El Cholo

El Cholo is amazing. It’s one of our favorite Mexican restaurants to go to frequently. Their enchiladas are so yummy and so are their drinks. :) They do get busy so I would make sure if you are going on a Saturday to go there a little bit earlier. The staff are super helpful though, and have a accommodated us even when we have had some picky eaters joining us. They have a good sized menu with plenty of options, so there is no need to feel like you can’t find something that you would like. They even gave you these pecan candies at the end, which are sort of fun for the kids. If you are in the area, I would definitely give this place a try.

I visited El Cholo with fairly high expectations, knowing its long history and reputation as one of the oldest Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, the food itself did not quite live up to those expectations. The dishes felt overly salty, and overall, I didn’t find the flavors as enjoyable as I had hoped. Some of the food even gave me the impression that it had been pre-made and simply reheated in a microwave or oven before being served, which was disappointing given the restaurant’s legacy. I was expecting something more freshly prepared and distinctive, but instead the food came across as somewhat generic—almost like a well-established franchise rather than a historic, iconic restaurant. That said, the atmosphere is undeniably appealing. The interior is beautifully decorated, full of character, and displays signed photos from many well-known visitors. It’s a comfortable and pleasant place to dine, and the ambiance alone makes it easy to understand why the restaurant continues to attract guests. Still, for me, food is the most important part of the experience, and in that regard, El Cholo fell short. Because of this, I don’t think I can give it a high score, despite its impressive history and inviting environment.

El Cholo absolutely nailed it. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with cilantro rice and refried beans, and every bite delivered. The enchiladas were perfectly sauced, rich without being heavy, and the chicken was tender and well seasoned. The cilantro rice was fragrant and fluffy, a great balance to the plate, and the refried beans were creamy and comforting, clearly made with care. The wait staff truly stood out as well. They were polite, prompt, courteous, and genuinely friendly, which added to the relaxed and welcoming experience. Classic flavors done right, generous portions, and that warm El Cholo vibe that keeps you coming back. Highly recommend.

We celebrated my husband's 60th surprise birthday party here. Everything turned out fantastic. We were pleased with everything! Thank you for taking care of us!

Met up with a friend here for drinks. I’ve been to this particular El Cholo location countless times. They have several locations, with the flagship in LA, and guys, they’ve been around since the 1920s! The vibe here is classic old-school Mexican restaurant very charming and familiar. Staff are always friendly and attentive. I usually prefer sitting at the bar when I’m meeting up with friends due to easy access to service (not that they ever slack in that department). I ordered my usual: a blended mango margarita just perfect for this scorching weather. I also got the Tortilla Soup without the chicken. They’re always cool about omitting or subbing ingredients to fit your preferences. This isn’t a fancy restaurant by any means, but I love how consistently good the food and service are. I never have to wait long, and I always leave happy. Thank you, El Cholo!

Still great after years of going here! I no longer live anywhere nearby, but this is on my short list of places to revisit when I’m in the area. Since the last time I visited, it seems the menu got condensed, but all the good stuff is still there. The chip tray is also a bit smaller, but they seem more generous with salsa. Fajitas, enchiladas, tamales, huge portions, it’s all still good!

It was my first time here and I fell in love with the place and the Mexican art as it feels just as when I’m in Mexico. I love the fireplace area. The food was really good, at our table we had chilaquiles verdes, the enchilada and taco plate, enchiladas, and quesadillas and it was all delicious. Customer service is also great. The only thing I was disappointed in was that they don’t have cafe de olla but I did suggest the add on lol

We enjoyed a 82nd birthday celebration, they servers could have done a better job coming around to the tables. The food was pretty good, but if you're have a.few beers, you'll be hit pretty hard , beers are almost $8 bucks mixed drinks much more. I recommend having only a comple. The cost of $8 a dollar beers should include mariachi group play music. These dudes can break the bank if you're not careful.

Went here for dinner, and it truly never disappoints. I absolutely love their cheese enchilada plate, it comes with beans and rice, and it's always so comforting and flavorful. This time, we also tried the tortilla soup, which was really good, especially with the colder weather lately. It was warm and hit the spot perfectly. The service was quick and very attentive, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. The ambiance is also really nice, I love the interior design and the beautiful touches of Mexican heritage they have throughout the restaurant. It creates such a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I also noticed they have really great deals on Tuesdays for tacos and drinks, which is definitely a plus. Overall, another great experience, and I'll absolutely be back!

