Food was outstanding. Wait was average, however the server was great! Jordyn was consistent with refills, check ups and super polite. Definitely will dine in again. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Such a wonderful experience!!! So attentive and kind! The margaritas were delicious and the personnel were so fun! I love the sweet corn so much! read more

Before leaving for the airport stopped in again + had lunch. There was three of us so we had Grande Fiesta Platter appetizer, Buffalo tenders,crispy Flautas, Nachos Supremos + cheese Quesadilla. Just enough to get us home. Pretty sure it was the same waitress as before. She's a sweetheart + efficient. Skipped the bloody Mary, but mom had one + my sister had a Pina Colda. The views from the restaurant are outstanding. read more

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This place is not worth it. Very poor quality mexican food for high prices. The waitress working the 2 tables next to us said a very rude comment to me as well about the way I was biting into my food - maybe the fajita steak was overdone and chewy? I had the margarita flight which tasted like juice and had zero alcohol in it. We then ordered the queso dip and it tasted like microwaved velveeta cheese with some tomatoes thrown on it. The chips are NOT FRESH. Very stale and probably store bought. We then had the carne asada burrito as a chimichanga. It was very soggy. Stuffed with pinto beans. Tasted more like a soggy bean burrito with few pieces of meat. I had the steak fajitas - sour cream was $2 extra and didn't come with cheese. The steak was over cooked and chewy. Bell peppers weren't fully cooked. The plate wasn't even steaming when coming out. We then had the fried ice cream which was still frozen solid in the center we had to wait for it to soften more. It was covered in nasty corn flakes instead of graham cracker crust. Kids quesadilla was just a tortilla with cheese and zero flavor. Paid $136 for horrible food. read more

Was looking forward to trying this place because my parents LOVE it. Unfortunately, when we came today on Mother's Day, the manager completely mishandled the entire day. Not only did we have to wait an entire HOUR WITH RESERVATIONS, but a car BLOCKED US INTO OUR SPOT in their parking lot. When I called a tow truck company they said the restaurant needed to call on my behalf. I tell the manager this and what does he do? He gives me attitude and tells me no, he is not calling them because it's bad for business, and says he will find someone to move from in front of us to let us out (because the car blocking us in was from behind). Instead of apologizing (e.g. a simple, "So sorry this happened, let me see what I can do!) and agreeing with me that the car was in the wrong, he gave me attitude and excuses! Wtf? Why would you give me attitude? That set me off and is, guess what? Bad for business. You completely mishandled that. Luckily someone who worked there moved from in front of us to let us out, but nothing of sincerity came from the manager and even after I told him several times, "My attitude isn't with you! I'm not upset with you!" (he wasn't being polite and I didn't want there to be a misunderstanding), he still proceeded to give me attitude and excuses! Okay well NOW I do have an attitude with you. Are you for real? You're gonna give me attitude after making us wait an hour for our RESERVATION?! Instead he says, "Well we had 1200 reservations today." Okay and? That's my problem how? You're gonna give me attitude because someone blocked me in why? Make it make sense. Here's the thing, if you have reservations, your customers shouldn't be waiting AN HOUR. That's on YOU. That means you have poor time management because there are signs saying each party has 1.5 hours. So kick them out after an hour and half. That's on you! Manage their time! Don't accept parties without reservations on holidays! It was a sh** show today. If you have good time management you could've avoided this mess. And then the cherry on top was your attitude when I was blocked the F in! Are you kidding me? Never coming back. Doesn't matter if the view and food is great; this was an awful experience (other than our wonderful server and bartender) and the manager's attitude was the last straw. Enjoy this video of the inconsiderate dumbass blocking my car in (which I only took because of the manager's attitude towards me). Could have easily been kind and I would've been writing a different review (was going to give 3 stars due to ridiculousness of wait). All you had to do was be professional; so the video I posted (that's now viral) is straight up on you Mr. Manager for being rude AF to me for no reason. Guess in the end I was worse for business than you just calling the tow truck. read more

