16 El Paso, TX Family Restaurants With Enormous Dinner Portions

Culinary Destinations
By Lena Hartley

Hungry families in El Paso know the struggle of finding a dinner that truly satisfies everyone. This list rounds up local favorites where plates come piled high and flavors hit even higher.

You will find classic Mexican comfort, smoky barbecue, towering burgers, and shareable platters that make leftovers almost guaranteed. Grab your appetite and discover where generous portions meet family friendly vibes all across the Sun City.

1. L & J Cafe – El Paso, TX

© L & J Cafe

Locals call L & J Cafe the old place by the graveyard, and the portions feel legendary too. Expect bubbling green chile enchiladas, carne asada plates, and big baskets of chips that vanish fast.

The red and green salsas bring heat without overpowering the meal.

You can easily split a combination plate and still leave full. Dinner crowds buzz, but service stays friendly and quick.

If you love leftovers, ask for extra tortillas to wrap up the rest.

Parking can get tight, so arrive early. The mood is casual, welcoming, and deeply El Paso.

Bring appetite, leave happy.

2. Kiki’s Restaurant & Bar – El Paso, TX

© Kiki’s Mexican Restaurant

Kiki’s is pure comfort, famous for beef machaca that spills across the plate. Portions lean hearty, with rice, beans, and tortillas that turn dinner into a feast.

Mole lovers get generous ladles that cling to chicken perfectly.

The vibe is neighborhood friendly, and staff keeps chips topped without fuss. Expect a wait during peak hours, but the line moves.

Strong margaritas pair nicely, though the food is the star.

Bring a friend to share or box half for tomorrow’s lunch. You will appreciate the honest, homey flavors.

Kiki’s makes big plates feel personal.

3. Rib Hut – El Paso, TX

© Rib Hut

Rib Hut keeps it simple and stacked. Order a combo and watch the tray sag under ribs, brisket, and sausage, all kissed by smoke.

Sides come heaped, with potato salad and beans worth their own trip.

You will want extra napkins and maybe a bib, no judgment. Sauce options play sweet, tangy, and peppery.

Families spread out and share bites across the table.

Leftovers reheat beautifully for next day sandwiches. Service is fast, prices fair, and portions generous.

It is the kind of barbecue that brings everyone back.

4. Good Luck Cafe – El Paso, TX

© Good Luck Cafe

Good Luck Cafe lives up to its name with lucky sized plates. Expect hearty combinations loaded with rice, beans, and your favorite chile.

Tortillas keep arriving, perfect for scooping every last bite.

The energy is lively and welcoming to kids. Prices are kind, making big family dinners easier on the wallet.

Coffee refills flow and salsa bowls never sit empty.

You will likely leave with a foil wrapped second meal. Service is quick even during rushes.

Comfort food, friendly faces, and portions that satisfy every appetite.

5. Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s – El Paso, TX

© Carlos and Mickey’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina

Los Bandidos De Carlos & Mickey’s feels like a party, and plates match the mood. Sizzling fajitas arrive piled high with peppers, onions, and meat for the table.

Enchilada combos come swimming in sauce with generous sides.

Frozen margaritas are famous, though the food stands alone. Friendly servers keep chips and salsa rolling.

Kids love the energy and the shareable portions.

You will need room on the table for everything. Expect leftovers if you order appetizers too.

It is a go to for celebrations and big appetites.

6. Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch – El Paso, TX

© Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch

Cattleman’s is a destination, not just dinner. Steaks arrive thick, charred, and big enough to share, with sides like loaded baked potatoes that count as a meal.

The ranch setting adds old West charm and room for kids to explore.

Portion sizes feel celebratory, ideal for birthdays or visiting relatives. Expect classic cuts, shrimp cocktails, and bread baskets that disappear quickly.

Service is practiced and friendly.

Plan extra time to wander the grounds before or after. Prices reflect the experience and size.

You will leave with steak dreams and a full to go box.

7. Village Inn – El Paso, TX

© Village Inn

Village Inn is a dependable family stop when you want big, comforting plates. Chicken fried steak sprawls across the dish with gravy and mashed potatoes.

Burgers and all day breakfasts are equally generous.

Pies in the case tempt you before dinner even arrives. Service is upbeat and quick with refills.

Kids menus are friendly and portions often become tomorrow’s lunch.

You will appreciate the predictable comfort after a long day. Try a slice of pie to share for a perfect finish.

It is simple, satisfying, and easy on groups.

8. Crave Kitchen & Bar – El Paso, TX

© Crave Kitchen & Bar

Crave balances modern flavors with portion sizes that feel generous. Popular dishes like green chile mac and cheese arrive creamy and abundant.

Burgers stack tall with crisp fries, easily shared across the table.

