Thyme Matters

El Paso, United States

3.8

Closed now

20 reviews

Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wi-Fi

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 915-585-0309
Website:
www.thymematters.com
Address:
5857 N Mesa St Ste 24, El Paso, TX, 79912
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Bussiness info

Takes Reservations
Yes
Delivery
No
Take-out
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards
Yes
Accepts Bitcoin
No
Good For
Dinner
Parking
Private Lot
Bike Parking
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Good for Groups
Yes
Attire
Casual
Ambience
Classy
Noise Level
Average
Alcohol
Full Bar
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Wi-Fi
Free
Has TV
Yes
Waiter Service
Yes
Caters
Yes

Today

Today 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Closed now
Local time (El Paso) 22:01 Monday, 9 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Discover the flavor and passion of Thyme Matters and experience our unique international fusion cuisine, unlike any other. Our restaurant emerged from a mixture of tradition and modernity in cuisine and the belief that El Pasoans are looking for — and deserve — more from a dining experience.

Enjoy a delightful selection of paninis, pastas, salads, seafood and steaks. We prepare each meal to order, and we pride ourselves on using only the freshest, quality ingredients. A carefully selected wine menu and hand muddled cocktails complement a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to sit back and relax.

Located in El Paso’s West Side, Thyme Matters is the ideal setting for any occasion. We have an outdoor patio with a spectacular view of the Franklin Mountains. In addition, we have a fully-​equipped private media/​dining room, which is the perfect place to host a presentation or private party.

Thyme Matters is a place where friends, families and business professionals can celebrate life’s victories or just unwind at the end of a busy day. Our international cuisine and polished casual environment offer the best ingredients, a passion for flavor, dependable service and attention to detail. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable experience at Thyme Matters.

History

Established in 2004.

Thyme Matters has been serving El Paso since 2004. What started as a small catering business with four tables in 2004 and quickly blossomed. Our mission is to provide unique cuisine that blends tradition and modernity in a warm, welcoming environment. With over 11 years of success, we look forward to adding you to our long history of happy customers.

Meet the Business Owner

Alejandra C.

Business Owner

After completing her corporate communications degree at the University of Texas at Austin, Alejandra took a job as a corn trader with Cargill in Iowa. She then worked as a financial analyst for Enron in Houston before pursuing her true passion — cooking. She received two culinary degrees in Italy and spent time in Oaxaca, Mexico working alongside celebrity chef Alejandro Ruiz.

In 2004, Thyme Matters was born as a small catering business. Alejandra and her husband, Ivan Torres, envisioned a place where friends, families and business professionals could celebrate life’s victories or just unwind at the end of a busy day. Alejandra enjoys being able to serve the public at Thyme Matters, where our unique international cuisine and warm, welcoming environment are the driving forces of the business. Alejandra hopes to provide you such a positive experience you’ll remember to return to Thyme Matters when you’re in need of a great meal.

