Café Central
More like a fine New York or Chicago restaurant, Café Central’s décor lives up to the quality and the elegance of its food. The menuy is creative, eclectic and gourmet. The Puntas de Filete, sliced tenderloin with Jalapeño Au Jus, is a house specialty, and the Tempura Battered Soft Shell Crab on Mango Habanero Sauce and Coconut Rice is a taste sensation rarely equaled. For an appetizer try the Central Crab Cakes with Herb Remoulade. Though pricey, the food is so exquisite you’ll eat the cost and go back for more! Full bar. 109 N. Oregon, 545.2233. $$$

Downtown Sports Bar & Grill
A Boston-style pub in downtown El Paso, sort of like Cheers (where everyone knows your name), has worn-brick walls and authentic tin ceilings and is also a deli. Try the Swiss and avocado sandwich on wheat bread, with a side of Mediterranean pasta salad. The salad is seasoned and dressed well—but not overdressed for a pub. Big television screens broadcast all the important sporting events. Full bar. 317 Mills, 546.4004. $

Geogeske
The Sashimi orders fly in faster than any others. Tender, sliced, seared tuna, is served with shaved, fresh ginger, wasabi and a soy-based dipping sauce. Order it as an appetizer, main course or with the house salad. Get there early; this hip place turns into a hot spot for partiers by late evening. Full bar. 2701 N. Stanton, 544.4242. $$

Greenery Restaurant & Market
If you are going out to eat or looking for great ingredients to cook at home, the Greenery is an excellent choice. The restaurant has been an El Paso tradition for years with a menu ranging from freshly made soups and salads to sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, great Mexican food and even fresh-baked muffins. In the evening, they also offer a select gourmet menu. The wine and beer list is one of the best in town. After dinner, go next door to the market for fabulous prepared foods from their kitchen, a huge deli counter with meats and cheeses, fresh baked goods, coffee, a huge wine selection, etc.. Beer and wine. 750 Sunland Park Drive in Sunland Park Mall, 584.6706. $$

JB’s Café
JB’s Café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, brunch on weekends. The sandwiches are stacked high with fresh ingredients. Dinner entrée choices include Apple Cider Pork Chops, Hibachi Salmon and Jamaica Jerk Shrimp. Beer and wine. 5801 N Mesa, 581.7999. $$

Jaxon’s Restaurant & Brewing Company
Well known in the region as “The Place” for southwestern favorites, Jaxon’s delivers a variety of selections - from burgers, to fish and steaks to their mouth watering baby-back ribs, to salad and pastas. Their signature soups and desserts make the experience well rounded. Full bar. 1135 Airway, 778.9696. 4799 N Mesa, 544.1188. 7410 Remcon, 845.6557. $$

K Bar & Grille
The food here is explosively tasty. The Cream of Asparagus soup is a tangy, warm, velvety satisfying starter. The Grilled Salmon with Citrus Butter and Citrus Baby Spinach with Artichoke Hearts is a tantalizing combination of mellow and tart. For a true sophisticated treat, sample the Angus Rib Eye with Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes. 2609 N. Mesa, 533.4576. $$$

Magic Pan
The Magic Pan offers a popular patio for outdoor dining and a cozy, indoor dining room with a relaxed atmosphere. The lunch menu includes a selection of gourmet salads, sandwiches and entrees with an interesting Southwestern flare. Soups are made daily with fresh ingredients, according to what seasonal fruits and vegetables are available. The dinner menu always includes a steak, chicken or fish entree; their preparation changes regularly. Beer and wine only. Placita Santa Fe, 5034 Doniphan, 581.2121. $$

Pelican’s
Pelican’s does a brisk business in both the bar and the dining room. Recommended dishes are the Shrimp Monterey, shrimp stuffed with crab and Monterey jack cheese and wrapped in bacon and baked and the very tender Teriyaki Beef Kabob with grilled bell peppers and onions served on a bed of rice. Full bar. 130 Shadow Mountain, 581.1392; 1780 Lee Trevino, 598.5662. $$$

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Pho Tre Bien
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine is on the menu only. Try spring rolls, shrimp and pork or vegetarian, made with fried tofu, and served with a peanut dipping sauce. For the main course, try the charbroiled marinated beef over vermicelli rice noodles and a fish sauce accented with rice wine vinegar and shredded carrots served on the side. The Vietnamese pancake, stuffed with bean sprouts, pork, shrimp and other vegetables, and complimented by a plate of pickled vegetables and fresh herbs with romaine lettuce leaves in which to wrap them is a must try. No alcohol. 8838 Viscount, 598.0166. $

Sam’s Chinese Restaurant
This cute, little yellow house is a Chinese restaurant in disguise. Start with the Crab Rangoon appetizer (deep fried wonton filled with cream cheese, crab, and seasonings) and finish with anything else on the menu. All menu items are MSG-free. 1501 Yandell, 577.0961. $$

Singapore Café
This popular west-side Thai restaurant packs them in with an extensive menu of authentic Asian cuisine. Try the fresh spring rolls made with or without seafood. Other favorites include Ayam Padas, crispy fried chicken bites in a rich chile and garlic sauce with onions and pepper, and the Veggie Nasi Goreng, fried rice with stir-fried vegetables and tofu. No alcohol. 4120 N. Mesa, 533.2889. $$