Came here after years, I really loved that the restaurant still has its original charm like the fish tank, the decor, and even the toy treasure box they had when I was a child. Service was fast, the food was good, and the drinks were good. Everything was good, not great, and it did seem over priced. Their entrees and drinks were a premium price, when the quality is only good. We had two combination plates, the shrimp tacos, three margaritas and one michelada and it was over $200 with tip for three people. The nostalgia was nice but the price was unreasonable.

This is for our server, Jacqueline She was exceptional, so friendly and courteous, she brought out everything we needed plus more and didn't give our table any attitude, even though we were there for a bit. She let us take our time. Never felt rushed. Although my family has been patrons of this restaurant for over a decade, the food has never impressed me. But it's an excellent place for groups and has massive margaritas, so it's a win.

I did a review about 20 minutes ago and it didn't go through. So here it is again. This restaurant is nostalgic for me because I grew up in the area. I do love the chips and salsa. It is not my favorite Mexican restaurant, but I come every few years for the nostalgia. The ambiance is always lively. I brought my grandpa here last weekend for a late lunch. He had the enchiladas lunch special. It is $20 and comes with a side salad. For the price, I think it should also include rice and beans. Oh well, he did enjoy the enchiladas. I had the filet fajitas. They were excellent. The steak was juicy and I loved all the condiments/ sides that came with the fajitas. We had a very nice time.

I ordered the Dorado Burrito, and Cheese Enchilada Plate The Chips and Salsa were good, the chips came out hot, none were stale and had a great flavor. The salsa is very average, tastes like it's out of a can, if they put a bit more effort into the salsa it would definitely be the best around. The Burrito was a great size and great ratio of rice, beans, meat, and lettuce. None of the meat was chewy and the salsa and cheese was good. I would recommend to order this. The Enchilada plate overall was good, the sauce is very tasty, rice was not stale, but the beans were a big let down. Hopefully I just got a bad batch. I would still recommend to order this dish. I didn't give this place a 5 star for a two reasons, I have no issue with their food prices, but their drink prices are absurd especially for how they taste. I've tried 4 different drinks here and all of the are below average but each one is around $17-$20 each, even for a classic margarita. The next reason was my service was good until I got my food, then I was not checked on again and had to eat my food with no refill unfortunately. The staff was friendly and the ambiance is pretty outdated but it was still clean.

I got the Sonora style enchilada. Soooooooooo good. The most authentic Item I could find in the menu.

Felt like yummy Mexican food and thank goodness we have El Cholo near by! I had the Mariscos Enchiladas and they were full of shrimp, scallops as a few lobster bites, yum! Hubby had a chicken quesadilla and it was super filling. We both couldn't finish everything so we had to-go boxes. I started with their Coconut Margarita on the rocks, it is sooo good! Their service was always attentive and we didn't lack anything. The ambiance was great. We sat in their patio area and it was a perfect evening for it, so nice and warm. We'll love their avocado salsa too, don't forget to ask for one! We'll be back soon!

Ambiance is very cute and charming. It has a traditional Mexican style throughout the restaurant, with Spanish tiles, a wrought iron chandelier and a fireplace in the main entrance room. The room we sat in had a solarium with plants, which created a cozy environment. It's also very spacious and has many different rooms to dine in. Unfortunately, food is just average. The quality of the food is mediocre. I had a steak fajita and the steak quality wasn't very good. Flavors were not bad. Also, they were skimpy on the meat portion. Most of the dish were bell peppers and onion. Margarita was also average and tasted very much like premade in a bottle. I do like that they offered free chips and salsa and the salsa was tasty. Service was very nice and friendly and orders came out on time. I would've liked to give it a higher rating but food quality is the most important and it lacked here. This place is good to dine at if you want reasonably priced Mexican food with a charming Mexican vibe.

