El Torito

4.2 (2.6k reviews)

ModerateMexican, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

Open • 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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El Torito - REFRIED BEANS and RICE - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - CHICKEN FAJITAS - limited time for $10.99 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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El Torito - Mixed tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

Casual

Happy hour specials

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E. C.

1 star for total rip off $12 tacos that are only worth $2. Sat at the Bar 8:30 pm. Lousy Beef Birria Tacos. Not worth $12. So Tiny, beef was very dry, hard and tasteless. Hardly any cheese, only like 4 pieces of chopped onion & cilantro. The Consommé was a tiny teaspoon amount in a tiny cup that the taco actually fit because itself was so tiny. Kind of a joke, right guys? Am I supposed to laugh? I'm being filmed to get my reaction, right? Taco was 3 inches long and a piece of my shell was missing. For a $6 taco, the missing shell was about 50 cents worth missing. You can see it in the picture. The top taco looks like someone bit off the shell. I was starving so I ate it. Wanted to ask for another consommé, but thought they'd charge me for it. Why couldn't they give it in the same size little dish as the Salsa? Wish I took a picture of both consommé cup and salsa dish so you can see how tiny. Just imagine 4 little white consommé cups sitting inside the salsa dish and there's still room to add another. The spoon in the taco picture is a tiny teaspoon like the kind you stir coffee with. It's not a big soup spoon, folks. You can see in the picture the amount of consommé would barely fill the teaspoon. 5 stars for drinks., but pissed off about the lousy tacos. I had the Margarita flight which was yummy. $10 for 3 small glasses: regular, mango, blackberry. All were delicious but amazingly surprised by how good blackberry was. The guy next to me had the same tacos. He said same thing I said, so tiny, not worth 12 bucks, but he was starving also, so he just ate it, like I did.

Alice Q.

Went to a hosted meeting luncheon. We had a private room that held 30. Chios and salsa were delicious. I ordered a rootbeer. Lunch was buffet style right outside the room. I started with build my own salad. Then rice and beans, cheese enchiladas and steak or chicken fajitas. The meats seems overcooked and i think could be sliced cut smaller. There was a bowl of soft cornbread and salsas, sour cream, grated cheese, tomatoes. The dessert table had individual flan and basket of individual wrapped chocolate chip cookies. There was plenty leftover but we weren't allowed to take leftovers. I need to remeber that El Torito is good for large parties with plenty of free parking.

Sandi T.

Came in Mother's Day for brunch , we had our reservations for 9:45 . We arrived on time and were seated immediately. Even though it was busy the service was good. The server was attentive with our drinks and getting empty plates out of the way. The food at the buffet was good. I enjoyed some Tri Tip , Chile Relleno , Chile Colorado , Rice , Salad , etc. My daughter enjoyed the pancakes and sausages too. They also had Mac & cheese , chicken tenders and corn dogs for the little ones. Overall I was glad with the buffet experience and glad we came early !

Maggie N.

I was craving Mexican food and I haven't been here besides for the breakfast buffet. It was good and it's been years since I've been back and we got to have it so dinner. I definitely like the vibe being inside the restaurant and it was nice it was during happy hour. Service was really quick and they were very attentive and always making sure we were good. I got the 3 piece combo which I chose 1crunchy taco and 2 enchiladas. It was so good and this was what I've been craving. The chips and salsa were very good and we got the guacamole and chip which was also good. And since it was happy hour we were able to get a margarita flight and a sangria which were both good! I'd definitely come back! That happy hour is worth!

Antonio M.

Richard is the best waiter here Look for him when you come. The coolest guy ever get your food. Fast drinks are always on point.

Beef enchiladas, chicken flautas, and beef tacos

Kim B.

I really enjoy eating at El Torito! As soon as we arrived, the waiter gave us chips and salsa. Yum! I always look forward to this. We ordered birria tacos, ignited fajitas supreme which has beef, chicken and shrimp, and a three item combo, which we decided to choose a beef taco, chicken flauta, and a beef enchilada. You'll get rice, beans, guacamole, sweet corn cake, and different spicy sauces, too. You can always ask for more tortillas (corn or flour) when you need it. Everything was packed with flavor! I always come back to El Torito because we get good service, good food, serving size is just right, and the ambiance is nice. It brings me back to Mexico.

Jessica Y.

The restaurant is located in the Best Buy Plaza. Lots of parking. Came and tried the happy hour. Seating in the cantina. If you want to watch a game they have TV's around. They started us off with chips and salsa and we ordered the mini tacos, carne asada fries and mahi mahi tacos along with a Margarita flight. The salsa was delicious. The margaritas were beautiful and tasty. The menu has a good variety and all the food tasted great. The mahi mahi tacos were surprisingly juicy and tasty. Staff started off a delight...until they forgot about our mahi mahi tacos, which I didn't understand because the staff who brought the other 2 dishes said before leaving and one more dish mahi mahi tacos? Nothing ever came. Finally asked the waiter who then checked it was written down but was never made. Still don't understand this when the other person verified with us. Other than that the food was good.

Jon R.

