had green chili chicken enchiladas and she loved them. Our waiter was excellent and the service was fast enough. A must do when in El Paso! read more

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Had to get some Mexican food before heading to the airport. Stopped by L&J for their steak burrito, ordered to-go at the front counter and waited about 15 min. The restaurant was bigger than I thought on the inside. I ate my burrito in the car at a nearby park and it was so delicious. Seemingly so simple..steak, some bell pepper and onions, and cheese sauce on the side for dipping but it was mouth watering good! That burrito was a highlight of my trip. read more

L & J Cafe - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Oh my goodness! The BEST chicken enchiladas you've never had! The green pepper salsa and homemade chips were top tier too! Gem of a find for lunch. Can't wait to come back. read more

L & J Cafe - Salsa trio - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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What a fantastic restaurant, but be warned. It's street parking and you might have a bit of a walk. We came in at 4 and the place was packed, and loud. Our wait time was 20 minutes but well worth it cuz the food was amazing. There was lots of it and it tasted like it came out of our kitchen (if we could cook Mexican food very well). We loved it. We shared the Mexican combination plate and hubby got some mini flautas. So so good. And the sopapillas were the best ending ever to a great meal. Our server Jazmine was professional and gave some recommendations that were spot on. We will most definitely be back, maybe even again on this trip! read more

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I can't say that I was blown away by the food, but the price and portions were very solid and the chips and salsa were delicious. Probably one of the best Tex-Mex/New-Mex food I had the whole trip. read more

It's good food, but if you're taking out, check your bag. Forgot our tortillas and chips. Our fault for not checking but it should have been in there. read more

Food wow wow! Everything we ordered just amazing. You need to come taste for yourself. Service was perfect, wait was not that long. Staff were inviting and kind. read more

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We stopped here while passing through El Paso on our way out of Texas for a summer road trip. Since good Mexican food can be difficult to find once you get farther north, we were excited to enjoy one last great Texas Mexican meal before leaving the state. Unfortunately, this restaurant did not live up to our expectations. One of the first challenges was the menu itself. While we don't mind menus without pictures, there were virtually no descriptions of the dishes, so we had to ask our waitress multiple questions just to understand what was included with each plate. I ordered the Mexican Combination Plate, which was overall the best meal at our table. The mango margarita was excellent and was probably the highlight of the evening. Most of the combination plate was enjoyable, but the beef flauta was quite dry, and the red sauce on the cheese enchilada was extremely salty and had a thick, paste-like consistency that made it difficult to eat. Unfortunately, the rest of our family's meals were much more disappointing. My husband ordered the ground beef enchiladas and was genuinely confused when they arrived. There was no enchilada sauce, only chopped green garnish on top, and he described the dish as simply not good. Our children ordered the kids' chicken quesadilla meal and the kids' cheese enchilada meal. The quesadillas were made on corn tortillas rather than flour tortillas and were very dry. The cheese enchilada meal suffered from the same overly salty, thick red sauce that had been mixed into the rice and beans as well, making much of the meal inedible. In the end, my husband and kids were still hungry enough that they ended up eating Uncrustables later just to have something to eat. Our service started out well, but as the evening went on, our waitress became focused on side work and was absent for long stretches of time. We eventually had to ask another server to find her so we could get our check and leave. Overall, we came in with high hopes based on being in El Paso and expecting great Mexican food, but the experience simply didn't deliver. There were a few bright spots--the mango margarita and parts of the combination plate--but the quality of the food and the service issues make this a restaurant we would not return to on future trips. read more

We enjoyed a great supper there tonight. Edgar, waited on us and gave great recommendations on the chicken enchiladas with green sauce. The queso and guacamole also were delicious. We both enjoyed our meal and recommend it to anyone in El Paso area. read more

It was a bit of a wait, but the food and service were excellent!!!! We had a party of ten and they were very attentive, and everything they brought to the table was delicious!!!! read more

