El Cholo Mexican Restaurants

 

Los Angeles
About Us

Our History



Alejandro Borquez pushes back from the dinner table and says to his beautiful young bride, Rosa,"You are such a good cook we should open up a restaurant".








The Borquezes open theSonora Cafe®in a small storefront on Broadway and Santa Barbara Avenue (near the Coliseum).


A guest wanders in for dinner and while he is waiting for his dinner draws a figure of a man on the menu and calls him "EL CHOLO®". (In those days the name given their field hands by the Spanish settlers in California). History is made when Alejandro likes the man and the name and immediately changes SONORA CAFE® to EL CHOLO CAFE®. (In 1986 history came full circle with the opening of EL CHOLO®'s sister restaurant, the beautiful "SONORA CAFE®" featuring foods of the southwest).

George Salisbury is eating dinner at EL CHOLO® and meets the Borquez's daughter, Aurelia. They court. decide to marry and open their own EL CHOLO®.


In a storefront at 11th and Western they open EL CHOLO® with 8 stools, 3 booths and a hot top stove on which they heat the tortillas on the top, melt the cheese enchiladas underneath. That stove is still on display in our lobby. (Western Avenue at the time is the western most boundary of Los Angeles.

EL CHOLO® (against the advice of everyone) moves across the street to its present location in an old California bungalow. (Gary Cooper, Harold Lloyd, Bing Crosby and Loretta Young continue to come).


Joe Reina comes to work as a dishwasher. Shortly thereafter becomes head chef. A job that is to last 54 years and forever influence the Mexican restaurant industry.

EL CHOLO®closes during World War II. Cannot get supplies to meet their quality standards.

EL CHOLO® reopens Reymundo Vicente is hired as the only busboy. By 1996 had reached his 50th year with EL CHOLO®. Anna, Beatriz, Tillie and Maria also are hired and all work for at least 30 years after that. (In 1972 EL CHOLO® doubles in size - 7 more busboys are hired to handle the work.)



Carmen Rocha joins EL CHOLO®. She starts making a dish called "nachos" that she made in her hometown of San Antonio. Again History is made.




A longtime guest one night says "let me show you how to make a great margarita." Again history is made. Eventually EL CHOLO® becomes the world's largest user of Cuervo 1800 Tequila and the first to introduce premium ingredients in a margarita.

George Salisbury transfers ownership to his son Ron.A new kitchen and bar added.



The lounge area is expanded and a beautiful patio is created

"Ensenada Nights" introduced. A fun filled evening for 100 in the patio featuring maricachis, dancers and an incredible southwestern buffet perfect for private parties.

5th generation starts working at the restaurant!


SOLD 1 BILLIONTH TORTILLA!!


We sell enough tortillas that if laid end to end would stretch 3 1/2 times around the world and would pile as high as 6,146 Empire State Buildings!
Today, EL CHOLO® serves possibly the most diverse clientele of any restaurant in Los Angeles including Celebrities such as Jack Nicholson, Warren Beatty, Michele Phillips, Nolan Ryan, Neil Papiano, Marlon Brando, Madonna, Elizabeth Taylor, George Hamilton, Mayor Dick Riordan, Tom Hanks, and Eddie Sheldrake.

Green Corn Tamales

Our Green Corn Tamales are shipped around the U.S. They are made fresh and served at the restaurant only May through October. On opening day guests are lined up at the front door to be the first to enjoy this delicacy that Rosa Borquez brought from her early days in The Arizona Territory. The Tuesday preceding May 1st, a tamale making party is held - Early reservations highly recommended.


EL CHOLO® led to the opening of
CAFE EL CHOLO® (1962),
EL CHOLO®, Santa Monica (1997),
The Cat & The Custard Cup®
(1979, A country Inn featuring
Contemporary & Classic Dishes)
Sonora Cafe® (1986, Southwestern)
All adhere to the same high standards
that made EL CHOLO® famous world wide.