El Torito

Sunday brunch price?

We went on Sunday, Sept 29, 2024 and the brunch price was $37.50 for adults and I think it was $13.00 for kids.

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Does the staff still serve the food for the all-you-can-eat brunch or are patrons able to serve themselves now? Last time I went, the staff served the food for brunch but that was not long after COVID dine-in restrictions were implemented.

You serve yourself. Go It's a good brunch. You'll like it

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Has the La Mesa CA location closed permanently?😳?

It was open as of last week so it should be!

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Is the Buffet only on the Weekend or is it on Fridays too?

Only on Sundays

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Do you allow dogs in the outdoor area?

Yes

Can reservations be made for the Sunday brunch or first come first serve? Is there a bottomless…

Yes. Reservations. Yes Bottomless mimosas

Is Brunch on Sat and Sun?

Yes, both brunch are on the weekend. The only thing about Sunday's brunch is that it's all you can eat.

Do they have a bar? Or place for dancing?

tHE BAR IS TO THE LEFT OF THE ENTRANCE. hOWEVER, THERE IS NO DANCING.

How much is the Sunday Brunch Buffet?

As of March 2022, about $30.

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Do you serve menudo?

Hi Fred. We do have Menudo available on our Sunday Brunch.

Is the Brunch open?

Yes

Is one in la Puente california?

No, this one is in La Mesa California (East San Diego area) There is one at 3133 E Garvey Ave N,…

Is there happy hour? Also, I'm disappoinment to see the Plaza Bonita location closed. Even though it's been years, I still miss it. It was so near my house😕

Yes they have happy hour. And when I went a couple months ago they had happy hour on Sunday as well, 3-7 I believe. But of course call to check for current deals.

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Bannister B.

156

3 years ago

Where Mouthwatering Mexican Delights and Bottomless Mimosas Await! When my large family decided to celebrate my mom's birthday at El Torito, we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. It was a hidden gem that one of my sisters stumbled upon, and boy, were we in for a treat! With promises of a Mexican brunch buffet and bottomless mimosas, our expectations were set high. Let me tell you, El Torito did not disappoint! Now, let's start with the parking situation. The spaces were a tad small, but fear not! We parked a bit further away, which was a great excuse to stretch our legs and build up an appetite. As we entered the restaurant, we were greeted by a welcoming committee of multiple hostesses, ready to guide us to our table. Our party of 14 was promptly seated, and the waiter wasted no time in bringing us an array of refreshing mimosas, coffee, water, and even milk for the kiddos. They had us at "bottomless mimosas"! Once the tantalizing aromas of Mexican goodness hit our noses, we made a beeline for the buffet. Tacos, glorious tacos! El Torito had us covered with an impressive selection of steak, chicken, pastor, and carnitas. And let me tell you, the carnitas took home the gold medal, closely followed by the juicy steak. What made it even more magical was that they made the tortillas right in front of our eyes, ensuring a truly authentic experience. We also indulged in the fantastic fajitas, which took a little time to prepare, but trust me, every minute of that wait was worth it. Now, let's talk about the ambiance. El Torito knows how to accommodate parties of any size. They have small square tables for intimate gatherings and long hosting tables for those unforgettable fiestas. The restaurant is beautifully adorned with authentic Mexican decor, transporting you to the heart of Mexico. The staff, oh, the staff! They were a delight to interact with, always attentive and ready to make our experience extra special. And here's the cherry on top of this already fantastic meal--the price! El Torito goes above and beyond by offering all of these mouthwatering delights at a fraction of the cost you'd find at other restaurants. It's like they're saying, "Hey, let's treat you to an unforgettable feast without breaking the bank!" And don't get me started on their bottomless mimosas. Bravo, El Torito, bravo! Salvador, the manager, deserves a special mention. He graced our table with his presence, ensuring everything was going smoothly. But he didn't stop there. He regaled us with the story of how he came to work for El Torito, and let me tell you, it was an entertaining tale that had us chuckling between bites of deliciousness. So, if you're looking for outstanding Mexican cuisine, an engaging and friendly staff, and an experience that won't drain your wallet, El Torito is the place to be. It's a hidden gem that deserves to be shared and celebrated. Book your reservation, bring your appetite, and prepare for a fiesta like no other. El Torito, you have won our hearts and our taste buds! P.S. If you're lucky, you might just get to hear Salvador's fascinating story too. Trust me, it's worth it! Oh, and how could I forget the pièce de résistance of my mom's birthday celebration at El Torito? It was truly unforgettable! As we were enjoying our meal, the staff surprised my mom with a grand entrance, singing and clapping, bearing a little cake adorned with flickering candles. The joy on her face was priceless, and we all joined in to sing along. It was a moment that captured the essence of El Torito--a place where celebrations come alive, and memories are made. My mom's birthday at El Torito will forever hold a special place in our hearts. The outstanding food, engaging staff, and the delightful birthday surprise made it a day she'll cherish forever. So, if you're looking to make your loved one's special day truly extraordinary, head to El Torito. They know how to turn any occasion into a fiesta! ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Mom, and gracias, El Torito, for creating memories that will last a lifetime! read more

