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“The old place by the graveyard”
Back in the days of “The Great Depression”, Antonio O. Flores estableshed what would then become a well known, respected family oriented business. The year 1927 marked the opening of Tony’s Place. Story has it that bootlegging was popular at Tony’s as well as Juanita’s G. Flores ( Antonio’s wife ) famous cooking. It was said that the cavalary stationed at Fort Bliss were regulars. The soldiers would trot down on their horses and tie them to the hitching posts outside the building. They would sit down on old metal wash tub basins while sipping the home brew and perhaps some home cooking. The soldiers even trained a mule to travel the path from Fort Bliss to Tony’s and back. Often then, the mule carried bartering items in its saddle bags in exchange for the precious comodity of home brew. Tony’s place legally opened after prohibition in 1934 in what was then the outskirts of town. Bootlegging and slot machines were concealed in false walls throughout the establishment. This, along with friendly atmosphere, made Tony’s Place a hot spot. There are many notable people who have visited our establishment over the years. Amongst them, are Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, The Andrew Sisters, Karen Tandy ( The first woman to have lead the DEA ) Anita Perry ( The first lady of Texas ), and Gil Colorado ( The former director of the Selective Service System . In June of 1968, Antonio and Juanita’s daughter, Lilia F. Duran and her husband, John G. Duran, took over Tony’s Place and renamed it L & J Cafe. The letters “L’ and “J” are for the first initials of Lilia and John. They are also for the initials of their children Leo, John and daughter Lilia (Becky). After John G. Duran’s passing away on December 11, 1987, third generation son, Leo Duran and his wife, Frances, assumed the responsibility of maintaining the restaurant’s legacy and continue to do so this day. Leo‘s mom Lilia, continued to lend her guidance and support until her passing in March of 1999. We are blessed to have such a legacy to uphold. It is our sincerest wishes to continue this tradition. Our many thanks to our loyal and faithful customers ( also multiple generations ) and to our dedicated staff, friends, and family for their continued patronage. Today, we continue to serve the great cuisine of authentic border regional Mexican food and hospitality that make us unique.
If you want the best queso in town, treat yourself! It's a family tradition here, and they've got it down! We add that to any of the menu offerings, and it is a perfect flavor enhancing... Read more
The burrito was good as were her enchiladas. The extra thick "queso" was ok....but inferior to chili conqueso. The margarita was awful - wine based. Didn't know this place doesn't have a liquor... Read more
One hundred percent best of the best. Good is great decor is nice and service is perfect. We stop through El Paso just to eat here. Any thing with green chile con queso is insane and we always... Read more
L & J Cafe
Hours
- Sun: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Mon - Sat: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Reservations
- Does not take
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Bar
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Lunch
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Brunch
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Dinner
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Drinks
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Dine In
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Takeout
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Breakfast
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Waitstaff
Parking, Dining
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