Cafe El Paso

Name: Cafe El Paso
Address: 350-354 Old Street, London, The City, EC1V 9NQ, UK
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7739 4202
Rating: 7.5

Mexican Restaurant in The City

8 / 10 from 2 reviews

Address
350-354 Old Street
The City
London
EC1V 9NQ

Map

History

Telephone
020 7739 4202

Cuisine
Mexican/Tex Mex

Region
The City

Nearest Station
Shoreditch High Street
0.29 miles

Opening Times

Monday	Open 09:30 - Closes 01:00
Tuesday	Open 09:30 - Closes 01:00
Wednesday	Open 09:30 - Closes 01:00
Thursday	Open 09:30 - Closes 02:00
Friday	Open 09:30 - Closes 02:00
Saturday	Open 09:30 - Closes 02:00
Sunday	Closed

Edit Restaurant Information

Cafe El Paso serve all day breakfasts as well as a variety of Mexican, Tex-Mex and vegetarian dishes at their restaurant. Catering for private parties is available upon request. They also have a Happy Hour.

All In London Review

El Paso suffers a revamp

Quite what the management of El Paso were thinking of when they re-decorated is uncertain. Gone is the dimly lit ambience of the bar and candlelit romance of the mezzanine level restaurant, something which made up much of the appeal of this easy-going Shoreditch bar and café. Instead, the walls have been painted a sterile white, reminiscent of a doctor’s surgery or other similarly hard to endure environment, giving the room the sort of unflattering glow you experience in public toilets. Despite the newly brightened up décor this café cum bar cum restaurant has managed to retain its laidback character, providing more opportunities for seating and casual conversation than many of the surrounding bars, and the clientele is mostly composed of couples or friends in pairs here for dinner or a catch-up rather than boisterous large groups. While the Mexican-themed food is far from authentic, it’s cheap and stodgy, which at times are two essential factors, and this formula has kept El Paso going long enough to be considered an old timer. There is a cocktail list containing classic mojitos and Manhattans and Mexican bottled beers like Corona and Modelo are on offer, but El Paso doesn’t just cater to evening drinkers as it opens from 9.30 am for breakfast and offers free Wi-Fi to customers. They also seem to have a knack for employing friendly staff, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable. It’s just such a shame about those walls.

Reviewed by Leila
Published on Mar 16, 2011

A safe haven in E1

Whenever meeting a friend in Shoreditch I always find El Paso ideal. Dimly lit and atmospheric, the lack of loud music means a quiet chat is possible. It fills up at weekends, but doesn’t get unbearably busy.

The basement is where the club is, and different events take place throughout the week. (El Paso stays open till 1am during the week and 2.30 am from Thursday to Saturday, none of this closing at 11.30 pm nonsense). In the past this room has remained dark save for the light of candles that have been placed in strategic places. A very interesting experience that heightens the senses.

The ground floor is where the bar is, with old looking wooden tables and chairs that give the place an old Western saloon type feel. There is also an attractive mezzanine floor which serves as the dining area (although you can eat on the ground floor too) with cute candles, napkins and cutlery laid out on each table.

The menu is Mexican influenced, and very good value. Choose three large bowls from a choice of rice, salad, chicken or others for only £6, quantities are generous too. There is the usual attempt at Tex Mex food with quesadillas, fajitas, etc. Attempting to stick to a regime during the first part of the year I ordered a salad knowing I was tempting fate; salads are never tasty or appealing when eating out in my experience. However here the salad had been seasoned with a lovely dressing of herbs and vinegar, had tuna, olives and good tomatoes, and I practically licked my plate clean. It may not be the most authentic but it’s tasty and perfect if you’re on a budget.

Despite this ambitious attempt at containing bar, restaurant and club, El Paso is unassuming and attracts a relaxed crowd, a mixture of couples dining, friends out for a quiet drink, or individuals having a pint alone after work whilst reading the paper. It works, as El Paso has been going strong for a number of years, and is a safe haven in this part of E1.

Reviewed by Leila
Published on Feb 4, 2009

Best For

Our favourite venues for dinner and a dance

Full stomach? Now let's hit the floor...

For laidback eating, drinking and dancing in Shoreditch there is El Paso. The food is Mexican-inspired and cheap, cocktails and drinks are also modestly priced. The basement has DJs playing everything from hip hop to cheesy rock anthems depending when you turn up, and while it’s a bit of a last-minute option (entry is free and there’s never a queue) it’s a decent night out on a budget.

User Reviews

T.A.O

Dec 4, 2013

Cafe El Paso has been in Shoreditch for so long you think it might get worse as time goes by. No chance. The fajitas here are still as good as they've ever been.

If I'm ever stuck for an idea for food in this area El Paso is first choice for a safe bet.

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