El Torito

4.2 (1.7k reviews)

ModerateMexican, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

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El Torito - Mini tacos & chicken flautas - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

El Torito - Dinner Spread - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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El Torito - Sunday Brunch Waffles - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Outdoor seating

Good for groups

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Karen N.

I'm happy that we still have the 1 location left in San Diego, because after that I think the closest one is Irvine. I'm not here that often, I usually come when they offer me something. My favorite thing is the corn pudding that comes with some of the entrees. It's like cornbread that wasn't cooked the whole way. I remember they came out with a bagged mix you could get at grocery stores, and we used to get that. This time I ordered the queso for $4 on happy hour, and a 2 item combo with a barbacoa taco and a chicken enchilada. It was really good, and I ended up taking half of it home. I ate it a few days later, and it still tasted good. Service was pretty fast, and Rachel my waitress was nice. They weren't super busy because it was a little before 5 on a Friday.

Vivian

This review reflects their Sunday Brunch. For $45 per person, you get to experience El Torito's Sunday buffet brunch from 9AM to 2PM. We got there around 10AM. Upon walking in, we kind of played eye tag with a male host or manager who didn't acknowledge us right away. It wasn't until a female host, who was clearly busy running around, came over and found us a table. The layout of this place honestly feels like a maze. There are ramps, stairs, arches. It almost felt like a fever dream walking through it. There's a ton of seating though. Booths, tables, patio seating, bar seating, and it definitely looks like they can host large parties or corporate events. The brunch is all you can eat buffet style with different sections throughout the restaurant. In the main middle area, there's a taco station with meats like birria, carnitas, pastor, and pollo. There are trays of breakfast items like waffles and bacon. Lunch options like mole, chile relleno, enchiladas, and more. In the back of that section is dessert with flan, ice cream, a chocolate fountain, rice pudding, and other sweets. There's also an omelette station where a chef makes it fresh based on your ingredient choices. That area gets crowded fast. There isn't really a clear place to stand and wait, so you end up kind of being in someone's way. Near the entrance, there are three additional tables. One is more kid friendly with mini corn dogs, macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, cereal, milk, and yogurt. Another has drink dispensers with horchata, jamaica, and another agua fresca. The third has coffee and hot chocolate. On the left side near the bar, there are three more tables. One with pozole and menudo. One salad station with pre made salads and build your own options. The last one features seafood like shrimp ceviche, aguachile, seafood soup, chilled shrimp, and more. Drinks are included with the brunch. Our server was very kind and attentive. He cleared plates quickly and checked in throughout the meal. Most of what I ate was actually really good. Standouts for me were the carnitas. Super flavorful and not dry. I made tacos with fresh onions, cilantro, and this orange crema based salsa that paired really well. The sweet cornbread was also a hit. Moist with real corn baked in. I went back for that. The salad station impressed me too. Their green, maybe cilantro lime salsa tasted so fresh I genuinely wondered if it was made in house. The waffle with honey butter was also a solid choice. Things that didn't hit the mark for me were the menudo, which felt bland and lacked depth. The chocolate fountain was fun but the chocolate itself wasn't great. The horchata tasted like sugar water. The al pastor meat was a little too salty for me. Overall, I think $45 is a bit steep for what you get. There's a lot of food and a good amount of variety, but the selection doesn't rotate much, so I could see getting tired of it. I might come back occasionally, but not often.

Alice M.

Haven't been here for a while we came here for the dinner service around 6:30pm and surprisingly there was no wait in line with many parkings outside right in front on Sunday evening. The music was pretty good and loud. I used my Shazam a lot and saved it to my mexican playlist. Very good place for celebration. The decor was also nice. You can tell they are about to get ready for Cinco de Mayo. The restaurant was a little too cold for my liking. The presentation was cool for the flaming fajitas. The flames went up really high. The food portion here is very generous and it tasted freshly grilled. Our server was nice and since it was my birthday she removed the dessert from our bill. Thank you for the special evening El Torito!

Christopher C.

Came here on a Sunday evening and was seated right away. The vibe was cool and I liked the music but it was a little on the loud side. The salsa, guacamole and chips were on point. My main course was tasty but the crispy flautas weren't crispy.

Maya H.

Our waiter, Sergio, is amazing!! He's so attentive and give great recommendations!! We went during Happy Hour and the menu is great! We got a couple of drinks and some snacks!! I'm also addicted to their corn bread. I've been a fan for over 20 years!! I've taken my kids here since they are small and now they can drink. I haven't been to the weekend brunch in a while and need to come back to try it again. The place still looks the same with lively music. It's such a chill and fun place to go with your friends and family. Great happy hour prices and delicious margarita . Will come back again with my friends and family. I hope Sergio will be our server. He's the best server!! Great attitude and vibe!! Give him a raise, El Torito

Hanafi M.

Always delicious, try the sweet corn, it's sure to put a smile on your face. Plenty of terrific parking. On Sunday, May 3rd, they are having an all-you-can-eat for Cinco de Mayo

Gina C.

Gilberto is an amazing server. Highly recommend sitting in his section! He makes you feel like your family. Excellent food and amazing service! Must try the deep fried ice cream! The salsa is excellent. Food is outstanding!

Simeko O.

Wow! what a surprise! El Torito's in La Mesa was going off tonight. We showed up for dinner not expecting too much, and to our shock, happy hour was running from 3 PM to 9 PM. So of course, I had to start with a margarita flight and follow it up with a draft beer. So good. My chicken enchiladas with sour cream were delicious, and the music and ambience were upbeat and fun. Our server was super friendly, and the food came out hot, fresh, and honestly way better than my last visit. Huge difference this time around. I'm giving this place five stars for the lively atmosphere, friendly service from JORGE, excellent food, and great prices. If you're in the area and want something fun and a little different, definitely stop by El Torito's in La Mesa.

Post demolish soup. Hearty with veggies.

K B.

El Torito Review (update 10/25) - solid 3.7 Although El Torito isn't traditional Mexican food, there's still a lot to like when you dine here. This visit, I came in for a light meal--chicken tortilla soup, bottomless chips and salsa, and of course, their signature margarita. I decided to switch things up and tried the Raspberry Lemon Drop, which was part of the happy hour special. Great choice! Heads up on the tortilla soup: It's actually a vegetable tortilla soup. The bowl includes potatoes, zucchini, and squash, giving it a thicker, more filling texture than I expected. The broth itself was rich and flavorful, though if you're not a fan of cheese, I recommend asking them to go easy. I arrived around 7:30 PM on a Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised, no wait time for bar or table seating. Overall, El Torito delivers solid flavors, generous portions, and good vibes for casual dining, especially if you catch happy hour.

Fernanda M.

This place had us skeptical walking in. It looked like a ghost town, not many people and then a waiter dropped a bunch of things on the floor and well we were regretting our choice. Then none of the beers my husband wanted they had since they ran out. At that point we were second guessing eating there at all but we chose to do the family fajitas and queso quemado and all the food was good! Really good! And service was really good too! The waiter was super nice. They had good music playing too!

Steak and chorizo tacos, queso, and nachos supremes

Jordyn S.

The happy hour menu had a great selection of items for reasonable prices. Got the steak and chorizo tacos and queso from the happy hour menu and then some nachos off the main menu. The service was great and they kept our free chips and salsa flowing. The free starter salsa was fresh, almost like a pico. They allow in kind for payments which is a win in my book. The food was your standard chain restaurant Mexican food, but great value overall.

Melanie M.