This place is a gem. They have all your favorits for the most part, including everything from burritos to fajitas. I love their chili rojo with rice and beans. They have chips and salsa on the house as you await your food. The have a full bar, and a handful of specialty margaritas. My favorite is the coconut margarita, a sweet blended cocktail with coconut flakes on the rim. El Cholo probably treats their employees very well because the staff is super friendly and helpful. There is ample parking in the back of the establishment. Seating is outdoor with a covered patio, and also indoor and air conditioned. They decorate the inside with beautiful painting and a pleasant intimate ambience. Next time your in the area I would highly advise you stop and try out this place. You will love it!

This place is always busy (in a good way). The employees are always kind and friendly. Inside feels like you are in an hacienda in Mexico. There are plenty of choices on the menu. The portions have been big. I love their hand made flour tortilla with butter! Delicious

Met up with a friend here for drinks. I've been to this particular El Cholo location countless times. They have several locations, with the flagship in LA, and guys, they've been around since the 1920s! The vibe here is classic old-school Mexican restaurant very charming and familiar. Staff are always friendly and attentive. I usually prefer sitting at the bar when I'm meeting up with friends due to easy access to service (not that they ever slack in that department). I ordered my usual: a blended mango margarita just perfect for this scorching weather. I also got the Tortilla Soup without the chicken. They're always cool about omitting or subbing ingredients to fit your preferences. This isn't a fancy restaurant by any means, but I love how consistently good the food and service are. I never have to wait long, and I always leave happy. Thank you, El Cholo!

i've been going to el chlo for years, the food is absolutely delicious , service is excellent and a very cozy atmosphere

A friends recommendation for a lunch hangout yesterday. Beautifully decorated and themed venue. Very warm and welcoming service and very attentive staff. We were seated very quickly and didn't wait long to be served. I ordered a coconut margarita and one of their lunch specials and both were delicious. The pricing as well was reasonable (sad they didn't have lunch specials on the cocktails but it is what it is). Still worth it. Parking is convenient, it's easy to find, and for some history, this specific location was the second one to open. So there's history to this specific one.

Food: 3* Service: 5* Ambiance: 4* I joined some friends here after not coming back for years. It hasn't changed, nor improved. The food is just okay. The menu is inventive with the years these food items first appeared in the menu, a nice touch. I ordered and shared A Taste of History. For $26.95 you get a cheese enchilada, rolled beef taco, chile relleno and roasted pork tamale. Served with refried beans and Spanish rice. It was perfect to share, plenty of food and it tasted good. The tamal appeared to have a mole like sauce on it which was interesting. We asked for spicy salsa and they provided an habanero salsa which was great. Several people in our party ordered the fish tacos and they said they liked them, fresh and tasty. Someone also ordered the filet mignon tacos and they liked them. Another person ordered the quesadilla and it was huge and good. So all in all the food was good, just not great. Service was excellent. Friendly , helpful, and very attentive. We were a large group (16) and the service was just wonderful. The ambiance is nice, especially outside. Enjoyable, with fresh air and a nice feeling to enjoy your meal. Whittier boulevard is opioid, but you quickly get used to it. Several people ordered the margaritas, which they liked very much. I didn't have them this time, however. I did suffer all night long with a stomach ache, which I thought might just be me. However, when I checked in with some of our group, several people experienced distress after that meal. Maybe old oil or something. Not full on sick like food poisoning, just extreme discomfort and stomach and then intestinal cramps.

Food - 4/10 - The fajitas were mainly bell peppers and onions ..... I Ordered the shrimp fajitas and they were skimpy on the shrimp . It was very mediocre. The taquitos weren't that great. Me and my party all had some stomach issues after dinner . Maybe cross contamination or cleaning of such in the kitchen or perhaps not so fresh ingredients which is a health hazard. Service - 10/10 Bartender was kind and did a great job on the drinks Ambience - 7/10 it was a cozy Spanish style restaurant (Don't expect Authenticity)

Disappointed to have to give such a low rating. Been here many of times over the years but Dec 6th visit was not good. Waitress would split our checks like they've done in the past started it off. Than it was just one thing after another. Spent $30 on guacamole which was great, but chip baskets were not filled like normal. Water glasses were never refilled. Asked for taquitos was tried to be served fajitas (Waitress was rude when we told her didn't order fajitas). Asked for items that were never brought to our table. Order Ceasars salad and was drenched in so much dressing it was soggy. Over all we were disappointed. Luckily Janaro was there, he made it right. Hopefully it was just an off night. We'll be back because of Janaro.

