So good. Both excellent renditions of traditional items and creative specials, including large selection of plant-based meals. The supporting team is great too, with a special callouts to server Heather and bar tender John. Just be prepared to take leftovers home! read more

Quite good. We walked in and were informed they were short staffed that day so we would have to wait a bit but if I wouldn't have known I would have never noticed. The service was excellent as was the food. We tried a pizza style thing I think they called it a crisp with pork and it was amazing!!! So delicious everything got different things. I ordered chicken tacos and I can't believe how big they were. Portions are def generous! I def recommend read more

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First time here and will definitely be coming back! A hidden gem that we found through the hundreds of great reviews. Food was INCREDIBLE and portions are huge! The staff were all so kind and personable, totally added to the experience. We went on a Saturday and it got a bit busy around 6:30 but they did not hesitate to get us seated as quickly as possible. The restaurant itself is very nice and seats a lot, lots of groups with reservations. Overall such a nice experience will amazing food, 10/10 would recommend and we will definitely be read more

El Torero - 1x1, Danny martin burrito - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

A Tucson Staple! How have I not been here before? It was my first time dining in! Parking is somewhat limited. Doesn't seem like much upon walking up but it's very spacious inside with lots of seating. The staff is super friendly. The chips & salsa are absolutely amazing! Rule of thumb, of the chips & salsa are good, that means the food's gonna be good. I ordered the 2x2 which is 2 tacos and 2 enchiladas and a Cherry limeade! Everything was so delicious and I can't wait to bring my family! read more

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Great Mexican infused dishes! The chef defiantly puts his creativity and spin to the dishes. But stays true to Mexican food and yes, I am Hispanic. (Mom is from Hermosillo) . Portions are big and me of all people actually leave with a to-go box! Always my go to spot. It's a hidden gem noticeable by the "Danny Martin" mural. Highly recommend the "tamale pie" read more

This is my 2nd visit and the food is amazing. Both my wife and I had the carnitas tacos and they are so good. Chef Mike takes the pork and cooks it in Cidre. They are something you can't miss in Tucson. read more

El Torero - Caritas cheese crisp - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

We absolutely love El Torero. They have excellent food and they are our go to place for tamales. Their green chili and beef tamales are the best we've found in Tucson. We buy them in frozen 12 packs and steam them for 35 minutes to eat with anything. read more

This is one of my favorite mexican restaurants. The owners of the old midtown Lueras are running the place. This means you get the friendly service from Mike and the classic green corn tamales we all love. The menu is classic Mexican food. The combination plates will give you a sampling of many favorite dishes. There is also a special menu that includes vegan dishes and interesting spins on Mexican food. Also, don't pass on the wings. read more

El Torero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Service was good. Food not so good at all. Nor the salsa. Not authentic food. Canned veggies for salsa don't cut it.

I wanted to try El Torero and did last night. We were seated immediately by friendly staff. Most customers already seated appeared to be long time customers so it looked promising. The dining room is a basic, no frills type place but clean, sanitary, and orderly. Our order was taken promptly with food and drinks arriving fast. Most customers were ordering beer and cheese crisps which looked great. Our $12 margaritas were a disappointment so order beer. Our house special tacos were good not great and the blue corn tamales are fabulous. If you're in the area give it a try. read more

Food was as advertised! Enchilada sauce was best ever and the horchata is homemade on site and served with a burning cinnamon stick. Haley was our server and she did a great job handling a number of tables in a full dining room. We will be back! read more

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Very sizable portion and very delicious. Service was pleasant and attentive. Every portion was enough for 3 people.

I believe this is the best Mexican food in Tucson!!! The last 4 parties/events I have planned have been catered by El Torero. Most definitely THE BEST green corn tamales in Arizona- probably the country- but everyone in Tucson knows that. For one of our big events we had the Casadilla Bar- crazy good. Over the past two weeks I had a party for 80 and a party for 40. Both had mini chimis, mini tamales, rice, beans, salsa, chips, tortillas, guacamole and carne. Let Mike do the work and you enjoy the party!!!! read more

Born and raised in Tucson for half my life, this is my fav Mexican Restaurant ever. I do not live there any more, but whenever I go home to visit friends and family still in Tucson, I always stop in there. They never disappoint. read more

Simply THE BEST!!! Our server Heather could not be better! So attentive and personable. The food is wonderful! Huge portions and delicious! Gotta try the Elote and Bacon Crisp!!! read more

Food and service was great. So good my co-worker in from Las Vegas went back on his next visit to Tucson!

