El Cholo Restaurant

I should be ashamed. Should hide it from my foodie friends who live by taco trucks and authentic Mexican eateries that don't have carrots in their chicken fajitas. I shouldn't like it, or the distinct "gringo" vibe that permeates the premises of the original El Cholo near USC. But I do. The food isn't anything that will change my life, but when I dine there, I'm not looking for the ultimate epicurean experience. I dine at El Cholo for a perfectly respectable plate of chicken chimichangas, the strong margaritas that make me forget I only drink wine, and for the fun atmosphere that says, "Hey, it's okay to be just above average."

Pros: Chicken chimichangas, strong margaritas, fun ambiance

Great place for lunch or for a casual dinner with family or with a group. Food was great, portions huge! And margaritas taste as they should.... Mmm! Service was a little slow, but friendly. And once we ordered, the food did come quickly... I recommend the Blue corn enchiladas. Little pricier than some other mexican restaurants, about $15 a plate for lunch, but the portions are more than fair for what you pay. I could not finish my meal, though trust me, I tried!

Pros: Good Mexican food, relaxed atmosphere

Cons: somewhat slow on the service

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

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.

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

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

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

how or why people rated this place high. Yeah the guacamole was tasty and so was every thing else....... but..... to me and my wife, we thought this place and the food was pretty much standard ordinary, and yes, we've had better. Nothing here at El Chollo really jumped out at us. The decor looked like any other mexican restaurant we've been to. In a nutshell, this place was O.K., nothing spectacular. And quite frankly, we don't critique restaurants by their Margaritas. We had beers, basically because I saw others with their Margaritas and they looked a little puny. I like things that are BIG & BOLD! So needless to say, we'll continue on our trek for the ultimate mexican restaurant. Please remember, all these remarks are only our honest opinions...... Cheers!

Pros: Guac was good

Cons: service a little slow, but O.K.

I did not order a side of r o a c h, but a r o a c h leg appeared on my plate! Who knows where the rest of the r o a c h was. Needless to say, I will not be returning to El Cholo. Too bad, because the margaritas were great!

Pros: margaritas

Cons: found r o a c h leg in food, parking

I definitely like this location over the other one in santa monica. It feels more authentic in that particular neighborhood, but of course all the waiters are in their formal mexican ware no matter what. Its a fun, relaxed atmosphere, the food is great but the drinks are excellent. Many would agree they are so good, on my way out of the restaurant I saw an older lady about 60 or so laying on the walkway (just a little too many drinks for her). So needless to say, they have tasty and strong margaritas.

Pros: atmosphere, booths, drinks

Cons: valet

A really fun place to go!! I loved the decor. Service was good. I liked my fajitas & My margarita was just fine. Food could've been more authentic for my taste, maybe more spices. But this place is a good bet :) I enjoyed it. You're much better off coming to this location than any of the other ones.

Pros: nice atmosphere

Cons: can't complain

El Cholo is a nice place to go, I didn't feel the service was up to par, Food was ok, needed more to choose from. felt like the same old thing. I was expected to be wowed & it didn't happen. I would go again if I was in the area.

Pros: beautiful, colorful

Cons: just an ok place.

This is the place you must go if you want authentic LA mexican food. The setting is amazing, the history is wonderful, and the food is great! Not the same feeling at the other locations, you must go to the original El Cholo!

I love this place because they have the best pina coladas! and it is a great place for groups. I like to go during the summer because it is the only time of the year that they serve green corn tamales, which are amazing. Also, make sure that you get the guacamole. They make it fresh at your table!

Pros: Great drinks and food, good service

Cons: Only valet or street parking is available

Margaritas with lots of booze, too fun. Enjoy the generous helpings of everything, but take some breath mints...

I visited the restaurant today in a big group and was so dissapointed with the overall food. The salsa that they serve along with the chips came straight from a can or a supermart carton. Infact the tomato sauce on my Chile Relleno as well was sour and tasted so out of the bottle. The greens on the side were wilted and the side of refired beans was ordinary.

So what is the use of all the nice authentic ambience, if the food does not match the place?

