No, there is not an El Paso BBQ Co. in El Paso, Texas.
The chain actually started in Tulsa, Okla., in 1991 and opened in Tucson in 2000.
It's a solid choice for barbecue and other rib-sticking food. But the spirit of its relatively new happy-hour specials is as big as the state of Texas.
Honestly, we can't imagine why scads of people haven't jumped on this great deal, but we're happy we experienced it before word spreads.
Even though the Happy Hour banner has been displayed outside El Paso BBQ for months, the bar was a lonely place one recent evening.
You can order the specials, which are offered from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, anywhere in the restaurant. But we opted for the bar, where we could watch the Suns game and the bartender gave us his undivided attention.
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Many times, when restaurants feature half-off appetizers, they don't include the best choices, like the sampler platters.
At El Paso BBQ, every appetizer is included in the deal. That includes the Appetizer Sampler ($9.99), a mammoth platter of four different appetizers: three Buzzard Wings; spinach dip and chips; three chicken tenders; and a half-order of large, crispy onion rings. Basically, you're getting a meal enough for two for $5.
But don't stop there. On another visit, order the Chuck Wagon Nachos ($6.75). The mound of red and white chips smothered in Cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses can be topped with smoked chicken or beef chili for an additional $1.99. We chose the cubed chicken breast, whose smoky flavor melded perfectly with the cheese and other toppings.
A drizzle of sour cream on top and slices of jalapeño completed the slightly spicy meal.
The West Texas Chili Con Queso ($7.25) comes in a bowl and is surrounded by tri-color chips and rolled-up tortillas. The smoked brisket of beef, spicy pork sausage, diced tomatoes and chiles blend nicely in the cheese and give the dip a nice kick.
Other appetizers range from $6.75 for an Onion Pile to $14.99 for 18 Buzzard Wings.
If you're thirsty for alcohol, draft beer, well drinks and house wine are half-off, too. That means an 18-ounce frosty mug of Bud Light costs $2, and a glass of Copperidge's Cabernet, merlot, Chardonnay or white zinfandel costs $2.50. Premium drafts, such as Blue Moon, normally $5.50 for 18 ounces, cost a mere $2.75.
And free cornbread and butter are available for the asking, if you need to carbo-load just a bit more.
• What: A sit-down, casual BBQ franchise restaurant.
• Where: 5510 E. Broadway.
• Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
• Parking: Plenty.
• Phone: 745-2000.
THE BILL
• One Diet Pepsi: $2.25.
• Chuck Wagon Nachos: $3.38.
• West Texas Chili con Queso: $3.62.
• Total, before tax and tip: $9.25.