For my daughter's birthday dinner she specifically requested Mexican food and she wanted "a tamale with rice and beans." So, we made plans to go eat at the restaurant where the best tamales in Tucson are made. Lerua's has always been our go-to place for tamales for Christmas and this tradition continues today despite their location on Broadway having been taken by the City for the Broadway expansion project. Now, the only place you can get Lerua's tamales is at El Torero so that's where we went for dinner. This was my first time dining-in at El Torero (usually we just get our tamales from them to-go) and we were not disappointed! The portions were generous and the flavors were outstanding! I ordered the albondigas soup which was rich and hearty! I love that they put rice in the soup (the way it should be!) and also appreciated that the veggies were all bite-sized instead of being a giant slab of carrot or potato. My daughter got her birthday wish - a Lerua's tamale with rice & beans - and she cleared her plate... but she was the only one. The rest of us were stuffed before our plates were finished so we had the best leftovers for breakfast in the morning! I just headed up the leftovers in a pan and tossed a couple eggs on it to make one of the best breakfasts I've had in a while! El Torero is a sleeper but well worth the trip. It's another perfect example of a locally owned independent business that adds to legendary culinary culture we have in our City of Gastronomy! You can't go wrong with anything on the menu - it's as authentic as it comes - and it's the ONLY place we get our Christmas tamales from... and birthday tamales apparently too! Don't think twice - make the trip to South Tucson for a fantastic meal with amazing service and delicious margaritas. read more

El Torero - 3 Taco Plate - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

El Torero Restaurant. Just ate the most delicious green Chile beef burrito at this amazing place. It was humongous. The green chile sauce was delicious. The service was so friendly (and they read my mind). The decor -- everything from a marlin on the wall, arroqueño mezcal, statues of angels, bears drinking bear, great neon beer signs, and, of course torero paintings. Complemented the cooking on the way out, and one of the Hultquists --the owner? pointed out the chef, "my son." read more

El Torero - Historical marker in the bathroom? so cool. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Expensive, I'll just keep taking the drive with family and friends to Nogales Mexico and pay half the price for authentic Mexican cuisine

Friendly, local and consistently delicious! The carnitas crisp and refried beans are heavenly. One of the best places in Tucson for an authentic Mexican food experience. The fusion and specials are also mind blowingly fantastic. read more

El Torero - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I love their veggie options! Expansive non meat selections that are artfully created. Servings are almost always oversized. Homemade, totally legit! Owner is so welcoming and friendly. Family owned. Chips and salsa need an upgrade. Full bar plus plus if you're into alcohol. Non alcohol frescas are skillfully created. Located in south Tucson in little back corner. A Tucson treasure for sure! read more

Gotta be my favorite old school Mexican restaurant. Cheese enchiladas like I had growing up - cheddar cheese inside. Broiled so edges are crispy even with the additional Chili Con Carne on top. The latter was chunks of very tender beef in a deep chili gravy. I had a flashback to my old days in Tucson. read more

El Torero - 3 cheese enchiladas and chili con carne on top. So good. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

A quaint old Tucson restaurant. This restaurant is easy to miss even if you're looking for it. The food is good and the service is friendly. Supposedly, they have a special menu with that day's additional dishes. The restaurant has been around since the late 50s, so it's not the most updated restaurant. I had the poke and enjoyed the dish. It was a good price for the portion. read more

El Torero - Poke - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Not worth the wait. The carne asada tacos were burnt black. Cheese was actually rock hard and pitxh black. When I brought it to their attention they wanted to know if I just wanted the cheese melted. Really? I watched my friends have dinner as I waited for them to burn the just tortilla on the second try. Never again. Don't waste your time or money. read more

El Torero - Burnt tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Excellent visionary cuisine and incredible flavors... Chef Mike takes his famous menu of tried and true favorites (the Hank, the Tatum) and adds his incredible rotating special menu of deliciousness fit for Royalty! It's as authentic as it gets for being a tasty Tucson original, locally family owned and operated. Oh yes the staff is solidly confident and super nice! And It's an older building with unique character!,, read more

Our neighbors have been coming here for years, and they took us here for the first time. It felt like a classic Mexican food restaurant from the 70s and 80s, but with a modern edge. The food was great. We split the tamale pie and it was more than enough. The service was very friendly. We will definitely go back. read more

Amazing food in a dive bar atmosphere. Loved it. If I'm ever in Tuscon again will definitely go back. read more

El Torero - Chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

the most delicious creative flavorful takes on traditional mexican food we have had in all of tucson - no comparison- what they do with tamales, tacos, fish, albondagas soup and churros! can't wait to bring friends and family, what a great discovery! read more

El Torero - churros extraordinare - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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What a gem hidden away in an older neighborhood. Decided to try it because of other reviews. Cons first. It is very loud! Don't plan on an intimate conversation. Tables are fairly close together and it is a large open area. So you can hear everything. It took about an hour from the time we sat down until we got our food. Not sure if this is the norm, but don't be in a hurry if it is. Tables are smaller so not a ton of room to spread out. Parking is interesting, not a lot in the front, but some along the street. Pros. The food was absolutely amazing! I got the chicken flautas with the beans on the side. They had a yummy jalapeño creama on them. And the chicken was cooked perfectly! My husband got the carnitas burrito with the works. The pork had a slightly sweet flavor to it. Amazing!!! We did order a cheese crisp which was cooked a bit to much but tasted good. If your in a wheelchair, pretty much every table is accessible. And there are no steps. The parking might be a problem though. A bit pricey but I'm going to say totally worth it. We will definitely be back! read more

