LA's very first Mexican restaurant. Since first opening our doors in 1923, El Cholo has operated as a family-owned business and today, the restaurants are run by Ron Salisbury, grandson of the founders. Many of these stories below are direct from Ron and a remembrance to the time of surviving as a restaurant for almost a century. Our legacy at El Cholo lies in its commitment to quality ingredients, long family history, loyal employees (some with over 40 years) and our dear devoted clientele. Through prohibition, the LA Riots, true Hollywood glamour and into the the 2000's, El Cholo continues to bring back memories for our guests. Enjoy our stories, dive deep into our rich history and share your stories with us by emailing us at stories@elcholo.com!
First enchilada served at El Cholo. This dish was a very typical dish from Sonora, Mexico.
Historical Information Charles Lindburgh crosses the Atlantic and Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run!
Ron Salisbury was born
and beer and wine found their way on the menu
Combination plates appear on the menu for the first time
Pearl Harbor and the beginning of WWII
Wartime rations drastically limit food options so George closes the restaurant because he can't provide the same quality of food.
We were lucky enough to purchase the current parking lot (which was once a former house) helping us to expand the Western location.
El Cholo gets its first ice-making machine. This means that no longer does an ice delivery man come with a big block of ice that our waiters would have to use an ice pick on to make smaller cubes for drinks.
In 1962 this space in La Habra started as an El Cholo take-out location. After a year the men’s store next door moved out and we expande...
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Chimichangas appear on the menu!
Ron brought his own black and white TV to the restaurant in the lobby as the broadcast happens the entire restaurant, staff and guests filter into the lobby to watch the historic event.
A major remodel moved the kitchen to its current position at the western location adding more space for tables and our bar!
El Cholo's Award-Winning Catering is Founded
A unique Tex-Mex dish bursts onto the Mexican food scene - Fajitas. Like the nachos that came before them, this sizzling dish made its way to the menu with roots from Texas.
The original name of El Cholo is built in Downtown Los Angeles as a new restaurant concept.
The L.A. Riots engulf Los Angeles with countless buildings and businesses burned and looted. Miraculously, and by some sort of fate, El Cholo is spared despite buildings on the same block being burned down. Ron guarded the building all day.
In honor of the legendary waitress Ann Howe “Annie’s Enchilada” is added to the menu
The El Cholo reading program is established offering a monetary reward to students who read a book from a list provided and wrote a report on it.
El Cholo Irvine opens (and after 15 years it was moved to Corona Del Mar)
The Cannery opens in Newport Beach in the first commercial fish cannery from 1921.
Nothing beats guacamole freshly made so Table-side Guacamole is introduced to all 6 locations, bringing the freshest, custom guacamole right to the table!
El Cholo wins best taco on the Rachel Ray Show using a special private recipe with filet mignon tacos!
The Los Angeles Lakers earn their 11th championship ring and celebrations erupt all around the newly opened Downtown El Cholo location.
ANAHEIM HILLS: In 2013 a wonderful Mexican-style building came our way in Anaheim Hills. At first sight it truly felt like a great EL CHOLO. It had all three features we love in our restaurants: a fireplace, an aquarium and a patio.
