Heather Li
El Cholo was poppin’ the night I stopped by, and for good reason. The food is absolutely delicious. I had the carnitas, and it was truly the best carnitas I’ve ever had. I also REALLY liked the chips and salsa. We had a giant group and they were easily able to accommodate our group (which was probably 15-20 people). Considering how packed the restaurant was, the food came out so quickly. The service was good and there wasn’t one single error with our bazillions of orders. I was very impressed. If you’re looking for some delicious carnitas, go to El Cholo.
… moreT Key
Travel with friends in Santa Monica and decided on EL Cholo for Mexican. Best choice ever. Wonderful, atmosphere, staff, food & drinks.
Only bummer was $10 parking.
… moreRachel Russell-Clark
We came here for a holiday lunch with our team. It was so wonderful we got the guacamole as apps and then everyone got an entree. Staff was so wonderful, would 100% come back!! They had these really long banquet tables it was so nice! Will definitely be back.
… moreJustin Wohl
You don’t stay open for 100+ years on gimmick and imitation: El Cholo serves up “traditional” Mexican dishes aka the staples of tacos, enchiladas, rice & beans, chips & guac, and strong citrusy margaritas. Bite for bite there was nothing to complain about – I expect El Cholo will continue serving up classics to groups of coworkers and families out for dinner for the foreseeable. Consistency is key.
… moreeriko p
We came here for dinner on a Tuesday night. No reservations needed. Parking was a bit difficult to find on Wilshire, so my friend ended up using the Valet ( $10) . I ordered the crab enchiladas and they were okay, a bit rich and bland. My friend ordered the Santa Barbara enchiladas, and he too, mentioned the sauce was bland. My husband ordered the chile relleno and enchiladas and he really enjoyed his meal. All three of these entrees came with beans and rice which was a nice complement.
The service was good, but there was no follow up after the dishes were brought to the table. I had to look around for the servers to ask for more beer and the diet coke we asked for at the beginning was forgotten, so I had to ask for it again.
The dishes were presented beautifully, and I really wanted to enjoy the food, since my friend flew in from out of town and wanted Mexican food.
Perhaps because it was a slow night, due to the rainy weather and on a Tuesday, but the servers were hard to locate.
Even the valet came to our table at 9pm to say his car was the only one on the lot and if he could pay now, it would be great. It wasn’t an issue, and my friend didn’t mind, but this gesture hinted to us that we should leave.
We arrived for dinner around 7:45pm and left at 9pm.
… moreJimmy Monge
Food was boo boo. The rice and beans were very terrible. We ordered a bean and cheese burrito it was horrible. I didnt complain because i was with my girl but her enchiladas was terrible also. The brought me a hot sauce that tasted burnt….service was good and ambiance of the building was nice but food needs a upgrade or new chefs…this is my option. Bean and cheese burrito was almost 16 bucks..wow….
… moreFinlay Mills
I had chicken fajitas and they were delicious!! Kids also loved the tacos and chicken dinos for my picky little one! Will definitely go back.
… morehd filmnoir
The food and service was really good at lunch time. This is a very well and old established restaurant in LA with deep routes in the community. Fish tacos were excellent and this is a restaurant that you will not walk away from still feeling hungry.
… morePhiline
Great Mexican restaurant to go for every occasion. We just walked in without reservation and still got a “private” booth. The waiters were super friendly and helpful.
Free nachos as a starter are perfect to start your food experience.
My boyfriend had the burrito and I chosen the Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas. So delicious!!!
… moreCloud
This place is perfect for authentic Mexican food. Lovely ambience and outdoor seating. Good service, eccellente value money. .
… more