El Cholo Cafe

3.6

966 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 17 times today

About this restaurant

Good for groups
Charming
Child-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 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00
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
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, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Private 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 966 people are saying

El Cholo Cafe reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

3.6

3.6 based on recent ratings

3.5Food
3.7Service
3.5Ambience
3.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Pasadena
Child-friendly
Pasadena
Good for groups

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

El Cholo Cafe offers a nostalgic dining experience with "great margaritas" and a "fun atmosphere". The outdoor patio and tableside guacamole are highlights. While some find the food hit or miss, others praise the "authentic and excellent" dishes. Service varies, but attentive staff often enhance the visit.

966 Reviews

D
David VIP
San Francisco9 reviews
3.0
Dined on 3 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
When we told the host that we had been allowed to make, and then received a confirmation, for a night they were closed, we didn't receive so much as an apology for our inconvenience or a thank you for making the effort to return another night. We have eaten at several El Cholos over the past 50 years, whenever in Southern California. This was the first time that we found the bland and tasteless, even the Sonoran Enchilada (on the menu since 1923), which I always order, was disappointing. We hope this is not a sign of the future.
Is this helpful?
D
Dale
Palm Springs4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great service and decent food. Drinks were lovely. We were drowning our sorrows from Rose Bowl defeat and it’s our fifth time at El Cholo. Traditions die hard.
Is this helpful?
D
Dickie
Dallas71 reviews
1.0
Dined on 1 January 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
We dined at El Cholo at the noon hour on New Year's Day which may have something to do with the poor showing by El Cholo. The taco had obviously been cooked the prior day or two. It was not eatable. The cheese enchilada was not much better and don't even ask about the beans. The waiter did not say anything when she cleared the table of meals that were obviously not eaten. I elected not to make scene, but rather politely paid the tab and went to a different restaurant for our meal. One bright note, the coke was good. I would not recommend El Cholo and in fact would highly discourage doing so.
Is this helpful?
D
David VIP
San Francisco9 reviews
1.0
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
They accepted and then confirmed our reservation for a night they were closed.
Is this helpful?
C
Carol
Los Angeles28 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Good for last minute choice. Food was quick and parking easy.
Is this helpful?
S
Scott
Los Angeles280 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 December 2024
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
Los Angeles46 reviews
1.0
Dined on 23 December 2024
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?
D
Deanna
Orange County1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything was delicious! The patio was nice and cozy!
Is this helpful?
V
Victor
Los Angeles6 reviews
3.0
Dined on 19 December 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 County6 reviews
1.0
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!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

El Cholo Cafe is rated 3.6 stars by 966 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

14 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 17 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 11:30–21:00 Fri, Sat 11:30–22:00
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, Takeaway, 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 booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Main Patio

Fiesta Room

Colorado Patio

West Patio

Outside Open Courtyard

Custom inquiry

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

Loved For

Review summary

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