Moving away from home…at some point in our lives, we all do it. Then, the inevitable homesickness slowly takes over until we buckle, booking the first flight out, and coming back. If it’s been a while since you’ve been in the Sun City, you’ve missed out on a lot but, we’re going to do you a solid and get you reacquainted. Here’s 10 of the most happening spots in El Paso that probably didn’t exist before you moved away.
1 The Hoppy Monk
4141 N. Mesa St. | (915) 307-3263 | www.thehoppymonk.com
Craft beer lovers have to make The Hoppy Monk one of their first stops while in town—their motto is ‘good people drink good beer.’ With 70 craft brews on draft and 120 bottled varieties, they’re certainly doing their part in making El Paso a greater place. Even better, everyday has a theme—Monday Pint Day, Logo Pint Tuesdays, Wednesday Slider Day, etc… so your fun times aren’t restricted to the weekends.
2 Rulis International Kitchen
4176 N. Mesa St. | (915) 313-4806 | www.rulisik.com
Located across the street from The Hoppy Monk, this ‘great little gourmet dive’ is the brainchild of Chef Rulis, who is the kind of dude that can turn an already amazing arrachera steak, into something even more ridiculously mouthwatering. Special keg tappings are commonplace here, as Chef Rulis is a firm believer in the magic of fresh, craft beer. In fact, you might even catch the owners of The Hoppy Monk hanging out here from time to time!
3 Love Buzz
3011 Pershing Dr. | www.facebook.com/lovebuzz915
Named after a single by 1969 Dutch rock band Shocking Blue, expect a blast to the past when you walk into this new central El Paso spot. A vintage jukebox is the centerpiece to a lounge full of atomic era furniture, and their massive back yard has been turned into a outdoor bar filled with picnic tables. This homage to another era will soon also offer barbecue from a vintage Airstream in the backyard, so make sure to come back for a taste of that goodness.
4 Ode Brewing
3233 N. Mesa St. #301 | (915)351-4377 | www.odebrewingco.com
Once El Paso started developing a taste for craft beer, it wanted more. Enter Ode in 2015: an embodiment of love for the Sun City, locally made craft beer and fine food. Grab yourself a Smelter Stout—which, by the way, have you noticed something missing in El Paso’s skyline? A Hueco Wit, or a Porch Pounder Pilsner. The grub is all delicious too: smoked trout nachos, beef wellington, short ribs and a lot more for the epicurean in all of us.
5 Deadbeach Brewing
406 S. Durango St. | (855) 915 – BEER | www.deadbeach.com
Opening shortly after Ode, Deadbeach is located in the Union Plaza district in Downtown. Named after the owners band, the Deadbeach Boys, the brewery is filled with local art, surrounded by food trucks at any given time and pulsing with the sound of live music coming from the back porch. Make sure to get a sampler of their brews and pick up a souvenir Deadbeach growler while you’re there.
6 Joe, Vinny and Bronson’s Bohemian Cafe
824 N. Piedras St. | (915) 801-0475 | www.facebook.com/jvnbcafe
Bohemian is only one way to describe JVB’s—it’s definitely what you’d consider to be a hipster hangout. It’s also a great spot to grab a glass of wine or a craft beer. Try the food too and grab some lunch—we HIGHLY recommend the 420 Fries and the Black Bean Burger. This is one of those places that’s great for people-watching and getting a big hit of creative energy.
7 Rubiks Arcade Bar
4025 N. Mesa St. | (915) 231-6750 | www.rubiksarcadebar.com
Sometimes it sucks being an adult, but Rubiks Arcade Bar is a welcome respite to all that. Classic arcade games like Mortal Kombat, Pac Man, Galaga and even a few old-school pinball machines, are the stars here. While you’re getting down on kicking Liu Kang’s butt, get yourself a few adult drinks too: margaritas, frozen shots and craft beer are all long-time favorites.
8 Craft and Social
305 E. Franklin Ave. | (915) 219-7141 | www.craftandsocial.com
This new pub downtown got several things right: the craft beer offerings, the food menu and the location. Nestled between the historic Gardner Hotel and the Pizza Joint, Craft & Social is a favorite lunch spot amongst the weekday warriors, and it’s also a great place to unwind at the end of the day. We recommend you commandeer one of the giant wingback chairs by the bay window, and sip the night away.
9 The Black Orchid Lounge
6127 N. Mesa St. | (915) 235-9145 | www.theblackorchidlounge.com
‘Life Ain’t Easy Without a Speakeasy…’ is the tagline for this place, and suits it well. The lounge is all about ‘modern cool’ yet at the same time, is an inviting and welcoming spot. Completing the speakeasy vibe is a decor scheme of art deco pieces and their carefully crafted cocktails have been featured on Texas Monthly and The City Magazine.
10 The Red Door Vintage
820 N. Mesa St. | (915) 922-7055 | www.facebook.com/thereddoorvintage.com
Our list so far has been all about booze and food, so we thought we’d throw in a little retail therapy. The Red Door Vintage is a great spot to check out in case you’re in the mood for a shopping adventure, but be warned: this isn’t your grandmother’s thrift shop. You’ll find kooky accessories, rockabilly-style clothing and local art for sale. If you’re feeling brave, West Texas Tattoo is located inside the shop—get yourself some ink!
Text: Crysti Couture