Plenty of parking. Great for groups. Reservations recommended but not required Made a reservation 2 weeks in advance for a group of 18. 2 hours before our arrival our server Jack (female) called to confirm and ask if there was kids in the party. Upon our arrival we were immediately sat. Jack took great care of party. All orders came out timely with no mistakes. Food was great.

Had a hankering for Mexican food and El Cholo was open and close. I had carnitas plate and Jenny ordered 3 tacos a la carte. Chips and salsa before the food arrived was solid. Good crispy Chips and salsa with a little bite and spice. Everything came out hot and tasty. Service was average waiter came to the table, took our drink orders and returned for our main course order. Ambiance is typical Mexican sit down restaurant. We will return.

Tried this place for the first time back in May. The place is great! It's very cultural and it makes you feel like your in Mexico. They couldn't have done it any better with that. The menu is a bit expensive, but I would recommend coming down here to give the food a try. My order was a burrito with pork inside. It was really good and the portion was just right. I didn't get to finish it in the restaurant because it was very filling. The servers here are cool and professional, and the place here is overall clean. The restrooms were very interesting too!

Been to the original in LA but decided to come here with some family finally after 14 years of living in la habra. The decor is really cool, definitely a classic blast from the past. Service was quick and friendly. Food was fresh and delicious. I got the tacos al carbon and they were flavorful and juicy! The margarita was great as well.

Great food & service!especially recommend their salads with shrimp or chicken.margaritas are delicious!

Great food and service. Grew up here and this has always been a popular restaurant! People will always come here.

The filet mignon fajitas were ok. I could not really tell the difference between these and the regular ones I got last time. They were ok. I liked the guacamole and the fact that it server gave me slices of avocado instead of the premade guacamole because I do not like onions. That was very thoughtful of him. The bf really liked the shrimp fajitas and was happy he did not get the filet mignon ones. Should have been more flavorful. Next time back to the regular. The ambiance was great. Mariachis in the front and sports at the bar.

I recently had dinner for a party of 10 people. It was my first time having food from this restaurant. The place had a really nice ambience and had great customer service, but unfortunately the food was not good at all. The only thing that tasted decent was the albóndiga soup. We ordered 8 different things from the menu and all of the attendees said the same thing " food tastes bland". This sort of food is for non Hispanic people that never had a real Mexican home cooked meal. Alberto's tastes so much better than this place! I spend $250 on the tab and it was such a waste of money! My mother who had attended even said " next time I'll make real Mexican food at home" . She felt bad I had to pay that much for the food that we didn't even finish. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!!

A great place for a meal that offers outside and inside dining. The Michelada was decent and the food was pretty good. The service was the best part as our hostess was friendly and offered great recommendations. Ask for the mild salsa as it comes with a better consistency and more flavor.

El Cholo is a classic! With its rich history and warm, inviting atmosphere, it's easy to see why this spot has been a favorite for generations. The restaurant has a nostalgic charm, and the staff make you feel right at home with their friendly and attentive service. The menu is filled with Mexican comfort food at its best. I had the fish tacos, two grilled mani mahi and one fried mahi mahi, with black beans and rice. Delicious! The margaritas are also a must-try!

Today we had a baby shower for my daughter in law & son. The separate banquet room El Cholo has is beautiful. We had a taco bar with all the fixings, three meats, enchiladas, etc. The food was delicious and the service we received was outstanding! Lead by Jack with Susana, Ryan & Javier, we were spoiled with their constant attention. Great food and great service - a winning combination!! A special shout out to my girl Jack. You rock! I hope El Cholo appreciates what a asset you are to them! Gracias for making our event so special! BRAVO!!!

