Lomas Del Rey - El Paso, TX

Native Americans have inhabited the Lomas Del Rey area for thousands of years, clinging to the meager agricultural output of the Rio Grande Valley. Starting in the 1500s, the area saw heavy traffic by Spanish explorers using the El Paso Del Norte. This passage to the north snakes up to the Spanish seat of regional power in Santa Fe, New Mexico. El Paso benefited from the economic boom of World War II, and the northwest part of the city became a popular place for successful traders and manufacturers. El Paso was once located along a hostile frontier, and the city and military have been intertwined since.

The US Army Air Defense Artillery & Fort Bliss Museum on nearby Fort Bliss Army Base provides compelling documentation of this history and displays a collection of weapons and equipment dating back to the base’s creation in 1849.

North Mesa Street and its steady stream of traffic hosts most area dining and nightlife, including Stonewood Modern American Grill. This upscale eatery’s steaks, sea bass and other high-end fare complement one of the best wine lists on the west side. Start with a steak tartar sushi roll with roasted jalapeño, and follow it with grass-fed beef tenderloin to sample two of this eatery’s famous creations. Don’t forget an order of cornbread — locals rave about the maple undertones of this carefully baked accompaniment served in a cast-iron pot.

Fancy hamburgers and a view from the patio characterize Independent Burger, also on North Mesa Street. Usually packed, this place sells unusual burgers like peanut butter with bacon and the gaucho with manchego cheese and pickled shallots. Local beer flows from taps, and a full bar is also available. Although on the pricey side, this eatery’s funky milkshakes and concept burgers keep patrons coming back.

Just 2 miles north of the University of Texas at El Paso, Lomas Del Rey’s night spots are well populated. Cantina Malolam has a hipster vibe and an outdoor bar with some spiced-up menu items like the rajando — a hot dog with two types of chile peppers and topped with queso. Wash one down with a $2 Tecate while listening to loud dance music and mingling with 20-somethings high on life.

Perhaps the most popular bar in the area, the Hoppy Monk’s walls bristle with taps, and its huge patio is perfect for large summer gatherings. Edibles like rabbit tacos and ceviche enhance the energetic atmosphere, and every day features a special of some sort. Monday is pint day, and on Sunday the best beers from Texas and New Mexico are served.

Minutes to the north at Sunland Park Mall, Cinemark Movie Bistro El Paso plays the latest box office hits and misses with a twist: burgers and other gourmet fast food can be ordered and eaten while you watch.

Residents of Lomas Del Rey usually drive. North Mesa Street in the area and Interstate 10 a few blocks west provide quick access to downtown and beyond. The roomy hills of Lomas Del Rey afford ample free parking, and residents jog and walk safely within the area. Residents, however, are unable to walk to the center of El Paso, as it sits a few miles south. Call ahead to one of the many taxi companies that service the neighborhood if you need a ride. Otherwise, request an Uber using your smartphone.

The Sun Metro bus serves El Paso and residents of Lomas Del Rey. Catch the 14 going downtown for $1.50, with free transfers anywhere in the city. The city’s network of cycling paths doesn’t connect with the neighborhood. The buses carry bike racks, and once you reach downtown a web of dedicated bike lanes becomes available.

Recreation abounds near Lomas Del Rey, including miles of state park wilderness just steps away in Franklin Mountain State Park. For $5 a day, the park hosts a range of activities including rock climbing and hiking. Also a favorite, the aerial tramway whisks riders to a view encompassing hundreds of miles of New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.

Free city parks exist to the north and south, and offer plenty of space for dogs to run and pools and jungle gyms for kids to climb on. The Billy Rogers arroyo has lit tennis courts and baseball fields among its untouched desert hills, perfect for mountain biking. The yearly Celebration of Our Mountains event takes place every October and features free guided hikes, bird watching and even bat watching at dusk in the cool fall air of the Franklin Mountains above Lomas Del Rey.

Rent in the hills of Lomas Del Rey sits moderately above the city average. Residents pay for the quietude of being outside with quick access to the city. The cost-of-living in Lomas Del Rey averages 9 percent less than the national rate. A one-bedroom apartment costs around $575 per month. Public transportation aboard the Sun Metro bus system costs $1.50 for a ticket anywhere in town. Beer averages around $4 a pint.

Area shopping concentrates along busy North Mesa Street and includes Sharp Cookie, a cookie shop that receives outstanding technical marks for its decoration technique. This tiny bakeshop has gone as far as formulating a unique icing blend to enable brighter colors and tighter lines on its selection of treats shaped like famous characters or your company’s logo. Custom design a cookie and get a quote for a dozen; the price depends on the complexity of the design.

Get your bicycle in shape to help you work off the calories at The Bicycle Company. The pros here know and ride local trails, and can give you tips on where to ride while they tune up your bike. Many repairs take less than 24 hours a refreshing departure from the sluggishness at most bike shops. Each year, the shop sponsors the 12 Hours of Old El Paso bike race, a mountain bike excursion around the city.

The games never stop at Asylum Comics and Cards, El Paso’s favorite spot for all things related to comics, zombies and other convention-worthy hobbies. The staff loves comics books but has a deeper passion for the culture surrounding this niche interest and loves sharing it with the community. Each year, staff and friends of the shop dress up as superheroes for the 4th of July parade and host a free comic book day.

Residents of Lomas Del Rey stock up on food and other household items at Albertson’s or Lowe’s. Also nearby, Tazza International Food has specialty edibles from the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. The Downtown Artist and Farmers Market each Saturday showcases produce from area farmers and works from city artists, set to the sound of local musicians.