Came on a Thursday night, went to the bar and ordered fajitas and happy hour items. Our last visit was horrible. Staff was slow or didn't care. This visit was great. Our waitress in the bar, was amazing. She took our ordered correctly, she refilled drinks quickly, and chips. Food came out hot and tasted really good. The mini tacos and sopes had good flavor a nice hot sauce. They were presented well. Bill was about $60 for two people. We shared a lot of plates. Restaurant was clean and the bar was bright with basketball games on tv. That waitress definitely wed be back for. Manager with pony tail, was helpful and seated guests. Tonight won us back.

Juan F.

Came here on a Sunday for their buffet. The buffet price also includes drinks such as Jamaica, Horchata, Agua Frescas, Hot Chocolate, Coffee and more importantly Mimosas. The variety of the buffet exceeded my expectations. They had mole, chilaquiles, tacos, taquitos, chille relleno, rice, beans, ceviche, aguachile, salad, menudo and a full on dessert bar and a kids section with chicken tenders and fries. Overall, great meal and we enjoyed it.

Ce C.

On " Cinco de Mayo" afternoon, the place.was full, great ambiance, even greater service provided by staff which was all accomodating in our wait. I want to highlight the treatment and service provided by Jaxson. The food is always good here.

Ivy C.

We've always past by this El Torito but never tried it so decided to give it a go. Walking in, there wasn't anyone to take you to your seat and servers didn't say anything, there was no signs either. We noticed there was a DJ (mind you this was a Thursday early night I recall) so it was surprising that they had a DJ on a weekday night. The DJ was the person who told us we can sit wherever so ok, we found an empty seat and sit down. A server came by and took our drinks order and then food order. All the food was fresh and tasted good. I love the fact El Torito gives complimentary chips and salsa which is an absolute hit when it comes to dining at mexican restaurants. I was fine waiting on food but our drinks took forever to come out and I noticed the bartender forgot to make one of our drinks that even when our food came out, our drinks did not. Our servers and manager did notice this and I do appreciate the attention to detail as I did not say anything. I know they mentioned a small discount as we have to endure the long wait unexpectedly. In the end, we did not receive the discount on the bill as promised, but I was fine without it. I just want to point this out so this restaurant knows where to improve. Their fajitas was good and fresh. I wish I could have got more tortillas. The drinks were alright and not as flavorful or strong as I expected. Thw salsa was great and I love the complement of beans, rice, and onions on the entree which was cooked well. We also got their 4 pcs taco dish from the happy hour menu which was delicious. There was plenty of parking and seating. It is a nice location on the corner of Foothill and Sierra Madre in Pasadena.

IGNITED FAJITAS SUPREMAS + CRISPY FLAUTAS

Marcus L.

Good food and service. The happy hour is excellent. Worth coming to with friends! Also love the fried ice cream. Food: 4/5 Price: 4/5 Experience: 4/5

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Yamiley P.

8 years ago

A late Valentines dinner ( I was out town for business) and thanks to Serena Soto this was a successful dinner. I was starving, made it here with 15 minutes left of Happy Hour, and Everyone knows I Happy Hour!!!. Had great drinks, food and Awesome Service. Thank You Serena we will be back!!!! P.S.... the "True Love is About Sharing", special for V-Day was Spot on read more

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Theresa T.

143

8 years ago

I encountered our waitress Crystal, and service was outstanding. The moment I sat down with my family she immediately came by, greeted us, and asked what we would like to drink. Our glasses were never empty and she was on top of it from start to finish. Besides the great service she provided, she was kind, friendly, and such a hard worker. Made my experience at el Torito a lot better than it usually is. read more

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Linda G.

8 years ago

Perfect service! Love the food! Martha was such a great service! Also love the brunch!

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Shelbae P.

6 years ago

This is a really great location!! Only good experiences here!! Nice servers and great food/salsa!!

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Janelle O.

Thank You very much Shelbae , We appreciated you !!! come back to…

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Alyssa P.

8 years ago

One of my favorite Sunday brunch spots. A nice selection of foods and desserts. The seafood and fruit was very fresh! For $25, all you can eat, including bottomless mimosas - you can't go wrong! A special thank you to our server Bobby. He was extremely friendly and attentive! With a 2 year old in our party, Bobby was patient and super sweet to Isaac! Bobby never let us hit the bottom of our glasses, and made sure my nephew had plenty of snacks. A great spot for big groups. Definitely get a good bang for your buck here! read more

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Gerry B.

149

312

1007

8 years ago

Ashley our server was super attentive. Great service, location and food. Chicken sizzling enchiladas and corn are . Yummy! Yummy! The Shirley temples are great too. read more

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Amy H.

6 years ago

Had brunch here and it was great. They have just about every Mexican cuisine you would want and they all taste pretty good. For the stations, they have waffle, tacos, and an omelette one. Bobby was our server and he was really accommodating; he came by frequently. Greg was the manager and he made sure we had what we needed. In my opinion worth the $27. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Amy!!! we appreciate you !!!! Yes our Sunday Brunch is the…

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Ken P.

6 years ago

Came for the brunch buffet. Excellent selection of Mexican dishes, fruits, desserts. Particularly enjoyed the bananas in brown sugar and butter atop a warm waffle prepared on the spot by Mario. Very good tamales, sweet corn, breakfast tostada with egg on top, refried beans. Lots of variety. Food was fresh. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Ken !! we appreciate you !!!! Yes our Sunday Brunch is the…

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April C.

