El Cholo Café Pasadena

Been visiting El Cholo since 1985. Always consistent and there's nothing better in the world than the original Sonora Style Enchilada!! Delicioso!!!!

Amazing. One of the historic restaurants in Pasadena. No doubt the best Mexican food we've had in a long time.

Service kind of sucked. Went to use my reward and the waiter acted like he couldn't do it. Food is good but way overpriced.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Our office would come here on Friday's as they serve margaritas by the picture. The food was always very bland.

Innovative menu items from over 100 years. Still family operated. Attentive service for a leisurely lunch. Consistently excellent. Patio can be fun and inside has simple ambience with historical pictures on the walls. I started enjoying El Cholo over 60 years ago as a USC student.

Food was mediocre. Steak fajitas were 90% vegetables and 10 % steak. Not worth the price. Guacamole had a distinct passed due tart taste like penny coin like taste. Not worth the price unfortunately.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 4

The food is average, the mezcal drink selection is limited to commercial options, and the atmosphere is chain-service.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 5

We had a great dinner here last night. Asada plate and asada tacos were great. They have the best guacamole. Everything tasted amazing. But the best part was the Cadillac Margarita, so good and so strong. Easy parking, and they validate up to 90 minutes. The staff were all very nice and attentive. The waiter made sure the food was made the way we preferred and gave recommendations. 10 out of 10!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best Fajitas!!!!! Fabulous Margaritas!!!!! Good time was had by all!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Table Side Guacamole, Carnitas

Walked in and right back out. No one greeted us, we walked to the main bar where again no one greeted us. It smelled like mildew in the back so we just walked out. It used to be good here, what happened?