THE...BEST...CHAMPAGNE...BRUNCH in California!!!!!! CONNIE, you are the best. Thank you for making my important day perfect. My champagne glass was never empty!!!! People like you are what makes is even more special. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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Service is horrible!! Avoid at all cost!! We went today, May 22nd at 1pm. We sat for 10 minutes without even being greeted. No waters, no chips, 3 other tables still had menus on their tables and kept looking around too wondering what's taking so long. There was no one eager to help. Not even the manager who saw the server was clearly struggling and didn't even bother asking to help with the tables who had nothing. I didn't realize service could be this bad. Definitely horrible experience and will never be back. read more

This place is across the street from a busy airport and in a prime location, so you would think they'd have things in order, but...nope! One of the worst El Toritos I've been to. read more

Roberto was great! Super friendly, professional, and paid attention to every detail. He made the whole experience easy and comfortable, and the results turned out even better than expected. I would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for quality service! read more

Went here to have some dinner while waiting for my family to arrive at John Wayne. Easy parking and easy to go back and forth to the airport for multiple incoming flights. Our server was attentive and friendly. However the food was sub par, unlike other El Torito experiences. It was served cold, as if the rice was scooped from the fridge and not reheated enough. Our salsa had multiple long hairs which the server told me was actually cilantro cut the wrong way creating this effect. I chose to believe him so I wouldn't gag. He told me another lady had the same complaint and the chef told him this was the case. Before we left, I went to the restroom and upon exiting, I had to step over the largest cockroach I have ever seen. Location is great, service was good, but they need to clean up their act. read more

Last Friday after work, we order the shrimp enchiladas , around 1:30 PM they took forever to give us our order, then enchiladas were so horrible, each one has three shrimps, the flavor wasn't even there, we were so hungry we ate rice and beans, we are so disappointed read more

Omg our tummies are so happy! We moved to Seattle and u fortunately they do not have Sunday brunches at Mexican restaurants like they do here in SoCal. When we are here visiting we make a point to visit El Torito. Connie was our waitress - she was very friendly, personable, professional and expedient with our drinks and other items we asked for. If you're in the SoCal area hit up el torito for their Sunday brunch. Your tummy will appreciate it. read more

El Torito - Sunday brunch at El Torito. Yum!!! - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

This was a disappointing birthday dinner. The food tasted good but the server Jocelyn made me feel like I was not worth providing decent service. When I was seated, I was not given any chip or salsa. When I ordered my burrito it came in a timely manner. About 10-15 minutes. But when I ordered flautas to go, it took 35-40 minute. During my wait, I did not get a refill on my soda. I hear someone get a birthday song at the table next to me but I was not offered one. As I was paying I asked if they no longer give chips and salsa and the server replied with "Oh, I thought you didn't want any" she never even asked and just assumed. Luckily they offered it to go but I was looking forward to enjoying them at the restaurant while I looked over the menu. The overall experience felt dry and like a rushed transaction even though it was not that busy. I would not really recommend going and if that's the service I can expect, I will not return. I originally tried to go to the Tustin location but they shut down. If that's the service given, I can understand why. read more

I'm not going to kill their rating just because this one item was bad. I think I ordered the wrong item thinking it would be like Taco Bell's Mexican pizza. Boy was I wrong. The shell was soggy and soft. Very little meat mostly beans. Stay away!!! Service is always good. Ambiance is good also. It's El Torito. read more

El Torito - Mexican Pizza - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Came for brunch & it was delicious! Bottomless mimosas! Our server Connie was amazing!

Connie was amazing! Very attentive and friendly. Ask for Connie. She kept refilling our mimosas.

Good chips. Tasty salsa. No service. Literally, no service. One of the hostesses sat us, brought us chips and salsa, and then crickets. Multiple servers walked by and said nothing. We read the menu. Not a word. We discussed the current geopolitical climate. Not even a "Hi, someone will be right with you" in passing. We discussed walking out but decided to give them five more minutes. Tick tock tick tock. 10+ minutes after being sat and ignored, we simply left. How far this once lively hot spot has fallen. read more

Came here for a birthday breakfast brunch and had amazing service from Roberto Martinez. He was very attentive clearing up plates and checking in. He also sang happy birthday and made a fun napkin hat. read more

El Torito - Napkin bday crown - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

On a bright, sunny Sunday, I came here, and was pleasantly surprised by their vibe! There were skylights, and the decor was really cute! We were here for a friend's birthday, and it felt really intimate. The brunch was no slouch either. Plenty of classics, like eggs, potatoes, and bacon, but of course there was your Latin fare too: Chile Colorado, a taco station, etc! Plenty of options for even the pickiest eater! Myself? I really liked the corn cake thing, which was just like a looser cornbread that was absolutely delicious! The ceviche wasn't half bad either! I especially appreciated their menudo and sandia agua fresca (though I would have added extra lime to mine!) It was really cute too, as the servers come and sing to you if it's your birthday! read more

