We had such a wonderful family brunch at El Torito today! The mariachi music made the atmosphere so fun and festive, and our waitress truly went above and beyond. They didn't have pancakes out, she kindly brought out a beautifully plated portion just for her. Such a thoughtful gesture that made our little girl feel special. Excellent service, delicious food, and such a warm family- friendly experience. We'll definitely be back! Thank you Lopez M. read more

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

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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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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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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Amazing service and food! Our server Edwin was amazing! Will definitely come back again!

1st time here! Amazing service, food was great. Definitely coming here again. Rachel was amazing and super friendly! Can't wait to come back. read more

Service was great! M Lopez made us feel at home! Food choices were awesome and family friendly environment

The service here is a tale of two worlds. On one hand, Ever and Ilinne are professional, hardworking, and high-energy. On the other hand, the floor management and bussing are incredibly lacking. We waited 15-30 minutes at a dirty table in the bar area while the busser actively ignored us. When we were finally acknowledged by Bethany, it felt confrontational rather than welcoming. This floor manager asked me, "Can I help you?" And I was surprised because it was apparent the table was full of dirty dishes and gave me a spill I can't sit myself and I said I am literally seeing 3 other people do the same thing. It is disappointing to see "regulars" get preferential treatment, they self seat, get table cleaned first and pre-ordered drinks at the bar, while a mother with a toddler is left sitting behind dirty plates. I mean, even the server Ever asked the table in front of me if they moved from another table because they got their table cleaned (by the busser who ignored us) and they already had chips and Cadillacs, modelo ordered with the bartender Chuy. Our server was sweet and said to give them another chance when I mentioned I am in elevated fine dining but what is happening won't affect his tip. Not his fault other people's work ethics are questionable. As someone in the industry, I know how hard the job is, but the lack of basic hospitality from the front-of-house was disappointing. 20% tip for the great servers, but 0 stars for the environment. As a fellow Latina in the industry, I expected a bit more community and hospitality, not to be made to feel like an inconvenience. El Torito will not be my first choice to spend my Friday night for dinner. read more

El Torito - 15 minutes in waiting while the busser wiped a clean table from a distance then cleans the table in front or me. - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

Food was delicious. I had the Vampiro meal with rice, beans and corn cake. So good! My hubby had the carne asada burrito with rice and beans. We also were able to order the happy hour margarita. Our waitress Tania was so nice and very attentive. It was a nice night out. read more

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We had a great meal and our waiter Spencer was so amazing and attentive! My daughter enjoyed her little ice cream as well :)

We had a great time at Mother's Day Brunch at El Torito. We had 4 adults and 1 kid and price was good for all that you get. They had a mariachi band which was nice while we ate. I definitely enjoy the mimosas. Our server Lopez, M was very helpful and attentive as we dined. She had a great personality as well. Great times! read more

I've had some bad experiences at restaurants but this one has been the worst in a long time. Luis was the manager both times, I work in the industry and I think he needs to revisit why he chose to be in the food industry. His customer service is awful. We came in and spent $100 on food through pickup. i checked the bag quickly before we left & noticed the side for my sons kids meal missing. I asked about it that's when Luis came over and searched the food like we were lying then asked someone else who worked there if there were sides with the kids meal. I've worked in many restaurants and they always come with sides but i didn't say anything i let it go and they gave us the fries and we were off. then we get home and realize his food was also supposed to come with a yogurt and our fajitas (2 orders) had no tortillas. There were no utensils either. I called and asked to speak to Luis mentioning the missing items. Working in the industry you check the to go bags especially for bigger orders to ensure everything needed is included. He mentioned he would give us an order of 1800 fajitas on them for the issues he said to come in and give my name. We went in to go redeem them monday night, i called prior because my dad was going to go pick up the order. The lady on the phone mentioned luis was there and asked for my name. She mentioned that Luis told her that he told me to keep the receipt. I told her that's not what I was told - he had just told me he needed my name. I also mentioned i paid through the inkind app so i told her i didn't even have the receipt. she said it was okay as long as it had the date and time and information from the visit. My dad comes in with the screenshot and was given the hardest time. I was planning on my dad having a smooth pickup and it was the opposite. Luis told my dad he wouldn't be giving him the food without the receipt. I had to call and talk to Luis YET AGAIN & he denied the whole thing. I asked if that wasn't the story then why was he giving my dad such a hard time when he never told me to keep the receipt in the first place. He finally, after some arguing agreed to give my dad the food and that was that. My dad was even worried to eat it, worried something would've been done to the food. Overall I won't be back here as long as Luis is managing. The service industry takes a special person with patience and customer service skills especially from a manager and Luis doesn't have that. If I can find the corporate information I will be writing to the corporates office as well so no one else has to experience this. read more

