Great stop! We got into Truckee right at lunch time. Found this place while walking down the street. I ordered a sangria (they make them here) and a chili relleno. Both were amazing! read more

El Toro Bravo - Chili relleno - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

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Always 5 stars had a great lunch! Best margaritas! Off the hook carnitas. Enchiladas are so good we keep coming back for more! This is starting to be an every week thing for me. I hope they put a gym in read more

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The main reason for my review is to warn people! I got food poisoning from here. And 3 other people I shared this news with also got food poisoning from here as well. All separate visits. I had the taco salad. I hate to give a bad review like this, but this restaurant needs to educate their employees on cleanliness. read more

This place used to be decent. It has really gone downhill. :( No carbonation in the soda I ordered. No salt on the chips. Beans were dry and tasted old. The salsa was terrible and the guac had no flavor or spices. Not sure if they got a new cook but we definitely won't be coming here again. Service was slow and terrible as well. We live nearby and used to come often. read more

I was on a Tahoe trip with friends and heard we were pretty much snowed in until Monday morning (which SUPER sucked). After returning our equipment to Tahoe Dave's, it was around 8PM and we decided to just eat something before we figure out what we were going to do for the night. We heard the portions at El Toro were good, and it was just a few stores down so my group and I decided, why not? I'm probably spoiled by Bay Area taquerias, but I was really disappointed with El Toro. For a group of 8, our food took quite a while to arrive, and it took forever and a day to flag the server down to order. Granted I understand large groups are a little more difficult to serve, but the amount of time just felt way too long. I think we were bordering on 30 minutes. I ordered the fajitas, and they were okay. The chicken was moist enough, and adding it with the guac was enough to keep me full for what I expected to be a long night. For the price though (I think it was $14.75), I felt like I was ripped off. Maybe because the competition is almost non-existent with El Toro being the only Mexican restaurant in the area, but paying that much for some meh fajitas was just..... not right. If I'm desperate next time, I may just opt for Taco Bell instead. read more

El Toro Bravo - Chicken fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

The drinks and ambience were good but I would stay away from the food unless you like cheesy oysters! read more

El Toro Bravo - Corona-Rita - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

This used to be a great place, but not so much anymore. Service, quality of food, and atmosphere are all lacking. Bunch of annoying "locals" at the bar who were pretty drunk when we walked in. Been going to this place for 20 years and it is slowly turning into a dive bar. Sad! read more

MEAN and RUDE bartender :( My family came to town from Davis to hang with me in Truckee. We went to El Toro Bravo for dinner 2 nights ago. Bad idea! We sat down at a table for 4 and I got up to grab some menus. Perhaps this was out of line, but my 14 year old cousin was really hungry so I wanted to distract him with food options. The bartender scolded me and said, "You've been sitting for what, a minute?!! If you're in a hurry you might as well just leave!" I was so taken aback I couldn't think of how to respond. I calmly told him we weren't and would like to stay and have dinner. About 25 minutes went by where he walked by the table, no greeting, no drink order. Completely passive aggressively ignoring us. I've never left a negative yelp review. This deserves some attention. I felt my heart drop after being scolded so harshly upon walking in, bad vibes. We should have left then, but instead ended up leaving after 25 minutes of zero contact from a server or from him. Would NEVER return here, which is a shame because both the chips and the atmosphere were good. read more

The fact that there are more one star reviews for this place than any other rating should give you pause before walking in the door. Stopped there for a bite at 1:30 on a Wednesday afternoon. The kid who was bussing (couldn't have been more than 13 years old) was quick with the water, chips and menus. It went downhill from there. About 5-10 minutes later the waitress swings by to take our order. Mind you, there were maybe 3 other tables of people there to eat. We placed our order, along with drinks, and she left. About 15 minutes goes by, still no drinks. We ask the waitress about them and she gets them, one was wrong. She corrects the error and goes. The bartender comes by with the one alcoholic drink ordered, which was excellent. 10 more minutes pass, still no food. We ask the kid to check for us. Miraculously, plates come out a few minutes later. We ordered Chili Colorado, a chicken quesadilla with a side of rice and this thing called a tacollada. The Colorado was decent. The tacollada, which listed shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese and onions inside, covered in sauce, consisted of 90% veggies, including bell pepper, which was not listed. The chicken tasted like it was canned and had this pinkish hue to it. The quesadilla contained the same meat product and was literally spit out at the first bite. The rice was plain, hard and reminded us of saltwater. Also inedible. Overall we spent well over an hour there, with at least 40+ minutes of that in wait time. Not to mention we were never offered any refills on our drinks. I cannot recommend eating here at any cost. Seriously, grab something at the gas station down the road before you stop here. You'll be far more satisfied. Kudos to the kid busting his ass there, though. The only real worker in the place. I slipped him a five spot just because he has a great work ethic. read more

