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El Cholo
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
El Cholo
7.7
Since 1923, this LA institution serves traditional Mexican-American favorites with their legendary 1800 margaritas. The nostalgic décor and time-tested recipes for enchiladas and chile rellenos deliver consistent comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas Suizas, Chile Relleno, Nachos Original Recipe
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 100+ year family legacy and historical recipes
Who should go: Traditionalists seeking classic Mexican-American fare
When to visit: Weekend dinner for festive atmosphere
What to order: Enchiladas suizas, premium margaritas, nachos
Insider tip: Original neon sign from 1920s in dining room
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot with 50+ spaces, valet $8 on Friday/Saturday nights after 5pm
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, from flip-flops to business casual
Noise level: Moderate to lively - easy conversation at tables, louder in bar area
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, 60+ on holidays
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean & cheese burritos
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify veggie fajitas, request no dairy
Gluten-free options: Some options - corn tortilla dishes, but cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - dim lighting, booth seating, and strong margaritas ease conversation. Avoid if your date expects trendy or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Bar seating usually available within 20 minutes even on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided. Staff patient with families. Best before 7pm for quicker service.
Best For
Better for: Authentic heritage recipes and nostalgic LA dining experience you won't find at modern Mexican spots
Skip if: You want innovative Mexican cuisine, craft cocktails beyond margaritas, or Instagram-worthy plating
El Cholo
7.9
Since 1923, this LA institution has perfected green corn tamales and blue corn enchiladas in a festive space adorned with original neon signs. Their claim to fame includes inventing the original premium margarita with Cuervo 1800.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Corn Tamales, Blue Corn Enchiladas, Filet Mignon Tacos
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Century-old recipes and inventor of the premium margarita
Who should go: History buffs and green corn tamale devotees
When to visit: May through October for seasonal tamales
What to order: Green corn tamales, blue corn enchiladas, 1800 margarita
Insider tip: Original location on Western has more character
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot but fills up dinner/weekends, valet $8, street parking available on 11th
Dress code: California casual - anything from nice jeans to business attire fits
Noise level: Lively buzz - conversation-friendly but energetic, especially weekend nights
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during tamale season without reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately before 12:30pm, 15-20 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean tostadas, plus seasonal specials
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify veggie fajitas and salads, ask about corn tortilla prep
Gluten-free options: Some options - corn tortilla dishes available but cross-contamination risk in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd+ dates - festive atmosphere and margaritas create fun energy but less intimate than newer spots. Great if you want conversation starters about LA history.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinner walk-ins face 30-60 min waits. Bar seating often available within 15 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided. Staff accommodating with food modifications. Lively atmosphere means kids won't disturb others. Best before 7:30pm.
Best For
Better for: Historic atmosphere you can't replicate, seasonal green corn tamales (May-Oct only), strong margaritas with quality tequila, reliable celebration spot with consistent execution
Skip if: You want modern/innovative Mexican, prefer intimate ambiance, need extensive vegan options, or are seeking the absolute best Mexican food over the experience
El Cholo
8.3
Since 1923, this LA institution serves time-tested family recipes including their famous green corn tamales in a hacienda-style setting. Four generations of tradition shine through in dishes that have satisfied Santa Monica families for decades, from combination plates to tableside guacamole.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Corn Tamales, #1 Combination Plate, Tableside Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Century-old recipes passed down through five generations
Who should go: Traditional Mexican food lovers and history buffs
When to visit: Tamale Tuesday for seasonal green corn specials
What to order: Green corn tamales, Sonora enchiladas, classic margarita
Insider tip: Happy hour M-F 3-6pm with $5 house margaritas
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, fills up weekend evenings. Street parking available on Wilshire, metered until 6pm
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, from beach attire to business casual
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families and groups create energy but you can still have conversations
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean & cheese burritos, plus sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian items by removing cheese/sour cream, beans cooked without lard on request
Gluten-free options: Some options - corn tortillas available, grilled items and salads can be modified
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date or casual meetup - the family atmosphere and bustle make it less intimate but great for relaxed conversation without pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, but weekend dinners book up. Bar seating often available for walk-ins, or put your name down and grab a margarita while waiting
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs, kids menu, crayons provided. Staff is patient with families, and the ambient noise means kids won't disturb others
Best For
Better for: Authentic family recipes you won't find at trendy spots - their green corn tamales and traditional mole are unmatched in Santa Monica