Service was amazing. Megan was friendly quick and gave helpful suggestions. Great experience ... live music is always a plus

Always amazing food and service. Today we had Maria Lopez for the first time and she was so friendly and prompt with her service. We look forward to coming back! read more

I had lunch today with my bf at El Torito in Lakewood. Food was good, however, our server Alberto was exceptional. He greeted us with a smile and hustled not only for us but for his entire section. He represents what customer service used to be like back in the day when customers were the priority and made to feel like they mattered. Thank you Alberto. Additionally, the Carne Asada Burrito was and the Cha Cha Chata seasonal drink was dangerously delicious. read more

El Torito - Carne asada burrito plate and ch cha chata drank! - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

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I had a very disappointing experience at El Torito in Lakewood on March 22. My daughter and I placed a takeout order totaling $98, and right from the start, things went wrong. Before we even left the restaurant, we noticed that part of our order was missing from the bag. When we brought it up, the service manager, Luis Santana, came out and began going through our receipt in a way that felt like he was questioning our honesty rather than trying to help. His attitude was unwelcoming and dismissive from the beginning. Although he eventually gave us additional items, it felt reluctant and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, when we got home, we realized that more items were still missing. My daughter called the restaurant to resolve the issue, but the overall experience had already left a very negative impression. Between the missing food, the lack of attention to detail, and especially the poor customer service, this was not the level of service you expect when spending nearly $100 on a meal. I hope management takes a closer look at how situations like this are handled, because customers should feel respected and taken care of, not questioned or dismissed. read more

Excellent service! We had Jose S "El Guapo"! I eat out a lot & I rarely receive this type of service! He had a table of 20 aside from everyone else & still maintained a excellent level of customer service. So attentive. I write this review while still at the restaurant! After mimosas, that should tell you something! Lol I would come back again just to sit at one of his tables. He deserves a raise! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

Service was great! We were greeted with a smile. We were given plenty of extra salsa and we never saw the bottom of our chip basket. The salsa had a great flavor and a nice kick to it. Glad it wasn't gringo spice level. It has some guts, which we appreciated. We ordered the Seafood Trio Tacos, Shrimp Mazatlan Enchiladas, a quesadilla appetizer and a cucumber cooler. The quesadilla was brought out first and it was massive. Like the size of half a pizza. My cucumber cooler arrived too and it was light, bright, and refreshing without being too sweet. I didn't expect it to be carbonated, but happy it was. Made it a little more special and fancy than just a cucumber lemonade-ish drink. I would definitely recommend it. Our entrees came out super fast, like 10 min after we ordered them, tops. My enchiladas were full of plump and spicy shrimp and my wife loved her the mahi mahi in her seafood tacos. We left stuffed and very happy. The restaurant has a lot of square footage with high ceilings so it feels spacious and comfortable, and the evening sun starts to come through this cool stained glass feature above the main entrance around sunset. I had no complaints. Great job to the cooks and wait staff. We'll be back soon. read more

El Torito - Shrimp Mazatlan Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

Service by Jose Rodriguez was great. He was very polite and professional, as well as very friendly.

Edwin did a great job at servicing our table. We got the bottomless mimosas and Edwin topped us off frequently.

Love this place the food is delicious and we always get great service especially in the bar side the waiters and staff here are always very nice and on top of it. The chorizo queso fundido is bomb so are the enchiladas and the beer is always ice cold. read more

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We made a reservation two weeks prior at 10:15 for today... we get there and we still have to wait an hour and 40 minutes. What is the purpose of having a reservation system if you don't honor the reservation time by the time we got in there was hardly any food stocked up or the one that was there was cold also our place for getting stacked in our table. The waiter would only say oh I will be back for those, but yet 15 minutes to pick them up. I really enjoyed the music other than that. The ham with the ham glaze with 10 for 10. I honestly feel the reservation if they don't even honor it. read more

Edwin was amazing!!! He took care of us and served us well. He was quick and he did an amazing job.

