Restaurants - Ciudad Juarez, Mexico

Perhaps no other feature of Juarez, Mexico is as compelling as it’s restaurants.

In the mood for a big steak cooked to perfection? If also in the mood for elegant surroundings, check out the Montana Restaurant and Bar. Want an equally good steak with portions so generous you just may not be able to finish, then check out El Herradero de Soto. (Almost everyone who lives in Juarez has eaten at this famous restaurant and will likely smile at the sound of the name.)

How about seafood tonight? Five minutes from the free bridge you will have two great choices located right beside each other on Avenida de Las Americas: Mariscos D’Matazlan and the Villa del Mar. Both serve excellent shrimp and fish dinners, have great ambiance, and are affordable ($10-$12 per person).

For traditional Mexican food Barrigas Restaurant, on Triunfo de Republica near Avenida de las Americas and beside the El Paseo Hotel Suites, is an excellent choice. Another great place is Frida’s, right nearby.

Like Chinese? It may come as a big surprise, but Juarez Mexico has some of the finest Chinese restaurants anywhere. Try the Shangri-la, also on Avenida de las Americas, or the Mei Ken Lou a short distance away on Hermanos Escobar. Or, if willing to get off the tourist path for a while, go to the Chinese restaurant I would choose above any: Hong Kong China on Calle Peru one block south of Avenida 16 de Septiembre.

Some very good places, of course, are not on the beaten tourist path. If you get hungry on your peregrinations through el centro, for instance, give Mariscos Olas Altas a try. It’s beside the old City Hall Building on Avenida 16 de Septiembre.  Or you can enjoy a cheap but delicious breakfast at El Apetito on Mariscal near the Sante Fe Bridge. Both have casual diner-style atmospheres, quick service, and excellent food quite inexpensive by American standards.

Finally, do not overlook the thousands of privately run food stands in the city, such as Taqueria Iris. Many times they will be run by one señora who will serve you her own distinctive versions of burritos and other dishes. It will be the same food she serves her own children or grandchildren, and don’t be surprised if you get to meet some of them or get to pet the family dog. She may even sit right there and watch you eat to make sure everything is satisfactory. Staying on the beaten path is a good choice for your first ventures into any foreign country, but once you have a feel for the city do not hesitate to venture out a bit. Getting to know the local people in Juarez, Mexico will enrich your life forever.