My friend and I came here for the first time the other day. Happy hour is 3-9pm M-F. Everything is $10 or less & the food portions are huge. The chips & salsa are complimentary. The queso was good. I liked the mango & blackberry marg from the flight but the regular one was watered down. The jalapeño cucumber marg was strong but really delicious. The chicken flautas were good with the different sauces. One was a creamy chipotle sauce & the other was a sweet one. I had leftovers after eating lots of chips & dip. Service was ok.

vadis m.

Gilberto was absolutely AMAZING. Great attitude and made the experience wonderful. Food was good and the champagne was flowing. Will be back!

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Jessica L.

406

7 years ago

It's been awhile since I've had El Torito, but it didn't disappoint. The kids enjoyed their food and the tableside fajita salad was delicious. Our server, Gilberto, was great! Definitely will be back soon. read more

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Alyssa N.

3 years ago

we decided to go to el torito for a fam brunch and cristal was amazing!!!! ask for her. the most attentive server and the sweetest

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Allison K.

6 years ago

Our food was so yummy I forgot to take a picture for my review. The service was just as good. Curtis Was our server and he made our day. We will definitely be back. read more

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liz c.

5 years ago

I had a Latino server who was 65 years older ! I didn't catch his name but he literally GAVE THE BEST SERVICE EVER! He was so personal and nice and I loved it. His service stood out more then the food did and I can honestly say being cooped up during covid and coming to where this older man was the nicest person ever and bagged our food while speaking to us just made my day! Ps get the strawberry margaritas read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the wonderful review Liz. We hope to see you again soon!

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D. R.

7 years ago

First impressions: The hostess was MIA when we arrived. She showed up after about 4-5 min. She was not very friendly when seating us. It felt like we were bothering her rather than being welcomed. Server: The server was OK. He didn't check in with us often. Also he apparently didn't follow protocol (see below). It seemed like he had too many tables. Not his fault though. The restaurant should have more staff on hand. Given the hostess encounter (or lack thereof) this seems to be a theme at this restaurant. Food: Was was not great. The steak was chewy, the shrimp was tough, and the carnitas chunks were either dry or too fatty. Also we ordered the "family feast" thinking it would be good for the whole "family" but it was too spicy for my son (age 6). He cried because his mouth was so hot. There was no mention of the food being spicy on the menu. Management: A nice woman checked-in on us. I assume this was the Manager. I told her about the food being too spicy for kids and she apologized and offered to comp a kids meal. We were almost done eating by then and my son had filled up on plain tortillas, so we declined. We're not the type to complain just to get free stuff, but it was a nice gesture. She said the waiter should have suggested a kids meal for our son, once he saw we were just ordering the family feast. That suggestion never happened. I told the manager they should put a note of some kind on the menu for future guests. Atmosphere: The restaurant seemed old, which is ok, but it felt a little dirty. The table was sticky and there was a persistent fly at our table. There were quite a few loud, inconsiderate tables where people were talking too loudly or watching videos on their phones so loud my son kept asking where the TV was. Overall this was one of the worst dining out experiences we've had in a while. I would not recommend this restaurant. I'd suggest saving some money and getting Chipotle, Rubios, or just try another restaurant. read more

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Hello D.R.…

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Aron R.

6 years ago

I love El Torito. I always get their Macho combo. The crispy tacos are some of the best I have ever had, and I have had a lot... I also really like their chili relleno. Six dollar margaritas are a great deal as well. I have always felt their food is underrated. Glad the vandals (protesters) didn't burn down El Torito too! Hope they stick around for a long time. read more

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Hi Aron!…

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Itzy H.

5 years ago

Hands down the best service we have ever had! Gilberto & Abigail were beyond amazing! They made us feel like we were friends for years! Great great great service! We're from out of town & will most definitely be coming back to this location! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for joining us for Brunch! We appreciate your wonderful…

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Kimberly P.

124

5 years ago

Gilberto was our server he was great at what he does And is very attentive. Thank you Gilberto!

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Janelle O.

Thank you, Kimberly, for your great review.

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Ali W.

341

5 years ago

We had the best date night out thanks to Gilberto and Alex. From getting us a space heater when he noticed I was cold, to taking care of us like family. Great experience. Thank you!! We'll be back. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you Ali for your wonderful review. Very happy to hear Gilberto…

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Zach C.

4 years ago

Gilberto was an amazing server for me and the ms. and was very quick w/ getting our food out. Food was delicious per usual, and I always get him whenever I come here. Look forward to coming again :) read more

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Stephanie C.

6 years ago

Gilberto and Chris were very helpful, patient, and kind. Our food was delicious, warm, and came out very quick. It was a member of our family's birthday and they were very accommodating. Thank you for making our time great! read more

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Janelle O.

Hi Stephanie! Thank you for the great review and choosing to share…

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Maribelle T.

7 years ago

I don't know how this place is still open?? I went with another couple for happy hour and to be honest it was empty. We order some appetizers which we weren't impress with. The other couple order some sopes the waiter waited until the brought out our drinks and other appetizers to inform us that they didnt have any sopes (like really wait until the last min to let us know so we can place another order and wait 20 min for that to come out...mind blowing!!) food us mediocre and overpriced. I got reminded why I only go there once every few years. read more

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Xochitl S.

5 years ago

Glad this place is still open during Covid! Love to come for dinner with our kids! Gilberto, Carlos, and Jose were awesome! We loved talking to them! Great service, great ambiance, and great . read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the stellar review Xochitl! It is wonderful to hear…

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Kache P.

156

4 years ago

Highly recommend! Gilberto is always on top of it, he's super sweet and very welcoming. I come in by myself all the time and he's always very attentive! Best service, hands down. read more

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Jackie S.

4 years ago

Me and my sister got all cute came from Chula Vista to eat here. When we got here, I'd forgotten how big it is in there. So we ordered drinks, I had the mango margarita, it was so good, but I swear it was a virgin. I tasted NO alcohol. The food was so good tho, but 4 stars because I don't do virgin drinks. read more

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Angela L.

5 years ago

This was my friend and I's first time dining here. The two stars are for our waitress, Jasmine (who was amazing) and the food (which was pretty good). However, wish they would state SOMEWHERE on their website/restaurant stating that you cannot take any tacos home when its the taco tuesday special. Their taco special is $2.99/taco, not buffet style or all you can eat. Our waitress forgot to mention that we couldnt take any tacos to go after asking for a box for our left over tacos. We asked to speak to the manager, Vicky/Vickey/Vicki and asked us what the problem was. My friend had mentioned as to why there wasnt a policy stating we couldnt take the tacos togo and Vicky says it's the restaurants policy. Okay look we get it, its the policy BUT you should have that written somewhere for first time customers know of this. She proceeded to tell us "Well we're not gonna tell EVERY customer that comes in". First of all, yes you should...if its a policy.... Second why are the to go boxes for the flautas in a circular shape when the flautas itself are rectangular, I had to squish them in there lol. All in all if you have a policy state it somewhere for ALL CUSTOMERS to see. read more

El Torito - No policy about taking tacos to go - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

El Torito - My sad squished flautas - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the review. I am sorry to hear about your experience,…

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Lilley W.

4 years ago

Gilberto was amazing, so enthusiastic & helpful! The happy hour is too great, awesome food & drink deals. Definitely going back & asking for Gilberto! (: read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the amazing review, Lilley! Don't forget to visit…

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Leslie D.

4 years ago

The food was good! Gilberto and Salvador were great. Definitely going back. The service was amazing!!

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Natalie S.

