• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to El Paso Cafe

Nestled in Arlington, VA, El Paso Cafe stands as a beloved gem known for its authentic Tex-Mex and El Salvadorian cuisine. Customers rave about their fresh, in-house chips and salsa, and the well-prepared, flavorful dishes, from perfectly seasoned steak fajitas to delectable enchiladas. The inviting atmosphere is complemented by friendly service and lively mariachi music, creating a remarkable dining experience. The cafe's family-friendly vibe and rich culinary offerings, including standout items like the Maricos Saltados and Xango dessert, make it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike. El Paso Cafe truly embodies warmth and flavor, ensuring every visit is memorable.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to El Paso Cafe, a gem located at 4235 N Pershing Dr, Arlington, VA. This vibrant eatery has been a beloved cornerstone of the community, bringing authentic Tex-Mex and El Salvadorian flavors to its patrons for over two decades. Whether you're seeking a delightful outdoor experience or a cozy ambiance indoors, El Paso Cafe offers a captivating atmosphere that feels like home.

As you step into the cafe, the tantalizing aroma of freshly prepared dishes invites you in. One standout feature that many diners rave about is the house-made chips and salsa, which are acclaimed for their freshness and flavor. Customer favorites like the steak fajitas and chicken burritos are not just meals; they are crafted experiences, with perfectly cooked proteins and vibrant presentations that delight the senses. The Maricos Saltados, a delectable mix of shrimp, calamari, and scallops, showcases the mastery of El Paso's chefs, impressing guests with its taste and artistry.

The service at El Paso Cafe is often described as friendly and attentive, ensuring that guests feel welcomed from the moment they arrive. As noted by multiple reviewers, this dedication to customer satisfaction complements the great food, making it a perfect spot for families, friends, or even a romantic date night.

On weekends, the cafe transforms into a lively hotspot, sometimes featuring a mariachi band, adding a festive touch to your dining experience. Imagine sharing pitchers of their famously strong margaritas with friends while enjoying the lively ambiance and savoring irresistible desserts like the delicious Xango, a fried banana cheesecake that’s a must-try.

In short, El Paso Cafe is not just a restaurant; it’s a cherished establishment where food, culture, and community intertwine beautifully. If you haven't experienced its warmth and flavors yet, now is the perfect time to visit. Just remember, when it gets busy, arrive early or consider walking to enjoy this Arlington treasure fully!

START YOUR REVIEW OF El Paso Cafe
Michael Cieslak
Michael Cieslak

We have not been in awhile, but thought of El Paso because they had covered outdoor seating. The food and service was fantastic. I love the chips and salsa, very fresh. The protein was cooked perfectly and well seasoned. We'll be back soon!

Sean Malanowski
Sean Malanowski

Amazing restaurant. We’ve been going here for over 2 decades now. Always great food, salsa and chips are amazing. (I really love the salsa). Also great when the mariachi is there too. Very friendly and fast service. Definitely recommend!

Tony Brooks
Tony Brooks

Vacationing in DC for the 1st time. My daughters selected El Paso Cafe. An excellent choice. The food was fantastic in presentation, temperature, and taste. Our server provided excellent service. My daughters opted for the steak fajitas and chicken burrito, and for me, the Maricos Saltados (a combination of shrimp, calamari, and scallops - lots of scallops , rice and mixed veggies). . Their chips and salsa are made in house, and were delicious. The atmosphere was great to boot.

Kiki S
Kiki S

The food here is authentic and great! The staff is super friendly and attentive, always quick to notice refills are needed. The chips and salsa brought out when you first arrive are good and the meals are good too. I got the enchiladas mixtas and the refried beans on the side were the best I've ever had! The burritos are also good and super cheesy! The place has a nice feel inside and the people are awesome.

Patti Smeelink-Keim
Patti Smeelink-Keim

Well, this is just the cutest place. Excellent chips and salsa. We had fajitas, enchiladas, and both were excellent. I would arrive early, on a weekend night. There was even a mariachi band. It was right in the neighborhood so we were able to walk. The deep fried ice cream was wonderful.

Rebecca G
Rebecca G

This place...I have a lot of good memories here. For one, if you like really good strong margaritas this is the place to go. I used to live in this neighborhood and would often meet up with friends, get smashed, and walk home. In fact, this place also used to be my go to snow storm restaurant. It didn’t matter how cold or snowy it was, me and my best friend used to walk here all the time, get really good tex mex and get a margarita pitcher and walk home. I even take my parents here when they come visit. My dad loves the food here. I like the tacos and the steak fajitas. Really good reliable service. No frills but a welcoming place. Highly recommend. I am overdue for a visit. Parking can be a pain. Recommend walking if you can.

M. Marzulla
M. Marzulla

Great Tex-Mex spot in the heart of Arlington. Service was top-notch, it got crowded on a Saturday night so plan accordingly! Even with the crowds the staff were expedient and maintained a very friendly attitude. Most importantly, the food and drinks were great! Recommend getting a pitcher to share and don't skip the desert if you have a sweet tooth. The Xango (like a fried banana cheesecake) was delicious. Excellent date night spot!

Henry Mottesheard
Henry Mottesheard

Excellent Tex-Mex and El Salvadorian restaurant nestled in the heart of Arlington, VA. Quaint, family-friendly atmosphere with friendly waiters and staff. Smoke free facility with a full service bar. Two televisions with local sports and Fotbol (American Soccer) on gamedays and Mexican/El Salvadoran/Spanish music playing in the background for ambiance. Food is well cooked by expert chefs. This restaurant is a staple in my family and welcomes walk-ins for takeout as well as dining in. No reservations needed (but may get crowded during peak dinner hours).