Had a corporate event here today and our server Pablo was great! He was very responsive & friendly. Had a big space in the back & made for a nice & relaxing event. read more

Hi Team, I have been patronizing El Torito Restaurant in Hawthorne, since 1997. Even though the food it's good but the service has been very bad. I don't want to drive down south in Torrance or Manhattan Beach , I want to continue to patronize this restaurant close to my house. We go at least 4 times a week but today it seems that we going south to patronize. We were a party family of 6 before we sat down we were reminded that can be done in one check only , why they ask this we always tip 20% even though the service is bad. Today we order everything at once but server never said that the molcajete takes 20 minutes longer than the rest of the plates, plates arrive and after 20 minutes the molcajete arrived, the side of rice came before that, I requested to talked to a manager just to let her know about the situation but the expediter responded it takes longer than the other plates, the manager only reply ill change the sides, to make story short she gave me 25% discount, I will gladly return the discount, just give a great service not looking at over ten tables being unbussed thru our hour long dinner, it look unappetizing. Just fixed the restaurant once it's fixed I will come back. Thank you for listening. read more

Excellent service. The food is always great and the service is always excellent. Manager keeps checking on you and making sure your ok.

We have not been here in over 3 years and I must say the food and service is much better. On Sundays they do have buffet style and everything is very delicious. Our server Pablo was so nice and took care of us. Must check out El Torito if you're in the area. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

See all

Dining While Black This post has been a longtime coming. I feel compelled to write it before the next important holiday arrives. I want to preface this with I understand holidays are a crazy time for restaurants. Reservations get cancelled, delayed, even missed. I have a background in working in restaurants, I truly get it and am willing to be graceful when the named incidents happen me. Thant being said, attached you will see the reservation confirmation I received from this restaurant. I was sure to make my reservation super early as I was fully aware of what can happen. However, how is it possible for the same incident (backed up, delayed, accidentally cancelled) happen to every single Black potential patron with a reservation? When the Black potential patron approaches the host(ess) to inquire about the delay or to confirm the reservation, they are met with reproach and annoyance and then in the same breath direct a non Black family to walk directly in and find seating. Yes, they could've have a reservation but the issue arises when they are asked they admit to not having a reservation. THIS is what makes a customer pause, evaluate, and decide to leave the establishment because you're telling me you don't want my money and I don't beg anyone to take my money. This happening in Mother's Day was truly disappointing, disgusting, RACIST. I truly warn people, especially Black people to NOT support ANY El Torito since they are practicing racism. Diversity score 1-5: 0. Clearly, from what I explained it shouldn't be a shock to receive this score. Environment: No idea. Unless it's intentionally not meant for us. In that case, keep doing what you're doing. Go again score 1-5: 0 NOPE. Food/Service: 0 NEVER AGAIN. There is no culture or inclusivity w/o Black People! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

Ive come here for happy hour a few times now and both times were a similar experience - average. The happy hour deals are too good to pass up, drinks and food are included and have a good amount of options on both. Drinks are made pretty strong too so you're definitely getting a good deal! I had the blackberry margarita and it was delicious! The cleanliness of the restaurant was a 3/5, some tables were empty but still had drinks left, menus weren't very clean, could use a sweep overall but didn't take away from the experience. The food was also a 3/5. I ordered chicken street tacos from the happy hour menu, and they came with purple cabbage on them which wasn't my favorite and just a heads up. The meat was okay, a tiny bit dry but was flavourful. Also got a queso dip which I wouldn't get again, and my friend got the Birria Tacos which she said were a bit on the salty side and not as juicy as hoped but still pretty good. Service is iffy, we were seated pretty quickly but it took maybe 7-10 minutes for someone to finally take our order. We weren't checked on as often as I would have liked, but it was a pretty busy evening tables wise, and I wasn't sure how many servers were on the floor so it could have been short staffed a bit. Note: make sure to ask for separate checks at the beginning, our server noted that to us when we asked at the end of our meal. But still separated them for us Will probably come back again for the drinks during happy hour, we'll see about the food. read more

See all

Just had the most amazing brunch experience !! We had Eduardo as our sever and he was amazing and super attentive Can't wait to come back !! This location is soo clean and welcoming read more

El Torito - Chocolate espresso - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

