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El Cholo Slated to Open Downtown

By Ed Fuentes
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 10:02AM
IMG_0013 Ed Fuentes

South Park's Liberty Grill is set to give way to a new location for El Cholo, a Los Angeles institution since its opening in 1927.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Like but dislike having to drive all the way to Western? Your life is about to get easier.

blogdowntown has learned that the venerable Mexican restaurant will soon be opening a Downtown outpost, taking over the South Park building that was home to Liberty Grill until late last year.

That restaurant -- a partnership between Bernadette Leiweke, the wife of AEG CEO Tim Leiweke, and Camacho's Inc. -- opened in 2006 with an American comfort food menu designed by Fred Eric. A sign has hung in the window of the mission-style building at 1037 S. Flower since late last year saying that the restaurant was "Closed for extreme makeover."

El Cholo opened at 1121 S. Western in 1927 and has operated spin-off restaurants in various locations ever since. Along with the original location, the company currently operates eateries in Santa Monica, La Habra and Irvine.

The company this week looking for a lead chef for its "newest Downtown LA location."

The two partners remain involved in the project. There is not yet a set timeline for the opening.

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Guest 1

Guest on February 18, 2010, at 10:54AM – #1

That location is a little too off the beaten track, at least for now. They should install a ski lift style connection to L.A. Live that would take patrons from L.A. Live to the new El Cholo. People would line up for that I would think.


Guest 2

Guest on February 18, 2010, at 12:11PM – #2

They should have a front door on the 11th St. side for people to see they are there. .It's the side that has the massive pedestrian foot traffic during game days. Current door facing Flower St, you blink and you miss it.


User_32

J-M on February 18, 2010, at 12:42PM – #3

As much as I like the one on Western, this is AWESOME news. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants and a staple of Angeleno cuisine. Now all we need is a Pink's and I'm never leaving. Congratulations, El Cholo, on joining the community Downtown, and thanks for making my day.


El Dabe Sherif on February 18, 2010, at 04:37PM – #4

Great location. Who owns that piece of land though? AEG? How is Bernadette Leiweke involved? Seems like a great business opportunity.


Guest 3

Guest on February 18, 2010, at 04:59PM – #5

i didn't even know liberty grill had closed. my husband, living right across the street at met lofts, hated that place for the horrible food and service, but is a big fan of el cholo.

welcome to the neighborhood.


User_32

() on February 18, 2010, at 07:50PM – #6

Green Corn Tamales! Going to the Western and Irvine locations is always a treat.. However, I'll be looking forward to having El Cholo in walking distance!


User_32

Walt Arrrrr () on February 18, 2010, at 11:46PM – #7

Ha. Every time I've walked passed this place I thought of El Cholo. Now low and behold...


Jessica Wethington McLean on February 19, 2010, at 08:25AM – #8

Sad to see Liberty Grill go, but glad El Cholo is coming in, though this property is in a great location and is far more developable than a single story restaurant. I was curious if a development would be proposed once Liberty Grill closed. Guess not. Least for now.

My favorite at El Cholo is their Chili Colorado - perfect for before a King's game!


User_32

DawnC on February 19, 2010, at 10:39AM – #9

Delicious news!

Some friends took me to the Western location when I first moved to LA and that meal is still burned into my memory as "oh this is what Mexican food is supposed to taste like!". I haven't gotten back there very often but now with a new more convenient location I will for sure!


Guest 4

Guest on February 19, 2010, at 11:49AM – #10

I think this is a brilliant move on their part, it’s a perfect location.

Beside the Staples crowd I think a good percentage of the business at their original Western location comes from USC students so this fits well, especially with the Expo Line opening late this year and the Pico stop being basically across the street. This should make for an easy “no drive” connection for all those people indulging in a Margarita or 4. Not to mention pre or post Coliseum and Galen Center events.


Matthew Jackson Cooper on February 19, 2010, at 12:48PM – #11

Good for South Park, and I'm sure I'll eat there on occasion, but I'm on the other end of Downtown, and will still favor La Golondrina, La Serenata, and such


User_32

General Jeff on February 19, 2010, at 07:55PM – #12

Darn, I liked Liberty Grill! I had a hard time figuring out their hours, but when they were open...WOW! What a great location. A restaurant in front for those that want dinner and an outdoor seating and indoor/ outdoor bar area in back that always had the games on t.v. with strong drinks( sodas?) and a fun and friendly staff.

If anybody had to replace them, El Cholo works for me.

Growing up in L.A., I've been going to El Cholo on Western since back in the days when Magic johnson played for the Lakers. Always great food, great crowds and great drinks( sodas?)


User_32

on February 20, 2010, at 05:27PM – #13

Liberty Grill is gone?

Gee, I don't think one could find a more disgusting and rude staff than the one that worked here.

I'm sure they'll be sorely missed.

The El Cholo news is great!

Their chiles rellenoes are some of the best.

As for you folks late of the Liberty Grill - good riddance.

jmat


Guest 5

Guest on February 21, 2010, at 12:38PM – #14

i hope el cholo is gonna open the rooftop area as a dinning room/bar lounge. i always thought it was dumb of l.g. to have the upstairs closed off.


User_32

on February 21, 2010, at 07:12PM – #15

El Cholo on Western is OK. El Cholo in Pasadena is terrible. Which one will downtown get?


Guest 6

Guest on February 25, 2010, at 05:09PM – #16

Meh... El Cholo never put me through the roof with their food. But if it's anything like the Pasadena location, they will be empty because of better quality not too far from Downtown. Especially with Boyle Hts and Echo Park around the corner. Hopefully they bring in a masterful head chef to kick things off right.


User_32

Joey G on March 08, 2010, at 10:05AM – #17

Interesting comments all... We are the original El Cholo, owned and operated by the Salisbury family. Our goal is to bring the same excellent El Cholo experience and menu that Southern Californians have come to expect to this new location, as well as re-introducing a few of the Sonora Cafe menu favorites. Our team is eager and ready to get the ball rolling and to show Downtown LA that we may be a bit "off the beaten track" (for those @ LA Live) but the extra 5 minute walk is well worth it! Please stop by and say hello when the doors open to: Joey Gonzalez, GM Ricardo Avila, Mgr Alberto Reyes, Mgr & Chef Jose Arias

We look forward to meeting you @ El Cholo, Downtown!


User_32

crystal on March 09, 2010, at 08:37AM – #18

Joey G, any ETA on opening?


Guest 7

Guest on March 10, 2010, at 10:47AM – #19

ahhh...chef Jose Arias - a very talented chef indeed!


Guest 7

Guest on March 10, 2010, at 10:51AM – #20

downtown LA you are in for a surprise. I have never eaten at an El Cholo restaurant, but if chef Jose is there, I can expect the food will be the tastiest ever!


Guest 8

Guest on April 20, 2010, at 09:48AM – #21

Looking forward to thsi location opening. I hope they plan on taking care of the locals and having happy hour and not trying to gouge on prices. Liberty Grill was way to expensive for the selection and location -- and they seemed to have an attitude when happy hour prices were suggested.

I drive by this location every day on my way home. If there is validated parking, reasonable prices, and the food and great margaritas I get from the Santa Monica location -- i'll be stopping here and add it to my pre-Staples/Nokia dining list.


Guest 9

Guest on June 06, 2010, at 06:13PM – #22

The new El Cholo downtown is opening June 7 and it looks fantastic!


Guest 10

Guest on September 18, 2010, at 02:41PM – #23

Wasn't the building that housed Liberty Grill at one time a mortuary up until the 1980's?



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