Came here with my husband for lunch prior to a flight. Very convenient spot across from John Wayne. We were seated immediately. Service was super fast and friendly. The food was tasty and fresh. Chicken Enchilada was delicious with the green sauce. Veggies were perfect (not over cooked). My husbands Spinach Enchilada was pretty good as well. Will definitely be back. read more

Very average, nothing to complain about though nothing that makes me go "yea, I want to come back here". Was lured with a coupon so can't complain. Freshly made guacamole was nice. read more

Taco Tuesday! It's jammed pack on Taco Tuesdays and when there's opened seating. For a small section, I was watching a possible opening like a vulture. My buddies and I found a table and even though it was dirty, we sat down. The tacos are small sizes, but can you expect? It comes with a salsa bar. My friend read at the sit down dine in area, there's all you can eat tacos for $10. I think you should check it out. read more

I'm not sure what the regular menu is like, but to cut a long story short, we accidentally dropped in on a Sunday brunch buffet, and since my guests were on a tight schedule to catch a flight at SNA just across the road, we decided to stay. It was only about 11.30am and the place was already busy.....well duh, it's Sunday brunch! Anyway, there were one or two tables still available and we were promptly seated at a booth. The place is not huge and it's dimly lit with the typical El Torito restaurant decor.....I used to go to the one in the SF south bay many years ago when I used to work up there. Anyway, our server came up to us and said that he's sure we already knew how this brunch buffet worked! Eeerm, buffet we said?.....no ala carte menu? Nope, he replied. Okayyyy then.....we said ok, we'll do the buffet since we were already seated, and so our server took our drinks order.....not sure if they're included in the price of the $20+ per person brunch buffet though. So up we got to explore the many food offerings which were all buzzing with crowds of people around each station.....there were hot foods, salads, a taco station, an egg omelette station, a chips and salsa station, a dessert section, etc. My only problem here is that none of it is labelled so you have no idea whether it's beef, pork, or chicken in each of the dishes. To play safe, I went straight for the egg station and got myself a vegetable omelette made fresh by the egg chef. And to go with it I went to another station nearby with mini waffles and churros. It was good....not WOW good, but good as a fresh omelette breakfast. Once that was done, I came back to try the chicken tacos, a custom made taco salad....you choose your ingredients and the salad preparer mixes it up for you. Oh, one other problem here is that for some reason, some people thought that it was a self serve salad bar and started making their own salads till they realized people in line staring at them and that there was a guy behind the bar to mix the salads one at a time. Not too hygienic when a people start grabbing at ingredients and the taco shells with their bare hands. Otherwise, the salad with chicken and shrimp (beef also available) tasted quite decent. The chicken tacos were ok....the flour tortillas were made fresh and tasted really good. However, the chicken pieces had obviously been sitting around a while and started getting hard and dry....this applied to the chicken pieces for the tostada salad too. They had all the condiments to go with the taco, but strangely, there was no sour cream or guacamole. This was when I learned that you have to order the guacamole separately from your server at an extra charge....huh? Really? Ok, just for fun we tried some of the dessert items. The flan, bread pudding, and pecan pie. Yea, not typical Mexican fare, so don't expect too much. It definitely didn't look like it was made in-house. I'm told the flan was quite good, but I only got to try the bread pudding and pecan pie, which we did not finish....'nuff said. The other noticeable event happening here were the numerous birthdays. The servers would come over to the tables and sing a happy birthday in Spanish in a loud, out of tune, and raucous manner.....it kind of sounded like the battle of the Alamo just broke out! But seriously, I guess it was all about the fun and entertainment for all. All in all, the atmosphere here was very upbeat and festive....especially when Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer in Spanish came on the overhead speakers! Anyway, service was good, albeit a bit hectic considering the crowd here.....hard to judge the quality of the food as I'm not really a buffet person and would have liked to have tried their regular menu. I guess I would come back to give this place another go now that I know to stay away on Sunday mornings. If you do come for this brunch buffet, please heed this warning: Be hungry.....be VERY hungry! read more

Llegamos despues de nuestro vuelo a El Torito donde nos dieron exelente servicio... llegamos justo a tiempo a comer del menu de desayuno, los churro pancakes son de lo mejor !! Muchas gracias a el mesero y a la manager Judi que nos tratarom super bien. Pronto regresaremos! read more

I'm a fan of their Sunday Brunch buffet. This location in particular is my favorite! If you haven't yet, I totally recommend! Check out my pics of the Chile Verde & Carne Asada tacos I made. read more

El Torito - Carne asada tacos - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

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Best happy hour! Great eats and awesome guacamole cold beers too! Enjoy a awesome margaritas

This place is a waste of a Sunday for lunch ! My family and I arrived well before a party of 25 got sat. We had to get up and look for our server. Basically they prioritized the larger party over my family. It's funny cause I'm an excellent tipper that would take care of them plenty. But they chose to put our order in behind the large party. Then they had the nerve to walk out and say sorry we are serving the larger party first and our food will come. We have been here for for an hour! This place sucks and the food is barely mediocre. Never coming back and Telling everyone not to come. We have been coming here 10 years man. Good one read more

Make sure to go for Taco Tuesday, the taco bar is incredible, especially the corn side. Great service from Nacho . Will be back!

