True El Pasoan’s Have Done At Least 10 Of These

Being from El Paso isn’t just about where you live. It’s a lifestyle, a personality trait, and sometimes… a survival skill. Even though I was born here I have only lived here as an adult for 2 years, but I put this list together from all of the things I hear El Pasoan's say and do every day. If you’ve spent any real time in the Sun City, chances are you’ve checked off more than a few of these very specific, very El Paso experiences. Let’s see how deep your roots really go.

1. You’ve Made Out at Scenic Drive Like It Was a Scene from a Telenovela

If you haven’t parked on Scenic and turned on slow jams while awkwardly trying to smooch in a cramped car, are you even from El Paso? Bonus points if you paused to admire the view like it was part of the foreplay.

2. You Defend Chico’s Tacos Like It's a Religion

Yes, it’s soggy. Yes, it's confusing. But it’s ours. And if someone from out of town says it's gross, suddenly you’re ready to throw hands in the name of rolled tacos and neon cheese water.

3. You Took a Date to the Plaza Downtown Like It Was the Eiffel Tower

Movies at the Plaza? Romantic dinner at Ambar? Walk by San Jacinto like you’re in a rom-com? Yep, classic El Paso courtship ritual.

4. You’ve Swum in the Storm Canals During a Monsoon

Look, we’re not proud. But we are resourceful. If it rained more than two inches and you didn’t cannonball into a concrete flood zone, are you even from here?

5. You’ve Bragged About El Paso in Movies or Shows

Breaking Bad? El Paso was mentioned. Sicario? That’s basically a documentary. Selena? We got the concert scene. Even if we were on screen for three seconds, you told everyone about it.

6. You’ve Said “There’s Nothing to Do Here” While Actively Ignoring Dozens of Events

Live music, art shows, downtown markets, food truck festivals… but sure, go ahead and tell your friends there’s “nothing to do” while scrolling TikTok for three hours.

7. You’ve Gone to Juárez for Cheap Everything

Haircuts, tacos, glasses, dental work. If you haven’t crossed the border with $20 and come back with your whole life upgraded, you’re missing out.

8. You Religiously Attend at Least One Parade

Veterans, Christmas, Sun Bowl, or the big Catholic one with all the floats and marching bands. You have a folding chair in your trunk just in case.

9. You Got Way Too Drunk at a Cookout

It starts with one beer, and next thing you know, your Tío is doing karaoke, someone brought out a bottle of Buchanan’s, and you're dancing barefoot in the grass with someone’s mom. Or in my mom's case, you're dancing with Bowser.

10. You Have Daily Road Rage—But It’s Our Road Rage

We’re not bad drivers. We’re passionate. That red light was optional. That stop sign? A suggestion. And if you don’t accelerate when the light turns green, may the horns bless your ears.

11. You’ve Been Personally Victimized by El Paso Construction

Everywhere you go, there’s a detour. Orange cones have become part of the landscape. You haven’t seen a fully finished street since 2004. And don’t even ask about I-10.

12. You’ve Gone to La Cometa Drunk After Midnight Because It Was Either That or Whataburger

It’s 1:47 a.m., your stomach’s lined with Buchanan’s and bad decisions, and suddenly you need some flautas smothered in crema and queso fresco. La Cometa becomes salvation. You might not remember how you got there, but you’ll always remember the sabor.

13. You Hate Chico’s Tacos Now Because They Changed the Cheese or It’s Too Expensive

You used to ride or die for Chico’s. Now? You swear it doesn’t taste the same. “The cheese is different.” “They raised the prices.” “They microwaved it last time.” But you still go, and you still order two single orders, and you still complain the whole time.

14. You’ve Said “It’s Not That Hot” While It’s 105 Degrees

Because it’s a dry heat, right? RIGHT?

15. You Can Tell Where Someone Lives Based on the Most Vague Description Ever

“Oh, I live over there by the Food King, next to that one plasma center, you know, the one behind the Little Caesars.” And somehow, you do know exactly where that is. Bonus points if directions involve a former location that hasn’t existed in ten years.

How many did you check off?
If it’s at least 10, congrats, you’re an official El Pasoan whether you like it or not. If you checked off all 15, go treat yourself to some limonada from a bodega that only accepts cash and closes whenever they feel like it.