6 years ago

Sunday brunch was delightful!! Gilberto is the best and funniest server ever! He never let our drinks run dry and always made us smile. Someone give this man a raise!! We love Gilberto read more

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Janelle O.

Gilberto IS THE BEST!…

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Suze Q.

9 years ago

When did El Torito get so expensive? $9 for a kids meal?!? Kids meal is $6.99 bit does not come with a drink. Drink is separate at $1.99. So $9 for a kids meal. Crazy. Also, it was $6 for an ala carte fish taco. That's fine but it was tiny. I ate it in 3 bites. Not worth it. I used to really like El Torito but I just spent $30 on lunch for my 3 yr old and myself (no alcohol). That's ridiculous. El Torito, lower your prices or you're going to lose business. Casual dining chains arw suffering right now and this is the reason why. read more

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Walter S.

Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us. We really do…

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Jenessa K.

109

11 years ago

The halibut tacos are yummy! I get them every time I go, along with the Spanish rice and beans. It always consistent, the looks, flavor, taste. They also have a spectacular deep fried ice cream! I had just turned 21 and asked what is a good fruity drink and she recommended the Crackin Lava Calada, which was so sweet and scrumptious! They seem short staffed the last few times I went, because the hostess is running around and you have to wait for a little but to be acknowledged. The last couple times I went during lunch the waitress also seemed stretched to thin, but they were all welcoming and nice. Overall, the service was okay but my food was great! read more

El Torito - The halibut taco plate with beans and rice! So tummy! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

El Torito - CRACKIN LAVA CALADA. Had a sweet taste. I highly recommend it! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

El Torito - Deep Fried Ice Cream! Scrumptious! I just turned 21 and they brought this, sang to me and they gave me the ice cream for free! - Mexican Near Me - La Mesa, California

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Trina U.

Hi Jenessa,…

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Robert h.

6 years ago

Good food, and dine in is still available! Great for kids, we had an awesome and fun server -Gilberto. He was very helpful and awesome with our boys. A true gentleman to my wife and her best friend. Thanks for a great dinner with friends, fun and good Mexican cuisine. read more

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Janelle O.

Hi Robert,…

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Teresa J.

6 years ago

Atmosphere is great inside restaurant!! Gilberto was my server and he did an amazing job attending to my every need. Excellent food and service!!! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the great review Teresa! We are so happy to hear that…

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Monica L.

4 years ago

Haven't been to an El Torito in over 15 years while living in the Palm Springs area. Thinking of my sister & celebrating her birthday today. Had a wonderful dinner in La Mesa. Michael was very attentive, an excellent server & took care of all my requests. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the great feedback Monica! Welcome back! We appreciate…

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Mark H.

9 years ago

I can't say anything bad about the food or service. But when a restaurant places a "surcharge" on your check with essentially no notice (tiny print under the soda icons on the back page of the menu don't count), they are committing fraud and should be avoided by anyone who agrees with me that the price on the menu - no surcharge - is the price I will pay. If you believe that deceptive practices have no place in business, stay far away from ANY El Torito (according to the manager of this one, ALL El Toritos do this). read more

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Walter S.

Thanks much for reaching out to us with your feedback. Awesome to…

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Kristian M.

4 years ago

Gilberto was amazing! Food was also very good and came very fast. Gilberto made the experience worth while. Made us laugh! 10/10 would recommend to a friend. read more

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Omar S.

4 years ago

Venimos acomer con my esposa al tirito de la mesa Gilberto el mesero muy muy amigable y nos atedio súper bien exelente mesero todo lo que pedimos salió muy bien jose. Busser muy atento cristal y magia exelente customer service muy atentas alas mesas claro que regresaremos muchas gracias read more

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Janelle O.

¡Gracias por su maravillosa critica, Omar! Gilberto y el equipo…

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Jennie R.

7 years ago

Super disappointed in their Sunday brunch buffet. The food wasn't that good. They ran out of desserts super early. Very overpriced too. I won't be going back. No wonder they've closed down a bunch of locations. read more

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Lina S.

4 years ago

Always love coming here for happy hour with my best friend it's always a great experience. We recently had Gilberto and he was so amazing with his service, so funny and kind, and took care of you. Highly recommend. read more

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Juan A.

6 years ago

Great service from Gilberto and Carlos on Christmas Day, they recommended us with the best choice, very friendly as well, we came for the first time and we definitely will come back once we're back again In San Diego. Thank you Gilberto and marry Christmas -Colombia read more

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Tom B.

4 years ago

We have always loved the food here and Gilberto gave us nothing but amazing service!!

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the review Tom. Please come join Gilberto again soon…

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Jacky S.

4 years ago

Came here for happy hour and had the honor of having Gilberto as our waiter. Food was delicious but the service was amazing. 10/10 recommend! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the wonderful review, Jacky! Don't forget to visit…

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Jesse R.

178

6 years ago

We love coming to this El Torito! Gilberto was especially helpful! Awesome waiter, great food, we very much recommend!

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Kirk C.

8 years ago

It had been years since I've been to El Toritos. Today I remember why it's not the same as it once was. The food was way over priced for the quality of the meal. Tired and bland is how I would describe it. As mean as this sounds I think I would of got more satisfaction from Taco Bell. Sorry The service was great though. read more

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Marilyn C.

4 years ago

The service was great!!! Thank you Pedro the food was great it came out hot and in a good time. The drinks were strong and tasted amazing! I loved it read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the amazing review, Marilyn! Don't forget to visit…

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Miriyana M.

6 years ago

Dinner was terrible. My boyfriend and I had the Carna Asada and Shrimp plate. The waiter asked how I like the steak and I told him medium rare and boyfriend asked for medium. Both steaks were well done and hard to cut and chew. The shrimp was so spicy it was hard to eat. There was no mention that this dish was supposed to be spicy. My mom ordered sirloin steak medium rare, same thing, the steak was cooked well done and hard to cut. There were 5 of us and all of our dinners were terrible. Not coming back. read more

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Janelle O.

Hi Miriyana! So sorry to hear you did not enjoy your food. At any…

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Elizabeth G.

4 years ago

Bad service at Ontario location and a side of sweet corn is one teaspoon. Food quality was very poor

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Victor G.

185

4 years ago

Came out with my grandparents and loved it. Workers and so friendly and the food. The server Gilberto was a blast to have and had some amazing recommendations when I wasn't sure on what food and drink to get. Definitely coming on back read more

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Cindy G.

4 years ago

Pedro provided such excellent service and was so friendly. The food was excellent and Pedro would be the reason I return. Thanks for such a great experience! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the review Cindy. Please come join Pedro again for…

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Becky J.

7 years ago

Food was just ok. My waiter was excellent!! Very friendly. Thanks Gilberto! read more

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General Manager

Becky J. - Thank you for your feedback. We will continue to make…

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Page 24 of 42

5024 Baltimore Dr
La Mesa, CA 91942
Directions
(619) 698-7404
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.eltorito.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does El Torito open?

El Torito opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.El Torito opens at 9:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

What time does El Torito close?

El Torito closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.El Torito closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFri 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMSat 9:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does El Torito take credit cards?

Yes, El Torito takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does El Torito have catering options?

Yes, El Torito does have catering options.

Does El Torito have a happy hour?

Yes, El Torito has a happy hour.

Does El Torito serve alcohol?

Yes, El Torito serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does El Torito allow dogs?

Yes, El Torito allows dogs.

Does El Torito have TVs?

Yes, El Torito has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Torito have bike parking?

Yes, El Torito has bike parking.

