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Local Mexican chain serving classic dishes and margaritas in a traditional setting since the 1920s.
Hours
| Friday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11:30 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: (323) 734-2773
Website: http://elcholo.com/
Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Chandalyn Jones
I went to El Cholo (Original Location) for lunch on a Friday afternoon and had a really good experience.
There was no wait, which I loved. We were seated right away and they easily accommodated our group of five. The restaurant has a nice, traditional feel — classic LA Mexican restaurant vibes, comfortable and welcoming.
They started us off with fresh chips and salsa. The chips were warm and crisp, and the salsa had good flavor. Simple but done right.
I ended up ordering the cheese enchiladas and a Caesar salad. The enchiladas were cheesy, flavorful, and filling without being too heavy. The Caesar salad was fresh and a good balance to the meal. Even though I ordered that, I was definitely eyeing the Crab Taquitos and the Mariscos Enchiladas for next time — they sounded really good, especially for pescatarian options.
The prices felt reasonable for Los Angeles, especially for a sit-down lunch. Service was friendly and accommodating the entire time — attentive but not hovering.
Valet was available for $5.50 on a Friday afternoon, which made it easy and stress-free. But I don’t know why we had to Valet because the lot was empty.
Overall, it was just a smooth, easy lunch: good food, no wait, fair pricing, and a traditional atmosphere. I’d definitely go back, and next time I might try one of the seafood dishes I was tempted by.
… moreThere was no wait, which I loved. We were seated right away and they easily accommodated our group of five. The restaurant has a nice, traditional feel — classic LA Mexican restaurant vibes, comfortable and welcoming.
They started us off with fresh chips and salsa. The chips were warm and crisp, and the salsa had good flavor. Simple but done right.
I ended up ordering the cheese enchiladas and a Caesar salad. The enchiladas were cheesy, flavorful, and filling without being too heavy. The Caesar salad was fresh and a good balance to the meal. Even though I ordered that, I was definitely eyeing the Crab Taquitos and the Mariscos Enchiladas for next time — they sounded really good, especially for pescatarian options.
The prices felt reasonable for Los Angeles, especially for a sit-down lunch. Service was friendly and accommodating the entire time — attentive but not hovering.
Valet was available for $5.50 on a Friday afternoon, which made it easy and stress-free. But I don’t know why we had to Valet because the lot was empty.
Overall, it was just a smooth, easy lunch: good food, no wait, fair pricing, and a traditional atmosphere. I’d definitely go back, and next time I might try one of the seafood dishes I was tempted by.
Barnett Fischer
I recently visited El Cholo on Western and wanted to share my experience.
The first thing to know is that parking is valet only. Whether the lot is full or nearly empty, it is a flat $10. Even if you park just a few feet from the valet stand, the charge still applies. The lot is designed as a one way entrance and exit, looping around to the back and out toward the main street. While it is organized, the mandatory valet fee felt unnecessary, especially on a quiet Monday evening.
For my meal, I ordered the chile relleno with a rolled taco. The plate arrived very hot, but unfortunately the food itself was only lukewarm. The beans and rice were the highlight of the dish and were genuinely enjoyable. The entrée, however, did not meet the level of quality I was expecting.
Service was another challenge. I consistently had to make an effort to get the server’s attention. Water and iced tea refills were not offered and only came after I specifically asked.
That is not typically something I experience at other restaurants, and it made the meal feel less welcoming.
Additionally, a family seated next to us arrived after we did, ordered before we did, received their food first, and finished their meal before we were done. I am not sure what caused the delay, but it created the impression that our table had been overlooked.
Overall, the experience was average. The food was acceptable but not exceptional, the service felt inattentive, and the mandatory valet charge was frustrating.
At this point, I am not sure I would return.
… moreThe first thing to know is that parking is valet only. Whether the lot is full or nearly empty, it is a flat $10. Even if you park just a few feet from the valet stand, the charge still applies. The lot is designed as a one way entrance and exit, looping around to the back and out toward the main street. While it is organized, the mandatory valet fee felt unnecessary, especially on a quiet Monday evening.
For my meal, I ordered the chile relleno with a rolled taco. The plate arrived very hot, but unfortunately the food itself was only lukewarm. The beans and rice were the highlight of the dish and were genuinely enjoyable. The entrée, however, did not meet the level of quality I was expecting.
Service was another challenge. I consistently had to make an effort to get the server’s attention. Water and iced tea refills were not offered and only came after I specifically asked.
That is not typically something I experience at other restaurants, and it made the meal feel less welcoming.
Additionally, a family seated next to us arrived after we did, ordered before we did, received their food first, and finished their meal before we were done. I am not sure what caused the delay, but it created the impression that our table had been overlooked.
Overall, the experience was average. The food was acceptable but not exceptional, the service felt inattentive, and the mandatory valet charge was frustrating.
At this point, I am not sure I would return.
