Place is cute and small . But the food was pretty basic . Nothing special . My husband's pork chop were extra extra dry . And my French toast were nothing basic . read more

The Toro Cafe was once a gas station and the structure still looks like one. Inside it is clean, but interesting like most historical buildings are. Check out the painting on the wall inside. Very surprising. It shows the highway there going through a heavy commercial area, now completely gone. I hiked the park across the highway and came upon an old concrete highway bridge. I would think that was once a big deal, a modern highway and sturdy wide bridge to replace what was likely a terrible road and funky little bridge. Now it is abandoned and covered by foliage. Luckily, the surrounding grazing land has been saved from development and of course the old Fort Ord across the road is a park, so the cafe likely will always be situated as it is now, out in the country. The food is mainstream and predictable, with the menu choices found in every such cafe. Nothing wrong with hamburgers, Philly cheese steaks and the like. It is cooked properly and consistently. The waitresses hustle around efficiently and in good humor. The parking can be tight at peak hours, but I have always found a spot. The patio is sheltered and nice. I think the Toro Cafe may be around for a very long time indeed. My parents probably bought gas here. Our grandchildren will have lunch or breakfast here. That is really kind of amazing, if you think about it. _____________ Edit update 12/13 Haven't been here for awhile. Stopped in. The food is horrid. My breakfast sandwich had Velveeta-like cheese and a really nasty processed "ham" slice. Hope it was hooves and snouts, but probably worse. The person at the next table rejected his food. I am not talking foodie stuff, just how about something north of prison food, thank you. Have some %$#&% pride in what you do. It was acceptable before for what it was, but it has sunk to way below acceptable. They even took down the interesting historical painting and replaced it with a bad one. Not happy about this waste of an interesting location. read more

The service here wasn't so bad, the food was pretty average. Although the basket of fries was good! Nice crisp crunch.

Do yourself a favor and stop in at Toro Place Cafe for breakfast. We ordered eggs benedict, blueberry pancakes, a side of sausage, and a fresh cinnamon roll and everything was absolutely delicious! The cinnamon roll was light and soft. The eggs benedict was perfectly cooked, the English muffin was lightly toasted (not hard), and the hollandaise sauce was light and lemony. I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often. read more

First time I have ever had to eat a hamburger with a fork. Clarify that a little bit: it was a chili cheese burger and there was more chili on it that even the plate could handle. If I had tried to eat it the normal way I would have looked like a small animal had digestive problems all over my front. Anyways, great food, awesome patio to eat on when it is a nice day outside. Bonus points, a lot of times you will see fire fighters there eating, something about a man in a uniform makes everything taste so much more delicious. read more

Who knew??? So.. I decided, on a total whim, to seek out breakfast at the a Toro Place Cafe a couple of days ago. Once you enter, you are immediately met with country charm and warm smiles. I ordered a delicious omelette and decided to try the biscuit (the size of a small loaf pan) 'n' gravy too.....Yummay! The service was friendly, the comfort food was good quality and quite tasty, and I really enjoyed breakfast here! I'll be back! read more

Sure, you can find better food somewhere if you go in either direction (Monterey or Salinas), but if I'm in Toro Park, I'm perfectly happy right here. Food has always been good, servers have always been friendly, and the prices have always been fair. I've never had breakfast there, but I would bet that it's even better than their burgers. It just seems like one of those places that serves a delicious, greasy, hangover helper kind of breakfast. read more

I've had the pleasure of enjoying some sunny days here while dining outside and I must say it was quite pleasant. Its obviously a local spot that gets plenty of passerby business. I would highly recommend stopping on your way through between Monterey and Salinas. The friendly service and laid back atmosphere is representative of the surround areas. The food was prepared well and in a timely manner and the service was always with a smile (might have something to do with the sunshine.) All the produce was, as one would expect, fresh and full of color. The portions are sizable and you shouldn't leave hungry. I recommend the potato salad, arguably one of the best I've eaten in a very long time. . read more

I've been coming here, literally, since I was about 6-7 years old, as I grew up in Toro Park and Corral de Tierra. I remember as far back as when they shot a part of an episode of the TV show "BJ & The Bear" there. They used to have a pool table and Olympia Beer 'flowing waterfall' signs up on the walls, long ago. We used to called it "Vi's", since it was owned/run by a woman who I assume was named Vivianne. Just ate there last weekend with my folks, and though the ownership changed, the quality remains tops, and our breakfasts were fantastic. It's the only other place I've ever seen that offered a chili verde omlet (the other being in Cambria), and mine was perfect. Highly recommended, but don't tell your cardiologist. read more

