Ámbar Restaurante

4.6

535 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Top Tags:

Immerse yourself in the time-honored techniques and evocative flavors of wood-fired Mexican cuisine at Ámbar Restaurante in downtown El Paso. The menu is led by Executive Chef Lawrence Acosta, who brings his mastery of regional Mexican cuisine to the city.

Patrons are greeted by a spectacular 40-foot-tall amber glass and polished stainless steel wall that showcases the bar area and one of the largest tequila collections in Texas.

Chef Acosta makes a conscious effort to support the boutique, family-run farms and makers in Mexico, and the menu features centuries-old Mexican recipes with a regionally driven twist. Popular dishes include ceviches, roasted cauliflower w/ mole poblano tacos, bacon tacos; al pastor; and tomahawk ribeye. For dessert, coconut tres leches and mesquite chocolate cake by Pastry Chef Jakki Rojo.

Join us for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Reservations required.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(915) 440-0051

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:30 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(915) 440-0051
Website
https://www.ambarelpaso.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Lawrence Acosta

Location
106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901
Neighborhood
El Paso
Cross street
N. Oregon St.
Parking details
Plaza Parking Garage Located At 100 E San Antonio Ave
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Agave Spirits tasting + dinner
$150.00 per person
Feb 16, 2023 only
Join us for the Agave Spirits tasting + dinner series at Ambar. Indulge in a special menu by chef Lawrence Acosta paired with select agave spirits such as Don Julio, Hacienda de Chihuahua, La Venenosa, and more. This exclusive experience is led by the Plaza Hotel's general manager and agave spirit expert, Adrian Gonzalez. 7-9 pm $150 per person + tax Must be 21 years of age to participate.
Monte Xanic Wine Dinner
$175.00 per person
Feb 17, 2023 only
Join us for an exclusive Valentine’s experience at Ambar. Indulge in a special menu by Chef Lawrence Acosta paired with a selection of Monte Xanic’s wines. Enjoy a lovely night accompanied by a loved one and Mexico’s first premium wine. This exclusive experience is led by Monte Xanic’s National Sales Director and wine expert, Diego Meraviglia. 7-9 pm $175 per person + tax Must be 21 years of age to participate.

Popular dishes

Guacamole$15.00
smashed avocados, charred tomatillo, roasted garlic, queso cotija, served with house-made tostadas
Ámbar Ceviche$15.00
albacore tuna, oven dried roma tomatoes, manzanilla olives, jalapeño, onion, capers, lime, baja olive oil
Coctel Rojo$18.00
poached shrimp, grilled octopus, crab, classic mexican coctel sauce (ketchup, lime juice, tapatío hot sauce), cilantro
Cesar Salad$14.00
little gem lettuce, classic tijuana cesar dressing, parmesan
Milpa Salad$12.00
nopales, corn, grilled squash, heirloom tomatoes, pickled onions, pepitas, queso cotija, recado negro vinaigrette

Hot

Tortilla Soup$12.00
a mexican classic made with rich tomatopasilla broth, chicken, house-made crema, asadero, crispy house-made tortilla strips
Crema de Chile Verde$14.00
silky cream of fresh hatch green chiles, toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy maitake mushrooms, goat cheese mousse
Grilled Artichokes$12.00
grilled pasilla-lime marinated artichokes hearts, salsa de cacahuates, herbs, limes
Crisp Brussels Sprouts$12.00
ancho-lime glazed brussels sprouts, toasted cashews, lime zest, cilantro, queso fresco, chipotle aïoli

Tacos

Baja Shrimp
jumbo shrimp battered in beer and tequila, topped with napa cabbage slaw, ancho-lime aïoli, avocado
- ea$10.00
Beef Barbacoa
slow braised beef, seared queso crisp, pickled onions, cilantro, salsa roja
- ea$12.00
Carnitas
slow cooked pork, avocado-tomatillo salsa, spicy pickled white onions, micro cilantro
- ea$10.00
Arrachera
steak skirt, salsa cascabel, rajas, guacamole, queso fresco
- ea$12.00
Chicken
grilled chicken breast, guacamole, rajas, salsa verde, cilantro
- ea$8.00

