I've been coming to el torito as long as I can remember, I'm now 25 years old and it remains one of my favorite restaurants to go. I recently came back to the buffet and it was so good, didn't disappoint. Definitely will come back to the buffet when I want a brunch with the girls or with my family. Gilberto is and always has been such a great server, he made sure everything was always perfect. read more

Always a pleasure coming here, Galberto was amazing as always. He works exceptionally hard to accommodate our needs, bringing in such a wonderful energy. read more

Gilberto is THE BEST!!! Always great service. We've been coming to see him for 25 years. Always the best Sunday brunch and happy hour!! We love el torito read more

Gilberto was such an amazing waiter! He was very welcoming and funny! Super relatable and made sure we got taken care of. Was consistently make sure the food was great! And making sure we were nothing but smiles! Made my moms birthday very memorable! He's a great one to have there!! read more

Gilberto was our wonderful waiter. He provided top notch service and was very polite and super fun! We recommend this restaurant and ask for him, he's the best read more

El Torito in La Mesa is always a great experience. The food is consistently delicious, with generous portions and authentic flavors--especially the brunch . The chips and salsa are fresh and addictive, and the margaritas are perfectly made What really stands out is the service. The staff is welcoming and attentive, and Gilberto is very nice--friendly, professional, and made sure we felt well taken care of. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Well earned 5 Stars! I don't even want to leave this review in fear of it getting crowded now for brunch. Gone are the days of El Torito in Mira Mesa. I was a frequent visitor for their Sunday brunch. I knew there was one last location in La Mesa, I just discovered that this location offers brunch on Sundays. The food did not disappoint! Everything I tried was so good. They have a taco station that includes several meat choices like birria, carnitas, pollo, carne asada and el pastor. Omelette station. Ceviche, cocktail, and aguachile. So good! Several food stations and all of it tasted like authentic Mexican cooking! Chef's kiss. Price is not bad $39.99 which includes unlimited mimosas. Customer service was excellent. I believe her name was Amanda. She was so personable! She kept the champagne flowing and checked on us the whole time we were there. We got there early (they open at9:00am) but by the time we left it was getting crowded. It's a pretty big location so plenty of seating. read more

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Miguel, our server, was awesome. Very friendly. Great sense of humor. I had shrimp tacos. He said he caught the shrimp fresh that day. Too funny. My friend and I had a great time. My friend has been going there for 20 years. Great service every time. I hope Miguel never leaves. 5 stars. read more

Gilberto and Arsha are highly attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. We enjoy our dinners here every time because of the great staff and service. A+++++ read more

I have been a long time fan/visitor of El Torito (14+yrs) I have written a few yelps on positive experiences from pass visits but was very disappointed with my visit on 15 July which was a special day. We waited for a bit to be seated, no one was at the front, one server was just starting they saw us and turned around to walk the other direction but you could tell they changed their minds turned back to us and said someone should be with us shortly, once we had been seated, the table had certain areas of stickiness on the table, the server seemed to be bothered by having to serve us, there were 3 of us. I know servers sometimes have many tables at times, we requested to be able to watch the World Cup games. It was mentioned this was a special day, my birthday and was never offered to have flan or ice cream at the end of the meal, no tradition of a few servers gathered around to sing, happy birthday from el torito.....I did receive my discount meal for my birthday meal but I had to chase the server regarding my phone # for the discount. Once we got ready to leave, no pleasantry of happy birthday or any other comment. There are a few servers still there, that I/they smile when we've run into each other, but they must have been working a different shift. 1 of the 3, had never been to El, on our encouragement about what great/fun times before they said ok, but when leaving, they commented "you like that place?" Not sure when or if I will return Thank you read more

Poor service. Dirty establishment. Mediocre food. But decent prices. I'm scared to even think about what the BOH might look like. Come here if you're looking for a cheap meal but don't expect much. read more

El Torito - "Street corn"?? more like can of corn with a tiny bit of cheese and a lime. Literally no other ingredients. Don't get this. - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

They are always so friendly here. Like the Mexican causal vibe too. This is the last El Torito in San Diego. This burrito is huge and so delicious. I didn't know it had mushrooms in it which I loved. Going to come back for the happy hour. read more