Ray was our server and he was amazing. He took care of us and made great food recommendations. The green chili enchiladas were amazing. Get the egg on top sunny side up! The atmosphere is casual. The margaritas are wine based here they do not use tequila. read more

L & J Cafe - Chips and salsas - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Outstanding Huevos Rancheros, Chile Rellenos and service! Prices are very reasonable for the large portions also. Wish we had West Texas.NM Mexican food this good in Houston! read more

Service was slow. Free salsa and chips. Got the mixto (chose any 2 meats) for 8 tacos. You can get the tripitas medium to well done. I didn't want to get food poisoned so I ordered well done. Flavor was very good but meat a bit tough. The asada meat was very tough and dry but well seasoned. Add $4 more and get 2 cheese quesadillas and an agua fresca (lemon or jimaica). Free refills. Overall, $15 for 8 tacos, a drink and 2 quesadillas. Could have split this with someone. read more

L & J Cafe - Trip it's on the bottom, carne asada on the top - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Food and service are pretty good and prices are reasonable. Would be the kind of restaurants I would go to go to regularly if it's close to my house but not something I will drive far just to eat there. Still a pretty good restaurant overall Not giving a 5 stars mainly because the food does not seem to taste special just seems to be the same as many regular Mexican restaurants I have been to before. I think the Green Enchilada from Chuy's actually tastes better than the one here, maybe just me. Table is a bit small to be very comfortable. read more

L & J Cafe - Beef Fajita - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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I've heard all the rage about this historic restaurant. So we went on a Saturday around 2 pm. It was packed but that was to be expected. We probably waited 20-30 minutes for a table but were told it could be well over an hour. Of course, the waiting area is crowded but we weren't willing to stand outside in 100 degree weather. Some of the staff seemed annoyed that people crowded in around where the register is, even though we tried to make room for them to get by. We were seated quickly in spite of the crowd. Our waiter was very polite and efficient. The food was good, however it didn't knock my socks off. We enjoyed our meal and experience but probably consider it a one and done deal for us. Just because I didn't think it was worth the wait and hassle. We enjoyed better food and margaritas at a few other local restaurants. So all in all, it's not worth the hype. But they do have good food and service. read more

The food and service was great! Everyone was very welcoming and nice. The servers were quick even though it was busy and made sure everything was good. read more

It was flavorful. It was a big place that offered immediate seating when we got there. The service was nice and quick. Portions were big. And authentic Mexican food. Loved it and if I'm ever in the area again, I will definitely be back. read more

Went there on the Friday of Easter weekend and they were jam packed. I got the chorizo ranchero and it came with a side of hash brown potatoes and beans and tortillas. We were served chips and three types of salsas at the very beginning. Those were all delicious. Hubby got the chicken verde which came with rice and beans and tortillas. I liked my plate a lot. Service was quick. read more

Omg awesome food here! Ruined every other Mexican restaurant for us! Everything was great- had a steak burrito smothered with queso and the signature chicken and chile enchiladas. Pure deliciousness, will come back to El Paso just to eat here! read more

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Where do I start? With the food? The ambiance? The service? I will start with the ambiance. I had a weekend date and we sat at the bar. It was still private but lively and enjoyable. I ordered the chicken mole platter and my date ordered enchiladas. Both were phenomenal! The bartender was very skilled in making great tasting cocktails and the service was on point. If you have not been here yet, you need to check it out. read more

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Improve everything!!! Worst "Mexican" food I've ever had!!! Let's start with the rice! It was soooooo bland and they put peas in it! Then let's talk about the food in general most generic unflavored food ever. The staff is rude and I will never understand why so many people go there and wait in such a long line for terrible food. The managers though! They are really great about customer service. THIS PLACE ISNT WORTH THE WAIT TRUST ME! read more

The server was very friendly. The food came out hot and very good. The price was also very reasonable. I truly recommend going out and trying. read more

