El Cholo - The Original

Name: El Cholo - The Original
Address: 1121 South Western Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90006, US
Telephone: (323) 734-2773
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

Serving authentic Mexican flavors since 1923—where tradition meets taste in every bite.

5(5 reviews)

restaurant

mexican

breakfast-and-brunch

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Services Offered

Authentic Mexican Dining

Enjoy classic Sonoran-style dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and chimichangas in a historic setting.

Top-Shelf Margaritas

Savor our renowned margaritas, including blended coconut and other unique flavors, served in pint glasses.

Seasonal Specials

Try limited-time offerings such as green corn tamales, available during specific times of the year.

Catering and Events

Host birthdays, gatherings, or corporate lunches with our customizable catering services.

Valet Parking

Convenient valet parking available for $10, making your visit hassle-free.

Reviews

5(5 reviews)

Rating Distribution

Fernando Ortiz

via Google

17 days ago

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!

Cinsta Dlight

via Google

about 2 months ago

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 💜😌

Peter Castillo

via Google

2 months ago

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.

Karrie

via Google

6 months ago

Celebrated friend’s birthday here. High quality Mexican food, and the guacamole was the best I’ve ever had. I loved the atmosphere and music there, glad I got to pay a visit.

Michael Chahin

via Google

9 months ago

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.