Hungry hordes line up at this L.A. institution for potent margaritas and famous green-corn tamales.
Delivery/Take Out
Full bar
An LA tradition
"...this 'true institution' continues to produce 'green corn tamales straight from heaven' and the 'best, strongest margaritas in LA' after over 75 years 'these guys have got it down!'...."
- Zagat Restaurant Guide
In Short Low ceilings and exposed wood beams crown this venerable family-owned restaurant, with vintage photos of L.A. and memorabilia lining the colorful walls. High-back booths fill the dining rooms, and comfy sofas are strewn throughout the spacious bar. Gas-lit fireplaces add cozy ambiance while servers in traditional Mexican garb treat devoted customers like family. This Mexican fare has changed little since 1927. To start, a bowl brimming of freshly made guacamole is best with the obligatory warm chips. On the lighter side, the tostadita features a mound of shredded lettuce, black beans, fresh peas, avocado and tender, grilled chicken pouring out of a crispy flour shell. Otherwise, food is hearty and heavy: Bacon adds smoky flavor to grilled sirloin tacos, and chicken-filled blue corn enchiladas are doused in thick tomatillo sauce. The Taste of History combo tours house favorites like cheese enchiladas with slightly spicy red sauce and the ultra-puffy chili relleno.
Awesome place on a Friday night! Food was really good. Took a while to get in. The Enchiladas and Chips and Salsa Rocked My World! Great Tequilas selection and great mix of people! It definitely seemed like a youthful spot. I would recommend but wear your earplugs if you don't like the noise and stay away if you can't take a frisky drunk crowd.
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I have been going here for over 40 years. The menu has changed little. The courtyard atmosphere is great as is the food. In a busy area - plenty of parking available.
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Although the gorgeous waitresses sport some of the most UNflattering ruffles, the atmosphere, service, cuisine, and size will provide for you and your party the perfect watering hole complete with comfy couches, pomegranete margaritas, and a sampler platter that you can grub on with at least 3 others and still feel full. Stop in after work and meet some co-workers or old friends and yeah, you can catch the game if that is what you're into.
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El Cholo has been around for years and with so much competition, it is not hard to figure out why it is still one of the best in L.A. I love its select menu, but the Margaritas are the bomb!
I also love their melt in your mouth tamales. It is still one of my favorites for family gathering.
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The food at El Chollo is awesome. It's an old school authentic look with the staff dressed accordingly. Noisy and fun. The Margaritas are signature and the bar area is usually happening during Hapy Hour. Fall in and grab the 7-Layer dip, you'll be pleased that you did!
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El Cholo was a destination of a company dinner. We had a great time and everyone, I think over 20 of us had great food. There were no complaints and it was quiet when the food came, which means everyone is eating and happy. Of course the drinks were just as good.
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I have been going to El Cholo for over 20 years. The atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very friendly. You're not going to find unique Mexican food here (i.e. menudo) but you will find Gringo-friendly Mexican food - something the whole family can enjoy without heartburn. There is valet parking, but that fills up fast. This is a perfect place to bring out of town guests. Try the margaritas! If you need a little more spice, ask for a side of jalapenos!
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For those times when I want the real thing, I travel to El Cholo of Hollywood, far and away my favorite Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. Even though there are branches in Pasadena and Santa Monica, it just doesn't seem as tasty or authentic as in the original location. The bar is always hopping with margaritas that always get raves. The fajitas are outstanding and come sizzling enough to fog up your glasses. The chips and salsa served prior to the meal are extremely addicting, beware! But far and away, my favorite is the green corn tamale, served seasonal in midyear. I always go in the summer for my birthday and am never disappointed at these sweet treats which I douse with sour cream. Yum. And just when you're so full you think you can't eat anything else, a sinful praline comes along with your check (maybe they want you sugared out before you see the bill which isn't necessarily cheap -- but worth it). I always take out of towners to El Cholo and they always come back wanting to go again. It's
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 116 reviews
on Citysearch)
Best TexMex in LA
By legacy2012
love to go there with friends and family. they have excellent texmex and service is good. love the margarita especial and sonoma nachos are fabulous. they have a great patio and there is lots lots lots of space.
Pros: Thumbs up Cons: none
Posted 01/18/09
Best Margarita!
By peacefaery
I have always been intrigued by this place from the outside and after years of walking by, finally went! It was a little more casual inside than I expected, but homey and comfortable. We were seated upstairs in a cove like part and it felt really private. I had a veggie burrito and it was the size of my head and really good!!! I think it's a great value for the money. Also, the margaritas are some of the best I've ever had!!!
Pros: Great service and food...and Margaritas!! Cons: I'd find street parking and skip the valet.
Posted 10/13/08
Better than I thought
By foodie114
I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but I enjoyed my trip to El Cholo. The restaurant is homey and comfortable. The tables are private and the restaurant is very well decorated. The food was really good and our waitress was very nice!
Pros: Food, decor, service
Posted 05/21/08
HORRENDOUS FOOD
By nena5941
The food is horrendous! I am Mexican and I love our food; everyone talks about this place but the food is awful. It is tasteless, no zest! It is nowhere in being authentic. I had a TACO and I hated it that I ordered the burrito and that was worse. I packed away both items and threw them out when I got home. The drinks are another thing though, they were great, but in that case just stay at the bar, drinking and eating chips and if you drink enough then order their watery guacamole. DO not go to this place, stay home and save money unless you want a good drink.
Pros: drinks Cons: food
Posted 04/30/08
Consistently good food and drink at a fair price
By MXC
Okay, I've read some of the reviews here -- several made me angry -- so I'm throwing in my '2 cents':
I have to laugh at people who trash El Cholo after apparently just one visit. This means that they
completely discount the place based on one item on the menu that they hated. Now, I've been going
to El Cholo restaurants for years at several locations: Santa Monica, L.A., Whittier, and one or two
that no longer exists -- one being The South of Santa Fe down in Orange County somewhere, which was part of the El Cholo famly chain and pretty much served the same menu. I've sampled a variety of items on their menu -- very consistent in taste from location to location -- and some are fantastic and others are so-so. In other words, it's like every other restaurant that ever served up a meal. Sure, if you're from Mexico, I doubt very much that the food will remind you of your homeland, and you can probably buy a more accurate representation of a taco or burrito from your local taco truck, but I really don't think that is what El Cholo is all about. It's good to great food with a Anglo/Mex theme. Nice decor with friendly people working there, a great cantina with great drinks and fair prices that won't break you at the bank. The only criticism that I have to offer is that their margaritas are not as good as they once were -- which makes me believe that they might be cutting corners where the actual alcoholic content is concerned. Still good, but they were once the best; no more. They also used to have a 'bottomless margarita Sunday brunch' which was absolutely amazing. A ton of food -- all you can eat including huge shrimp -- and as much margarita that you could stagger away with; all for about $11.95 ! Those days are gone forever, unfortunately.
Pros: Good food, good drinks, location, service, parking Cons: Cantina can be crowded and noisy at times
