This is such a great place to grab breakfast after a hike at Fort Ord or to bring out of towners to. It's not fancy, but it's GOOD. The omelettes, pancakes and cinnamon roles are a must for breakfast, and if you are into tuna melts, it's the best one I've had in the Monterey Bay Area. The key is to go on a weekday or early on the weekends, because this place will get packed. It's deceivingly larger than it looks from the side of Highway 68 and there's great outdoor seating where you can bring your four legged friend too! read more

Excellent breakfast very friendly and easily adds more food to a growing boys breakast.

They are the best "greasy spoon" other than the Chatterbox in Carmel Valley Village. These two family oriented restaurants are the cream of the crop. read more

Best salsa in Monterey County!!! Just ask for the extra spicy salsa and he will bring out the good stuff. He can also make you fresh flour tortilla chips that are to die for. The beautiful staff is great and very attentive and they always remember your orders for the next visit. I always grab a salad but everything on the menu is perfect. read more

See all

Nice service, but food is average. Pricy for what you are getting. Not worth it if you are looking for delicious.

One morning, I wanted to checkout the city of Salinas and to find a breakfast spot there. So Yelp found me one of the highest rated ones, Toro Place Cafe. This place is actually located in a highway trail before you reach the city. The exterior is an old gas stop. Inside has kinda of a retro feel and is small, but spacious enough to seat a family. I was in for some South of the Border specialties like Chilaquiles, but I was surprised that it wasn't in the menu, there was a few of that flavor and most of the stuff here was American tradition. I ordered their Taco Scramble. Its 3 eggs scrambled, hamburger, taco seasoning, cheese, onions and tomatoes. It was tasty and I did like it, you can even taste a hint of the taco seasoning. The other order was their Linquica Special Scramble. Its scrambled eggs, Portuguese sausage, cheese, bell peppers and onions. This one was okay, nothing too special, it was really simple. Also with your plate you get a toasted bread of your choice and one side, which I opted for hash browns to complete my meal. On a side note, the sausages with the scramble eggs from their kids meal were pretty tasty. My son liked them. On the table there is a bottle of their Pepper Plant. Its hot pepper sauce that adds flavor to your meal but it taste a little salty. The service was slow and seemed under staffed. But our dine-in felt homey. Parking can be tricky here. There are no parking stalls. Toward the left side of the cafe there is a no parking sign were there is a house. Decent roadside cafe at 3.5 stars. read more

See all

I cannot count the number of times I have driven past Toro Place Cafe over the years and never thought about once giving it a try. I really can't explain why but this past Tuesday I was finally able to cross Toro Place Cafe off my list. For sometime now, I wanted to go hiking but hadn't found the time/someone to go with. Thankfully, one of my co-worker was free and decided to join me after she got off work. We decided it was better to eat before the hike since Toro closes after 2:30 and two I figure she would want something to eat after working all day. We both ordered the Toro Tea (half ice tea and half lemonade) because as she put it "at a place like this, it just doesn't feel right to just order water". I thought it had a good balance of sweet with a slight hint of lemon. As for our meals, I ordered the french dip while she ordered the 68 burger. I found the meat to be fairly tender and had some good seasoning. There were parts where I found I did not need the au jus at all but that didn't stop be from layering on the flavor. I took a bite out of her burger but was sadly disappointed to have received a mouthful of raw red onions. I love onions, cooked ones that is, raw onions I'll pass thank you very much.... Overall Thoughts Old fashion joint serving timeless classics in a lay back atmosphere. You forget at times there is a bustling highway right outside those doors. Savor in the moments, that's what Toro Place Cafe is all about read more

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

How this place got a 4.5 star rating is a mystery to me. The service is super fast but the food is mediocre at best. To say this place is vegetarian friendly is vast overstatement. There is one vegetarian item on the menu that states $1.50 extra for meat. Hilarious... read more

Haven't been here in a while.. It wasn't as good as I remember. Service was just ok and the food was horrible toast was hard and food wasn't hot. Pork chop was undercooked and had no flavor. I would've been better off going to Dennys This is my last visit to this place. #disappointedcustomer read more

Good little hidden restaurant. My great grandfather used to come here almost every morning and got the biscuits and gravy. Ironicly when I went that is the thing that caught my eye. I went back home after and told my mom what I got and she told me of how my great grandfather got that. Felt like a little connection after that. I'll be back soon read more

The waiter here is quite humiliating. I'm a bit uncomfortable today. So I asked whether the hamburger is greasy and which one is less greasy when I order. The waiter seems not able to understand my question. She turn around and ask other customers loudly " is our burger greasy?" As if I'm a idiot who asks a stupid question. You know nothing why I ask read more