Taco Bar was great! Prices superb and Nacho was the best server ever! Will be back again. Soon!

Rudy is the best!! Top server, the food was fast and he kept checking in our table! Very happy with his service, definitely coming back!

Not the best choice and long way from authentic. Not sure what some of the stuff served actually was. Edible but far from pleasurable. Service was adequate but not exceptional. This place manages to strike the average cord in just about every possible way without ever straying above that mediocre standard. There are better choices. read more

After finally seeing happy hour advertised and talked about, my cousin, my friend, and I finally went. The happy hour area is to the left of the entrance, so it's first come first serve. You get chips and refillable salsa for the appetizer. The service was pretty chaotic and needs some improvement. We waited for a good 20 mins or so just to place our order and these 2 women got their order in before we did and they just walked in. Also, its very hard to flag down your waiters/waitresses, as there are many who come by and not just a devoted one. However, they have a wide variety of selections for their happy hour menu, which is from 2-8 pm, or sometimes till they close, depending on the area. I got the steak quesidilla which was about $6, and the house margarita for $3. Portion size, they were very big and filling. We had to togo the nachos as they were a big plate, instead of your small nachos you're expecting for a happy hour price. This is a really good happy hour deal, but their service is a bit off, but overall, if you're feeling for some cheap, big portion Mexican food and margaritas, el torito's happy hour is for you! read more

El Torito - Happy hour margarita - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

I'm a little saddened by this place, specifically in the main dining area. We went on a Tuesday and it wasn't very crowded in the dining area - the bar was buzzing. The interior looks a little worn and dated, the food seems the same, nothing to write home about but not horrible. My kids enjoyed the jovial waiter. I would have enjoyed him more if he replenished our chips and drinks before we asked. Maybe a little paint job/facelift is in order? More focus on customer service? Until then, I'll continue to go to El Torito Grill around the corner. I'll pay more but the whole experience is worth it. read more

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Me and a friend stopped here for a nice lunch before heading to the airport. We had two plates of street tacos ( seafood - beer battered shrimp and carnitas). And some chips and salsa. The food was very tasty, with large portions. Service was great. We sat outside, distant from others. read more

Went here for the brunch buffet. Food was tasty, but service was ... a little too good. Our waiter was hovering around us, just standing a few feet from the table and staring at us. Every 5 minutes he would ask if everything was okay, without fail. We couldn't get through a conversation or a plate without interruption. I appreciate the attentiveness but it was uncomfortable and intrusive. read more

We decided to come here to celebrate our sons 15th Birthday and it was the best decision. Only waited a few minutes for a table for 5. Staff was very friendly. Our waitress, Star, was super attentive and welcoming. It was an amazing dinner experience. read more

El Torito - Watermelon Cadillac Margarita & Spicy jalapeño Cucumber margarita - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

The food was much better than I expected and the service was good,too. Table side guac prep was a nice touch and the guac was fantastic . Drink was mediocre but they fixed it when I asked. read more

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amazing experience and connie was sweet and attentive !! she was amazing will be recommending her to my family and will be asking for her every time i come. she should be employe of the month !! read more

This is my first time trying out el Torito and I had the immense pleasure of coming during their amazing Sunday brunch. The options that they have look mouth-watering and the flavor is no joke. My favorite is probably the egg on the toast. Best dish!!! Everyone is so friendly here, it makes the place feel comfy. I would totally recommend it to my friends and family. :))) read more

Not so much. No better than fast food. Food flavors were kinda like canned. Not real impressed with any menu item,. Friendly and fast service though. read more

Came out for Father's lunch..its a total mess here unorganized service..Christina was so lost she definitely needs help.she has a nasty attitude when she is frustrated..its understandable in here line of work. Its not for everyone! Maybe she need a different line of work. Attitude with a customer is not exceptable. I should have left but we ate there because others were nice and friendly. read more

Went to have dinner yesterday at El Torito and Miguel was our server. He was attentive and got all our food out quickly. The food and drinks were great! We had the Sizzling enchiladas, and the chicken and shrimp fajitas! Everything was great I recommend this el torito and you sit with our server Miguel!! read more

Our office party this year kicked ass!!! The event took place at El Torito Restaurant, the service was amazing. The food, I could not eat enough of ( Great service, thank you Rodolfo Monarrez). People have not stopped saying how great the food and the party was . The service, decoration for our gathering made it easier for us, the committee to relax. Happy girl ! Can't wait till next year read more