7 years ago

At the suggestion of the hostess I sat in the bar area as the wait time for dining area was long. I was alone and the servers in the bar all ignored me. They would look right pass me and not one came to my table. Every single waiter walked pass the table and ignored me even when I tried waving them down or my "could you take my order request" as they walked by. There is no excuse for ignoring a customer just because they are sitting alone in the bar area. Went back to dining area and got a table, but again had to wave down a server. With more luck this time. The veggie fajitas were good. Their salsa was a little bland. read more

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General Manager

Thank you for submitting your feedback! We really appreciate it, and…

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Omari A.

7 years ago

The service was great. The food was wonderful. I came with my mom for the Sunday brunch. The food choices are great, everything from potatoes to tacos (and my personal favorite sweet corn cake). El Torito is one of my favorites! read more

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Saro A.

7 years ago

Great atmosphere, great customer experience, Richard and Jose were fantastic. I love the cilantro dressing for the salads, and the omlett is to die for! I would go every Sunday if I could! read more

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Angela S.

8 years ago

Great service in this particular location! My server was very attentive and the food was great! A big group friendly place and super friendly! read more

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Roxanne R.

8 years ago

Great place for Brunch and friendly service, thanks Ernesto and Richard for the delicious Banana foster! Haven't been here for years I'm glad we came. read more

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! IT MEANS SO MUCH TO US! We…

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debora m.

8 years ago

Ashley is the best waitress at the Pasadena El Torito! ALWAYS takes care of our group! Prompt. Friendly. Never have to ask her for anything twice. Thank you Ashley for the best service.... you are why we keep coming back! read more

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Michael M.

8 years ago

Ashley is awesome. She knows her stuff and is very pleasant! Food and drinks were delivered with good timing.

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Melisa R.

8 years ago

Food was good! We had arlett (I believe that was her name) and she was really sweet! She was very attentive. Refilled our drinks without us having to ask and kept checking up on us. Hopefully we get her every time we eat here! read more

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Michelle R.

8 years ago

I like the cantina. The food is just as good but the atmosphere is funner . Our service was great. Sunshine served us with a smile and a great attitude. We will be back to see her soon. read more

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Orio A.

10 years ago

Worst place... Takes forever ... And food is not even good. Don't know why these people work here and why others wait this long. Peace out. read more

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Trina U.

Hello Orio,…

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Shan C.

8 years ago

This particular location is awesome because it is close by to our home. Ashley was attentive and our order came out jiffy right at dinner time. Will be back soon. read more

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Alex S.

204

8 years ago

Ernesto gave of us one of the best service ever. Great Restaurant. The buffet was delicious and will definitely come back and recommend this restaurant to others. My family and I enjoyed our meals. read more

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Danni E.

9 years ago

I used to love this place so much!!! But over the years it has been on a constant decline. My experience this past weekend was the icing on the cake! Absolutely horrid food service, attitudes galore, super salty food, and this list goes on and on. I used to love their Sunday brunch but now I will try the West Covina location. The only saving grace is that our server was a sweetheart and she tried so hard. read more

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Alan T.

8 years ago

Celebrated Mother's Day at El Torito today and it was so great! Service was fantastic and the Sunday brunch was absolutely delicious. Our server Jonathan took great care of us the entire time and that's not an easy task with a party of 12 on a busy Mother's Day Sunday brunch. Any time there is a live mariachi band it's always a plus. read more

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Serafina O.

6 years ago

Marisol was amazing! She came to check on us often and kept the chips and salsa coming! such a good time, happy hour is great!

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Jeanne H.

8 years ago

Mom and I were headed to our regular dim sum joint, but stopped by Bed Bath and Beyond to run an errand. We saw El Torito and said WHY NOT?! We stumbled upon their Sunday Brunch! At $27 per person, it is an all-u-can-eat affair!!! Taco bar, Omelette station, soups, seafood, fried banana, menudo, pork rind, desserts, etc etc. As an Chinese-American elder, my 80-year old mother thought it was a super fun experience (she loves the ambience)! A very nice way to introduce America-Mexican style cuisine to other cultures. read more

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trinh n.

5 years ago

Came in to el Torito today with my friend for a couple drinks. We got sat promptly by the friendliest hostess Katia. The service was impeccable because of our server Arlette. She was continuously checking on us without hesitation. The busser and the rest of the servers kept walking around asking if we needed refills. It was perfect!!! Thank you amber, Mona and Manuel. So helpful. Definitely returning for cinco de Mayo! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Trinh !!! we appreciate you , come back soon

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Dee B.

9 years ago

Awesome service. The waiter Ralphie was so attentive and caring. We need more like him. Ladies the muscles are awesome too. The margaritas were awesome too. read more

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Hector S.

Dee, thank you for your great feedback and we are very fortunate to…

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Christine W.

277

10 years ago

Here for Taco Tuesday, Happy Hour, and Paint Nite! Their $2 chicken, carne asada, and carnitas tacos are tasty! The mango margarita is $5 and delicious! The bartender noticed how hot it was and even positioned the fan to face us! Great service! read more

El Torito - Mango Margarita on the rocks with no salt and street tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Trina U.

Hello Christine,…

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Trevor G.