Does El Torito have outdoor seating?

Yes, El Torito has outdoor seating options.

Does El Torito have parking?

Yes, El Torito has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is El Torito wheelchair accessible?

Yes, El Torito is wheelchair accessible.

Does El Torito allow outdoor smoking?

No, El Torito does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does El Torito have free WiFi?

Yes, El Torito has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

History

Established in 1954.

It was in 1954 that Real Mex Restaurants first introduced Mexican casual dining to SoCal with the opening of El Torito. Half a century later, Mexican fare has become an integral part of the American dining experience. El Torito is a truly authentic & traditional Mexican concept. A festive & approachable restaurant rich in heritage, focusing on offering a memorable experience to each and every guest. Food quality, refreshing drinks, welcoming service, vibrant music selections showcased in a traditional/timeless Mexican hacienda, creates a warm & comfortable environment for our guests. Today, El Torito continues to honor the flavorful history of Mexican cuisine, leading the way through culinary innovation, superior hospitality and rich and infused flavors.

More Info

Health Score

El Torito Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
10 Reviews

Ask the Community - El Torito

What is the 2026 Sunday Brunch price?

39.50 for the full brunch sunday

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Sunday brunch price?

We went on Sunday, Sept 29, 2024 and the brunch price was $37.50 for adults and I think it was $13.00 for kids.

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Does the staff still serve the food for the all-you-can-eat brunch or are patrons able to serve themselves now? Last time I went, the staff served the food for brunch but that was not long after COVID dine-in restrictions were implemented.

You serve yourself. Go It's a good brunch. You'll like it

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Has the La Mesa CA location closed permanently?😳?

It was open as of last week so it should be!

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Is the Buffet only on the Weekend or is it on Fridays too?

Only on Sundays

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Do you allow dogs in the outdoor area?

Yes

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Can reservations be made for the Sunday brunch or first come first serve? Is there a bottomless…

Yes. Reservations. Yes Bottomless mimosas

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Is Brunch on Sat and Sun?

Yes, both brunch are on the weekend. The only thing about Sunday's brunch is that it's all you can eat.

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Do they have a bar? Or place for dancing?

tHE BAR IS TO THE LEFT OF THE ENTRANCE. hOWEVER, THERE IS NO DANCING.

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How much is the Sunday Brunch Buffet?

As of March 2022, about $30.

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Do you serve menudo?

Hi Fred. We do have Menudo available on our Sunday Brunch.

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Is the Brunch open?

Yes

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Is one in la Puente california?

No, this one is in La Mesa California (East San Diego area) There is one at 3133 E Garvey Ave N,…

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Is there happy hour? Also, I'm disappoinment to see the Plaza Bonita location closed. Even though it's been years, I still miss it. It was so near my house😕

Yes they have happy hour. And when I went a couple months ago they had happy hour on Sunday as well, 3-7 I believe. But of course call to check for current deals.

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The Hills Pub

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

u guys have amazing food but also comes with an amazing server nirvana! she is very good at what…read moreshe does and doesn't hesitate to get you what you need! very sweet and kind!

Came for drinks one day back in 2018. The drinks were good but it was the burger that brought me…read moreback. It's now 2026 and I keep coming back for the burger. It's my favorite. The great service is a bonus. Everyone is always in a great mood. It's now my go to spot to watch the Padres and SDFC. My wife highly recommends "Puff the Magic Dragon"

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Remodeled back yard

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Hoops

Toasted La Mesa

We have been to Toasted probably 5 or so times since moving to La Mesa and love it! We definitely…read morerecommend it. AMBIANCE: The ambiance is very nice. The restaurant is cute and not too noisy. There is an indoor and outdoor area. SERVICE: We have never had a bad service experience at Toasted. Our waitress today in particular was great. My niece wanted a mimosa without alcohol, and she happily accommodated and even suggested adding some soda water to make it more like a mimosa. FOOD & DRINKS: In the many times we have been there, we have had the following; DRINKS: -Mimosa Flight: Too be honest, I did not love the flight. The Prickly Pear was my favorite, but I tend to prefer sweeter drinks, and I would say overall, the cocktails are not super sweet there, which for many people is a plus (just not me). -Lavender Cocktail - Good but also not super sweet -Chai Latte - I have had it hot and iced and liked it both ways FOOD: -Santa Fe Scramble - My favorite dish I have tried to date. Our waitress compared it to tortilla soup in an egg dish, and I would say that's a new perfect description except I think this is way better than tortilla soup -Denver Scramble - Very good and would order again -Breakfast Sammy - Good. A typical breakfast sandwich, so if that's what you're in the mood for, get this. That being said, I wouldn't say there is anything that sets this breakfast sandwich apart from others. -Stuffed French Toast - Good but not my favorite. Would not order again. -Fried Chicken Benny - Good but not a standout that I would order again -Breakfast Quesadilla - Just okay. Nothing was wrong with it, but I would not get it again and would do the Santa Fe Scramble over this. -Sliders - My favorite lunch item. They are the same as the old Sammy's sliders (this location used to be a Sammy's) -Red Velvet Pancakes - Good but very rich -Chocolate Chip Pancakes - Great and very fluffy with excellent texture Overall, even though not every food item or drink is a hit for me personally, that's the case at pretty much any restaurant, and there are some great items and the food, service, and ambiance are great

Great bottomless service, our waitress filled up my glass as I drank which was amazing lol. I…read moreordered the chicken and pancakes which all together I rate a 6.5/10. - Comes with 3 THICK pancakes and three southern fried chicken tender with "hot" syrup. - Syrup tasted like regular syrup mixed with hot sauce which I wasn't really feelin. I think it would've been better with hot honey and syrup on the side? - Again these pancakes are THICK and flavor was "meh" so you prolly won't even finish them all and you might need to ask for extra syrup (like myself) I honestly think the chicken and French toast would've been a better option and I might ask for that accommodation next time if I order the same thing (I prolly won't, I like to try new tings hehe). Overall pretty restaurant with great natural Lighting but it still needs to prove itself in the flavor department.

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Farmer's Table

A fair price for quality food. A varied menu as well…read more Pollo Casserole was a tad undercooked The Fig starter could have used some type of dressing. Our delightful waitress, Mikaela, was as good as they get, and a foody herself. However her wait help staffers, lagged with frequent droughts of water serving.

The food is spot on every time we come no matter the menu offered. The service is wonderful as well…read moreenvironment

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Acai Bowl

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Fried Shrimp Calamari

Curbside Eatery & Drinkery

Food and service was great. The nachos were great! Thank you Brianna for everything! We will be…read moreback.

Great place to stop by for an early weekend lunch. Since it was early, I decided to go with the…read moreAngus sliders, which were better than your average sliders. The caramelized onions and bacon jam make a huge difference and make it worth getting sliders. Heads up - if you have tots, they do have high chairs for both high top and regular tables but they don't have a kids menu.

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Super clean restroom

Mimosa & breakfast sandwich on their patio

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The Lunch Box Cafe & Deli

Food is always quick, reasonably priced and yummy. Great local spot where they remember your…read morefavorite order and staff are friendly. They got a new breakfast special menu too (until 1pm). Just a great casual local spot that makes you want to move to La Mesa and be a part of the community.

READ ENTIRE REVIEW... Service, amazing. You can tell these…read morepeople have worked there for YEARS and the customers are ones probably who've grown up going there. If you want quick, comfort food it seems the spot. I will say the potato salad has a liquid ish base to it and no other spices or veggies inside. The sandwiches lack a lot of flavor and excitement. I think this spot is perfect for a shopping center where you wanna carb up and just get with the family a quick meal. Everyone was so nice but if you're into food with flavors and spice and excitement I think it's a pass. I'd be back for some muffins at the register and a friendly waitress however.

