Dining in El Paso

For those who visit the vibrant town of El Paso, Texas, discussion of dinner choices usually consists of a choice between chili and Mexican food. Surprisingly, El Paso has way more on the menu than Mexican influenced cuisine, though you won't find a better selection of mouth-watering, jalapeno-enhanced food anywhere in the United States. Residents of Texas are more than just a little proud of their culinary prowess, and classic Tex-Mex has grown into everything from well-seasoned street fare to gourmet dining, with a typically Texan kick. El Paso is home to many internationally trained chefs and culinary visionaries who've brought an international style and sophisticated flare to the typical Tex-Mex menu.

The dining scene in El Paso is unexpectedly multi-cultural, offering more than a handful of choices for those seeking exceptional Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Perhaps most surprising is the city's two or three well-renowned Italian restaurants; one bite, and you'd swear you were dining al fresco in Venice, or at the very least, at an authentic eatery in New York or Philadelphia. Even the Italian specialties aren't unaffected by the location, however. Look for your food to contain a little extra kick, and don't be surprised by the fact you're eating at an Italian restaurant that keeps a bottle of Tabasco sauce next to the requisite Parmesan and red pepper shakers.

One thing that Texans are not is vegetarian-minded, and this is deliciously apparent in the food of El Paso. While you can't visit El Paso without a visit to a local steakhouse, the true treasure lies a bit more off the beaten path. One of the best consequences of the Texan obsession with beef is that it's given rise to some of the best Indian eateries in the Midwest. Typically vegetarian and largely eschewing beef, Indian food is always a staple for vegetarians seeking a bit of extra spice. In Texas, where spice is king, enterprising Indian eateries provide a welcome respite to diners needing a break from typical fare.