150

8 years ago

We went back again today and had the Dos Tacos which for $9 you'd expect a generous portion of food. There was about 4 or 5 1/4" portions of chicken on the tortilla, a cup of beans and that was about it. At 70 years old have to say the poorest excuse for a $4.50 taco ever. Should have taken a photo of it. Perhaps should have called over the manager before we ate it. Last visit for us as you can get generous $2 tacos on Taco Tuesday near us. read more

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Judy N.

5 years ago

Got there at 430 on Friday and surprised that the wait was only 10 minutes we where seated in 5 minutes from the quote the server was excellent first time here meeting friends from out of town his suggestions were great bacon wrap shrimp omg can I get the recipe . read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Judy !! we appreciate you !!!!

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James S.

7 years ago

Margaritas are on point! Brought my girlfriend here for the first time and she enjoyed it. She got the trio street tacos with chicken. Food was hot and delicious; be careful with the frijoles. Only thing missing was a good hot sauce to go with them. Other than it was a good experience here. I'll most likely come back. read more

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! IT MEANS SO MUCH TO US! We…

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Kimberly D.

5 years ago

Bobby provided wonderful customer service. He was very attentive and quick. I highly recommend coming for brunch!

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Janelle O.

Thank You Kimberly !!! we appreciate you , please come back soon

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Bryan S.

199

8 years ago

I am writing in again to comment on the waitress we had at dinner the other night. We once again had Kathy and she was delightful! Very attentive and made the overall experience that much better. It's rare in today's world when a server can make your experience better rather than worse. Really appreciate the service Kathy! read more

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Victoria A.

8 years ago

Heidi was amazing !! Great service and super friendly. Best experience I've had here. Felt like she was family and also made me feel very comfortable especially in the condition I was in ( I had a boot on due to a sprained ankle). I always love coming to El Torito and Heidi made it even more memorable. Definitely should come and request her service ! read more

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Nelly G.

8 years ago

This is my favorite spot to go to for happy hour after a rough work day. They have excellent and friendly service. I especially like one of the managers, Gabby. From the first time I went there she went around and asked everyone how they were. She still remembers my name and always goes to my table to check on me and asks about the service. I definitely recommend this restaurant...taco Tuesday is the best! read more

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Brooklyn M.

8 years ago

Omg shut this place down. The bar the refrigerator was not working and when another person it fell apart at bar area. The lighting outside is dark. The taco was horrible. Jack in the box makes better tacos read more

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Alli H.

7 years ago

We came here for Sunday brunch and enjoyed all the selection. They have lots to choose from and include numerous choices for kids which we appreciate. Richard cooked us a delicious dessert made from bananas. Jonathan was our server and was very nice. The food seems fresh. My only wish was I would have liked a warm shrimp dish but really the selection was nice. Great tacos, omelettes and much more. My family will return. read more

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! IT MEANS SO MUCH TO US! We…

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Maria U.

8 years ago

Great Mexican food and great service from Ernesto. This has become our first choice for Mexican food in Pasadena. My favorite are the Chicken Sizzling Enchiladas. read more

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Jack A.

7 years ago

I always come in to el Torito and get a fresh lime juice Chelada. These tacos are amazing! Need to come in and ask for wonderful service from Ashley and Mauricio. read more

El Torito - We have some chicken and steak tacos street tacos. I always come in for these awesome tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! WE TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!!

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M C.

13 years ago

Don't get me wrong with 3 stars, they have the best damn chips & salsa e-ver. Seriously, we buy it to-go for home... People request that we bring it to their house for gatherings, it is that damn good. I have been going here for the last 16 years & it's mostly because of the above chips/salsa love affair. I do love their Mexican Caesar salad too. As mentioned in other posts, service is definitely a hit/miss thing here...as is most of the food. I was actually told by a server that ONIONS didn't come w/ my FAJITAS...wait, what? Then he looked encroached upon when I actually wanted some (I got a small plate of barely cook onions for my trouble). Wow. Also, I'm not a fan of sitting in the bar because even during the day, service tends to be slooooooow. Lastly, I would probably consider another star if they put the Salmon soft tacos back on the menu...seriously crazy good. Ok, so maybe they still wouldn't deserve that extra star but I would go a little more often if they had them. Did I mention the chips and salsa? read more

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David O.

5 years ago

Visited El Torito last Sunday, for the first time in years. Thanks to our server Sally, brought back good memories. Her timing was great, drinks and food were delicious. Thank you Sally, i will be back. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You David !!!!! please come back soon to our Taco Tuesday , you…

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Page 51 of 65

3333 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
Directions
(626) 351-8995
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 drive thru?

No, El Torito does not have a drive thru.

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?

Yes, El Torito allows 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
15 Reviews

Ask the Community - El Torito

Is there a private space for 80 people ? what is the maximum for people and time limit for a private event?

Hello Deisi, yes, we do have space for a private event, even 100 we can accommodate you, please come and ask for any manager we will be happy to help you or call us 626 351 8995, Veronica or Karla

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How are the tamales?

Good! Hot and tasty

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How much is brunch buffet Saturday?

I think you meant Sunday. Around 40.00 per person including unlimited Champagne. Well worth the price

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Do they still have sweet corn tamales at the brunch buffet?

Yes! And it is absolutely delicious

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How much is the Sunday brunch?

Prices have changed since Covid. It used to be $24.99 per person. Call your local restaurant and they should be able to tell you the current price.

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How much the Sunday brunch buffet?

