Best El Paso-area restaurants to grab romantic Valentine's Day lunch, dinner

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times

February 8, 2024 at 11:01 PM·3 min read

Most Valentine's Day plans in El Paso include a special lunch or dinner to celebrate love and friendship.

Fortunately, El Pasoans have a lot of choices when it comes to celebrating a special occasion in all parts of the city, as well as Las Cruces. Many restaurants offer a first-come, first-served policy and only a few will require reservations.

We've gathered some of the best spots in El Paso and Las Cruces to have a romantic outing and a great meal, whether you're a steak or seafood lover.

Here's a sampling of some of the best spots to consider for Valentine's D ay plans.

Anson 11

Address: 303 N Oregon St., Downtown El Paso.

The restaurant Anson 11 offers two unique dining experiences: the casual friendly Bistro on the first floor with additional patio seating and Upstairs restaurant with American cuisine.

The Bistro offers vegetarian, seafood, pasta and beef dishes. The 12-ounce Ribeye is an excellent choice with the super creamy loaded mashed potatoes. Add some sautéed onions and baby mushrooms to crown that tender steak.

The 12-ounce Ribeye with skin-on loaded, mashed potatoes. ($40) at Anson 11 is a great choice for date night.

Upstairs find iconic table-side preparations and family-style sides, including a shareable 32-ounce Bison Tomahawk, Lobster tail and lamb dishes.

Information: anson11.com

Cafe Central

Address: 109 N. Oregon St., Downtown El Paso.

Centered in Downtown, Cafe Central is one of the most upscale restaurants in El Paso, offering elegance and a varied dinner menu that includes lamb, duck and American Wagyu dishes.

It might be hard to reserve a table for Valentine's Day, but you can always have an earlier or later celebration the same week.

Information: www.cafecentral.com

Corralito Steakhouses, Weso Steakhouse

There are several Corralito locations: 5800 Doniphan Drive, 1160-A Airway Blvd., 2725 N. Mesa St. Suite 100, 1501 N. Zaragoza Road, and 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, New Mexico. Weso Steakhouse is at 601 N Mesa St. Suite 150.

A family franchise for more than 15 years along the borderland, Corralito Steakhouse is known for its high-quality steaks in both El Paso and Juárez. A favorite dish on the borderland is Tampique?a, which pairs a juicy steak with a cheesy enchilada, refried beans and guacamole.

Billy Crews, Santa Teresa, New Mexico

Address: 1200 Country Club Road, Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

If you want to feel like you're getting away, make plans for dinner at Billy Crews, a long-time restaurant tucked in Santa Teresa. The tables are already set for a lovely dinner with red cloth napkins folded into wine glasses.

The restaurant has won top awards from Wine Enthusiast and Santé Magazine and has a varied menu, including custom-cut steaks, fresh seafood, prime rib, chicken, lamb and veal.

The restaurant wine cellar holds more than 3,200selections and more than 200 imported to choose from for a special romantic toast. The restaurant plans various wine tastings throughout the year.

Billy Crews in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, is known for fine dining.

Mesa Street Grill

Address: 3800 N. Mesa St.

On the West Side, make plans for a special Valentine's dinner at Mesa Street Grill, known for its great atmosphere, service and quality food.

Mesa Street Grill, 3800 N. Mesa St. Suite D1.

Dinner options include Chilean Seabass, 14-ounce ribeyes, salmon and pasta dishes. You won't be disappointed with their collection if you're a wine connoisseur.

Information: www.mesastreetgrill.com.

When you are hankering for a big steak, head on over to Mesa Street Grill.

D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro

Address: 1720 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces, New Mexico.

If you have time to make a day of it, include D.H. Lescombes Winery & Bistro, at 1720 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces, in your lunch or dinner plans.

The winery and restaurant offer great views, with many windows facing a gorgeous patio. It's a great place to celebrate love and friendship over wine and a nice meal. The menu offers a variety of dishes, from pasta and meatloaf to steaks and burgers.

Try a Heritage Flight for various wines, including Pinot Gris, Rose, and Cabernet Sauvignon.