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El Cholo Colorado Patio - El Cholo Cafe, Pasadena, CA
Entrance - El Cholo Cafe, Pasadena, CA
El Cholo Main Dining Room - El Cholo Cafe, Pasadena, CA
Patio - El Cholo Cafe, Pasadena, CA
Staff - El Cholo Cafe, Pasadena, CA

El Cholo Cafe

3.9
3.9
916 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Diego Fernandez: (626) 376-3701
  • Neighbourhood
    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

What 916 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
  • 4Food
  • 3.8Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Los Angeles

    Child-Friendly

  • Pasadena / San Gabriel

    Child-Friendly

916 Reviews
  1. Onecritic

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Been coming here well over 10 years. The shrimp tacos and margueritas never disappoint.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Food was not good like it was a few years ago. Enchilada and beans were burnt and chicken in taco was dry. No host or hostess at the front desk to greet patrons. One couple left since they were waiting so long. We waited 5-7 min and a server told us someone would come and they never did. Another server told us to have a seat.

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  3. Joel

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Delicious food, waiters are very attentive, and super nice atmosphere. Plus it’s all at an affordable price.

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible service and food!

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  5. ChristopherB

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    They accepted my reservation on Opentable for a business lunch and when we arrived the restaurant was closed for a special event.

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  6. JanD

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food! Table side guacamole was made to order & delicious. Margaritas were perfect as was the service. Nice to know quality at El Cholo’s has remained top notch!

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  7. ChrisL

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall1food1service2ambience2
    Horrible!!! So disappointing. Bordered on inedible.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Had a great time and food was delicious, but I wish my beer was colder.

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  9. StephanieE

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was great. The service was friendly. Smiles all around!

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  10. CaseyL

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    One suggestion I would make is disable OpenTable when you're not accepting reservations for Father's day. I acknowledge the staff did their best, but we waited 30 minutes for a table (even with a reservation) and once seated, waited another hour for food. The food was good for the value.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    We waited over an hour to get our food and everyone else near us got served before us. They can’t handle the crowd.

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  12. AnnL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    We were a party of 6 together for a 50th reunion. Food and drinks were great all around. We would definitely recommend and go back—if only we lived in the area! Favorite entree was the Burris Tacos…delicious!

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  13. Kathym

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We have been here in the past, many times, and had good food and service. Unfortunately, the restaurant was packed due to a nearby convention. The staff was overwhelmed and unable to keep up. Service was slow and food was mediocre at best. We had made a reservation for outdoor seating and were told it would be 45 minute wait.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    In town for the weekend and wanted Mexican food. Good menu choices. Convenient parking with validation. Fun atmosphere. Everyone enjoyed their meal.

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  15. JeanF

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Wonderful choice to get together with family on a warm evening.

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  16. thehungryhippie

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, our meal was delicious and everyone was friendly! After 100 years, El Cholo has perfected every aspect of the business. We love the one in Santa Monica! The ice blended jalapeño margarita was just strong enough on a hot day. Chicken tacos with a crispy shell tasted incredibly fresh and so clean. The Mother’s Day buffet variety was amazing! We didn’t plan on eating in Pasadena after shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, but glad we chose this restaurant.

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  17. Faiyeah

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Average food n environment. Service was ok. The restaurant demanded that only my server could give me my check, it took me over 20 minutes and 5 requests to get the bill as my sever disappeared for a while for whatever reason (taking a break?). The manager came and could NOT help.

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  18. Marys

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    Usually El cholos is very good and it’s our families go to. This time however, our server was obviously overwhelmed. In her defense it was very busy. But it was very hard to flag her down, about 20 mins before we could. The food was ok. Usually love their margaritas. This time it was essentially juice and they only salted maybe an 1/8 of the entire glass. May have to convert to Anayas or Mercados.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    1.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    That place has seen better days. Everything had this old and run down feeling. It used to be pretty good quality Mexican food. Now it’s a low rent el Torrito.

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  20. Shogun

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a reliable choice for Mexican food in the SGV. I miss the Fair Oaks location, but the Paseo is always good.

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  21. Dmeza

    New York Area

    31 reviews

    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    El Cholo is a fun place to meet up with friends and have a good meal with cocktails.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    First time here. I love the ambiance. The food was great. I was disappointed with the service because some of the order was forgotten so, they were not served. We let the manager know, barely any effort for rectification.

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  23. JoanneL

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve dined at El Cholo for over 40 years and have never had a poor experience. The Cadillac Margarita is outstanding. I highly recommend the tableside guacamole as a starter.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Food was hit or miss so need to know what to order from the menu… crab enchiladas were good, seafood enchilada was good, cochinita pibil was average (could have been more moist), margaritas were great… good place to hang out with friends! Guacamole was fantastic. However, the service could have been better (especially for a slow Sunday evening).

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  25. DeniseZ

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    We waited for over an hour for our food. The restaurant was full. It appears they have problems keeping up service for lots of dinner parties at the same time which is unfortunate as they are across the street from a convention center and theatre.

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  26. LiveNLaguna

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible location for Pasadena Civic Center events. The food, ambiance, and service was wonderful. Knowing that this chain is available in other areas in Southern California is a savior. I'd love to have the same dish today!

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  27. KevinT

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2023

    overall2food4service2ambience4
    Food took over an hour to get.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    3.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Our chimichangas did not taste as fresh and crispy as usual. We were disappointed in the food. Server was polite but gif not check it n us as often as we needed.

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  29. Phedellee

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Thank you for the consistent service and fun ambiance!

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  30. CWE123

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    LOVE El Cholo!!!

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    The food is not as good as it used to be.

    Is this helpful?

  32. MoniqueB

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Service: Very good. Our server was attentive & patient while we tried to decide what we wanted. Ambiance: Outdoor patio is wonderful. Heat lamps were were placed for a crisp January day. Food: Big disappointment & quality has declined from what it used to be. I ordered an aged cheddar steak quesadilla that I have loved for years. This time, it was so greasy, the plate was orange from oil. Albondigas soup and tortilla soup were also average. Overall: Hopefully, this food experience was an isolated one, as El Cholo is such an iconic LA experience. I would still go back because the ambiance is great.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    Palm Springs

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on January 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    family visiting me from NorCal.

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    38 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Service was terrific. Food wasn't to my taste but the other parties enjoyed their food very much. Prices are on the high side.

    Is this helpful?

  35. LanaW

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff was top notch and responsive and even brought us flan and sang Happy Birthday to us as a surprise because they heard us talking. The food was excellent, authentic and just plain tasty. I wanted to take some of my food home but because I couldn't stop eating, it was too late!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Post rose bowl

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  37. SteveT

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great setting/location and the food quality delivers to the same El Cholo standards. Menu seems to have a few more choices from other El Cholo’s which was great. Service / food / drinks are exceeded and/or met expectations. Would definitely come back to the Old Town Pasadena El Cholo.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Service

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We plan trips around being able to eat at El Cholo.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Sean

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Food is alright, margaritas are good. Overall it’s the definition of “OK”

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  40. JosefinaG

    Sacramento

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was authentic and excellent. Friendly service that checked-in often to ensure our comfort.

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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 916 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 7 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Cholo Cafe

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

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Garfield Ave. and Colorado Blvd.
  • Neighbourhood
    Pasadena
  • Hours of Operation
    Tue–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Private party contact
    Diego Fernandez: (626) 376-3701
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