Between $25-$30 per person. Not sure as this is not my go to breakfast spot. But thats what I remember paying.

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When do kids eat free?

If they are the owners family, otherwise no.

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What is the maximum number of people in a group that El Torito can accommodate outdoors?

I would call to get a number of people in a group for outside. I saw probably minimum of 6 people.

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Do they have Time Warner Cable = Dodger games?

In the cantina. If it's not on you can ask them to put on the game.

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Is there a buffet during the week?

Nooo only on Sunday for brunch, and that's over at a certain time (idk what times it stops):)

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How much is brunch and what day is it on ? Are drinks included

Sunday’s and it was about 40$ That includes the drinks they offer in the brunch which is orange juice, horchata, apple juice, and coffee.

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If I don't drink, is the sunday brunch still the same price?

Yes, the brunch still remains the same price. A non-alcoholic beverage is substituted

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My family and I stopped by Mercado for Happy Hour last week. It was my mom's second time going to…read morethe Happy Hour that same week. She really loved the guacamole, the pork tacos, and the fish tacos. We also ordered the ceviche, but the standouts were definitely the tacos and the guacamole. Highly recommend the happy hour and grabbing a seat outdoors or inside to watch any games going on! The service was fantastic - they took our order and almost immediately delivered the food after. They also checked in multiple times with us - if the food didn't come out right after, they went to go check on it for us. Great place - we'll be back!

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El Portal

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I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant over the weekend with my mother and sister. From…read morethe moment we walked in, everything was exceptional. The customer service was warm and welcoming, the restaurant was clean and well maintained, and the ambiance created the perfect dining experience. What made this visit especially memorable was how authentic the food tasted. I recently spent two amazing weeks in Peru, and this meal instantly took me back. I was able to enjoy two of my favorite Peruvian dishes, and they were absolutely delicious and full of authentic flavor. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for great food and a wonderful atmosphere. It was truly an amazing experience, and I look forward to coming back. The only thing that could have made it even better would have been if they offered traditional picarones for dessert!

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Place is amazing, the food taste was on point, I had an Unagi Sushi (Best I've had), and the Sushi…read moreBowl. I would definitely come back again.

Mill's Alley was a gem found on resy. I had a post Japan trip depression and knew Japanese food…read morewould be the remedy. My friend made a reservation for a party of 7 on a Saturday at around 6:00 pm. For parking, there was a structure right across the street. It was packed at the time and I needed to circle around a few floors before I could grab a spot. Upon checking in, I was a bit early and was prompted we couldn't sit before the entire party was there. Once ready, we were seated at a large table near the back. It was spacious and we all had ample room for our dishes. One of the things I liked the most about the menu was the variety of items. Some of my friends got ramen, while another got handrolls, skewers, etc. Personally, I got the chirashi donburi. This took the longest to make but it was well worth it. Everything from the rice to fish were seasoned well. This was the perfect dish for someone that's super indecisive like me! Furthermore, the vibes of the place was great. We had a server that frequently came to fill out waters. He had a great sense of hype as well. Highly recommend Mills Alley for the delicious food and ambiance!

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Pez Coastal Kitchen

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950 reviews that are not currently recommended

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MariaElena M.

1 year ago

On Sunday (5-4-25), after a very busy and stressful afternoon, we finished running important errands around 6:00 p.m. Throughout the whole day, I had only eaten 4 Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and my sister had only eaten a donut. By the time 6:00 p.m. came, I was incredibly hungry, tired, and a little bit stressed. My Dad decided we would go have dinner at El Torrito in Pasadena, CA. From the moment that our host took us to our table, the one thing that we could not help but notice, was how loud the music was. We could not believe how loud the music was. I felt like my head and my ears were going to explode. We asked our host and also our waiter several times to please lower the music, but they did not lower it. After a stressful and busy day, we just wanted to sit down, relax, talk, and enjoy our food. We couldn't do none of that because the music was incredibly loud. This raised my stress and anxiety through the roof. We are in the middle of going through a very difficult time with my sister-She needs additional surgeries for two serious ankle fractures. When no one wanted to do anything about lowering the music, my Dad asked to speak to the manager. The manager was not very sympathetic. He completely shut off the music, but I don't believe he did it out of any respect towards us. I don't understand how you can put customers through that. I thought we were going to a restaurant, not a night club. If we want to hear music full blast, we'll go to a night club. I would have never expected this from a restaurant. Our dinner was beyond ruined because I was left with my head and ears ringing from the loud music, as was my Mom, Dad, and sister. Also, that whole situation flared up my stress and anxiety. My sister suffers from migraines and loud music can trigger her a migraine-You people have absolutely NO RESPECT for your customers. I am pretty positive that we are never going back to your El Torrito Pasadena, CA location. There is no way that we would be able to go up against that incredibly loud music. We are so disappointed with this awful, stressful, and uncomfortable dining experience. We NEVER, EVER would have expected this from you. I highly suggest that in your next meeting you discuss lowering the music at your restaurant to a level that will allow customers to be able to have a relaxing conversation and to be able to enjoy their dining experience. We were left beyond disgusted. I don't know how you can do this to your customers. You have no common sense and no respect for your customers. read more

Sandy R.

