I have been visiting your location for so many years for the reason that I enjoy the good service and food , jose Sanchez's one of your best server, amazing, i come here twice a week , you raise the price on everything but still coming. for the last two weeks there is no air conditioning, I have beer and food at home but I come here to enjoy, is hot in here and I heard other customers complain as well . please fix it or else I will stop cominng , is very uncomfortable eating and sweating read more

Excellent restaurant at the Lakewood Center Mall. This is just outside the indoor mall but still part of the large parking area. This mall is also a nice place to shop, then come get lunch at El Torrito. We ate there today and ordered 2 dishes. Our waiter was Alberto. He was great. Always checking on us and refilling our iced teas. Helped us decide on our order as well. 1. Chicken Taco Salad 2. 2 taco combo with beef/chicken. Passion fruit iced teas. Both meals were great. Even the chips and salsa was great. I always review iced teas as well, and these were great. We both loved our food and the service. Thank you Alberto for being a great waiter. read more

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My husband and I visited El Torito Lakewood tonight, as we have many times over the years. We each like our own salsa, and I usually enjoy two or three servings while waiting for our meal. Tonight, our server informed us that the policy has changed and customers will now be charged for additional salsa. My concern is not really the charge itself. We fully understand that food prices have increased tremendously and that some of those costs will eventually be passed on to customers. My issue is the lack of transparency. This new charge is not listed on the menu, posted anywhere, or otherwise communicated to customers. Thankfully, our server told us beforehand, because I would have been upset to discover an unexpected charge when the bill arrived. It should not be solely the server's responsibility to explain an unpublished policy--especially to longtime customers. I have lived in Lakewood and patronized this location for more than 25 years. Any new charge should be clearly disclosed so customers can decide whether they want to order more. I also hope this is truly a companywide policy and not something being created or enforced differently at individual locations. I will certainly be paying attention when I visit the Cypress restaurant. This location was practically empty tonight, which is a major change from the days when customers had to wait for a table. Clear communication and appreciation for loyal customers matter now more than ever. Do better, El Torito Lakewood. read more

We were so looking forward to a good dinner with the family on a Friday night. I hadn't been here for years and remembered it being so much better; both food and service. They were not busy so we were seated right away but didn't get water for a long time, it came after our food came out. The waitress was nice but slow and got so many things wrong. Our food came out separately; 2 of our dishes were missed so the order was put in late, meaning 2 of us didn't start eating til the rest of us were almost done! The soup was not hot so we sent it back to have it warmed, we got another one but when I checked the bill (unfortunately after I got home) I got charged for 2 soups! All other food was just okay, for the expensive Mexican food prices, I expected more; paying $28 for 3 taco plate is a lot! Water was never filled up. It was just bad service and mediocre food. Not sure we will be back or at least not this location. If you come for happy hour, you have to sit and order at the bar, they don't offer happy hour when you are dining at a table. I've never heard of such! Really disappointed for a Friday night dinner for our family. read more

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Our server Selena Mora was super sweet and professional and made our dining experience memorable It had been a while since we ate here. Definitely will be back read more

The happy hour deals were great and the food was good! Our server Fabian was also friendly and attentive! Definitely coming back here for happy hour again read more

Sergio was very courteous and efficient. Service was great and the food was delicious. We will be back again! We love El Torito!!

Fabian was such a great a server! 10/10 very attentive and always made sure we had what we needed

Came here for happy hour food was delicious drinks amazing! but what stood out the most was our server Maria Lopez she was attentive accommodating and super sweet! thank you maria! read more

Maria Lopez was a great server! So attentive and quick! Food was great -- overall good experience

Mr. Sanchez "El Guapo" was our server and man did he make us feel special. We had a big, 15-person party for our family reunion on a Sunday no less and he took great care of us. Our drink order were taken right away and came right out before we even got back with our plate from the buffet. It was service with a smile the whole time and even helped us flag down the Mariachi when we wanted to request a song. Can't say enough about our experience. Thank you, El Guapo and El Torito! read more

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Girls night out with my friends and had such a great service ! Thank you to our server Fabian

Ingrid Dorantes was great! Sweet kind and fast. She had a great personality and answered any questions we had about the menu.