The good is been coming here for like 60 years! ( for real)... food consistent .. not authentic mex but tasty.. the bad this time was they needed more help.. place was packed at 5:00.. we know all the servers..,they're great BUT.. not enough help for the work load.. dear RON owner hire more help :-)

I stop by here with my fam when we want something easy and casual. (I'm obsessed with the pecan pralines handed at the end of the meal tbh.) I mainly return due to tradition and the space is great for large groups. Let's just jump right into what I've tried here, okay. Coconut margarita: just okay Chips and salsa: mid; salsa isn't spicy Taquitos: best item Fiesta Platter: good; shareable plate Enchiladas Mariscos: good but unmemorable Tortilla Soup: yum Parking: large back lot Ambiance: great for families, special occasions, and lunch Service: never had an issue with servers; food quality has gone down over the years while prices continue to increase.

EL CHOLO HAS CASTED A SPELL ON ME I am not the same and CRAVE this food constantly HAHA! To start, I appreciated how there was an outside patio that allowed for dogs : ) Inside, the restaurant had a warm and welcoming ambiance! The atmosphere was lively, and the decor displayed bright colors, as well as stunning traditional Mexican art. When seated, complimentary chips and salsa were brought out, which were EXQUISITE! The chips are solid, but what truly BLEW MY MIND was the salsa! My mom and I both agree that this was the best salsa around the Orange County area -- don't knock it til you try it! My family and I all ordered the same dish -- A Taste of History 1996 -- cheese, enchilada, rolled beef taco, chile relleno and pork tamal, Spanish rice, and refried beans : ) The plate was visually aesthetically pleasing, and the portion was hefty! BUT I guess for $26, it looked about right LOL! The two components that stuck out to me were -- the cheese enchilada and the rolled beef taco~ The cheese enchilada was the STAR of the show! It was drenched in a rich, flavorful red sauce with an even filling of decadent cheese. Also, it was creamy with a slight kick to it! I was most impressed by how the enchilada was soft, but not too overly soggy : ) The rolled beef taco was also solid -- it consisted of a crisp tortilla that was well-seasoned with flavorful beef! The service was splendid as always, as all the waiters are the sweetest! ILL BE BACK SOON : )

We came here the day before Father's Day to celebrate the holiday and pickup some food to go. We ordered two meals: chicken fajitas & steak fajitas. They both came with two sides of refried beans. The food was excellent and it came with sides of shredded cheese, sour cream, & guacamole. They also gave us chips and salsa. All the food was excellent and the service was awesome. I would definitely return here. The ordering & takeout process was easy.

The service was amazing thanks to Felix but the food was not authentic at all and the food had no flavor I had to add salt and pepper myself I don't recommend.

An absolute staple in my life! The green corn tamales are my absolute favorite! They are only offered from May to October so make sure if you go during that time you must have them! The tacos are delicious, the carne asada is cooked to perfection and they have so many different variations of enchiladas you can't go wrong. I love the atmosphere and have sat in different sections of the restaurant and they all have their own vibe. It's a fabulous place to throw a party too! Love love LOVE it here!

I always plan to snap a photo of my food, but the aromas win every time. The service is fast and friendly, and the ambiance is calm and welcoming. Their story is proudly woven into every detail, from the décor and napkins to the menu and their website, where you can explore six generations of El Cholo tradition. I had the steak fajitas, which were incredible and come in a generous portion that's great for sharing, perfect for families or a date. The chips and salsa were fresh and addictive. While the prices are a bit on the higher side, the quality, portion sizes, and overall experience make it absolutely worth it. The outdoor seating area is cozy and well-lit, with heaters to keep things comfortable. I haven't visited in the evening yet, but daytime is usually busy, always a good sign. The bathrooms are clean, and everything is well-kept. This place is more than a meal, it's a piece of history. Highly recommend!

Best Mexican food ever. The margaritas are . This is real authentic Mexican cuisine- top notch. Please don't sleep in this place.

For many years, I have been a customer of El Cholo Restaurants. My first visit was the original location on Western Avenue in Los Angeles. This is where I changed my mind on margaritas. They offered mini-pitchers of their Ultimate Cadillac that has a float of Grand Marnier on top. This won me over, what a difference on ingredient can make! The menu has the usually two or three item combinations that you can mix/match with a side of rice and beans. But the specialty items are guacamole prepared tableside, very creamy and super delicous! The have "green corn" tamales available May-October only. My #1 choice is the Senora-style enchiladas, the tortillas are layered with chicken, cheese and an egg served over-medium stacked on top of each other instead of rolled and served side-by-side. The portions are generous, especially the sizzling fajitas (choose chicken, beef, shrimp or a combo of these). My co-workers and I were frequently customers at the location on Flower Street in downtown location or Pasadena, my family prefers the La Habra location for the outdoor patio and free parking. At any location their menu, service and ambiance is the best! Craving a good meal, can't decide on steak, seafood or Mexican food, try El Cholo's and don't forget to tell 'em that Rosemary sent ya!

