El Cholo
el cholo
authentic
landmark
mexican cuisine
The Spot,
With multiple locations throughout LA and Southern California, the Santa Monica location greets you with a breezy patio just a few blocks up from the beach. Family owned for the past 100 years, El Cholo has become an LA staple. In the Santa Monica location, two dining areas are available. As you first enter, a lounge area with a bar, for drinks and happy hour. Farther in the restaurant, the large main dining area opens up as an expansive festive space, transporting you into a 1920’s Mexican neighborhood.
Take a trek across town to Koreatown and you’ll find the OG location still standing.
The Menu.
El Cholo’s rich history of 100 years serving Angelenos authentic Mexican cuisine can be seen in the celebration of their heritage printed in the menus by pairing each dish with the year it was created. Highlights include:
Sonora Style Enchilada - Created in 1923, (also the first enchilada served at El Cholo.) served with layered corn tortillas, simmered chicken, salsa roja, salsa verde, and fried Egg.
Southwest Chicken Tostada - Created in 2008. Served with a blackened chicken, black beans, queso fresco, avocado, and pepita cilantro vinaigrette.
Green Corn Tamales - Created in 1923. Corn off the cob, cheddar cheese and ortega chile, steamed in its own husk, and beans and rice. (available May - October)
Enchiladas Mariscos - Created in 1999. Served with lobster, scallops, shrimp, jack cheese, and chipotle cream sauce.
Hours
Daily 11:30AM - 9PM