Best biscuits & gravy on the Monterey Peninsula and great service dg read more

This is such a cool little place! They have done a great job of renovating the restaurant without loosing the nostalgia of the American Cafe. The food was good and the service was great! My wife is vegan, so finding something for her to eat at a diner is a bit difficult. Our server did a great job of accommodating! We will be back. read more

We stopped after hiking at toro park. Ordered a kids meal (all reasonably priced), a burger and a salad. The salad was kind of small, but very fresh ingredients, including home-made blue cheese dressing. Burger was big with lots of fries. Server was great, especially with our son. We always see tons of cars here so figured we would stop. I think I would like the breakfasts better and may try to make it out for one. Kind of a tiny place and parking is somewhat limited, but I love places like this and clearly others do too. read more

Great chorizo breakfast burrito. Takeout was fast on a busy Saturday. Ready in under 10mins And good value, big burrito.

This place is very cozy and the food is very tasty. I really enjoy their omelettes. I have been here 4 or 5 times, and I believe the ownership has recently changed. Some things look new, including the menu. The food has not changed. The servers are friendly and the food doesn't take too long to come out. I've only been here for breakfast, so I can't vouch for other meals, but they know what they're doing when it comes to a meal in the morning. I've tried many of their Scrambles and Omelettes, and they're all good. You get many options as a side, including hash browns, potatoes, biscuit, or a cup of fruit. The fruit is very good and tasted very fresh. I always look forward to coming here when I visit Salinas. The location is cool, right on the side of the highway. It seems like a classic side of the road restaurant, where regulars and passerby's can find a comforting breakfast. read more

Wonderful little place. Pets friendly. They even have a doggy menu! ;) waitresses are happy and friendly. Great place to enjoy a Saturday afternoon! read more

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We decided to stop in to Toro Cafe after a hike at Fort Ord since it is across the street. We missed the breakfast cutoff at 11:30 so we got lunch. The food was good and in large portions. The price was good for the area. The server was slow coming to the table to take our order, but the food came out pretty quickly. We did have to wait a while after we finished eating to get the check. She seemed to forget about us. Overall it was a good lunch stop. read more

8-25-19 My first time here, and have to say it was horrible..... Didn't get anything I ordered... and charged for it all

Didn't get served, a menu, or a goodbye. I understand busy as I've been in hospitality. A greeting and contact is essential #relationshipmatters read more

If you are doing the wine country thing, I recommend a little breakfast spot on Hwy 68 between Salinas and Monterey Ca. The Toro Place Cafe is a great breakfast stop with outstanding food. It's in the country, relaxing and right off the highway. Try the Bacon Waffles! Yum :) Close to numerous wineries for tasting later. A regular stop for me in the wine country, Enjoy~ read more

We had breakfast on our way out of Monterey, but wish I had found it sooner. My whole family really enjoyed our breakfast/lunch. This place has a real homey and local feeling. It feels like you are sitting in someone's living room. It looks like a converted gas station from the outside. My daughter really, really loved her Philly Cheese steak sandwich! read more

Went here for our first breakfast in Salinas, CA after moving from Ohio. I love the atmosphere of this place, which is what sold it to me for sure. Everything is very slow, like I have found the overall feel of California to be as well. The wait staff was friendly, quick if needed and helpful when asked. The breakfast was basic, ordinary and was nothing to complain about. However, it wasn't anything special, and I could definitely get the same if I went to any other restaurant. I had the eggs and bacon while one of the people in my group had the Chorizo, which was quite good. I would come back to get that breakfast dish without a doubt. I would like to come back for lunch and dinner to see what else this place has to offer! Definitely recommend. read more

This is probably going to be my new favorite place. Cute cafe, staff makes you feel welcome. It's 7:30 in the morning and they let my husband order a tuna melt for breakfast( off lunch menu). Food was delicious. read more

I have been to Monetery at least once a year since grade school to see the Vintage Car Races. I must have driven by this place 100 times or more and I never noticed it until I was up there by myself to see the Motorcycle races. This seemed like a perfect place to pull off and grab some breakfast. This place is your absolute perfect example of a mom and pop, greasy spoon roadside diner and its awesome. It's got more character in one room than 10 places I have been in my life. The food is good too. The wife and I ended up there this last weekend and it didn't disappoint. They were really busy so this time we had to wait 15 minutes just to park! but worth it. Check it out! read more

A go to spot when I want comfort food, whether it's breakfast or lunch. Chicken fried steak and eggs, or the mushroom swiss burger are my faves here but honestly, everything is good here. read more

