Asked a local for a recommendation and El Toreo was number one on the list. The place and the food was authentic and Fresh. Service was top notch. Fresh chips and salsa came out right away. The margarita was strong and flavorful as was the homemade guacamole . Carnitas and shrimp fajitas was tasty and enough for two. Prices were reasonable and service came with a smile. I will return. read more

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I'm not sure how old this restaurant is, but it has charm you are not getting in many of the newer places. A big,polished bar dominates the middle, and is evidence of many good times! I will admit, the booth seats are a bit sagging from lots of customers, but that's sort of a good thing! I had the chicken taco salad with sautéed peppers and onions. I loved them but they did overtake the ratios os salad ingredients to them. Server was friendly,attentive and helpful. Definitely would return! read more

El Toreo - Taco Salad Lunch - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Fantastic Shrimp Fajitas!!! Service is top notch at lunch and dinner. Ambiance is nice and fun at bar and quieter in dining room areas. read more

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My family and I ate here this weekend. My husband has eaten at El Toreo several times and even though he does not like Mexican food, he loves the food at El Toreo. After eating here, I can understand why. The service was fast, the food was fresh, and the decor was fun and colorful. The restaurant was clean, had plenty of seating, lots of parking, and had high chairs for our son. My husband got the choripollo and I got a chile poblano, a ground beef taco, and refried beans and rice. The chile poblano was one of the best I've ever had. It was stuffed with cheese, cooked perfectly, and had a flavorful sauce on top. The ground beef in the taco had a lot of flavor and it had tomatoes, which most restauratns do not add. My husabdn said that the choripollo was the juiciest and most flavorful he had ever had. Our food was served quickly, was accurate, and was a good portion size. Rating from F to A+++, I give it an A+++! read more

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A good restaurant with a lot of room for improvement. Chips seem store bought. The salsa was ok, but not memorable. I had chicken and steak fajitas and they were ok. The staff doesn't seem to want to impress. It is a place that I may go back, but I am not anticipating a desire to return to the restaurant. This is a solid 3 out five stars. read more

El Toreo - Chip, store bought? - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Good food. My server was Jen and she had great recommendations. I would come again if I lived near here! read more

El Toreo - Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

El Toreo was a great little stop off the highway on our road trip. We originally tried doing next door to Chilis, but I'm glad it was packed because we decided instead of waiting to head over to El Toreo. The interior was very welcoming and inviting. They also had some outside patio seating and a large parking lot. The staff was all very friendly and service was pretty quick. I got the fish tacos, and they hit the spot. They have a kids meal and a changing table for kiddos. I'm glad Chili's didn't work out so we could instead experience a more local spot! read more

El Toreo - Bar - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Pretty good! I am from Orange County/Los Angeles and I've been going to Mexican restaurants since the era of black and white television. Great tasting cantina salsa Generous portions Pretty close to the big tourist traps in Ocala. Good service. Check it out mang. read more

The food is always good and consistent. The service is great. The salsa is very tasty

We used to live in Ocala and had driven past El Toreo many times. Now I'm working in Ocala again right near the restaurant. On the recommendation of co-workers we decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad we did. From the outside, El Toreo looks more upscale than most Mexican restaurants, and that is no different once you enter. The subdued lighting enhances the unique interior decorating, which includes elaborate ceiling tiles and antique-style street lights and none of the garish coloration typically associated with this genre of dining. I found it relaxing and inviting. We were seated immediately, and before we could blink we were provided with the traditional chips & salsa. Shortly after that we had our drinks. The chips were light and crunchy with just the right amount of salt. The salsa had a little bite and very good flavor - much better than the watery stuff I've had at other establishments. Surveying the menu, prices were very reasonable. They serve the selections you expect. My favorite part of the menu is the "combos" section, and I was pleased to find it featured in the center of the page. Within minutes our order was in. During the short wait for our food we were able to observe the meals arrive for other patrons, and commented on how large the portions appeared to be. Having ordered from the "budget" section of the menu mentioned above, I was curious if ours would be as satisfying. When our meals were served, we were very pleased with the size of the portions, especially for the price. My combo meal consisted of two enchiladas, a taco, and Spanish rice. The taco shell was think and crispy - very delicious. I could be very happy with a meal consisting solely of a few of those. My enchiladas (both ground beef) were hearty with plenty of cheese and a tasty red-sauce. It should not be surprising to learn that I will happily order this meal again. All-in-all I fould El Toreo to be a fantastic and affordable dining experience. The atmosphere is inviting. the service is friendly and pleasant. The food is plentiful, affordable and enjoyable. We will happily dine here again in the future. Located just off the busy highway 75, just a little bit North on 200, I recommend you stop by and give it a try for yourself. read more

We always enjoy having lunch here, our server Mayra was very friendly and professional. The food portions are plentiful and not pricey. Highly recommend. They are very fast as well. read more

After ordering my drinks with some salsa - electric went out - the server tells us it isn't his problem " and we needed to pay with a cash - first and last time at your restaurant for me thanks - Salsa - chips -margarita - shut off electricity- read more

El Toreo - Electricity went out - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Real deal, amazing sea food salad, cold on top and warm on a bottom , make sure you melt your cheese, and that basket is delicious too...

Dog friendly patio! Breeze and pull down shades made for a great dining experience. MAGA

We stopped here for dinner the other night. It was a busy weekend evening and we waited about 15 minutes for a table. We had a party of 8, which is always a bit chaotic. Three of us had the sangria and it was delicious. I ordered the combo with one taco and 2 enchiladas. My meal was great. I thought the enchilada sauce was much more flavorful than the ones I've found in my local area. Their salsa was also flavorful. The queso dip was standard, tasty but nothing special. My hubs had the Chile relleno, a taco, and another item I could not quite identify. He enjoyed his meal also. However, we did have problems with some of the other items that were ordered at the table. And we wanted to celebrate one of our friends for his birthday but they ended up obviously forgetting about it AND they CHARGE for a birthday celebration. I have NEVER heard of that so I was not impressed. I would visit again but only at a slower time of day and with less people. read more

El Toreo - I. One Taco, Two Enchiladas and Seanish Rice - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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The food was not what I expected. I had their chile rellenos before and they were very good. Judge by the pictures Unfortunately, We will not be back. The Margarita was good and the beer was cold.‍ read more

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Was going to eat here until I seen the picture of the dog sitting at the table, that's filthy it's a wonder they havnt been shut down.

Yum.... I don't know if it's good but I didn't know I had to build my burro.....steak burrito. read more

El Toreo - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Fantastic local Mexican restaurant. Fully staffed with good people, minimal wait time even on a busy Saturday night. Menu has a lot of variety at vey affordable prices. Cocktails large yet also reasonably priced. Atmosphere casual and fun, appropriate for Ocala. Good for kids and couples. Lots of TV's for the sports fan. I recommend anything with their seafood medley - quesadilla, enchilada, flatua etc... We will return. read more

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Nasty, inedible. the waiter asked us if we wanted a To go box, bc we only ate a couple of bites. never thought to ask what was wrong with the food that we just left. found a drive thru. truly disgusting, in appearance and taste. read more

Service is awesome and food was quick and delicious. The staff was professional. I love that they are pet friendly. we sat outside and it was a nice Florida day. They even pulled down the screens when the sun was shining through. read more

Best part of road trips are the random eats you get. Been a few years since I've made the trek Michigan to Florida and vice versa. I was driving up and just hammered through FL turnpike and this was my first stop off i75. I tend to always gravitate to a place I can't eat somewhere else. So all the other restaurants there all last choices. Reading reviews a lot of haters hate and this is off my first and maybe only experience here but it was all great to me. Seating is available outside and it is smoking out there, got lucky with no smokers so that was a plus. Restaurant inside was pretty big, tables and booths everywhere with big square bar in the center. Staff was wonderful to us, had no issues with anything. Started off with chips and salsa. Basic eats, not out of this world but hits the spot. I love tacos and they serve tacos how they should be served with just the basics but when I saw chimichanga my team fat instincts kicked in and went chimchanga. My guest had the chicken quesadillas that i finished for her later at night cold and I thought they were scrumptious. I did steak in the chimichanga and one great thing about the plate was it wasn't an overkill chimichanga. The portion size waa appropriate to not be so full you knockout. Had a big margarita with salt to wash it down. To me this was a solid, independent Mexican spot. Prices are totally fare and portion size appropriate. If traveling by there would go again and enjoy. read more

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Great service friendly staff Definitely worth the food Good Ambiance Recommend the shrimp quesadillas The Guac Rocks read more

Very NOT MEXICAN and really bad tasting. Don't waste your money here. Good service but very low quality food. read more

Horrible food. The beans seemed like they were straight out of a cab and just slopped on the plate. The fajita was so sad. Onions and veggies were just soaked in oil and limp. The dish was not hot... just bad. read more

This place was a pleasant surprise. We have been twice now. I shared with sisters who also live here that they should give it a try so we are going back this weekend to celebrate a birthday. The service the first time was better than the last time. The food was great both times! See the pics! Delicious! It was such a pleasant surprise because we have been to five Mexican restaurants since we moved here a year and a half ago. I had almost given up, but I was so glad to find this place. The ambience is really good too! Give it a try! I don't think you'll be disappointed especially if you want a big variety and good service. read more

