Paso Del Norte — Restaurant in Blaine

Family owned and run Paso del Norte is a Blaine institution; I first went there in the late 1980s/early 1990s, and it had already been in business for a while! (El Paso del Norte’s current location is larger and nicer, as well as no longer right next to the border; I think that U.S. Border peeps don’t anymore let ANY business be so close.)

Food is great, in large portions, with EXTREMELY reasonable pricing :-) My Mexican cousin says that’s it’s really good food; it’s just been adapted somewhat for “non-Mexican people” ;-) You can still get your ordered items made VERY spicy, if you ask :-) (As well, the kitchen is GREAT at getting meals out quickly :-) )

If you arrive at El Paso del Norte at dinnertime, you’ll likely have a short wait for a table (up to about 15 minutes); the restaurant is VERY popular. During the warmer seasons, there are tables (with umbrellas) available outside, in an area separated from the sidewalk, by railing.

Inside, there is a good-sized bar attached, but it is quite separate, and not visible from almost all of the restaurant. (The very back of the restaurant has a doorway to the bar, but one still doesn’t see in very well.)

P.S. El Paso del Norte is also an EXCELLENT place in which to practice your Spanish; most of the staff is Mexican, and they are helpful and nice about customers speaking Spanish...

I went here for my birthday a few months back. Blaine is a cool place to go without having to go very far away from home (for me). It took several minutes for our server to greet us or ask us for our drinks. Not a huge deal (at first). Then I asked "what's your best tequila?" and her response was "Oh, I don't know anything about that." Um. Alright. Sorry I asked. So instead I ordered a margarita.

The pile of empty plates and cups continued to pile up without anyone taking them away, which became increasingly annoying. After my first drink was gone, I put it at the edge of our table to not only see if our server would take it away, but if she'd ask if I wanted another drink. I saw her look at our table, then walk right past us. Horrible service, and undertrained staff.

The reason I'll give this 2 stars instead of 1 is that a) the food was really, really good. The kitchen did an excellent job. b) because our service at our table was so poor, we decided to instead close our tab early and go drink at the bar. The bartender was excellent. He was funny, helpful, and made excellent drinks,, and he was tipped well.

Will I go back? Probably, but I will not be expecting good service. I'll most likely just go and...

I live in White Rock but can hear that sizzling crunchy Mexican food from the pier. Having a Nexus I can sneak down anytime and in less than 10 mins Im enjoying the best Mexican food within an hours drive any direction! I frequent Taco Tuesday and get three tacos, my choice, for under $10. The complementary salsa and homemade chips are to die for. Save room as more great foods yet to come. There combo plates are massive and do not skimp on the essentials. The chicken fajita plate is easily enough for two and served sizzling hot on an iron grill. I usually order a Diet Coke and get a shot of grenade in if to make it a cherry coke. The place is older but has Wheelchair access and accessible bathroom! Has a full and busy bar attached and parkings convenient. Staff are always happy to see you, efficient and friendly. Canucks are welcome too. My journey back is not complete without stopping for the creamiest vanilla cone from Edaleen Diary just a block up the street. Thank god there’s a border or I’d be...