Cafe Madrid

San Elizario is a growing community, slowly transitioning from rural farming to a bedroom community for El Paso. Interestingly, San Eli at one point (long, long ago) competed with El Paso as a county seat but couldn’t keep up. It is located on the Mission Trail, a somewhat sinuous Socorro Road, which connects the San Eli Presidio with Socorro Mission and Ysleta Mission. This was an important stage stop, besides being the site of the First Thanksgiving in 1598. Café Madrid is not that old even though it is in the Historic District, and the drinks are definitely ultra-​modern. You can get here by the modern means of a motor car, as I have, or by a non-​motorized vehicle (bicycle) as I have also done. Regardless, get here, go inside, enjoy a refreshing drink before exploring the area. Buy a memorial brick, if a Veteran, investigate all the attractions on the walking tour, then return for another refreshing drink! I highly recommend Café Madrid!