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

Love the Sunday brunches here! The team is very attentive and on top of it! We came for the Cinco de mayo weekend and the live mariachi was fun! The buffet had so many good options and food was amazing! Our server, Connie, was amazing. I love how she would check up on us constantly to make sure we were doing good. Also make sure to hit up the taco bar and ask for Joanna. She made sure we were taken care of and our tacos were tasting good! Last but not least, stop by the bar before you go and ask for Gary! Loved the drinks he made for us! We'll be back soon! 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

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

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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Yanith was an amazing host. She checked on us several times. She was so patient and had great customer service. The food was amazing.

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

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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

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

Connie our server was very sweet and attentive. This was me and my bfs first time at this location and although we had to wait a little longer, the brunch was worth it :) Out favorite is the omelette station! read more

Sat down, didn't have anyone serve us for about 10 minutes. Ordered drinks, another 10 minutes. It took almost 30 minutes to even put in an order. If you have all day to wait to be spoken to and served, sure come here. It was not even busy, there were 4 other tables. I ended up asking them to get my food to go. The drinks were bad, I left the whole flight. I'd rather pay extra to get better service, food, and drinks for Palmilla in NB, or Javier's. Experience here was sooooo subpar. It's cheap, but you literally get what u pay for in all ways. 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

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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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

Love the ambiance here had an amazing birthday brunch with my friends. Great food and service is impeccable highly recommend for groups. Roberto was an amazing server.he made our brunch experience awesome read more

El Torito - Bottomless mimosas - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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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Tony was the best server thank you love this place and will come back thank you !!!the food was delicious as well read more

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

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Came here for the Sunday brunch with my family. It was so good! Best all you can eat brunch with many different food options! All the foods have a very unique taste and are super delicious!! The service was great also, very quick and attentive server. He had a great personality which made our experience even better. Also mimosas are INCLUDED with the all you can eat brunch! Some places charge you extra for mimosas but not here! Definitely worth my visit! read more

Had only been to this location during the week for happy hour which is usually great. Went today for the brunch and omg way better that the one on 17th. The food was fresh and delicious. So flavorful. The staff was so busy the whole time we were there. They are definitely understaffed. I felt bad for them. You can tell they enjoy what they do but my goodness so busy! Connie was out server and she was so sweet. Kept her positive and attentive attitude until the very end. So empressed. The girl doing the tortillas was also making taquitos, goeditas and quesadillas. They need at least one more person there. More cooks in the bad too, as soon as something came out people ran to get it. Mole was so good. Desserts all so good. Will definitely be back. read more

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

5 stars - Outstanding service and great food! We stopped by El Torito in Irvine today and had such a great experience! The food was delicious, the beers were cold, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming--but what really made our visit stand out was the amazing service we received from Connie. She was quick, attentive, and genuinely kind from the moment we sat down. She made sure our drinks were never empty and checked in on us just the right amount--without ever being intrusive. It's rare to find someone who balances efficiency and warmth so well. Connie truly elevated our visit. We had a variety of dishes and enjoyed everything--plus it was a perfect spot to unwind. Thank you, Connie, for taking such good care of us. We'll definitely be back! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Food is amazing and service never fails. Jaime our server is the best and made us side table guacamole. read more

El Torito - Free Chips and Salsa as always! - 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

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

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

love this el torito good people and enviroment brunch is great service is good and friendly staff read more

The cinco de mayo specials were underwhelming. The margaritas weren't even that good of a price and they didn't even come with a lime wedge. The grande fiesta platter had soggy nachos that tasted like they had been sitting out for too long. The complimentary chips were much fresher than what was in the nachos. The macho combo had a good tamale and enchilada, but the chile relleno and the taco were not great. The waitress was very rude and would walk away while I was in the middle of ordering. The cinco de mayo DJ was playing his music way too loud. I didn't go to a club. I came to a restaurant, so tone down the volume. read more

El Torito - GRANDE FIESTA PLATTER - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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