"What an adventure! We went in expecting good Mexican food based on a recommendation from a local. Not only was the food excellent, the entire experience from end to end was a BLAST. You walk in and immediately feel the atmosphere from the bar area, playing loud music, full of laughter, with servers hustling around. Then, you're greeted with smiling confident hosts that make you feel welcome. When we were seated, our server was a CHAMP - a young man who seemed to love his job, knew how to riff and joke around, but more than anything he was passionate about the menu. We were asking tons of questions and he only got more and more excited to tell us the answers. We ended up ordering 2 entrees each because he made everything seem so good. The food came out shockingly fast, and was of the highest quality. Massive portions, fresh tasting ingredients, not at all greasy or heavy, and the red salsa was HOT. Our server joked that our table would have been perfect in a magazine photo shoot because of the variety of dishes. For the price - despite ordering 2 entrees each, the bill was still less than I would expect for a single meal at any other restaurant of this quality (but, I'm from out of town, so not sure what usual prices are in El Paso) As the restaurant approached closing, I noticed how much fun the staff were having with each other. If they bumped into each other, they'd pretend to be mad, then start howling laughter. Any time staff were in the background of my photos, they'd strike a pose. They encouraged us to explore the many different rooms, and were certainly proud of their history. What a gem of a place. I'd come back to El Paso just to eat at L & J again"

"On our 2nd week long trip to El Paso, we went to L&J Cafe for an early lunch. I would have to rate it as my favorite restaurant experience of the two trips. As a Kentuckian, L&J Cafe seems to be an authentic El Paso mexican food experience. You get fresh made corn tortilla chips with three different salsas when you sit down. The 3 heat levels for the salsas satisfy different palates. We also ordered chilli con queso as an appetizer which was nothing but cheesy goodness. The lunch special the day we visited consisted of a chicken, a shredded beef and a ground beef taco. The shells were perfectly crisped and the fillings were delicious. The tacos came with rice and beans and a chicken/rice/veggie cup of soup was part of the special.. Campbell's can only wish their soups were this good. We finished with the moist, light Tres Leches cake that did not disappoint, along with some sopaipilla. Oh, and as an ice tea aficionado, I can rate theirs an A. Finally, our waiter Fabian did a fabulous job. If you are in the area, give L&J Cafe a try. I think you will enjoy the food and the experience."

"Visited with my brother a few days before Christmas. This place was suggested by the Through My Lens guys on YouTube and the green chile enchiladas were highly recommended so we both decided to try those. Location is near the highway and it's the only Mexican restaurant across from a cemetery so you can't mistake it. They don't close for lunch so that's great. There was a really helpful guy in the street helping to direct parking. They were busy but we were immediately seated. Clean bathrooms, yummy smells, and the place and staff were all decked out in Christmas-y accessories. Lots of big family dinners-- felt kind of like going to someone's home? Not ours but still very friendly and welcoming to outsiders. Our server was on top of everything and made sure that I understood which of the items had chicken broth, etc. (FYI- the green chili enchiladas are made with chicken broth and so are some of the salsas and of course the refried beans). They have a very extensive vegetarian section on the menu which was awesome. Our food came pretty quickly and the portions were huge. Everything was delicious-- I wished I hadn't eaten so much junk food in the road trip because there was no way to finish eating the whole thing. I swapped the refried beans for plain, had iced tea, my brother had a soda and ordered the appetizer with queso, tomatillo & red salsas, and our two entrees which included a side of rice and our total was less than $50. In 2025, I consider that to be a great value. Excellent service, warm & welcoming atmosphere, and great food. I would love to revisit on a return trip to El Paso :) *if you make this a date night, it's only a short drive over from the Scenic Overlook of the city, which was also pretty."

"Loved this place! Amazing, authentic food. Every mouthful made me smile and I was excited for each bite. We were referred here and they were absolutely right. Incredible food, friendly service, and great prices. Highly recommend!"

"Loved this place! The Combination Plate is a wonderful assortment of deliciousness! Chile Relleno was the center of this circle of flavor and among the best i have ever had! Bar was packed and looked like all were happy to be there on a Friday evening! Service was outstanding and atmosphere as well! I lucked out and pulled right up to a parking spot opening up, but it did look challenging for some! Highly recommend this place and i will make it a point to stop every time in El Paso!"