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The Eastside Café
This small café, serving breakfast and lunch daily, has a neighborhood atmosphere and home-style cooking. The extensive menu (over 70 items to choose from!) offers traditional Mexican and American diner-type food, anything from fried catfish to mole enchiladas. 11251 Rojas, Suite B, 592.9606. $

Lumenbrite Café
This downtown café offers two ways to get wired. First, there’s the full-service coffee bar, then there’s the wireless Internet access. Baked goods are available for breakfast, and sandwiches are served at lunch. Closed Sundays. 217 N. Stanton, 838-1015. $

Pike Street Market
Located in the heart of El Paso, under the roof of the historic Cortez Building is the quaint little café Pike Street Market. Rosie, and her friendly staff cook up yummy salads, sandwiches, soups and hot drinks. Muffins are ready by 9 a.m. – lemon poppy seed, blueberry, orange cranberry to name a few. The Fred’s sandwich, which is made with ham or turkey and the fixings, topped off with fresh avocado and cheese is a house favorite. And every lunch should be topped with a fruit cup – the best and biggest in town. 207 E Mills, 545.1010. $

Sweet Endings
A dessert boutique offering an extensive variety of “Sweet Endings.” The dessert selection is constantly changing, and special orders are welcome. Gracing the display cases: individual cakes, chocolate dipped Oreo cookies, flan, chocolate dipped strawberries and fudge. Enjoy your treat with a glass of wine. 5380 N. Mesa, 231.2300. $$

The Table
With a smart, hip, urban interior, The Table is the perfect neighborhood eatery. A short-but-delightful menu of inspired salads, soups and sandwiches plus additional daily treats like lasagna, Asian chicken lettuce wraps or grilled salmon embodies the use of simple, high-quality ingredients that Chef Megan Hoover holds so dear. A Niçoise salad, a plt (pancetta, lettuce, tomato) or a grilled cheese of sharp cheddar with green apples, a bottle of wine and a snicker doodle make a terrific meal at the community table, a café table outside under an umbrella, at home or at the office. 300 Cincinnati Ave., 313.9500, $

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The BBQ Pit Company
This large, airy western-themed BBQ joint does an excellent job blazing cattle, swine and fowl. The pork loin sandwich, served with chippers (homemade potato chips) and a side is tender, sliced thin, and generous. The baked potatoes are truly Texas-sized, and delightful is the best word to describe the warm, not-too-sweet blueberry cobbler topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Beer, wine, and margaritas. 1345 George Dieter, 590.5227. $$

Smitty’s Pit Bar-B-Que
The chopped BBQ pork sandwich and German fries are made just the way they were when Smitty opened nearly 50 years ago. Smitty’s also serves a healthy, hearty smoked turkey sandwich on a wholewheat bun. Everything tastes better with Smitty’s signature spicy BBQ sauce, available for purchase at the register. Whether it’s BBQ pork, beef, turkey or ham, save room for the millionaire pie—your sweet tooth will be glad you did. Beer and wine. 6219 Airport Rd., 772.5876. $$

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Rosco’s Burger Inn
The menu is basic burger joint—burgers with grilled onions sort of smashed into the patty, fries, hot dogs and caldillo. According to plenty of fans Rosco’s is the best burger in town. 3829 Tompkins, 564.9028. $

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Gunther’s Edelweiss
German accents and genuine German dishes fill the menu with several schnitzels, lots of sausages and other specialties, like goulash and beef rouladen. Be sure to try the fleischpflanzerl, Bavarian-style chopped steak patties baked like meatloaf and smothered in white gravy with mashed potatoes on the side. Full bar with German selections. 11055 Gateway West, 592.1084. $$

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Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
The restaurant/bar called the Mecca Lounge serves gourmet pizzas from the outdoor wood-burning pizza oven and a tight, eclectic menu of entrees. The salmon filet stuffed with herbed goat cheese is ridiculously delicious and your mouth will thank you for it. Nestled below Mount Cristo Rey, the property is hidden and quiet, just hard enough to get to which pretty much guarantees you’ll eat surrounded by a “cool-cats only” crowd. 1 Ardovino Dr., Sunland Park, (505)589.0653. $$$

Cappetto’s Italian Restaurant
This family-owned Italian-style restaurant has been around since 1956. As a starter, try a tossed salad, made with fresh romaine lettuce, grated carrots, diced tomatoes and croutons, and for an extra buck, add Italian meats and cheeses, olives and more fresh veggies. The fettuccini with Chicken and Fresh Peppers is sliced chicken breast stir fried with yellow, green and red peppers in extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Outdoor dining on the front covered patio is noisy but pleasant. Beer and wine. 2716 Montana, 566.9357. $$

Dominic’s Ristorante Italiano
The food here is superior. At the diner’s request, fresh, succulent crab meat can be crumbled on top of everything from Caesar salad to bruchetta. The untraditional Chicken Gambini has a bold splash of jalapenos and the Chicken Fromaggio melts in a warm, creamy, garlic cheese. For chocolate lovers, Dominic’s offers delightful desserts from their adjoining chocolate shop. 6901 Montana Ave., 778.0011, $$$