Skip if: You want modern Mexican fusion or Instagram-worthy plating - this is about time-tested comfort food, not contemporary presentations
El Cholo
7.8
LA's first Mexican restaurant established in 1923, now family-run for five generations. Their burrito dorados feature a crispy fried flour tortilla shell, while traditional enchiladas remain unchanged from original 1920s recipes.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito Dorado, Crabmeat Enchiladas, Green Corn Tamales
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Century-old recipes and LA's first Mexican restaurant heritage
Who should go: History buffs and margarita enthusiasts
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm weekdays
What to order: Burrito dorado, green corn tamales, house margaritas
Insider tip: Tuesday tamale special at $3.95 each
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8, small free lot fills by 6:30pm, street parking competitive
Dress code: California casual - jeans welcome, business crowd at lunch
Noise level: Lively but manageable - booths better for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during business lunch rush (12-1:30pm)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean dishes
Vegan options: Very limited - can modify veggie fajitas without dairy
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla options available, alert server for prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - dim lighting, booth seating, and strong margaritas help conversation flow. Skip if your date expects trendy modern Mexican.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights usually fine, but book for weekends. Bar seating often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - multi-generational crowds, kids menu, quick service. High chairs and booths available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic heritage recipes and nostalgic LA dining experience you can't get at trendy spots
Skip if: You want innovative modern Mexican or Instagram-worthy plating - this is about tradition over trends
El Cholo
8.0
LA's first Mexican restaurant since 1923, this historic institution serves traditional recipes passed down through five generations of family ownership. The hacienda-style dining room and expansive patio provide the backdrop for classic green corn tamales and tableside guacamole preparation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Corn Tamales, 1923 Enchilada, Fajitas
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: LA's first Mexican restaurant with 100+ years history
Who should go: History buffs and traditional Mexican fans
When to visit: Happy hour M-F 3-6pm for deals
What to order: Green corn tamales, 1923 enchilada, margaritas
Insider tip: Request the back patio for quieter ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8 or self-park in private lot behind restaurant, street parking limited on Wilshire
Dress code: Smart casual - business lunch crowd sets the tone, avoid beachwear
Noise level: Lively but manageable - main dining room bustling, patio quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, 60+ during peak summer without reservation
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min for business lunch rush (12-1:30pm), walk-in otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, spinach enchiladas available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie fajitas, beans may contain lard (ask server)
Gluten-free options: Moderate - corn tortilla options, but cross-contamination possible in fryer
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - the patio creates romance without being overly intimate, margaritas break the ice, and sharing tableside guac is a great conversation starter
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch yes, but weekend dinner is risky - try the bar area for overflow seating or expect 30-45 minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - they've been serving families since 1923, kids menu available, high chairs ready, and the bustling atmosphere absorbs kid noise well
Best For
Better for: Authentic family recipes and historic ambiance you won't find at trendy newcomers - this is where LA Mexican dining began
Skip if: You want modern Mexican fusion or Instagram-worthy presentations - this is traditional comfort food in generous portions
El Cholo
7.6
Since 1923, this LA institution has evolved Mexican cuisine through the decades, from traditional albondigas to modern innovations. The green corn tamale remains unchanged as their signature dish for over a century.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Corn Tamale, 1923 Original Enchilada, Flan
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Century-old recipes and LA Mexican food history
Who should go: History buffs and tradition seekers
When to visit: Tamale Tuesday special or weekend dinner
What to order: Green corn tamale, original enchilada, flan
Insider tip: $3.95 green corn tamales on Tuesdays
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, fills up weekend evenings. Street parking on Wilshire tricky during lunch rush
Dress code: Come as you are - from business casual to jeans and sneakers all welcome
Noise level: Lively but manageable - booths help with conversation, patio quieter
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min peak business lunch hours (12-1:30pm), otherwise seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, bean burritos clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can modify dishes, beans are vegetarian not vegan
Gluten-free options: Corn tortilla options available, but kitchen shares fryer - alert server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for third date onwards - casual atmosphere and comfort food vibe is relaxed but not particularly romantic. Booths offer some privacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays usually fine, weekends arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm for shorter waits. Bar seating often available
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs, kids menu, crayons provided. Staff patient with families, early dinner crowd is mostly families
Best For
Better for: Historic LA Mexican experience and time-tested recipes. Choose over trendy spots when you want consistent comfort food with a story
Skip if: You want modern Mexican fusion or craft cocktail focus - try Guelaguetza for more adventurous Oaxacan or Gracias Madre for upscale plant-based