One of the best Mexican food experiences I've had in a long time. Shrimp and steak fajitas were awesome and they totally hooked my son up with his meal. He is very picky and really only likes shrimp when going to a restaurant. I asked for about 4 shrimp and some tortillas and they piled them high for him. Great service, great prices, cool spot in downtown Capitola Village. I will definitely go back for more! read more

El Toro Bravo - Combo shrimp and steak fajitas, crab enchilada and a made to order kids meal with shrimp! - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Solid family run shop right by the beach. Perfect place to get a to-go burrito and walk down to watch the surfers across the street. Lots of seating, and they love groups so bring your friends. Personally, I always get the super burrito! read more

We had some Fish Tacos and a Crab Enchilada. They were absolutely amazing. The Crab Enchilada had real chunks of crab in it that were full of flavor, and a delicious sauce. The Fish Tacos were packed full of delicious veggies, peppers, hot sauce, and fish. It was an amazing experience. read more

I grew up in Texas, so I know what good tex-mex is (Enchilada, taco, rice, beans). This is my favorite mexican restaurant. Ever. No other has come close. When I lived in the east Bay I would drive over on the weekends just to get some lunch. Last month I was back after 10 years, and ordered the Enchilada, taco, rice, and beans combo plate. I ordered chicken for the enchi, and beef for the taco. The plate came out with chicken for both, but I was too busy stuffing my face to comment, or even care. Prior to the food coming out, I destroyed a basket of chips, and drank down the salsa. The waitress saw that I dug the salsa so she came back with a BOWL full of the liquid goodness. I of course finished that as well. If you want good mexican food, go here. I have been here probably 20 times, and always got the same combo, so I cannot comment on the other dishes. read more

Taste-wise, this place was about average, and price-wise it was a bit steep for the quality of the food and ingredients, but some of the price hike can be forgiven for this place's nearly beach front location. I found it extremely tedious that, when ordering a burrito to-go, aside from the meat I chose, everything else inside the burrito was an add-on that I had to specify and pay extra for. On top of this though, both my order, my dinnermate's order and the customer before us's order were all messed up! Things I ordered in my burrito: *Chicken *"Sauce" *Rice *Beans Things I received in my burrito: *Chicken *Rice *Cheese My dinnermate also ordered a burrito with sauce (which did not turn out to be salsa, but rather enchilada style) and cheese, . While the burrito was literally submerged in soupy sauce (making it a more treacherous to-go order) and didn't contain a shred of cheese, tastewise it was given the thumbs up. read more

We found this place by accident. Were kinda craving Mexican but we had our pups. so our options were pretty limited. They don't have an outdoor patio but there are benches right outside with a little grass area. The food was DELISH & they Packed it! So yum! (9/15/14) read more

One of our favorite places in Capitola. They made it easy to pickup curbside but we sure do miss the old days hanging out talking to the workers. Great food. Vegan menu! The chips and salsa are addictive! read more

Absolutely the best! I love this place. Everything I e had is fantastic. Quesadilla, tamales, tacos, ceviche...the list goes on. Horchata is delicious. Family owned and operated. It's a must go when in Capitola! read more

This little gem is our go-to place in Capitola village. The best prawn quesadillas I've ever eaten. And the portions are big. I also love their refried beans, tostadas, rice. I haven't been disappointed. Usually not crowded. Good service. Highly recommended! read more

My son and I, visiting Capitola for the first time, popped in here for a bite. The place looked friendly enough and they had a table open at a window. Perfect. That was as good as it was going to get. We both ordered the "super" chicken burrito. It was terribly bland and with barely a trace of chicken. The main ingredient was sour cream. I thought only Taco Bell did that. Honestly, we would have been better off stopping at a TB. Their burritos are tastier and don't cost $10 each. I had a feeling we were in for a bad meal when i tasted their bland, pasty salsa which, I actually ended up using to enhance the flavor of my crappy burrito. read more

On a recent visit to Capitola, we walked over to El Toro Bravo for a quick dinner. My wife wanted a margarita, but they are only licensed for wine & beer, so we went with Pacifico for both of us. Served from the bottle, crisp, clear and cold - can't argue with that! Chips and salsa were fine; nothing spectacular, but perfectly A-OK and tasty. I had a chimichanga, and she had the chile verde. Both were very good, and the portions were quite large. Overall, highly serviceable Mexican food, in a cute little place that has a "local" flavor. read more

Food was okay, I had a super burrito it was definitely super in size. I only ordered super so I could get sour cream, guac, and the rest of the usuals. I didn't like their menu at all. It was hard to read as it was all in red letters. Also, it was itemized off for all the little extras that should just be included in the food. Like guac, sour cream, cheese etc.. Also, their combo plates were way overpriced for mexican food in a supposed taqueria.. It's no Palapas so don't ask people to pay Palapas prices. Dining room was blah, chips were okay, but would have liked a salsa bar. read more

