Texas ABC license issued, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for the East El Paso taqueria
2 days ago: Texas ABC license issued to Taqueria La RealezaNew here? Follow stories to track developments over time. Create a free account to get updates when stories you care about change.
Overview
Updated 1 hour agoTaqueria La Realeza received its Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission license on September 8, 2026, clearing the restaurant to serve beer and wine at 1831 N Zaragoza Rd in East El Paso. The permit is the final regulatory step before the taqueria can open its doors.
The license, issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), allows on-premise beer and wine sales. It signals the owners plan a full-service operation rather than a dry taqueria, and it marks the end of the state permitting process for the new business.
Why it matters
A new taqueria with a beer and wine license gives East El Paso residents another dining option, and the permit clears the last hurdle before opening.
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Texas ABC license issued to Taqueria La Realeza
Latest RegulatoryTABC issued a beer and wine permit to Taqueria La Realeza, clearing it to serve alcohol on premises.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
El Paso's taqueria expansion (2010s-2020s)
El Paso's East Side, including the Zaragoza Road corridor, saw steady growth in Mexican restaurants and taquerias as the city's population expanded. New residential developments brought more dining demand to the area.
More dining options opened along Zaragoza Road, serving the growing East El Paso population.
The corridor became a competitive restaurant market, with several taquerias and Mexican food spots within a few miles.
Taqueria La Realeza is entering a competitive but growing market, where a beer and wine license can help differentiate it from dry taquerias.
Texas TABC COVID-era temporary permits (2020)
When the pandemic shut down restaurants, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission introduced temporary permits so restaurants could sell alcohol to-go and with curbside pickup. The move showed how the state's alcohol licensing system can adapt quickly when needed.
Restaurants across Texas could keep selling alcohol during lockdowns, providing a revenue lifeline.
The temporary rules became permanent in some form, and to-go alcohol sales remained legal in Texas after the pandemic.
Shows the TABC licensing system is the gatekeeper for alcohol sales in Texas, and that changes to it can have real business consequences.
