I will admit that at times I have wished the enchiladas were not quite as spicy, and for some reason this seems to be particularly true at lunch. This has led to my speculation that there are different cooks at lunch and at dinner, although it could just be because of the different days I went.

Lunch is the most popular time at Amigos, with the restaurant being known for its lunch specials. Certain specials are served on particular days (such as the Spaghetti Plate on Monday), and I believe the combination plate is available every day. I used to get the spaghetti because they could make a vegetarian version, but this was not my favorite food at Amigos except for the "extras." The extras come with all lunches, and are the same elements that used to make La Hacienda a special treat that stood above all the city's other very good Mexican restaurants.

Home made soup and a fresh salad begin the full course lunch, although portions are relatively small. Rolls from La Ideal Bakery, a few blocks away, are so good I almost want to fill up on them instead of the chips. Amigos' salsa is so good, though, that I end up eating a substantial portion of chips as well. La Hacienda used to serve a small dessert and I believe Amigos follows the same practice, although there has been nothing that has stood out in my mind the way the soup, salad, and bread do.

Beef Taco, Rice, Chile Relleno, Red Enchilada, and Beans

The Red Enchiladas have been the source of much of my disappointment at Amigos, with the chile being spicier than I think is even the norm in New Mexico. The deep red chile is New Mexico style and the flavor is quite good, but in my quest for the best red enchiladas that started when I moved to El Paso I have found about a dozen places that I think are better than Amigos (and formerly La Hacienda). However, recent experiences at Amigos have bumped the enchiladas up in the ranking with the red chile being more flavorful than I remember from previous visits. The head chef prepared them and they may still be as variable in flavor and spiciness as I have found in the past, but they have been excellent recently. I am still reluctant to order a whole enchilada plate for dinner because of the variability I have experienced, but I would definitely suggest at least sampling an enchilada on a combination plate or as a side dish.

Amigos has a rather unusual Spanish sauce topping for the Chile Relleno that is made with celery and cinnamon. This is non-spicy with a sweet flavor (although the chile itself is medium spicy). Like the enchilada this dish has been somewhat variable in quality, but it has been excellent when I have tried it recently. I think my problem with it in the past was its greasiness, but I do not find that to be the case at present.

The Beef Taco seems more El Paso style to me than New Mexican, using a potato filler that I first experienced at Ben's Tacos in South El Paso. I think the ones at Amigos are better than any of the other tacos I have had recently.

Amigos may have the best Tortilla Soup in town, but unfortunately it is almost never served. I was told they only make it "once every two weeks."

The dinner menu is consierably more expensive than the lunch specials, but this is where I have found the best entrées. The Chicken Tampiqueña is an example of a dish that is well beyond the normal quality found in Mexican restaurants. Served on a chicken breast, the green chile strips are not only spicier than the ones normally found, but fresher and more flavorful. A whole peeled avocado garnishes the top, but unlike the ones in most restaurants, it is ripe without being beyond its prime. The red enchilada served on the side serves as a perfect complement, and the whole pinto beans are very enjoyable. This is a meal I like to eat slowly to enjoy every bite--it is an example of the type of food that used to be more common in El Paso that delivered quality rather than a huge quantity of substandard food.

For a while the restaurant was offering "seasonal specials" with dishes from the interior of Mexico. These have now been discontinued because not enough people ordered them, giving great insight as to why El Paso does not have many choices other than the standard border dishes. I have to give the chef credit, though, for not giving up in trying to serve good food but in maintaining a very high quality for the regular menu.

The Pescado al Mojo de Ajo is a classic presentation of this type of fish fillet topped with garlic. The cod used in the fillet is better than the fish found at many restaurants that specialize in Mexican seafood, and I would not hesitate to recommend the one at Amigos. The one here does not come with mashed or baked potatoes on the side as is traditional, but it is not such a bad thing to have less starch in the meal.

I have heard from a friend that the Carne Adovada is the best dish at the restaurant, but I have not yet been able to try it.

The chips and salsa may not be my absolute favorite in El Paso, but they are close. Amigos is not afraid to make certain dishes "New Mexico spicy," and the salsa is no exception.

Amigos famous salad is the same that used to be served at La Hacienda

The same Dinner Salad served with the lunch specials comes in a larger portion with the dinner combination plates. I did not really realize how good this salad was until I got the large dinner serving (pictured above). Patrons will never find a wilted or over-ripe piece of lettuce, and the toppings are light and delicious. This is not a Mi Piaci quality salad, but it is about as good as you can get in any of El Paso's Mexican restaurants.

Amigos is casual but comfortable, giving the kind of service that is seldom delivered in El Paso. Lunch is usually very busy, but at dinner they seem to make a special effort to create a place where you can relax. Amigos is nicely decorated, quiet, with tasteful music, and with professional waiters that I think are more appreciated when you have more time for a leisurely meal. They also make it a point, though, to get you served quickly at the lunch hour.

Everything is quite clean--this and the service would probably bring me back even if the food wasn't as good as it is.

Prices are moderate--not the cheapest in El Paso nor the most expensive. I usually leave a larger than average tip, though, because of the service that is given.