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    El Cholo

    3.5 (663 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order El Cholo Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    EL CHOLO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - El Cholo

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    Reviews With Photos - El Cholo

    Southwest Chicken Tostada Salad. February 2026.
    Michele D.

    Cute and festive vibes!! The customer service could be better, with a little more effort. I ordered their Southwest Chicken Tostada Salad, and the salad was good, but the chicken was super salty. I loved the dressing, as it had a nice kick of spicy. Very flavorful with enough dressing. The chips and salsa were also very tasty. I was expecting a huge flour tostada bowl, but there was a very small fried corn tortilla at the bottom of my salad, so I was a little surprised and disappointed. Iced tea tasted like Lipton, nothing special there. For the prices they charge, I expected more. Nice menu. Other than that, I would return in the future. I'll just try something else, next time. Ample parking. Overall, my experience was decent. A strong 4 Stars!

    Margarita specials
    Marie S.

    This location is part of the downtown LA location offering same menu. The service was absolutely stellar and made the dining experience that much better. La Flaca margarita was 10/10 and packed a punch. Blackened chicken tostada was flavorful. Chicken well seasoned and salad had a nice mix of crunch and spice. Cannot wait until their green corn tamales are back in season. The vibe was typical of Mexican restaurants and very clean and vibrant. Will be back for their delicious green corn tamales in May. Nice to not have to drive to LA for this amazing dish

    #2 Cheese Enchilada and Chile Relleno
    Jenny W.

    Delicious Mexican food; fun, vibrant environment; and outstanding service. All reasons to dine here. Our go to spot for chili relleno (they have them both ways here) and fajitas (served with either corn or flour tortillas).

    Manny E.

    EL CHOLO - I Came here with not much expectations, but unfortunately the food really missed the mark. The fajitas tasted pre frozen and where burnt. the salsa didn't seem fresh, and the chips were stale. We also paid $15 for tableside guacamole, which was very bland and lacked flavor. The rice was noticeably stale, and overall nothing on the menu tasted fresh. The only reason this place is getting two stars instead of one is because of the service. Our server was fantastic, and the front desk lady who seemed to be the manager was also very welcoming and attentive. Service was truly the highlight of the visit, but the food quality needs major improvement for us to return. Cheers,

    Sue L.

    This El Cholo is nothing like the El Cholo that I know and love in Santa Monica, and everything like the Chevy's that was here before it. OC has a way of ruining LA things with its sure to be cheesy take, and this is a prime example of that phenomenon. If it didn't have the El Cholo name and with it its expectations, I probably would enjoy this location more. Service was fine. Ambiance was your typical Mexican restaurant in OC. Food was meh. Drinks good. Contain your expectations. This ain't the El Cholo you know and love. If you're an OC diehard, I love this place for you.

    Chris P.

    First time eating here and its definitely one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to period. We were seated quickly and the booth was very comfortable and quiet could not of been better. I had a bowl of albondigas and a chicken enchilada. My wife had the Tostada with chicken but it was more like a Taco Salad. The salsa is thick and perfect and the guacamole was perfect as well. We were given a free plate of nachos by our awesome server Sergio and they were the best ever. I would like to note our server guy was so friendly and knowledgeable that me and my wife were very impressed with him making us feel so welcome. Thank you Sergio I cant wait to go back when its Mexican food time again. Great restaurant a must go.

    Annie's Early California Enchilada
    Natasha B.

    Consistently good food. Wide variety on their menu with a few good vegetarian options too. I like their blue corn chicken enchiladas, the verde salsa that comes with it is definitely made fresh. Great place to go with your family. Service is great, they will let you make substitutions based on your dietary requirements.

    Near the bar seating
    Paulla L.

    Ambiance was festive and spacious. Customer service was excellent. Happy hour margaritas, were great. Chips and salsas was plentiful.

    Sandra R.

    FOOD: uninspired. lacking distinctive qualities and the presentation totally uncreative. SERVICE: the service is friendly, although refills were not offered our server was pleasant. AMBIANCE: the location boasts beautiful decor and the exterior is adorned with well-manicured plants, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

    Happy hour beef Taquitos

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    4 months ago

    If you want frozen reheated food. This is your place.. service was really good.. too bad the majority of the food is not fresh.

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    5 months ago

    Great food, great service and great margaritas. Been going here for 10 + years and never disappoints

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    4 months ago

    Always a great place to stop an eat. Great food and great margaritas! Pralines are awesome

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    Page 1 of 17

    El Cholo Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Cholo

    Do they have patio seating in Anaheim? Is it open for brunch? System won't allow reservations :(

    Yes they do.

