Description:
L.A.'s oldest Mexican restaurant (Gary Cooper and Bing Crosby were regulars, and Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty still are), El Cholo has been serving up authentic Mexican cuisine in this pink adobe hacienda since 1925, even though the once-outlying mid-Wilshire neighborhood around it has since turned into Koreatown. El Cholo's muy strong margaritas, invitingly messy nachos -- the first served in the U.S. -- and classic combination dinners don't break new culinary ground, but the kitchen has perfected these standards over 80 years. Other specialties include seasonally available green-corn tamales and creative sizzling vegetarian fajitas that go way beyond just eliminating the meat. The atmosphere is festive, as people from all parts of town dine happily in the many rambling rooms that compose the restaurant. Westsiders head to El Cholo's Santa Monica branch at 1025 Wilshire Blvd. (at 11th St.; tel. 310/899-1106). Note: Be prepared for a long wait on weekends.
- © Frommer's 2012
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User Reviews for El Cholo
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Great food but poor service.
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This place was recommended so we gave it a shot. The atmosphere is authentic which made it inviting. There is not much to choose from in the menu. Service was quick but went downhill...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.26.12
- by jher12
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My favorite Mexican Restaurant in LA
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El Cholo on Western is my favorite Mexican restaurant in LA. The staff is excellent and the atmosphere is just right. It's also a fairly inexpensive night out. Anytime I visit...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.17.12
- by ShaneM851
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good food and margaritas and fun time
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I love the crab enchiladas here and jumbo-sized margaritas. it's casually decorated. It is a low-key to hang with friends or a date,
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 05.04.12
- by nancin_12
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Green Corn?
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I got three words for you: "Green Corn Tamale." The fact that these are served for only a limited time makes me want them more. Yum. In the off season, your place is still...
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review
- posted on 11.21.11
- by by JasonTheMan at Citysearch
Awards:
CitySearch
- Margarita 2004 – Audience Winner
Frommer's
- Highly Recommended 2009
- Highly Recommended 2010
Message from El Cholo
"...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
- Delivery/Take Out
- Full bar
- An LA tradition
- Details
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Contact:
- visit website
- tel: 323 734 2773
- fax: 323 734 0276
- send email
Address:
- 1121 South Western Avenue
- South of Olympic Blvd
- Los Angeles, CA 90005
Neighborhood:
Downtown/Mid-Wilshire/KoreatownPayments:
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Hours:
- M-Th 11a-10p, F-Sa 11a-11p, Su 10a-9p
- User Rating