Tortas

Chicken Tinga$15.00
chipotle braised chicken, munster cheese, avocado, mezcal-grilled pineapple slaw, on a house baked jalapeño-cheddar telera roll
Ahogada$22.00
pork carnitas, frijoles negros spread, avocado, spicy pickled white onions on a chipotle-rosemary bolillo roll, served in morita broth
Garlic Chicken Wrap$18.00
Garlic-herb roasted chicken breast, roasted tomato-pepita spread, romaine lettuce, bacon, avocado, wrapped in a spinach tortilla. Served with your choice of red or green salsa
Ámbar Burger$20.00
half-pound prime beef, topped with sotolonion jam, ancho chile "special sauce", asadero, herb-roasted tomatoes, arugula, in a house-made brioche bun

Platos Fuertes

Enchilada Suizas$24.00
fresh-made corn tortillas filled with roasted mushrooms, goat cheese, grilled onion, bathed in green chile cream sauce, topped with asadero, fresh arugula, black beans
Pescado Veracruzana$38.00
garlic-herb-lime salmon, roasted tomatosaffron risotto, veracruzana sauce, topped with shaved fennel and jalapeño
Chilean Seabass al Pastor$49.00
achiote marinated seabass, mezcal-pineapple salsa, green bean "diabla" garlic-yuca purée
Carnitas Plate$25.00
12 oz slow-cooked pork carnitas, avocadotomatillo salsa, chicharrón, spicy pickled onions, salsa verde, frijoles negros, served with house-made corn tortillas
Arrachera$37.00
8 oz skirt steak in a chili-garlic marinade, served with frijoles charros, limes, salsa, chiles toreados, fresh corn tortillas

Sides

$9 ea

Queso Añejo Smashed Potatoes
French Fries
Frijoles Charros
Frijoles Negros
Taqueria Salad
Roasted Plantains

What 535 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.7Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

El Paso
Best Overall
El Paso
Best Ambiance
El Paso
Good for business meals
El Paso
Innovative
El Paso
Good for groups
El Paso
Neighborhood gem
El Paso
Romantic
El Paso
Good for special occasions
El Paso
Lively
El Paso
Most Booked
El Paso
Best Overall
El Paso
Best Ambiance
El Paso
Good for business meals
El Paso
Innovative
El Paso
Good for groups
El Paso
Neighborhood gem
El Paso
Romantic
El Paso
Good for special occasions
El Paso
Lively
El Paso
Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

KA
KarenA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was amazing! We Will definitely be back.
P
Paul
Washington DC
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This place had an impressive menu, and everything came out well-prepared and delicious. The best part was the service--our server Bryan was knowledgeable and attentive. This was our first time here; we'll be coming back.
AR
AaronR
El Paso
52 reviews
vip
5.0
52 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great menu and service before the symphony.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Front staff needs to be more polite and respectful. Even though restaurant was empty she was putting me in front table where every time door opened cold air would come so I asked for inside table and she made me wait 10 minutes without any reason.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 21, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience5
We went to Ámbar for dinner before the symphony. The ambiance is wonderful - we love to sit in the bar area. Our server was only on their second day of training & seemed a little overwhelmed, though still very pleasant. There were 3 other people behind the bar; none seemed too busy, they just didn’t offer help to our server. The food was delicious, our cocktails were terrific. Overall our experience was lovely
JP
JoeP
El Paso
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exceptional atmosphere!! Loved the decor and the staff is amazing. The little booth across from the grill and server's station is perfect to watch what's going on!!!
KJ
KendallJ
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
VERY great place and the customer service was AWESOME! ✋🏾😁🤚🏾
OT
OpenTable Diner
El Paso
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Worse drinks with little to no alcohol in it. Food was ok. Atmosphere reminds of very average class restaurants
B
Bertie
El Paso
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on January 8, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Menu is very limited and the food was good but pricey for the menu Desert was good Location is great
WR
WilliamR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great dining experience. Delicious food well made cocktails and great service. We highly recommend this place.
LH
LauraH
New Mexico
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
The restaurant is beautiful and the food was great!
JC
JulioCN
Las Vegas
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The dinner reservation at Ambar Restaurante was awesome, we had an excellent waiter that took take of every need. He was attentive and aware that we were celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary and ensured that every detail was special.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
2 reviews
vip
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Front receptionist was rude . Needed extra chair for 4 year old and she refused saying restaurant doesn’t have any extra chair. We told our server and she brought it within second.
VC
VictorC
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall2food2service2ambience2
Disappointed with the overall ambiance, food and service. Waste of money. Won't be going back
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went for New year’s eve. Had a great time, food delicious.
AC
AngelC
El Paso
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall3food2service3ambience5
Frankly, I found Ámbar to be all hype and no substance. Given the price point, I was expecting far more value for my money. Every time a chef begins to garnish their food beyond a reasonable level the main item is lost. The lamb was not fantastic, nor were the tacos or ceviche. It was a loss of 2 hours and $300 for my visit to Ámbar. I would have been better off going to 1700, Ruth's Chris, Cafe Central, or Park Tavern. I wish this visit would have been better, but I simply am not able to justify the money I spent with the quality I received. Given my other experiences at similar restaurants, I have no other choice but to label Ámbar as a failure. I will not be back nor will I be recommending this restaurant to anyone.
OT
OpenTable Diner
El Paso
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 26, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience3
The service was very slow, late, and wrong. The server lacked focus, accuracy, tact, and attentiveness. Most dishes were underseasoned, wrong temperature and disappointing. The drinks were good, if u like to wait an hour and ten minutes. We sat directly in front of the exposed kitchen and saw the dishes stay on the prep table and the conversations where the servers had many conflicts with the chefs. It exposed where the front of house and back of house are NOT in lock step resulting in marginal to poor operations. We recommend management reevaluate the guest experience and more closely oversee very step and component to attempt improving satisfaction and returning customers. Ambiance was odd with a near constant adjusting of overhead lighting and inconsistent sound levels. One star, at best
GR
GeoRocks
El Paso
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Christmas Day, It’s the second year I do this with my boys and we always leave satisfied and bonding. We had the Brussels sprouts as an appetizer .. to die for, New York stake with mole and beets. 🤤 I hope to continue this tradition for many years to come.
E
Esusan
Baltimore
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
Congrats to the chef, the meal was delicious and the menu had something for everyone. We enjoyed the ambiance. The only complaint is that the valet parking was a mess and no one at the front seemed to know what was going on. Left a sour taste in my mouth and was unfortunate since I had my elder parents with me and they sent us looking all over for the car. We might as well have parked blocks away.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great time
SM
SharonM
New Mexico
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 21, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
A beautiful, warm and cozy downtown spot to enjoy a glass of wine and appetizer!
AO
AngelaO
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to the Christmas brunch with Santa and the Grinch. Everyone was lovely and we look forward to another visit.
p
paolab
El Paso
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The holiday brunch was great. I really enjoyed it and it was a nice family’s affair.
RA
RosemaryA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a wonderful experience. Well worth tge trip.
AN
ArmyNurse
El Paso
122 reviews
vip
4.0
122 reviews
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall4food2service4ambience3
I like spicy food but the Chili Verde Soup was inedible. The carnitas were very fatty. The Ceviche was not good at all. They were out of some wine we tried to order. However, the service was great.
DP
DavidP
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious! We had the whole chicken, mash potatoes were very creamy! Desiree our server was very attentive and pleasant! Definitely will come back and recommend this restaurant!
M
Mary
El Paso
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service is great. The food delicious. The restaurant ambiance is fantastic.
RB
RayB
Tahoe
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on December 7, 2022
overall3food2service4ambience4
Soup bowl was hot but soup poured in wax not Ordered medium and 1/3 of steak was rare ! Not even sure how they managed that.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious and the ambience was just right. Will definitely come back
R
Roberto
El Paso
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Thanksgiving lunch was fantastic. What a spread. Well worth it.
TS
TishS
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
This Lovely restaurant downtown, and part of El Paso history is a special place to go for dinner and drinks.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tulsa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was great. I had the arrachera and my wife had the short rib - both excellent. Our waiter, Omar, was outstanding.
h
hayley
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Really good food. Great service. The enchiladas are top tier. Excellent tortillas
JM
JosephM
El Paso
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 13, 2022
overall3food3service5ambience5
When I made my reservation I was not told that only buffet Sunday at 12 noon. Many items out and had to ask several times about replenishing. Omelet station was good!
CL
CarlosL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drinks with an excellent overall service.
SB
SareyBee
New England
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 7, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Wonderful experience celebrating our recent wedding with friends. Jaime, our waiter, was superb! Very accommodating in helping us celebrate this special occasion. Recommend having drinks on the roof at La Perla before dinner.
OT
OpenTable Diner
El Paso
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Took my girlfriend out for dinner to celebrate her bday. We were immediately greeted and sat and both the hostess and server wished my girlfriend happy birthday. Our server was fantastic his recommendations and overall professionalism made our night even more perfect. Not to mention the duck dish with foie gras was to die for! For our first time having dinner here we loved everything! We will definitely be coming back soon!
M
Melody
Washington DC
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful food, amazing service. Would highly recommend and I plan on going back.
s
sarahl
Baltimore
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing restaurant, food and staff. Highly recommend
GH
GinaH
Tallahassee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Daniella greeted us at our table. She was very knowledgeable about the menu and made wonderful recommendations on food and spirits. Everything was delicious. The restaurant was clean and the atmosphere was cozy and warm. We enjoyed our visit and will be back!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ámbar Restaurante offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (915) 440-0051.

