For those times when I want the real thing, I travel to El Cholo of Hollywood, far and away my favorite Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. Even though there are branches in Pasadena and Santa... More

For those times when I want the real thing, I travel to El Cholo of Hollywood, far and away my favorite Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles. Even though there are branches in Pasadena and Santa Monica, it just doesn't seem as tasty or authentic as in the original location. The bar is always hopping with margaritas that always get raves. The fajitas are outstanding and come sizzling enough to fog up your glasses. The chips and salsa served prior to the meal are extremely addicting, beware! But far and away, my favorite is the green corn tamale, served seasonal in midyear. I always go in the summer for my birthday and am never disappointed at these sweet treats which I douse with sour cream. Yum. And just when you're so full you think you can't eat anything else, a sinful praline comes along with your check (maybe they want you sugared out before you see the bill which isn't necessarily cheap -- but worth it). I always take out of towners to El Cholo and they always come back wa
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Their food is not bad. However, I don't undertand why it has such high ratings. It's not extraordianry food. It's just ok. Not authentic either.

Their food is not bad. However, I don't undertand why it has such high ratings. It's not extraordianry food. It's just ok. Not authentic either.
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If you like long chats after you eat, nursing your favorite beverage, then El Cholo is the spot! They don't pressure you, or make you adhere to the unspoken 45 minutes from seating to clearing the... More

If you like long chats after you eat, nursing your favorite beverage, then El Cholo is the spot! They don't pressure you, or make you adhere to the unspoken 45 minutes from seating to clearing the plates away thing. One of my companions said it reminded her of being in France, where a meal is an experience of conversation and cuisine. I had Annie's Early California Enchilada: a tasty veggie medley of spinach, onions and zucchini smothered in a lovely corn sauce and Jack Cheese. The black beans and Spanish rice were nice too. Recommendation: Females well endowed with "bodily accessories," SHOULD NOT GET A BOOTH. They are most unforgiving, and very uncomfortable. Lastly, the valet parking was not free for us between 11 and 3. Maybe it's because we ended up staying for 4 hours, talking and laughing as servers carrying sizzling hot plates of fajitas whizzed by Pros: Nice Servers, Long Chats OK, VALUE Cons: SNUG BOOTHS
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I went to dinner at El Cholo, after somebody raved to me about it and I was very dissapointed with the food. It had no tase at all. I don't understand how it can be considered an institution, since... More

I went to dinner at El Cholo, after somebody raved to me about it and I was very dissapointed with the food. It had no tase at all. I don't understand how it can be considered an institution, since it has been open for so long. As A mexican, I am embarrassed that people are being told that this is good mexican food. And, its amazing that the restaurant was pretty full at lunchtime. I guess the margaritas are good and the waiters are nice but that's about it. Pros: none
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I've been twice so far to the El Cholo on Western and both times I've been very pleased with my food. I've had the enhilada/relleno combo and the fajitas and they were both very good and came in... More

I've been twice so far to the El Cholo on Western and both times I've been very pleased with my food. I've had the enhilada/relleno combo and the fajitas and they were both very good and came in generous sized portions. Also, my family is vegetarian and El Cholo has a good selection beyond just the cheese enchilada/chile relleno. The margaritas were good & strong too. The only questionable aspect might be the service. It wasn't blatantly horrible but sometimes you do find yourself craning your neck looking for your waiter/-ess.
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Very bland food, nice atmosphere, and so-so service did not make a good dining experience. Pros: good margarita Cons: , mediocre service, too long a wait

Very bland food, nice atmosphere, and so-so service did not make a good dining experience. Pros: good margarita Cons: , mediocre service, too long a wait
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I have been going to the original location since it was so small my mom would stand us in line to wait to get in on the street! When I finally was old enough to get a Margarita I knew it had all... More

I have been going to the original location since it was so small my mom would stand us in line to wait to get in on the street! When I finally was old enough to get a Margarita I knew it had all been worth waiting for. The beef tacos, the green corn tamales! Wow! Pros: Ambience & space, Good variety of dishe, Good food, drinks Cons: , Too much ice!!, Kids can be loud!
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I've been to El Cholo a couple of times, and I have also had their famous green corn tamales. They were great, a little heavy on the cheese, but the flavors were still very robust and... More

I've been to El Cholo a couple of times, and I have also had their famous green corn tamales. They were great, a little heavy on the cheese, but the flavors were still very robust and authentic. This restaurant is an example of how simple mexican food can be very good. I don't want to overrate it though, it's not "a must" if you're in LA- but somewhere to check out. Ambience is great to: live band that walks around the restaurant playing requests, great decor, and authentic wall designs. Pros: Good food, Good atmosphere
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This is one of my favorite restuarants. They have excellent authentic style mexican food and the best Margaritas ever. Pros: Good Food, Great Prices, Excellent Margaritas

This is one of my favorite restuarants. They have excellent authentic style mexican food and the best Margaritas ever. Pros: Good Food, Great Prices, Excellent Margaritas
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El Cholo's offers a flavor and environment that no other mexican restaurant in L.A. has. The food is seasoned to perfection and they have the BEST margaritas ever!!

El Cholo's offers a flavor and environment that no other mexican restaurant in L.A. has. The food is seasoned to perfection and they have the BEST margaritas ever!!
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