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The inside of the restaurant .

29Nov2022 Yummy !

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Sunshine Pancake House

Delicious pancakes, friendly staff, fresh OJ, and a great atmosphere. The staff are so attentive…read moreand there's a lot of seating. The patio is also dog friendly! (For dogs under 40 lbs). They even brought out a water bowl for her, so kind. My family visits once and month and it's a great time every time. I order the pigs in the blanket every time with a plethora of fresh syrup options. It's delicious. My wife always changes her crepe every time and they're all delightful. Fresh homemade whip cream does it every time for her.

Great family owned restaurant for locals to support. We went around 0830 on Sunday and by the time…read morewe left many more breakfast goers were arriving. We were greeted and quickly seated. We had our pick of indoor or covered patio. We chose the patio. We ordered the strawberry, Nutella waffle, 123 kids meal, eggs/ sausage breakfast and egg/bacon breakfast. Both egg meals came with choice of three large buttermilk pancakes, hashbrowns or toast. Food was good. I enjoyed my bacon and sausage. Prices are very similar to other breakfast restaurants but they give you a good amount of food here. I saw signs about paying with cash to avoid the fees to small businesses. We didn't have cash but they also accept zelle! We had a great Sunday morning start here- definitely recommend:) Oh you can check-in and get a hot chocolate. I didn't participate but I saw the yelp sign.

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Sunshine omelet

La Mesa Bistro

10/10, a must try! This is officially my new breakfast spot…read more The chilaquiles are hands down authentic and full of flavor. The pancakes were soft, moist, and delicious. The iced coffee? So good. And the orange juice is freshly squeezed, which makes such a difference. You order and pay first, then grab a seat and they bring your food to you super easy and convenient! Ambiance is family friendly. Great customer service! Over all, La Mesa Bistro is great cafe choose for great breakfast.

It was supposed to be great. Owned by the people who own Swammis. Well it was okay…read more We ordered a salad and a wrap. The Thai wrap was just dry chicken, tomatoes in a dry wrap with hot teriyaki sauce. Nothing a Thai about it and would not order it again. The steak on the salad had a lot of fat and while the salad was good it was har to cut the steak in the bowl provided. Would have been better on a large plate. Lots of the breakfast items loooe s great and hive hears good reviews. Maybe today was just not their day.

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Main area

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Shrimp sandwich on hoagie

Casa Gabriela

I had been meaning to visit this place for a while and I am so happy I got the chance. We were able…read moreto sit in the outdoor area which is just as nice as the pictures on here suggest. Not only was all the food amazing, but the portions were generous and made for some great leftovers. My parents were in town so we were out to dinner together and we all got different dishes and each one was better than the next. The quesadilla was probably the best thing we had. Our server was attentive and quick while still giving time to be friendly. When they were out of a couple items for the drinks we wanted, she was ready with alternatives and always offered to at least double check in case there was something they could do. My dad even got a little preview of a new version of their Old Fashioned since they were in the process of phasing out the old one and were out of one of the ingredients.

This was my first time visiting Casa Gabriela. I saw the menu and it looked really yummy. The major…read moredraw was the Cafe de Olla. I had to order it. It came with a yummy almond galleta dusted with powdered sugar. The coffee was perfect. I dipped my cookie in my coffee and truly it was the perfect bite plus perfect treat as I waited for my food because I was HUNGRY! Our food took a while to arrive it was a Saturday morning at brunch but it wasn't crowded. The wait was the kind of wait you do where you look at the tables around you to see who has food and who doesn't and wonder what was the seating order of the folks around you and if they got their food before you and why. So when my food arrived I was sooooo ready! I ordered the chorizo and crispy potatoes burrito. It looked great when it arrived! I strategically cut my burrito about a quarter of the way in. I knew I would at least eat a quarter but I knew I definitely wouldn't eat the whole thing and I didn't want to waste a perfectly good bite on all tortilla. I cut my burrito and put a bite on my fork and as I put my food in my mouth I looked down and find a long curly hair. To say I was disappointed was an understatement. I was disappointed for several reasons. 1. The bite I took was all egg and tortilla. No cheese no chorizo no potato. 2. I was starving! And 3. I knew I wasn't going to have anything to eat until after the other two people I was with finished eating and I could go somewhere else to get food. I didn't let it damper my mood. I showed the waiter who was very apologetic and took my plate away. When he walked away. It hit me I didn't tell him to not bring me anything else because I was going to eat a remade burrito. So I got his attention because I didn't want them to waste anymore food. Here is what I will say. To replace my food, I was given a pastry platter that was AMAZINGLY good! The concha was legit the best I've ever eaten. The banana bread was delicious with delicious toasted pecans which added a caramelized texture to the banana bread! No joke, it was so good. What I will also say is that I was visited with no less than 3 people including Gabriela herself who was absolutely apologetic about my experience and assured me it wouldn't happen again. What's also nice is that I wasn't charged for the food I ate which believe it or not has happened to me before MANY years ago. My peeps whom I was with absolutely loved their food. One had the Sopes and the other had the huevos rancheros. So while I have to be honest about my review, I really think this was a one off mistake and at the very least I would highly suggest ordering cafecito and pastries from Casa Gabriela!

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Chicken Tinga Empanadas

Main dining room

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Lobster & Black bean Chipotle Flautas

Black Bear Diner

Big bear Burgar & onion rings are great. Just fries was to salty…read more warm . Not Hot fresh I would go back. nice place for FAMILY

Food: Well, okay... we came here once and my daughter got chicken and waffles. It was SO good…read morethat she begged us to come back. The rest of our food was okay, nothing amazing, but solid. So we got back a second time and sit down to order, "Chicken and waffles please" - they are out of chicken. Oof! Strike 1. That sucks. She was disappointed but she got something else and we shrugged it off. Then about 2 weeks back we came in again... this time I asked first, "Do you have chicken for the chicken and waffles?" They are out of waffles. Oof! Strike 2! And isn't it just batter? I don't get it. We didn't stay that time because my daughter was visibly sad this time. So I think we are done trying or else this just becomes a running gag we try to get out of, like Groundhogs Day or something... Atmosphere: It's cozy inside. I love all of the details, like the wood carvings and all of the bear stuff. It's like you're in a log cabin. And I like that they have paper menus and throw them away (because plastic reusable menus are germ magnets). The newspaper-esque theme is pretty cool too. Price: It's no more expensive than say, Dennys or Ihop. Middle of the road and they have lots of options. A decent meal for two - 50$. Service: Each time we have been, the servers have been great. Nice servers and even when the guy had to tell us they were out of chicken, he was super apologetic. No complaints on the service. Overall: It's a nice place... when they have the advertised food. So I honestly don't know if we will be back or not. Maybe we will give it a shot but I don't want my daughter to be disappointed again. I get it, if it was something they only made 50 of a day, I'd understand. But... chicken and waffles? Hmmm...

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Public Square

My new favorite coffee spot! I'm currently in my pandan obsession era and this place does it RIGHT…read more I've already been back more times than I can count. So far, I've tried the pandan, the brown sugar, and the sesame latte all iced w/ oat milk and they've all been a hit. The pandan is easily my fave, but if you're trying the brown sugar and don't love super sweet drinks I'd recommend adding an extra shot to balance it out. The drinks are consistently good and you can tell they really care about the quality. It's one of those spots you keep thinking about and end up going back to without even planning it. Customer service was solid and there's plenty of seating, which makes it a nice place to hang out or get some work done. Parking was also easy, which is always a win. Highly recommend checking this place out especially if you're a pandan lover like me!