L & J Cafe - Rice, beans and tacos - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Everything I miss about El Paso Food is summed up in this restaurant's menu. It's such an iconic El Paso staple and one of my favorite places to eat when I'm here visiting family . The enchiladas are amazing but I love the tacos deshebrada and potato flautas , yeah you heard me rite potato flautas . My grandma made me those all the time growing up in east El Paso and man these are as close as it gets . I highly recommend emerging yourself in El Paso culture when your here and L&J's is a must try on your next visit. If your a local then you already know ... Parking is sometimes challenging and it's always packed so prepare yourself and come earlier than you intent to eat . read more

L & J Cafe - Amazing queso ! - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Are you afraid to eat by a cemetery? Well if you aren't, come on down and try this place!! Authentic Mexican food and very friendly staff. Walked in around 6ish on a weekday and was able to be seated right away. There were a good amount of people but they still had room, thankfully. Now this place isn't a place for someone that is looking for a bunch of vegetarian options, this is not your place. They do have a bunch of cheese options and their cheese enchiladas with mole on them are delicious! The Chile con queso was amazing as well, but boy oh boy was your girl eating a ton of cheese lol. For my meat eaters, you have a huge array of options which is customary of Mexican cuisine. Oh and the chips are amazing!! They offer red and green sauce. The red sauce has a kick to it but I love it. I was a bit sad to hear they only do wine and beer. I think they would do great making certain alcoholic drinks to go with your meal. Now their homemade lemonade is delicious!! Caution it is sweet, but delicious. I would recommend they look at updating the decor a little but either way, it's about the food and service! All in all, amazing place to get some Mexican cuisine! read more

L & J Cafe - Outside signage - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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One of the best Mexican restaurants I have tried. I tried the red beer here and absolutely loved it. The meal started with chips served with pico de gallo, which were delicious. I ordered the Impossible meat tacos, which were served with beans and Spanish Rice - a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a great vegetarian option. Definitely a place to go if you are in the El Paso area. You don't need a reservation, but it's good to call ahead if you're planning to go on a weekend. Tanya my server was amazing Highly recommend! read more

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oh my! it may be a blessing that I did not eat here my first night in El Paso because everything else would've been a disappointment! L & J was sooooo delicious. I was torn between the Fajita salad or the Steak Ranchera. My server recommended the Steak Ranchera (before I said my options) so I went with it + wow. Great portion size as well, I took it home and had it for breakfast. it was even better the next day. this will be my first stop whenever I'm back in EP! read more

L & J Cafe - menu - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

I don't think I had a bad meal at all while traveling around the west Texas area. L&J Cafe was the first stop after landing into the El Paso International Airport as my partner and I were spending a long weekend in the area. L&J Cafe was a great way to welcome us to El Paso. We heard about L&J Cafe from vloggers that we follow who swore by this place and they were right. The second oldest restaurant in Texas did not disappoint. We were pleasantly happy with the food and service. Since we came here on a Friday, the special was half off all bottles of wine, which we had to get. What a steal! My partner and I shared a bottle of a Spanish red wine with our complimentary chips and salsa before our entrees came. My partner ordered the chile verde con carne plate while I had the queso con sirloin plate. Both of our plates were delicious. Every time I'm in Texas I have to have queso and my plate with a sirloin topped with queso was delectable! The sirloin was very tender and I loved the queso smothered on top, adding that oomph. The cheese was the real thing. We also liked that our plates came with housemade corn tortillas, completing our meals. Our server was so friendly and checked in with us throughout the entire time. The restaurant itself is in a cool setting as it's in an old adobe style house by a graveyard. Yes, you read right. But that just makes it all the more quirky. You can also see the wall of photos of all the famous peeps who've dined here. L&J Cafe is an El Paso staple, so you'd be silly not to eat here if you're in town. Great beginning to a fun weekend getaway! read more

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wonderful ambience and delicious food, service was excellent. it's worth the wait .they jst need more parking space .