Came in during happy hour and were seated right away, the food was pretty good, I got sopes and birria tacos that were pretty good, The only thing that was off was our server, he had this resting bitch face so we weren't sure if he was like not happy that we were there or just like his normal day but it did make things feel meh. The location is pretty cool and chill with outside seating and across the John Wayne airport. read more

Muy buen brunch. La comida esta muy sabrosa. Nos atendio la mesera Mara, y fue muy amable. Muy buen tiempo. El mariachi tambien nos Encanto read more

Great service Thank You Roberto for your service. The food was great birthday singing and mimosas were great read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

This is one of my top 3 favorite places to come eat when I'm in Newport! Super family oriented great service ( Yanet is a really good waitress) I love that they have a little bit of everything for everyone!!! 10/10 read more

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Came on a Saturday night, restaurant was crowded. We do not have to wait too long but OMG waiting for the server took forever, felt like a lifetime! Took 20 minutes each time we asked for something from him. He disappeared often, the guac at table side was way too salty, we sent it back and came out another one was the same thing, I don't think they re make it. The dinner took 2 hours cuz the server was way toooooo slow, such a waste of time! Will not come back! The tortilla tasted like the worst kind you buy at a supermarket, no nice flour smell like it used to be, sooooop disappointed and definitely will never return! read more

This is by far the worst restaurant ever since Donna the bartender left and they have new management it's horrible. I came in. I ordered a margarita at the bar. There was another guy sitting next to me that came after me. Nita the bartender took this guys order 1ST even though I was there first I asked for water. She never brought water. By the way the bartenders name was Nita. I asked for green salsa. She said we don't have any green salsa. I said yes you do I've been going to El Torito for 10 years this waitress is new. She needs to know what El Torito has and doesn't have. She scolded me and said please don't talk yo me like that?? I walked out left all the food and my Margarita there untouched I called to complain. The guy who answered the phone doesn't even speak English. Neither one of the managers took my call. They gave me a number and it was disconnected so I'm gonna go to corporate. I WOULD never go back!! I wonder why all the El Toritos closed!! Donna please come back! read more

Early Thanksgiving with friends. Our server, Roberto Martinez, was amazing. Good times! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Great service love the mimosas . Thank you Connie for keeping our mimosas full at all time.. read more

El Torito - Mimosas - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Conni is great and attentative she is friendly and kept checking on us especially with our Mimosas Really recomend it

Amazing service, shout out for Mr. Roberto Martinez! The food is great and Mr. Martinez definitely made my day! Such a pleasure to have a wonderful meal and to make a new friend! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

I used to frequent the various El Toritos frequently. The one closest to me in S OC closed. The trek up to Irvine isnt always welcomed because of traffic but if you can here during Happy Hour or Taco Tuesday's you'll enjoy it. The happy hour menu has enough options that a big group of people will have a great time. Margaritas here are pretty good as well and you get a good serving size for the price. Taco Tuesday's are $3 a taco. There is chicken, asasa, and a few other choices I don't remember. They also fill the plate with rice, beans and/or corn. It's a great environment to hang out with your friends after a work day. The staff is pretty nice and there is always plenty of seats. Right across the airport as well so if you land during traffic hours, stop by for a cheap and yummy bite. read more

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Waiting.... And waiting and waiting... Finally I'm noticed by the bartender only after waiting at a table forever.. five stars anyway. I really try not to leave shitty reviews. Yes, you can get over it. All it takes is a Coors Light at 11am read more

El Torito - Bathroom wall - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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We came to El Torito for brunch to celebrate my mother-in-law's birthday, and we had a great experience. The food was delicious, the atmosphere was lively, and everything felt well organized. A special thank you to Roberto Martinez, who was an excellent server, very attentive, friendly, and made sure our celebration went smoothly. He really helped make the day feel special. We would definitely come back for another brunch celebration. read more

Ordered for delivery was so good and fresh! We loved the salsa too. Eveyrhjnf was fresh and delicious !!!!!

Great service! We came in to celebrate a birthday. There were 4 of us. It was busy and we were in the lounge during happy hour. Connie was our server and she was fantastic. Just wanted to leave her a shout out because she did such a great job! read more

The service here is great. We came during lunch and sat outside on the patio are service was very prompt and suggestive. He mentioned that there was a margarita that was on happy hour and instead of getting the more expensive upon I opted for that one it was delicious and I ordered about two more. My husband ordered the chimichanga and loved it. I opted for bacon wrapped shrimp and absolutely hated it. It taste very weird. I wasn't aware that the flavors were going to be so strong. I was not a fan at all. My husband ended up eating at the next day. I'll come back for drinks, though it's directly across the street from the airport and a nice vibe. read more