8 years ago

Just had the WORST experience. My husband and I went in expecting a delicious meal and a good margarita. We ordered one "double" margarita and fajitas. The service was slow. Server was ok pleasant. When we received the margarita it tasted like frozen ice. Both my husband and I took several sips and agreed it was terrible. We told the server and she took it back and replaced it with another margarita. It was a little better, had at least SOME flavor, but still was the worst margarita we had ever tasted. Our fajitas were served, however we had NO plates! After a few minutes our plates were delivered...but we had NO tortillas! We have never ever been to a Mexican restaurant where we had such poor service. The food was tolerable, but in comparison to other local Mexican restaurants it was much less tasteful. Basic substandard food. When we received our bill we were SHOCKED to be charged $7.99 for the margarita and $6.49 for the extra shot of tequila...because we ordered a "double". Honestly, the margarita tasted like water with just a little bit of flavor...and I mean a little bit! We asked our server about the charge and informed her we were VERY unhappy and had NO idea about the $6.49 charge for ONE shot of tequila. The manager came over and was extremely rude and showed NO customer service compassion, respect, or understanding. Unfortunately we did not get her name...but this happened at approximately 10pm on Saturday night, 5/11/2018. Our server was not friendly and showed no customer service courtesy. My husband and I had been shopping at the local stores and stopped in hoping for a relaxing dining experience and left this restaurant feeling unsatisfied, disturbed, and angry about the lack of courtesy displayed by the staff at this restaurant. We give this restaurant a big 0 rating. Do not dine here unless you don't care about the quality of service and food/drinks. read more

Christine E.

4 years ago

The bartender name Paul is the rudest person I've ever experienced. I sat at one the tables in the bar area with my son. Ordered a margarita. He slammed the glass on the table. It spilled over the glass and the table. He walked away. I called him to request napkins to clean up the mess. I thought he should do it and apologize, but all he did was slam a 2 inch stack of napkins on the table and walked away. I did not want to complain, because I just wanted to have an enjoyable lunch. We two ordered salads but only received one. I could not find Paul so I walked up to the bar and waited for him to come out of the kitchen. I told him we're still waiting for my son's salad. He said he never ordered it in a very argumentative way. I said forget it. We'll just share my salad. Then I told him I think he is very rude. He walked up to me in a threatening way. He was much taller than me. It was kind of scary espy since I'm a senior citizen. I turned around and walked to my table. He followed me there. Kept arguing with me. I told him to go away and he said no he is not, so I said well then have a seat with us. He kept arguing I told him to just go away and get the manager. I spoke to the manager. She is new there so I'm not sure what action she is going to take. I told her that we have come here several times in the past. Whenever we see him we know the service is going to be lousy with this angry server. I will never go back there again. The food is OK. Definitely not five star, though, yet the should service definitely should be five star. read more

Bobby A.

8 years ago

This past Sunday, on Easter my family and I decided to try this place out for brunch. My wife and I don't have small children, so there was no need for the egg hunt this year. We got there around 10 and got seated right away. The employees were all dressed in Easter color shirts and some of them had bunny ears on, it was a very upbeat environment. The food was amazing. I started with an omelette which was made by a talented young lady who could manage 4 omelette day a time! It was delicious. I have to admit that after that omelette, I was already starting to get full. But I had to try out more options. They had something for everyone from tacos, rice/beans, menudo, waffles, seafood, fresh fruit, and a carving station. Everyone in my family found something to satisfy their cravings. By the time we were done, I could've been rolled out. Our server Jonathan was very nice and attentive. Normally with buffets, it's easy for waiters to forget about you since you get up to get your own food but not him. Our drinks were always full and we never had to flag him down for anything. Even after it started to get busy, he still made sure to keep us in his rounds. A manager, Ralphie, even stopped by a couple times to make sure we were having a good time and to check if there was anything we needed. As we were leaving, he wished us a Happy Easter and invited us to come back soon which needless to say, we will be back. read more

Delilah V.

8 years ago

My boss and I stopped in here for lunch on the way to a meeting. He had been here before and said we have to stop and eat here. The place was very upbeat and everyone that I saw had a smile on their face. We were seated right away when we got there which was nice since we were on a tight timeline with the meeting we had to go to. Carlos was our waiter and he was very nice and helpful. I wasn't sure on what I wanted to get and he suggested I try the Mexican Caesar Salad since I wanted something light. I normally don't get excited for salad's but this one was delicious! The portion is enough to satisfy you without over stuffing you. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the dressing was delicious, and the pepino seeds give it crunch and texture. Besides the food being great, the service was amazing as well. Carlos made sure our drinks were refilled, and brought us new chips/salsa when we were running low. A manager Ralphie also stopped by a couple times just to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and asked if everything came out okay. We made sure to thank him as well as tell him about our great experience with Carlos. I told my boss we should come here more often for a working lunch. read more

Lynn V.