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    Story

    Story

    4.2
    (686 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    Veteran-owned & operated
    Romantic vibe

    Wow! We came for…read moretheir new Gatsby tea service and it did not disappoint. The ambiance is gorgeous and on point. We started with The Gatsby Effect drink which came in beautiful glasses and a tower that drips butterfly pea tea gin into your glass, changing the color of your drink. There's only one tower option with dinner. It comes with an entire 1 oz container of caviar with crumb fresh, chicken nuggets with crown fresh smoked trout caviar and chives, spicy ahi tuna wonton chip, mini lobster rolls, kettle chips, shrimp cocktail shooters, wagyu sliders, and chicken Caesar salad skewers. Nothing disappointed! Everything was high quality. Shrimp was plump n meaty. The service was great! Our waitress was very nice and checked up on us often. This was a great meal, great service, and great price! I would definitely come back

    We came here for the tea experience. This review is only for the tea experience. Okay, so this…read moreplace is very nice. They really do well with presentation. Service was just okay. Tea was really disappointing. Can you call it a tea experience when they use tea bags my loose leaf with a lack of a tea selection and have to share a tea pot with 3 people? This was a really big let down. It's not your traditional tea. Sandwiches were fine. I enjoyed a couple of them. The biscuit was good. They also didn't have scones and clotted cream. In my opinion not a true tea experience. Desserts were not good. The attempt made for the ube and pandan were more of a trend following technique rather than a true love in creating something delicious. It was a disappointment. The experience wasn't terrible it was just okay. Stick to a proper tea place is you are looking for a proper tea experience. If you want just cute pictures and just a great ambiance then you'll be fine coming here. I was between giving 2 and 3 stars for this place. I can't deny this was a cute place. $45 a setting... I didn't see the value. I think this place would be better for just pure brunch rather than tea.

    Photos
    Story
    Story
    Story

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    Signature Thai Bistro

    Signature Thai Bistro

    4.2
    (616 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    I've been coming to Signature Thai Bistro for years, and it's truly one of those hidden…read moreneighborhood gems that never disappoints. The Pad See Ew is always flavorful and perfectly cooked, and the Signature Beef is absolutely delicious--tender, well-seasoned, and packed with flavor. Every dish tastes fresh and consistently good every time we visit. Don't skip dessert! Their desserts are amazing and the perfect way to finish the meal. The food, service, and cozy atmosphere keep us coming back again and again. It's been one of our favorite local spots for a long time, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic, delicious Thai food. A true hidden gem in the neighborhood!

    I recently had some teeth work done so I was craving some tofu soup. Unfortunately for us, the line…read moreat Jincook was out the door! I remembered there was a thai restaurant nearby so I asked my boyfriend if Thai food works. Luckily he said yes and we headed over to Signature Thai. I've been here once before in the past but this is my boyfriend's first time. The ambiance and decor was very pretty and intimate so it made for a great date night experience. The staff was friendly and nice and took out order right away. I got the tom yum soup with tofu while my boyfriend got one of their specials: the khao soi with shot ribs. Both dishes were amazing and it licked the bowls and plates clean. We had a really good time and will definitely stop by again when we're thinking about this food!

    Photos
    Clean environment drinks are beautiful with great presentation
    Clean environment drinks are beautiful with great presentation
    Papaya Salad
    Papaya Salad
    Mango cocktail.

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    Mango cocktail.
    Que Vida Tacos

    Que Vida Tacos

    4.4
    (263 reviews)
    4.0 mi

    Holy smokes, this is the best Mex in town! We ordered the El Grande sub Asada, Que Rico plato, corn…read moreesquites, birria tacos, a pineapple margarita, and Pacifico on tap. Everything was absolutely superb! You can really taste the quality of their house-made tortillas and house-marinated meats. Plus, the portions are huge! The restaurant was packed, and it is easy to see why. The vine is super cool with lively high energy social atmosphere! Since it was so busy, we initially ordered our food to-go because there were no open seats. However, the coolest guy at the register (I forgot to ask his name!) went above and beyond. He asked us to wait a moment and personally got a table ready so we could dine in. His phenomenal service, knowledge, and great personality truly topped off our experience. All the servers were outstanding!! Watch out Que Vida, your new regulars!! See you tomorrow!!!

    Best tacos in town. Staff is very friendly…read more Food is very fresh. Draft beer and bottle beer. Limited bar. Limited wine options. Multiple kinds of Margaritas They make breakfast options all day. Their desserts are a special treat! No wait staff. You have to order at the counter and then they bring it to your table. Fresh churros. Veggie options. Salad options. No alcoholic options Bar counter Able to accommodate small to medium groups

    Photos
    Bar, lighted menus, prep space, kitchen.
    Bar, lighted menus, prep space, kitchen.
    Chips/guac calabacitas taco with a DELICIOUS grilled pepper and salsa.
    Chips/guac calabacitas taco with a DELICIOUS grilled pepper and salsa.
    Long beautiful lighted bar to the right of the register.

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    Long beautiful lighted bar to the right of the register.

    El Cholo - mexican - Updated July 2026

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