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    El Cholo

    3.5 (662 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    EL CHOLO ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Cholo

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    Tres Tacos Al Carbon
    Michelle S.

    Came here with a friend for dinner. Hadn't been in years. The food was excellent. Classic, dependable, flavorful. It doesn't have the same old world charm as the original location, but it's still nice. Our server Elizabeth was great! The margarita was perfect. I had the Tacos Al Carbon and it was tasty. Would come here again.

    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).

    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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    1 year ago

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    6 months ago

    Sergio was fabulous and our meal came out hot tasty and we're very happy. Will definitely come back to El Cholo

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    First time at this location. Great food; extraordinary service by Mr. Martin. We will return.

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

    Food was great! Service was excellent. Our sever gave us top notch service. I think his name was Francisco.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Very simple menu. Food is delicious. Service is fabulous. Love the peaceful ambience especially during weekdays.

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    A truly underrated restaurant. We love el cholo! Their food is great, service is great! And their bar is perfect.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Photo of Toshi I.
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    7 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Skimpy portion of food for the price .... Barely a 1/4 cup of beans on the plate , enchilada was pretty small

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Food excellent service was also excellent. . Zxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Very expensive, food was not great. Service was just ok, ambiance in the restaurant was nice though.

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great Food! Great Experience! Got the chicken fajitas were delicious. Salsa has great flavor. Love the chips.

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    Page 2 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
    (677 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

    Down the Rabbit Hole at STORY -- Anaheim Hills…read more If you've ever wanted to fall straight into Wonderland, STORY in Anaheim Hills is your rabbit hole. From the moment I walked in, I was enchanted -- plush tufted velvet booths in dreamy blues, cascading candlestick chandeliers, walls lined with vintage books, and the most whimsical tablescapes I've ever seen. A teapot-and-teacup candelabra dripping with flowers and pocket watches greeted us like something straight off the Mad Hatter's table. Curiosity encouraged, reality optional, indeed. Half the fun was the crowd -- patrons in their finest hats and full Wonderland regalia, everyone leaning into the magic. The black-and-white spiral placemats and mismatched rose-painted china made every corner Instagram gold. We did the **Mad Hatter's Tea ($40 per guest)**, and it delivered both on theme and on flavor. The presentation arrives on a gleaming gold three-tiered stand, and there's a delightful Asian-fusion twist woven through the classic high-tea lineup: - **Goat & feta cheese pinwheels** -- pink whipped goat cheese with roasted beet purée, Genoa salami, and arugula in a spinach tortilla, finished with balsamic and honey drizzle. As pretty as they were tasty. - **Tea sandwiches** -- delicate chicken salad, egg salad, ham & dijon, and cucumber & cream cheese. - **Mozzarella, cantaloupe & prosciutto skewers** -- fresh and light. - **Freshly baked scones, danishes, and buttermilk biscuits** with whipped honey butter and strawberry jam -- warm, flaky, and exactly what high tea should be. - A sizzling **garlic shrimp skillet** with charred lemon and toasted bread that we added on -- savory and satisfying. And the theatrical touches! Each guest gets a **Tea Forté** selection (the Green Mango Peach and White Ginger Pear were lovely), a glass of sparkling wine, and a darling little **"Drink Me" potion bottle** to share -- a perfect Wonderland flourish. STORY is more than a meal; it's an experience. Whether you're celebrating, planning a girls' day, or just want to escape into something beautiful, put on your favorite hat and come play. We'll absolutely be back.

    Photos
    Story
    Story
    Story

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    Signature Thai Bistro

    Signature Thai Bistro

    4.2
    (613 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.
    El Torito

    El Torito

    4.4
    (2k reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    We made a reservation online and walked in with ease--our table was ready and our party was seated…read moreimmediately. The food was absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh, and as soon as items started running low, they were quickly replenished. Our server, Jamie, was incredibly attentive to our group and kept the mimosas flowing the entire time. Keep up the great service and outstanding food!

    I keep giving this place a try... and it keeps failing for various reasons. Reservations were made…read moreand not available upon arrival, loud music out on the patio and several tables asked for it to be turned down but never was, expensive to eat and no menu options during the brunch timeframe, the list goes on. But our last straw was during our last visit. We had one person in our party that was drinking way to much and way too fast. We asked the server and also the bartender to please not serve her any more drinks. Yet they kept on serving. This person was passing out drinks to others on their tab right in front of the bartender... and we had already asked at least twice to please stop serving to them. The rest of our party had already left but we stayed for about an hour and a half trying to get things straightened out. We drove the person home but will never be back. Service is pretty good here normally, not great but fairly decent. Along the same lines as our story above... if your party isn't drinking during the brunch buffet, don't expect great service, they cater to the drinkers. Alcohol comes WAY before food service and the more you drink the better the service and attitude. Two times while dining here, we have had to correct our bill, charged for things that weren't ours or incorrectly. Ridiculous. We've had several meet ups with friends and/or family here in the past but each time it was not our call... and from now on we will just pass, it never gets better, just keeps getting worse. Nope.

    Photos
    Jose Cuervo® Flaming Fajitas Supremas
    Jose Cuervo® Flaming Fajitas Supremas
    Free Chips & Salsa.  The Salsa has the right amount of spiciness.
    Free Chips & Salsa. The Salsa has the right amount of spiciness.
    Combo Trio - Carnitas Soft Taco, Mini Steak Cheese & Mushroom Chimichanga, and Chicken & Source Cream Enchilada

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    Combo Trio - Carnitas Soft Taco, Mini Steak Cheese & Mushroom Chimichanga, and Chicken & Source Cream Enchilada

    El Cholo - mexican - Updated June 2026

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