Going to be in El Paso soon, the search function only mentions something about Chicken Fried Steak. What’s the must stops here?

Chico's tacos for rolled tacos.

2nd on Chico's Tacos. It is an institution around there (my wife is from there, and all her family is there.) It might still be cash only, so just heads up.

Cattleman's Steakhouse is pretty good. It is outside of town in the desert. They have small time attractions there, like different animals, snake pit, and other stuff.

My wife and in-laws like a place called Malinche. Don't go there expecting Tex-Mex.

I got stopped by the El Paso cops for a right on red. I got a verbal warning and the lunch recommendation of the State Line BBQ. White privilege.
Way better than my plan of Rudy's.

https://countyline.com/state_line_el_paso_tx/

Not overwhelmingly favorable reviews on Chicos per yelp. Seems you either love it (mostly locals) or poorly unimpressed (out of towners). The ambiance and environment is on par but the flavor of the food is lacking. Guess I won’t know till I try it, but I might search for alternatives.

Cattleman's out in Fabens is a good steak house. Watch them feed the coyotes in the evening and have a good scotch to cleanse your pallet before desert.
State Line is great barbeque, course Rudy's is fast and really excellent in my opinion.
Chris Ruth's Steak house if your dining on company dime.
Dona Lupitas Tamales/Carnitas. Trust me this little hole in the wall needs to be experienced. Best tamales and carnitas I've ever had. Have them cut them up for you and get their salsa and corn torts.
Fortis Mexican Elder is phenomenal traditional mexican food. Believe there was a write up about them in Texas Monthly. Dated decor, and at times an off smell but the food is abolutely spot on authentic mexican food.
Malinche Cafe on Yarbrough. Inexpensive, really good and a favorite of locals.
House of Pizza .

Chicos is a novelty among locals. Its an acquired taste. Cheap late night snack food. Poor on the green salsa on your rolled tacos. Don't waste the left over sauce,cheese and salsa(slurp it up). Oh and bring cash they don't accept cards.

House of Pizza is pretty good too. We've eaten it a time or 2 before a Chihuahua's game.

Not being a native El Pasoan, my inlaws and wife were quite shocked I liked it. If you want a real treat, get a hot dog from there. It is the red hot dogs split and on a hamburger bun with ranch style beans, mustard, and pickles.

Must be like Joe T’s in FTW.

Except that the locals here know better.

Leaning towards the Fortis Mexican Elder but Chico’s is still in the running. I’ll run it by the boss and let her decide that way she can take the blame if it’s a bust.

Another mexican place my wife loves is La Posta. It is in Canutillo, which is just outside of EP. It is usually crowded so plan accordinly.

Blake's Lotaburger is excellent for a hamburger.

Going outside the food issues. Old Fort Bliss Museum- worth seeing? The Old Spanish Missions worth seeing? Franklin Mountain Park- worth a hike- what trails. AND this is getting a little outside El Paso but if you stay on I-10 into New Mexico, there are these commercial groves of trees with black trunks- any idea what the trees are? Almonds? Cherries? Plum?
Any places around El Paso a hunter might like? Myers leather? Gun stores? Etc. Thanks. So far I am usually on the way "some place else" so I just drive on I-10 past El Paso but this year I thought I might want to take a day and actually see the place.

We've done a little hiking in Franklin Mountains, it has some cool views. I don't recall the trail we went on, but it was quite the hike.

I know there is some pistachio trees in NM on the way to Ruidoso, so that might be what you are seeing. I've never stopped to buy them fresh though.

There is a place called Hueco Tanks, I haven't been yet, but there are some cave drawings and hiking, etc. there. I want to go sometime.

Yeah that is sort of what I am thinking, a loop, from El Paso go north to Organ Mts. I usually eat at the McD at the west end of the Trans mountain by pass road. Then up to White Sands, Cloudcroft, Mescalero, Ruidoso, Capitan then Carlsbad Caverns, Guadalupe NP. Not sure how long that all takes. If I could do it, hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak. I am not getting good feed back. All trails are not equal. You can have a nice even ascent on a smooth trail or be climbing over rocks and boulders. In the Cloudcroft/Mescalero/Ruidoso area- if there are any great places to eat, etc. all help much appreciated. If anyone has been to Guadalupe NP, is it isolated or or there places to eat around it? RThanks to all for any help.

I haven't found a restaurant in Ruidoso that I have been impressed with, IMO. There was one place that had a decent breakfast, Lincoln County Grill.

I lived in El Paso for 18 years
Pepe's tamales, the best
Chico's Tacos (it is more of a landmark vs great food but you have to try it once.)
Edge of Texas or Cattleman's in Fabens for steak
Leo's Mexican Food is also a mainstay, 75 yeas in business

Thanks- I'll put them on the list.

I know this is an older post but L&J is great! Been around since the 20’s, Right across from from Concordia Cemetery.
Where several famous folks are buried.

There's a small Cabela's in El Paso (Exit 8 off of I-10).