Came for happy hour. The food was "ok" but what really stood out was our server, Selena Mora. She was really attentive and kind and always had a smile on her face. Gracias Selena. The music could be better though we all don't just listen to reggaeton but the ambiance was chill. read more

This is one of the worst dining experiences I have EVER had, and that's saying something. I was staying nearby at a hotel near Long Beach Airport, and I hadn't eaten at an El Torito for over 30 years. I thought they had all gone out of business, so I decided to stop in for lunch. The first clue should've been a huge restaurant with like 4 people inside. It also smelled really bad. Not dirty, just smelly. They had a lunch buffet so we opted to do that to make it easy. BIG mistake. The buffet was pathetic and super expensive! There was a sad salad with some tomatoes, some mystery meat hot dishes, cold enchiladas, rice, beans, and a taco "bar" that didn't even have cheese. You couldn't make your own tacos either, there was a woman who made them for you. They only had corn tortillas and the meat was low quality (and the chicken was cheap dark meat). There were some mini bite sized desserts that looked old and gross, we we all skipped those. To add insult to injury, the price was outrageous. We paid $80 for this bad food (the restaurant adds a tacky "labor surcharge" to every check, which is sneaky in my opinion). I'm still so angry that we wasted our money here. It was just awful and a terrible excuse for a Mexican restaurant. I won't make the mistake of dining at an El Torito ever again. Their glory days are long over. read more

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Jose Sanchez and company were at the top of their game Food was great and fast Had a good time all around.

Came here after arriving in Long Beach. Love that they stay open late. I got the Birria tacos. I would rated a four just because it was a little salty and the cilantro and onions that you see on top was all that was on the plate. there was no cilantro or onions inside the taco and that just wasn't enough for all three tacos. read more

El Torito - BEEF BIRRIA TACOS - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

El Torito is my kids' favorite place for brunch!Maria was an absolute joy to have as a server.

The food was great, we come to Sunday brunch here at least once a month. The service was excellent, our server Beto was attentive and provided great service. read more

BIRTHDAY MONTH=BIRTHDAY COUPONS=HAPPY RODNEY Free entree for Rewards Members Previously, the birthday month promo was for a free entree (up to a specified amount) at all El Torito, Acapulco & Chevy's locations. Thus, 3 free entrees (although Chevy's doesn't have a SoCal location). With a revamp of the Rewards program this year, the birthday promo became any entree free at either El Torito, Acapulco or Chevy's. Having my choice of any entree with no limit, I had to go big & choose the most expensive - Ignited Fajitas Supremas. Ignited Fajitas Supremas- A muy macho meal, the Ignited Fajitas Supremas had enough food to feed a family. Or, a hungry guy like me. Carne asada, shrimp & chicken, served en flambe on top of onions & bell peppers. Paired with rice, beans, a dollop of guacamole & sweet corn cake. Naturally, the carne asada was the highlight, but everything was cooked & prepared well, with no complaints by me. Service was great. The gentleman attendant was friendly & hospitable. Plenty of seating in the main restaurant, and at the cantina. Different year, different options. I favor the change into 1 free entree at either of the 3 restaurants. That way, a higher priced entree can be redeemed, opposed to 3 lesser priced ones. I was this close to choosing the Filet Mignon Enchiladas, but overall satisfied with the Ignited Fajitas Supremas. read more

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Selena was great. Very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed. She kept the mimosas flowing!!

Good food for the price! Maria was a great server very attentive and nice! It was a comfy temperature during this high heat day.

Yummy food and friendly and efficient staff. Ambiance is nice and we always have a good experience. Our waitress today, Maria Lopez, was great. read more

A 2026 review. Valentines Sunday Brunch weekend. Greeted and seated at 9:30 am Ordered the AYCE breakfast brunch. Or waitress gave us orange juice and coffee to start with. All was fresh. From the AYCE breakfast brunch buffe, picked up chicken and beef tacos, menudo, pazole, omlettes, eggs, bacon, salsa, etc (A few more to name) Over all everything was really good. No complaints. I would come again. Ambiance is of Mexican decor. Plenty of parking but will get packed closer to noon. Average buffet price is 34.99 and up. Today was a self serve kind of day! read more

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Megan is the best in the business! Great fajitas and holy moly, the guacamole! Larry thinks everything is AWESOME... read more

El Torito - Larry thinks everything is just AWESOME! - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

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Came to dinner with friends and Selena Mora was our server and she was the sweetest and super attentive person. She made our dinner awesome. Definitely will come back. The food and ambiance was amazing too. read more

The food was great, the service was even better! Thanks Lopez, M for taking care of us!

