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
Certified by Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q • Mar 08, 2026
Certified by Tony's the Pit Bar-B-Q • Mar 08, 2026
Reviews
4.6
673 reviews
5 stars
536
4 stars
77
3 stars
31
2 stars9
1 star
20
RG
Robert Gillespie
Feb 17, 2026
4.0
Good little spot worth a try. I got there at the end of the day but they served us as if we were completely welcome. Brisket was a touch on the dry side but not too bad, it actually had a smoke ring though so its got a leg up on most spots around here. Sausage was really good too. Might pass on the carrot salad next time but the macaroni salad was good.
TT
Thomas
Feb 6, 2026
5.0
Manger s such a heartfelt person gave me a discount for my service thank you
PL
Paul Landavazo
Feb 5, 2026
5.0
Good stuff and the hospitality is off the charts!
AM
Audie Maguire
Jan 30, 2026
5.0
Hands Down Best Customer Service!!! And you HAVE TO TRY THE CATFISH SANDWICH ON FRIDAYS!!!!! HOMEMADE Tartar Sauce!!!
Delicious!!!!!!!
TS
tony santi
Jan 23, 2026
5.0
Great BBQ! FANTASTIC SERVICE from all the staff, big portions at fair prices! It is worth the trip!
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.
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Certified March 08, 2026Yext Knowledge Graph
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