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Last time I was here was 1999; yeah I never get to this side of town much. As then and now, this place has outstanding food; the chili relleno, made with poblano chilies are to die for. Since I grew up with this style of home cooking, I'm a bit partial to their way of cooking. Service is impeccable; the staff is always a glance away If you don't try this place, you're missing out on something special. read more

Best Mexican food in Tucson/Oro Valley. We drive an hour round trip just to have a meal at El Torero. I'm from L.A. and have not had a better meal of Mexican food since I moved to Oro Valley. Such a joy. And they have vegan options too! read more

El Torero just catered my niece's graduation party last eve. Talk about absolutely incredible. The food was amazing. They had chicken, pork and beef taco bar, with rice and beans, the best tortillas and salsa as well as guacamole. It was amazing and I would highly recommend to anyone that wants to have the best taco bar catered ever!! read more

I ate here a few days ago with a group of friends. It was mid-afternoon in July, so not at all crowded. Service was good. I had a green chile burro, which was quite spicy without adding salsa. It was OK, but I've had better. I also had a virgin mint julep agua fresca, which was refreshing but small. read more

Food was delicious as always. One of the best family owned Mexican restaurants still around.

Took my family here after the we went to the gem show. We were in-between lunch and dinner so our party of 7 lucked out and we're seated right away. The chips were served with two types of salsa - both were amazing. Margaritas can be purchased by the carafe which was great for our big party. I had a carne asada taco and a green corn tamale. The masa was a little too sweet for my taste but it was still good. The taco had carne asada, jalapeños, crispy onions, and guac. It was unique! The crispy onions were life changing. My mom loved they had patty tacos just like her mom used to make. (Her mom worked at their cousin restaurant Leruas way back when too) I am glad I got to introduce her to another restaurant in the family. Love the pink building. Parking is a little limited and I wasn't actually sure which building the restaurant is but I'm glad they had the 'we're open' sign on the door. Large parties take note - the restaurant prefers one check but will do two. Service was great. We will definitely be back! read more

Food was pretty good for them being out of items as well as a broken fryer, the service was not great and neither was the carafe of margaritas which for $30 should not have ice in it, pretty ridiculous! Don't waste your money or time! read more

The food, service and atmosphere were wonderful. The service was awesome and the food was amazing. I ordered the Mahi Mahi fish tacos for dinner. I love fish tacos but these were the best I had ever! I would definitely recommend them. I'm definitely going back to sample more of the food! read more

Old school Mexican place that serves some yummy food with very good service. Pull into the parking lot -- or across the street if the lot is full with customers -- and walk into the pink building is like going back in time. This place exudes Mexico. Not the tourist Mexico but a true local place that quietly gets the job done. Interior decor is well, "old", maybe even "worn". But so what when you get your food. "Comfortable" seems right to describe the ambiance at El Torero. To start with our party of 4 was quickly seated and served with chips & salsa which was outstanding. A pico style salsa & a just - right spicy red salsa with chips put a smile on my face from the get-go. I had the Bandera enchiladas -- slurped 'em up and was full. Had a bite of green tamales -- definately will order that the next time. All in our party commented on the lava-hot food when it was when delivered to the table. When they say "hot plate" they mean it. Service was 100% perfect! Staff looked like they enjoyed their jobs as evidenced by their positive comments, smiles, prompt service. We had been in El Torero before the pandemic. We're glad they are still around and we will definately come back. read more

Best meal in Tucson! Please add this to your list of "must do's" if you're visiting Tucson, or if you live here, you're SUPER lucky. My meal was a blend of heat, spice and a palette delight. Nicest staff around town. read more

My whole experience was a mess. To start i pulled up in their tiny parking lot. Thankfully there was parking. I walked up to the door were a large table displayed the menu. There was no indication if I should wait there or go inside. I decided to go inside. The cashier had his back to me as he was ringing in an order and didn't acknowledge me for 5 minutes. While I stood there awkwardly another lady came up to the screen door and asked if she was supposed to wait outside or inside. I told her I was unclear too. She came in and wasn't acknowledged either. Finally the cashier turned around and asked for our names. He said 4 Square (online ordering) was delayed and they're just getting the orders in. He didn't instruct us to wait inside or outside or in our cars. Due to COVID we all decided to wait in our cars. The two ladies inside with me had cars next to me and another person who came in after us and ordered all had their orders delivered to their cars and left. I went inside again and he fetched my order. By this point I'd been there for 30 minutes. My drive home is only 7 minutes but my fries were not cooked. They were chewy and slightly cold. My vegan tofu burger on the other hand was severely over cooked. The bun on top and inside was burned. The coating on the tofu was also so hard and burned, I had to remove it to eat the tofu. The avocado was thankful fresh and the dressings were flavorful. Due to COVID safety or lack there of and burned food, it's doubtful I'll be back. It was also pretty pricey ($16) for what it was. read more

El Torero - Bun burned inside and out - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

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