I'm only in El Paso long enough to drive through it from Palm Springs to Houston and back twice a year, so all I can tell you is that Cracker Barrel has a lot of grandmas.

Just stay away from Rosa's Cantina, I hear that place is trouble.

Things change over time, but check and see if there is a "La Fonda's" in town. Semi-upscale formal sit-down white table cloth chain-that's-not-a-chain group--all of which long ago became independent. The best is in Lafayette, La., with the one in San Antonio a close second. Super Margarita's and even better food. Know anybody in the Army who's ever been or is currently stationed or retired there?
Big Army presence there--they would know best.

PS: Just hit google(which I should have done beforehand) and appears LaFonda"s everywhere BUT
El Paso. Also reviews sadly indicate one in S.A.
has declined. No other personal experience upon
which to make a suggestion. I've only passed thru.

If you don't mind driving the 46 miles to Las Cruces NM, there's a wonderful "winery" restaurant called St Clair Bistro, at ~1800 Avenida de Mesilla, just south of the freeway, that I hit 4 times when I was in town on business at the beginning of February. Also recommended by all of the other conference attendees that I convinced to try it. Check out their wines and menus online at: http://www.stclairvineyards.com/Bistro-lascruces.htm

If you have time, Cattleman's is good just for the experience.

http://www.cattlemanssteakhouse.c o m /

If BBQ is what you're after try the State Line Restaurant on the west side of town. Bout 10 minutes from downtown.

MC

My condolences.