Reader Carol Gardens lets us know that the old El Paso restaurant on West Houston Street has closed. The place has been emptied and abandoned, with no explanation of when or why. The phone number has been disconnected and the website is gone.
A Yelper wrote on July 11: "Went there tonight and it's closed and it looks like for good. Menu is down. Metal grates over door and windows. RIP."
El Paso served Mexican-Spanish cuisine here since--well, I don't know since when. Possibly the 1960s. Maybe the 1980s. They had a big anniversary recently, with reduced prices, and I meant to go back but never did. Now I'm kicking myself.
They specialized in a cheap lobster dinner.
Nice colorized version of Picasso's Frugal Repast.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is really sad. I've been going there for years and didn't realize the place was in trouble. I'll miss its big portions, cool drinks, and comfortable atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteLenny at Something Special said the same lady (who was also the owner) cooked meals at El Paso for the past fifty years. When not one of her five sons wanted to continue the business she figured it was time to untie the apron. Hello Miami!
ReplyDeletebig portions: way to go. forgrt those chichi places where the plate looks empty & you starve.
ReplyDeleteWhat in the world happened? Been going 10 years, always treated like a queen with big smiles greeting me on birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I am very sad. Did they flee in the night because of disgusting raise in rent? Did they remove all the fixtures I loved? Thanks, Madeline A, Astoria
ReplyDeleteHi Jeremiah,
ReplyDeleteDo you have any news about how this place closed? and what is replacing it?
The place wasn't there 50 years and it wasn't owned by the chef. It was owned by two brothers. Business had been declining for years. It just became too expensive to run.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I were going there for 20 years. We felt at home, and were greeted with kisses and hugs by the owner. The food was always very good, and the service as well. It's truly sad to see El Paso closed. Ray's on Prince was my other favorite spot, and that too closed. "Chicken El Paso" was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nelson ; LES
found this blog while looking at pictures online of the restaurant. quick update on el paso: it was owned by my great tia's late husband and her brother. they started it as a way to get by after coming to the states. for what it's worth, my tia
ReplyDelete's fine. im pretty sure she was the one in charge, not sure when her brother passed away but my tio passed away decades ago. i think something was gonna be built where the restaurant was??? honestly not sure why they closed but it's definitely a shame. glad to see that so many people were positively impacted by the restaurant, i'm sure she appreciates it :)
soph51100, thank you for writing in. I'm glad to hear all is well with your tia.
ReplyDelete