John F.

102

2 years ago

Extremely Disappointed - Worst Holiday Dining Experience I rarely leave negative reviews, but our experience at El Torito in La Mesa for Easter brunch was incredibly frustrating and disappointing. I personally called ahead to make reservations for a large party (over 10 people) specifically to avoid any issues with the online system. Despite this, when we arrived, they had no record of our reservation. Instead of taking accountability or trying to resolve the situation professionally, the staff at check-in acted as if I had never made a reservation at all. They challenged me on it and made it seem like they were doing us a favor by "trying" to seat our party--something that should have already been guaranteed. After over 40 minutes of waiting outside, we were finally seated--but not even together. They split our family into two separate tables, completely defeating the purpose of bringing everyone together for a holiday meal. We were seated with the clear expectation that we'd be enjoying the Easter brunch buffet--only to be told we had five minutes before it ended. There were no plates available, and as we tried to see what we could get, we watched staff clearing the buffet and throwing untouched food into garbage bags right in front of guests. Rather than allowing us to eat what we came for, they rushed to shut everything down as if we were an inconvenience. Eventually, the manager came out and tried to blame Corporate for the mix-up, saying they had set up the reservation. But I had called this exact location directly--it was the local team who took the reservation. Then, a second manager came out and went as far as to accuse us of being rude, instead of taking responsibility for their own mishandling of the situation. This has truly been the worst dining experience I've had, especially on a day meant for family celebration. With Mother's Day around the corner, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere if you're planning something special. This location showed a complete lack of organization, professionalism, and respect for its guests. We will not be returning. read more

Derrell D.

173

2 years ago

I came to El Torito to celebrate my birthday and Father's Day with my wife and daughter, and from start to finish, this was the worst dining experience I have ever had. As soon as we entered the restaurant, the hostess had her back turned while on the phone. We waited for a few minutes with no acknowledgment whatsoever. After about five minutes of standing there, other patrons walked in, and still no acknowledgment. Finally, a server or busboy passing by noticed the situation and seated us. Although the food was pretty good, I had to ask our server several times for water, which never arrived. By this point, the server became increasingly difficult to flag down, and eventually, my wife just let me have what was left of her glass. The experience went further downhill when my wife found a piece of hair in her food while we were waiting on desserts to go. When we informed the server, he jokingly brushed off the situation and deducted the cost of one side dish, about $2. When we tried to use a gift card I received for my birthday, the server seemed completely clueless. Despite my explanation, he asked for my phone number, which had no relevance to the gift card. After a long wait, he returned, unable to find my info. Finally, he paid attention but then asked me to write out all the details on a receipt paper so he could enter them. This tedious process led to a mistake, and the manager had to step in, pointing out my error in writing the numbers. By this time, our ice cream had melted, and we requested replacements. After another long wait, the manager brought a printout regarding the gift card instead of the check. We waited an additional 10-15 minutes before abandoning the place altogether. El Torito abandoned their customers just as we abandoned this place. Terrible service, clueless staff, and an overall disappointing experience. Avoid this restaurant if you value your time and sanity. read more

Jose B.