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20 reviews of Thyme Matters

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Place rating: 1
El Paso, TX
Last night was my 3rd «thyme» visiting this restaurant. While my first visit many years ago was a disaster, I tried it again several years ago. Again, my meal was so inedible that the waiter apologetically offered to comp it. I would never have returned but I accepted an invitation to dinner and later found out my host had selected Thyme Matters. I ordered the Linguine with clams, assuming it would be simple enough to prepare well. I was wrong. While edible, it was barely so. The pasta tasted like it was quickly tossed with some toasted garlic and some steamed clams arranged on top. Very dry and bland. None of the wine sauce with herbs that was promised. The service was so poor that the house manager ended up attending to us and, though we didn’t complain, comped us a dessert as apology.
Go if you must, but third time told me enough is enough!
Place rating: 4
Fort Worth, TX
I’ve been coming since the place opened and the food is always good. I’ve been for dinner and lunch and never been disappointed.
For lunch I would recommend the southwest turkey sandwich with sweet potato fries or homemade chips! And dinner… The salmon is my go to. For appetizers I’d definitely get the calamari and PLEASE PLEASE do not leave this place without trying the poblano soup.
Overall good food and pretty good service. I’d try it out if I were you.
Place rating: 5
El Paso, TX
I wouldn’t give this place anything less than 5 stars. Being our local go-​to fancy/​casual/​event restaurant for many years, the service, the food, and the place keeps us coming back for more.
I won’t elaborate on the food too much, but anything and everything is excellent. Some people have criticized it for having almost the same menu throughout the years — but they’re good at what they make. Owner/​chef Alejandra Chavez does add seasonal items that again are absolutely delicious. I cannot pin point one dish that you have to order because they are all good. To further elaborate on the menu, their drink menu is top par. Again, no one drink is good so I suggest you try all. They have a margarita special every Wednesday.
The service is also top notch. Some of the waiters have been long time employees so they know you very well, and even the ones that haven’t been there long are exceptional at their job.
Lastly, the location and the look of the restaurant are perfect. The location is great and the restaurant is always clean and beautiful on the inside. The patio is lovely for the spring and summer and their second floor offers a great area for events.
Overall, as you can tell — this is one of my favorite restaurants. Besides all of the above, their deserts are a must! A little El Paso gem.
Place rating: 5
El Paso, TX
The most impressive feature about this place is the bartender, Daniel. That’s saying a lot, because everything about this place is impressive. I’ve had several items on the menu, and the steak frites is my resolved favorite. But seriously, whatever you order is going to be amazing.
My fiancé and I try to frequent on Wednesdays, because the margaritas are half off. All the margaritas are good, but the jalapeño and green prickly pear are my favorite. If tequila isn’t your thing, Daniel – the bartender – can mix up any cocktail legit style.
The poblano soup is also a must have; the prosciutto scallops were delicious; and the sauce the mussels came in was pure delight.
Every time I come here, I want to go back more.
Place rating: 5
El Paso, TX
5 stars? Yep. I’m thinking this place is my new favorite spot for lunch. I was really impressed. From the outstanding service, great décor, and high quality food… I will be back. It is an open and comfortable environment that made me feel at home. My girlfriend and I enjoyed this place so much we had to remind ourselves to leave… LOL The food was on point, we had a turkey sandwich and a baked Rigatoni Dish. Both were delish! I also must point out that the lunch portions were good size and I left full with a to go box. I must try it this place again for dinner!
Place rating: 4
Dallas, TX
I love going here for lunch. Their corn poblano soup is incredible and so are their sandwiches. The chicken parmigiana is the best I’ve ever had. The waiters are very professional and attentive.
My only complaint is that the crowd that frequents this location is usually elderly and they’ve told us to quiet down when we weren’t even talking loud.
Place rating: 2
Travis White, TX
I had the salad/​sand which combo. Greek salad was very good oh and the bruschetta was flavorful, tuna not so great. The bread was cold and dry and tuna bland. I ordered a Bloody Mary that was good but The service was not up to par. I will not return $$$
Place rating: 5
Pacifica, CA
Date night. Hubs and I try a new restaurant every week. We landed here this week and could not have been more impressed. Top 3 things to love:
1. Cleanliness and décor. Lovely. Calm. Our table was a little wobbly. The waiter (within 2 minutes of us sitting down and ordering) brought our drinks, noticed the wobbly table without being told and immediately fixed it.
2. Service. Amazing. Quick, efficient, and when I requested a different side (the most goddamn fucking delicious risotto) with my steak that was only offered with a different entrée it was no problem.
3. The FOOD. Droolworthy. My medium rare steak was cooked to perfection as was hubby’s pork chop. His came with BOMB mashed potatoes and a delicious little salad.
The meal started with warm bread and garlic butter and never disappointed. If you haven’t tried this place, give it a whirl! You will not leave unhappy.