I dont get the hype for this place...its mediocre at best. We both had the green enchiladas and agreed that they are ..meh. Chicken was dry and tasteless just like every other place around town. There was a wait of about 15- 20 minutes to be seated. The atmosphere is a bit cramped but friendly. I may give them another chance and try a different dish but as of now, Im not impressed. read more

Our server, Edgar, was GREAT! He helped us make the perfect choices. My wife and I shared the Mexican sampler and allowed us to swap out the enchiladas. We also had a bowl of the chicken tortilla soup. DELICIOUS! We couldn't finish all the food. He also bagged up some of their delicious homemade chips and salsa for the road. If we ever make it back to El Paso, we will definitely dine there again. read more

L & J Cafe - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

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Hole-in-the-wall place. Lively inside - lots of people, many TVs broadcasting sports. American rock and roll plays from the speakers. Food is good. I'd recommend starting with the chile con queso. Had the chicken burrito and had them add guacamole and sour cream. Tasty! Service is very friendly/attentive. Only one drawback to this place: L&J only has a beer-and-wine liquor license. So you can't get a real Margarita. Still, I'll be back next time I'm in town. read more

Decent Mexican food, just not quite worth the hype. Parking is all street parking which could be tricky since this place is packed. The waiting area seemed a little chaotic - everyone crammed in and trying to stand somewhere not blocking anything. There was some random guy selling homemade banana bread within the crowd... Complementary Chips and Salsa: Chips were crispy and I really liked the green salsa. The red salsa has a good kick to it. Chicken Enchiladas with Red/Green Sauce: As other reviews mention, these are just cheese enchilada with shredded chicken on the top. The Green sauce wasn't really a sauce, just chunks of peppers. The red sauce was a tomato base and was pretty good. The beans were delicious but the rice was mediocre (pretty dry). Chile Rellano: Very disappointed with this. The whole dish was bland. Have definitely had better elsewhere. Homemade Lemonade: Refreshing and tasty! We were seated in the back area - felt cozy but the decor was a little dated. Our server was friendly and helpful. read more

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So, my latina friend who was born and raised in El Paso suggested i have a meal at L&J Cafe. This is definitely a place where locals go, and quite tasty. The staff was friendly, the food delivered quickly. a the atmosphere is where friends meet friends to eat. I was probably one of the few gringos here. i'll go eat time in in town. read more

L & J Cafe - hostess station - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

In town with my family for a few days. We googled where to eat and this place was high on the recommended list, so we decided to try it out. The atmosphere is great! This place was packed tonight, and I love how it kinda looks like a hole in the wall place from the outside but inside it's lively. We started with the queso con chile dip and it was delicious. The chips were fresh too - definitely the best chips I've had from a Mexican restaurant. My husband ordered a burrito with carne asada and he said it's the best carne asada he's ever had, and we've had quite a lot back home in California. I had the chicken and beef flautas meal and it was delicious. I think I actually liked the beans and rice on my plate the best though. Overall it was great and service was fast, attentive, and friendly. Only downside is I wish my margarita had tequila but it still tasted good. Really glad we got to try this place! read more

Chile Colorado plate, I added an egg just because of breakfast. Great flavor ! Good quick service , read more

L & J Cafe - Chile Colorado Plate - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

Great food and service. Everything is a little spicy which everyone but me loved. Must order the chili con queso.. delicious!

This place is an icon. We were passing through on our way home from seeing the eclipse and stopped in. I had the Chile Relleno plate and my husband had a beans and rice burrito and added green chilies. The food came out really fast and was delicious. It has a nice ambiance and the servers were on top of everything. The prices are reasonable as well. I definitely recommend eating here. read more

L & J Cafe - Beans and rice burrito and Chile relleno plate. - Mexican Near Me - El Paso, Texas

This place is by far the very best Mexican I have ever had and it isn't close! Food is fresh! Service is great! Location is easy/convenient! The prices are great. The food is great. This place is a must! read more