The eastside area of El Paso is constantly expanding in terms of population, desirable food locations and retail centers. According to texasdemographics.com, the 79936 ZIP code, which covers the eastside of the city, has a population of 111,918 and is the second most populated ZIP code in the State of Texas.
On the far eastside, there are several go-to destinations whether you’re in the mood for a delectable burger, a gym to burn off the calories from that burger or a place to study and enjoy cold brew coffee.
Here are a few enticing locations in the ever-evolving eastside of El Paso.
Independent Burger, 2260 N. Zaragoza Rd,
Located in the Zaragoza Grove business plaza, this burger hotspot features handmade and all-natural burgers and natural fresh produce. The menu promotes real and natural food and its chickens and turkeys are free–range and free of hormones and steroids.
The burger prices range from $11 to $14 and come with a side of fries or onion rings. Other options include turkey and chicken sandwiches, salads that feature all local products, and ice cream sandwiches such as “The Cookie Monster” that contains vanilla bean ice cream and three chocolate chip cookies.
Independent Burger is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant & Bar, 2260 N. Zaragoza Road, Suite 121-123
This delicious restaurant now has a second location on the eastside offering a variety of authentic Mexican food. Combination plates range from $9 to $14. One combination plate option includes two cheese enchiladas, a beef taco, rice and beans for $10.29. The restaurant also includes burgers, sandwiches and desserts such as churros and cheesecakes.
Las Palmas has a 4.5-star rating on Google based on 115 reviews. Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant & Bar is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays.
Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, 12704 Montana Ave.
This popular barbecue chain now has a far eastside location near the Cinemark Montana Movie theater, which opened in early 2018. According to the Famous Daves El Paso website, this location is the first prototype for the future of Famous Daves to open nationwide. The menu features the classic and award-winning Georgia Chopped Pork sandwich, Texas Beef Brisket, Classic Cheeseburgers and several mouth-watering desserts such as the Hot Fudge Kahlua Brownie.
A bar displaying several flat-screen TVs and cold-brew beverages can also be found here.
This location of Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 11 a.m. -11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Hillside Coffee and Donut Co., 2260 N. Zaragoza Road #27
The prominent westside coffee spot recently found another home in the far eastside this past summer in the Zaragoza Grove business center.
Students can come study while enjoying a nitro cold brew coffee or various teas and, unlike its westside counterpart, this location features a drive through window.
There are several couches and chairs for comfortable seating and an outdoor patio for customers to enjoy the beautiful sunsets of the Sun City. The menu includes square donuts, breakfast and several options for coffee.
Gold’s Gym, 12040C Tierra Este Road
This location is the second Gold’s Gym to open in El Paso. This 28,000 square–foot gym includes an abundance of free weights, cardio equipment such as a Stairmaster and treadmills, a sauna/steam room and a functional training area.
A larger version of its Wedgewood counterpart, this gym also includes a large group exercise room. Those interested in the gym can start a free membership trial through its website.
The Tierra Este location is open 4 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Isaiah Ramirez may be reached at [email protected]