8 months ago

We recently visited El Torito for brunch with a reservation for 13 people. Overall, it was a solid experience with a few highs and a few noticeable misses. First, although we had a reservation, our table wasn't ready until about 20 minutes after the scheduled time. For a large party, that delay is understandable to a degree, but still worth noting. The brunch buffet had a mix of strong and average options. The handmade sopes and fresh tortillas were definitely a highlight -- great texture and flavor. The pork in salsa verde was tasty, and the chile rellenos were consistently good. The omelet station was another plus, with a solid variety of ingredients and made-to-order quality. On the other hand, some items left more to be desired. The birria lacked depth, and the seafood selections like the aguachile and ceviche didn't stand out. The menudo and pozole were just okay -- not bad, but not particularly memorable. The aguas frescas were overly sweet, and once the ice melted, they became even more diluted. The pricing felt aligned with the experience, especially considering the bottomless mimosas. However, one major issue: after automatic gratuity was already added for our large party, an additional tip was included, which resulted in us tipping over 25%. That's something guests should carefully review on their bill. A bright spot of the visit was Gilberto, who helped make the experience more enjoyable and brought good energy to our table. Overall, a decent brunch option for large groups, with some standout items, but also areas that could use improvement. read more

Crystal L.

9 years ago

I came here on taco Tuesday with a good friend of mine. We ended up getting three tacos, and a margarita. I can't remember the exact price but I remember it was very fair considering the ambiance, and sit down nature of the restaurant. The food is really good, but one of the tacos I got was so spicy. It was funny because my friend and I were both sweating from the spiciness of it. And I can handle my spices so this thing was strong. The margaritas here are really good, I always go with the blended style with salt around the top. It's perfect and just right and I can always feel a little bit of a buzz after having just one of them so they aren't cheap with the liquor which is awesome. The best part about this place though has to be the chips, they are so good. They bring you unlimited chips when you are sitting down. They are hot and very fresh. And the hot sauce that they bring with the chips is delicious. The only reason for four and not five stars is they are a little bit unorganized. It was not a huge deal, but there was a bit of confusion but everything was settled fine so no big complaint. I did really enjoy this spot , so I will be back here again and probably very soon. read more

Tanja M.

4 years ago

I was here for Taco Tuesday on 10/18/22 with 2 friends. Once the bill came we decided to split it 3 ways. The waitress Jessica took all three cards and brought back a receipt for each of us, which we each signed, The tip was left in cash. Imagine my surprise when I noticed a few days later that some how, some way, the ENTIRE amount was charged to my card DESPITE me having a receipt that says otherwise!!! I immediately called and was told that I would have to wait for the mgr(Nick) to call me back..never called. I called and actually spoke to Nick, explained the situation including the fact that the other 2 people each had a receipt showing a portion of the bill for their cards, was told that he would look into it and call me back. Again no call 2 weeks later! Once I finally with him again, he said that accounting issued a refund on 10/25/22. AS of today 11/17/22 I have yet to receive a refund. This is just plain FRAUD committed by this restaurant! I will never step foot into this place again and will gladly tell people not to bother!!! Zero stars should be a very real option. I guess dinner was on me. read more

Carlos G.

6 years ago

I absolutely loved the fact that El Torito is working very hard with this pandemic. However I'm a current customer, I also helped this restaurant with many to go orders and never got picked up. And had friends of mine buy them, by making calls. Last night I wanted to watch the game, the bar was full meaning with the six feet distance only 3 chairs available. I was sat by one of my great friend, which is a server. However then I went to the bar to seat, so I can hear it. There you had the manager sitting on the bar eating, that's unacceptable, your the manager, the limited sitting is for guest. I did not cuz any trouble, but for the manager to take one of the 3 seats to eat, while customers, specifically when your a constant customer and take that space is unacceptable. You need to lead by example. Then she got all mad and didn't wanted to serve me another beer. I had a driver, since she said I was too drunk. Anyway I sure hope that her attitude changes and she needs to be a leader. If not replace her. Because you don't take or seat on company clock. Poor customer service and horrible attitude. read more

Thomas C.

1 year ago

Review for Gilberto at El Torito's La Mesa, San Diego I had the pleasure of being served by Gilberto during my recent visit to El Torito in La Mesa, San Diego, and I cannot recommend him highly enough! From the moment we sat down, Gilberto's professionalism shone through. He was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that we had everything we needed while allowing us to enjoy our meal. His knowledge of the menu was impressive, and he offered great recommendations that truly enhanced our dining experience. What stood out the most was Gilberto's warm and friendly demeanor. He brought a genuine sense of joy to our table, making us feel welcomed and valued. His laughter and positive energy were infectious, turning a simple meal into a memorable occasion. It's clear that he loves what he does, and that passion made a significant difference in our experience. In summary, if you're dining at El Torito in La Mesa, make sure to ask for Gilberto. His combination of professionalism, warmth, and humor is a rare find, and it elevates the dining experience to a whole new level! read more

Gabby N.