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I can't say enough good things about this place. The all you can eat brunch is absolutely amazing. If you are lucky enough to have Gilberto as your waiter you are in for an absolute treat, he is super attentive and a pleasure to be around 10/10 recommend brunch with Gilberto! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Our family and friends have a standing weekly dinner at El Torito, and the absolute highlight of our experience is Gilberto and Ramon. They are simply phenomenal! Week after week, they go above and beyond to make us feel not just like guests, but like family. Their attention to detail, kindness, and energy make every visit special. We've dined at many places, but the consistency, warmth, and genuine care that Gilberto and Ramon show us is unmatched. They're the reason we keep coming back, and honestly, we can't imagine our weekly dinner anywhere else. El Torito is lucky to have them, and we're so grateful for the joy they bring to our evenings! 10-07-25 Our family and friends have a standing weekly dinner at El Torito, and the absolute highlight of our experience is Gilberto and Ramon. They are simply phenomenal! Week after week, they go above and beyond to make us feel not just like guests, but like family. Their attention to detail, kindness, and energy make every visit special. We've dined at many places, but the consistency, warmth, and genuine care that Gilberto and Ramon show us is unmatched. They're the reason we keep coming back, and honestly, we can't imagine our weekly dinner anywhere else. El Torito is lucky to have them, and we're so grateful for the joy they bring to our evenings! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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First time visiting and it was great. Our group of 4 had a variety of entrees and all the food was great. Service was quick and Gilberto is very funny and kind, the kids loved him. Nice to know this is in the neighborhood for a casual night out. read more

El Torito never fails us! The food is always great, price is very reasonable. Most of all, the service is always amazing. Gilberto is usually the waiter we get on Sunday brunch, and I am so happy because I would request him if I needed to. He is so attentive, always smiling, bubbly and has the best things to say to make your dining a great experience. read more

Wife and I are regulars usually for happy hours which is the best. This past Sunday we went with our good friends for brunch we had never gone before. One of the best brunches we have ever gone to. So much food selection and the unlimited mimosas is must so good. What always makes it better is the service outstanding the attention to detail is on point. To our server as we call him El Pantera best time every time. Viva el America! read more

Sat down at the bar for a margarita. Waited a few mins. A good looking couple walks in after me and sits dow. The bartender shows up with chips and salsa, walks right by me without even turning her head, gives the beautiful couple the chips and salsa and takes their order. Thanks for making me invisible. Well, the margarita at Deano's pub is way better anyway. read more

Nice and clean with very professional servers, we were here Saturday early eve, Happy hour options are great love it, Margarita flights appetizers delicious haven't been to el Toritos in many years I enjoyed it, I will come back to take advantage of the happy hour specials . Thank you. read more

Went Saturday for their "Saturday Breakfast" and was first disappointed they no longer have buffet. Once again the wait staff were a complete letdown, slow, had to ask for refills, never checked on our order after it taking totally too long to receive. There was additional time as by the total lack of the food barely being warm our waitress left it suiting too long before serving. I can understand why the place was virtually empty when we arrived and now know why. read more

Overall I'd give today's meal choices all together a strong 8.5 out of 10 only because the Birria shells weren't crispy/crunchy and the Carne Asada Fries tasted like old chopped up Carne Asada a little dry and not to my liking. The Chicken Flautas Were Bomb!! The Steak & Chorizo Tacos Also Were Bomb!! Birria Tacos Were Solid But Just Make The Shells Crunchy/Crispy. The Margarita Flights Were All Good Except The Original One Lol. Other Options Were Mango With Tajin Around The Rim & Blackberry With Black Salt Around The Rim. Both Were BOMBAY!!! All Choices Were From The Happy Hour Menu!!! Props To Mr Pedro The Server.. read more

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The service was perfect. Gilberto did a great job on attending us and making every interaction meaningful. Thank you Gilberto!!

El Torito's did it AGAIN! This is the 2nd-year we've held our Family Christmas Luncheon there and they did not disappoint! Special thank you to, Elizabeth (& Ivan)!! read more

El Torito - Elizabeth (Left) at El Torito's - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

Gilberto was so awesome ! Best server this El Torito has to offer. Go visit him and give him all your tips !