House of Pizza
The pizzas are really good...but they do break one cardinal rule of great pizza making: canned mushrooms! Along with fresh-baked pizzas, the menu includes hot and cold subs and spaghetti. Beer and wine. Cash only. 2016 N. Piedras, 565.7240. $$

Lorenzo’s de Mesilla Ristorante Italiano
Lobster ravioli served in lemon and butter basil sauce, Fetuccini Carbonara cream sauce with sliced ham and green peas, both served with dinner salad and bread, are but a few gems on the menu. On the plaza in Old Mesilla, the dining experience is worth the drive. 1750 Calle de Mercado, Suite 4, Las Cruces, NM, (505)525.3170.  $$

Michelino’s Italian Restaurant
Michelino’s has been cooking up pasta sauce since 1972. The staff is familiar with its customers, and even if you are a first timer, you are made to feel like a regular. The meat ravioli, stuffed with a spicy ground beef filling, is freshly made and covered with a slightly sweet tomato sauce. Portions are generous; half orders are available on most pasta dishes. Beer and wine. 3615 Rutherglen, 592.1700. $$

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Mediterranean Cuisine
This cozy restaurant is tucked away in the landmark La Posta Motor Lodge and offers a variety of healthy and mouth-watering Greek, Arabic and Italian meal options, including gyros, mousaka, lamb, chicken, beef, fish, vegetarian dishes, falafel, hommus, kibbee, grape leaves, soups and salads. And the list goes on. No Mediterranean menu would be complete without baklava, and theirs is flaky and rich. Outside dining is also available. No alcohol. 4111 N. Mesa, 542.1012. $$

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Ay Cocula
The tostadas and salcitas, fresh and flavorful, are made on the premises. The shrimp cocktail is made Mexican-style, where the tender shrimp, fresh lime, onion, jalapeños, cilantro and avocado swim in a tomato sauce so good that you’ll want to drink! Beer only. 1435 N. Lee Trevino, 593.3117. $$

Barriga’s
The green chicken enchiladas, stuffed with chicken breast and covered in a fresh green chile sauce, are delicious. The Yuca Pibil (cocinita pibil)—pork loin is cooked to tenderness in an achiote sauce and served with marinated sweet onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Full bar. 1317 George Dieter Dr., 594.1800 and 664 Sunland Park Dr., 845.1627. $$

Casa Jurado
If you give this restaurant only one chance, start with tortilla soup. For the main course, order the Chicken Enchiladas smothered in mole sauce, and finish with flan. The mole sauce is so delicious, it’s sold as a take-out item. Besides the amazing food, you will experience some of the friendliest service in town. Even when the place is packed, you can expect a friendly voice on the phone or a smiling face bringing your entrée while navigating a sea of tables filled with hungry diners. Full bar. 4772 Doniphan, 915.833.1152 and 226 Cincinnati, 915.532.6429. $$

Doña Lupe
A small neighborhood café in the Five Points area serves breakfast and lunch only and packs them in cooking authentic Mexican food favorites and contemporary dishes that taste as good as homemade. The salpicon (shredded cold brisket salad) is prepared with mixed salad greens, fresh jalapeños, cucumber, onion, and avocado and is tossed with a seasoned olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Beer only. 2929 Pershing Drive, 566.9833. $$

Frida’s
The menu, framed in wood, is as artistically designed as the place itself and offers a large selection from seafood to traditional Mexican food. A margarita and the Chiles en Nogada (stuffed poblano chiles with walnut sauce) plate are a must order. Full bar. Trifuno de la Republica #2525, Juarez, 639.01.48. $$

Julio’s Café Corona
A tradition in Mexican cuisine since 1944, Julio’s serves home-style cooking in a customary Mexican setting. The jalapeño soup, served with chicken, avocado, onion, tomato, cilantro and chile chipotle, has a unique and fresh  flavor. Other popular menu items include salpicon, puntas de filet al Albañil, Juilo’s quail and red mole. For dessert, don’t miss the cajeta crepes served warm with the option to have them flamed tableside with tequila or brandy. Full bar. 8050 Gateway East, 591.7676. $$

Little Diner
Off the beaten path in Canutillo, this Mexican food restaurant has been listed on “best of” lists in Texas Monthly, Texas Highways and Gourmet Magazine. Try the gorditas, tamales and fresh, homemade flour and corn tortillas. Little Diner prepares all the traditional favorites and prepares them well. The chicken flautas are always perfectly crisp, and stuffed with a substantial portion of seasoned chicken. Beer only. 7209 Seventh St., Canutillo, Texas, 877.2176. $

Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s
Not only is it one of the most beautiful Mexican restaurants in town, with its old Mexico village setting, but the food is consistently good as well. The Tacos al Pastor are tender slices of pork, marinated in adobo sauce, served with corn tortillas, guacamole and pico de gallo. Another favorite, the green enchiladas, done their way, are smothered in chile con queso. The menu is extensive, offering all the traditional favorites. The bar serves three sizes of margaritas, depending on your buzz needs. Full bar.  1310 Magruder, 778.3323. $$

The Pink Store (in Palomas, Mexico)
Just a 60-mile drive along New Mexico Highway 9 west of El Paso in the sleepy Mexican village of Palomas is The Pink Store with a restaurant inside that serves Mexican food, cold beer and great margaritas. Specialties include the General Zapata tacos (tacos carne asada) and chiles relleño. The store has an amazing collection of beautiful handicrafts from throughout Mexico. One block south of the crossing. (505)531.7243. $$

