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 2013
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User Reviews for El Cholo
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Great Spanish Food
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The food is outstanding. The first time I visited I looked at the menu and it seemed pricey. Then I tasted their famous "Santa Barbara" enchiladas. Yumm. I never knew...
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 11.15.12
- by Tom C
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Good with lots of history but not great food
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The food wasn't the best Mexican we tried while in LA but it wasn't the worst. The restaurant has been around since 1923 and some of their original menu items are still available....
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 11.07.12
- by wonky1
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Not the best food at all!!!'
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So...lets start with food. Not the best, my chips were stale. It seems as they have been using the same oil and had not been changed for a long long time!!! I had to ask the waiter...
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review
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TripAdvisor
- posted on 10.27.12
- by Nancy420
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Editorial review from Citysearch
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After work party brought me here. Really friendly bartender made outstanding drinks.\r Nice location and decor. The Shrimp plate is were great. Thought that the shrimpies would be greasy...
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Read full
review
- posted on 10.17.12
- by by jennief1575127671 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