See all

Delicious food, efficient and quick service and ample parking. Period. This El Torito doesn't play. Everyone is super friendly. We were seated quickly amd within seconds, our chips and salsa appeared. I don't know what they do to those chips and salsa but they are always good. I try not to ruin my appetite with them but they are borderline addicting. I got the steak nachos and a bowl of Tortilla soup amd sweet cakes. The nachos were large and I couldnt even finish half. Our food came out super easy and it was good. My soup was perfectly seasoned with nice,moost chunks of chicken. The corn sweet cakes are as i remembered. Very good. My companion also ordered the fried ice cream which I tried. It was different, lol. I will come back to this locazion because of the wonderful experience. read more

See all

Eduardo was an absolute joy, he was extremely attentive, smiling and excellent food choice options. The ambiance was fresh, clean, and delish food ! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

El Torito is a chain, I don't know if there are any outside of California. This one is in Hawthorne near a huge mall. It is excellent. Always make a reservation, especially on the weekends or you will be waiting. Parking is easy. They have a full bar, a lot of comfortable seating and they even have Sunday Brunch. We were there, this time for dinner. As always it was great. It is a tad pricey for what you get which is traditional Mexican food. They always have specials, this time they had 35$ per person special called Dine LA. We did not get it, but it is a good deal. The service is excellent. All the staff dresses in Mexican style clothes and it is very cute. They are all super nice and you will be well cared for. We had the table side guacamole and you get a lot. My grandson loves it. For dessert we had their flan which was very good. Our mains were salads and really great combination plates. You will love this place. read more

See all

If you ever do a Takeout order online at this location, please make sure to check your food before you leave. I ordered a combo platter with a chicken enchilada and two crispy beef tacos, but when I got home and checked my food, there was only one beef taco. Hopefully this is a one time mistake on their part and it doesn't happen again. read more

Excellent customer service from both of our Waitresses Mel & Star! The food was super fresh as well (my Husband & I ordered the Fajitas along with tortilla soup). Love how clean the restaurant was, and we came during dinner time. Numerous Stars for this place! read more

Eduardo was an absolute gem during today's brunch buffet. He was super friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed. El Torito has always been a great place to eat and the food never disappoints, especially the brunch buffet! Eduardo's great service definitely made today's experience even better. We'll definitely be back! read more

Julian was our awesome server. Very attentive and friendly. The service here has really gotten good ---super clean establishment great vibe. I hadn't been to this establishment location in years but now the service has really picked up well.. thanks Julian!!!! read more

We came back to our favorite place! El Torito in Hawthorne. Our server Eduardo an amazing server. From our arrival, food and service beyond expectations! Everything was super delicious. Our entire family was happy during our visit. We will always return to visit! read more

I live less than 3 miles away, and I had no idea they had a delicious buffet! I tried a little bit of everything. My favorite was the enchiladas. Eduardo was an amazing waiter too. Cleared our plates so we can go for 2nds, 3rds! read more

Food was garbage tonight! Talk about salty! I think they added too much salt cause the food had no flavor. The cook was garbage. I'm pissed too! Service was nice! Anyhow; nothing good to say about this meal tonight! I'm pissed too! Salty BS! read more

See all

The service is outstanding. The food is delicious. The company that you keep makes you smile. Everyone is greeting you with a smile. This is a place I suggest you should go if in fact, you want to have a good time and enjoy what you're eating and have a beautiful beverage. I hear that on Mondays, it's dollar margaritas. All day, I'm gonna say it and I'm gonna do it 10 stars, but they'll only let me get 5 read more

My server & atmosphere very nice also the food delicious will always come again love El Torito

I am usually a huge fan of El Torito's, so I decided to try out the Hawthorne location Saturday July 4th since the other's are amazing. Well this location represented the good and bad. 1st greeted by an absolutely lovely lady but the name of Lupe very warm and welcoming ,however Nila~ (which I found out later was the manager) rolled her eyes and walked away . Surprised me I was thinking what did I do . hahaha The food for the buffet looked great and we took advantage of that .Food was great . Armando was at our table waiting for us and provided excellent service. The biggest issue was as I was attempting to leave with my 2go order Nila reappears and reprimands Lupe for using a box for easier carry and flat out said NO u cannot use that box. Do better Nila customer service goes a LONG way ! Thank you Armando and Lupe ! read more

Just want to take the time to recommend this restaurant the food very delicious and not to mention waiter Rolando***** very pleasantly nice and very welcoming service. My parents and I were very happy and will come back again. read more

Alexandra was so damn personable She made the event a seamless success and was attentive to everyone handling a 35 person event was no easy task, she is integral to the team that calls its self Torito Gracias P read more

Went for Sunday brunch the pancakes are amazing! Pablo was wonderful and provided exceptional service!and sure to stop by for the unlimited mimosas too!! read more

El Torito - Brunch - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

The customer service was great! The happy hour menu was so good and the drinks were nice and strong! This is a great place to get a bang for your buck! Taco Tuesday and happy hour ! The DJ played great hip hop and rnb music. Please visit ! The manager JC was so great and he served us personally! We will be back. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

See all

Armando is a wonderful waiter. Very conscientious and kind. Food was delicious. Ambience very nice! Thank you El Torita

This place is fantastic. Visiting from out of town and decided to stop here for lunch and we were welcomed to great food and atmosphere plus, our server Eduardo was fantastic! read more

Great service, atmosphere, and the food were great! It was not too busy during ths day so we got seated right away. Thank you.