Tomochi (in Juarez)
Forget IHOP for breakfast. This place has every style of egg, omelet and salsa under el sol not to mention the fruit plates, pancakes, oatmeal, pan dulce, French toast and famous café de olla. If you come on the weekend, be prepared to wait up to 20 minutes for a table. This is a great way to start a Juarez exploration day with your family.  Full bar.  Ave. Lopez Mateos #1145, Juarez, 613.83.70. $

Real Burrit-o
Fresh handmade tortillas always make a difference! Choose from over 15 different burritos, breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Relleno Especial (chile relleno, avocado and onion) and a Mexican apple soda, make for a great lunch. All burritos come with beans (refried or fat-free black beans). 4172 N Mesa, Suite B, 543.9470. $

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Crawdaddy’s
This excellent Cajun restaurant spices up diners on both the east and the west sides of El Paso since opening a second location on Viscount. The standard Louisiana-style fare—crawfish, oysters, gumbo, jambalaya, etc.—is all well prepared. The blackened catfish and pasta is a good choice:  the catfish is served crisp on the outside and still moist within. The Cajun cream sauce for the pasta had a good kick. Full bar on Viscount; beer and wine at Cincinnati location. 212 Cincinnati, 533.9332; 9100 Viscount, 629.7043. $$

Kona Kreek
Kona Kreek is a Hawaiian-themed restaurant with an upscale menu offering a fine selection of seafood, steaks and chicken dishes. The crab cakes are crisp on the outside, tender and moist inside and served over rice. The grilled steaks and seafood come with Kona Kreek’s signature dipping sauce. Top off dinner with a crème brulee, flamed at your table. Full bar. 1545 Lee Trevino, 599.2000. $$$

Señor Fish
This quaint, unpretentious, family-friendly restaurant, serves up yummy Mexican style seafood. Start with the fish soup, accented by a squeeze of fresh lime juice. There are ten types of filete de pescado, including a great Veracruzano. Seafood cocktails and fish tacos round out the menu. Buckets of beer bring in the dinner traffic. Beer and wine only.  9530 Viscount, 598.3630. $$

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Garufa
Garufa offers fine dining in a comfortable, calm environment. Garufa is recognized for its beef. The Lomo Argentino (grilled tenderloin) and the Churrasco (top sirloin) are specialties of the house. For dessert, both the flan and the alfajor are very popular. Full bar. Blvd. Tomas Fernandez #7671, Juarez. Call 011-52-656-625-97-72. $$$

Great American Land and Cattle Co.
The menu offers a variety of steaks and fresh seafood. The filet mignon is generous and tender, served with potato and all-you-can-eat cole slaw and ranch-style beans. You can’t go wrong with the BBQ Chuck Wagon and its large portions of slow-cooked, mouth-watering pork, chicken and beef, but steaks are the best. Full-bar. 7600 Alabama, 751.5300; 600 Valley Chile Rd., 886.4690. $$$

Senses do Brazil
This is El Paso’s first Brazilian-style churrascaria, where your dinner is rotisserie grilled and brought to your table on huge skewers. The waiters  scurry around the restaurant carrying three-foot-long skewers of beef, pork, chicken, vegetables and pineapple hot from the kitchen. Sample it all, then tell your waiter to bring more of what you like best. It’s a carnivore’s delight, and the grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon is delightful. Full bar. 6080 Gateway East, 772.9656. $$$

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Riyoma Japanese Restaurant
This authentic Japanese food restaurant is popular with sushi snobs and novices alike. The squid salad, ten piece sashimi, Philadelphia roll, miso soup, and green tea ice cream were all freshly prepared and excuisite. Seating is limited and the joint is packed at dinner. Dine at the sushi bar, a traditional American table, or sit Japanese style, on the floor. 2000 N. Lee Trevino, 590.8220. $$$

Rol Sports Bar
Full bar. 2711 N. Stanton, 313.9765. $$

Susaki
The sushi rolls are huge, delicious and presented beautifully – the two prettiest being the Caterpillar Roll and the Metropolitan Roll. The menu is filled with diverse entrees that are sure to satisfy any taste bud - Chicken Teppanyaki and the Marinated Chicken to name a few. Susaki has the edge and attitude that El Paso has been lacking for a long time. 1506 N Lee Trevino Dr., 633.9552. $$$

The Sushi Place
A floating sushi bar, contemporary décor and an extensive menu complete with everything from miso soup, to vegetable tempura rolls, specialty rolls and of course fresh rolls (the raw stuff.)  Sake, beer and wine. 2604 N. Mesa, 838.8088. $

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Aceitunas Beer Garden -- 5200 Doniphan. Mariachis, 7-10 p.m. Thursdays; cover varies. 581-3260 or www.aceitunasbeergarden.com.

Adobe Hacienda Hall -- 7200 Mager. 857-7646; 598-4252.

Alamo Ballroom -- 805 Raynor 584-8623.

Andale Restaurant -- 9201 Gateway West at Viscount. 590-5999.

