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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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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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 at El Chollo is awesome. It's an old school authentic look with the staff dressed accordingly. Noisy and fun. The Margaritas are signature and the bar area is usually happening during... More

The food at El Chollo is awesome. It's an old school authentic look with the staff dressed accordingly. Noisy and fun. The Margaritas are signature and the bar area is usually happening during Hapy Hour. Fall in and grab the 7-Layer dip, you'll be pleased that you did!
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how or why people rated this place high. Yeah the guacamole was tasty and so was every thing else....... but..... to me and my wife, we thought this place and the food was pretty much standard... More

how or why people rated this place high. Yeah the guacamole was tasty and so was every thing else....... but..... to me and my wife, we thought this place and the food was pretty much standard ordinary, and yes, we've had better. Nothing here at El Chollo really jumped out at us. The decor looked like any other mexican restaurant we've been to. In a nutshell, this place was O.K., nothing spectacular. And quite frankly, we don't critique restaurants by their Margaritas. We had beers, basically because I saw others with their Margaritas and they looked a little puny. I like things that are BIG & BOLD! So needless to say, we'll continue on our trek for the ultimate mexican restaurant. Please remember, all these remarks are only our honest opinions...... Cheers! Pros: Guac was good Cons: service a little slow, but O.K.
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El Cholo was a destination of a company dinner. We had a great time and everyone, I think over 20 of us had great food. There were no complaints and it was quiet when the food came, which means... More

El Cholo was a destination of a company dinner. We had a great time and everyone, I think over 20 of us had great food. There were no complaints and it was quiet when the food came, which means everyone is eating and happy. Of course the drinks were just as good.
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I have been going to El Cholo for over 20 years. The atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very friendly. You're not going to find unique Mexican food here (i.e. menudo) but you will find... More

I have been going to El Cholo for over 20 years. The atmosphere is pleasant and the staff is very friendly. You're not going to find unique Mexican food here (i.e. menudo) but you will find Gringo-friendly Mexican food - something the whole family can enjoy without heartburn. There is valet parking, but that fills up fast. This is a perfect place to bring out of town guests. Try the margaritas! If you need a little more spice, ask for a side of jalapenos!
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I did not order a side of r o a c h, but a r o a c h leg appeared on my plate! Who knows where the rest of the r o a c h was. Needless to say, I will not be returning to El Cholo. Too bad,... More

I did not order a side of r o a c h, but a r o a c h leg appeared on my plate! Who knows where the rest of the r o a c h was. Needless to say, I will not be returning to El Cholo. Too bad, because the margaritas were great! Pros: margaritas Cons: found r o a c h leg in food, parking
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I definitely like this location over the other one in santa monica. It feels more authentic in that particular neighborhood, but of course all the waiters are in their formal mexican ware no matter... More

I definitely like this location over the other one in santa monica. It feels more authentic in that particular neighborhood, but of course all the waiters are in their formal mexican ware no matter what. Its a fun, relaxed atmosphere, the food is great but the drinks are excellent. Many would agree they are so good, on my way out of the restaurant I saw an older lady about 60 or so laying on the walkway (just a little too many drinks for her). So needless to say, they have tasty and strong margaritas. Pros: atmosphere, booths, drinks Cons: valet
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A really fun place to go!! I loved the decor. Service was good. I liked my fajitas & My margarita was just fine. Food could've been more authentic for my taste, maybe more spices. But this place... More

A really fun place to go!! I loved the decor. Service was good. I liked my fajitas & My margarita was just fine. Food could've been more authentic for my taste, maybe more spices. But this place is a good bet :) I enjoyed it. You're much better off coming to this location than any of the other ones. Pros: nice atmosphere Cons: can't complain
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