This is the best spot in the Monterey bay to chill with friends and enjoy great food! The owner is one of the most charismatic, warm and welcoming people on this planet. The prices are affordable. Every dish on the menu is worth ordering. Come here for Sunday brunch and enjoy a delectable mimosa. You will fall in love with everything about this place. read more

Toro Place Cafe - Mimosa is en pointe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

Food is always good. They have outdoor dining on patio and put a tent in front. Never had a bad meal there. If you want breakfast make sure you are there before 11am. Love the vibe of this place. Down home feeling. read more

First time visiting here, had the veggie omelette with side of fruit and it was delicious. I wish they had cinnamon rolls on weekdays so I could try those read more

Great place, fantastic hospitality. Passed by this place many times between Monterey and Salinas and thought it looked like a place worth visiting at least once. The staff took good care of our group of 13 for Sunday lunch, gracefully accommodating our splitting the checks up between 3 families dispersed randomly around the table. The food was good roadside cafe fare; the only complaint was that they stopped serving breakfast at 11:30 and we were denied access to the Chile Verde Omelette and Chorizo Eggs. However, everyone enjoyed their meals and commented that the restaurant was a great choice. My wife's Mini Chili Patty was anything but miniature, and my Double Chili Patty should've come with a warning for the huge portion size. There is outside seating, but as the weather was the typical "chilly when breezy" for Monterey, we opted for indoor seating. The prices were about $8-$10 plate and drinks about $2.25, so on the cheaper end of the $$ rating. The six of us dined for $54 (pre-tip) and none left hungry. They closed at 1:30 or 2:00 pm on Sunday, but let us stay without pushing us at all, and we ended leaving around 2:45 pm and only received positive attitude from the staff. Bathrooms and dining area were clean. That, plus the friendly wait-staff and good food, make this a place definitely worth revisiting. read more

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

See all

Wonderful place to eat! Service is great. Food was delicious. Bring your mom to this place!! read more

Toro Place Cafe - Great service and equally great food! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

Stopped here on our way through Big Sur. We got the Farmer's Omelette which was delicious! Customer service was great! Perfect place to stop on the way to Big Sur or Monterey. Great vibe read more

Great food! I highly recommend this place For Breakfast and lunch in you are in the Monterey Bay Area

Stopped in on my way home from the races at Laguna Seca to grab a quick BLT for my wife waiting at home...... boom! In and out in 5 mins & a very reasonable price along with very friendly & respectful treatment even though a small order. Very impressive!! read more

Toro is such a great place... I miss going there for breakfast.. But, you can not beat the service. The place is a classic small out of the way road side diner from days gone by.... It totally reminds me of the restaurant Bette Davis worked in in The Petrified Forrest. The Toro is a genuine piece of Americana... you won't regret your visit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EI91OC5PNhc&feature=related YOU TOTALLY EXPECT HER TO WALK UP AND TAKE YOUR ORDER... At any rate... it's a great place... Awesome menu of classic Roadside Diner fare.. Stop in and enjoy... No Jack's in this restaurant allowed... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvXVP5lSF1s read more

See all

Small hole in the wall, but the food is on point and the staff is friendly. I don't know how they do it with that tiny micro kitchen they have... but the food is delicious. Chicken fried steak and biscuits&gravy here are my favorite of anywhere I've ever been. read more

This is my 3rd or 4th time here, I really like it One is bcuz it's very peaceful out in the country side, the food is good and never had any complaints or disappointing issues, till today, order coffee and food... It was mid-busy, my food came on time but server wasn't attentive, she was other clients around me, 'How's the food' is there anything else I can get you' Let me fill you coffee. This was offer to all table around me except for my table. read more

I was excited to try this place out after seeing all the reviews but was somewhat disappointed when my food arrived. The place has a really cool look and feel and the staff was super friendly and attentive. I ordered the eggs benedict and there were a few things wrong with my plate. There was way too much hollandaise sauce on it and my eggs were over cooked. Overall, it was still pretty good, not great but then I ate into a huge chunk of burned bread that left a horrible taste. Folks had mentioned the eggs benedict as being amazing, maybe I just went on a bad day. Parking was also really limited. The place definitely has potential, I'm hoping to give it a second shot . read more

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

See all

Local place. We have dined here for lunch a few times. The food is what I would call diner food. We had had both good and bad service. I haven't been for breakfast but it appears to be the most popular. Don't be fooled by the stack of cars outside they will have a table for you. read more

Stopped here with my wife after a long bike ride and what a great choice! My wife ordered the fresh crab salad and I had the calamari steak sandwich. Both were excellent! The service was superb and the whole staff is warm and friendly. Definitely will be back to try their famous breakfast menu! read more

