Remembering Closed Businesses of Past El Paso
Things that have come and gone in El Paso...
El Paso had its golden age of everything. The city is still a good place to live,
but there was a better time as far as recreation and classic hang-outs. Anyone who grew up and lived
in El Paso during the 70s and 80s new what it meant to live, work and play here. And being part of that
culture back then meant a long list of places for everybody. Just ask any
El Pasoan what their most memorable place to go, and they just might mention the following:
- Coronado Go-carts & Arcades - From 1975 to 1979, how many westside Coronado kids
ditched class and wound up at the Coronado go-cart track on Mesa? Who knows, but according
to legend - A LOT! Yes, the truancy rate at Coronado Hi school back in those days (1975-79)
was at the number 4-spot statewide. And most of them went to race around a winding track
outlined by old tires in primitive, dangerous, gas-powered go-carts. It wasn't uncommon to
see serious abrasions, bruises and broken bones caused from crashes. But it was great fun,
and along with the arcades and pool, it was well-worth taking the chance on having to repeat
a couple of classes.
- Time Tunnel - An indoor skating ring with food, arcades, pool and music. It was almost
guaranteed that you were going to see one of your classmates on a Friday night. When the
Thunderbirds finished playing their home games, the Time Tunnel and Pizza Hut were
all within easy walking distance.
- Thunderbird Lanes - Bowling, arcades, food, beer, were some of the activities
there. A favorite hangout for teens as they could play pinball and other arcades. For adults,
there was an attached indoor bar. And of course,. bowling!
- Mornigside Mall - A square, compact indoor shopping mall with two levels. Many fashion
stores including Francis Bounds supplied shoppers with women's fashion. Shoe stores, a movie
theater, clubs, and eating establishments were also among the retail establishments. The
Cotton Patch was a large club where you could drink and dance on a great dance floor. The
furnishings were not so great but some really good bands performed there. A lot of the bands
played during the summer. Their dress code prohibited t-shirts and tank tops. On a regular
basis, you could expect a good mix of 40s and 50s style of music with live performances.
The drinks included Cotton Picker (an altered Plater's Punch), Eli Whitney
(a triple Margarita), both $2.25. They were open Monday through Friday 10-2, Saturday 3-2,
and Sunday 6:30 - 1:30 with a $1 cover.
- Rays Bassett Burger
- El Paso Natural Gas Co.
- ASARCO
- Bella Napoli
- Billy Crews Dining Room
- The Old Buffalo
- Drive Inn Movie Theaters
- Appelgates Landing -
- Farah Manufacturing -
- KLAQ River Raft Race (Rio Grande) - The Rio Grande is a wide river flowing through Texas and
acting as part of the US-Mexican Border.
El Paso and hosting many habitats for wildlife. It also hosted the KLAQ Rio Grande Raft Race.
- Charcoaler - Not only some really good food, but a place to get out and stretch your
legs. Visit with some friends while enjoying a char-broiled chili-cheese burger with a
chocolate malt. The original owner sold to someone else and they reopened with some new
features, including an indoor section where customers and sit and enjoy themselves, and a
play area for the kids. Some things are better off if they're just left alone. ☹
Back to top »
