L & J Cafe Menu & Prices
Locals call it “the old place by the graveyard” — a Prohibition-era speakeasy turned family Tex-Mex institution, still run by the same family a century later, still facing the same cemetery across the street.
The old place by the graveyard
L & J’s whole identity is tied to what’s across the street — so here’s both halves of the story.
Four generations, one recipe
Antonio Duran and his family opened these doors in 1927 as Tony’s Place, a Prohibition-era speakeasy slinging home brew out of a building on the edge of town. In 1968, the second generation renamed it for Lilia and John Duran — L & J — and today their great-granddaughter Vanessa Duran runs it as general manager, the fourth generation to work behind the counter.
The green chile chicken enchiladas have reportedly been made the same way since 1927, and they’re the dish nearly every review, local food writer, and returning regular mentions first.
Concordia Cemetery, El Paso’s Boot Hill
Directly across East Missouri Avenue sits Concordia Cemetery, one of the oldest and largest burial grounds in the region — final resting place of gunfighter John Wesley Hardin and a section honoring the Buffalo Soldiers who served on the western frontier.
It’s an unusual dinner view, and it’s exactly why regulars nicknamed L & J “the old place by the graveyard” long before it had any official tagline.
Feeding a crowd? Tap your headcount.
L & J’s enchilada casserole comes in three real tray sizes with real headcount ranges. Pick the range that fits your group and we’ll tell you exactly what to order and what it costs.
The dish that’s been on the menu since 1927
Nearly every review of L&J leads with the same dish: tender shredded chicken wrapped in soft corn tortillas, smothered in green chile sauce. Local food writers and longtime regulars alike describe it as unchanged since the restaurant’s earliest days — and more than one visitor has said they’ve never ordered anything else here.
It’s served three to an order with rice and beans, the same way it’s always been. If it’s your first visit, this is the one to get.
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas — ask your server for today’s price
L & J Cafe — FAQ
Why is L & J Cafe called “the old place by the graveyard”?
How old is L & J Cafe?
What should I order the first time?
Does L & J Cafe do family packs for large groups?
What are L & J Cafe’s hours?
Is parking difficult at L & J Cafe?
Location & directions
L & J Cafe
3622 E Missouri Ave, El Paso, TX 79903
Across from Concordia Cemetery
Phone: (915) 566-8418 · Web: ljcafe.com
Open 7 days a week · call ahead to confirm today’s hours, which vary by day
