Most people know Crave Kitchen and Bar for casual fine dining that offers a modern American menu. 

The food on the menu consists of  comfort food, with a twist.

However, Crave has another dish you can really get into—a summer acoustic series that allows live bands to play while you eat.

“We started doing this last summer,” said Wesley Dorman, general manager for Crave’s Eastside location.

“The event starts at 7:30 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays. The customers love it. They enjoy good food while listening to great music.”

Featured bands include Chihuahua Gold, Tlaloc Polo, Jessica Flores and Cross Town Trio.

“Most of our music contains jazz sessions to soft rock. We host a fan of diversity, and maybe in the future, we’ll have room for live deejaying,”  Dorman said.

Anaysa Arce, sophomore pre-nursing major, attended the first session.

“I’m happy I attended the series. I loved it,” she said. “Solely with the idea that Crave is a locally owned restaurant branch, allowing El Paso’s own musicians to be a part of them is pretty awesome on their part.”

Crave acoustic sessions will continue until August and will be back next summer. 

“I’m sure we’ll bring it back next summer, in fact we have already been asked for next summer’s set up,” Dorman said.

Margie Olague, a customer who has visited Crave, said she is interested in attending the live entertainment nights. 

“It sounds like fun, and I’m sure it benefits both parties. Crave gets more customers and the bands will have a new group of fans,” Olague said. “I know Crave isn’t the only (restaurant) that allows the presentation of local bands—places like The Percolator, Mesa Street Grill, Puff Social, Hookah Lounge and other locally owned businesses have amazing live-music performances. Crave, though, is by far my favorite restaurant that has anything to offer.”

Dorman said customers are welcomed to recommend bands and live entertainment.

“We do take requests, but we have to listen to the band, possibly a track or a CD, where we can determine whether or not we want the band to come play at the restaurant,” Dorman said. “Of course, the songs have to be original. That’s the main idea of the sessions, to showcase local talent in our area.”

Olague said she likes that local bands are invited to become part of this event, since they have an opportunity to share their tunes with an El Paso crowd.

“You don’t know if the person you’re listening to will someday make it all the way. Crave can be the place where someone can be noticed,” she said.

Arce said she appreciates Crave’s great customer service and that attracts a young mature population.

“They have posters and flyers on what the next gig will be,” Arce said. “Overall, it’s a fun environment and it’s good to see contributions as such.”

Ashley Muñoz may be reached at [email protected].