Pretty restaurant right on the bay. It's nice that it has a parking lot and you can get your parking vouched. The restaurant can be loud Food is pretty decent - got a hibiscus guava margarita Service can be good depending on who you get. It can be pretty slow depending on how busy it is! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Great happy hour, great view! You can't beat the view. Our sever Debbie, was top notch, fantastic- worked so hard and was so friendly. Food was decent, and it was nice to see an El Torino thriving. read more

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This review is based on a DoorDash experience. I ordered the Mucho Combo which includes a chili rellano, chicken and sour cream enchilada, tamale, taco, beans and rice. When my order arrived half was missing. I called the restaurant and was told it was still there sitting on the order up tray cooling off. The portion of the order I did receive was very good. All three items were full of flavor. However, they had cooled off fast. In conclusion, I would consider eating here someday. Just don't order through DoorDash. read more

El Torito - The half of my Mucho Combo that was delivered - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Do not come here during holidays/events. Gets very messy, people waiting outside in parking lot for hrs. Peoples reservations being cancelled or pushed back by an hr plus. Unorganized, poorly managed. Food is good (7/10) but definitely not worth the wait. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Service. We had to ask multiple times for multiple things while reminding the young man. The issue was that the food runner was asked to bring us something. The waitress was no where to be found. I had to get up myself and go into the kitchen to ask for what we needed. I think communication between wait staff and food runners could improve operation. read more

The absolute best Mexican food with a beautiful ocean view! Weekends can be busy, it's best to make a reservation beforehand. They have a private paid parking lot. Staff is great, this restaurant is family friendly and can be loud. Bathrooms are clean. They have a buffet on weekends as well. Definitely try them out if you are in the area!!! read more

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Had the most amazing lunch at El Torito in Monterey! Great views, amazing service by Aliana, and super tasty on fire fajitas! The strawberry margarita was just what I needed! Such a great place to come and have a nice business lunch! Lesly the assistant manager, was checking on all the tables and offering amazing customer service also! Looking forward to coming back soon! read more

El Torito - FAJITAS COMBO - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Pretty disappointing experience overall. The food was overly salty and not very enjoyable. Service was also lacking servers (Wendy T) seemed annoyed and unprofessional. We were told we couldn't split the bill, but apparently that has to be requested at the beginning, which no one told us. There was also a random surcharge on the receipt that wasn't explained. The biggest issue was cleanliness. The restroom had no soap, and we had to ask staff and wait for it to be refilled just so I could wash my hands. The only positive was the person who brought out our food, they were kind and polite. Overall, I wouldn't return or recommend this place. read more

El Torito - Surcharge - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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The place was busy and it had an awesome view, but we had a table in the middle of the room so couldn't take advantage of it. The server was nice but she didn't get much help, so we had to wait a long awhile for our food and drinks. Felt really bad for her bc there were 3 young guys standing around at the hostess area talking and hanging out while only 2 servers running around getting orders and food for our bar area. The prices for the happy hour were great, the food looked good, but unfortunately it didn't taste good. The fish tacos were rubbery and the birria tacos were bland. The carne asada fries were soggy and the wings were overly smothered with sauce. My kids didn't like it except for the chips and guacamole. Had to pack most of it up to take home and fix it to make it edible. The margaritas were a good deal tho. It's definitely a good place to go for 2 ppl sitting at the window spot looking out at the waters drinking cheap margaritas! Just don't eat anything, maybe just the chip and guacamole ;) Be warned that they add on a 4% charge for being there! It's on the menu but written very small and the place is so dark you want even see it!! read more

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Cres did a great job and the service was excellent and genuine. Easter brunch was quite the spread. read more

Needs a new management, he is rude and inconsiderate. Gives people attitude for no reason.