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

I love this place. Everything about this place is amazing the food and stuff highly recommend this place trust me

Tried this place out today, specifically breakfast, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was on my list of places to eat and I wasn't disappointed. When we entered the server said it would be a few minutes as the tables were being cleaned. Few minutes later we were seated. Our drink order was taken quickly. Through observation I could tell that cleaning is done often, which is a plus! I ordered the eggs Benedict and my husband ordered the Toro Scramble. My experience: Everything was nice and warm. The sauce was perfect! Sometimes if it gets too cold the consistency changes, but I did not experience this at all. My husbands thoughts: was just okay and he felt it lacked taste. Overall, I would say that this is a nice place to visit. I would like to try the pancakes next time. read more

Consistent and delicious. Love their biscuits, do not miss! Breakfast on the patio is perfect after a hike.

Very nice atmosphere and setting . Options of inside or outside on a patio . Said prior to sitting outside where wasps coming around . Noticed there was a fly swatter if needed as well as several wasp traps . Nice flower arrangements though so it's understandable . Hospitality was excellent , soft music playing and hostess / waitress and staff very pleasant . Food portion was very much and great presentation ( Farmers Omelette - like a western but better ) , ABC omelette was also great . Easy access parking out front and back . Bill was under $29 including juice and coffee . Will be back and recommend others . I've been here previously and service was also very good . read more

Probably the best breakfast I have found in the Salinas/Monterey area. Staff is always friendly and attentive. My favorite meal is the Huevos Rancheros and love the country potatoes. Also have a nice patio for those nice days. read more

After talking this place up for years to my husband, we finally hit it up for breakfast. My last visit here was 12 years ago, and it was so amazing that every time we drive by I tell my husband (who's never been here) all about it. We drove by the other day and noticed it actually wasn't loaded with cars (whaatttt??), so we went in. It looked exactly like I remembered, we were greeted by wonderful people, and from the start I was happy as a clam. Fast forward to the food: epic fail. I don't know if we came on a day that they were training a new cook, or the cooks were cranky, or Denny's took over the kitchen for 30 minutes and served all their crap to us (seriously, Denny's level food), but man... I actually started making excuses for them, to my husband, on why the food we were served was SOOOO far off what I'd had before. I see that this place is still getting massive stars from people, so I'll make my last excuse for them and chalk it up to a cranky Denny's cook take-over that couldn't be stopped due to some weird alignment of the planets. But with a few amazing breakfast/lunch places in PG & Carmel to choose from, we'll just make the drive out there next time. read more

Sign says best coffee. The coffee was week as water and the potatoes undercooked. I just left.

I made the mistake of going here last week with three others. I ordered Eggs Benedict what a disappointment. The sauce was runny and greasy, no Canadian bacon or even a thick slice of ham only a thin piece of ham lunch meat. Then there were the hash brown potato's, they were floating in grease. To top it off I ordered coffee which came promptly before the food which is fine except I was not offered a refill until I was done eating and then I was charged for it! read more

Toro Place should not TRY to serve Mexican food. It was horrible. There was cilantro all over the food and the beans were mashed mush with no flavor. Gross! Not good at all. Not a wonder that I have not eaten there in the last 20 years. New chef or something? Such a great spot but horrible food! read more

Go there, eat breakfast and then write your own 5-star review! The absolute crown jewel is the huevos rancheros. It's served with a chile verde sauce. read more

Absolutely love this cafe style restaurant. I always order a jack burger or the ABC omelette! Service is always so nice and the environment is very homey! read more

Been coming to this place for 30 years (mind you I'm only 38). What a great place to come and be greeted by your first name from the owner, Jose. Food is a guaranteed staple whether it be breakfast or lunch. So if you're a tourist, look no further. From biscuits and gravy in the morning (homemade by the way) to single bacon cheeseburgers for lunch, you can't go wrong. Now being a father, my son now gets to enjoy Toro Place Cafe for the many years to come. read more

Toro Place Cafe - Dining Room that was probably once a living room. This restaurant used to be a house that was converted. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Salinas, California

Service is great! Food is delicious! I love their cinnamon rolls! They are homemade n one of a kind! I highly suggest you try their bloody Mary's! Best in the area! I used to think Phil's fish market had the best, but after tasting them here, I changed my mind! Mimosas are also a must! Try their Mexican omelets! Country potatoes are exquisite!! Yum! Must visit read more

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

See all

Great breakfast service was good and friendly. Quaint setting and an outside patio that is nice on warm days read more

Good diner food with generous portions. The coffee was especially tasty, more so than your average diner. I had the chicken fried steak with biscuits. The biscuit was massive, and went great with jam. The chicken fried steak was good as well. read more