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El Cholo

Mexican Restaurant, Burrito Restaurant, and Taco Restaurant$$$$
Wilshire-Montana, Santa Monica
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8.2/10
296
ratings
  • Stars
  • Tips
    Dean H.
    "The green corn tamales are fantastic."(6 Tips)
    Jennifer M.
    "Get the crabmeat enchilada if you love seafood."(4 Tips)
    Becky B.
    "And the blue corn enchiladas are amaZing!"(3 Tips)
    Rebekah S.
    "Pitcher of margaritas and the blue corn chicken enchiladas....yummy!"(22 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon78 Tips and reviews
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  • margaritas
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  • Eater
    EaterApril 4, 2017
    One of the godfathers of sit-down Mexican cooking in Los Angeles, El Cholo is a true institution that continues to expands and grow. Read more
    Upvote6Downvote
  • Carol M.
    Carol MartinezMarch 2, 2014
    Valet parking only here so make sure you have loose bills. They do have ATM inside. Nice looking environment inside with friendly customer service. Fresh hot chips w salsa,good food&yummy Margaritas!
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Jennifer M.heart icon on user image
    Jennifer MaasJune 20, 2015
    Get the crabmeat enchilada if you love seafood. Also the mix and match guac is so great.
    Upvote4Downvote
  • Joëlle M.
    Joëlle M.January 22, 2014
    House margaritas and appetizers are half price on Taco Tuesdays!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Chad M.
    Chad MillerAugust 25, 2014
    The Blue Corn Enchiladas are the best singular item, but A Taste of History wI'll get you a pork tamale, chile relleno, cheese enchilada, and beef taco.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Melanie M.heart icon on user image
    Melanie MartinNovember 3, 2016
    Been here 10+ times
    To start, the chips and salsa are super!! Cucumber jalapeño margarita is great. Enchilada Suiza is delicious! Muy bien.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Veronica C.heart icon on user image
    Veronica ChaviraJuly 13, 2018
    Their shrimp fajitas are delicious! A lot of good seafood options which is perfect as you’re not far from the beach!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Anna P.
    The guacamole is awesome. Tortilla soup is flavorful and now we are going to try the green chile - corn - cheese tamales that the restaurant is known for - okay first bite delicious
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Yeyenheart icon on user image
    YeyenSeptember 4, 2011
    Been here 5+ times
    High end mexican restaurant. I wouldn't say it's the most authentic mexican restaurant. But they still have really good food, drinks, and a very nice atmosphere.
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Becky B.
    Becky BoyleFebruary 9, 2020
    Home of the world’s most dangerous margarita! Enjoy! And the blue corn enchiladas are amaZing!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyApril 5, 2018
    Been here 50+ times
    Happy Hour, aka “Fiesta Hour” is Monday - Friday, 3:00 - 6:30!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Winnie K.heart icon on user image
    Winnie KhooOctober 25, 2018
    Fave: chips & salsa, green corn tamales, crabmeat enchiladas; Skip: guacamole
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Frostyheart icon on user image
    FrostyFebruary 2, 2019
    Been here 50+ times
    Updated Happy Hour times from 3-7pm Monday thru Friday. 🎉
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Johnheart icon on user image
    JohnSeptember 21, 2014
    Unlimited tortilla chips and salsa! Fiesta plate is very good when you don't know what to order
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Dean H.
    Dean HarrisJune 25, 2019
    Been here 5+ times
    Hey, they invented nachos. Enough said. The green corn tamales are fantastic.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Tom M.heart icon on user image
    Tom McKeeverDecember 4, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Quality food and drinks, nothing really amazing about it but a solid weeknight spot if you're craving a marg.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Ryan S.
    Ryan SlingerApril 15, 2021
    Great place to bring the family. Lots of options for everyone.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Suraj S.
    Suraj SavaliaDecember 20, 2012
    Always a fave. The one on western has 50% off for USC students though.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Delyn S.
    Delyn SimonsNovember 22, 2023
    May - October: green corn tamales. November - April: Annie’s garden enchiladas
    UpvoteDownvote
  • CBS Local
    CBS LocalMarch 5, 2012
    The El Cholo family recipe dates back to 1923, and the traditional guacamole benefits from years of experience. Try it! - CBS LA Read more
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Erin A.