Public Square has been closed since April after staff walked out and eventually quit due to unpaid…read morewages. Unfortunately, this place was on the decline leading up to these events. It would usually take a half hour to get a simple drink order. Food that was previously wow turned into meh (I'm looking at you, shashuka). I don't blame the baristas. I don't think the business owners ever properly streamlined their ordering process / menu to get items out effectively. I hope we get something nice to replace this space.

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Their logo

This wall

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It's so beautiful inside!

Banbu Sushi Bar & Grill

The food was amazing and our server Chloe was really sweet and helpful!! Would definitely come back…read moreagain

we come here regularly and the food is always excellent…read more the Dynamite Roll is our favorite. Savannah is always helpful and we appreciate her recommendations.

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Scena Fusion Kitchen & Bar

Had an anniversary dinner on Saturday at Scena good service, host were friendly, attentive! Chef…read morehas an amazing flavor! Ordered a spicy rigatoni and pesto pasta. Flavors were vibrant top of the line! Would definitely go again!

Try it and you will be back again Love the place and the…read morefood Everything is perfect

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The Hills Pub

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

u guys have amazing food but also comes with an amazing server nirvana! she is very good at what…read moreshe does and doesn't hesitate to get you what you need! very sweet and kind!

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Remodeled back yard

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Hoops

Antica Trattoria

What a gem in La Mesa! The food completely blew us away and pleasantly surprised us. We usually…read morehead to Little Italy, North Park, or downtown for our go-to Italian spots, but Antica Trattoria absolutely holds its own. Our server, Leticia, made the entire experience even better. We had two families at the table with three little kids, ages one, two, and four, and she was so patient, funny, and genuinely wonderful with them. As parents, we rarely get the chance to go out together, and she made the night feel so easy and enjoyable. It was one of those evenings that made us wonder why we don't do this more often. The food was amazing, the atmosphere was incredibly family-friendly, and the service was exceptional. We highly recommend Antica Trattoria, and we'll definitely be back.

This is my go to for close to home fine dining so when my family asked me where I wanted to go for…read moreFather's Day... The special menu they had was fantastic and I was very excited to try something new here. I was craving Rack of Lamb so that's what I got and it didn't disappoint. My son got Lobster ravioli, My daughter got the Chilean Sea Bass (perfectly prepared and delicious) and my wife's Pappardelle pasta dish also fantastic. Did I mention the appetizer's? We got the Frittura Mista (Calamari, Shrimp, Artichoke w/ creamy Garlic sauce) & Polpettine (Braised Meatballs, San Marzano tomato sauce, Olives & whipped Ricotta), Excellent! The staff, as usual, were amazing even under pressure because it was packed from a little after opening at 4:30pm untill until we left, and I'm sure, until they closed. Well done - Antica Trattoria and thank you.

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Nice spot to watch the Chefs.

This homemade gnocch with short ribs iwas to die for

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Sangria and dirty Martini

Tappi Sushi Lounge

4.6

(42 reviews)

1.3 mi

Dined here tonight and loved it. Had the seaweed salad, sweet and spicy broccoli appetizer along…read morewith two rolls and the teriyaki chicken entree. Food was excellent, and the service was friendly. We will be back!

Food Service…read moreAmbience We'll make this a regular spot for sushi night. We also had jalapeño poppers and spice garlic edamame. It was all very delicious. And Fresh. Fresh fish is key to good sushi. There's enough room here for larger parties. Not all crammed in one little spot like most places.

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Fried ice cream sans banana. Delicious.

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Spicy yellowtail roll. (I already ate a piece)

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Bannister B.

155

3 years ago

Where Mouthwatering Mexican Delights and Bottomless Mimosas Await! When my large family decided to celebrate my mom's birthday at El Torito, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was a hidden gem that one of my sisters stumbled upon, and boy, were we in for a treat! With promises of a Mexican brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas, our expectations were set high. Let me tell you, El Torito did not disappoint! Now, let's start with the parking situation. The spaces were a tad small, but fear not! We parked a bit further away, which was a great excuse to stretch our legs and build up an appetite. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a welcoming committee of multiple hostesses, ready to guide us to our table. Our party of 14 was promptly seated, and the waiter wasted no time in bringing us an array of refreshing mimosas, coffee, water, and even milk for the kiddos. They had us at "bottomless mimosas"! Once the tantalizing aromas of Mexican goodness hit our noses, we made a beeline for the buffet. Tacos, glorious tacos! El Torito had us covered with an impressive selection of steak, chicken, pastor, and carnitas. And let me tell you, the carnitas took home the gold medal, closely followed by the juicy steak. What made it even more magical was that they made the tortillas right in front of our eyes, ensuring a truly authentic experience. We also indulged in the fantastic fajitas, which took a little time to prepare, but trust me, every minute of that wait was worth it. Now, let's talk about the ambiance. El Torito knows how to accommodate parties of any size. They have small square tables for intimate gatherings and long hosting tables for those unforgettable fiestas. The restaurant is beautifully adorned with authentic Mexican decor, transporting you to the heart of Mexico. The staff, oh, the staff! They were a delight to interact with, always attentive and ready to make our experience extra special. And here's the cherry on top of this already fantastic meal--the price! El Torito goes above and beyond by offering all of these mouthwatering delights at a fraction of the cost you'd find at other restaurants. It's like they're saying, "Hey, let's treat you to an unforgettable feast without breaking the bank!" And don't get me started on their bottomless mimosas. Bravo, El Torito, bravo! Salvador, the manager, deserves a special mention. He graced our table with his presence, ensuring everything was going smoothly. But he didn't stop there. He regaled us with the story of how he came to work for El Torito, and let me tell you, it was an entertaining tale that had us chuckling between bites of deliciousness. So, if you're looking for outstanding Mexican cuisine, an engaging and friendly staff, and an experience that won't drain your wallet, El Torito is the place to be. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be shared and celebrated. Book your reservation, bring your appetite, and prepare for a fiesta like no other. El Torito, you have won our hearts and our taste buds! P.S. If you're lucky, you might just get to hear Salvador's fascinating story too. Trust me, it's worth it! Oh, and how could I forget the pièce de résistance of my mom's birthday celebration at El Torito? It was truly unforgettable! As we were enjoying our meal, the staff surprised my mom with a grand entrance, singing and clapping, bearing a little cake adorned with flickering candles. The joy on her face was priceless, and we all joined in to sing along. It was a moment that captured the essence of El Torito--a place where celebrations come alive, and memories are made. My mom's birthday at El Torito will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The outstanding food, engaging staff, and the delightful birthday surprise made it a day she'll cherish forever. So, if you're looking to make your loved one's special day truly extraordinary, head to El Torito. They know how to turn any occasion into a fiesta! ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Mom, and gracias, El Torito, for creating memories that will last a lifetime! read more

John F.

