Across from Gate A2, this is Concourse A’s sit‑down option
Across from Gate A2 in Terminal A, Standard Star is the only full sit‑down restaurant on this side of El Paso International. It sits pre‑security, so you can meet someone before they clear TSA or grab a meal before heading to either A or B. Think basic American plates instead of another wrapped sandwich from Subway down the hall.
Hours run Monday through Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and that weekday‑only schedule catches people out. Weekend flights or late departures after 19:00 push you back to fast food and grab‑and‑go coolers. If you land around 18:15 on a Friday, walk straight here before baggage claim or you may miss your shot at a hot meal.
Menu and pricing sit in the mid‑range $$ bracket: a burger and domestic beer usually land in the $18–$22 zone with tip. Reviews call it “generic diner” food, so expect eggs, pancakes, burgers, and chicken strips instead of chef‑y specials. Order something simple off the grill and skip anything that sounds overly ambitious for an airport American place.
Regular ELP flyers plan around the Terminal A bank of flights instead of walking over to Terminal B and re‑clearing crowds. Standard Star across from gate A2 works as a 30–40 minute sit‑down before mid‑morning departures, and you’re still close enough to A4–A6 to stroll to boarding once the screen shows “boarding” instead of “on time.”
Watch out for the rating gap: it shows a 5.0 in some airport materials, but Google reviews describe it as “fine for a burger and a beer” rather than anything special. Limited hours and the “generic diner” vibe are the main complaints, not food safety or service meltdowns.
Tip: If your flight from A2–A8 leaves before 7:30 a.m. Monday–Friday, eat breakfast here at 5:30–6:00, then clear security; after 7:00 p.m. or on weekends, assume Standard Star is closed and plan on fast food instead.