KC and Kristine good service and very attentive. Dj super lit. drinks very good, recommend! read more

El Torito - JC & Kristine good service! - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

J.C & Kristin was amazing!!! Took great care of us and food was amazing!!! Super attentive to our table, making sure we was ok. Ill be back specifically for them read more

I'm writing this review especially for Mr. Jose Valadez, who gave us amazing service! He was super attentive and would give us chips/salsa/drinks refills without us even asking, which goes such a long way. We came for my mothers birthday, so he made it very special for us. Please ask to sit in his section! You will absolutely love his service. Would come back again just because he was so great. Thank you El Torito for having a great worker! read more

Stopped by on Friday late night for dinner (08/01/25) with my boyfriend! We participated in the Dine LA special ($35 per person for a 3-couse meal). Ordered the following: - 2 Dine LA Dinner ($35 per person) = $70 which consists of: - 1 tableside guacamole - 1 flauta - 1 asada with shrimp - 1 2-item combo of tacos (one chicken and one beef) - 1 flan - 1 other dessert we got instead of the deep fried ice cream since they were out :( also ordered: - 1 mexican candy shot = $11.75 - 2 modelos ($7.75 each) = $15.50 SUBTOTAL = $97.25 SURCHARGE (?) = $3.88 TAX = $10.62 OVERALL TOTAL = $111.75 ** Also tipped $15 in cash ** It was pretty quiet on a Friday night. Additionally my drink was pretty strong/bitter. Overall we had a bunch of leftovers. I feel like one course meal of the Dine LA special is good for 2 peeps!!!! Our server Jose V was very attentive and would always circle back frequently to see if we were okay. read more

See all

Never had dinner at el Torito and we finally decide to go tonight (Hawthorne location). Well, it did not go as plan. The front server (small Latina with glasses) was one of the worst hostess you can encounter. Rude service from the manager to the woman mentioned. I say the manager too because when I asked to talk to him he didn't even take the time to come talk. All we asked is for booth and not bar sitting and they said no when the restaurant had 90% of the booth open. Took our dinner plans to a hole in the wall call Frijoles Mexican Restaurant on 120th and Aviation. So far the service is good and the chips and salsa are pretty damn good! See my review on the Frijoles Mexican Restaurant page. And the one star given is to be able to post this post. Adios el torito! read more

Sunday Brunch is great for R&R it's affordable and the environment is relaxed. Not crowded at all is a plus. The Margarita special and unlimited mimosas makes for a great end to the week. My food fav's the corn cake, boiled shrimp, all of the soups and of course the mimosas and customer service. Wake up and get there at 9am. Happy Sunday read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

Food was on point, drinks were delicious, space was super clean and the staff was courteous and friendly. Even gave me a piece of cake for free! Definitely worth stopping in for a bite and beverage!! read more

Came for the Sunday Brunch Experience. Pablo was our server and he was fantastic. They had traditional Mexican breakfast options as well as American. The lunch offered tacos, enchiladas, beans rice, and desserts. There were agua fresas and other handmade drink options the price matched the offerings and the server was excellent! read more

JC was so helpful and we had a great time! Food was hot and fresh. Drinks were delicious. Will come back to try Sunday brunch. read more

This was a great taco Tuesday experience. I was with 4 of my friends and we all had a great time with the waiter Kirsten and the manager Jc. The dj was a good time we enjoyed the atmosphere. read more

JC provided excellent service , my friends and I went for taco tuesday Christen took care of us very well , the tacos & drinks were good as well as the DJ read more

I had the most amazing experience here at El torito the waitress Was Amazing thank you for your kind service Alexandra you are so polite. I like the taco Tuesday Music addition with the Dj During Happy Hour I will be coming back with more people to enjoy this experience with me next time please keep this taco Tuesday the same i had a blast nothing beats great customer service and a live Dj to brighten up your evening read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Hawthorne, California

See all

Julian was a great server, thank you he was fast on everything we needed. I will come back