Place rating: 1
Scottsdale, AZ
I had been going here for years, and always enjoyed it for the most part, besides the price increase for the same basic salads, and decent but small choice in entrees. I was going to have my birthday dinner here and the owner, Renee, was incredibly rude to me. He was very concerned with my 25 person reservation because it would be the weekend of Mother’s Day. He asked me if «I was sure everyone was going to actually show up», and how everyone was going to pay, and if they would be ordering alcohol. I was extremely offended by these questions, and finally just cancelled my reservation and when I called to cancel, he told me «oh thank you so much for canceling! «I was so shocked by this phone call I couldn’t even hang up the phone. I haven’t gone back since.
Place rating: 3
El Paso, TX
There’s not much to say about tyme matters. I always forget about going here. It’s just ok. A nice lunch spot. Their service is always very slow and the menu isn’t fantastic. It’s a small selection with high prices. They have a very good soup. The salads are just ok, it’s always really white iceberg or romaine lettuce, which is kinda strange for how much their salads cost. If you’re looking for a place to eat, it will suffice, but I wouldn’t tell my friends about it. Overall it’s good option if you want to change things up. But there are better places in town to eat.
Place rating: 4
El Paso, TX
I was very impressed with this restaurant. I took my mother who is from out of town to Thyme Matters only because I had a vague memory about a good critique. I am so glad I remembered this restaurant name, when I saw it. She is very particular on her diet and its restrictions and we were able to find a meal for her which she enjoyed very much. I had a young child with me, a six year old, I will say he did not find any think on the menu appealing so he snacked off our plates.
I feel in love with the bread and the soup which my mother ordered and had me wishing I had done the same. I ordered the Eggplant Parmesans which seemed hot and made to order. The ingredients were fresh and the food was great. The environment was wonderful and I am so happy that my mom got to experience this great place to eat in El Paso. You received praise from my mother which speaks volumes since she is very particular in her choice of restaurants.
My six year old did not find something on the menu to eat for dinner but he did love the lava cake.
Place rating: 3
El Paso, TX
The roasted corn poblano soup was outstanding. I could make a meal of that alone. My green chile carnitas were pretty good, but I found the lime a bit overpowering. That’s my personal choice and others might find that OK. The small corn tortillas were dry and chewy. My wife and her mother both enjoyed their coconut chicken oriental salads. The atmosphere was delightful. Music was mellow and at a level where you can enjoy conversation. Service was very good, if a bit slow. Wouldn’t be the best place if you’re in a hurry. Relax and enjoy. Definitely worth a second trip. Would have given a higher rating if prices were lower.
Place rating: 5
El Paso, TX
Cocktails here are what really shine! Lovely patio with great view. Restaurant furniture is comfortable. It’s the corner tenant in a shopping center, but set off from Mesa, so traffic hub at a minimum on the patio. Great service. Waitstaff not fussy or pushy. Ok place to bring the kiddos and yet, still classy for friends or a date. Our food was fantastic! Definitely something inventive and an eclectic menu in El Paso! Cashasa!
Place rating: 4
El Paso, TX
At a very early age I came to the realization that I cannot stand baked cheese or tomato based sauces. So over half of Italian cuisine is not an option for me, but once in a while (and maybe this is just me) I specifically seek out food or dishes that are on my DISLIKE list. Even if my personal preference says I shouldn’t like something, I can still appreciate good food and I have a longing to try every single dish known to man.
Thyme Matters’ Eggplant Parmesan is my one exception to the baked cheese and tomato based sauces rule. The cheese was melted perfectly (my dislike of baked cheese may have something to do with the quality of cheeses and the rubbery texture it gets when it browns too much) and the sauce was far from bland, just really flavorful… Thyme really does matter.
I also had the Calamari. Total hit! They do use a mix of rings and full squid which kind of switches up the texture. And the Parmesan! It’s loaded with bits and slices of Parmesan that I seriously just started eating because the herbs that rubbed off on it was phenom.
Service was pleasant enough, nothing above average or below. There isn’t a thing that sticks out about the staff there for me so that’s pretty much a good thing. I’m pretty sure I didn’t leave until after they were closed, but I was never rushed or anything like that.
If they can make me a lover of baked cheese and a red sauce, TM is definitely worth the trip! Pricing was decent, kind of what I expected for a classy Italian restaurant in El Paso.
I have read all of the reviews (so far) on TM and have come to the conclusion that they got off to a rocky start. It seems like the ratings under 2 stars were from before 2012 and since then they’ve improved and really won over other Unilocalers. Give ‘em a try because I seriously doubt they won’t win you over too.
Place rating: 5
Austin, TX
El Paso has a redeeming quality — it’s the ceviche at Thyme Matters. Easily the best ceviche I ever had. But Thyme Matters is not a one trick pony — everything we tried was absolutely top notch including pisco sour which was just damn good. This is one of those hidden jams that are simply must be on a «must see» list of this, otherwise dull, town.
