Business Details
About
Restaurant Delivery ServiceBarbecue RestaurantRestaurant
On June 23, 1958, Tony Vargas Sr., along with his wife Lydia and children opened Tony’s the Pit Bar-B-Q for business. The family ran the restaurant from the original location at 1829 Magoffin until 1969, when it moved to it’s the current location at 1700 Myrtle Ave. Tony Jr. ran the business from 1970 until 1995 when he retired and he is currently employed with El Paso Community College as tenured faculty. Grandson Bobby operated the restaurant until late 1999.
The management of Tony’s the Pit Bar-B-Q is under the leadership of Christina Vargas, granddaughter of founder, Tony Vargas Sr.
Christina Vargas has been managing the business since 1999. She has learned every aspect of the business from marinating the meat to slicing it for the customer’s personalized sandwiches like her grandfather, father and brother have done. Under her management there has been a steady growth in sales despite the economy and exodus of downtown businesses.
Christina’s dedication to quality and preservation of a family tradition welcomes you to come and visit her and taste Tony’s Bar-B-Q as it has been prepared and cooked for over 50 years.
Location
Hours
Reviews
4.6
664 reviews
5 stars
528
4 stars
76
3 stars
31
2 stars9
1 star
20
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Customers frequently praised the brisket and other meats for being tender and flavorful, though some noted inconsistencies in taste and temperature.
Customer Service
The staff received high marks for friendliness and helpfulness, although there were occasional reports of poor service and unwelcoming experiences.
Pricing
While many found the prices reasonable for the quality of food, some customers felt the cost was high compared to other BBQ options.
Atmosphere
The restaurant has a casual, welcoming vibe, but some reviews mentioned issues with cleanliness and temperature control.
- MHMark HauganDec 30, 20255.0Exactly what we were looking for. A restaurant full of locals eating lunch. The food was quite affordable and everyone was welcoming to us as out of towners.
- DMdenise melendezDec 27, 20255.0My family has been coming here for years we absolutely love it
- LALiz ArmendarizDec 27, 20255.0The food is amazing. Juicy, tender meats that don't hide behind overwhelming sauces and marinades. The place was packed and the staff was super friendly, helpful and accommodating.
- MOMark OrtizDec 10, 20253.0Has gotten very expensive 😞
- SMSusan MartinNov 17, 20255.0My car broke down so we ordered to go food and told them we were sitting on the curb because we had our 85lbs dog. They let us walk thru the restaurant and sit outside at a table. The staff were so nice and hospitality was top notch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q
What is the history of Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q was opened on June 23, 1958 by Tony Vargas Sr. and family, and has been run by multiple generations, currently managed by granddaughter Christina Vargas since 1999.
What are the operating hours of Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturdays from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays.
Where is Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q located?
Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q is located at 1700 Myrtle Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901, USA.
What payment methods are accepted at Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
They accept cash, MasterCard, and Visa for payment.
Does Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q offer catering services?
Yes, Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q provides catering arrangements along with lunch specials and friendly, courteous staff.
What languages are spoken at Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
The staff speak both English and Spanish to assist customers.
How can I contact Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
You can call them at +1 915-546-9140 or email info@tonysthepitbbq.com.
What nearby places can I visit when dining at Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
Nearby attractions include the Roaring Rage Room for fun activities, and El Chompas for additional Mexican dining options.
Are there any convenient services close to Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q?
Yes, nearby you can find The Auto Clinic and Knuckleheads Garage for automotive needs, and Garcia Food Equipment for grocery and supplies.
Can I combine a visit to Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q with nearby local services?
Absolutely, you can enjoy a meal at Tony's and then visit nearby real estate agents like Mary Delman, or seek counseling services such as Daisy Perez, MS, within the vicinity.