My family and I had a great experience all around. Food 10/10 Service 10/10 Rachel was attentive and welcoming thank you! read more

Lopez Maria was our waitress yesterday in the cantina.... She was very attentive and kept our drinks full! Such a nice girl and beautiful personality great job!! Will definitely be requesting her for next time!! read more

Our server, Jose S., was AMAZING -- truly top-notch service. He was attentive, kind, and made our experience enjoyable. Unfortunately, the manager, Delia Reyes, was the complete opposite and really took away from our visit. I came in with my two young children, and we were offered either the buffet or the regular menu. I was hesitant about the buffet since my kids are extremely picky eaters, but I decided to give it a try. I got a plate for myself and encouraged my kids to try some food, but they barely ate -- just a little rice and some beans. At one point, I even gave them some of my rice while I continued eating tacos. While we were seated, I noticed the manager watching us closely from behind our booth, which felt uncomfortable. Later, she added a kids buffet charge to my bill. I explained that my children didn't actually eat the buffet -- my daughter mostly just wanted chips, and I had to convince her to eat even a small amount of rice. Despite explaining this, the manager was rude and dismissive. The interaction felt unnecessary and unprofessional. She could definitely benefit from improving her customer service and management skills. It's unfortunate because the server did such a great job, but the manager's attitude left a negative impression. read more

La comida no está buena Tienen pocas opciones para ser buffet Demasiado caro para lo que ofrecen No regresaría!!! Los platos estaban sucios read more

José Rodríguez served our party of 15 amazingly! He provided amazing service and was very attentive to our big group. We reserved for Sunday brunch, and would recommend for more birthday parties here. The food was freshly made and the mimosas was definitely endless for those who decided for that. read more

Visited with some friends for happy hour on a Saturday! Haven't been to El Torito in a while! They have some amazing deals between the hours of 3pm-9pm daily in Cantina's area only. My friends and I ordered some birria tacos and margaritas flight. The meat inside the tacos was juicy and tender packed with flavors, but tortillas were burnt. If it was slightly cooked better than would have been a good combination, but the price was right. 3 birria tacos for $8. Margaritas flight was a little diluted, but still refreshing to sip down. If you just want some simple food at great prices, check this place out! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

Great service from Maria L she was awesome!!!!!! Very attentive and down to earth! I am a waitress from WA state and hours should be based on performance not surveys. read more

We came for brunch with the family. Rachel was our server. Rachel did a great job. Very attentive and very nice . She deserves a raise!

My server, Jose, was incredible and made sure our table was constantly taken care of. He always checked in on us and made the restaurant feel like luxury. The food was also great, as always, and the environment of the restaurant was extremely friendly and welcoming. read more

M. Lopez was awesome! Very good customer service. Thank you for your service..........

Came here for Saturday brunch buffet, which I think is a somewhat newer offering. It's a pared-back version of the Sunday brunch buffet - fewer items but the same good quality, and a cheaper price. Bottomless mimosas are available but for an additional cost, and works out for someone like me who doesn't drink but the husband does! We get to enjoy the same buffet regardless. I think the regular menu is still offered. We were hoping to sit with our usual server (Jose S) but his section was busy so we got seated elsewhere. And we still got served by Jose! All the staff here are so helpful and accommodating. It really feels like our "Cheers." read more

Great service! The wait wasn't long and their buffet has a lot of great options. My man Edwin took care of us and the food was on point!

Take my family to El Torito in Lakewood, that drinks were horrible. The service was not good. The food was not good.

One of my favorite brunch spots! Great for big parties and families when craving is authentic Mexican cuisine. Food and ambiance here is 10/10. Gotta tip my hat to our favorite server Jose Rodriguez that's always on top of everything making sure we have a great experience. Definitely come check them out, you won't be disappointed. read more

I have literally been going to this place for years And it never disappointed. My favorite thing about El torito right now is the everyday happy hour menu. The carne asada fries are delicious and only $8. Service is always fast and friendly. The margaritas are always good. It has a nice little local vibes. I will continue to come back read more

El Torito - Happy hour food menu - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California

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I love to go to El torito for Sunday brunch for the Menudo so Good!!!! Everytime I go, the waiter Alberto is sooooooo friendly and is always so helpful and accommodating he makes sure every thing is good , if you need anything and I really appreciate that as a customer. The restaurant is clean , and the food is delicious read more

El Torito - I go for this Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Lakewood, California