El Cholo Cafe

3.9

960 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Good for groups
Charming
Great for creative cocktails

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
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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

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

Fajitas (1984)

Sautéed with Fresh Vegetables, served on a Hot Skillet

Marinated Tender Strips of SteakUS$25.95
Delicate Chunks of ChickenUS$24.95
Our House Specialty ShrimpUS$27.95
Fresh Vegetable MedleyUS$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)US$14.25
Grilled in a Handmade Flour Tortilla
Sonora Style Nachos (1983)US$15.95
Frijoles, Tomato Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole
Western QuesadillaUS$16.95
Monterey Jack Cheese, Vegetables Medley. Topped with Ancho Chile Apricot and Spinach Cream Sauces
Carmen's Original Nachos (1959)US$12.95
Fiesta Platter (1995)US$19.95
Crab and Beef Taquitos, Nachos, Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Guacamole and Sour Cream
- For 2US$19.95
- For 4US$29.95
Skillet NachosUS$22.25
Choice of Beef, Chicken or Carnitas
Ceviche Tostada (2006)US$21.95
Shrimp and Scallops, Citrus Marinade, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Bar Chicken ChimiUS$14.75
Served with Guacamole
Handmade Flour Tortilla (1923)US$3.95

Enchiladas

Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas (1985)US$23.95
Tomatillo Salsa, Sour Cream and Avocado Garnish
Sonora Style Enchiladas (1923)US$21.95
(First Enchilada served at El Cholo) Layered Corn Tortillas, Chicken, Tomato-Onion Cilantro Broth, Fried Egg
Crabmeat Enchiladas (1971)US$25.95
Spinach Cream Sauce, Black Beans, Rice, Sour Cream, Avocado
Enchiladas Suiza (1976)US$22.95
Breast of Chicken, Light Salsa Verde, Beans, Rice, Sour Cream
Annie's Early California Enchiladas (1992)US$18.95
Mixed Garden Vegetables, Spinach, Corn, Sautéed Mushrooms, Crushed Pecans
Enchiladas Mariscos (1999)US$28.95
Lobster, Scallops and Shrimp, Jack Cheese, Chipotle Cream Sauce
Santa Barbara Enchiladas (1995)US$26.95
Shrimp and Chicken, Sautéed Mushrooms, Onions, Guajillo Chile Salsa, Jack Cheese
Mole Chicken Enchiladas (2023)US$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)US$8.75
Avocado, Chicken, Cheese, Roasted Poblano Chile with Strips of Tortillas
- CupUS$8.75
- BowlUS$10.75
Joe's Traditional Albondigas (1923)US$8.75
- CupUS$8.75
- BowlUS$10.75
Felix's Caesar Salad (1991)US$13.95
- Entree PortionUS$13.95
- Side PortionUS$9.95
Mix Green Salad (1991)US$12.95
- Entree PortionUS$12.95
- Side PortionUS$8.25
Salmon SaladUS$25.95
Romaine, Fresh Balsamic Vegetable Medley and Orage Lime Vinaigrette

What 960 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
3.8Service
3.8Ambience
3.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

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

960 Reviews

V
Victor
Los Angeles
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
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 16 December 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 15 December 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.
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J
Jon
Los Angeles
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on 15 December 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.
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A
Avi
Los Angeles
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on 15 December 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
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C
Courtney
Los Angeles
20 reviews
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on 29 November 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 25 November 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 21 November 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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R
Ryan
Los Angeles
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 16 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 1
The place is a shell of itself from before. No one at the front desk to take you to check you in. Barely anyone in the restaurant at all. The chili relleno was terrible, watery and barely any cheese in it. The enchilada part of my combo was cold. They forgot part of my friend's order. I think they're just living off of their name now. Not even trying to be a good Mexican restaurant anymore.
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l
laura
VIP
Sacramento
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 14 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
We waited an hour before our food came. Tables in the same room as us and that had arrived at the same time, were finishing there meal as we got ours. We asked multiple times to be waited on and were always told, be right there. If you are next to a convention center you should be aware of when large conferences are coming and plan accordlingly.
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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 960 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

25 Dec 2024

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

Additional information

Cross Street
Garfield Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
Area
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
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

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 booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Combinaciones (1938)

Cheese Enchilada and Rolled Beef TacoUS$21.45

Cheese Enchilada and Chile RellenoUS$21.45

Cheese Enchilada and Pork TamaleUS$21.45

Two Cheese EnchiladaUS$21.45

Chile Relleno and Rolled Beef TacoUS$21.45

Choice of OneUS$16.45

Featured Items

Greencorn Tamales (1923)US$22.95

A Taste of History (1996)US$26.95

Comidas Especiales

Cochinita PibilUS$21.95

Chile VerdeUS$21.95

Carne Asada (1984)US$29.95

Plato de Carnitas (1989)US$22.95

Chile con Carne (1923)US$22.95

Burrito Dorado (1977)US$23.95

Chicken Chimichangas (1923)US$20.95

Tostada Compuesta (1923)US$19.25

Southwest Chicken Tostada (2008)US$21.95

Tacos

BirriaUS$22.95

Al CarbonUS$23.95

AsadaUS$22.95

FishUS$24.95

CarnitasUS$22.95

ChickenUS$22.95

Shrimp TacosUS$24.95

Filet Mignon (2009)US$27.95

Fajitas (1984)

Marinated Tender Strips of SteakUS$25.95

Delicate Chunks of ChickenUS$24.95

Our House Specialty ShrimpUS$27.95

Fresh Vegetable MedleyUS$21.95

Tableside Guacamole

Creation of Ted & Sally Doll (2000)

Antojitos

Aged Cheese Quesadilla (1969)US$14.25

Sonora Style Nachos (1983)US$15.95

Western QuesadillaUS$16.95

Carmen's Original Nachos (1959)US$12.95

Fiesta Platter (1995)US$19.95

Skillet NachosUS$22.25

Ceviche Tostada (2006)US$21.95

Bar Chicken ChimiUS$14.75

Handmade Flour Tortilla (1923)US$3.95

Enchiladas

Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas (1985)US$23.95

Sonora Style Enchiladas (1923)US$21.95

Crabmeat Enchiladas (1971)US$25.95

Enchiladas Suiza (1976)US$22.95

Annie's Early California Enchiladas (1992)US$18.95

Enchiladas Mariscos (1999)US$28.95

Santa Barbara Enchiladas (1995)US$26.95

Mole Chicken Enchiladas (2023)US$25.95

Sopas and Ensaladas

Tortilla Soup (1991)US$8.75

Joe's Traditional Albondigas (1923)US$8.75

Felix's Caesar Salad (1991)US$13.95

Mix Green Salad (1991)US$12.95

Salmon SaladUS$25.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

FAQs

Does El Cholo Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Cholo Cafe restaurant rated?

Is El Cholo Cafe currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information