I love this place. It's clean and big and everyone is friendly and the food is freakin fantastic. The brunch buffet + bottomless mimosas on the weekend are what dreams are made of. And, though I have always loved coming here, I've never had a standout server until we had GILBERTO. He was the best and a true delight and brought us special stuff and I just adore him. I will ask for him every time from now on and you should too!! read more

We walk in for my sister birthday the please was a mess the hostess was terrible the plece was a mess and the manager name Evelyn was not helping at all all seve say was about the restaurant policy I Ted of helping us splitting the check In 4 people the only person who was very helpful was the waitress. I feel bad for her cause she have to put up with that manager.they didn't even have a candle for the cake we hade to use a chips read more

Great service, delicious food, Gilberto took care of us, great customer service! We will be coming back read more

Great food and amazing service! Gilberto was fantastic, made my mother's birthday extra special. Truly appreciate it, we will definitely be back, read more

An amazing experience as always! The food is always great and the service is awesome! Gilberto and Lily were so kind and always have us laughing! We will be back :) read more

Good food and food is delivered really fast too. Really good service by Gilberto. Will be coming again.

I was pleasantly surprised with the food, service and most of all prices for their happy hour. Met friends here on a Tuesday night and there was no wait for a table and quickly attended to. The restaurant was occupied but neither full nor empty. The happy hour is from 3-9 every day people! Unheard of! I enjoyed the food and cocktails. Also recently came with a large party reservation for Sunday brunch buffet. It was about $35 per person with mimosas. The buffet had breakfast, lunch and dessert items. Appreciate they do online reservations too. I hadn't been to this chain for years but will happily return soon. read more

El Torito - Grilled Chicken Sopes - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

There was about 20 of us for dinner here tonight and the service was amazing. Gilbert attended to us with so much love and care and was made our night with constant jokes and funny moments. The staff was so polite and the food was great, would definitely come back here again soon. read more

We came here our first night in town for happy hour. We sat at the bar and they gave us chips and salsa. The salsa was a bit spicy , which I don't mind. I got the margarita flight which was more sweet than anything but cute. I also got the mini tacos which came with 4. It was beef and chorizo tacos and they were really good. There happy hour specials were good for the price and I left full and happy. Would recommend for happy hour read more

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Well, where do I start? The bartender Miguel was really nice very attentive But let's start on the food The bacon wrapped shrimp was to die for. However, the picture that is shown is a verde sauce(green?) No, it was not green, so it was not verde! The tortilla soup could kill you My daughter threw up at the restaurant after she ate it And threw up u a past life when she got home All I gotta say is when you go to El Torito's here Choose wisely And don't order the tortilla soup read more

El Torito - This was supposed to be Carnitas Verde Does this look like a green sauce to you? So don't order any chili Verde from this establishment... - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

My family was celebrating a birthday as we checked in they seem confused on where to sit seven people Even though we had a reservation. For a party of seven they're gonna sit us at a table for four. So we asked for another table so we could sit comfortably. Our waitress Stephanie was fantastic. She treated us with a smile and checked in on it periodically. The food was delicious. But for the restrooms for the men's the floor was sticky and my wife described the females as it hasn't been cleaned for hours. The restaurant wasn't busy, so the staff did have time to clean them. read more

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Service was great, food was excellent! Ambiance was in keeping with the Mexican theme!

OK, I think this is the last El Torito's out here in San Diego. Happy hour wasn't bad. The only thing that didn't like is that the bartender tricked us into getting the skinny margaritas that were $15 instead of getting the $8 happy hour margarita price he told us that it did have two shots, but it had it would be less acidity than the regular margarita now thinking about it. I should've just taken out all the acid and just left it alone and not spent 80 bucks on margaritas either way I was fine. They had an anniversary party. It's kind of dead run down. Food was OK tortilla soup was delicious. read more

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10/10 no notes - great food - amazing service - gilberto is the home boy el torito give this guy a raise read more

El Torito - GILBERTO GAVE ME 10 MIMOSAS BOIIIIIIIII - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

After a stressful day we stopped by for dinner and some drinks and everything was amazing!! The best part was our server Gilberto!! We will definitely come back just because of his hospitality/service!! read more

I love this restaurant. The food & drinks are pretty good. Gilberto is the best waiter. He has an amazing attitude and he makes your day with how friendly and professional he is. I recommend this restaurant. read more