8 years ago

My friend and I were looking at Apartments at the Ellington which is right across the street from here. We we were finished, we decided to eat here for dinner. I absolutely loved the food here. I friend the Baja combo which is bacon wrapped shrimp, a shrimp enchilada, and a fish taco. The wrapped shrimp were big and juicy. Sometimes the bacon can be too crispy but this was cooked to perfection. The enchilada had a sauce on them with was so tasty but not overpowering. By the time I got to the mahi mahi taco I was stuffed but after one bite, I didn't want it to go to waste. If you are a seafood lover, this would be the dish I suggest. Trino and Ralphie were fantastic! Trino was our waiter and he really was on top of the service. Chips, napkins, refills, we never had to ask, it just showed up which was nice. More time to focus on my food! Haha Ralphie is a manager there and he stopped by once or twice just to make sure we were being taken care of which I though was pretty cool because you rarely see managers out and about at tables. He mentioned we should stop by on Tuesdays because they have a Taco Tuesday promo. I will keep everyone posted after I try it out. read more

Briella O.

8 years ago

This is my new favorite Mexican restaurant! I ended up here tonight by chance. I had a client appointment in Pasadena and decided to stop here for dinner to try and avoid heavy traffic. From the moment I walked into the restaurant I was greeted and sat right away. Since I had never been here before, I had some questions about some of the food and drinks. My waitress was Ramona and she was so helpful! She answered my questions and gave me some suggestions as well. I ended up choosing the steak fajitas which she recommended. The flavor of the spices used were so good. Normally I just eat the meat but the onions and bell peppers were too good to pass up. I ate the entire serving, which was huge, by myself! After I finished eating, a manager, Ralphie, stopped by my table. He heard it was my first time here and just wanted to make sure I was enjoying my experience. I wasn't drinking since I had to drive home but he told me I need to try one of their many margaritas next time I come. I work in an industry that is all about customer service and this restaurant really wow'd me. I have already told my friends we have to stop by next week. read more

Jorge J.

1 year ago

El Torito offers an exceptional Mexican brunch experience that shouldn't be missed! Their Sunday brunch menu perfectly balances the menu with traditional Mexican breakfast flavors with creative contemporary touches. The chilaquiles are absolutely outstanding - crispy house-made tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant tomatillo salsa that has just the right amount of heat, and cheese to balance it out. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of textures and flavors. For something sweeter, the churro French toast is a revelation - thick-pancake qcoated in cinnamon-sugar, perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining custardy inside, served with fresh berries. The brunch cocktail shines with Serena aA. with her take on mimosas, featuring a traditional orange, tangy, and exotic Jamaica juice that put this brunch staple over the edge. The bright, colorful space features traditional Mexican setting and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Service is attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive, making El Torito for the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday brunch! read more

Raffi A.

1 year ago

I visited this place for Sunday brunch, and it was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was simply amazing. The space had a warm and inviting vibe, with beautiful decor and just the right balance of lively energy and comfort. Whether it was the soft background music, the cozy seating, or the natural lighting, everything came together to create the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. The food was absolutely delicious--every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I especially loved [insert favorite dish, if applicable], which was a true standout. What truly made the experience unforgettable, though, was the exceptional service from our server, Maria S. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she had such a welcoming demeanor that made us feel truly special. Between the amazing food, impeccable service, and stunning ambiance, this brunch was one for the books. I can't wait to come back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience! read more

Dani J.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience ordering takeout this past Monday, thanks to the incredible service from Jason working as the host. He mentioned he was still new to the role, but you wouldn't have known it, he handled everything like a pro! Even as the restaurant got busy, he stayed calm, organized, and completely in control of the room. He didn't just stand at the podium waiting for work to come to him, he stayed busy the entire time. From seating guests and managing the host stand to checking on orders in the kitchen, he was on top of everything. He even checked in with me multiple times to give me status updates on my order and made sure the waiting guests were taken care of and kindly offered me extra chips and salsa for the wait (which honestly wasn't long at all. Fresh food takes time, but I know some people can be impatient these days). Hadn't been to this location in years. I love the renovations y'all did to the interior--modern, yet still keeping the restaurant's charm. Thanks again Jason and all the staff at El Torito Pasadena :) read more

Azul P.

8 years ago

Was there last Saturday and man the wait was worth it!!!! I noticed that everyone was working fast. As soon as I got seated the busboy came right away with chips and salsa, as i ordered i was noticing that the busboy was running around cleaning tables one after another and that was very impressing because i had noticed that the other busboy was just taking his time on cleaning one table when the other one was done with 5 tables. I had ordered a table side Guacamole and the it was very delicious! I even tipped the busboy because it was very well made and it was made fast as he left i asked him his name very well mannered he answered "JR" and off he went to clean a table that had just gotten up. Now thats a hard working young man. My waiter was the nicest person every she served us really well and she was getting us everything we order. I want to thank El Torito for such an amazing service keep it up and i will always be coming back !!!!!!! read more

Brittney A.

8 years ago

This place is great! My anniversary is on Valentine's Day and most times we celebrate before or after yo avoid all the people who are celebrating Valentine's Day. This year, since it fell on a Wednesday, we thought why not try dinner, it might not be too crazy. We ended up going to this restaurant to celebrate. I've personally had El Torito Grill before but never El Torito. The manager Ralphie stopped by the table to ask how everything was and started chatting. At some point, we talked about the fact that it was our anniversary. Shortly after, Duet singers stopped by our table and serenaded us. It was beautiful! The food here was delicious of course, I fell in love with the Mexican chicken Caesar salad (I could put that dressing on everything!). But was put our dinner over the top was the experience. Ralphie was amazing and took the time to listen and be attentive. My husband and I will be coming back here again regularly. read more

Karen H.

