by Stephanie Chandler

Created on: October 06, 2009   Last Updated: October 09, 2009

People picture El Paso as just another sleepy West Texas town, but actually it is the nation's third-fastest-growing metropolitan area. El Paso encompasses 248 square miles in the Chihuahuan Desert, making it the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 22nd largest in the nation. El Paso borders the state of New Mexico and the Rio Grande River separates it from the culturally rich city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. As the largest population at an international border, El Paso boasts a restaurant collection as diverse as its population. With so many restaurants to choose from, El Pasoans insist these five must be tried.

Rosa's Cantina 3454 Doniphan Drive, (915) 833-0402

Rosa's Cantina was made famous by the Marty Robbins's song "El Paso" in 1959. Rosa's Cantina is a true landmark complete with old stone masonry and plenty of memorabilia inside, including gold records and posters of the famous visitors.

However in a city full of Mexican food restaurants, the only way to keep the locals coming back is to offer great food for affordable prices; something Rosa's Cantina excels at. The menu offers lunch specials that include tea, soup and enough food to satisfy the biggest appetites for $4.99. The dinner prices are just as reasonable, with plates costing $6.49.

Cattleman's Steakhouse, (915) 544-3200

Eating at Cattleman's Steakhouse is more than just a meal, it is a dining experience. Located just 35 minutes from El Paso, deep in the heart of the desert, Cattelman's Steakhouse is part of a real working Texas ranch. 365 days a year you can enjoy the amazing desert sunset, tour the ranch, and get to know the wildlife, including buffalo, ostrich, longhorns and rattlesnakes while the kids play on the Fort Apache playground or wind their way through the Indian maze.

But let none of this take away from the real reason you are here: the food. The award-winning steaks are voted "Best steaks in El Paso" by the El Paso Times readers year after year, and the Texas Highways magazine voted Cattleman's Steakhouse one of the top ten restaurants in the state. The family-style menu includes steaks, Texas BBQ, seafood and unbelievable side dishes for $30-$35 per person.

Toro Burger, 2609 N. Mesa Street, (915) 533-4576

Toro Burger serves up more than just a hamburger. Texas Monthly magazine voted the Toro Burger the number 4 best burger in Texas. The menu is short but includes something for everyone, with turkey burgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers and even a blue crab or salmon burger.

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>