Ámbar Restaurante is rated 4.6 stars by 535 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Feb 8, 2023

11:00 PM

Booked 22 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(915) 440-0051

106 W Mills Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

Additional information

Cross street
N. Oregon St.
Neighborhood
El Paso
Hours of operation
Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–10:30 am Lunch Daily 11:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 3:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Plaza Parking Garage Located At 100 E San Antonio Ave
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Lawrence Acosta
Additional
Banquet, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.ambarelpaso.com/
Phone number
(915) 440-0051

Ámbar Restaurante

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Agave Spirits tasting + dinner

Monte Xanic Wine Dinner

Carnitas

Ámbar Ceviche

Tortilla Soup

Cold

Guacamole$15.00

Ámbar Ceviche$15.00

Coctel Rojo$18.00

Cesar Salad$14.00

Milpa Salad$12.00

Hot

Tortilla Soup$12.00

Crema de Chile Verde$14.00

Grilled Artichokes$12.00

Crisp Brussels Sprouts$12.00

Tacos

Baja Shrimp

Beef Barbacoa

Carnitas

Arrachera

Chicken

Tortas

Chicken Tinga$15.00

Ahogada$22.00

Garlic Chicken Wrap$18.00

Ámbar Burger$20.00

Platos Fuertes

Enchilada Suizas$24.00

Pescado Veracruzana$38.00

Chilean Seabass al Pastor$49.00

Carnitas Plate$25.00

Arrachera$37.00

Sides

Queso Añejo Smashed Potatoes

French Fries

Frijoles Charros

Frijoles Negros

Taqueria Salad

Roasted Plantains

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Filters

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

Does Ámbar Restaurante offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ámbar Restaurante restaurant rated?

Is Ámbar Restaurante currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information