9 years ago

I just want to let everyone know that when you head to this location, you have to ask for Ralphie. My friend and I meet for lunch every week and I mentioned craving Mexican food so she suggested El Torito. I have eaten at this restaurant many times before and absolutely love their food. The chicken mexican caesar salad is my favorite hands down! I would love to have a never ending supply of that dressing. Aside from the great food (per usual), the service was outstanding. Ralphie we so cheerful and attentive. Our chips and drinks were always refilled without us having to ask or catch his attention. Even though he was busy, he made sure that we didn't feel rushed or like our business didn't matter. More often than not, most waiters do not take the time to make you feel welcome anymore and this was quite the opposite. Please share with Ralphie that he now has another regular guest! read more

Brad S.

2 months ago

This restaurant has consistently been the worst. I have ever experienced when it comes to takeout orders. An example of what happened often happen was tonight when I ordered online a half an hour later than their current take out time. I asked for curbside service because I have a daughter with a disability who gets distressed if I leave the car for very long. We called we waited, and eventually, I went into the restaurant and hopes of finding someone there to get my takeout order. There was no host or hostess there to help. I waited and waited. There was absolutely no one available so I went back to my car and I called again and we waited until someone finally came on the phone and said they would send somebody out with the order. It was already 10 minutes later than the time due, yeah, we waited another five minutes beyond that to get our order. So take out customers beware. read more

Nina A.

8 years ago

It's been awhile since I've eaten here so it was a treat when my sister offered to take me out to dinner. I have been craving their chicken flautas and a Cadillac margarita. I have tried chicken flautas at every Mexican restaurant I have ever been to and nothing compares! Luckily I'm off tomorrow so I got to enjoy the margaritas more than usual haha Besides the food, you can always count on the service being great here. Ashley was our server tonight and I will be asking for her by name next time. She put up with my sisters indecisiveness on drinks and food, always had a smile on her face and was in such a cheerful mood. One of the managers, Ralphie, even stopped by a couple times just to make sure we were doing okay and asked if we needed anything. We made sure to let him know that Ashley was taking care of us. Its always delicious food and great service here. read more

Maria R.

10 years ago

Today my friend and I went in to grab some appetizers and drinks and sat in the bar area. Normally I don't write any reviews as I have never experienced exceptional service or terrible service. However, today was different. Ralphie was such a pleasant server to have help us. We were laughing and smiling the entire time. It was much more than just the "standard" service. He made us feel like friends/family as if we were regulars when in reality, we rarely visit this location. It was a breath of fresh air to know that there are still people out there who have a genuinely positive attitude. The food was great of course as well as this delicious margarita he told us about, I believe it was called a dueno. Overall today's experience was great and would definitely come back to visit him again, possibly this weekend when I have family in town. read more

Ray F.

7 months ago

Our recent visit with a party of 15+ was severely impacted by the inappropriate conduct of our server. Our Hispanic server was relentlessly leering and staring down the young female guests in our party, which immediately created an environment of intense discomfort --a fact noticed by our entire table. When I immediately reported this serious concern to the manager on duty, I was met with shocking indifference. I requested the server be removed from our table, but the manager was dismissive and rude, flatly stating, 'He HAS to stay there' and even remarked, 'Oh well I'm on my lunch.' This complete refusal to address a severe behavioral issue and the manager's unprofessional attitude are unacceptable. The management clearly fails to prioritize customer comfort and safety. We will not be returning and I strongly advise caution to other patrons. read more

Nancy S.

Elite 23

178

3 years ago

I recently had lunch at El Torito, and I was impressed by the fast and friendly service. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile from the hostess, who quickly seated me at a table. The server was equally friendly, taking my order promptly and providing some great recommendations from the menu. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my food arrived, and it was clear that the kitchen was working efficiently to get meals out to customers. Throughout my meal, the server checked in on me regularly to ensure that I had everything I needed and that my food was to my liking. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the service at El Torito. The staff were all incredibly friendly and efficient, making for a great dining experience. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for fast and friendly service. read more

Stephanie V.

8 years ago

Absolutely love this place! My family and I moved to the area a few months ago and were on the lookout for a good Mexican food place. We used to live in the Fresno area and had tried the El Torito up there a few times and we're excited to find out there was one here too. The food is amazing, especially the flautas and jalapeño jelly. I could eat those every day and still keep coming back for more. The waiters and managers are all so friendly and helpful. When my husband and I came for drinks, one of the managers Ralphie, came by to see how everything was going and suggested a spicy mango mojito. They were delicious! I appreciated the suggestion to try something new as well as just ask how things were. We will be coming back here for future date nights and family nights. Our next visit will be taco Tuesday! read more

Bog D.

12 years ago

My friends from overseas are visiting and asked to take them to a mexican restaurant, so I brought them to El torito, a nice place with very reasonable prices, delicious food and great service. It took us a long time to order food, because we tried to figure out what each one of them (7 people besides me) wants and the waiter was very patient, explained all the foods and specialties. drinks, appetizers came right away, which was great. And the delicious food came right after. No waiting like in some places. The food was lovely, tried several different dishes (hard to remember all the names though) liked all of them. The portions are big and make u full. Even though the wait time was about 20 minutes, it was ok, since I was waiting for my guests anyway. Would like to recommend this restaurant to anybody. read more

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