El Torito - Sitting outside checking out the menu - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

We had the pleasure of having Roberto Martinez as our server. Very good service and made us feel Very welcomed. Thank you for being so attentive and nice. He will be back! read more

Chips and salsa were the only highlight of our meal.. we came for happy hour but everything was too salty for me and my friends taste. plates and cups were dirty, our server didn't even check in on us at all during the meal and gave bare minimum but was checking in on his other tables read more

El Torito is the perfect Sunday brunch spot--sunny ambiance, attentive staff, and a menu that delivers comforting, flavorful hits from start to finish. The pastries and huevos rancheros shine, the mimosas sparkle, and portions keep you satisfied without slowing the vibe. A reliable, feel-good weekend choice. read more

El Torito - All my favs - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Jerry was so amazing so attentive literally never had to wait for anything. I enjoyed the food so much the endless brunch is a must do! I really love this location never super busy but the ambience is always nice with the mariachi band walking around. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Went here on March 14 for happy hour. Now, I can excuse a fair amount, but the quality of service was astoundingly bad. About 40 minutes after seating and four requests to get water. I ordered from the happy hour menu and received my order relatively quickly. My wife, however, was left without her order, and she received her food about 20 minutes after I finished mine. Now, I was told that the kitchen was slow due to two large groups. However it's painfully clear that the restaurant is barely staffed with about two servers splitting the most active part of the restaurant outside of the two large groups. I'm not sure if we chose a bad time or if this is a sign that this El Torito will go the same way as its former neighbor, closing down due to complete incompetence. I did see the manager, who appeared INCREDIBLY flustered and appeared as if he was in crisis mode. There was also another poor soul who ordered and never got her food even after about an hour. Ultimately she left after asking for a check because she never got her meal. (For those interested it was ultimately comped and given to her before she left). Maybe this was piss poor timing on my part, but while I think the value for the happy hour menu was pretty good, and the waitstaff is friendly, I worry that the waitstaff won't last long with this much dysfunction with the kitchen. Edit: another party next to us ALSO ordered, appeared never to get their food and also left after asking for the check. read more

Wifey and I live in an area of California (Central Coast) that is sadly VOID of El Toritos. We've been fans since the early 1990's and have never been disappointed. Following a trip to San Diego County, upon our return we were passing through Irvine and found this El Torito. Curbside appeal was nice, right across from the John Wayne Airport and plenty of parking. Upon entry, we were contacted by quite the dynamic & capable hostess. Literally simultaneously, she greeted Wifey and I, was tending to a customer at the counter for pick-up and answered the phone professionally. Wow! We were seated under the care of server Yaneth, who along with supporting personnel, knocked out our appetizer, drink and food orders in no time. We also noted the interior of the El Torito was well kept & clean. The food was on par, with fresh corn tortillas, excellent (with a kick of hot jalapeno) salsa, and outstanding table-side prepared guacamole, with a requested little hot edge that was delivered perfectly. I ordered the street tacos & Wifey dined on sour creme chicken enchiladas. Our rice, beans, aforementioned tortillas were superb, as well as the quality of the meat; lean and ideally seasoned. Everything on our plates complimented one another for a fine dining experience. I also cannot say enough positive things about the collective staff: Treated us like royalty. This was arguably the best El Torito we've been to, and I kinda wished we didn't have to head back to the Central Coast El Torito void... El Torito Irvine, thank you, until we meet again!!! read more

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Best Sunday buffet brunch! I don't know why more places don't do this anymore. We used to love going to the one by our house in Westminster. Roberto was our server and he was spectacular. He was so pleasant and attentive, truly the way service should be. They have a huge selection and it's all delicious and fresh and reasonably priced will definitely be back! read more

We walked to El Torito from Hilton for Happy Hour and it was amazing! Manny C was so attentive and patient with all our requests, additions. He was great answering any questions we had on various dishes. Atmosphere was welcoming with lots of space and variety of seating options. The Street Corn dip was really good too as was all the food pictured. Guac was free with sign up for rewards! read more

El Torito - Homemade guac was so good! The margarita flight was such a deal for happy hour. All 3 were delicious and unique! - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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Always a good experience for their Brunch! Service is excellent with lovely servers. The ambiance wasn't overwhelming. Our server Connie was so sweet!! Called me "mija" which reminds me of my grandma and family. read more

Awful! Not only did the front lady taking names for wait times had an attitude but there was ABSOLUTELY no food!!!! No plates, no bowls or spoons. No food at all, my niece had to wait 40 mins for chicken tenders and fries. Birria had nothing but broth, bacon wasn't cooked, sausage was swimming in its grease and water. Everything looked low quality and just nasty! We didn't get our drinks until after we ate our food! They planned with the white tents to seat people outside but didn't plan with food. I would take pictures of the way the food looked but there isn't anything to take pictures of! Totally ridiculous!! read more