I really enjoyed the ambiance of this restaurant. This place seems well suited for both small and large parties. Service was also good. I ordered the combination plate with a rolled beef taco and chili relleno. The beef rolled taco was good had a nice crunch and meet was moist. The chili relleno was good I enjoyed all the cheese and sweetness of the chili. I thought it would be spicier, not sure if this is normal as this was my first time eating one.

El cholo is an old family tradition with us. I think they are slipping. The cheese enchiladas are flat. Not much cheese in them. The Chile relleno was small. The prices are up and the portions are down. The children's toy chest is gone. I wonder if someone else own them. We are gonna try the one on PCH in Newport.

Food is good and the service is always nice. Everyone feels welcome! I have been there with groups and with a friend or two. Always a good choice .

Had the opportunity to try El Cholo on a Friday night. Lots of parking in their lot and they had a decent amount of people in and out of the restaurant. They had plenty of seating inside and outside, which is nice if you're trying to get some fresh air. I don't know. Maybe I got the wrong item?, but the food here didn't really hit. A Taste of History was pretty bland. My S.O. mom got the fajitas, which in my opinion looked far better than the plate I got, despite the variety. I will say the guacamole and salsa were tasty and that was probably the highlight of the meal.

This is a comfortable dining experience. Stopped by during happy hour and enjoyed their $10 margaritas and $7 beers. There are also few food specials during this time period to snack on. The menu itself is consistent. The prices are a bit high but you are paying for the atmosphere. This location takes you away and places you on vacation in a remote Mexican village eatery. The service is friendly and the food is good. My combo had a tamale and a cheese enchilada. As previously stated a bit pricey but it was still good. The sauce was rich and the enchilada was cheesy. As for the tamale it was a bit heavy on the masa but the meat had good flavor. The rice and beans were good. And yes, they do give you chips and salsa when you arrive and are seated. This place is definitely fun to sit back and relax. Not a fast food stop in and eat type place. I'll be back.

This place is good! Chips and salsa taste great and have you wanting more! Service is fair, food is served fairly quickly and muy caliente! Indoor and outdoor dining vibes are 100% authentic Mexican and very chill! You really got to try this place! Cadillac margarita is a crowd favorite!

Ambiance and service was good but food was typical plain, to salty were the enchiladas and Carnitas were dry no taste. Visited there during the week when restaurant was slow and I can honestly say " Del Taco" beans are much tastier and good. Highly disappointed no wonder the restaurant is closing their Pasadena location. The only one that was decent was the Original on Western but that's long gone to be replaced by the one on Flower, overpriced and just Americanized Mexican food.

Make your chilli rellenos from scratch. Get rid of the meat paste and use shredded beef. Make the drink volume smaller so that you can taste the alcohol.

Well I used to come to this restaurant when I worked in Fullerton. Had several work parties there also. Went there this week to have lunch with some old co-workers. What a shock. The prices have gone through the roof. Service was average. Sat on the patio and it was okay except the constant semi trucks. I don't think I would return on my own.

Las enchiladas de mole ..nada que ver con las verdaderas y ordene el tres leche cake y lo mismo nada que ver con el auténtico..carísimo no recomendado para los americanos esta bien por que no tienen idea De la verdadera cocina mexicana sus sabores

My favorite Mexican cuisine in my area. Staff are friendly and efficient. Food is always great ! Complimentary warm chips with individual salsa. Best chili relleno ( fluffy omelette style) This is my go to Mexican restaurant.

Nice ambiance but wished they put as much effort in their food .. this place is not what it used to be . The food is terrible . Tamale taste frozen , chile relleno covered in bottled salsa , stuffed with cottage cheese ...

My favorite place of all time- great high quality food and great prices. Just wish they would bring back the chocolate mousse dessert.