The Southern California food scene is pretty epic. There is no end to unique eateries, from tiny to expansive and traditional to innovative. They each have something that makes them special, and we love the little surprises that make our favorite spots stand out among the rest. It is hard to pick just one reason to keep going back to this unique Mexican restaurant in Southern California, but the special treat that comes with every meal is one for sure.
In the heart of L.A. sits El Cholo, a popular family-run Mexican restaurant with a long history in Southern California. Many regulars remember being brought to El Cholo as children and now bring their own families.
waltarrrrr/Flickr
El Cholo got its official start in 1923 in a converted house on Western Avenue, just across from its current location. The original building only had three booths, eight bar stools, and a flat-top stove. Tortillas were heated on top and cheese was melted over enchiladas underneath.
El Cholo/Facebook
Over the years, El Cholo’s authentic flavors, traditional recipes, and wonderful service boosted the restaurant’s success so much that it led to the opening of six additional locations, all in the Los Angeles area.
Hockey Lover/Google Local
You won’t be surprised to know that every meal begins with chips and salsa. The chips are fresh and crispy, and the salsa is made in house, so you will love them, but they are not surprising.
Nicole Ann/Google Local
What is a surprise, and a very pleasant one, is that, unlike handing out some sort of mint or hard candy, El Cholo provides pecan praline candies at the end of every meal.
Mona Sala/Google Local
These melt-in-your-mouth pecan pralines are hand-made daily at El Cholo using an old family recipe, and you may just end up coming back just for these candies.
El Cholo/Facebook
Of course, pralines are only one thing that make this historic restaurant unique. Recipes brought from Sonora, Mexico, long before the restaurant opened are still used to serve up mouth-watering favorites like enchiladas and green corn tamales.
Pam Kellery/Google Local The tamales are seasonal, generally available May through October and are not actually green. They got their name because they are steamed in the fresh green husks that the corn was taken from, and they are amazing.
We also recommend the L.A. Lemonade, just one of the fantastic signature margaritas on the menu. Other popular options are the Coconut Margarita, with toasted coconut on the rim of the glass, and the 1967 El Cholo Margarita.
Steve Boose/Google Local You might be interested to know that the 1967 margarita is also available to go in a variety of sizes - individual, quart, half gallon, and full gallon. What better way to level up your next dinner party?
While the free pralines are sweet enough to make a satisfying ending to any meal, the desserts - which blend traditional flavors with modern flair - are as enticing as anything else on the menu.
Adrian Martinez/Google Local
Among many quotes that the restaurant has chosen to put on its cocktail napkins is a bit of true historical humor, which makes this place that much more endearing.
Christa Lopez/Google Local
We hope El Cholo Restaurant never stops serving free pralines with every meal. Have you been to El Cholo? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. You can learn the entire history of this great restaurant on its website or follow it on Facebook to keep up with seasonal items and news.
waltarrrrr/Flickr
El Cholo/Facebook
Hockey Lover/Google Local
Nicole Ann/Google Local
Mona Sala/Google Local
Pam Kellery/Google Local
The tamales are seasonal, generally available May through October and are not actually green. They got their name because they are steamed in the fresh green husks that the corn was taken from, and they are amazing.
Steve Boose/Google Local
You might be interested to know that the 1967 margarita is also available to go in a variety of sizes - individual, quart, half gallon, and full gallon. What better way to level up your next dinner party?
Adrian Martinez/Google Local
Christa Lopez/Google Local
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Address: 1121 S Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006, USA