102

1 year ago

Extremely Disappointed - Worst Holiday Dining Experience I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at El Torito in La Mesa for Easter brunch was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. I personally called ahead to make reservations for a large party (over 10 people) specifically to avoid any issues with the online system. Despite this, when we arrived, they had no record of our reservation. Instead of taking accountability or trying to resolve the situation professionally, the staff at check-in acted as if I had never made a reservation at all. They challenged me on it and made it seem like they were doing us a favor by "trying" to seat our party--something that should have already been guaranteed. After over 40 minutes of waiting outside, we were finally seated--but not even together. They split our family into two separate tables, completely defeating the purpose of bringing everyone together for a holiday meal. We were seated with the clear expectation that we'd be enjoying the Easter brunch buffet--only to be told we had five minutes before it ended. There were no plates available, and as we tried to see what we could get, we watched staff clearing the buffet and throwing untouched food into garbage bags right in front of guests. Rather than allowing us to eat what we came for, they rushed to shut everything down as if we were an inconvenience. Eventually, the manager came out and tried to blame Corporate for the mix-up, saying they had set up the reservation. But I had called this exact location directly--it was the local team who took the reservation. Then, a second manager came out and went as far as to accuse us of being rude, instead of taking responsibility for their own mishandling of the situation. This has truly been the worst dining experience I've had, especially on a day meant for family celebration. With Mother's Day around the corner, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you're planning something special. This location showed a complete lack of organization, professionalism, and respect for its guests. We will not be returning. read more

Derrell D.

172

2 years ago

I came to El Torito to celebrate my birthday and Father's Day with my wife and daughter, and from start to finish, this was the worst dining experience I have ever had. As soon as we entered the restaurant, the hostess had her back turned while on the phone. We waited for a few minutes with no acknowledgment whatsoever. After about five minutes of standing there, other patrons walked in, and still no acknowledgment. Finally, a server or busboy passing by noticed the situation and seated us. Although the food was pretty good, I had to ask our server several times for water, which never arrived. By this point, the server became increasingly difficult to flag down, and eventually, my wife just let me have what was left of her glass. The experience went further downhill when my wife found a piece of hair in her food while we were waiting on desserts to go. When we informed the server, he jokingly brushed off the situation and deducted the cost of one side dish, about $2. When we tried to use a gift card I received for my birthday, the server seemed completely clueless. Despite my explanation, he asked for my phone number, which had no relevance to the gift card. After a long wait, he returned, unable to find my info. Finally, he paid attention but then asked me to write out all the details on a receipt paper so he could enter them. This tedious process led to a mistake, and the manager had to step in, pointing out my error in writing the numbers. By this time, our ice cream had melted, and we requested replacements. After another long wait, the manager brought a printout regarding the gift card instead of the check. We waited an additional 10-15 minutes before abandoning the place altogether. El Torito abandoned their customers just as we abandoned this place. Terrible service, clueless staff, and an overall disappointing experience. Avoid this restaurant if you value your time and sanity. read more

Jose B.

5 months ago

We recently visited El Torito for brunch with a reservation for 13 people. Overall, it was a solid experience with a few highs and a few noticeable misses. First, although we had a reservation, our table wasn't ready until about 20 minutes after the scheduled time. For a large party, that delay is understandable to a degree, but still worth noting. The brunch buffet had a mix of strong and average options. The handmade sopes and fresh tortillas were definitely a highlight -- great texture and flavor. The pork in salsa verde was tasty, and the chile rellenos were consistently good. The omelet station was another plus, with a solid variety of ingredients and made-to-order quality. On the other hand, some items left more to be desired. The birria lacked depth, and the seafood selections like the aguachile and ceviche didn't stand out. The menudo and pozole were just okay -- not bad, but not particularly memorable. The aguas frescas were overly sweet, and once the ice melted, they became even more diluted. The pricing felt aligned with the experience, especially considering the bottomless mimosas. However, one major issue: after automatic gratuity was already added for our large party, an additional tip was included, which resulted in us tipping over 25%. That's something guests should carefully review on their bill. A bright spot of the visit was Gilberto, who helped make the experience more enjoyable and brought good energy to our table. Overall, a decent brunch option for large groups, with some standout items, but also areas that could use improvement. read more

Crystal L.

8 years ago

I came here on taco Tuesday with a good friend of mine. We ended up getting three tacos, and a margarita. I can't remember the exact price but I remember it was very fair considering the ambiance, and sit down nature of the restaurant. The food is really good, but one of the tacos I got was so spicy. It was funny because my friend and I were both sweating from the spiciness of it. And I can handle my spices so this thing was strong. The margaritas here are really good, I always go with the blended style with salt around the top. It's perfect and just right and I can always feel a little bit of a buzz after having just one of them so they aren't cheap with the liquor which is awesome. The best part about this place though has to be the chips, they are so good. They bring you unlimited chips when you are sitting down. They are hot and very fresh. And the hot sauce that they bring with the chips is delicious. The only reason for four and not five stars is they are a little bit unorganized. It was not a huge deal, but there was a bit of confusion but everything was settled fine so no big complaint. I did really enjoy this spot , so I will be back here again and probably very soon. read more

Tanja M.

4 years ago

I was here for Taco Tuesday on 10/18/22 with 2 friends. Once the bill came we decided to split it 3 ways. The waitress Jessica took all three cards and brought back a receipt for each of us, which we each signed, The tip was left in cash. Imagine my surprise when I noticed a few days later that some how, some way, the ENTIRE amount was charged to my card DESPITE me having a receipt that says otherwise!!! I immediately called and was told that I would have to wait for the mgr(Nick) to call me back..never called. I called and actually spoke to Nick, explained the situation including the fact that the other 2 people each had a receipt showing a portion of the bill for their cards, was told that he would look into it and call me back. Again no call 2 weeks later! Once I finally with him again, he said that accounting issued a refund on 10/25/22. AS of today 11/17/22 I have yet to receive a refund. This is just plain FRAUD committed by this restaurant! I will never step foot into this place again and will gladly tell people not to bother!!! Zero stars should be a very real option. I guess dinner was on me. read more

Carlos G.

5 years ago

I absolutely loved the fact that El Torito is working very hard with this pandemic. However I'm a current customer, I also helped this restaurant with many to go orders and never got picked up. And had friends of mine buy them, by making calls. Last night I wanted to watch the game, the bar was full meaning with the six feet distance only 3 chairs available. I was sat by one of my great friend, which is a server. However then I went to the bar to seat, so I can hear it. There you had the manager sitting on the bar eating, that's unacceptable, your the manager, the limited sitting is for guest. I did not cuz any trouble, but for the manager to take one of the 3 seats to eat, while customers, specifically when your a constant customer and take that space is unacceptable. You need to lead by example. Then she got all mad and didn't wanted to serve me another beer. I had a driver, since she said I was too drunk. Anyway I sure hope that her attitude changes and she needs to be a leader. If not replace her. Because you don't take or seat on company clock. Poor customer service and horrible attitude. read more

Thomas C.

9 months ago

Review for Gilberto at El Torito's La Mesa, San Diego I had the pleasure of being served by Gilberto during my recent visit to El Torito in La Mesa, San Diego, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! From the moment we sat down, Gilberto's professionalism shone through. He was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that we had everything we needed while allowing us to enjoy our meal. His knowledge of the menu was impressive, and he offered great recommendations that truly enhanced our dining experience. What stood out the most was Gilberto's warm and friendly demeanor. He brought a genuine sense of joy to our table, making us feel welcomed and valued. His laughter and positive energy were infectious, turning a simple meal into a memorable occasion. It's clear that he loves what he does, and that passion made a significant difference in our experience. In summary, if you're dining at El Torito in La Mesa, make sure to ask for Gilberto. His combination of professionalism, warmth, and humor is a rare find, and it elevates the dining experience to a whole new level! read more

Julia F.