We had high hopes for El Torito in Monterey, but unfortunately our visit didn't go as planned. We made a reservation 1.5 hours ahead, confirmed it over the phone, and specifically requested a booth by the window (since my wife is pregnant and can't sit at high tops for long). We arrived on time but still had to wait another 15 minutes, and despite the request, we were not given a window booth. The host didn't communicate very well -- perhaps just tired by that time of day -- but it set a rough tone for the evening. From the outside, the restaurant wasn't very welcoming. The building had bird droppings all over the roof, which immediately gave off a neglected vibe. We were drawn in by the online photos showing nice views, but once inside, the atmosphere felt more chaotic and run-down. Guests were yelling and cursing loudly with kids around, which made it uncomfortable to settle in. Food was another disappointment. What we ordered was either too oily or lacked flavor, and we couldn't even finish our meals. It really felt like we failed our dinner that night. The frustrating part is that this place has so much potential -- the location is prime, the building is large with its own parking, and it could easily be elevated into a polished, destination restaurant. Instead, it feels cheap and run down, which is a shame given the setting. read more

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4.5 stars An extra star for the watermelon candy shot Salsa is flavorful. Service was extremely slow, so we had to cancel one of the main courses. Vegeterian fajita was good! Our server tried her best in spite of how busy they were. Dedicated parking is super handy. read more

El Torito - Watermelon candy shot - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Yay! for Taco Tuesday. Lots of meet selections and home made tortillas. The staff are excellent. We have an ocean view every time.

Walking in the host was nowhere to be found, after she came out (maybe 3 mins) she sat us down and everything went fine. Our server was not attentive at all. I think we seen the food runner more times than we seen our server. While we waiting for a refill on our drink we seen her at the host stand, standing there talking to the host before she came over. 6-7 mins without a refill. Besides that, the food was delicious! Everything was good from beginning to end. The margaritas also very good. The views from the tables by the window are immaculate. Another thing when I made my reservation on OpenTable I put in the notes I was celebrating a birthday. There was no acknowledgment from any staff about it so I just didn't mention it, what's the point of the notes if the staff doesn't care? read more

El Torito - Window view - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

When i went my brothers food came out raw but they replaced it for free so it was okay then another time we found a hair in the food. Just seen recently that when they get really packed the restaurant allows people to block your car in and they won't do anything about it. read more

Came here on a whim and the food was delicious! Wait staff was kind and attentive. We would definitely come back! read more

El Torito - Chicken street tacos, sizzling enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

I haven't been here in about 10 years. I remember the food being so good! But I went there last week and the food was nasty. The salsa that came with "chips and salsa" was salty. My husband ordered chiles verde enchiladas the salsa on the outside of the enchiladas was super spicy, the chicken that was inside the enchiladas was the cube kind you buy a Walmart frozen section and they had red Salsa in them... come on!!! Green enchiladas with red chile chicken filling? That's a no no. I got the shrimp Enchiladas Soo salty couldn't even eat them. The waiter was no where To be found. I had to ask the bartender if he can ask the waiter for my check. He was so nice. Even bought us to go boxes and a bag but we weren't taking nothing to go LOL! But that was nice of him. I don't know if there was a new management that Took over but this el toritos that I know before is no longer. The menu is so simple yet nothing looks or sounds good. Sorry but I will no longer come here anymore. read more

Downloaded yelp just to help others not to make same mistake of going here!!!! Terrible experience. Ordered guacamole, full of salt, ordered carnitas enchiladas full of salt, and ordered old fashion. The old fashion came with crushed ice, when menu said 1 "ONE" large ice cube. As it should be. Waiter did nothing to fix it. We don't have large ice cubes I believe was the response. Good location but waiter was terrible and chef was even worse! read more

So sad this restaurant seems to be getting worse every year... Servers are not trained in hospitality nor customer service. Don't expect good service when eating there. read more

Pancho was amazing, outstanding service ,very meticulous, friendly and I don't know what else to say. He is amazing.

