Mexican restaurant El Paso
Open: daily 11:00-24:00,
Located: on Koliba under the Kamzík TV-tower.
Tel: 07-5478 8692-5
Rating: 5 out of 10
Hungry diners seeking authentic Mexican food must first understand that finding such a meal in Slovakia promises to be even more difficult than finding a restaurant with good service in Bratislava. That said, El Paso Mexican Restaurant isn't half bad.
El Paso offers large burritos delivered with great speed in a comfortable environment. On the other hand, the prices are steep and the antiseptic interior and bright lighting lends it the unromantic aura of an airport lounge.
The menu is colourful and the pictures of the different dishes are helpful for someone who doesn't know Mexican food very well, or just prefers to choose food visually rather than from written descriptions in Slovak, English or German.
Beers arrive quickly as do the nachos ordered as a starter. El Paso's nachos are far too soggy and non-spicy, although they do go down well with the tons of melted eidam cheese and well-made pieces of chicken served on top.
The main course burritos and fajitas are served in large and extremely greasy portions. The average-sized strips of shredded beef together with the beans, guacamole, and sour cream are delicious and filling - and very expensive. Starters range from 100 - 150 Slovak crowns, with main courses running between 200 - 270 crowns.
There is also a Slovak cuisine menu available with soups at around 50 crowns as well as halušky and other typical Slovak dishes. A selection of Mexican desserts, a good wine-list and aperitifs fill out the menu.
While the food gets a thumbs-up, the winter-time atmosphere leaves much to be desired but should improve come spring-time. It's easy to imagine sitting on the outside terrace and listening to the wind in the leaves while enjoying a cold drink and a great meal.
The interior is immaculately clean but sorely lacking charm in spite of the decorator's ambitious attempts to create a Mexican feel. El Paso simply has no Latin feel whatsoever, this despite the four orange stone replica Aztec statues which act as pillars propping up the roof of a fake hacienda and a cactus pot on every table. The throbbing rock music doesn't help.
One meal at El Paso leaves patrons with mixed feelings. While it is certainly not the greatest Mexican food restaurant in the world, maybe not even the best in town, the staff was courteous and the nice location in the forested hills overlooking Bratislava promise great summer-time atmosphere. Our recommendation - go, but wait a couple of months.