This is a really good place for breakfast just be prepared to wait a while. Parking can get a little tricky. read more

Toro Place Cafe - Salad are fresh - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

Tried breakfast here for the first time after passing the cafe, Im guessing 1,000 times. Ordered the Chicken Fried Steak which was under cooked and the gravy tasted like flour. I will try again because I've heard they have good gravy.... Maybe just a bad day :-( Second visit.... The gravy was much, much better... The breakfast was good, but not great.. Ordered a simple eggs and sausage breakfast and the sausage was barely warm and was just normal... I love my food hot.., oh well On the plus side.... The service is very good and they have a nice patio.... I'll try once more for breakfast :-) read more

We have been meaning to stop here for a long time and finally stopped y today. I had the farmer omelet and the hubby ordered the chorizo omelet. I also ordered a side of sausage. My sausage wasn't cooked so I sent it back but my omelet was perfect. I've never seen so many vegetables in an omelet before and was very pleased! Our waitress was extremely nice and apologetic about the sausage and offered to cook another order but I declined. The interior was very rustic and the bathroom was clean. I would recommend this little gem if a restaurant read more

This place is as cool looking inside as it is outside. The staff are warm and friendly. My plate of food came and I was worried I wasn't going to be able to eat if all. After tasting it I couldn't stop, everything on my plate was delicious. By the way I got the pork chops and eggs with the cracked sourdough. My girlfriend go the veggie scramble and was delighted with the taste and size of the portion. Go here and eat you won't be disappointed. read more

Very cozy little cafe. Service was prompt, food was delicious and affordable, location was great. There's extra parking in the back too read more

Toro Place Cafe - Bacon Bleu burger. Delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

A quaint country cafe where you feel comfortable sitting at the counter or at a table inside or outside patio. I felt so comfortable eating there by myself and the food is great with good prices. They serve breakfast till 11:30am and open at 6:30am Monday - Saturday and close at 2:30pm. Sundays 7:00am - 1:30pm read more

Toro Place Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

Food and service is always great! They are doing their absolute best to serve their regulars and community in this trying time! They also managed to pull off yearly holiday toy drive!!! Can't give enough kudos!!! read more

Great stop on the way or returning from Highway 1. The freshest food and the Mimosa's are one of the best.

Love this place! Great breakfast for those who aren't afraid of high calorie fare! Kind and attentive staff as well! The negative reviews are a headscratcher... in the 50+ times I've eaten there, I've never had issue with anything. It is 100% a locals favorite! read more

I've driven by this cafe 100s of times and though it looked like a place I'd like to try. I finally popped in this week for lunch. It was just okay. The service was good, but not very friendly. The sandwich was nothing to get excited about and the fries were terrible. The atmosphere and decor were great. In a pinch it would be fine, but with so many choices in the area, I doubt I'll go back. read more

The eggs Benedict is amazing and the potatoes are great always !! Great atmosphere good seating inside and out on the back patio. Definitely recommend. read more

Since I grew up in the area and even after I've left Toro Place Cafe has never changed. It's still kind of a dive - but a family restaurant that has good "American" food. The hamburgers are really what it's all about here - everything's fresh - and if it's a nice day you can sit on the patio and enjoy lunch in the sun. Sometimes the service can be slow but for the quality the wait is worth it - this isn't a big city place after all it's a truck stop on the side of a scenic highway. And it beats the pants off fast food. I haven't been there in a while but I'm pretty sure they are cash and check only. The parking space is kind of small so if it's busy then you'll be looking for a spot - and the restaurant itself has limited seating so be prepared to wait if it's the lunch time rush. This place is always packed so you know it's good - a definite must try. read more

Best traditional break fast menu. Very nice setting, you can even eat outside in the back, with the sound of water in the background. Staff is very friendly. read more

The Best Place in Salinas to Have a nice family Breakfast. Professional service, Great Food and Exelent Customer Service. I Highly recommend this place read more

My family and also the sales team loves this place for breakfast. Good food, great services, and always some fun specials. It's a great locals hang out and you see a lot of farmers early in the AM. read more

Well, this was disappointing. Took my girlfriend in because it was a nice little spot and we both walked out extremely disappointed. The waiter was not attemtive at all (brought my girlfriend two knives to eat with wtf?) The coffe was lukewarm and burnt and the food *sigh* the food was maybe made by a one armed peg legged pirate cook or something. It was greasy to the point that you could smell the grease coming off the plate. Truly hope they couldve made a better experience. read more