What an amazing find!!! A local treasure! We've been coming to Monterey for years and finally decided to try this restaurant!!! From the minute we were seated to finishing the meal - everything went so well! Our server was quite hospitable offering drinks, appetizer and anything else we needed! So accommodating! After being served the salsa and chips - We went straight to the meals ! Two meals - the 3 meat fajita dish ( steak, shrimp and chicken) and the 3 steak soft tacos! The meat were cooked right, tasty, well sautéed! The bowl of beans and the corn cake were so delicious - I ate both orders of these side dishes! The tortillas were soft and warm - perfect for wrapping the meat with! Then we were served ice cream for our birthday celebration! This has now become an easy winner for Monterey dinners! read more

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Amazing experience and ThE BEST VALUE in Monterey. My husband used to eat here long time ago and had happy memories of his time at El Torito. So on a recent trip he wondered whether the restaurant was still there. We looked online and we headed over. The restaurant has oceanfront dining and free validated parking on their lot right in front of the restaurant. On Sunday we had a wonderful and great value brunch for $40 per person that included all you can eat AND endless mimosas!!!!! The buffet had a very large selection of Mexican food, that included pozole, menudo, chilaquiles, tacos, gorditas, quesadillas fritas, flan, arroz, con leche, pastel de piña, pastel de zanahoria, enchiladas, verdes, rojas, machaca, mole, arroz, frijoles, agua, chile, cóctel de camarón, frutas, ensaladas, omelette, huevos, revueltos, pan francés, Waffles, café de olla, coffee, tea, and many more choices. We waited for 30 minutes to get seated. Regarding accessibility, the entrance to the restaurant is accessible, and they have an accesible bathroom by the entrance to the restaurant. Monday through Friday they also have happy hour and in their advertisement they showed 4 dollars for a glass of wine!!!! plus some very inexpensive appetizers. read more

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Food was delicious and Daniels service was wonderful! We stop here every time we are in town. Great margaritas! View isn't bad either!

The food is not that appealing to me..this restaurant used to be good so I don't know what happened since the dishes do not look fresh to me. read more

This place deserves a way higher rating because it has the best happy hour in Monterey and probably the most affordable sit-down ocean-front view you can find in the area. I usually get the carne asada fries or the tacos. My best tip is to get the margarita flight- especially during happy hour!!! You get 3 drinks and they're all soo good. I think it's like $10 or something during happy hour. You could definitely just get that + appetizers and share it, their portions are big. If you sign up for the Xperience rewards you can get super good rewards too, like a free entree for your bday month. When I came in for my birthday reward, they also brought out complimentary flan, and I don't always like flan but this one was super good. read more

El Torito - Margarita flight - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

I came here for dinner on a Saturday night and it was SO busy. We were told it would be a 45-minute wait for 2 people around 7pm, however the bar area was available first come, first serve if space was open. Luckily, we snagged two stools and enjoyed our meal there. The bartender was excellent- very attentive and quick to wait on us. He warned us there was going to be a wait for food. It ended up taking an hour to get our meal. We finally asked about our food and by some miracle, the bartender went to check and returned about 10 minutes later with our meal. It felt like our food had been forgotten about. The food was excellent, though. I loved their spicy skinny margaritas. The chips and salsa were great. My only complaint is how long our food took without any update while waiting. This is an established restaurant- they should have their rush times figured out with the kitchen to avoid further delays. Great location on the water and parking available right on site. read more

El Torito - SIZZLING ENCHILADAS - GRILLED CHICKEN - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Disgusting. Rice was crunchy. Sizzling enchiladas disgusting. The only good thing was the tiny piece of sweet corn cake on the plate. Service; not attentive. read more

We sat at the bar on a Friday night for happy hour. They have great drink and food specials. The service was very slow. They give you free chips and salsa. We ordered the steak tacos and the MAHI tacos. The steak tacos are 4 mini hard shell tacos. The MAHI are three soft shell tacos with slaw with a heavy mayo flavor sauce. