On the edge of West Texas where desert sunsets meet the Franklin Mountains, El Paso blends influences from deep-rooted cowboy tradition, Mexican flavors, and authentic Texas pit smoke.
Here, you’ll find brisket cooked the “Texas way,” but also smoked barbacoa, chile-laced sauces, and sides you won’t see anywhere else—like elote and borracho beans.
Barbecue in El Paso is all about the borderland fusion and a warm, familial welcome.
1. Desert Oak Barbecue
A true pitmaster destination, Desert Oak is all about wood-smoked brisket, ribs, house-made sausage, and massive beef ribs (get there early—they sell out!).
Their pit-smoked turkey and burnt ends are also favorites, while sides like corn pudding and chile beans add a borderland twist.
2. Smokey’s Pit Stop BBQ
Locals swear by Smokey’s—especially for the chopped brisket sandwich and tender pork spareribs.
The menu is expansive, sides are classic (think baked beans and creamy slaw), and prices are family-friendly.
The vibe is pure West Texas: casual, unpretentious, and always satisfying.
3. Rib Hut
Blending cowboy kitsch with local flavor, the Rib Hut serves up St. Louis-style pork ribs, smoked sausage, and brisket that’s been drawing El Pasoans for decades.
Portion sizes are huge, and their spicy house barbecue sauce is a must. The beer list is full of local craft brews, too.
4. El Paso Barbecue Company
With nearly 30 years in the business, this spot delivers mesquite-smoked barbecue in a roadhouse setting.
The brisket is juicy, the brisket tacos are local favorites, and the jalapeño cornbread is worth the trip alone.
Finish with their homemade peach cobbler—pure Texas comfort.
5. Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar
Not exclusively a barbecue spot, but locals love Kiki’s for its unique border-style smoked meats—especially barbacoa, chile colorado, and slow-cooked pork in red chile.
Order a smoked carnitas platter or brisket enchiladas for a regional BBQ you can’t get anywhere else.
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