El Paso, Texas boasts a thriving barbecue scene that satisfies locals and visitors alike. From traditional Texas-style meats to unique Tex-Mex fusion flavors, the city offers a diverse range of smoky, savory options for BBQ enthusiasts.
El Paso’s top barbecue joints serve up tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, and flavorful sausages that showcase the region’s culinary expertise. These restaurants combine time-honored smoking techniques with locally-sourced ingredients to create memorable dining experiences. Whether seeking a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, barbecue lovers can find satisfaction at numerous highly-rated establishments throughout the city.
1) Smokey Mo’s BBQ
Smokey Mo’s BBQ is a popular Texas-style barbecue restaurant known for its flavorful smoked meats. The establishment takes pride in its signature dry rub and house-made barbecue sauce.
Smokey Mo’s offers a variety of classic barbecue favorites, including brisket, chicken, sausage, turkey, and pork. Each meat is carefully smoked in-house daily by experienced pitmasters.
The restaurant’s menu features juicy, well-seasoned meats that can be enjoyed on their own or enhanced with Smokey Mo’s unique barbecue sauce. This savory sauce is known for its depth of flavor and subtle kick.
Sides like mac and cheese and cheddar potatoes complement the main dishes. The jalapeño sausage is particularly notable, with some considering it among the best in the area.
Smokey Mo’s BBQ provides both dine-in and catering services, making it a versatile option for barbecue enthusiasts in El Paso.
For more information, visit: https://smokeymosbbq.com/
2) Rudy’s ‘Country Store’ and Bar-B-Q
Rudy’s ‘Country Store’ and Bar-B-Q is a popular barbecue destination in El Paso. With multiple locations across the city, Rudy’s offers a diverse menu of smoked meats and sides.
The restaurant is known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Customers can enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting that combines elements of a country store with a modern barbecue joint.
Rudy’s menu features a variety of meats, including brisket, pulled pork, turkey breast, and pork loin. Their barbecue is prepared using traditional Texas-style smoking techniques.
The restaurant also offers an array of sides and accompaniments. Customers can complement their main dishes with options like creamed corn, potato salad, and beans.
Rudy’s is appreciated for its consistent quality and generous portions. The restaurant maintains a reputation for serving flavorful, well-prepared barbecue at reasonable prices.
For more information or to find a location, customers can visit Rudy’s website at rudysbbq.com.
3) Desert Oak Barbecue
Desert Oak Barbecue has earned a reputation as one of El Paso’s top BBQ destinations. Located at 11411 Gateway Boulevard West, this establishment offers a genuine Texas barbecue experience.
The restaurant’s origin story is intriguing, as it reportedly began with a disappointing piece of brisket that inspired the owners to create something better. This commitment to quality is evident in their menu offerings.
Patrons rave about Desert Oak’s beef ribs and pork dishes. The brisket, a Texas BBQ staple, is also a crowd-pleaser. For those with a sweet tooth, the banana pudding comes highly recommended as a dessert option.
Desert Oak Barbecue has garnered positive reviews on popular platforms like Yelp and Tripadvisor. Many consider it among the best BBQ joints in El Paso, with a 4.5-star rating on Tripadvisor.
The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner services. It features amenities such as takeout options, seating areas, and wheelchair accessibility. Alcohol is also served, adding to the dining experience.
For more information or to plan a visit, check out Desert Oak Barbecue’s website: www.desertoakbarbecue.com
4) Smitty’s BBQ
Smitty’s BBQ was a beloved barbecue restaurant in El Paso, Texas. Located at 6219 Airport Road, it served the community for many years before closing its doors.
Smitty’s was known for its mouthwatering barbecue dishes and generous portions. The menu featured classic Texas-style barbecue options, including smoked meats and hearty sides.
Patrons could enjoy specialties like the T-Bone steak, hot chops, and smoked salmon filet when in season. The restaurant also offered a chef salad with ham and turkey for those seeking lighter fare.
Smitty’s BBQ accompanied its main dishes with traditional sides such as German fried potatoes, coleslaw, and barbecue beans. Each meal came with bread and the restaurant’s signature barbecue sauce.
While Smitty’s BBQ is no longer in operation, it remains a cherished memory for many El Paso residents. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor helped establish its reputation as one of the best barbecue spots in the city during its time.
5) State Line Smokehouse
State Line Smokehouse stands as a beloved barbecue destination in El Paso. Located on the Texas-New Mexico border, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience.
The Spanish-style building houses one of the city’s most beautiful courtyards. This picturesque setting creates an oasis-like atmosphere for guests to enjoy their meals.
State Line has built a reputation for serving legendary barbecue. Their menu features classic options like beef ribs, brisket, and turkey. The restaurant also offers specialty items such as their peppered turkey breast.
Open seven days a week, State Line welcomes diners for both lunch and dinner. Their hours extend later on Fridays and Saturdays to accommodate weekend crowds.
While some recent reviews have noted inconsistencies in food quality, State Line remains a popular choice for barbecue in El Paso. For more information or to view their full menu, visit their website at www.countyline.com/state-line.
6) Rib Hut
Rib Hut has been satisfying El Paso’s barbecue cravings since 1988. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats cooked to perfection.
Their menu features Texas-sized portions of beef ribs, brisket, sausage, and chicken. Each dish comes with Rib Hut’s signature barbecue sauce, enhancing the smoky flavors.
Customers can enjoy their meals in a casual dining atmosphere. The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options for convenience.
Rib Hut has multiple locations throughout El Paso, including on North Mesa Street and Montana Avenue. Their hours typically run from 11 AM to 9 PM or 10 PM, depending on the day.
The aroma of smoky barbecue greets diners as they enter, setting the stage for a mouthwatering meal. Beer on tap is available to complement the hearty fare.
For more information or to view their full menu, visit Rib Hut’s website: www.ribhut.com
7) L&J Cafe’s BBQ Selection
L&J Cafe in El Paso is primarily known for its Tex-Mex cuisine rather than barbecue. The restaurant has a long history dating back to 1927, originally called “Tony’s Place.”
While L&J Cafe does not specialize in BBQ, they offer a diverse menu of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes. Their focus is on traditional home-style cooking that has been popular with locals for generations.
The cafe’s menu includes items like enchiladas, tacos, and mole, rather than typical barbecue fare. They are particularly famous for their green chile sauce, which is a staple in many of their dishes.
L&J Cafe’s atmosphere reflects its long history, providing visitors with an Old West vibe alongside its food offerings. The restaurant has been family-owned and operated for four generations.
For those interested in exploring L&J Cafe’s menu and history, more information can be found at their website: https://www.landjcafe.com/
8) Outlaw Saloon’s BBQ Special
The Outlaw Saloon & Grill in San Elizario offers a unique BBQ experience with its Western-themed atmosphere. Their menu features a variety of BBQ dishes that cater to different tastes.
One standout item is the Western BBQ Bacon Burger. This specialty combines smoky barbecue flavors with crispy bacon and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering combination.
The restaurant prides itself on providing quality food and entertainment. Their commitment to fun and service makes it a popular spot for BBQ enthusiasts in the El Paso area.
Located at 11951 Glorietta Rd Suite C, San Elizario, TX 79849, the Outlaw Saloon & Grill is open Thursday through Sunday. Hours vary, with extended service on Fridays and Saturdays.
Visitors can expect a range of BBQ options, including smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. The Outlaw Saloon’s menu aims to satisfy diverse preferences within the realm of barbecue cuisine.
For more information or to check current offerings, patrons can contact the restaurant at (915) 288-4457 or visit their website at www.outlawsaloonep.com.
9) Cattleman’s Steakhouse BBQ
Cattleman’s Steakhouse stands out as a top BBQ destination in El Paso. Located about 35 miles outside the city on Indian Cliffs Ranch, this establishment offers more than just great food.
The restaurant boasts a stunning 32,000-acre working ranch setting, providing guests with breathtaking desert scenery and spectacular sunsets. Its western atmosphere adds to the unique dining experience.
Cattleman’s menu features a variety of BBQ options. Patrons can enjoy juicy steaks, tender brisket, and flavorful ribs. The restaurant also offers fresh seafood for those seeking alternatives.
