El Cholo - The Original — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I want to start by saying we were really looking forward to eating here after reading how long they have been in business, with that being said I pulled into the parking lot and immediately stopped to wait for a couple to pass by, a valet guy walked up to my passenger door and tried opening it. I rolled down the window and asked him what are we doing, he very rudely and sarcastically said "I don't know, what are you doing?". I said we wanted to eat here and would like to park. He stated they are valet only. I had my parents with me (my mom being handicapped) as well as my wife and twin 6 year olds and it is better for everyone if I get my parking spot so everyone has ample time to get out. He looked at me extremely confused and again said "valet only, 5 dollars" and tried opening the door. I looked around their parking lot and there was apx 20 or more open spaces with some being handicapped which is what we needed and again said I would just like to park myself. I was absolutely willing to pay their 5 dollar fee but still wanted to park my own car. He stated you can't park here. I told him thank you, and drove off with my family. That lack of customer service towards a family was exactly what I needed to know so that I will never return. Remember El Cholo, first impressions are everything. A little customer service goes a long way, something you guys clearly...

I must be crazy. I saw everyone talking about how great the food is, and what a great place. But if I’m being honest, if I’m being really honest, it’s an out dated restaurant with over priced dishes. Someone needs to come in there and revamp it, I mean some of these dishes date back to 1923. Where are the sopes , where are the chilaquiles, the burritos. When we first got there they said we would sit outside, we were sent to our table and we were still inside lol, the place is way too loud, I was planning to have a nice dinner for my sons Bday, I was going to ask the staff to sing happy bday for my son but I heard them singing to two other tables and man, they seemed so depressed singing lol. I just didn’t even bother. The price I was paying I was really thinking to myself “we should of gone to Olive Garden”. Food quality in my opinion was honestly ok. Tasted basic, I was looking for that pop, that wow, that “I can’t wait to come back here”. Don’t think I’ll be doing that. Me and my family have EX it out. While we were finishing our food they kept asking us “can I clear that plate for you” goodness there’s still food in the table lol. Let me eat at my pace. To be honest street vendor would of been better. Sorry Cholo, I really...

Good food, service not so great.

The food here was good. They serve you fresh chips and salsa prior to your meal. I like how they give everyone at the table their own mini salsa bowl. They also refill them as you need more. The main course I ordered the chicken chimichangas. The portions were enough as I did not finish my meal.

The service here was subpar. We arrived with a party of 7 around 2pm on a Monday. There were not many customers in the restaurant, yet it took them over 10 minutes to push two tables together and seat us. As some of the employees were standing around. When we arrived at the table, they had pushed together a square and a circle table together which is awkward for the group at the table. It was longer than normal for the server to come over and get water/drink orders and mention he would bring the chips and salsa. After that the waiter was friendly and a little more prompt, but not as prompt as you would expect for a near empty restaurant.

There is also valet for $3 (plus tip) here, which is easier and probably about the same as parking on the street.

Bathrooms...