It was really delicious! We had carnitas burritos without the lettuce!!!! They were bomb! The meat was tender and juicy and every bite was just as good the one before it. It was a little bit pricier than I expected it to be but I guess its because of the location. I absolutely loved the refried beans they were like heaven! I would go back for the beans and carnitas....Mmmm! The sodas were kind of pricey should have went for an horchata. But definity good place next time I might try the nachos. read more

i have lived in Santa Cruz my whole life and when it comes to killer authentic Mexican food there is no place better than El Toro bravo . El Toro bravos chips and fresh homemade guac and salsa are unbelievable the enchiladas are to die for and the sauce on them muy bueno , the price is right and the area your in is cool get it to go and sit out on the beach watch the waves ( that's what we do ) go down right now to El Toro bravo and get some you will not be disappointed . read more

I was craving a taco and found this restaurant on yelp, and I decided to give it a try. The waiters were nice and patient. I told one that I wanted to get the tacos to-go, and she said that was fine, even thought i realized it was a sit-down restaurant. The tacos were a bit overpriced. I got two tacos for over $11. Also, they didn't get my order correct. However, after I tried the taco, I found it to be delicious. Overall, I would recommend! read more

I ordered 2 super burritos from here. The food was ready very quickly. It was delicious, but could've had more meat. I would recommend this place and would def go back. It's an affordable option in such a touristy area. read more

Tried this place on the advice of some locals and glad we did. The resteraunt is very home like and felt very comfortable sitting by the window making it easy to people watch. The prawn coctail was awesome plenty of prawns and the tamale & fish tacos were excellent. Nothong was overly spicy which i like. The enchiladas came huge portions with plenty rice n beans. The rice was soo good too. This place will always be a great choice whenever we come out to Capitola read more

Great food, location and prices. I am not sure why they have bad reviews. Hope this helps.

in 1975 at ucsc this was to a kid from Ohio an awakening.No picadillo and i did not know green pozole then but now years later still a good place maybe the same owners.Only challenge parking police in wheelchairs and poor mood beware they are primary source of local tourist income for the city. read more

My friend and I googled a Mexican place when we arrived in Capitola for the very first time we live in San Francisco and we go to Santa Cruz often to our surprise when we enter the doors it was a very unfriendly environment, A little ran down and overpriced for what we received on our plates. I ordered a two item combination (taco which was only offered as a ground beef taco and a chili Rellano) when I received it I clearly only had a taco on the plate due to the coverage of lettuce tomatos sauce on the rest of the plate underneath all of that I managed to scoop up one bite of beans and one bite of chili Riano I asked for sour cream to add some flavor and when I got the bill they charged me $2 for the dab of sour cream that was an offer initially when I ordered. I left hungry and my taco was only half eaten due to the undesirable flavor. We will never return here and I can only assume that other customers would feel the same way 1st time here and search for a different Mexican place to eat for the second time around. The Location of this place is really the only thing that i have experience that these doors stay open. read more

Came here for lunch. Ordered Fajitas. It was very soupy. Also ordered a fish taco. The Fish in the taco was playing hide and seek amongst the mountain of lettuce. It must have taken us too long to find it cos it was very dry by the time it was found. The waitress was quick and friendly but the person delivering the water should find something else to make him happy. Location is conveniently next to the beach with easy parking. read more

I live right up the street. My friend and I have been here numerous times because we do like the food. But here's the deal. They have a busboy who is quite possibly the RUDEST person I have ever seen working in a restaurant. He's an older gentleman by the name of Gilberto and he ruins it for us every time we go or whenever I bring new people in. He looks like he's in physical pain as he walks, but we make a point to tip VERY well and ask for as few things as possible. Wish I could speak directly to the owners. I heard people at the table next to us complaint about him tonight as well, and I said "he's always like that". He should find a different line of work. They just lost our business and I will tell every local I know to avoid this place like the plague. Unacceptable. read more

This was always the best place to get homemade tamales....not anymore. The sangria was kool-ade, marginal service & very expensive. Oh so sad that I will not return. read more

Appeared authentic on the outside however, the food was not authentic. Did not even taste like real meat product in the tamales or tacos. Ice tea glasses the size of a shot glass. Tamale looked like a churro. Wth? Chili Relleno was like an omelette and the cheese was not melted- cold on inside. If you are hungry for Mexican food, I will advise to avoid this place. Grew up in mexican household where food was authentic... Trust my advice! read more

This was my worst Mexican Caritas I have ever had. Zero flavor, cheap meat, absolutely gross. The only reason I am giving 2 stars is that my wife said hers was OK. I will not be back. read more

Great food for a great price. Quick friendly service too. We got there right before a lunch rush and had no issues even though there was only one waitress and someone helping with drinks and chips. read more

Where is a tamale cart lady when you need one!!! 5 bucks for a tamale??!! are you kidding me?? it isnt even phenominal, the cart ladys make BOMB tamales and theyre a dollar. ETB loads up so much spicy sauce it must be to try and mask their dry chicken while your mouth is on fire. and 6.50 for a QUESADILLA is rediculous, go to any other mexican restaurant and theyre super quesadilla is that much. i wont be going back or reccomending to anybody. its not worth it... unless your getting drunk off of the margaritas which in past yelp reviews i hear are good! read more

First time in Capitola and tried this place with our three kids. Slow service (we waited 45 mins to get our food) and they got our order wrong. Bland tasting food. The one waiter is very standoffish - almost mean when our 5 yr old asked him for more napkins - he gave the kid 1 napkin! The waitress is friendly, but overwhelmed. read more

Really, really good. Family run for generations. Our party of 4 kids and 4 adults all loved our meals. Totally authentic and delicious.