Ardovino's Desert Crossing and the Mecca Lounge -- 1 Ardovino Drive, Sunland Park. Jacob Mossman, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The Manny Flores Jazz Quartet with Claudia Casillas, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursdays. Hot House Jazz, 8 to 11 p.m. the first Friday of the month; Frank Zona and Urban Edge, 8 to 11 p.m. second Friday; Marty Olivas Jazz, 8 to 11 p.m. third Friday; Manny Flores with Dave Borrego, 8 to 11 p.m. fourth Friday. Julio Ortiz, 8 p.m. to midnight Saturdays. Liquid Skin unplugged, 6 to 9 p.m. Sundays. No cover. (505) 589-0653.

Banana Jo's -- 4304 Dyer. 564-9890.

Bar 26 -- 2626 N Mesa. 915.542.2626. www.bar26.com

Bay Lounge -- 6263 Airport. 778-8282.

The Bean -- 1211 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces. (505) 523-0560.

Beerbellies -- 9420 Montana. 599-2220.

Big Al's Wings & Suds -- 1201 Airway. 779-8242.

Billy Crews Restaurant and Lounge -- 1200 Country Club Road, Santa Teresa. Variety music, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays. (505) 589-2071.

Blu -- 209 S. El Paso 351-8258; www.epblu.com.

Bombardiers -- 109 E. Castellano 532-2292.

Bronco Dance Hall -- 8408 Alameda. 778-9548; www.broncodancehall.com.

Bulldog English Pub -- 1201 Bob Hope. 859-9099.

Bullpen Bar -- 408 East Drive. 633-1100.

Buon Giorno Cafe -- 4727 Hondo Pass. 751-8820.

Cactus Café & Bookshop -- 7500 N. Mesa, Suite 107 - 833-2233 or www.cactuscafeandbookshop.com.

Café Central -- 109 N. Oregon. Trio Central, 7 to 10 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. 545-2233 or www.cafecentral.com.

Café West -- 7933 N. Mesa, Suite 1. 833-5600.

Camino Real Hotel -- 101 El Paso. Champagne brunch with guitarist James Clarkston, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sundays; $22.95. 534-3000.

Carlos & Mickey's -- 1310 Magruder. 778-3323.

Casa Jurado Ultra Lounge -- 226 Cincinnati. DJ Johnny Cage, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. 532-6429.

Casa Verde -- 1610 Sioux. 772-8844.

Chama Lounge and Gallery -- 500 Oregon. Live jazz, Fridays. 542-4262.

Chic's -- 9809 Montana. 613-3178 or www.chicsbar.com.

Chit Chat Lounge -- 4808 Dyer St. 564-9377

Click's Billiards -- 1201 Airway. 779-2153.

Cliff Inn's Rome Bar & Lounge -- 1600 Cliff. Jam Session with Yoéme, 8-9 p.m. followed by open mike for musicians, 9-11 p.m. Wednesdays; no cover. A drum set and piano are available. 533-6700.

The Club -- 1200 Foster, Las Cruces. (505) 521-1137.

Club Vallare -- 201 N. Stanton. 544-7474.

The Cockpit Lounge -- 9828 Montana, Suite D. 591-0814.

Crawdaddy's East -- 9100 Viscount. 629-7043.

Crossroads Coffeehouse -- 9109 Dyer. 751-7034.

Da Shack -- 500 San Francisco. 307-6044.

The District -- 412 San Antonio. 443-4864.

Dome Bar -- 101 S. El Paso, inside the Camino Real Hotel. 534-3000.

Dominic's Restaurant & Niteclub -- 6901 Montana. 778-0011.

Downtown Sports Bar & Grill -- 317 Mills. Ricardo Valencia, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; no cover. 546-4004.

Edge of Texas Steakhouse & Saloon -- 8690 Edge of Texas. Tim Thompson, 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; no cover. 822-3343.

El Agave Tequilería -- 6655 Gateway West (inside Holiday Inn). Kevin, 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; no cover. Oscar David, 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays; no cover. Liquid Skin, 5-8 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. Trio Internacional, 5-8 p.m. Fridays; no cover. 778-6411, ext. 4442.

El Frijole Bar -- 710 Noble. 778-3404.

El Paso Saddleblanket Co. -- 6926 Gateway East (across from Cielo Vista Mall). 544-1000.

El Patio -- 2171 Calle de Parian, on the plaza in Mesilla. (505) 526-9943.

Fat Eddie's Restaurant -- inside the Best Western Mesilla Valley Inn, 901 Avenida de Mesilla in Las Cruces. (505) 640-1174.

Flickinger Center for Performing Arts -- 1110 New York Ave., Alamogordo. (505) 437-2202.

Forti's Mexican Elder -- 321 Chelsea. Variety show vocalist Richard Allen, noon and 6:30 Mondays and Thursdays. 772-0067.

Frankie's -- Oasis Lanes, 1660 Zaragoza. 855-1183.

Frankie's -- Fiesta Lanes, 5850 Onix. 842-9696.

Franky's Restaurant -- 9828 Montana. Mariachi Real de Jalisco, 7 p.m. Fridays; no cover. 594-4918.

Furr's Family Dining -- 8585 Dyer. Variety show with vocalist Richard Allen, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays; no cover. 751-2324.

G&R Family Restaurant -- 10801 Pebble Hills. Singer/songwriter Robert Vega, 6 p.m. Saturdays; no cover. 595-1314.

Garage Tequila Bar -- 4025 N. Mesa. 543-9402.

Gerardo's Restaurant and Bar -- 6099 Montana. Grupo Melao, Fridays and Saturdays. Karaoke Canta, Tuesdays. Hugo Cortez (Juan Gabriel tribute), Wednesdays. Mariachis, Thursdays. 771-7781.

Goodtimes Sports Bar & Night Club -- 4910 Dyer El Paso TX 79930.

Great American Land & Cattle Co. -- 7600 Alabama. 751-5300.

Griggs Authentic New Mexican Style Cuisine -- 9007 Montana. James Springer, 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays; no cover. 598-3451.

Groove -- 2609 Mesa. 533-4576.

Handlebars -- 1740 Lee Treviño. 633-9351.

Hemingway's -- 214 Cincinnati. 532-7333.

High Desert Brewing Co. -- 1201 W. Hadley, Las Cruces. Steve Smith, 8 p.m. Thursday; no cover. (505) 525-6752.

Hiney's -- 8220 Gateway East. 590-0115.

Holiday Inn Airport -- 6655 Gateway West. 778-6411.

Hoot N Annie -- 150 E. Madrid in Las Cruces. (505) 525-8303.

The House of Rock & Roll -- 4645 N. Mesa in the Coronado Motel. Dark Funeral, Enslaved and Abigail Williams, 7 p.m. Saturday, $20. 443-8464 or www.houseofrockandroll.com.

Hurricane Alley -- 1490 Missouri, Las Cruces. (505) 532-9358.

Hurricane Bar and Grill -- 1475 George Dieter, Suite R.
il Vicino Cafe -- 204 Boston. 726-0141.

The Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino -- 287 Carrizozo Canyon Road, in Mescalero, N.M. (800) 545-9011 or (505) 464-7777.

Iron Horse -- 4930 Hondo Pass.

Java Dave's Coffee -- 985 N. Resler. 581-7770 or www.cravejavadaves.com.

Jitters Coffee House & Grill -- 6100 Montana. 591-0121.

Jokers Bar -- 2716 Piedras. 256-6056 or www.myspace.com/jokersbar.

Joseph's Lounge -- 8227 North Loop. 771-7282; 595-9910.

Kahunas -- 3998 Doniphan. 581-0505.

Kern Place Market -- 2609 N. Mesa. Rich Bolling performs classical, original and jazz standards, 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays. 533-4576.

King's X -- 4119 N. Mesa. Royal Mud, 9:30 p.m. Saturday; no cover. 544-4795.
Kinley's House Coffee & Teas -- 2231 N. Mesa. 838-7177.

Kristoph's Coffees -- 1506 Lee Treviño. Memento Mori, Glass House and Angel, 7:30 p.m. Saturday; no cover. 544-4795.

La Cuesta -- 1926 Montana. Oscar David alternating with Mariachi Los Galleros, 6 p.m. Thursdays and 7 p.m. Fridays. Alejandro Chavez, 6 to 8 p.m. Saturdays. Brunch with Alfredo Guerra, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays; no cover. Reservations recommended. 532-8468.
Lancers Club -- 6006 N. Mesa, 11th floor, Coronado Tower. 584-4421.

La Hacienda -- 1720 W. Paisano. 533-1919.

Las Villanas Bar -- 408 East Drive. 731-3567.

La Viña Winery -- 4201 S. Highway 28 in La Union, N.M. (505) 882-7632 or www.lavinawinery.com.

The Light Bar -- 1700 Zaragoza. 202, 9:30 p.m. Saturday. 857-9050.

Lone Star Billiards -- 7792 Franklin.

Longhorn Saloon & Dance Emporium -- 5354 Doniphan. Jerry, David and the Longhorn Dance Band, 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays. The Longhorn Dance Band, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7-11 p.m. Sundays. www.longhorndanceemporium.com.

Los Pinos Mexican Food -- 5019 Alabama. Richard Allen's variety show, 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; no cover. 566-1838.

Lucky Devils -- 1510 Bengal. Captain Bringdown and the Buzzkillers, Under the Gun, The Intellijents, and The Turboprops, 8 p.m. Tuesday; cover varies. 663-1636 or www.devilbar.com.

Magic Pan Restaurant -- 5034 Doniphan. Dan Lambert, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays; Julio Ortiz, 6 to 10 p.m. Fridays; Ricardo Valencia, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturdays. No cover. 581-2121.

Margarita's -- 8750 Gateway. Mariachis Flores Mexicanas, 8:30 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. 592-9950.

Maverick's -- 6999 Montana. 779-7368.

Maverick's -- 11395 James Watt. 591-2208.

Mesa Street Grill -- 2525 N. Mesa. Michael Beeler, 8 p.m. to midnight Wednesdays. 532-1881.

Mulligan's North Bar and Grill -- 10710 Gateway North, Suite A1. 822-9366.

Nasty Jack's Wild Bunch Saloon -- 209 W. Washington, Anthony, Texas. 866-5153.

Nickie's Sports Cantina -- 2720 Montana. 566-4688.

The New Old Plantation -- 301 S. Ochoa. 533-6055.

O2 Lounge -- 2700 N. Mesa. 532-0202.

Oasis 7 -- 1119è Picacho in Las Cruces. (505) 528-0777.