Cinsta Dlight
I came here with my supervisor for lunch. It was a recommendation. It was around 2:30pm was able to walk in and be seated right away. The outside of the building is very nice they have valet for $10. Love the big beautiful door. Walking in and seeing the inside it absolutely gorgeous . I fell in love. And let me tell you to food did not disappoint!! OMG not only were the plates beautiful but they were absolutely delicious! I ordered the enchiladas with chicken and shrimp that were to die for I’m sorry I did not take a picture but I wanted to get that PLATE! I don’t like to eat too much in the middle of work but I could not stop myself. It was all so amazing. I even ordered a flan after wards…. (Yes I took a picture) Let me tell you that was a mistake because I couldn’t stop myself from eating that either!! Lol Full stuffed me says I will never come back because I ate too much, but hungry me will always want to come back and dare I try everything on the menu??? I DARE!
HEIGHLY HEIGHLY RECOMMEND!
THANK YOU EL CHOLO RESTAURANT
TILL WE MEET AGAIN
… moreHEIGHLY HEIGHLY RECOMMEND!
THANK YOU EL CHOLO RESTAURANT
TILL WE MEET AGAIN
Justin Porterfield
Always a great time. Try a premium margarita till you find your match. Saul is a awesome bartender. Epic prices on Don Julio. 1942 is the best price I’ve seen anywhere.
… morePeter Castillo
Classic old-school Mexican restaurant that has been in LA for 100 years. Enchiladas are always great and molé ones were fantastic. Century sampler platter gives you a taste of everything. Great margaritas in a pint glass.
… moreMichael Chahin
El Cholo is a storied Mexican-American restaurant chain that has been serving Southern California since 1923. The original location in Los Angeles, now situated in Koreatown, is renowned for its nostalgic ambiance and hearty, comforting dishes.
The restaurant is credited with popularizing the top-shelf margarita. Patrons often praise the strength and flavor of their margaritas, including unique options like the blended coconut margarita.
Their menu features classics like Sonoran-style enchiladas topped with a fried egg, green corn tamales (seasonally available), chimichangas, and crab enchiladas. These dishes reflect the restaurant’s roots in Sonoran cuisine and have been favorites for generations.
Give it a try you’d love it.
… moreThe restaurant is credited with popularizing the top-shelf margarita. Patrons often praise the strength and flavor of their margaritas, including unique options like the blended coconut margarita.
Their menu features classics like Sonoran-style enchiladas topped with a fried egg, green corn tamales (seasonally available), chimichangas, and crab enchiladas. These dishes reflect the restaurant’s roots in Sonoran cuisine and have been favorites for generations.
Give it a try you’d love it.
Katrina
Delicious and AUTHENTIC Mexican food, coming from someone who grew up near the border. I’ve been searching LA and San Diego for years for Mexican food that feels like the food I grew up with in El Centro and this is it! Loved the ambiance and the music. The service was charismatic and attentive. Parking is $10 valet, but we found a spot just 1 block away. I had the combo plate with a tamale and cheese enchilada, which was excellent. The rice was flavorful, and I loved the salsa on the tamale. My partner also had a tamale in her dish and we noted that the chicken one had a green salsa while the pork one had red (both were good but I prefered the green). The salsa that came with the chips was delicious too. Ask for their spicy salsa! I’ll have to update the review with photos next time, because I couldn’t help myself trying it as soon as it came to the table. 10/10 zero complaints!
… moreFernando Ortiz
Been living in the area for almost 4 years and finally decided to visit “El Cholo”, the Margaritas are so good, food was yummy but the Margaritas . Service was great!
… moreCory Schwab
Food is always delicious and staff is very friendly. Margaritas are good too!
… moreA Trex
So I went with a group and let me tell you the ambiance is spot on. The service is pretty good and the wait staff is charming.
The food however, is average. I ordered the steak fajitas and let me tell you those portion sizes are out of control. You could feed a small county with them.
The steak portion of the fajitas tasted good hot, but quickly got tough as it cooled down. Especially the bigger pieces. The beans and rice just tasted bland, but the onions and peppers were great. Ultimately, I was done before I even got halfway through the plate and I almost didn’t take a to go box. It all felt so light on the flavor I have come to expect from mexican food
The margaritas were delicious and a highlight of the meal.
It definitely feels like the oversized portions are meant to justify the price point. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to coming here if I were coming with friends, but it’s not a place you I would go to by choice.
… moreThe food however, is average. I ordered the steak fajitas and let me tell you those portion sizes are out of control. You could feed a small county with them.
The steak portion of the fajitas tasted good hot, but quickly got tough as it cooled down. Especially the bigger pieces. The beans and rice just tasted bland, but the onions and peppers were great. Ultimately, I was done before I even got halfway through the plate and I almost didn’t take a to go box. It all felt so light on the flavor I have come to expect from mexican food
The margaritas were delicious and a highlight of the meal.
It definitely feels like the oversized portions are meant to justify the price point. I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to coming here if I were coming with friends, but it’s not a place you I would go to by choice.