El Paso meat markets got you covered for Easter Sunday cookouts. Here are the ones to visit.

Natassia Paloma
·3 min read

There's nothing like celebrating Easter — El Paso style.

Family and friends gather at neighborhood parks across the city, like Ascarate Park in the Lower Valley, or a place tucked in the mountains, like McKelligon Canyon.

Grills are fired up, ready for searing delicious carne asada, and a handful of cebollitas asadas, or green onions, are wrapped in foil and placed on the grill — a perfect pairing.

Many carnicerias, or meat markets, have served the El Paso community for decades, providing meat for Easter cookouts for generations.

One of them is El Chuco Meat, a market inside a humble, single-story brick building in Central El Paso off Myrtle Street.

With over 60 years in business, Manager Victor Cabrera shared that it's witnessed numerous milestones. Easter, he pointed out, is a particularly popular occasion, alongside birthday parties and baptisms.

"People usually make carne asada or discada," he said. "They like coming here. Some have moved away and come from very far, even Horizon and still come."

The difference between buying meat from a smaller, local market and a large chain is all in the cut, Cabrera said. Local butchers tend to carve the meat with heart and strive for quality, he said.

"Here, we show you all sides of the meat to make sure you like it and leave happy," he said. "Other places you only see it in a packet, so you don't get a full view of the meat."

Cabrera said El Chuco Meat has fresh meat daily, including the week leading up to  Easter. Customers can call ahead and order for pickup or simply drop in. The market will close Saturday, March 30, at 4 p.m.

If you're running a little late, Cabrera said to call the market, and they'll wait for you.

"We are here to serve the community," he said. "We want you to leave here happy and satisfied."

Grilling tips from El Chuco Meat

  • The best meat for grilling is Chuleta del 7, a type of chuck steak

  • For the juiciest burgers, pick ground beef at 80% lean

  • Keep the side dishes in mind: Many meat markets also carry chicharrónes, guacamole. Tostadas and more.

  • If you're in a pinch for time, order meat that has already been marinated

  • Also great on the grill: Al Pastor, Discada, Buche, Alambre

Carniceras in El Paso

With the exception of El Chuco Meat Market, all other businesses will operate on Easter Sunday.

El Chuco Meat Market

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

1523 Myrtle Ave.

El Chuco Meat Market, 1523 Myrtle Ave.
El Chuco Meat Market, 1523 Myrtle Ave.

La Estrella Meat Market and Kitchen

8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

5 locations:

  • 1810 George Dieter Drive.

  • 108-120 N. Festival Drive.

  • 12801 Edgemere Drive.

  • 965 Resler Drive.

  • 11400 Sean Haggerty Drive.

1810 George Dieter Drive, 108-120 N. Festival Drive, 12801 Edgemere Drive, 965 Resler Drive, 11400 Sean Haggerty Drive
1810 George Dieter Drive, 108-120 N. Festival Drive, 12801 Edgemere Drive, 965 Resler Drive, 11400 Sean Haggerty Drive

Coronado Prime Meats

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

6535 N. Mesa St.

Coronado Prime Meats, 6535 N. Mesa St.
Coronado Prime Meats, 6535 N. Mesa St.

Flores Meat Market

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

4549 Titanic Ave., Suite A.

El Mejor

El Mejor, 8041 N. Mesa St., Suite B1.
El Mejor, 8041 N. Mesa St., Suite B1.

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

8041 N. Mesa St., Suite B1.

El Aguila Meat Market

7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

9016 Betel Drive.

Mi Tierra Meat Market

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

12102 Montwood Drive.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Easter 2024: El Paso meat markets prepare for cookout celebrations