The Other Bar -- 5500 Doniphan. 875-0852.

Palacios Bar & Patio -- 2600 Avenida de Mesilla, Las Cruces. (505) 525-2910.

Panache L'Experience -- 1550 Hawkins, Suite A21. 595-2665; www.elpasopanache.com.

Pelicans East Restaurant -- 1780 N. Lee Treviño. Billy Townes and Steve Marquez, 7 p.m. Wednesdays; no cover. 598-5662.

Pelicans Restaurant -- 130 Shadow Mountain. Steve Marquez and Level 3 Jazz Group, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. 581-1392.

The Piano Bar -- 6901 Montana, inside Dominic's. 778-0011.

The Pirates Cove -- 4110 Dyer. 562-1523.

Players Lounge -- 10122 Dyer. 755-8100.

Players Billiards -- 4024 Dyer. Brethren, 9:30 p.m. today; no cover. 565-7665.
Q8 Cafe -- 2400 Oregon.

Railroad Blues -- 504 W. Holland, Alpine. The Mother Truckers, 10 p.m. today; $7. Omar and the Howlers, 10 p.m. Saturday; $10. The Resonators, 10 p.m. Feb. 2; $6. (432) 837-3103 or www.railroadblues.com.

Ranas Garden -- 1499 Lee Treviño. 594-0512.

Rio Grande Theater -- 211 Downtown Mall, in Las Cruces. Randy Granger, American Indian flutist and percussionist, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday; no cover. (505) 523-6403.

Riviera Restaurant Cantina -- 5218 Doniphan. Guitar Slim, 8:30 p.m.-1 a.m. today; no cover. 584-1542.

Rock Kiss Cafe -- 4908 Alberta. 881-8310.

Rockabilly's -- 8601 Dyer. 755-1689.

Rock Inn Club -- 3315 Dyer. 564-5700.

Sand Dunes Ballroom -- 11400 Rojas. 590-3656.

Savino's Italian Restaurant -- 9449 Montana. 598-7948.
Sharx -- 1480 N. Mesa.

Smokey's Pit Stop -- 9100 Viscount. 592-3141.

Speaking Rock -- 122 S. Old Pueblo Road. 860-7777.

State Line -- 1222 Sunland Park. 581-3371.

Studio 69 -- 524 San Francisco. 543-9000.

Sugar Daddy's -- 1204 Airway. 4 Deadened 5, 9 p.m. Saturday; no cover. Magic show by Rey & Monique plus BJ Pando and mariachis, 7 p.m. Tuesdays; no cover. 778-3966.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino -- 1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park. No cover for all shows in the Franklin Lounge. (505) 874-5200 or www.sunland-park.com.

Tattoo Dan's -- 5810 Dyer. 240-4614.

Teddy's -- 6655 Gateway West (inside Holiday Inn). Mariachi Los Galleros, 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. Sundays. Origen Latino, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays. Mariachi Real de Jalisco, 9 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays. BJ Pando y La Mescal, 8 p.m. to midnight Thursdays. 778-6411, ext. 4442.

Texas Tornado -- 7806 North Loop. 590-0508.

Three Legged Monkey -- 1550 Hawkins, Suites 2, 3 and 4. www.threeleggedmonkey.com.

Thundering Java Studios -- 511 W. Paisano.

Thyme Matters -- 5857 Mesa, Suite 24.

Tony's Mexican Food -- 1788 N. Zaragoza. Variety show vocalist Richard Allen, 6 p.m. Saturdays; no cover. 849-0122.

T/S Ultra Lounge -- 11701 Gateway West. 858-3459.

Twinz Lounge -- 6203 Airport. 772-2827.

Uncle Paulie's Pub -- 126 Shadow Mountain. 832-9570.

The Warehouze -- 201 Americas. 857-3676.

Whiskey Dicks -- 14240 Horizon. 852-6001.

White Stallion Saloon -- 10416 Dyer. 821-2351.

Zeppelin's Pub -- 111 E. Robinson. Slunt, Cantina Flys, Op3r4dor and Fixed Idea, 9 p.m. Saturday; $5. Crash Kennedy, Feb. 16; $3. www.myspace.com/zeppelinsep or 543-3286.

Zin Valle Vineyards -- 7345 Highway 28, Canutillo. 877-2257.

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Ardovino's Desert Crossing and the Mecca Lounge -- 1 Ardovino Drive, Sunland Park. DJ Vampyro spins house with jazzy Latin rhythms from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays. (505) 589-0653.

Bamboo Lounge -- 9099 Gateway West. 595-9800.

Bay Lounge -- 6263 Airport. '80s music with DJs Miranda and Keith, Fridays; no cover. 778-8282.

Billy Crews -- 1200 Country Club Road. Jack Welch and Shadow, variety dance music, 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. (505) 589-2071.

Blu -- 209 S. El Paso. 351-8258. www.epblu.com.

Bombardiers -- 109 E. Castellano. 532-2292.

Casa Jurado Ultra Lounge -- 226 Cincinnati. DJ Johnny Cage, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays; no cover. 532-6429.

Club Dedo -- 204 Rio Grande. 533-4684.

Club Vallare -- 201 N. Stanton. 544-7474.