Service is top notch. They bring the food out hot. Large portions. They recommend items when you are ordering if you are unsure. The fajita taco salads are great. Would highly recommend them. Enough for a couple of meals. read more

Visiting and had to have tacos on taco tuesday. Since my folks come here, so did we. Antonio takes great care of them and us by extension. Place was kind of busy and we got served quickly. Food was tasty, we ran the gammut on tacos with fish, chicken and steak. If we lived here, we would go back. read more

We were on a multi state excursion when hunger hit. Stopped for gas and consulted the Oracle of Yelp! Solution? El Toreo! Being right off the expressway, and by hotels, I wondered if this was the best choice... ANSWER? ABSOLUTELY! This restaurant is the real deal! Now, I'm a 5-plus decade long follower of all forms of international cuisine, and this place taught us new lessons! First, Tamales. Hand rolled, thinner masa skin (which I prefer) but the meat, sauce and flavors are out of this world! Sauce is almost Mole-influenced. Meaty but chocolatey in taste. Taco salad is huge. And my quesadilla was about the best I ever had! Luncheon specials rock in quality, quantity and value. In fact you'll save enough to provide for a hand blended margarita or two, which are superb. Enjoy! Life is short, but you'll want to indulge in this offering...and right off the expressway. Easy on. Eady off! read more

Went to the location on SW College off of I-75. (If you have wheat allergies, make sure you let your server know! Some of the meats are marinated with something that contains wheat flour, which is very rare for a Mexican restaurant, especially in this age when more people need to be gluten free). *The food here is great! Excellent flavors! Hands down, the best guacamole I've ever had! Very clean inside, and inviting atmosphere. I would give them 5 stars if they would ditch the wheat in their marinade. If you're in Ocala, this is a great food choice! read more

WOW, this is legit good Mexican food. And if you come during happy hour you can get two for one beers and margaritas and TRUST ME, they do not bring you watered down "Chili's" margaritas. These pack a real punch and we will definitely come back again the next time we are in Ocala. read more

The food was amazing and the service was super fast and kind! We got the guacamole which will need some salt and lemon. The enchiladas were delicious. The salsa was really good which to me is a huge thing. I can put it on the food to flavor it up. We had Natalie as our server and she was amazing! read more

El Toreo - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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They charge your service fee for two dollars for unknown service. The food is so so not so good not so great. The atmosphere is extremely loud and you cannot have a conversation with the people at your table. read more

Delicious food every single time!! There margaritas are also really good! We have never had a bad experience here

This is my 13th time coming back here and for good reason. The food here is exquisite, the amazingness of how they make all of their seafood and other meats is fantastic. The Waiters are also very nice and excited to take your meal, making you feel really good about yourself before eating. At first glance the environment doesnt feel Mexican. But if you look a bit closer you'll notice that eveeywhere you look theres a Mexico branded sign. Even have Spanish music in the background. Overall everything about this place is 5 stars read more

Outstanding. First time there and will definitely be back. I had asked for a spicy seafood and got it. Very nice. Fajita quesadillas my wife had were excellent as well. Not your strip mall Mexican. Will be back read more

A favorite for decades while visiting Ocala! Here to show clients property in Ocala! Dinner break to refresh to be fresh! Always fresh food and great sweet read more

El Toreo - Chicken verde enchiladas chips and ice cold beverage - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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I had a great lunch experience at El Toreo. The server was quick to get to my table and address all my needs. I ordered Al pastor tacos and they were delicious and filled with tons of pineapples! The rice and beans were also tasty. Energetic atmosphere and nice decor. I would visit again for a quick lunch. read more

El Toreo - Rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

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If you just sat down, it's not too late to leave. The service was nothing to complain about except for the difficulty to speak to our waitress over the booming birthday music, but there is much to be said about what came out of the kitchen. Our party ordered Nachos Supreme which sounded delicious on the menu but when it landed on our table it was a plate-full of soggy nachos swimming in an absolutely overwhelming amount of quaso that could only be described to another person as regurgitated mexican food. I ordered an Enchiladas De Mole Poblano for the entree despite seeing a not so appealing picture of it on their menu (see picture). What I got was yet again another not-so-appealing plate of soggy enchiladas swimming in bean purée and poorly tasting rice. Our party could not bother to finish this food and ended up placing an order for pickup from a nearby fast food restaurant. The only redeeming quality for this restaurant is the generously poured drinks. read more

El Toreo - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida

Walked in they were playing Ramon Ayala, good sign! The Tacos were very filling and flavorful, our order came as we ordered, cheese on the side!waitress and hostess were very nice and attentive, a great place to bring family and friends, good authentic Mexican restaurant! read more

El Toreo - Tacos de Carnitas yummy, ordered extra hot salsa! - Mexican Near Me - Ocala, Florida