The vibe is lively yet relaxed, perfect for families with teens. Weekend dinners can get busy, but service stays attentive.

Brunch for dinner works here too with hearty plates.

You will find something for adventurous and picky eaters alike. Ask about seasonal specials for extra value.

Come hungry, leave with a satisfied grin and leftovers.

9. Sunny’s Sushi – El Paso, TX

© Sunny’s Sushi, Steak, & Seafood House

Sunny’s Sushi surprises with generous rolls and shareable platters. Specialty rolls often arrive oversized, stuffed with fresh fish, avocado, and crunchy tempura.

Ramen bowls and teriyaki plates are hearty options for non sushi fans.

The atmosphere is casual and friendly, good for groups and families. Service helps guide large orders so nothing goes to waste.

Prices are reasonable for the portion size.

You will likely over order, so plan to share across the table. Try a baked roll if you like warm, rich flavors.

Sunny’s keeps everyone satisfied and smiling.

10. Toro Burger Bar – El Paso, TX

© Toro Burger Bar

Toro Burger Bar builds skyscraper burgers that demand two hands. Patties are thick, toppings are playful, and fries arrive in generous heaps.

Add a shake if you dare, because portions already lean large.

The atmosphere is energetic without being fussy. Kids tackle sliders while adults try signature builds.

Staff helps with customizations and extra napkins.

You will want to split an appetizer to save room. Burgers reheat decently, but they are best fresh.

It is indulgent, satisfying, and perfect for big cravings.

11. Ripe Eatery – El Paso, TX

© Ripe Eatery

Ripe Eatery feels like a friend’s kitchen, just with bigger plates. Pasta bowls arrive brimming, and chicken dishes sit beside mountains of vegetables.

Portions are perfect for sharing or planned leftovers.

The menu mixes comfort and freshness, pleasing picky and adventurous eaters. Staff is attentive without hovering.

Weekend specials often deliver great value for families.

You will appreciate the relaxed pace and neighborhood charm. Save room for dessert if you can.

Ripe makes dinner feel special without getting fancy, and your wallet will thank you.

12. Leo’s Mexican Food – El Paso, TX

© Leo’s Mexican Food Restaurant

Leo’s is a longtime favorite for big, cheesy comfort. Combination plates land heavy with enchiladas, tacos, rice, and beans.

Sopapillas make a perfect sweet finish after such hearty servings.

The space feels welcoming and familiar, great for multi generational dinners. Salsa has zip without overwhelming.

Service keeps chips and drinks refreshed.

You will get classic flavors done right and plenty of them. Splitting plates works well with kids.

Leo’s proves that generous portions and tradition fit beautifully together.

13. Track One – El Paso, TX

© Track One

Track One is known for wings that arrive by the dozen, saucy and stacked high. Burgers and fries come in big baskets that are easy to share.

The railcar themed space adds playful character to dinner.

Families appreciate the relaxed, lively vibe. Sauces range from mild to fiery, so everyone finds a favorite.

Prices stay reasonable for the portion sizes.

You will probably take home extra wings, which reheat nicely. Service is quick and friendly even on busy nights.

It is a casual crowd pleaser with serious portions.

14. Ernie’s Cafe Bar & Grill – El Paso, TX

© Ernie’s Cafe Bar & Grill

Ernie’s Cafe Bar & Grill delivers classic smoke and big value. Combination plates overflow with brisket slices, ribs, sausage, and sides.

Texas toast helps mop up every drop of sauce.

The dining room is straightforward and welcoming. You will hear happy chatter and smell smoke the moment you walk in.

Portions are generous enough to split easily.

Leftovers taste even better the next day. Service is efficient and kind, keeping lines moving.

For no nonsense barbecue with family friendly heft, Ernie’s hits the spot.

15. Avila’s Mexican Food – El Paso, TX

© Avila’s Mexican Food

Avila’s has fed El Paso for decades, and the portions show that experience. Chile rellenos arrive generously stuffed, while enchiladas soak in chile sauces.

Handmade tortillas make every bite feel homey.

The room hums with regulars and families catching up. Prices are fair, and plates easily stretch to leftovers.

Service feels personal and attentive.

You will taste tradition in every hearty serving. Share a combo to sample more without overdoing it.

Avila’s proves that time tested recipes and big portions still win hearts.

16. State Line – El Paso, TX

© State Line

State Line serves barbecue in unapologetically large fashion. Ribs, brisket, and sausage fill platters alongside beans, coleslaw, and huge baked potatoes.

Portions invite sharing and still promise leftovers.

The setting feels festive, especially on the patio with lights glowing. Service is practiced and keeps plates moving.

Sauces offer sweet, spicy, and smoky balance.

You will want to pace yourself and enjoy the spread. Order a sampler to try it all without choosing.

State Line is a dependable stop for big appetites and bigger smiles.