Club Warehouse No. 1 -- 1148 Airway. DJ SlowMo spins hip-hop, reggaeton and Top 40 for college night, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesdays; $5; no cover for women 21 and older. DJ Jamboy spins retro music from the '70s, '80s and '90s, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays; $5; no cover for women 21 and older.

Da Shack -- 500 San Francisco. Wild Wednesdays with Top 40 and requested music, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesdays; $5 men; no cover for women before 10 p.m. Hip-hop, R&B and reggaeton, 9 p.m.- 3a.m. Saturdays; $6. 892-8592.

The District -- 412 E. San Antonio. Old school and disco, 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays; cover varies. Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays; 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturdays; and 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. 532-9700 or www.thedistrictep.com.

Downtown Sports Bar & Grill -- 317 Mills. 546-4004.

Erin's Bar and Grill -- 6306 N. Mesa. TKC DJs from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Fridays; no cover. 833-4661.

Fat Mary's Martini Bar and Grill -- 8635 Dyer.

Goodtimes Sports Bar & Night Club -- 4910 Dyer El Paso TX 79930.

Graham Central Station -- 1840 N. Lee Treviño. Bell Bottoms, Cats Karaoke, Zazoo and Tejano Rose, Wednesdays-Saturdays. Doors open at 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, at 5 p.m. Fridays. 18 and older Wednesdays and Saturdays; 21 and older Thursdays and Fridays. Cover varies. 599-2553.

Gerardo's Restaurant and Bar -- 6099 Montana. Dancing to Grupo Melao, Fridays and Saturdays. 771-7781.

Groove -- 2609 Mesa. Local DJs mix up a variety of dance music. 533-4576.

Joe, John & Mark Club -- 601 N. Piedras. Thursdays, DJ Billy. DJ Downtown Freddy Brown and DJ Tony also play Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. 549-0202.

Longhorn Saloon & Dance Emporium -- 5354 Doniphan. Line-dancing lessons with Raul Hernandez, 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Jerry David and the Longhorn Dance Band, 8 p.m.-midnight Thursdays. The Longhorn Dance Band, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7-11 p.m. Sundays. Club open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. every day. 585-7811.

Lucky Devils -- 1510 Bengal. 663-1636. Flashback Friday, 9 p.m. Fridays. www.devilbar.com.

Margarita's -- 8750 Gateway East. Latino night with mariachis, 8 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. Rocking Tuesdays, with dance music beginning at 5 p.m.; $5. Salsa dance lessons, 8 p.m. Wednesdays; $3. 592-9950.

Monica's Night Club -- 9841 Montana. Live bands play Mexican music, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays; cover varies. Salsa and merengue, 8 p.m. Thursdays; no cover. Disco, Sundays. Doors open at 5 p.m. 593-6478.

The New Old Plantation -- 301 S. Ochoa. Top 40, retro and alternative dance music, 9 p.m. Thursdays-Sundays; $5. 533-6055.

Panache L'Experience -- 1550 Hawkins, Suite 21. Saturdays, hip-hop, $6 cover; Sundays, Top 40, R&B and hip-hop; Wednesdays, old school hip-hop; Thursdays, salsa night with live band, $5 cover includes salsa lessons. 595-2665; www.elpasopanache.com.

The Peanut Gallery -- 3808 Pershing. SWAT DJs spin house and techno, 9 p.m. Thursdays; $3; 18 and older. 921-8146.

Player's Billiard Parlor & Nightclub -- 4024 Dyer. Hip-hop/R&B Night production by epnightlife.com, and Power 102 DJs Poo One and Marc X every Thursday; $5 cover. 565-7665.

Players Lounge -- 10122 Dyer. 755-8100.

The Pour House -- 9477 Dyer. 759-7166.

San Francisco Express -- 511 Western. 533-1030.

Senses do Brazil -- 6080 Gateway East. 867-2378.

The Sharkbar -- 4620 Dyer. 892-8592.

Sharx -- 1480 N. Mesa.

Studio 69 -- 524 San Francisco. Live music and guest DJs, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays. Cover varies; VIP memberships available; dress code enforced. 543-9000.

Teddy's -- 6655 Gateway West (inside Holiday Inn). DJ, Fridays and Saturdays. 778-6411, ext. 4442.

Texas Bar and Grill -- 6404 N. Mesa. 585-3100.

Twinz Lounge -- 6203 Airport. Hip-hop, Top 40 and rock dance night with DJ Miranda of Diamond Entertainment, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday; no cover. 772-2827.

Uptowns -- 101 S. El Paso in the Camino Real Hotel. DJ music, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Saturdays. 534-3000, ext. 5012.

The Warehouze -- 201 Americas. Two levels of Pura Locura with Power 102 DJs spinning hip-hop, house and more, 8:30 p.m. Friday; $6. 857-3676. The New Old Plantation -- 301 S. Ochoa. 533-6055.

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Bart Reed's Comic Strip -- 9515 Gateway West (between McRae and Viscount). Showtimes are usually 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 8:30 and 10:45 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 7:30 p.m. Sundays. Cover charge is usually $6 Wednesdays (military night) and Thursdays (college night); $12 Fridays and Saturdays; $8 Sundays. 581-8877 or www.laff2nite.com.

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Your Bar & Grill -- 14010 Horizon. 852-4018.

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