    Erin AglioneJuly 22, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Can't go wrong with the house margarita on the rocks and Annie's California Enchiladas.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Larisa G.heart icon on user image
    Larisa GrollemondFebruary 11, 2017
    Margs and giant plates of Mexican food, what more could you want?
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Troy D.
    Troy DeversAugust 4, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Love the mini cholula bottles!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Carlos G.
    Carlos GutierrezJuly 24, 2013
    Been here 25+ times
    The margaritas are the best!!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Berenice L.
    Berenice LimonMay 17, 2013
    Good atmosphere, came here for a design department dinner. Nice staff.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Kendra A.
    Kendra AppeSeptember 22, 2012
    I dream about their crabmeat enchiladas
    Upvote1Downvote
  • ronda a.
    ronda atencionOctober 30, 2013
    homey atmosphere and excellent food! margaritas are gooooooooood
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Mayuresh H.heart icon on user image
    Mayuresh HajirnisNovember 18, 2015
    Fajitas, Cadillac margarita, crabmeat enchiladas
    UpvoteDownvote
  • jacquie p.
    jacquie phillipsMay 26, 2012
    if your party is sat near the kitchen, they give you free nachos as a lo siento consolation prize.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Maureen L.
    Maureen LenkerJuly 18, 2012
    The enchilada sauce and the margaritas here are the best in the world!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Melody S.
    Melody SazegarJune 8, 2013
    Been here 5+ times
    Make sure to ask for the spicy salsa with the free chips
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Rich L.
    Rich LeibfriedJuly 31, 2010
    Best Mexican in Santa Monica as well as the best Margarita's ever! Heaven for me, will be back soon & hopefully Mayor
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Spencer S.
    Spencer SchoebenMarch 22, 2013
    great patron dessert berry margarita
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Alisha B.
    Alisha BlandMarch 26, 2014
    Taco Tuesday is excellent!!!!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Homan T.
    Homan TaghdiriJuly 3, 2011
    I cent understand what people see in this place - if you have had real mexican food. The food taste canned, service sucks, and nothing is authentic. The best item is the salsa!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Troy D.
    Troy DeversAugust 28, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Taco Tuesdays - $3.95 for 3 tacos and half price margaritas!
    Upvote2Downvote
  • Irishheart icon on user image
    IrishNovember 21, 2019
    Great job, guys! Tasty!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Troy D.
    Troy DeversOctober 25, 2013
    Been here 50+ times
    Ask for the diablo salsa!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Neil C.
    Neil CabanaJanuary 28, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    Santa Barbera a la carte plus beer and tequila.....yum!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Travis S.
    Travis SwinglerFebruary 15, 2014
    The guac is on point.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Patrick D.
    Patrick DunnApril 27, 2012
    This is my favorite place to stumble out of.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • DrinkCoba
    DrinkCobaApril 26, 2011
    Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas are amazing…throw in some Salsita and you're Golden.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Gary K.
    Gary KakiuchiAugust 16, 2014
    Everything
    UpvoteDownvote
  • A
    AAugust 25, 2013
    Coconut margaritas!!
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Natalie G.heart icon on user image
    Natalie GuerraJuly 18, 2015
    The only thing I've liked so far was my coconut margarita that barely tasted like it had any alcohol in it.. 😑
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Offbeat L.A.
    Offbeat L.A.May 8, 2015
    Opened in 1997.
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Heather B.
    Heather BednarczykApril 8, 2010
    Ceasar salad and add grilled chicken, so delish! The croutons are spicy and so yummy!
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Juan P.
    Juan PerezApril 2, 2010
    Been here 25+ times
    Look for a doe-eyed raven haired hottie named Yuri behind the bar. She makes a knock you on your ass killer margarita.
    Upvote1Downvote
  • Marie F.
    Marie FelixApril 6, 2013
    Try the Grilled Fish Tacos
    UpvoteDownvote
  • Nate T.
    Nate TharpMay 15, 2017
    Green Corn Tamales
    UpvoteDownvote
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