El Cholo Cafe

3.9

962 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Good for groups
Charming
Vegetarian-friendly

It all started back in 1923 in a small storefront in downtown Los Angeles. 95 years later and 5 generations later El Cholo has become synonymous with Mexican food all over Southern California.

Our Pasadena venue opened in 2000 and is at the Paseo Mall within walking distance of the Civic Auditorium and Convention Center, overlooking Colorado Blvd.
The menu consists of classics dating back to the original menu along with an array of more modern dishes showcasing the different regions of Mexico.

Four private rooms that can accommodate parties from 40-100 that allows our valued guest a memorable experience no matter the occasion.

Most famously known for our Margaritas and a menu featuring over 150 Tequilas. Both of our bars offer a comfortable environment allowing our guest to relax enjoy their experience.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin / Spanish, Spanish
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(626) 795-5800
Website
http://www.elcholopasadena.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jorge Degales
Catering
El Cholo caters off-premise in addition to delivery to your home or office in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. Please call our catering division at 626-795-5800 ask for Diego Fernandez or email him at diego@rmgroupllc.net.
Private party facilities
Parties from 25 to 120 for private events offered in 4 of our semi private dining rooms and patios. In addition to that El Cholo Pasadena can also can accommodate parties up to 250 in an adjacent courtyard to our patio. We feature a full bar with over 150 Premium Tequilas.

Location
300 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 214, Pasadena, CA 91101
Neighborhood
Pasadena
Cross street
Garfield Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
Parking details
Parking in The Paseo Colorado parking structures. Additional parking in the Marengo parking structure on the corner of Green St. and Marengo Validation available. First 90 minutes FREE
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Cochinita Pibil$21.95
Tender Pork, Roasted under Banana Leaves, Orange and Achiote Spices
Chile Verde$21.95
Tender Pork, Nopalitos, Tomatillo Sauce, Beans, Rice, and Choice of Tortillas
Carne Asada (1984)$29.95
Grilled Steak, Pico de Gallo and Guacamole
Plato de Carnitas (1989)$22.95
Roasted Pork, Fresh Avocado Relish, Escabeche, Onions, Rice and Beans
Chile con Carne (1923)$22.95
Tender Beef, Traditional Chile Sauce. Served with Beans, Rice and Guacamole
Burrito Dorado (1977)$23.95
Chile con Carne, Beans, Rice, Cheddar Cheese, Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream and Guacamole
Chicken Chimichangas (1923)$20.95
Crisp Flour Tortilla, Guajillo Chicken, Pico de Gallo, Cheese and Guacamole
Tostada Compuesta (1923)$19.25
An El Cholo Tradition with an Array of Garden Vegetables, Beans and Chorizo
Southwest Chicken Tostada (2008)$21.95
Blackened Chicken, Black Beans, Queso Fresco, Avocado, Tossed with House Vinaigrette

Tacos

All Tacos are Made with Corn Tortillas Served with Black Beans, Rice, Guacamole and Pico de Gallo

Birria$22.95
Grilled Corn Tortilla Tacos with Beef in a Savory Guajillo Chile Sauce, Consomé on the Side
Al Carbon$23.95
Top Sirloin, Bacon, Cheese, Chipotle, Tomatillo Sauce
Asada$22.95
Flap Meat, Salsa, Cilantro and Onions
Fish$24.95
Grilled Mahi Mahi, Corn Tortilla, Cabbage Escabeche, Pico de Gallo and Cilantro Aioli
Carnitas$22.95
Roasted Pork, Salsa, Cilantro and Marinated Onions
Chicken$22.95
Grilled Chicken, Salsa, Cilantro, Cabbage and Onions
Shrimp Tacos$24.95
Sauteed Tiger Shrimp, Cheese and Chorizo
Filet Mignon (2009)$27.95
Three Corn Tortillas, Avocado Salsa, grilled onions

Fajitas (1984)

Sautéed with Fresh Vegetables, served on a Hot Skillet

Marinated Tender Strips of Steak$25.95
Delicate Chunks of Chicken$24.95
Our House Specialty Shrimp$27.95
Fresh Vegetable Medley$21.95

Tableside Guacamole

Creation of Ted & Sally Doll (2000)
Freshly made at your table with Hass avocados Add - $17.25

