Back in the days of “The Great Depression”, Antonio O. Flores estableshed what would then become a well known, respected family oriented business. The year 1927 marked the opening of Tony’s Place.

Story has it that bootlegging was popular at Tony’s as well as Juanita’s G. Flores ( Antonio’s wife ) famous cooking. It was said that the cavalary stationed at Fort Bliss were regulars. The soldiers would trot down on their horses and tie them to the hitching posts outside the building. They would sit down on old metal wash tub basins while sipping the home brew and perhaps some home cooking. The soldiers even trained a mule to travel the path from Fort Bliss to Tony’s and back. Often then, the mule carried bartering items in its saddle bags in exchange for the precious comodity of home brew.

Tony’s place legally opened after prohibition in 1934 in what was then the outskirts of town. Bootlegging and slot machines were concealed in false walls throughout the establishment. This, along with friendly atmosphere, made Tony’s Place a hot spot. There are many notable people who have visited our establishment over the years. Amongst them, are Clark Gable, Robert Taylor, The Andrew Sisters, Karen Tandy ( The first woman to have lead the DEA ) Anita Perry ( The first lady of Texas ), and Gil Colorado ( The former director of the Selective Service System ).

In June of 1968, Antonio and Juanita’s daughter, Lilia F. Duran and her husband, John G. Duran, took over Tony’s Place and renamed it L & J Cafe. The letters “L’ and “J” are for the first initials of Lilia and John. They are also for the initials of their children Leo, John and daughter Lilia (Becky). After John G. Duran’s passing away on December 11, 1987, third generation son, Leo Duran and his wife, Frances, assumed the responsibility of maintaining the restaurant’s legacy and continue to do so this day. Leo‘s mom Lilia, continued to lend her guidance and support until her passing in March of 1999.

We are blessed to have such a legacy to uphold. It is our sincerest wishes to continue this tradition. Our many thanks to our loyal and faithful customers ( also multiple generations ) and to our dedicated staff, friends, and family for their continued patronage. Today, we continue to serve the great cuisine of authentic border regional Mexican food and hospitality that make us unique.