Puff, puff, pass the sandwich: Blazing preview of first Cheba Hut in El Paso
No cannabis was needed at the special VIP opening of the marijuana-themed Cheba Hut restaurant and bar in East El Paso at 3001 N. Zaragoza Road.
It is the first Cheba Hut to open in El Paso and officially opens its doors on Friday, Feb. 23. Another one is in the works on the West Side.
The words "intoxicating" and "stoked" were still apropos, whether referring to the party vibe (complete with DJ) or many memorable sandwich and munchie items.
Cheba Hut is an Arizona-based franchise, founded by Scott Jennings in 1998, that prides itself on its Toasted sub concept while also coming up with some fun and delectable items tied to a specific counterculture.
The El Paso restaurant is owned by Isaac Montoya, who grew up in Albuquerque, N.M. and began his career in the company 12 years ago as a crew member and moved up to general manager before becoming an owner. He has three restaurants in Albuquerque, and now with the El Paso locations, will soon have five under his belt.
On Wednesday, the new East Side spot was busy all night, with El Pasoans excited to sample popular sandwiches, munchies, desserts and drinks. Employees were equally excited and knowledgeable, giving input on their favorite sandwiches. Customers also were stoked about trying cocktails with cool names like Dirty Hippy and the refreshing Cheba Rita.
The bar, inset inside the restaurant away from the cash register, gives the restaurant more of a neighborhood bar feel. The dining area is decorated with a colorful mural of a scenic desert landscape with a trippy twist by Cheba Hut muralist Finley. People also will be able to eat outside in a spacious patio with 100 seats.
More: Dave's Hot Chicken is good, crunchy, but spicy hot? Here's how it went.
Montoya, in an email, said El Paso is special, and he intends to keep the restaurant as an East Side gathering spot.
"El Paso is a very unique location because of how neighborhood-oriented it is, and we plan to lean into that with the new shop. Our goal is to become the city's undisputed neighborhood hangout and I truly feel the interior and exterior of the shop capture that inviting vibe we hope to give off."
Without further ado, here is what we enjoyed from the menu and its most outstanding items.
Cheba Hut toasted subs
Cheba Hut offers more than 30 signature toasted items, and it takes a minute to two to scan the menu boards and decide. It's easier to start with the munchies and dessert list since it's shorter.
The sandwich menu is divided into three categories: chicken and turkey, veggie and meat. We decided to sample the AK-47 (French dip), the Panama Red (chicken marinara), and the Apollo 13. Sandwiches are offered in three sizes: four-inch nug, eight-inch pinner and 12-inch blunt.
Toasted bread makes all the sandwiches noteworthy. The AK-47, or French Dip, brings roast beef, portobello mushrooms, onions and plenty of provolone together in a mouth-watering bite. And a quick dip in the au jus on the side is the perfect complement.
For those who enjoy pizza in sandwich form, the Panama Red offers a grilled chicken breast enveloped in marinara and double provolone within heavenly garlic bread. Alternatively, the Dank combines Genoa salami, pepperoni and marinara sauce.
Last but certainly not least, the Apollo 13 is a solid choice. Think of it as a Greek salad in sandwich form, featuring grilled chicken breast, garlic butter, kalamata olives, feta, tomatoes, purple onions and spring mix. The chicken is consistently flavorful and moist in all sandwiches, while the onions and arugula add a fresh, crispy touch.
Cheba Hut munchies
The Munchies menu certainly has its merit if you are in the mood for something sweet or salty.
The Pretzel Nuggets, little bites tossed in garlic butter and salt, quickly disappear when dipped in the homemade honey mustard. And the Krispy Bar, a basket of Rice Krispy treats, is downright delicious — no need to say more.
But on the salty chip side, the Loaded Not'chos, hands down, was our favorite snack. The side consists of a bed of Doritos, topped with melted cheese, fresh jalapeno slices, black olives and then drizzled with Ranch dressing and hot sauce. It's the combination you didn't know you had to have.
Cheba Hut hours
The restaurant will be open 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Information: 915-219-7440.
Cheba Hut on the West Side
Westsiders have to wait just a bit to get their own Cheba Hut. Montoya said the plan is to open the restaurant the first week of April. The restaurant will be where Union Draft House is located, at 730 Sunland Park Drive.
More: Lent fish fry dinner, special menu options in El Paso
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; [email protected], @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: First Cheba Hut blazes into El Paso: Sneak peek at toasted sandwiches