Their famous Cowboy Steak, a 2-pound cut of meat, is a popular choice among diners. For lighter appetites, options like the 7-ounce Sirloin Steak or the 6-ounce Lady’s Filet are available.
Cattleman’s Steakhouse can accommodate large groups, with capacity for up to 5,000 guests for special events. They offer both dine-in and take-out options for customer convenience.
For more information or to plan a visit, check out their website at www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com.
10) Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant’s BBQ Plates
Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant in El Paso is primarily known for its Mexican cuisine. However, they offer a selection of BBQ plates that combine Tex-Mex flavors with traditional barbecue.
The restaurant’s BBQ menu features smoked meats with a southwestern twist. Diners can choose from options like beef brisket, pulled pork, and barbecued chicken.
These plates come with typical BBQ sides, often with a Mexican flair. Patrons might find items like charro beans, Mexican rice, or grilled vegetables accompanying their smoky meats.
Kiki’s BBQ sauce has a unique flavor profile, incorporating Mexican spices and chilies. This adds a distinctive taste to their barbecue offerings, setting them apart from standard BBQ joints.
The restaurant’s atmosphere reflects its El Paso roots, providing a casual dining experience. Visitors can enjoy their BBQ plates in a setting that blends Texan and Mexican cultures.
For more information about Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant and their menu offerings, visit their website or check their Yelp page.
History and Culture of BBQ in El Paso
El Paso’s BBQ scene reflects the city’s unique blend of Texan, Mexican, and Native American influences. The region’s barbecue traditions have evolved over time, incorporating local flavors and techniques.
Origins of BBQ in the Region
BBQ in El Paso traces its roots to indigenous cooking methods. Native Americans used slow-cooking techniques over open fires to prepare meats. Spanish colonizers later introduced their barbacoa style, which involved cooking whole animals in underground pits.
As El Paso developed, Texas-style barbecue made its way to the region. Cattle drives and ranching culture contributed to the popularity of beef-centric BBQ. Mesquite wood became a favored fuel source due to its abundance in the area.
Cultural Influences on El Paso BBQ
El Paso’s proximity to Mexico has significantly shaped its BBQ culture. Mexican flavors and ingredients often find their way into local barbecue dishes. Spices like chili powder and cumin are commonly used in rubs and sauces.
The city’s BBQ scene also incorporates elements of New Mexico cuisine. Green chiles frequently appear in side dishes or as toppings. Some pitmasters experiment with smoking techniques using traditional adobe ovens.
Local BBQ joints often serve fusion dishes that blend Texan, Mexican, and New Mexican styles. Brisket tacos and smoked chile rellenos are examples of this culinary cross-pollination. These unique offerings set El Paso’s BBQ apart from other Texas barbecue destinations.
Unique BBQ Styles and Techniques
El Paso’s barbecue scene blends traditional Texas techniques with local flavor influences. Pitmasters in the area have developed distinctive approaches to smoking and seasoning meats.
Popular BBQ Techniques in El Paso
Slow-smoking is a cornerstone of El Paso’s barbecue culture. Many restaurants use oak or mesquite wood to impart rich flavors to their meats. Smoking times often exceed 12 hours for brisket and pork shoulder.
Some establishments employ the “low and slow” method, cooking at temperatures around 225°F. This technique allows the fat to render gradually, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Dry rubs are common, with pitmasters creating proprietary blends of spices. These rubs often include chili powder, cumin, and other Southwestern-inspired ingredients.
Distinctive Flavors and Ingredients
El Paso’s barbecue incorporates unique regional flavors. Green chiles feature prominently in many dishes, adding a distinctive Southwest twist to traditional Texas-style barbecue.
Citrus-based marinades are popular for chicken and pork. These often include lime juice, orange zest, and local herbs.
Some restaurants offer specialty sauces that blend sweet and spicy elements. Chipotle peppers, honey, and even tequila may appear in these custom concoctions.
Sides like charro beans and elote (Mexican street corn) complement the smoky meats, reflecting the area’s cultural influences.