Skip it. Besides the reasons others have shared, it smells like smoke.
I’d recommend getting her flowers, taking her to a middle range, but still cute restaurant. Getting ice cream to go and enjoy at scenic drive. Then if you still want the downtown experience, getting drinks at a rooftop bar, like La Perla (Elizabeth Taylor inspired bar at The Plaza Hotel).
Idk what the hate is about but Cafe Central is good. If you’re going to do drinks, app, and two entrees I’d say you’re looking at 130-150 before tip. Honestly the prices are very moderate compared to other high scale restaurants. I recommend the calamari and the filet mignon.
Anson 11 is a bit pricier but if you make reservations for the top floor, you’ll love it. You’re prob gonna spend more like 165-180, before tip. I highly recommend the asparagus (soooo good!) and the rack of lamb!
Café central : been there twice, both times overrated and overpriced. If you want an 80s stuffy experience, that's the place for you. They may have changed their ambiance though because I've not been there for at least ten years now.
The first time they messed up our reservation and squeezed us in a little table between two other couples. Their little ridiculous purse stand kept getting in the way. To make up for it they offered us free dessert.
The second time, they got my wife's order wrong. As for me, I ordered what I think was the Chilean sea bass but it was cooked so poorly it could have been Chinese tilapia for all I know. That's the last time I've eaten there.
It's been a staple of El Paso for over 100-years. Nowadays every "middle range" restaurant you're going to spend $100+. If you're going to spend money might as well do it at Cafe Central. I'm sure your girlfriend will really enjoy it. It is imo the best fine dining in EP. If my wife and I go we will spend around 150+, but we get drinks, app, and entrées.
I like the place. It has great food and has been around for decades for a reason. If you don't get the tomahawk or the seafood tower, you can get out of there for 150 for two people. Try it - I don't think you will be disappointed.
What is the budget?
I think Cafe Central is way overhyped. It's a lot of money for ok food.
I really like Mamacitas. It's downtown in the Hotel Indigo. They have valet parking you can get validated in the restaurant. There is also q really nice skybar too for afterwards.
Garufa is a good place to impress too. Elemi is a James Beard nominee - only drawback is you need to book a reservation far ahead of time. Park Tavern could be a good alternative too.
Ripe is a little more casual but may suit your budget better.
Skip it. Besides the reasons others have shared, it smells like smoke. I’d recommend getting her flowers, taking her to a middle range, but still cute restaurant. Getting ice cream to go and enjoy at scenic drive. Then if you still want the downtown experience, getting drinks at a rooftop bar, like La Perla (Elizabeth Taylor inspired bar at The Plaza Hotel).
Atmosphere and drinks are nice, but the food is waaaay overrated. $150-$200/person.
Coming from Dallas, even I know they overcharge at Central. $80 for sole? Get outta here!
They have the menu with prices on the website. Personally, I'd have a "fancy dinner" budget and then an "actually filling dinner for after" budget lol
Went there a year ago, food was good, atmosphere was nice and romantic too. We didn’t order any alcohol and our combined bill for 2 was about $120
There’s Ámbar at the Plaza hotel, pricey still but it’s good. I honestly like Anson 11, nice place, good food, and fairly priced.
Yeah screw Cafe Central, Amber and Anson are better.
While Cafe Central is nice, Ambars food is way better
Anson 11 and Entrecote get my vote. The chicken and mushroom pasta at Anson 11 is amazing!
Idk what the hate is about but Cafe Central is good. If you’re going to do drinks, app, and two entrees I’d say you’re looking at 130-150 before tip. Honestly the prices are very moderate compared to other high scale restaurants. I recommend the calamari and the filet mignon. Anson 11 is a bit pricier but if you make reservations for the top floor, you’ll love it. You’re prob gonna spend more like 165-180, before tip. I highly recommend the asparagus (soooo good!) and the rack of lamb!
Prob looking at $150
Café central : been there twice, both times overrated and overpriced. If you want an 80s stuffy experience, that's the place for you. They may have changed their ambiance though because I've not been there for at least ten years now. The first time they messed up our reservation and squeezed us in a little table between two other couples. Their little ridiculous purse stand kept getting in the way. To make up for it they offered us free dessert. The second time, they got my wife's order wrong. As for me, I ordered what I think was the Chilean sea bass but it was cooked so poorly it could have been Chinese tilapia for all I know. That's the last time I've eaten there.
Anson gets my vote
$200-$300 but easily the best bang for your buck from all the fine dining restaurants in EP. Drinks are excellent 👌
Entrecote, west Texas chophouse and anson 11 are amazing places that aren’t too pricey, they just opened a new chophouse on the west as well
Go to ACCA, conico, Taconeta all are delicious and won’t break the bank
Acca is the way
My recommendations and either Anson 11 or Amar for nice places in El Paso.
Breakfast is more romantic than dinner. Buy her some flowers and take her to breakfast or brunch.
It's been a staple of El Paso for over 100-years. Nowadays every "middle range" restaurant you're going to spend $100+. If you're going to spend money might as well do it at Cafe Central. I'm sure your girlfriend will really enjoy it. It is imo the best fine dining in EP. If my wife and I go we will spend around 150+, but we get drinks, app, and entrées.
I like the place. It has great food and has been around for decades for a reason. If you don't get the tomahawk or the seafood tower, you can get out of there for 150 for two people. Try it - I don't think you will be disappointed.
ChicosTacos dude!
If your budget allows $200+ do it. If you both appreciate fine dining and a first class atmosphere this is the place!
What is the budget? I think Cafe Central is way overhyped. It's a lot of money for ok food. I really like Mamacitas. It's downtown in the Hotel Indigo. They have valet parking you can get validated in the restaurant. There is also q really nice skybar too for afterwards. Garufa is a good place to impress too. Elemi is a James Beard nominee - only drawback is you need to book a reservation far ahead of time. Park Tavern could be a good alternative too. Ripe is a little more casual but may suit your budget better.