City: El Paso, TX

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (915) 772-5876

Address: 6219 Airport Rd.

Description: Smitty’s has been in business since 1955, making it one of the oldest barbecue joints in El Paso. They serve a selection of barbecue items cooked in an old-fashioned firebrick pit after marinating for two days, resulting in flavorful, tender, and juicy meat. Smitty’s was actually started by Mr. Smith, who ran it until 1976, when it was bought by the Payan family. Eddie Payan, the second-generation owner, began working here at age 16 and still runs it today. Among their best menu items are the smoked pork ribs, the barbecue brisket, and the corned beef sandwiches, which are an unusual but delicious addition to a barbecue list, and of course, cold beer, which is a staple for any barbecue restaurant. Smitty’s also does tea the right way: one order of iced tea gets you a full glass and a full pitcher, so you’ll never have to ask for refills. A successful restaurant, Smitty’s is known for its consistent quality. A trip here is all about the barbecue.