Food was great and service was really good too. Our server, Lopez, was quick and friendly without being hovering. But , she seemed to know when we were ready for everything. read more

Went here for happy hour on a Monday and there was plenty of space in the bar area . Our server was great attentive and made sure to let us know how much time we had left to take advantage of the deals. One of the best happy hours around, will be back read more

Not great but not terrible. Chips and salsa never disappoint but the guacamole did, it was kind of bland. We started off with a small guacamole and flautas to share, I did not care for the flautas they were very sweet which I didn't enjoy (but that's personal preference). As for our meals we all ordered from their lunch menu which are great prices, the chicken fajitas were dry, I got the grilled chicken healthy bowl but subbed for steak, the steak was okay beans tasted like canned beans and the rice was nice it is fulfilling though because I didn't finish and it was only $10. We also ordered the chicken torta which looked really yummy and tasted good too. There was a buffet going on but our waitress or anyone never mentioned anything or informed us about it, it would've been nice to know about it. The vibe and setup of the restaurant was nice I loved the music. I would come here agin because i usually get the Mexican Caesar salad and the deep fried ice cream which NEVER disappoint but of course I wanted to try something different. read more

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Maria Lopez is a great server! Very attentive and always asked if we were ok. Super friendly!

Leo T was a great server. He provided exceptional service and so quick. My food was prepared well. Except a little gnat flew in my salad. So I couldn't enjoy my salad all to myself. I had to share with a fruit fly. But that wasn't anyone's fault. The ambiance was nice as usual. I came for the grilled Pina drink. but the it was disappointing because it didn't have my grilled pineapple on the glass. Didn't taste as good as the last time I was here. Leo did try to rectify it. But I told him no worries. All in all I enjoyed myself. read more

El Torito - Grilled pina drink - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

This location in Lakewood always has amazing customer service. Even when we order for delivery and call to have them include something, they are great. The food always tastes great. There is plenty of parking. Prices are comparable. Half authentic and half Americanized Mexican food. Satisfies cravings. I love their flautas. Pretty large restaurant. Bar is chill and cool. Restrooms are clean. Menu has many choices. Their drinks are DELICIOUS!!! Happy hour here always makes us happy. read more

Great service by Jose Rodriguez!! Very attentive. Brunch is Buffett style and lots of good options plus mimosa is included!

We decided to have Saturday Breakfast Buffet at this location and it did not disappoint!!! Our table was ready due to making a reservation during the week even though we were a couple of minutes late. The staff was very friendly and accommodating especially our waiter Jose Rodriguez. He was very attentive, warm, friendly and met all our needs in a timely manner! Excellent service! We will definitely be coming back soon! read more

We enjoy coming to Sunday brunch! Thank you, Alberto Gonzalez for such amazing service!

Really disappointed with everything, from the horchata I ordered to the buffet options on Sunday. Our go to is Acapulco restaurant but our location closed down so we decided to give el Torito a try on Sunday for their breakfast buffet. Worst decision I made with my money. Food quality is not there, food is cold, and food variety was non existent. The horchata was from the fountain machine not even authentic, which is expected if you're paying 45$ a person for authentic Mexican food. Service wasn't great either. Won't be coming back, I'll do the drive and go to Acapulco next time at their Long Beach location. read more

Maria Lopez was awesome and super nice with our annoying asks. Felt very comfortable asking for whateber we needed. Thank you!!!

Let me start off by saying I think El torito is bombed for having a photographer for dinner time I am here for it, and the photographer was very professional and nice. read more

Sergio is one of the best waiters that we've dealt with in a very long time... he's the best!!!!