5 years ago

What a great experience!!! Years ago we used to celebrate special occasions with our extended family at the Rancho Bernardo location. We were sad when they closed. Tonight, we surprised my husband for his birthday by taking him here because he loves Mexican food and good margaritas. I have to say, this experience was PERFECTO! Our server was Gilberto and he made the experience like the Disneyland for restaurants. He gave us personal service and guided us with drink and entree recommendations. The salsa was wonderful. We had the fajitas with refillable sides. Loved the presentation. The beans and rice were great. All the proteins (beef, pork, chicken as fish) were great. I loved the little papas mixed in (potatoes). The flan almost made me cry, it was so good. I could say more, but you get the idea. I hope you have as nice of an experience when you go. We will be coming back! read more

Vivian D.

3 years ago

I recently had the opportunity to dine at El Torito, and it was a fantastic experience. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, with colorful decor that added to the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The menu offered a wide variety of delicious Mexican dishes, from traditional favorites like tacos and enchiladas to more unique options. The food was flavorful and well-prepared, and the portion sizes were generous. The service at El Torito was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who were knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations. The waitstaff made sure that we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Overall, I highly recommend dining at El Torito. Whether you're craving classic Mexican cuisine or looking to try something new, this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience. read more

Gem Ann K.

14 years ago

This was awful Their Lunch buffet they used to have with a variety of food now has been reduced to a TJ Taco bar for 6.99 very little to put on the tacos, no tomatos, guala cheese instead of monterrey jack or cheddar, have to wait for the girl to make the tortillas and that with 5 in front of us put us there for 10 minutes waiting eating into our lunch hour We both got team and what a shock 2.89 for a soft drink/soda highest in San Diego anywhere,. food wasnt great I will go back for 7.99 to Hacienda Casa Blanca on Tues for a full Mexican Buffet including desserts and never return her Oh the bartender Miquel was great very nice always there for us this is poor management ridding the buffet of varitety Oh yes no control of loud drunks somoeone should have told them to hold it down very very noisy read more

Damon J.

1 year ago

Five Stars for Gilberto's Exceptional Service! What can I say? Gilberto is an extraordinary server! From the moment my family and I walked in, he greeted us with such a positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic attitude--it truly set the tone for the entire meal. Throughout our dining experience, Gilberto went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. His attention to detail, warm personality, and selfless approach to service did not go unnoticed. It's clear he takes great pride in creating an experience that makes guests feel welcome and appreciated. It's rare to encounter someone with such a genuine servant's heart, and it's exactly that kind of energy that makes people want to come back. Gilberto, thank you for making our visit so memorable--you're a true gem. Well done! read more

Coreen S.

4 years ago

Pedro served us an early dinner this evening. Before we even sat down, his friendliness seemed to insure a wonderful experience. Three of the five of us are vegetarians and when I asked a specific question about the menu, Pedro practically ran back to the kitchen to get a precise answer. Next, we noticed that he wore an N95 mask and never let it slip beneath his nose, which was particularly important to us since were dining with our 80+ parents/grandparents. Pedro also made it possible for us to eat outside, even though the restaurant did not seem to be set up for outside dining. Sure enough, as the delicious meal progressed, we conversed more and more with Pedro, until by the end of the meal we felt we had made a new friend. We had not been to El Torito in ages, but we will surely return soon! read more

Sarah O.

3 years ago

My in-laws and I came to this location last week and had such a great dine-in experience! The service was phenomenal from our server Gilberto. He was extremely accommodating and quite hilarious. He definitely showed us a good time, chatted with us, and even went an extra step in improving my mother-in-law's order. He tended to all the tables in that way and his positive energy set off a great mood. The restaurant manager Sal was also very friendly and made sure that our experience was perfect. Our food was also very tasty! I got the Birria Tacos which were divine. They also have an amazing buffet on Sundays for $37 a person (not sure of the hours) and kids under a certain age eat for $1 on Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entree. Definitely recommend! Will be going again soon. read more

Sofia R.

1 year ago

El Torito Has been the best all around town!,The day I came with my family and friends to come celebrate my mom birthday.Elizabeth was our server,Elizabeth amazing,she was very helpful and always came to check up on us to make sure if we had everything we needed,she always made sure to ask if we needed anything else and always had our drinks full !!. El Torito such a great restaurant. It's always a restaurant that I love to go. Their food is very good. The service that they give is amazing. I have never Had a problem every time I go. The workers always give such great energy and greet their guest.Me and my family,and friends enjoyed our time there the food was delicious and we had a blast with the music.Thank you Elizabeth and the rest of the team for such an amazing service. read more

Ernie R.

10 years ago

Hey, new life, El Torito had been revived in La Mesa, on Baltimore...it used go be my spot for happy hour and special occasions, then it happened, they made some changes and the whole thing took a nose dive...then came Kelly, this amazing young lady took the bull by the horns, hand picked staff, like Missy, Luis, and others have poured their hearts out to bring this place back to life...indeed, my spot now...I can feel good about bringing friends and family here again, and not having to wonder if they are going to enjoy the experience or have that never again feeling...my hats off...Kelly is an asset and worth her weight in gold...I hope the Corporation shows some appreciation, I would and I do by bringing back my patronage... read more

Araceli V.

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of having breakfast here for brunch on Sunday, and it was an experience I won't soon forget! Our waiter, **Gilberto**, was absolutely top-notch. His attention and kindness were second to none, and his sense of humor added a delightful touch to our meal. Even though it wasn't our first visit, Gilberto made us feel like we were first-time customers. The food was nothing short of fantastic. I highly recommend the **CEVICE** - a tasty treat that delights the taste buds. And do yourself a favor and don't skip the **chocolate fountain**. It's a sweet ending to a great meal. In conclusion, this place not only offers excellent food, but also an atmosphere that makes you feel at home. I can't wait to return! read more

Helen N.

4981

996

1943

12 years ago

Margarita, pretty good! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-torito-la-mesa-3?select=jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q#sqvaWX8lM5DB__t9qP0WoA Very smooth. I'm having one. Fresh limes, tequila and salt bring out the flavor in everything. Not too sweet, not too sour. Just right! Chips http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-torito-la-mesa-3?select=jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q#jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q, salsa, plus margarita - all tasty! I love a good margarita after a long hard day at work. I was sitting next door so it was a short walk. I received a very friendly greeting. They had street tacos. Pork was good. The chicken grilled ones were really good. Good place to eat when you have the funds. Slightly higher than other places... read more

Joseph A.

1 year ago

Went in for a celebratory birthday dinner, left after good times and memories. The food was delicious and service was fantastic. The waiter Gilberto was the coolest guy in town, made us feel right at home checking in on us throughout the time there, even got us together to sing happy birthday for the pops. The vibes were just the best kind to have. I'd recommend anyone to check it out if they want that authentic El Torito experience. The La Mesa location off Baltimore Drive is the spot to be at. Suitable for any family gathering and friendly get togethers. They even have a great selection drinks drafts cocktails mocktails etc. I'll for sure be back. read more

Nick W.

3 years ago

Our server Carlos was truly outstanding. From the moment we were seated, Carlos's positive attitude and enthusiastic approach made us feel like valued guests. He expertly guided us through the menu, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring our satisfaction. The Carne Asada Burrito showcased high-quality meat and a symphony of flavors that left me craving more. Carlos struck the perfect balance between attentiveness and giving us space to enjoy our meal, making the experience even more enjoyable. With vibrant decor and a welcoming ambiance, El Torito is a must-visit for a truly unforgettable Mexican culinary adventure. read more

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