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Food

I had a fun time at happy hour last Friday, 12/15. Hanging out with a few people I met from jury duty. The margaritas were good, not strong. The appetizers were awesome. Chips and salsa baby! However, my experience with the valet service sucked donkey s**t! I hate valeting, but there were no parking around the area. For some odd reason, I had a feeling that this experience would be bad. Sure enough, when I got into my car and drove out of the driveway, I noticed a dollar bill on floor of my passenger side. I knew exactly what happened. I immediately checked my ashtray to see if my dollar bills were there. Not to my surprise, it was not. I normally keep around 4 singles in the ashtray. They were there when i valeted, but they were gone when I left the restaurant. Well, they managed to goof the hijack when they dropped one single. I can't believe that load of crock. I didn't bother to go back because it's my words against theirs. So, screw it. I'm not coming back for sure. So, a lesson was learned. DO NOT VALET HERE!!! THEY'LL JACK WHATEVER CHANGE YOU HAVE IN YOUR CAR!

Pros: Chips and salsa, margaritas

Cons: Valet service

El Cholo has the best appetizers and staff ever! I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but this place is really good, and I'm always looking forward to going there every month with my friends. They also are very involved in the community by helping out with a nonprofit for kids that we work with. Great food, great staff!

Pros: Food, Staff, Service, Decor

Cons: None

Regardless of the fight over its authenticity, all I know is that El Cholo's food is always fresh, savory and delicious. Their free starter of freshly fried tortilla chips and slightly spicy salsa will leave a film of oil along the roof of your mouth -- but you'll keep eating, it's that good. The guacamole is yummy, as are the cheese enchiladas, flautas, fajitas. I love the melted cheese over my refried beans and rice sides! People go crazy for the tamales they only have for a limited time one season of the year, but I'm not really a fan. Regardless...the best margaritas I've ever tried. And of course, this is THE place to go if you're a USC student with ID: Half off entrees M-Th after 4 p.m.

This places serves average mexican food. Great if you are in a group or need an easy place to go, but there are better places for real mexican food.

I am from Arizona and have grown up eating green corn tamales and El Cholo's Arizona style green corn tamales are better than my nana's! If you go to El Cholo and the GC tamales are in season, please do yourself a favor and try one.

The food here is consistently excellent. The green corn tamales are so delicious. You can tell that they are made out of fresh corn. They are definitely worth a try. THe drinks are strong. I especially like their strawberry margarita. I have only been disappointed once (with the sangria). Also, I am not a fan of the valet parking but you really have no other choice.

Pros: green corn tamales, food, drinks

Cons: valet, service is sometimes slow, sangria

I've been here several times in the last few years, and every time its the same story. The waits are SO long that by the time I am seated I question whether or not ANY meal is worth it. But, without fail, the food is sensational and scrumptious and never disappoints. The prices are somewhat high considering the going rate for tacos in Los Angeles, but the portion size plus the careful attention to details and flavors make it worth the time and money.

Pros: Authentic cuisine and consistent quality

Cons: Long waits, slow service

my first real job in the restaurant business
and my first big date
one of the most relax dinning places

I live near this El Cholo location, and I eat here a few times a month. I think their margaritas are the best. I love their chips and salsa. I've had things on the menu that I didn't care for, but I love the shrimp fajitas. All of their enchiladas are the bomb. I think it is way better than all the other Mexican food I've eaten in L.A. I always bring friends visiting from out of town. I don't know anyone that likes Mexican food that doesn't love El Cholo.

Pros: Margaritas, chips and salsa

Cons: wish they were open later

This is the worst mexican food restaurant i've ever been to. The food is extremely salty, the customer service is awful and the menu is very limited. I was served cold food on several occasions and all their items are overpriced. If you want to go to a restaurant just to sit and have a beer, this is the place to go... they can't mess up that order. Everything else is awful.

Pros: The place is clean.

Cons: The food is awful and too expensive.

I went to El Cholo because all of my friends had good things to say about their food. I was extremely disappointed to find that their food tastes like four day old wannabe Mexican food. Noting beats the mom and pop real Mexican restaurants where everything tastes fresh. I wouldnt recommend El Cholo to anyone who wants to eat real Mexican food. I dont see what all the fuss is about. The only thing thats good is their alcoholic beverages.

