Ryan F.
In the far western edge of Texas, you’ll find El Paso, the sixth-largest city in the state. It’s a beautiful, vibrant place packed with history, friendly people, and a thriving local restaurant and bar scene.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a beer or two while you watch the game, or you want to try a signature cocktail in an upscale establishment, El Paso has it all. I looked at their vibe, prices, drink options, specials, and more when considering bars to recommend.
It’s a tough job, but someone had to do it! Here are my picks for the best bars in El Paso:
Best Bars in El Paso
- Hope & Anchor
- Deadbeach Brewery
- Joe Vinny & Bronson’s Bohemian Café
- Craft and Social
- Eloise
- Coconuts
- The Hoppy Monk
- Rubiks Arcade Bar
- King’s X Bar
- The District Pub & Kitchen
- Ojos Locos Sports Cantina – El Paso
- BFF Bar
- Rods Sports Bar & Lounge
- Texas Street Cantina Grill
- 1922
- Border Burger Bar
Hope and Anchor
4012 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: 915-533-8010
Visit Website
This place is fun and funky, with live music and a social vibe. On a nice day, nothing beats hanging out on the patio. The crowd is hip, and the music is usually alternative.
Hope and Anchor is, well, anchored to Sabertooth, a vibrant restaurant where they serve up sandwiches, tacos, bar nachos, disco fries, and more.
Hope and Anchor is just a short drive north of UTEP. It’s along North Mesa Street, across the street from Surecare Specialty Pharmacy, and a few blocks before Waymore Drive. They’re in Mission Hills South.
DeadBeach Brewery
406 Durango St, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: 855-915-2337
Visit Website
DeadBeach Brewery has been a local fixture since 2013. They’re proud of their hometown heritage and greet everyone who walks in the door like a neighbor and friend. Every time I sit at the bar, I end up having friendly chats with the people around me.
They brew their own beers, a delectable variety of American and German lagers, IPAs, and stouts. One of my favorites is their signature Lobo Lager, a traditional amber with a heavy caramel malt.
You’ll find Deadbeach along South Durango Street near the intersection of Overland Avenue. It’s a short walk from the Union Plaza Transit Terminal.
Joe Vinny & Bronson’s Bohemian Café
824 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
Phone: 915-801-0475
Visit Website
First of all, what a name! The JVB (as it’s often called) serves beer, wine, and coffee. I’m partial to starting the day with their ice-brewed Blended Joe and ending it with a Breckenridge Vanilla Porter or a Full Sail Session.
I’m a frequent visitor to JVB because of how welcoming it feels whenever I step inside. It’s a laid-back, chill-out sort of place where I can enjoy a drink and hang out. They also serve all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
JVB is just two blocks down from the El Paso Police Department. They’re on North Pierdas Street near the Tularosa Avenue intersection.
Craft and Social
305 E Franklin Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: 915-401-1909
Visit Website
Craft and Social delivers what its name promises – craft brews and fun times. It’s a fun, eclectic joint with local art on the walls and a retro style, including a collection of VHS tapes and a player.
They serve a variety of pizza and Italian food and 20 draught beers, which are rotated weekly. I’m a fan of the E-talian Sandwich, made with black forest ham and pepperoni, and the antipasto salad.
They’re a block north of San Jacinto Plaza, and across the street from the El Paso Fire Department, along East Franklin Avenue between North Stanton Street and North Kansas Street.
Eloise
255 Shadow Mountain Dr, El Paso, TX 79912
Phone: 915-581-2441
Visit Website
When you’re in the mood to check out some local art, head over to Eloise. It’s a cozy, contemporary spot with curated music, local art on the walls, and plenty of good vibes. First opened in 2012, owners Kristine and John Wood have turned Eloise into a beloved fixture in the community.
Aside from craft beer, house-infused liquor, and wine, they also serve a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. I find that their Vegan Nachos and their Chili Burger both pair well with practically any of their beers.
They’re located along Shadow Mountain Drive near the intersection of Pebble Beach Drive, just a few blocks north of Pelican’s Restaurant and Taco Cabana.
Coconuts
816 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
Phone: 915-566-3044
Coconuts is one of the most fun bars in town, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The drinks are affordable, the staff and customers are laidback and friendly, and the music always helps keep the party hopping.
Note the place does get pretty packed, and the crowd is typically young and hip. It’s one of the best bars in El Paso if you and your friends like to party until 2 am.
Head over to Piedras Street near the Tularosa Avenue intersection. They’re in the Five Points district, one block west of the post office.
The Hoppy Monk
4141 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: 915-307-3263
Visit Website
Nothing wrong with big burgers and cold brews. The Hoppy Monk is a laid-back, traditional beer pub serving over 50 draught beers, including pumpkin ales, India pale ales, and Belgian-style ales. They also offer an impressive lineup of spirits and wine.
Their food menu consists of burgers and sandwiches. They also have a variety of appetizers to munch on while you enjoy your beer. I highly recommend their signature Gochu “Hop” Wings, made with fermented gochujang sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
They’re found between Ridgecrest and Mission Hills South, along North Mesa Street, connecting to Brentwood Avenue.
Rubiks Arcade Bar
4025 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: 915-231-6750
You’ve never seen a bar quite like Rubiks. They’re an arcade bar where you can play classic games from the 80s and 90s. Even better, they’re original machines, and most run on just one or two quarters.
Adding some drinks only increases the fun. Aside from a selection of beer and classic cocktails, they also serve up their own creations inspired by the various arcade games. Try the Hard Candy Cocktail, which has a zesty watermelon flavor.
They’re along North Mesa Street between Los Toreados and Valentine’s Kitchen. You can easily walk to the bar from the 4045 Mesa/Waymore bus stop.
