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El Cholo Cafe
About
- 4.4 ( 45 reviews)
- $$, $$$
El Cholo Pasadena opened its doors to the public in October 2000 on Fair Oaks Ave. We moved to the Paseo Mall in December 2010 on Colorado Blvd. keeping the 88 year old legend going strong. All of the El Cholo restaurants feature authentic and traditional Mexican dishes, many of which have come from family recipes dating back to 1923. Our distinctive menu offers classics such as our famous Green Corn Tamales, Enchiladas,and sizzling Fajitas. Our Combination plates along with our newer comidas especiales have made El Cholo famous along with our irresistible Nachos introduced in the 1950's. But there is one thing that El Cholo is especially known for and that is our Award-Winning Margarita. The decor of El Cholo Pasadena radiates warmth and relaxation. The Hacienda style architecture is accented with hand-painted arches, rustic ceiling timbers and traditional Mexican murals. Amenities include two full service bars, three outdoor patios,and a private banquet room.
| Day of the Week | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Tuesday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Wednesday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Thursday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
| Friday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 - 22:00 |
Cuisines
- 🌮 Mexican
- 🥘 Spanish
- 💃 Latin
- 🌵 Southwestern
Dining Options
- 💺 Seating
- ♿ Wheelchair Accessible
- 🥡 Takeout
- 🍽️ Table service
- 📅 Reservations
- 🍷 Serves Alcohol
- 🅿️ Parking Available
- 🌳 Outdoor Seating
- 🍸 Full Bar
- 🍱 Lunch
- 🍽️ Dinner
Recommended Reviews
4.4
V. Todd Wheeler
Very good incarnation from the original 2 elsewhere in Los Angeles. Location and decor set the mood for an exceptional lunch . Service was top notch and the food was better than I remember from when we went as a family in the 70s. Even the often overlooked details like the chips and salsa were good.
Stanley Watson
El Cholo Cafe was good. I had Tres Tacos El Carbon which is essentially Top Sirloin beef tacos loaded with Salsa, Cilantro, Onions and Guacamole on the Side; with Black beans and rice. Very good and hearty portions. Accompanied by family a Party of 7 others enjoyed their respective dinners! 3 ordered Combinacione #4 (Enchiladas with Ground Beef) one ordered 1 of each Ground Beef and Top Sirloin. All the Sides etc. were good, refills on all drinks a plus. I simply can't offer 5 Stars due to our Server. Just not up to speed. So much so, that our Family Matriarch offered to Pay so that the Tip would be commensurate with the Service or lack thereof provided. Let's just say: "It's not the Cook's fault" the Tip or lack thereof was rendered. Hence I can't offer my Highest Rating. El Cholo has been around for many years in Southern California, a good place for an Old School Back in the Day experience.
Shawn Broes
We mostly enjoy the bar area, but great overall Mexican restaurant.