Azulejo’s Restaurant
by Lisa Degliantoni | photo by Vanessa Monsisvais

Several weeks ago, I had to schedule a quick lunch meeting Downtown. Just as I was about to go to my old standby, I remembered that the Camino Real Hotel has a restaurant in the lobby, Azulejo’s.

After eating there, Azulejo’s gained a higher place on my list of Downtown dining options. The décor is adorable— lots of cool blue-and-white ceramic pieces. The staff is friendly. Outside seating is available. The prices are reasonable, and the food is delicious. The menu specializes in American and Mexican dishes and features items for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus a Sunday brunch.

101 S. El Paso St.• 915.534.3000 • Open daily, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m.

La Norteña Café Delux
by Rene Leon | photo by Vanessa Monsisvais

Reminiscent of a true Texas watering hole, La Norteña invites visitors to relax at the copper bar top with an ice-cold Texas brew in hand. Sitting Downtown in a neighborhood of historic homes and across from the very un-historic Greyhound bus station, La Norteña calls out to passers-by with the warm glow of neon lights (very Texas).

The original, exposed brick walls remind patrons of classic bars from decades past, ones you can expect to find in Austin, San Antonio or any other central or east Texas town— just not El Paso. There is a refreshing selection of domestic and import beers as well as enough liquor choices to make Mel Gibson or Britney Spears reconsider their rehab commitments. Norteña also offers a tasty menu assortment complete with typical bar fodder; chips and salsa, queso and burritos are all good eats as you unwind after work, watch a game on TV or chat with friends.

So, order a bowl of queso or a tequila shot, and you can sit back and contemplate why there are two lipstick-red, high-heeled shoes on either end of the stuffed longhorns sitting above the bar (again, very Texas).

212 W. Overland • 915.351.8775 • Mon-Sat, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.