Antojitos

Aged Cheese Quesadilla (1969)$14.25
Grilled in a Handmade Flour Tortilla
Sonora Style Nachos (1983)$15.95
Frijoles, Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole
Western Quesadilla$16.95
Monterey Jack Cheese, Vegetables Medley. Topped with Ancho Chile Apricot and Spinach Cream Sauces
Carmen's Original Nachos (1959)$12.95
Fiesta Platter (1995)$19.95
Crab and Beef Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Guacamole and Sour Cream
- For 2$19.95
- For 4$29.95
Skillet Nachos$22.25
Choice of Beef, Chicken or Carnitas
Ceviche Tostada (2006)$21.95
Shrimp and Scallops, Citrus Marinade, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bar Chicken Chimi$14.75
Served with Guacamole
Handmade Flour Tortilla (1923)$3.95

Enchiladas

Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas (1985)$23.95
Tomatillo Salsa, Sour Cream and Avocado Garnish
Sonora Style Enchiladas (1923)$21.95
(First Enchilada served at El Cholo) Layered Corn Tortillas, Chicken, Tomato-Onion Cilantro Broth, Fried Egg
Crabmeat Enchiladas (1971)$25.95
Spinach Cream Sauce, Black Beans, Rice, Sour Cream, Avocado
Enchiladas Suiza (1976)$22.95
Breast of Chicken, Light Salsa Verde, Beans, Rice, Sour Cream
Annie's Early California Enchiladas (1992)$18.95
Mixed Garden Vegetables, Spinach, Corn, Sautéed Mushrooms, Crushed Pecans
Enchiladas Mariscos (1999)$28.95
Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp, Jack Cheese, Chipotle Cream Sauce
Santa Barbara Enchiladas (1995)$26.95
Shrimp and Chicken, Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, Guajillo Chile Salsa, Jack Cheese
Mole Chicken Enchiladas (2023)$25.95
A new menu addition in honor of our 100th year! Slow Braised Shredded Chicken, Jack Cheese Roasted Chile and Chocolate Mole

Sopas and Ensaladas

Tortilla Soup (1991)$8.75
Avocado, Chicken, Cheese, Roasted Poblano Chile with Strips of Tortillas
- Cup$8.75
- Bowl$10.75
Joe's Traditional Albondigas (1923)$8.75
- Cup$8.75
- Bowl$10.75
Felix's Caesar Salad (1991)$13.95
- Entree Portion$13.95
- Side Portion$9.95
Mix Green Salad (1991)$12.95
- Entree Portion$12.95
- Side Portion$8.25
Salmon Salad$25.95
Romaine, Fresh Balsamic Vegetable Medley and Orage Lime Vinaigrette

What 962 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9

3.9 based on recent ratings

3.8Food
3.7Service
3.7Ambience
3.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Pasadena
Great for brunch
Pasadena
Healthy
Pasadena
Hot spot
Pasadena
Romantic
Pasadena
Lively

962 Reviews

S
Scott
VIP
Los Angeles
279 reviews
5.0
279 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Still a classic, and the table had a wide range of dishes from OG 1923 items to Chicken Mole Enchiladas, something added very recently. Margaritas are still great, and the vibe of the place maintains the same feel you get at the first location on Western, even here in a mall in Pasadena. Tableside guacamole is a must, and their tamales are among the best anywhere.
Is this helpful?
B
Bruce
VIP
Los Angeles
45 reviews
1.0
45 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
Despite having a confirmed Open Table reservation, when we arrived at El Cholo it was CLOSED, as it apparently is on all Mondays. How could this happen?
Is this helpful?
V
Victor
Los Angeles
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 19, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Our office would come here on Friday's as they serve margaritas by the picture. The food was always very bland.
Is this helpful?
C
Cecille
Orange County
4 reviews
1.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 16, 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
I dont understand why i was allowed to make a reservation when the resraurant was closed on mondays!
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P
Patricia
VIP
Los Angeles
20 reviews
3.0
20 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Very disappointed by the food which was bland and served lukewarm. The servers wee attentive. This location in Pasadena is definitely not comparable to the original restaurant in Los Angeles. Will not return to this location.
Is this helpful?
J
Jon
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
It was a nice enough place for a quick bite before seeing a show at the playhouse. Staff was very nice and helpful.
Is this helpful?
A
Avi
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on December 15, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
El Cholo is still good, but not like it used to be. Sadly it’s not the same place it once was
Is this helpful?
C
Courtney
Los Angeles
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on November 29, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had a great experience at El Cholo today. My bestie and her hubby were in town for the USC-Notre Dame game and we met up for lunch. We sampled the carnitas tacos, albondigas soup, and a combination plate (rolled taco/cheese enchilada). Everything was delicious! We all left stuffed and happy. We will definitely be back.
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j
jonathan
VIP
Portland
197 reviews
2.0
197 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
This was a mediocre at best Mexican dinner. I only booked this restaurant because I had previously eaten a very good meal at El cholo in Corona Del Mar. The service was slow and given the fact I didn’t see that many people it took about 45 minutes to get served our dinner. The server was friendly and helpful when he was around.. A very nice young female server made guacamole at the table, which was a plus. Granted it was a Sunday night and the place might’ve just been understaffed .The food was just average for a cheap Mexican meal, but this food was NOT inexpensive. It was not the quality of the El cholo in Corona Del Mar. The restaurant is in a large upstairs space in downtown Pasadena near the convention center and is aesthetically not very pleasing. There were several large tables of people, including young children, and there was a lot of noise and they left a moderate mess on the floor which was not cleaned up during the ensuing 20 minutes we were there. Adding up everything…. I will not be back to this restaurant.
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T
Tammy
VIP
Los Angeles
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 21, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
The food was BLAND BLAND BLAND. Nothing more to say.
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FAQs