3 months ago

For me, great service is worth driving for, and Gilberto is exactly why. Over 20 years ago, my kids and I became regulars at El Torito because the food was always fresh and the service was consistently excellent. Recently, I drove all the way to the La Mesa location hoping our favorite waiter, Gilberto, was still there--and I was so happy to find him! The food was just as fresh and delicious as I remembered, but Gilberto is what truly makes the experience exceptional. His charisma, warm personality, professionalism, and incredible attention to detail are second to none. He has a way of making every table feel welcomed, appreciated, and well taken care of. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does, and it shows in every interaction. Employees like Gilberto are rare. He is the kind of person who creates loyal customers and keeps people coming back year after year. Thank you, Gilberto, for another wonderful dining experience. You are truly top-notch! read more

Julia F.

5 years ago

What a great experience!!! Years ago we used to celebrate special occasions with our extended family at the Rancho Bernardo location. We were sad when they closed. Tonight, we surprised my husband for his birthday by taking him here because he loves Mexican food and good margaritas. I have to say, this experience was PERFECTO! Our server was Gilberto and he made the experience like the Disneyland for restaurants. He gave us personal service and guided us with drink and entree recommendations. The salsa was wonderful. We had the fajitas with refillable sides. Loved the presentation. The beans and rice were great. All the proteins (beef, pork, chicken as fish) were great. I loved the little papas mixed in (potatoes). The flan almost made me cry, it was so good. I could say more, but you get the idea. I hope you have as nice of an experience when you go. We will be coming back! read more

Vivian D.

3 years ago

I recently had the opportunity to dine at El Torito, and it was a fantastic experience. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant, with colorful decor that added to the overall ambiance of the restaurant. The menu offered a wide variety of delicious Mexican dishes, from traditional favorites like tacos and enchiladas to more unique options. The food was flavorful and well-prepared, and the portion sizes were generous. The service at El Torito was exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff who were knowledgeable about the menu and provided great recommendations. The waitstaff made sure that we had everything we needed throughout the meal. Overall, I highly recommend dining at El Torito. Whether you're craving classic Mexican cuisine or looking to try something new, this restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience. read more

Gem Ann K.

14 years ago

This was awful Their Lunch buffet they used to have with a variety of food now has been reduced to a TJ Taco bar for 6.99 very little to put on the tacos, no tomatos, guala cheese instead of monterrey jack or cheddar, have to wait for the girl to make the tortillas and that with 5 in front of us put us there for 10 minutes waiting eating into our lunch hour We both got team and what a shock 2.89 for a soft drink/soda highest in San Diego anywhere,. food wasnt great I will go back for 7.99 to Hacienda Casa Blanca on Tues for a full Mexican Buffet including desserts and never return her Oh the bartender Miquel was great very nice always there for us this is poor management ridding the buffet of varitety Oh yes no control of loud drunks somoeone should have told them to hold it down very very noisy read more

Damon J.

2 years ago

Five Stars for Gilberto's Exceptional Service! What can I say? Gilberto is an extraordinary server! From the moment my family and I walked in, he greeted us with such a positive, upbeat, and enthusiastic attitude--it truly set the tone for the entire meal. Throughout our dining experience, Gilberto went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and well taken care of. His attention to detail, warm personality, and selfless approach to service did not go unnoticed. It's clear he takes great pride in creating an experience that makes guests feel welcome and appreciated. It's rare to encounter someone with such a genuine servant's heart, and it's exactly that kind of energy that makes people want to come back. Gilberto, thank you for making our visit so memorable--you're a true gem. Well done! read more

Coreen S.