This place RULES!!! Cool vibes,outside seating. Service was fast and food was delicious!!! We went after a beautiful round of golf. Trini makes the best margarita's. They will put you out.... if you like water down, no flavor drinks DO NOT go here. Thank you for making our trip to Truckee a great experience !!!! Go GIANTS!!! read more

The service was just so horrible. the waitress was very rude and the bartender just laughed when we told her about it . never coming here again HORRIBLE HORRIBLE read more

To be totally honest, we wound up here because the place we intended to go didn't open for 30 minutes and we were on our lunch break and didn't have the time to wait. I got a little worried reading the reviews while we waited! But we had a good meal and a pleasant experience so don't let the reviews sway you too much. It really was a great choice. The patio is super cute and it was pleasant and warm sitting out there. Our server was great. The Prawns Martin (not sure if that is the exact name!) appetizer was DIVINE. I wanted to lick the plate! All three of us had tacos (ground beef, prawn, and al pastor) and we all thoroughly enjoyed our meals. I was the al pastor person and I would absolutely get it again. Deliciously smoky and sweet and spicy, just right. read more

I don't know why this place only has 3 stars because I am picky as all heck and loved everything about this place. The food is fantastic and it might be the only frozen margarita I've ever had not from a machine that somehow also didn't separate and get gross. Go here for sure. read more

Went on a Wednesday night for a dinner break from Reno and found this great spot. From tourists to locals everyone was welcomed in the door with a smile. Drinks were prompt, staff was great and while the food was hot and fresh it was nothing to rave about. Overall a great atmosphere and great service. read more

El Toro Bravo - Front of menu - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

The lettuce in my tostado salad was fresh but overall the food was mediocre at best. Had to go looking for our waitress to order and to pay. Wish I had read the reviews before we walked by. read more

Super fun spot for some good drinks and northern style Mexican food. Mike the owner is super nice and fun to chat with. Summer outdoor seating is also a plus. read more

Situated along the main street at the end, this place didn't have a wait or crowd like the American cafes nearby. It's in a separate building, the menu has standard mexican food items, pretty extensive for a place in Truckee. The service was just okay, not the best...it took a while to order. There were already chips and salsa on the table..the salsa is a bit spicy, but not too much...for me it's on the border of being too spicy to enjoy it. I ordered the #8, cheese enchilada combo. While the food was hot...I'm debating on the quality of the food. Like it's just okay, but not scrumptious. There's plently of cheese, but the sauce isn't flavorful. The rice was mushy and the beans were okay. I guess this food is good for the area, but in general, it's a pass. read more

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Would give zero stars if I could. We got seated and waited a full 30 minutes before we were finally able to flag down the waitress. After ordering it took a full 45 extra minutes for our food to actually show up. Not once did a single person check in on us and there were actually other tables that got up and left because the service was so slow. It was also very difficult to get anyone's attention. When the food finally showed up there was no apology for the food being late, no check in. Just dropped off the food and left and on top of that the food was VERY subpar. The "beef" was literally just dry ground beef and it was not worth the wait, price or the service. No redeeming qualities about this place. Do not waste your time read more

I been living in this beautiful town for the last 24 years, so I consider my self a local. El Toro Bravo has the BEST Mexican food and is The Best Mexican Restaurant. My favorite...carnitas tacos, prawn tacos, ceviche, Chimichangas...ok, everything is really good! On top of the great food their hospitality AWESOME!! Trini is the one in charge!!! Drinks are also the best!! If you want and love Tequila EL TORO BRAVO is the place!. THANK YOU for all this years of wonderful food and drinks!! read more

We used to love this place. But since Covid it's just not the same. While the food quality is still good, frankly the attitude of the staff is not Mike the bartender was really snide and rude in patient. We spent over $200 there. And yet will never go back read more