El Cholo Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (626) 795-5800.

El Cholo Cafe is rated 3.9 stars by 962 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Order delivery or takeout

300 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 214, Pasadena, CA 91101

Additional information

Cross street
Garfield Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
Neighborhood
Pasadena
Hours of operation
Tue–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican, Latin / Spanish, Spanish
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Parking in The Paseo Colorado parking structures. Additional parking in the Marengo parking structure on the corner of Green St. and Marengo Validation available. First 90 minutes FREE
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jorge Degales
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elcholopasadena.com/
Phone number
(626) 795-5800
Catering
El Cholo caters off-premise in addition to delivery to your home or office in the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas. Please call our catering division at 626-795-5800 ask for Diego Fernandez or email him at diego@rmgroupllc.net.
Private party facilities
Parties from 25 to 120 for private events offered in 4 of our semi private dining rooms and patios. In addition to that El Cholo Pasadena can also can accommodate parties up to 250 in an adjacent courtyard to our patio. We feature a full bar with over 150 Premium Tequilas.

El Cholo Cafe

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Combinaciones (1938)

Cheese Enchilada and Rolled Beef Taco$21.45

Cheese Enchilada and Chile Relleno$21.45

Cheese Enchilada and Pork Tamale$21.45

Two Cheese Enchilada$21.45

Chile Relleno and Rolled Beef Taco$21.45

Choice of One$16.45

Featured Items

Greencorn Tamales (1923)$22.95

A Taste of History (1996)$26.95

Comidas Especiales

Cochinita Pibil$21.95

Chile Verde$21.95

Carne Asada (1984)$29.95

Plato de Carnitas (1989)$22.95

Chile con Carne (1923)$22.95

Burrito Dorado (1977)$23.95

Chicken Chimichangas (1923)$20.95

Tostada Compuesta (1923)$19.25

Southwest Chicken Tostada (2008)$21.95

Tacos

Birria$22.95

Al Carbon$23.95

Asada$22.95

Fish$24.95

Carnitas$22.95

Chicken$22.95

Shrimp Tacos$24.95

Filet Mignon (2009)$27.95

Fajitas (1984)

Marinated Tender Strips of Steak$25.95

Delicate Chunks of Chicken$24.95

Our House Specialty Shrimp$27.95

Fresh Vegetable Medley$21.95

Tableside Guacamole

Creation of Ted & Sally Doll (2000)

Antojitos

Aged Cheese Quesadilla (1969)$14.25

Sonora Style Nachos (1983)$15.95

Western Quesadilla$16.95

Carmen's Original Nachos (1959)$12.95

Fiesta Platter (1995)$19.95

Skillet Nachos$22.25

Ceviche Tostada (2006)$21.95

Bar Chicken Chimi$14.75

Handmade Flour Tortilla (1923)$3.95

Enchiladas

Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas (1985)$23.95

Sonora Style Enchiladas (1923)$21.95

Crabmeat Enchiladas (1971)$25.95

Enchiladas Suiza (1976)$22.95

Annie's Early California Enchiladas (1992)$18.95

Enchiladas Mariscos (1999)$28.95

Santa Barbara Enchiladas (1995)$26.95

Mole Chicken Enchiladas (2023)$25.95

Sopas and Ensaladas

Tortilla Soup (1991)$8.75

Joe's Traditional Albondigas (1923)$8.75

Felix's Caesar Salad (1991)$13.95

Mix Green Salad (1991)$12.95

Salmon Salad$25.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does El Cholo Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Cholo Cafe restaurant rated?

Is El Cholo Cafe currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information