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El Cholo

Mexican Restaurant, Burrito Restaurant, and Taco Restaurant$$$$

Wilshire-Montana, Santa Monica

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El Cholo

8.0^/10

301

ratings

Ranked #2 for enchiladas in Santa Monica
The Mexican food at El Cholo is a can't miss
"The green corn tamales are fantastic."(6 Tips)
"Get the crabmeat enchilada if you love seafood."(4 Tips)
"And the blue corn enchiladas are amaZing!"(3 Tips)
"Pitcher of margaritas and the blue corn chicken enchiladas....yummy!"(22 Tips)

79 Tips and reviews

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Mexican food
margaritas
happy hour
corn
chile rellenos
spicy food
tortilla soup
great value
good for groups
Caesar salad
tequila
dinner
desserts
salsa
lunch
brunch food
pitchers
Cholula
good for special occasions
cheese
(15 more)

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EaterApril 4, 2017
One of the godfathers of sit-down Mexican cooking in Los Angeles, El Cholo is a true institution that continues to expands and grow. Read more
Carol MartinezMarch 2, 2014
Valet parking only here so make sure you have loose bills. They do have ATM inside. Nice looking environment inside with friendly customer service. Fresh hot chips w salsa,good food&yummy Margaritas!
Jennifer MaasJune 20, 2015
Get the crabmeat enchilada if you love seafood. Also the mix and match guac is so great.
Chad MillerAugust 25, 2014
The Blue Corn Enchiladas are the best singular item, but A Taste of History wI'll get you a pork tamale, chile relleno, cheese enchilada, and beef taco.
Joëlle M.January 22, 2014
House margaritas and appetizers are half price on Taco Tuesdays!
Anna Poore-CordovaMay 6, 2012
The guacamole is awesome. Tortilla soup is flavorful and now we are going to try the green chile - corn - cheese tamales that the restaurant is known for - okay first bite delicious
Melanie MartinNovember 3, 2016
Been here 10+ times
To start, the chips and salsa are super!! Cucumber jalapeño margarita is great. Enchilada Suiza is delicious! Muy bien.
Becky BoyleFebruary 9, 2020
Home of the world’s most dangerous margarita! Enjoy! And the blue corn enchiladas are amaZing!
YeyenSeptember 4, 2011
Been here 5+ times
High end mexican restaurant. I wouldn't say it's the most authentic mexican restaurant. But they still have really good food, drinks, and a very nice atmosphere.
CBS LocalMarch 5, 2012
The El Cholo family recipe dates back to 1923, and the traditional guacamole benefits from years of experience. Try it! - CBS LA Read more
Tom McKeeverDecember 4, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Quality food and drinks, nothing really amazing about it but a solid weeknight spot if you're craving a marg.
Veronica ChaviraJuly 13, 2018
Their shrimp fajitas are delicious! A lot of good seafood options which is perfect as you’re not far from the beach!
JohnSeptember 21, 2014
Unlimited tortilla chips and salsa! Fiesta plate is very good when you don't know what to order
Suraj SavaliaDecember 20, 2012
Always a fave. The one on western has 50% off for USC students though.
Dean HarrisJune 25, 2019
Been here 5+ times
Hey, they invented nachos. Enough said. The green corn tamales are fantastic.
Erin AglioneJuly 22, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Can't go wrong with the house margarita on the rocks and Annie's California Enchiladas.
Winnie KhooOctober 25, 2018
Fave: chips & salsa, green corn tamales, crabmeat enchiladas; Skip: guacamole
Kevin WalshFebruary 2, 2016
The cheese enchilada and chile relleno combo is fantastic.
FrostyApril 5, 2018
Been here 50+ times
Happy Hour, aka “Fiesta Hour” is Monday - Friday, 3:00 - 6:30!
FrostyFebruary 2, 2019
Been here 50+ times
Updated Happy Hour times from 3-7pm Monday thru Friday. 🎉
Ryan SlingerApril 15, 2021
Great place to bring the family. Lots of options for everyone.
Delyn SimonsNovember 22, 2023
May - October: green corn tamales. November - April: Annie’s garden enchiladas
Maureen LenkerJuly 18, 2012
The enchilada sauce and the margaritas here are the best in the world!
Berenice LimonMay 17, 2013
Good atmosphere, came here for a design department dinner. Nice staff.
Larisa GrollemondFebruary 11, 2017
Margs and giant plates of Mexican food, what more could you want?
jacquie phillipsMay 26, 2012
if your party is sat near the kitchen, they give you free nachos as a lo siento consolation prize.
Kendra AppeSeptember 22, 2012
I dream about their crabmeat enchiladas
Troy DeversAugust 4, 2013
Been here 50+ times
Love the mini cholula bottles!
Mayuresh HajirnisNovember 18, 2015
Fajitas, Cadillac margarita, crabmeat enchiladas
Rich LeibfriedJuly 31, 2010
Best Mexican in Santa Monica as well as the best Margarita's ever! Heaven for me, will be back soon & hopefully Mayor
Homan TaghdiriJuly 3, 2011
I cent understand what people see in this place - if you have had real mexican food. The food taste canned, service sucks, and nothing is authentic. The best item is the salsa!
ronda atencionOctober 30, 2013
homey atmosphere and excellent food! margaritas are gooooooooood
Carlos GutierrezJuly 24, 2013
Been here 25+ times
The margaritas are the best!!
Natalie GuerraJuly 18, 2015
The only thing I've liked so far was my coconut margarita that barely tasted like it had any alcohol in it.. 😑
Adam GrossmanMarch 11, 2010
Order the Santa Barbara special. It's not on the menu but it's shrimp and chicken enchiladas. Delish!
Troy DeversAugust 28, 2013
Been here 50+ times
Taco Tuesdays - $3.95 for 3 tacos and half price margaritas!
B RawrFebruary 2, 2013
Been here 5+ times
The chicken fajitas and lemonade are good but every time there is a really disgusting smell all over the restaurant SIT OUTSIDE... Gross 
Tom BurtonSeptember 14, 2015
Oversize portions, heavy food, and a bit pricy for lunch. Maybe that's why it wasn't very full.
Heather BednarczykApril 8, 2010
Ceasar salad and add grilled chicken, so delish! The croutons are spicy and so yummy!
DrinkCobaApril 26, 2011
Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas are amazing…throw in some Salsita and you're Golden.
IrishNovember 21, 2019
Great job, guys! Tasty!
Neil CabanaJanuary 28, 2012
Been here 5+ times
Santa Barbera a la carte plus beer and tequila.....yum!
Alisha BlandMarch 26, 2014
Taco Tuesday is excellent!!!!
Troy DeversOctober 25, 2013
Been here 50+ times
Ask for the diablo salsa!
AAugust 25, 2013
Coconut margaritas!!
Melody SazegarJune 8, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Make sure to ask for the spicy salsa with the free chips
Patrick DunnApril 27, 2012
This is my favorite place to stumble out of.
Travis SwinglerFebruary 15, 2014
The guac is on point.
Spencer SchoebenMarch 22, 2013
great patron dessert berry margarita
Gary KakiuchiAugust 16, 2014
Everything

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