Mesa Street Grill stands out in El Paso’s vibrant culinary scene as a restaurant that effortlessly marries the city’s contemporary dining trends with a timeless, classic appeal. It’s a place that manages to be both a popular, trendy spot and a beloved, long-standing institution. My initial experience at their original, unassuming location at the corner of Mesa Street and Robinson Avenue back in 2005 offered a glimpse into what would become one of El Paso’s premier dining destinations.
What elevates Mesa Street Grill to “greatness” is not just its food, but its enduring success and consistent quality over the years. While my recent visit in 2023 was only my second, the restaurant has clearly cultivated a loyal following and remained a popular choice for El Pasoans. During my first visit nearly two decades ago, I was particularly struck by the exceptional service, a delicate balance of attentiveness without being intrusive. My recent return confirmed that this hallmark of excellent service remains a core strength of Mesa Street Grill. The staff are attentive, professional, and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Exterior view of Mesa Street Grill in El Paso, Texas, showcasing its modern yet inviting facade
There’s a noticeable difference in the ambiance and offerings between lunch and dinner at Mesa Street Grill. Lunch is served in the “bar” area, which surprisingly offers ample seating beyond just bar stools, with comfortable tables available. The lunch menu presents a more accessible price point, making it a great option for a high-quality yet reasonably priced meal. While described as “downscale” in comparison to dinner, the lunch fare is anything but ordinary. It excels in quality ingredients and skillful cooking, leaning towards expertly executed classics rather than avant-garde innovation. The dinner menu undoubtedly expands on these foundations, likely showcasing more elaborate dishes and premium ingredients, but it’s also positioned as one of the higher-end dining experiences in El Paso.
A photograph of the original Mesa Street Grill location at Mesa and Robinson, highlighting its more traditional and intimate setting
My initial encounter with Mesa Street Grill was during dinner service at the original location, while my most recent visit was for lunch at the current spot. This combination has given me a well-rounded perspective on the restaurant, allowing me to offer a comprehensive review. However, it’s worth noting that without exploring the full breadth of their dinner menu, particularly the most expensive offerings, a complete assessment remains elusive. Despite this, word-of-mouth consistently places Mesa Street Grill among the top culinary destinations in El Paso.
Dinner Delights: A Taste of Mesa Street Grill in the Evening
During my 2005 dinner visit, the salad was a standout dish, leaving a lasting impression. The freshness of the greens was comparable to those found in the Pacific Northwest, a region renowned for its produce quality. The house-made dressing further enhanced the salad’s appeal, indicating a commitment to crafting dishes from scratch with attention to detail.
In contrast, the pasta primavera, while competently prepared, didn’t possess any unique characteristics that set it apart. For the price point, it felt somewhat underwhelming, lacking the distinctive flair I anticipated from a restaurant of Mesa Street Grill’s caliber.
Lunchtime Indulgence: Exploring the Casual Side of Mesa Street Grill
A plate of Fish and Chips from the Mesa Street Grill lunch menu, showcasing golden-brown fish and a side of potato chips
For my first lunch experience, I opted for the Fish and Chips, a dish often inconsistently executed in El Paso. My hope was that Mesa Street Grill would elevate this classic, and they largely delivered. The fish was indeed of exceptional quality, reinforcing the impression of meticulous sourcing evident in their other dishes. It was a dish that momentarily transported me from the desert landscape of El Paso to a coastal setting. However, the meal wasn’t without minor disappointments, not in terms of significant flaws, but rather in unmet expectations given the restaurant’s reputation. The “chips” turned out to be potato chips, which, while good quality, deviated from the traditional English “chips” which are actually french fries. Furthermore, the absence of malt vinegar, a quintessential accompaniment to fish and chips, was a surprising oversight, especially for a restaurant aiming for a certain level of culinary completeness.
A close-up shot of the Classic Mesa Burger, highlighting the juicy patty, melted cheese, and green chiles on a sesame seed bun
The slight disappointment with the chips was quickly overshadowed by the promised sample of the Classic Mesa Burger. Offered in exchange for the tartar sauce-laden portion of my fish, this burger proved to be the highlight of the lunch. The flavor and quality were outstanding, approaching the level of a high-end steak. Made with Black Angus beef and enhanced with the signature El Paso green chile, it was an exceptional burger. For those seeking an even more premium experience, a Wagyu burger is also available, though it’s hard to imagine surpassing the classic version.
Further Insights and Recommendations for Dining at Mesa Street Grill
I’ve heard high praise for the steak soup at Mesa Street Grill, and I anticipate that their menu holds many other hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
The restaurant maintains a casual atmosphere for both lunch and dinner, especially when compared to other upscale establishments. Mesa Street Grill also promotes itself as a venue for parties and events, further reinforcing its approachable and unpretentious character.
Lunch patrons have a choice of side dishes, meaning the fish and chips can be paired with alternatives to potato chips. This detail wasn’t immediately apparent on the menu or highlighted by my server, which led to my earlier critique. However, knowing this now, a salad would likely be an excellent accompaniment to many of the lunch options.
For anyone hesitant about the price point, Mesa Street Grill’s casual ambiance is inviting and encourages potential diners to step inside, peruse the menu, and engage with the staff about the food. It’s an approachable fine-dining experience that is worth considering.
RATING: 25
Cuisine: New American
Cost: $$-$$$$ or more
Hours: Open Daily
Accessible: Yes (north entrance recommended for accessibility)
Smoking: No smoking
Alcohol: Full Bar
Most Recent Visit: January 20, 2023
Number of Visits: 2
Best Items: Classic Mesa Burger, Fish & Chips, Salad
Special Ratings:
Classic Mesa Burger: ★★★★★
Fish & Chips: ★★★★
Salad: ★★★★
