Best Restaurants at El Paso (ELP)
ELP has dining options across all 3 terminals — from local institutions to reliable chains. Below is a terminal-by-terminal guide to the highlights, plus the best quick bites, sit-down spots, and what to expect on pricing before your flight.
Airport Dining · ELP
What restaurants are in Main Terminal (pre-security, Ground Floor) at El Paso?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Black Mesa | Coffee & pastries | $ |
| Chiquis Bakery | Mexican baked goods | $ |
| Boarder Bar & Bites | Tex-Mex | $$ |
What restaurants are in Concourse A / West Concourse (post-security) at El Paso?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Star | American | $$ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
What restaurants are in Concourse B / East Concourse (post-security, Food Court) at El Paso?
| Restaurant | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PGA Tour Grill | American sports bar & grill | $$ |
| 19th Hole Bar & Snacks | American bar & snacks | $$ |
| Tia's Tex-Mex | Tex-Mex | $$ |
| Slice | Pizza & wings | $$ |
| Schlotzsky's/Cinnabon | Sandwiches & bakery | $ |
| Starbucks | Coffee | $ |
| Chiquis Coffee Cart | Mexican coffee & snacks | $ |
| Sun City Saloon | American bar | $$ |
What's the best quick bite at El Paso?
Schlotzsky's/Cinnabon in the Concourse B food court — fast counter service with one of the widest windows (4:30 AM–7:30 PM) of any ELP concession, covering nearly every flight bank.
Quick-service counters at ELP typically get you through the line in 5–10 minutes at off-peak times, and up to 20 minutes during the morning rush. Budget an extra 15 minutes at minimum if you plan to eat before your flight — and check your Leave-By Time before you sit down so you know exactly how much runway you have.
Where can I get a sit-down meal at El Paso?
PGA Tour Grill (Concourse B food court) — the closest thing ELP has to a full-service restaurant, with table seating, a broader American menu, and a golf-themed sports-bar atmosphere.
Full-service restaurants at ELP typically require 45–75 minutes from being seated to paying the check. If you want a relaxed dining experience, plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before boarding — factor in security wait, the walk to your gate, and a buffer for the unexpected. The Leave-By calculator can fold your meal time into your total airport plan.
How much does food cost at El Paso?
ELP is a small domestic airport with a limited concession lineup; most items run $6–$20, and there is no upscale or destination-dining option — pricing sits at the low-to-mid end of the airport-food spectrum.
Airport restaurants across the US typically charge 20–40% above street prices due to higher operating costs, rent, and logistics. At ELP, use this rough guide:
| Price Symbol | Per Person | Typical Options |
|---|---|---|
| $ | Under $12 | Fast food, coffee, grab-and-go snacks |
| $$ | $12–25 | Fast-casual, sandwiches, pub fare |
| $$$ | Over $25 | Full-service restaurants, steakhouses, seafood |
Prices as of 2026. Tip (18–20%) is additional at full-service restaurants.
Can I bring outside food into El Paso?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at ELP. You can pack a sandwich, snacks, fruit, homemade food, or even a full restaurant meal in your carry-on bag and bring it through the checkpoint without any issue.
The restriction applies to liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 mL): soups, dips, nut butters in large containers, juice boxes, and similar items must follow the 3-1-1 rule or be placed in checked baggage. Solid food — including wrapped sandwiches, chips, candy, produce, and baked goods — passes through freely.
This means you can save significantly on airport food prices by packing your own meal or picking something up before you enter the terminal. See the full TSA food policy and tips in our guide: Can you bring food through airport security?
Arrive early enough for a relaxed meal
The Leave-By calculator folds your real-time ELP security wait, drive time with traffic, and gate walk into one exact time to leave home — so you arrive with time to eat, not just sprint.
Calculate your Leave-By Time →See also: ELP TSA wait times · ELP security tips · Bringing food through security
Common questions about dining at ELP
What restaurants are in each terminal at ELP?
ELP has 3 terminals, each with its own set of restaurants. Highlights vary by terminal — see the terminal-by-terminal breakdown above for the full list.
What is the best quick bite at ELP?
Schlotzsky's/Cinnabon in the Concourse B food court — fast counter service with one of the widest windows (4:30 AM–7:30 PM) of any ELP concession, covering nearly every flight bank.
Is there a sit-down restaurant at ELP?
PGA Tour Grill (Concourse B food court) — the closest thing ELP has to a full-service restaurant, with table seating, a broader American menu, and a golf-themed sports-bar atmosphere.
How much does food cost at ELP?
ELP is a small domestic airport with a limited concession lineup; most items run $6–$20, and there is no upscale or destination-dining option — pricing sits at the low-to-mid end of the airport-food spectrum. Airport restaurants typically charge 20–40% above street prices. As a rough guide: $ = under $12, $$ = $12–25, and $$$ = over $25 per person.
Can I bring food through ELP security?
Yes — TSA allows solid foods through security checkpoints at ELP. You can bring a sandwich, snacks, fruit, or even a full meal from outside the airport in your carry-on. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz are still restricted; soups, dips, and similar items must comply with the 3-1-1 rule. See the full policy in our guide.