Pros: alcoholic drinks are great, friendly atmosphere; great place to meet friends for drinks

Cons: Food tastes like it's four days old and not authentic Mexican recipes

the location is not the best, but the food is pretty damn good- the service is ok but for the price very good

The food is bland compared to authentic Mexican food. The Enchiladas, tacos and burritos are all average. The history and the ambience is probably the best this about this location. Try other restaurants if you want Mexican.

Pros: Anbience, Margaritas, History

Cons: Bland , No Variety, Basic menu

Their food is traditional Mexican food - better than any other place around. But you don't have to go to LA to experience El Cholo. Being born and raised in So. Cal. I have been eating at El Cholo in La Habra on Whittier Blvd. since I was little. I suggest the traditional rolled Tacos. They are the best. And the Margaritas ain't bad either!

Pros: Tacos, Margaritas, More than 1 location

Cons: Parking not great

Great Margaritas! One of the top 5 Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. Great Service! Good All-Around!

El Cholo is my absolute favorite restaurant in El Cholo. Not only is the food rediculously good (I wait all year for it to turn May 1 so I can order the green corn tamales) but the margaritas are wonderful and strong. I try to come here at least once a month. Yes, the only downside is that the booths are kinda stiff, so I usually sit on the patio.

Pros: GREEN CORN TAMALES, Margaritas, Value

Cons: Stiff booths

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Their food is not bad. However, I don't undertand why it has such high ratings. It's not extraordianry food. It's just ok. Not authentic either.

If you like long chats after you eat, nursing your favorite beverage, then El Cholo is the spot!

They don't pressure you, or make you adhere to the unspoken 45 minutes from seating to clearing the plates away thing. One of my companions said it reminded her of being in France, where a meal is an experience of conversation and cuisine.

I had Annie's Early California Enchilada: a tasty veggie medley of spinach, onions and zucchini smothered in a lovely corn sauce and Jack Cheese. The black beans and Spanish rice were nice too.

Recommendation: Females well endowed with "bodily accessories," SHOULD NOT GET A BOOTH. They are most unforgiving, and very uncomfortable.

Lastly, the valet parking was not free for us between 11 and 3. Maybe it's because we ended up staying for 4 hours, talking and laughing as servers carrying sizzling hot plates of fajitas whizzed by

Pros: Nice Servers, Long Chats OK, VALUE

Cons: SNUG BOOTHS

I went to dinner at El Cholo, after somebody raved to me about it and I was very dissapointed with the food. It had no tase at all. I don't understand how it can be considered an institution, since it has been open for so long. As A mexican, I am embarrassed that people are being told that this is good mexican food. And, its amazing that the restaurant was pretty full at lunchtime. I guess the margaritas are good and the waiters are nice but that's about it.

Pros: none

I've been twice so far to the El Cholo on Western and both times I've been very pleased with my food. I've had the enhilada/relleno combo and the fajitas and they were both very good and came in generous sized portions. Also, my family is vegetarian and El Cholo has a good selection beyond just the cheese enchilada/chile relleno. The margaritas were good & strong too. The only questionable aspect might be the service. It wasn't blatantly horrible but sometimes you do find yourself craning your neck looking for your waiter/-ess.

Very bland food, nice atmosphere, and so-so service did not make a good dining experience.

Pros: good margarita

Cons: , mediocre service, too long a wait

I have been going to the original location since it was so small my mom would stand us in line to wait to get in on the street!
When I finally was old enough to get a Margarita I knew it had all been worth waiting for. The beef tacos, the green corn tamales! Wow!

Pros: Ambience & space, Good variety of dishe, Good food, drinks

Cons: , Too much ice!!, Kids can be loud!

I've been to El Cholo a couple of times, and I have also had their famous green corn tamales. They were great, a little heavy on the cheese, but the flavors were still very robust and authentic.

This restaurant is an example of how simple mexican food can be very good. I don't want to overrate it though, it's not "a must" if you're in LA- but somewhere to check out.

Ambience is great to: live band that walks around the restaurant playing requests, great decor, and authentic wall designs.

Pros: Good food, Good atmosphere