Always a dining staple in my household for nearly 50 years, I have not been back in over 10 years due to a move to NorCal. On this warm spring occasion, we had a party of 7 and sat in the nice outdoor patio. Our server was efficient and friendly. The group enjoyed a variety of dishes and appetizers throughout the night. Make sure you have one of their signature margaritas, and when in season, their green corn tamales are a must! Can't go wrong here. read more

I love this place. Went to this place with the family, My family took me for my birthday highly recommended read more

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Been here a couple of times, food is no good. No flavor. There are better Mexican restaurants.

Thursday, July 20, 2023. I've never been to El cholo before. I know they have at least a half a dozen of them in southern California. Had some time to kill, so I stopped in here for a quick bite. Food was good. If I lived closer, I would come here more often. I got a rolled taco with rice and beans combo plate. I thought it was delicious. Chips and salsa are good. Salsa is exactly like the "taco hut" salsa. a restaurant I go to out in Rancho Cucamonga closer to me. As a Mexican food aficionado I approve of this place. My photos below ; read more

El Cholo - July 20, 2023 - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

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We arrived on a Friday night about 7 pm. We headed straight to the bar area and sat down at a bar table. All the other group tables were taken. We were greeted by Ruben which is one of the waiters. He handed us the menu and took our drink orders. While looking the menu over I saw one of the waiters taking someone fajitas they had ordered. You could smell the aroma coming from the plate and hear the sizzling hot plate. That was when I made my mind-up and decided on the meat fajitas. I was not disappointed when I got my sizzling plate! The fajitas were intertwined with fresh grilled veggies. The plate came with guacamole and sour cream. It was definitely a party in my tummy, lol. If you are looking for a nice cozy Mexican spot to relax and enjoy a good meal with good ambiance, El Cholo is the place. read more

The food didn't have any flavor, nothing compared to the restaurant in LA. My rice was cold, the guacamole was going bad, and my meat was tough . I went in to "celebrate " my bday ; in LA they even sing to you and give you a flan with a candle . Here, not even a "Happy Birthday " it just wasn't what I expected! read more

I had dinner there on Saturday night with a friend and I had a tostada salad. It was $17 only beans nothing else but tons of lettuce I got a margarita taste like no booze. And that was eight dollars shame on you you've gone downhill. read more

Portion sizes are ridiculous for the prices. Thats a 5 Dollar guacamole, for reference, thats a quarter on top. read more

El Cholo - This is a $5.00 Guacamole at El Cholo, thats a quarter on top. - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

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The food was outstanding tonight! We ordered the filet mignon tacos and chicken fajitas. Both items were out of this world delicious! Hadn't been here in a while, and more reason to visit again soon! Thank you! read more

This place get 0 stars from me. This was beyond horrible. Service was the worse and the food tasted canned. We had a party of 20. Food came at all different times and they forget plates. Kids got food late some plates took an extra 20 minutes to arrive after they forgot some plates. They continually forgot drinks, forgot booster seat for child, not friendly. The food made us all a little sick after as well. We would never come back again. Save your $. Fact: This IS NOT authentic REAL Mexican food. Never again. They deserve 0 stars. read more

I love this restaurant! The food is delicious with large servings! Chips and salsa are given almost as soon as you sit down. The waiters are attentive without being in your face. I've had their combo meals, carnitas, fajitas, enchiladas, and their specials. Everything is delicious! I love the margaritas! When you finish your meal they give you a few pecan praline candies made in house. Yummy! read more

Great classic Mexican food at a fair price The fillet mignon tacos had a generous amount of beef too! Service was very fast and kind read more

I had tacos . They were very good . With a margarita. Service was pleasant, quick and waiter was very nice . Checked in always with a smile.

