Photo byCanva

El Paso’s restaurant scene is always changing, and that means we will inevitably see a personal favorite close its doors.

Every year, we are forced to say goodbye to some great places with amazing food that for whatever reason didn’t make it.

Elmer’s Family Restaurant, for example, suddenly closed in 2019 over a lease dispute with the building’s landlord. The restaurant’s roots went back to the late 1940s. It’s gone for good now, reduced to rubble in 2021.

Moe’s Restaurant in the Lower Valley shut its doors in 2015 after feeding El Pasoans for 61 years when health scares befell its owners and they wanted to slow down and enjoy the years they had left.

Jaxon's, forever famous for its signature homemade Potato Green Chili and Tortilla soups, shut down its two remaining locations in 2014, citing a poor economy and increased competition.

Photo byVee Q via Foursquare

Anytime iconic and favorite restaurants go out of business it hit us in the feels, leaving our cravings unsatisfied and a lasting void in the local dining landscape.

I asked members of a foodies Facebook group which El Paso restaurant they wish was still open, and, judging by the number of comments, many of our memory banks have at least one place that may be long gone, but definitely not forgotten.

Chopsticks inside Cielo Vista Mall. loved their egg rolls and lemon chicken.”

Smitty's BBQ best beef ribs! My life hasn't been the same without them.”

Chelsea Street Pub, I loved the milkshakes and it was just a cool vibe.”

Swenson's Ice Cream Parlor. The ice cream volcanos for birthdays, and the old fashioned ice cream parlor feel.”

Iron Tender. The all you can eat steak soup for $3 during the day got me through college.”

K-Bob, their steaks and salad bar”

Uncle Baos. Best Chinese food ever”

Moe’s. Chile con queso and chicken mole plate were bomb.”

The aforementioned Jaxon’s and Elmer’s got name-checked by many, as well as Silver Streak, Cappetto’s, Coney Island, Campus Queen, and numerous other now-defunct burger joints, Italian restaurants, and Mexican food places.

Pancho's Mexican Buffet

Photo byPancho's Mexican Buffet

Of all the restaurants commented on, the most missed and most fondly remembered is Pancho’s Mexican Buffet, revered for its 99-cent buffet, and the sopapillas.

It hasn’t been a part of our restaurant landscape for decades, but old-school El Pasoans still long to raise the flag there one more time.

Panchos they had the best chili con queso and stuff it’s a core memory from childhood" Sasha Fernandez

Panchos. I mean who didn’t enjoy raising the flag like yo, bring me your finest sopapillas. Pinky out" Keenan Brooks

Panchos was so fun. Raising the flag. Having them put a sombrero on you and they'd all sing Happy Birthday to you. Awesome!!!good times!!!" Naomi Gonzales

Yeah, the El Paso food scene has lost some amazing restaurants over the years. One comment in particular summed it all up:

This…is making me hungry and sad. So many good places and memories.” Elizabeth Nunez

No matter the reason why they were shuttered, one thing is for sure: we'll always miss them and their mouth-watering dishes. Let’s pour one out for all the iconic and beloved dining spots we’ve lost.

*** Download the Newsbreak App and Follow Mike for more articles about El Paso & the Borderland