We live a few blocks from El Cholo so it's become our go-to local spot. You know the drill: you're tired and don't feel like cooking, so why not go eat someplace local? Kirsten is a big fan of the shrimp fajitas. I tend to order something different every time we go there. The El Cholo margaritas are well worth the trip!
In addition to being a good local option El Cholo lets you bring your dog to the restaurant. You will need to sit in the outdoor seating in front of the restaurant along 11th and Wilshire but it is blocked off from the roads well enough where it is a comfortable, casual dining experience. Our dog Rambo either sits at the table with us or sits at our feet hoping for some table scraps. I almost always order a steak-based dish so I share a few small pieces of beef with him.
El Cholo also has a Louis Zamperini table and room at the restaurant. Zamperini's story has been told in the incredible book Unbroken. Zamperini supposedly became a big fan of El Cholo after dining there shortly after returning from the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
This is one of the most dog friendly restaurants we've been to and can definitely recommend it as being a very dog-friendly restaurant.
El Cholo Mexican Restaurant
1025 Wilshire Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310/899-1106
Dog Friendliness: 4 out of 5 bones