Authentic Mexican Cuisine An establishment I always bring my out of town guests here for a fine dining experience. They never disappointed me. The seafood enchilada and filet mignonette tacos were in perfection. My first ever non-alcoholic margarita was great, aromatic, refreshing, I will keep coming back for this. read more

El Cholo - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

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So looking forward to this special place. Ordered the chicken tostada and was very disappointed had no flavor, dressing had no taste at all as lettuce has a no taste. Spice it up guys!!!!! Over ripe avocado and black, very sparse chicken at least the chips and salsa were good but not for the $65 for two read more

Best customer service ever ! Very quick with bringing us the food , and drinks , as well as checking on us every couple minutes , the food was amazing , would definitely come here again with family If you ever come here ask for Jaclynn or jack read more

El Cholo - Flan was the best - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

Food was excellent and the service was on point!! The ambiance was very chill! All the food is reasonable. I really appreciated all the open parking. The hostess was also very welcoming when we came in and when we left. We celebrated my nephews birthday. He became 13 and now loves this place. This place is very very spacious. I noticed their bar area is very big too. Will be going back soon. Keep up the good work! read more

El Cholo - Steak Fahitas - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

I've gone to El Cholo since I was little. Their people, food and service are top notch! Thank you.

Good portions for the price, bottomless soft drinks, and great food. Highly recommend Very attentive great service. read more

I used to enjoy the tostada with chorizo beans and the variety of margaritas that they offered in their patio. Since Covid, their menu has gotten smaller and we have experienced meats that are pre-cooked and reheated. Less variety in their margaritas. And the service just isn't the same. The one thing that has really turned me off is that there are so many dogs allowed in their patio. I absolutely love dogs but what I don't love is fleas. I was bitten up Saturday night on my legs, back and waist. I am hoping with this post that they will tend to this problem. Keep the dogs and spray the fleas. read more

El Cholo - Flea bites from sitting in the La Habra El Cholo patio - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

Best Mexican food in La Habra, if you stop in you have to try the "taste of History" !! Five stars read more

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Cholo has many meanings in Spanish from a person of a certain ethnic mix to leading a certain Latino lifestyle. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholo El Cholo near DTLA is one of the oldest restaurants in Socal established in 1923. According to Yelper Jim W., a long time resident, a large group of USC alumni in Orange County, who frequented the original near DTLA, somehow influenced the 3rd generation of El Cholo owners to start a branch in La Habra in 1962. https://www.elcholo.com/our-story The food at El Cholo may still be classified as "Spanish food" dating to a time when Mexican food was called such in order to cater to non Mexican tastes. Although Spain colonized México, food of both countries don't have much in common as I found In my month long trips in either country. I don't recall Spanish Jamón Serrano de Bellota, Paella, Bacalao in México, and don't remember Mexican Chile en Nogada, Huachinango a la Veracruzana, Nopales in Spain. However, Mexican cuisine has now entered a renaissance as witnessed by the likes of Babita, Taco María, Rocío Diosa de Moles which take pride in showcasing the sophisticated aspects of the Mexican kitchen. The interior décor is full of the Hollywood version of Mexican kitsch. Limited bar seating, interior and ample outdoor seating. We went to El Cholo since the mom & pop Mexican eateries had closed early for new year's eve. Even El Cholo's kitchen would close at 8pm. Totopos/fried corn tortilla chips are light, thin, crisp lacking a subtle corn aroma. Salsa is ok w/ tomato, onion, bit of cilantro & touch of smoky, medicinal oregano. If you want more piquancy in the salsa, ask for a bottle of "hit sauce". Fiesta Platter: 1) Crab & possibly mayonnaise stuffed in fried, rolled purple corn tortilla. 2) Shredded Beef stuffed in fried, rolled Tortilla de Maís/corn. Beef was mushy. 3) Chimichanga: Shredded, mushy chicken stuffed Burrito in fried Tortilla de Hariña/wheat. 4) Quesadilla: Melted annatto orange colored l, bland, American cheddar cheese between two grilled tortilla de Hariña 5) Nachos: Totopos covered w/ frijoles de pinto & more gooey melted, American cheese. Perhaps drier, crumbly Cotija cheese would have upped the more fermented, earthy dairy Umami. Big culinary faux pas was dumping a glop of guacamole & sour cream on top of the Nachos so they became soggy and limp. Why not have placed the guac mixture on the side? Food here, to me, is 2+ where flavours don't ring quite true as though it's been put through a Disneylandified filter, but having the entrepreneurial spirit to stay open later on new year's eve raises the stars to 3-. read more

