Lovebuzz is a bar located in the 5 points neighborhood. As you are driving down Montana and turn onto Pershings (as I would if you are coming from the Westside) then it is easy to miss. It is literally in the neighborhood. I promise you if you go you are in for a treat. I usually love bars with these kinds of ambient where I can relax and enjoy the music. I don't feel pressured to dress a certain way and they legit play all the music I like. It's always nice to see local bands playing towards the front of Lovebuzz and the patio is lovely!! I like that there is also a food truck, Valentine's Kitchen, with delicious food out in the patio! If you have a chance, head on over! It's super chill and unique! The owner, Austin, answered a few questions for us!

 What is Lovebuzz? (For those that have never been/or heard of it before).

  "Love Buzz is a patio bar in the 5 points neighborhood of El Paso.  It has a soul based mid century vibe, hosts cultural events, and live music."

How long has Lovebuzz been open?

" We have been open since September of 2015".

What makes Lovebuzz different from other bars in El Paso?

" The size and nature of our establishment enables us to interact with the community in ways other bars aren't accustomed to doing.  From crawfish boils, video game battles, live music,  to art markets - We try to host events that the community/ neighborhood approaches us to have.  We aren't always trying to pitch our own agenda and we are an establishment that wants our neighbors to choose us over their own living rooms."

How often does Lovebuzz host music events?

"We have a weekly emo party called "Taking back Wednesday".  There isn't a set schedule for musicians or dj's, but on most weekends you can expect to find one or the other."

How would you describe the ambience of Lovebuzz?

" One walks in to love buzz and feels a mid century vibe - A jukebox with 45's, vintage televisions and a marantz sound system to a Sputnik chandelier and vintage furniture.  As one heads to the patio they'll notice desert-scape art with vintage starbursts on the sides of the buildings, they'll be shaded by trees and pergolas, and they'll be able to order some of the best street tacos in the city!"

Any specialty drinks? 

 "Try "El Nopal" it has prickly pear and mezcal in it, or the mazapan cocktail."

Are you a fan of Tex-Mex food? You're probably thinking about a certain famous food chain but let me stop you right there, this place I'm going to introduce you to is a hundred times more homemade and authentic you won't be able to help but fall in food love. What is the name of this piece of heaven and where can you find it? Mala is the Tex-Mex restaurant you've been searching for all your life and you can find it at Av. de las Americas 767 A in Ciudad Juarez. 

This small, but full of flavor, restaurant was created by Arnoldo Palma and his main inspiration was his mother. He wanted to make sure that his vision for Mala was the perfect representation of his mother and some of her best qualities. You can see this love for his mother translated in the authentic and delicious food as well as the welcoming and beautiful space.  

What makes this place special? One word: family. Mala wants you to go enjoy their food and to make feel like you are part of their family. Their entire family put a lot of effort into all the food and space they have now, and they want to make you part of that family. They really want you to sit down, relax, and feel comfortable as if you were at your own house. Not only is the environment a great place to go and spend some time, but while you're there you get to enjoy delicious, fresh, homemade food. 

Asking Arnoldo what he recommends, his short answer was: everything! He explained that all of their dishes are the products of a lot of thought and love. He says that his entire family had a say in the process of creating the perfect menu for their restaurant. Though if you really do force him to choose his answer would be the empanada, which has been a family recipe passed down for generations.  During my trip to Mala I got to try the empanada and a Chiluca (a fried burrito). With any option that you choose, you get to build your own by deciding what meat, or vegetarian!, you want. This leaves you with a bunch of different choices, and a good excuse to come back!

So the next time you're craving Tex-Mex food skip the fast food and go get yourself some authentic, fresh, homemade food from Mala. You'll fall in love with their food, their restaurant, and the lovely people!

PS. Did I tell you they are starting to sell Elotes! Follow them on Facebook to find out about their Elote parties!
P.S.S. Arnoldo would like to thank all of his friends that have helped him out throughout this journey especially Alan and Christian! Without family and friends, things wouldn't be the same!