5 years ago

Pedro served us an early dinner this evening. Before we even sat down, his friendliness seemed to insure a wonderful experience. Three of the five of us are vegetarians and when I asked a specific question about the menu, Pedro practically ran back to the kitchen to get a precise answer. Next, we noticed that he wore an N95 mask and never let it slip beneath his nose, which was particularly important to us since were dining with our 80+ parents/grandparents. Pedro also made it possible for us to eat outside, even though the restaurant did not seem to be set up for outside dining. Sure enough, as the delicious meal progressed, we conversed more and more with Pedro, until by the end of the meal we felt we had made a new friend. We had not been to El Torito in ages, but we will surely return soon! read more

Sarah O.

3 years ago

My in-laws and I came to this location last week and had such a great dine-in experience! The service was phenomenal from our server Gilberto. He was extremely accommodating and quite hilarious. He definitely showed us a good time, chatted with us, and even went an extra step in improving my mother-in-law's order. He tended to all the tables in that way and his positive energy set off a great mood. The restaurant manager Sal was also very friendly and made sure that our experience was perfect. Our food was also very tasty! I got the Birria Tacos which were divine. They also have an amazing buffet on Sundays for $37 a person (not sure of the hours) and kids under a certain age eat for $1 on Wednesday with the purchase of an adult entree. Definitely recommend! Will be going again soon. read more

Sofia R.

2 years ago

El Torito Has been the best all around town!,The day I came with my family and friends to come celebrate my mom birthday.Elizabeth was our server,Elizabeth amazing,she was very helpful and always came to check up on us to make sure if we had everything we needed,she always made sure to ask if we needed anything else and always had our drinks full !!. El Torito such a great restaurant. It's always a restaurant that I love to go. Their food is very good. The service that they give is amazing. I have never Had a problem every time I go. The workers always give such great energy and greet their guest.Me and my family,and friends enjoyed our time there the food was delicious and we had a blast with the music.Thank you Elizabeth and the rest of the team for such an amazing service. read more

Ernie R.

11 years ago

Hey, new life, El Torito had been revived in La Mesa, on Baltimore...it used go be my spot for happy hour and special occasions, then it happened, they made some changes and the whole thing took a nose dive...then came Kelly, this amazing young lady took the bull by the horns, hand picked staff, like Missy, Luis, and others have poured their hearts out to bring this place back to life...indeed, my spot now...I can feel good about bringing friends and family here again, and not having to wonder if they are going to enjoy the experience or have that never again feeling...my hats off...Kelly is an asset and worth her weight in gold...I hope the Corporation shows some appreciation, I would and I do by bringing back my patronage... read more

Araceli V.

2 years ago

I had the pleasure of having breakfast here for brunch on Sunday, and it was an experience I won't soon forget! Our waiter, **Gilberto**, was absolutely top-notch. His attention and kindness were second to none, and his sense of humor added a delightful touch to our meal. Even though it wasn't our first visit, Gilberto made us feel like we were first-time customers. The food was nothing short of fantastic. I highly recommend the **CEVICE** - a tasty treat that delights the taste buds. And do yourself a favor and don't skip the **chocolate fountain**. It's a sweet ending to a great meal. In conclusion, this place not only offers excellent food, but also an atmosphere that makes you feel at home. I can't wait to return! read more

Helen N.

4980

996

1943

12 years ago

Margarita, pretty good! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-torito-la-mesa-3?select=jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q#sqvaWX8lM5DB__t9qP0WoA Very smooth. I'm having one. Fresh limes, tequila and salt bring out the flavor in everything. Not too sweet, not too sour. Just right! Chips http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-torito-la-mesa-3?select=jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q#jEm7mV_te_VsAiTZY_kk1Q, salsa, plus margarita - all tasty! I love a good margarita after a long hard day at work. I was sitting next door so it was a short walk. I received a very friendly greeting. They had street tacos. Pork was good. The chicken grilled ones were really good. Good place to eat when you have the funds. Slightly higher than other places... read more

Joseph A.

1 year ago

Went in for a celebratory birthday dinner, left after good times and memories. The food was delicious and service was fantastic. The waiter Gilberto was the coolest guy in town, made us feel right at home checking in on us throughout the time there, even got us together to sing happy birthday for the pops. The vibes were just the best kind to have. I'd recommend anyone to check it out if they want that authentic El Torito experience. The La Mesa location off Baltimore Drive is the spot to be at. Suitable for any family gathering and friendly get togethers. They even have a great selection drinks drafts cocktails mocktails etc. I'll for sure be back. read more

El Torito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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