Best Tamales in Pasadena

Savoring Decades of Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Off-Premise Catering

Off-Premise Catering
You can bring an authentic Mexican-style fiesta to your home or event. Our menu includes classic dishes like tacos and enchiladas made with our signature seasoned beef or chicken, guacamole, handmade corn tortillas filled with pork and Salsa Verde, tamales, refried beans and more. Our professional staff are experts at creating enjoyable catering experiences tailored to fit any budget. Whether it's a small dinner party or a larger celebration, we'll make sure your guests leave satisfied. Celebrate in style with El Cholo Café Pasadena!

Our Cuisine

Our Cuisine
Authentic and Traditional Mexican dishes, many entrees featured are from family recipes dating back to 1923. Listed alongside classics such as the combination plates and famous green corn tamales, are the newer comidas especiales, including nachos and fajitas. In 1967 margaritas were introduced and El Cholo has been pouring thousands a day ever since.

Try our most popular items

Treat yourself to our must-try list that has everyone talking

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Enchiladas Suiza (1976)

Breast of chicken, light salsa verde, beans, rice and sour cream

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Green Corn Tamale 1923

Corn off the cob, cheddar cheese, and Ortega chile, steamed in its own husk, served with beans and rice

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A Taste of History 1996

Cheese enchilada, rolled beef taco, chile relleno and pork tamal, Spanish rice and refried beans

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Aged Cheese Quesadilla (1969)

Grilled in a handmade flour tortilla. Add beef, roasted pork or chicken for an additional charge

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Fiesta Platter (1995)

Crab and beef taquitos, nachos, quesadillas, chimichangas, guacamole and sour cream

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No. 4 Two Cheese Enchiladas Combo 1938

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Order From Our Website

Order From Our Website

Order directly from our website to save money in fees, get faster service, earn free food via our rewards program, and support local business.

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Celebrate 100 Years of El Cholo!

Our Pasadena location is proudly part of a long-storied tradition of serving the community for a century.

Welcome To El Cholo Café Pasadena!

Welcome To El Cholo Café Pasadena!
Since 1923, El Cholo, a Southern California landmark, now calls El Paseo Mall on Colorado Blvd their home since 2010. Offering a "taste of history" with time-honored family recipes, we've been serving authentic Mexican cuisine in LA for over a century. Our Pasadena location, established in 2000, boasts indoor/outdoor seating and a bar with a view of the San Gabriel Mountains. Explore our extensive selection of 200 tequilas,

Created with Passion and Love

Created with Passion and Love
Each dish served at El Cholo Café Pasadena promises to be made with fresh and flavorful ingredients. From guacamole to flautas, tacos, enchiladas and more, there is an amazing variety of authentic Mexican dishes that are sure to tantalize any taste buds. For those looking for something a bit lighter, El Cholo Café also offers delicious soups and salads. For a tasty treat or dessert, try one of their signature house-made churros or sopapillas - all made with special touches of Mexican spices! Combined with excellent service and ambiance, El Cholo Café Pasadena is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any visitor! Perfect for both casual and formal dinners, El Cholo Café is the perfect spot for enjoying culinary excellence in the most authentically Mexican way possible. Relax with friends or family in a comfortable atmosphere filled with amazing food – head over to El Cholo Cafe Pasadena today to experience all it has to offer!

El Cholo Caters

Our family-owned business dates back to 1923; celebrating our 100th anniversary back in 2023. Our family currently has some 6th generation family members working in the business! El Cholo formed the Catering division back in 1977, some 46 years ago. We offer catering through Foodja; to place an order, please click the link below!

Order Catering Through Foodja!

Order Catering Through Foodja!

Order Catering Through EZCater!

Order Catering Through EZCater!

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What our customers are saying

Check out our most recent reviews!

I had the chimichanga and it's no exaggeration that it was as light as a croissant. Just delicious!

Abides D.

Abides D.

That is exactly what I had., their Cochinita Pibil was my favorite and their nachos were delicious with a huge amount of cheese!

Alex G.

Alex G.

Love their green corn tamales and they also have one of the best table side guacamole. They make their own chips too!

Joanna L.

Joanna L.

My favorite Mexican restaurant on Colorado Blvd Pasadena, great food and margaritas is always awesome!

Joseph H.

Joseph H.

The guacamole is delicious! The portions are very big. You can see the fresh quality of their food!

Nicolette N.

Nicolette N.

El Cholo Café Pasadena Rewards

El Cholo Café Pasadena Rewards

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