Place rating: 2
El Paso, TX
We were given a recommendation for this restaurant by a friend and made the trip over this past week. My Dad and I enjoyed our meals but my Mom did not. She didn’t like her crostini saying it was a weird pile of chopped up cheese and the hardest bread she ever ate. She and Dad loved the mussels and savored the broth in the bowl so much they ate it as a soup. My chopped salad was tasty along with the Pasta a la Pomodoro. The place is pretty and boasts a beautiful view but somehow lacks warmth and cheer. I don’t think we’ll return for an encore.
Place rating: 5
Syracuse, NY
I liked this place. Windows all over with nice view of the mountains. The caprese bruschetta was fresh and the bread was soft not at all that hard mouth destroying bread you get in other places.
Their grilled salmon was prefect cooked and I recommend it.
Place rating: 5
San Antonio, TX
Wow, I saw the reviews and I’m actually kind of shocked at how low the stars this restaurant has received. I’m trying to be completely objective in my review, and I wish I could do half stars, but since I can’t I will bump them up because my issue is incredibly minor (mojito was made with waaay too much lime).
We were seated at a two person table/​booth. The hostess was incredibly friendly and cordial. Our server was right behind her and wasted no time in getting our drink order. He came back two times, because we weren’t quite sure what we wanted. We got the Caprese Bruschetta for an appetizer (holy moly was that mozzarella fresh!) and I couldn’t stop eating it. We also got a small chopped salad which we split between both of us because it was such a large portion.
For the entrée, I ordered the Peppercorn Sirloin Steak, my friend had the Andouille Sausage and Chicken Pasta. My steak was teensy bit undercooked, but not enough to keep me from cleaning my plate. The potatoes were so flavorful, the steak was juicy, and the sauce complimented everything so well. I didn’t even get to try my friend’s pasta because she was done before I looked up.
Dessert was divine. We had the strawberry shortcake, which sounds like such a basic dessert, but this was AMAZING. The shortcake was still homemade and warm, like it had just come out of the oven. The strawberries were fresh and not overly sweetened. The homemade whipped cream was the icing on this whole meal.
We were so incredibly satisfied, and the two girls that sat next to us in the awkward arrangement were nice and we actually started up a conversation with them. I don’t mind that kind of seating because I like to be social, but if it bothers you, asked to be moved to a four top, I doubt they will decline your request.
Overall, fantastic. I can’t wait to go back!
Place rating: 3
El Paso, TX
I was going to stop by Maria Chuchena for lunch the other day, but apparently they are closed (and based on the note on the door, that might be permanent), so I had to blindly choose another restaurant in the area. I had heard good things about Thyme Matters, which is right across the street. A walked in and notice that for lunch time, the restaurant was quite empty. The waiter sat me at a 2 person table next to another couple even though the rest of the tables were open. I found that strange.
For the appetizer, I started with a Poblano and Corn Soup. The soup had a nice heat (both spice and stove) to it. The taste was pretty good, but I would definitely say it was over salty.
For the main course I had a Tuna Melt with homemade potato chips. The Tuna Melt was just that, your average tuna sandwich with cheese melted on top. It needed something else to make it pop, though. Also, I would have preferred this to be an open face sandwich. The coleslaw that came with the sandwich was unique. It almost tasted like they mixed store bought and homemade coleslaw together. It was sweet with the pineapple and not over mayo-​y. Finally, I snacked on the potato chips. You could tell that they were fresh, but boy did they need salt. They were crunch and bland; such a strange combination.
Finally for desert, I had churros with hot chocolate. This was without a doubt the best part of the lunch. The churros were fried well, hot without being greasy. The cinnamon sugar mix added a nice additional crunch without making it too sweet. The dipping chocolate brought it home with a nice bitterness. To make it a little different, I may suggest putting some red chili into the chocolate.
For now, I am rating this a 3 since other than the Churros, this place was totally average. I think if they tightened up their flavors and adjusted the spices, it could be better. If a friend asks me to join them for lunch there, I will go, but it won’t be something I’ll go out of my way to try again.
Place rating: 4
Bellevue, WA
Ok, the first few times I came to Thyme Matters I was unimpressed. It managed to stay open for all these years and I swear it has matured into a fine restaurant.
A year ago I would have given this place two stars, now I really enjoy going. They have an amazing tuna ceviche that I highly recommend. It is a HUGE tower of fish and mixins and practically filled my mom and I up before we ever got our meal.
Speaking of, the service was S.L.O.W. Minus a star. The place didn’t look that crowded and there were multiple servers and bussers buzzing around, so I seriously cannot understand why it took nearly an hour to serve us lunch. The food made up for it though and I will be back.
Now onto the bar! The have some good bartenders here. One likes to invent drinks and as Albert K. said, the Blue Agave is excellent. We used to skip the food and just come here for that drink. It is very unique!