When hunger strikes and only the finest Mexican cuisine will do, El Cholo stands ready to satisfy with a century of culinary tradition behind every dish. 🌮
This Los Angeles institution has been serving up authentic flavors since 1923, making it the city’s very first Mexican restaurant and a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike.
Step inside and you’re immediately transported to a world where recipes are treasured like family heirlooms.
The atmosphere practically sizzles with history – from the vintage photographs adorning the walls to the neon signage that’s become an iconic piece of LA’s visual landscape.
El Cholo’s menu reads like a timeline of Mexican-American culinary evolution, with each dish meticulously dated to mark its introduction. 🧀
The Sonora-Style Enchiladas (1923) claim the distinguished honor of being the first enchilada ever served at El Cholo – layered corn tortillas filled with chicken simmered in a flavorful tomato-onion-cilantro broth and topped with a fried egg.
It’s downright scrumptious enough to make your taste buds do the happy dance.
Folks come from miles around for their seasonal Green Corn Tamales, available for a limited time and made with fresh corn off the cob, corn masa, cheddar cheese, and ortega chile, all steamed in its own husk. 🌽
Their famous Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas arrive slathered in tomatillo salsa, sour cream, and avocado garnish – a heavenly combination that’ll have you planning your next visit before you’ve finished your meal.
No visit would be complete without sampling their legendary margaritas, which have quite the origin story! 🍹
A customer showed them how to make a proper margarita back in the ’60s, and they’ve been serving 30-40 gallons daily ever since.
Their classic recipe made with 1800 tequila has earned them the title of world’s largest user of Cuervo 1800 Tequila.
Rockstar Eater has great video on El Cholo:
Whether you’re digging into their Fiesta Platter loaded with crab and beef taquitos, nachos, quesadillas, and chimichangas, or savoring their Chile Con Carne (another 1923 original), El Cholo delivers authentic flavors that have stood the test of time. 🌶️
This ain’t just a restaurant – it’s a delicious piece of Los Angeles history that continues to shine brighter than ever!
Address: 1121 S. Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: (323) 734-2773