I wish I had the metabolism of my 15-year-old self, the ability to freeze time, and the credit card of an ex-boyfriend to sit and try everything on their menu. It is ALL so tempting and looks delicious. The food is awesome and the service is even better, which is tough to beat! Our server was really engaging, considerate, and attentive. I really enjoyed my blended margarita. It's no wonder that the parking lot and dining areas are full on a Sunday evening! Can't wait to return and eat more. Bikini season here I come ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

I've been here a few times now. Convenient location by the airport but pretty bland taste for Mexican. The queso is particularly disappointing. Service has usually been prompt. Not a place that I would choose to go back but it seems to keep getting selected for work groups due to location, quick service & reasonable prices. read more

America and Judith are awesome. Came here for lunch and everything was great. Food, service and welcoming atmosphere all were perfect. Will definitely come back. read more

Kate G is the best! She is such a personable and happy server! You will leave in a better mood than you came. Our food was running late, no bother to us, and she came twice to let us know it would be coming out shortly. We had to leave for a game and she made sure we got our bills and any last drinks before we had to leave. Kate was truly the needle in a haystack for good service when it comes to California servers. If she's in, sit with her, it's worth it! El Torito is lucky to have such a outgoing, nice, and happy person working the establishment! Thanks Kate, you made our visit! read more

Had the Best Brunch ! Connie was our Waitress and she was so wonderful and kept the drink and food coming ! we will def be back !

Great place for dinner. I had the green enchiladas and would recommend. We had Connie as a server and she was very sweet.

Been coming to El Torito for the past few months with my coworkers every other Friday after a long week. We love coming for happy hour! Happy hour drinks and food are priced just right! We always have Ivan and he makes sure we are taken care of. Luis the manager walks thru the restaurant constantly checks on you and makes sure the service is great. We will be back! read more

It was close to the hotel so I gave it a shot. I got the sliders that they serve in a leaf which has moisture. Add the moisture from the bbq and the bottom bun is too wet to pick up. The flavor was good, but the temp was luke warm at best. Either they reheat the meat, or it's not kept at the required 140 degrees. I didn't get sick, so I'm guessing it's reheated. Next was the queso dip. This was the runniest/thinnest cheese I have ever seen. It's almost like they added water it was so thin. When you dipped your chip, it just ran off it was so thin. I ended with the sopaipilla's which were actually the best thing I had. Flavor was good, ice cream was tasty as was the whip cream. read more

Family environment and prompt service. Burritos are bomb, I prefer carne asada fajitas over chicken fajitas...but that's just my two cent opinion. read more

El Torito - Staff very responsive and amiable to all our requests. Not to mention a killer dessert! - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

Came here on what looked like a slow Sunday night with four friends. Ordered the Tortilla soup. Atleast I thought I did. What I ended up being served was more of a slurry than a soup. I've ordered this dish plenty of times at other locations and it was never so disappointing. Coupled with the bad food, the service was also slow. The servers even managed to get the orders wrong. In the future, I'll stick to the other locations that I'm more familiar with. read more

El Torito - Tortilla slurry....I mean soup. - Mexican Near Me - Irvine, California

I've had brunch and lunch at this location a few times with amazing service. My server Enrique was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable of the menu. He had most of the bar area and was attentive and checking in on all of his tables, offering refills and making sure everyone was happy. Managers Judith and Ana were amazing, talking to patrons and even bussing tables. The brunch was amazing and I'd recommend it to everyone! read more

Came to El Torito for lunch with my family. Filled up on a buffet and mimosa! The food was great but what made our trip was our server Carmen she was very sweet, attentive, funny, helpful and made sure our mimosas were never empty and that's an A+ in my book. Definitely will be back soon! read more

This location is always great energy for every occasion! I've been here plenty of times for girls night and brunch on Sundays with family. Food quality is fantastic and their cocktails are fun! Their servers are friendly and attentive. Highly recommend coming here for your next special event! read more

best el torito brunch i've gone too. the food is amazing, aswell as the bottomless mimosas. servers were all super friendly. I will be returning! :) read more

Had a friend in town staying near by so we decided to eat here. Our server Jose came up to us immediately and right off the bat was amazing. He answered every question with a smile and got drinks out for us in a heartbeat. Food was good, drinks were good, but Jose's excellent service is what really made this meal. Never once had to ask for anything he was always one step ahead of the game. Thanks again Jose for making our time so pleasant and memorable. You deserve some recognition. read more

The Taco Tuesday here, which offers $14.50 all you can eat tacos with up to three options (steak, carnitas, and chicken), is a great deal! Service is fast and friendly and the food is beyond reproach. Easily crushed 12 tacos during lunch and will definitely come back for more! read more