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I always wanted to go here and I finally did. The food was cool, the restaurant had an old school vibes, reminds me of el Torito. I would try this place again! read more

Love this restaurant, always good service and good food. From fajitas to the enchiladas, every meal is excellent. The chili relleno is the best! I stopped ordering chili relleno's at other restaurants because they do not compare to El Cholo's. Bartenders all know how to make a good drink. Love their coconut margaritas, blended perfectly. read more

El Cholo - El Cholo coconut margarita - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

So El Cholo has been around for a min, it all depends on what you order...my opinion-shrimp fajitas w/home made floor tortillas and refried beans. Honestly I've tried other items but they pail toward something hot served in front of you. 3.5 read more

AMAZING! The Fiesta Platter appetizer for two fed three of us with leftovers ($18.99). The perfect combination with quesadillas, beef taquitos, shrimp taquitos (melt in your mouth!!!), and chicken chimichangas on a bed of nachos with absolutely authentic beans (how I rate all Mexican restaurants). The prickly pear margarita was delicious and the wait staff was wonderful- attentive, but not hovering. The restaurant itself was gorgeous! A+++. Having lived in So Cal for most of my 57 years, this place is at the top of my list. read more

I am torn about this location. The good: super fast service, good chips and salsa, good margaritas. The bad: weird busy parking lot, ordered rolled tacos but got regular tacos, uneven flooring, beans not as good as Newport location. read more

Tonight, me and my family ate here for our family Friday night dinner. We were greeted by everyone. Everyone was very friendly. "Welcome" "Hello" the restaurant gave me the feeling of a true Spanish style adventure and this was a beautiful restaurant inside and outside. I ordered the chicken and steak fajitas. As the waiter was approaching boy did it smell good. It came with sautéed white onions, red & green bell peppers, smell pieces of green zucchini, tomatoes, refried beans, shredded cheese, sour cream, homemade guacamole, and corn tortillas!! Now, the taste was on point, and I was satisfied. However, I received so much sautéed vegetables that it was only three thin slices of chicken and steak. This was disappointing . On my next visit I will say please provide less vegs and more meat please sorry but I did not take a picture of all them vegs they give you! read more

El Cholo - Chicken and Steak fajitas - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

I hesitate reviewing El Cholo, as I have many friends and family who enjoy it here. Sure, the ambiance is great and service is good... but I really am not a fan of the food. There's a constant battle in and around La Habra as to who likes it here and who doesn't. I side with the "dislikes" and would never actually choose to eat here.... but I do if others choose to go. I do like their spicy ceviche tostadas and their suiza (salsa verde) sauce, plus the drinks are a nice heavy pour and flavorful. Yep, that's about it. People travel far and wide to go to El Cholo and I just don't get it. But we all have different taste, I guess. A part of me thinks that I love Mexican food and the sign reads "Spanish Cafe"... maybe that's the difference is that it is Spanish and not Mexican...?? I really don't know, and not just because I'm a gringo, trust me I know Mexican food! Flip a coin... up to your tastebuds. Mine would prefer to go elsewhere though. read more

If you haven't been to El Cholo, it's about time you go. They've been around forever and have stood the test of time. Great margaritas. Nice ambiance and great food. My favorito is the chile relleno. They beans are delicious and it is very vegetarian friendly. read more

