I have been going here for over 40 years. The menu has changed little. The courtyard atmosphere is great as is the food. In a busy area - plenty of parking available.

I have been going here for over 40 years. The menu has changed little. The courtyard atmosphere is great as is the food. In a busy area - plenty of parking available.
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love to go there with friends and family. they have excellent texmex and service is good. love the margarita especial and sonoma nachos are fabulous. they have a great patio and there is lots lots... More

love to go there with friends and family. they have excellent texmex and service is good. love the margarita especial and sonoma nachos are fabulous. they have a great patio and there is lots lots lots of space. Pros: Thumbs up Cons: none
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I have always been intrigued by this place from the outside and after years of walking by, finally went! It was a little more casual inside than I expected, but homey and comfortable. We were... More

I have always been intrigued by this place from the outside and after years of walking by, finally went! It was a little more casual inside than I expected, but homey and comfortable. We were seated upstairs in a cove like part and it felt really private. I had a veggie burrito and it was the size of my head and really good!!! I think it's a great value for the money. Also, the margaritas are some of the best I've ever had!!! Pros: Great service and food...and Margaritas!! Cons: I'd find street parking and skip the valet.
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Although the gorgeous waitresses sport some of the most UNflattering ruffles, the atmosphere, service, cuisine, and size will provide for you and your party the perfect watering hole complete with... More

Although the gorgeous waitresses sport some of the most UNflattering ruffles, the atmosphere, service, cuisine, and size will provide for you and your party the perfect watering hole complete with comfy couches, pomegranete margaritas, and a sampler platter that you can grub on with at least 3 others and still feel full. Stop in after work and meet some co-workers or old friends and yeah, you can catch the game if that is what you're into.
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I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but I enjoyed my trip to El Cholo. The restaurant is homey and comfortable. The tables are private and the restaurant is very well decorated. The food was... More

I'm not a huge fan of Mexican food, but I enjoyed my trip to El Cholo. The restaurant is homey and comfortable. The tables are private and the restaurant is very well decorated. The food was really good and our waitress was very nice! Pros: Food, decor, service
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El Cholo has been around for years and with so much competition, it is not hard to figure out why it is still one of the best in L.A. I love its select menu, but the Margaritas are the bomb! I... More

El Cholo has been around for years and with so much competition, it is not hard to figure out why it is still one of the best in L.A. I love its select menu, but the Margaritas are the bomb! I also love their melt in your mouth tamales. It is still one of my favorites for family gathering.
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Okay, I've read some of the reviews here -- several made me angry -- so I'm throwing in my '2 cents': I have to laugh at people who trash El Cholo after apparently just one visit. This means that... More

Okay, I've read some of the reviews here -- several made me angry -- so I'm throwing in my '2 cents': I have to laugh at people who trash El Cholo after apparently just one visit. This means that they completely discount the place based on one item on the menu that they hated. Now, I've been going to El Cholo restaurants for years at several locations: Santa Monica, L.A., Whittier, and one or two that no longer exists -- one being The South of Santa Fe down in Orange County somewhere, which was part of the El Cholo famly chain and pretty much served the same menu. I've sampled a variety of items on their menu -- very consistent in taste from location to location -- and some are fantastic and others are so-so. In other words, it's like every other restaurant that ever served up a meal. Sure, if you're from Mexico, I doubt very much that the food will remind you of your homeland, and you can probably buy a more accurate representation of a taco or burrito from your local taco truck, but I really don't think that is what El Cholo is all about. It's good to great food with a Anglo/Mex theme. Nice decor with friendly people working there, a great cantina with great drinks and fair prices that won't break you at the bank. The only criticism that I have to offer is that their margaritas are not as good as they once were -- which makes me believe that they might be cutting corners where the actual alcoholic content is concerned. Still good, but they were once the best; no more. They also used to have a 'bottomless margarita Sunday brunch' which was absolutely amazing. A ton of food -- all you can eat including huge shrimp -- and as much margarita that you could stagger away with; all for about $11.95 ! Those days are gone forever, unfortunately. Pros: Good food, good drinks, location, service, parking Cons: Cantina can be crowded and noisy at times
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The food is horrendous! I am Mexican and I love our food; everyone talks about this place but the food is awful. It is tasteless, no zest! It is nowhere in being authentic. I had a TACO and I... More

The food is horrendous! I am Mexican and I love our food; everyone talks about this place but the food is awful. It is tasteless, no zest! It is nowhere in being authentic. I had a TACO and I hated it that I ordered the burrito and that was worse. I packed away both items and threw them out when I got home. The drinks are another thing though, they were great, but in that case just stay at the bar, drinking and eating chips and if you drink enough then order their watery guacamole. DO not go to this place, stay home and save money unless you want a good drink. Pros: drinks Cons: food
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