I wish I could post multiple reviews here but today I went in and had a great time as per usual! My mother got the dinner salad with crab, it's literally piled high with fresh crab, so good! She normally gets it purely because of what a good deal it is when you add the crab.. I am vegan am normally get the veggie fajitas, but today I got a tostada.. beans, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and sauce on a crunchy shell, yummm. Vegan tip though, order your beans whole, their refried beans have lard in them. Trini is always really helpful with my food making sure it stays vegan, I appreciate him so much! To those people who all complain about it not being dog-friendly.. it's a really tight space, it would be very hard to run the place remotely efficiently if the waitresses were having to watch their step. Right outside the door there is an umbrella and water bowl for the doggos to hang out, they don't have to stay in the car! Love this place so much it is hilarious to see what people say about it.. read more

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If you see this review RUN AWAY FORM THIS PLACE. We stopped for lunch and split combo fajitas. Normally a safe bet if you haven't been to a restaurant before. It was so very bad. Meat that was sliced and looked boiled, stewed tomatoes and onions. Beans, guacamole, and pico were served with it. The order comes with only two flour tortillas so we asked for more. Two tortillas were $1.75, I asked for sour cream and a small dish was $2.50. I couldn't believe the nickel and dime that was happening on $20.00 (single serving) boiled fajitas. Just RUN, it's "No bueno". read more

The service here is awful. I came here with my Asian family, there was about 12 of us. From the start, we were greeted with an unfriendly face and seated. As she kept asking us if we would like to sit in one big table or split it between two, as we were trying to decide, the look on the hostesses face was as if she was extremely annoyed. I understand that 12 people are a lot, but dont be in customer service if you cant be patient. Then, as we are trying to order, an older White woman took our order. She was also really unfriendly and was pretty rude to us as she took our orders. Its almost as if she was annoyed that some of the adults couldnt speak english as well bc when my White uncle ordered, she completely changed her face to a friendlier server. As for the food, they give you free chips and salsa. But the salsa is really weird tasting, probably the worst tasting salsa ive ever had. Its spicy too but that wasnt the issue, it was the taste. Our family got a variety of dishes: taco salad, shrimp fajitas, burritos etc. Overall, the entree dishes were pretty decent. Honestly didnt expect much but it was good. Still, wouldnt come back here because I dont like dealing with rude customer service. I feel like the two ladies got progressively nicer, so Im wondering why they werent nice from the beginning. read more

El Toro Bravo - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

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I was sitting in the next table from this guy and the lady with him. What he failed to mention is he cleaned his plate, and she did too. She walked out before the next scenario happened. She was probably embarrassed for the guy. Why? Because he then, rather rudely told the server that the food was disgusting (after taking photos of the awesome presentation, complaining about salsa being too spicy, and refusing to pay for a side of beans) and he went on to say he only ate the entire meal because he was hungry. He also demanded a refund! The refund or even a discount was obviously denied, because well, he ate ALL his food! Seems this guy was just looking for a free lunch, literally, and went running to yelp to cry when it didn't happen. Avoid at all costs? Haha. Because you actually have to pay for food after you eat it all. This is what's wrong with yelp: A$$holes like that. EDIT: Looks like he has deleted his review ;) El Toro Bravo is a favorite local hot spot. There's a reason it's been open for over 50 years! Good food, good family, good people. It's the best Mexican restaurant in town, hands down. read more

El Toro Bravo - Missing the best part of the review!! - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

I love this place and have been going here for about a year. Don't listen to the haters! The service is fast, people are nice, and they have a wide-ranging menu with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options. I also love the patio, which gives off a genial, warm vibe. Thank you ETB! read more

I would like to start with the food doesn't have a good taste will need to improve on seasoning. The pitchers for water too old looks like you have a dirty pitcher. Service is not very attentive. The bathrooms are dirty. The servers mix ice utensils to bring ice to dog bowls after she pet the dog. And finally they just get they're tip of 25%. How can you charge your tip now for parties of 3. For the servers you get tips depending on the service you give not just because is mandatory read more

T was hella dope. -Morghan You the guy, had an awesome experience, will definitely be back! -EmiLove The food is amazing and so is T. - Jamie T is the hardest working man - he's like a ninja. Thanks for a wonderful and delicious experience! - Nina T is a G. -All read more

Avoid this place at all cost. When we made a stop after visiting the Truckee cemetery, the family decided to enjoy a meal here. Totally regret it. Needless to say, the staffing is horrible and the food is just okay. Avoid at all cost. read more

Great place to enjoy an honest cocktail. Food is consistent and the outside is great during the summer.