King’s X Bar
4119 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902
Phone: 915-544-4795
Visit Website
King’s X has been a popular neighborhood bar since 1963. They offer a huge range of events and activities, including karaoke, live music, pool tournaments, and poker tournaments. They also show basically all major televised sporting events.
They’re well-known around town for their excellent drink specials. You can save big on various beers and shots every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. They also have a happy hour every day from 4 pm to 7 pm.
You’ll find this jumping joint in Mission Hills South, on North Mesa Street between Greenwich Drive and Eubank Court. They’re just down the block from the Hoppy Monk.
The District Pub & Kitchen
601 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79903
Phone: 915-564-0707
Visit Website
The District Pub & Kitchen delivers good times in a comfortable atmosphere. They have music, a friendly staff, and screens viewable from every seat. It’s my go-to spot for college and professional football, especially hometown games, because the crowd is always engaged and even a little rowdy.
They serve a variety of traditional pub foods, such as tacos, burgers, quesadillas, and sandwiches. My personal fave is the Green Chili Chicken.
They have two locations. Their Five Points location is found on North Piedras Street between Wyoming Avenue and East Missouri Avenue. You can find their second location on Airway Boulevard just west of Ponder Park and Burges High School.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina – El Paso
1204 Airway Blvd, El Paso, TX 79925
Phone: 915-307-7210
Visit Website
Ojo Locos is a vibrant sports bar that caters to Latinos. The name means Crazy Eyes in English, referring to the wall-to-wall HD TVs. They show practically all major US and Latin American sports.
They offer draught beer and Mexican-inspired specialty drinks. You’ve got to try the Dos.a.Rita. It’s a Dos XX combined with tequila from the Mexican Highlands and Triple Sec and Nuestra Receta de Sweet and Sour.
They have 13 locations throughout Texas, with more on the way. Their main El Paso location is on Airway Boulevard, next door to the El Paso Animal Emergency and Veterinary Clinic. They have a second spot in El Paso East on North Zaragoza Road.
BFF Bar
3900 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Phone: 915-630-1882
BFF is a fun bar that attracts a youthful crowd with cheap drinks, fun theme nights, and events such as karaoke. It’s also one of my top recommendations for anyone who likes to dance.
The BFF Bar is located in Five Points East at the intersection of Montana Avenue and Lamar Street. It’s two blocks east of Church’s Chicken and two blocks west of the El Paso Veterinary Hospital.
Unfortunately, the BFF Bar is temporarily closed until further notice. Their Facebook page will provide updated information when available.
Rod’s Sports Bar & Lounge
3900 Pershing Dr, El Paso, TX 79903
Rod’s Sports Bar & Lounge is where to get a drink if you like riding your motorcycle, shooting pool, and hanging out in a looser environment. They’re right at the corner of Trowbridge Drive and Loop 478, just around the corner from the Pershing/Trowbridge bus stop.
They keep the drink menu pretty simple, mainly offering domestic beers on tap or in bottles. They have drink specials every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Texas Street Cantina Grill
912 Texas Ave d, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: 915-533-4849
Visit Website
The Texas Street Cantina Grill is a cozy gastropub with a welcoming atmosphere. I love heading over there to watch the NFL Sunday Ticket or hang out on the outdoor patio. They even have local bands on the weekend.
Drinks are cheap, too. On Tuesdays, they have $1 Tecates, and on Friday, they sell $1 Bud Light cans. Wednesdays are probably their best deal. They have $2 you-call-its from opening until closing.
They’re on Texas Avenue near the intersection of Ange Street. They’re right across the street from Elite Medical Transport.
1922
502 N Oregon St ste b, El Paso, TX 79901
Phone: 915-260-8038
Visit Website
1922 is the perfect place for hanging with friends or getting to know someone special with an elegant, old-school design. As you slide into one of the padded booths, you’ll feel like you’re sitting in a speakeasy and enjoying the nightlife.
They’re located right in the heart of historic downtown El Paso, on North Oregon Street. They’re right between the El Paso Public Library and the San Jacinto Plaza.
While they offer a full range of beer, wine, and classic cocktails, the real draw here is their signature cocktail creations. Personally, I recommend the Al Capone, made from whiskey, fresh mint, and orange zest. It’s not only delicious, but it fits the theme of the bar perfectly.
Border Burger Bar
3329 Fort Blvd, El Paso, TX 79930
Phone: 915-562-2867
Visit Website
Burgers, wings, and beer – what more do you need? The Border Burger Bar offers up fun twists on classic pub food. Both the Pacific Islander, a surf-and-turf burger, and the Korean, a kimchi burger, are local favorites.
I love their generous happy hour. Every day from 1 pm until 6 pm, all drafts and bottles are $1 off. They also have a lunch special on Monday, a wine deal on Wednesday, and $2 domestic longnecks every Thursday.
The Border Burger Bar is in El Paso’s Central District, on Fort Boulevard between Justus Street and North Copia Street. They’re one block up from the Amigo Market and within walking distance of the North Copia Street bus stop.
Final Thoughts
El Paso is filled with friendly folks, fascinating history, and great bars and restaurants galore. You’ll find rowdy sports bars, low-key neighborhood pubs, intimate speakeasy replicas, and other cool places to get a drink. Even better, with so many great specials, you can enjoy a night out on the town without breaking the bank.
Of course, El Paso has more to offer beyond bars. If you’ve got a hankering for a filet, ribeye, or tomahawk, here’s where to find the perfect steak in El Paso.
Awesome El Paso bars often fly under the radar. If I’ve missed any of your favorite watering holes, leave a comment below. I’m always interested in checking out new places to add to the list of the best bars in El Paso.