El Cholo had been on my radar for years, seeing how it was featured on multiple TV shows and blogged about vigorously. During my recent vacation I was very surprised to see I would be within minutes of the La Habra location. Suffice to say that we left unimpressed and unsatisfied. The outside decor has a southwest look but with a cookie cutter feel. The same goes for indoor decor, feels homie but not authentic. The servers and employees were all friendly and attentive. We were seated and served our drinks within just a couple of minutes of sitting down. The complimentary chips and salsa were decent. I kept seeing how "delicious" the A Taste of History plate was so we opted for that and the Fish Tacos. I kid you not when I say that our food was out within 5 minutes of placing our order. Hindsight, this was a sign of what was to come. The cheese Enchilada was basic, something you would expect to get at any chain "Mexican" restaurant. Tortilla smothered in red sauce and stuffed with cheese. Not authentically Mexican. The rolled beef taco was okay, but fried tortilla and beef is pretty hard to mess up. The beef was flavorful. The chile relleno, 2 out of 5. Not familiar with the type of cheese they used to stuff it with, but it was a bit rubbery. Thr pork tamal tasted similar to a frozen brand I particularly like and purchase at my local supermarket, I was expecting more than that from a "Mexican" restaurant. The fish taco plate was a bit better than I expected. Fresh flavors but the tortilla used gave it a bit of an off flavor. The rice and beans were solid, good flavors there. Overall, this is what I would consider a "safe Mexican" restaurant. What I mean by that is that this restaurant can cater to most customers. Similar to how a well known chain restaurant with a Bell offers Mexican food, you'll get that here but with a heftier price tag. read more

Was stuffy and the ambience was cool. The staff was friendly except for one older lady.. which I got stuck with. Food was tasteless.

Ordered the house specialty Shrimp Fajitas, it came with mixed vegetables , refried band, cheese, sour cream and avocado. It was served on a hot pan and was absolutely delicious. The beans had cheese mixed in , which gave it added flavor. The avocado was creamy and tasty. They finished off the meal with pecan praline candy . Service was good and off street parking . There was plenty to eat and it was reasonable priced. read more

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First mezcalita was yummy, but the second one was a tumbler glass completely full of ice, with less than 3 ounces of actual mezcalita. It was basically one gulp for $16. Root beer tasted awful, like it was made with bad water. My partner did not care for her chimichangas either. She felt the food was better at another one of their locations she's eaten at. Kids were happy with their nuggets. I did like the mole enchiladas, and everyone liked the chips & salsa, and flan. We waited at least 20 minutes for a high chair after being sat. Not enough pre-bussing, our empty chips & salsa should have been cleared when our food was brought out, but instead took up valuable space on our table for the entirety of our visit. Food was ready quickly though, and our server was otherwise attentive. I've been coming here for decades. I know I will be back, but this visit was disappointing for what I spent. read more

Servers are very nice I've never had a problem with any of them but food is mediocre, it depends on who the cook is. Alot of the dishes are overly greasy to the point where the grease is dripping out of the food so if that's not your thing I suggest ordering something that is not cooked in oil or avoiding this place all together. It's a kid friendly place and a great family environment. read more

Be worried if your waiter isn't writing your order on a note pad. Chances are your order will be wrong. And don't be surprised if the waiter looks at you when u return your plate because it was wrong. It happened to 2 of our dishes the other night. Tip for new customers- the entire menu is pretty basic Mexican food. There's nothing special or gourmet about this place. I've noticed the volume of customers is much less than before. Especially noticeable on a Friday night at dinner time. My guess is the high prices on average food and expensive drinks is finally keeping people away read more

The ambiance and vibe here is always great! We come often so the staff knows us and remembers us. We love sitting in the bar by the fire and having a couple House margaritas, in our opinion the best margaritas in town! The fajitas, chips and salsa, and fillet minion tacos are so delicious! We love coming here also to celebrate birthdays! The flan is so yummy as well! Highly recommend this neighborhood staple! read more

El Cholo - Front Driveway - Mexican Near Me - La Habra, California

A pleasant place to spend time with a good friend or rekindle a flame Good food Good service Plenty of parking Lively atmosphere read more

All of the above. Lovely, established for decades, very good food. And tiny delicate pecan pralines for dessert! Will go back.

Wow! Manny was a dream come true. He made the night so special for our family. Manny's ability to connect to our family was amazing. We were celebrating our mother's birthday, and he made it so special. As Well, Jade and Blake made el cholo an amazing place to be. Thank you xoxox read more