Took my 16 year old , football playing son here for dinner. Got seated right away with menus, chips & salsa. Ordered a taco & enchilada plate, my son ordered 2 chicken enchiladas, we also ordered chips & guac. The waitress was attentive without being overbearing. Food came quickly and hot. The flavors were perfect, I could onlu eat about a third of mine while my son polished his off. Would definitely go back read more

Love this place! The food is great, fast service, good salsa, awesome super burritos and delicious dinner plates.

Easily the worst Mexican food I've had in at least 10 years. Chicken fajitas were served cold and in a bowl, more like a soup. People in our party where asking me if I ordered some type of calamari dish because the chicken was cut into thin, curly strips. I was really looking forward to a skillet of fresh chicken and veggies. They gladly (over) heated it up for me when I mentioned it. Got worse from there. The good, my 4yo's cheese quesadilla was good and the hostess was nice. read more

We just came back and had to run to Yelp to pump this place up. I never can imagine better service - in a small neighborhood mexican place? Simply in awe, the place was packed, the waiter on the floor was clearing tables, poring water, filling chips, constant attention. The double stacked quesadilla is fantastic - delicious, full of flavor. The only issue was I was hoping the Chimichanga was crispy, it was grilled, but needed a little more crisp-o-smatic. But, this place is still getting the 5 stars. I don't know what my rating is, but I think I gave 2-3 5 stars before. We're coming more often. Go here, enjoy it, get a quesadilla. Peace be with you. read more

The mediocre reviews surprised me. I love mexican food and I feel that I'm very picky as far as restaurants go. I think El Toro Bravo is one of the best out there! The people are very nice. The cooks are awesome! I love the salsa, I'm obsessed with their ground beef enchilada, rice, beans with onions and I love pouring that delicious salsa over it. YUM-MY. It's heaven. I love their food. read more

It's hard to screw up Mexican food. This place was ok. There wasn't bad things about it but nothing great either. We order chips, salsa, and guac. The salsa was bland and tasted canned and the guac had soooo much sour cream in it. The chips were tasty tho. We also ordered chicken nachos. Again, they were just ehh. For the location, you'd think this place would be a little more updated. It definitely is not. The service was ok. Our waitress was friendly, but the man who brought us our items kept randomly standing at our table staring....just weird. read more

I haven't been to this place in a long time and I'm not planning on going back. First of all we got stale chips, what??? I ordered the mexican steak and two taquitos. The "steak" was severely overcooked really to the point of tasting like jerky. The taquitos did not have flavor. I'm very sad I had good memories here. Waitresses are very friendly though with good service but sadly the food did not deliver for us. read more

El Toro Bravo is a family style mexican food restaurant located in the Village in downtown Capitola. Just that alone should convince you to try this place out! It's relatively small on the inside and on busy tourist days, it can be a little wait to get a seat, especially if you have a large group, but I think the food is worth it. read more

delicious shrimp cocktail and right next to the beach! My GF loves the Roseita sangria Margaritas. On a hot day I stopped by with sand on my feet and sat right next to the open door got my cocktail and beer and was back on the beach in 15min. read more

I totally agree with Sarah G's review! We ordered fajitas - BAD! It was more like a "stew mixture". It looked disgusting and tasted disgusting! Chips were stale..salsa was okay but we laughed as the bowl of salsa was very small - it was hard to dip your chip in! The guacamole had the consistency of sour cream, i.e., smooth . It looked like "green" sour cream. Never seen or tasted guacamole like this before. Sad! read more

If I could give this place zero stars, I probably would. My husband and I came in for lunch, and walked into a completely empty restaurant. Should've been my first clue. Once we sat down, we were served a basket of stale chips and a small container of salsa. The salsa wasn't bad, but definitely tasted like it was out of a can. After glancing over a VERY sparse menu - what kind of Mexican restaurant doesn't offer carne asada???-, we ordered our food (huevos rancheros for him, chicken tostada with "guacamole" for me) and received our food in about 3 minutes. While most people would be happy to receive their meal in such a timely fashion, it completely threw me off. Chicken should take longer than 3 minutes to cook! So that tells me it was sitting (for God know how long) in some container somewhere in back waiting to be slopped onto my stale tostada "shell" amidst some flavorless Rosarita canned beans. There was some shredded lettuce spread over the top and then..... The mystery green sauce. This place claims its guacamole, but the consistency, color, and taste was unlike any avocado I have ever encountered. So gross! For $8 I expected some fresh ingredients, and for the additional $1.95 I paid for guacamole, it would have been nice to actually get some guacamole. Looking back, it makes sense why there wasn't any carne asada dishes mentioned in the menu. IT DOESN'T COME IN A CAN! Needless to say, we will NEVER be back. Worst Mexican food I have EVER eaten. *gag* read more