Mesa Street Grill

Established in 1998, Mesa Street Grill is located in El Paso's Kern Place entertainment district. Join us all summer for Happy Hour M-F 4 to 7 pm for specials.

One never knows when a lightning bolt of an idea is going to hit. And so it was over 13 years ago when a group of friends gathered for a celebration and, half -joking, raised the idea of starting a restaurant together. After a good deal of planning and organizing – the group did just that and in May of 1998 the ribbon was cut and the doors opened for the first time to El Paso’s Mesa Street Bar and Grill.

The original restaurant concept was quite different from the landmark that we know today. “We started as an upscale Chili’s or with a sports bar atmosphere geared toward the college crowd of the University of Texas at EL Paso” says owner, Mr. Bill Means. Burgers, beer and sandwiches were the foundation of the menu. Over time, management of the restaurant transferred to the hands of the Means family with wife and mother, Annette Means being the driving manager and warm, welcoming personality that the restaurant became known for.

Family is at the center of the business’ success. Son, Aaron Means, joined the restaurant as the General Manager after graduating from DePaul University. He worked closely with his Mother to shift the focus of the restaurant from burgers and beer to the upscale dining venue that it is today. Son, Billy Means, grew up in the restaurant environment – and credits his Father for sparking his passion for cooking. Billy attended and graduated from the country’s renowned Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute. During his time as Mesa’s Executive Chef, he has secured the restaurant’s reputation as the city’s fine food leader. “All my kids have worked here. It has been hard work, but definitely a labor of love” Mr. Means says.

The family experienced a great loss with the unexpected passing of their Mother. “The loss of Annette was a terrible shock. But there was never a question of what we would do regarding the restaurant. We run the restaurant in a way that she would be proud of – in part – as a tribute to her”, says Bill Means. Perhaps adds, “If we can be a small, positive part in someone’s life, it’s even more than we set out to achieve”.

Today, Mesa Street Grill stands as one of the city’s fine dining landmarks. The restaurant has built its sterling reputation on the highest standards of quality, service and delivering a unique upscale dining experience in a comfortable home-style setting. Signature dishes include the Steak Soup, Mandy’s Salmon, DelMonico’s Ribeye and Shrimp Pasta. In addition to their food, Mesa Street Grill’s wine list has distinguished itself by having won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence a record six years in a row!

What’s ahead for the restaurant? Will they hop on the latest dining craze or trend? No. Instead, Bill Means sums it up best saying, “We specialize in service, great customer relationships and the best dining in El Paso. And, fortunately those things NEVER go out of style. “