We came there, waited 20 min for anyone to talk to us and when we approached the super drunk bartender to get attention, he said "no food......please leave". We will never go back. Clearly Locals place w nothing but drunks and unprofessional service. Felt bad for the one waitress who apologized for his drunk behavior but sad this is acceptable today. read more

I called to make a reservation and was told that the restaurant didn't take reservations. That was fine...I know that some don't. But then, the employee on the phone told me that they were extremely busy for the next two days and that it would be a very long wait to get a table. I also took that in stride and said: "OK, I'll find somewhere else to eat." The person on the phone said "That's fine." Later that afternoon, around 5-5:30, my wife and I were walking by the restaurant and noticed that there were few people in the restaurant and that there were several tables available. We decided to give it a try and were seated without waiting. We both ordered the shrimp fajitas. When they were brought to the table the shrimp were in a thin broth. Odd for making fajitas. No plate was offered for assembling the fajitas as in other restaurants where we have ordered the same. The shrimp dish was bland, and without much flavor. The beans that were served with the meal were really good as was the spicy salsa. We waited quite awhile for our food and the waitress had an I don't care attitude...not responding when I asked how she was doing this evening. So, we were in the restaurant until 6:45 and it never had full tables. Now we know why. read more

Toro is the locals spot in Truckee. they not only have amazing food and drinks, but they have some hilarious bartenders! If you come on the right days, with patience, and a good attitude, you're gonna have a good time. Now if you come with an impatient Bay Area vibe you're gonna have a bad time plain and simple. Deal with it! read more

Strange place for sure. We sat outside, as did everyone because the inside didn't appear open. The food was good, very good in fact. I went simple, chicken enchilada and shredded beef taco. Both would be a repeat for me if I am ever in Northern California again anytime soon. The beans were good, and the chips and salsa very good (salsa has a kick...careful). The service, two young men as bussers and assistants to the waitress, was great. She appeared to be the only server in the place, for six tables ranging from parties of 2 to 8. She nailed it. read more

Best Mexican food in Truckee. Atmosphere outside is fantastic and the fish tacos are amazing.

Love coming in to this place for a good drink. Micheladas are delicious, margaritas are strong, and the food is great. Happy hour M-F from 4-6pm with great drink specials. Highly recommend the Prawns a la Martin or any of the Seafood Specialties. read more

El Toro Bravo - Prawns a la Martin! - Mexican Near Me - Truckee, California

If you want yummy FANCY Mexican, this is your stop. I came here with my parents while they were visiting and, having lived in the Bay Area and been spoiled to AMAZING Mexican food, I have to say El Toro can DEFINITELY run with San Jose full service Mexican joints. The fajitas were amazing, my husband couldn't stop eating his burrito (despite being uncomfortably full), and my father raved about his dish... carnitas I believe? It's a bit pricey for the town but you get a TON of food. Disclaimer: if you want taqueria style food, this ain't it. But if you want fancy Mexican, go here. For taqueria style, tacos jalisco or golden rotisserie will fill that need;) read more

Waste of time and money. Very poor quality food. Rude bar man. Parking awful. Walked into to join family and was yelled at by barman. Unpeelable grilled prawns, bar man walked away when shown problem. Thankfully waitress fixed. Burrito nothing but beans and tortilla. Caritas good but no sauce for taco. Other family means not worth it. Yes, very limited staff, very long time to sit and wait poor quality food and service. read more

Fantastic!! Good atmosphere. Fast service. Recommend if you are in Truckee. Great food.

The food was decent, but they were definitely understaffed. In fact there was no staff. It was the owner's granddaughter, her husband, their son( who looked about 12 years old) and their son's friend ( same age) That was it. They had the boys cleaning tables, serving drinks and food, and when I gave him my glass for a refill, he was twirling my straw with his fingers. It is not the boys fault, their are too young and not trained. And the two adults running the place were extremely rude and in professional. read more

We bounced around Historic Downtown Truckee today with a group of 9 people for a special occasion. Had a great time everywhere we went except for here. We spotted two tables when we arrived, and approached the bar tender to ask if it's ok to move them together. The bar tender told us, no. And said he would get a couple tables set up for us and went back to cleaning glasses at the bar. After 5 minutes of 9 people standing around looking at the two tables that were open and waiting for the bar tender to get our tables ready, we followed up and asked if we can just sit down at the tables and he again said, no. So we left, walked right next door, we sat down immediately, had no rude bar tenders to deal with, had great food and drinks and spent $400 in 45 minutes. No idea what that guy's problem is, but the owner/ management should try and figure it out. read more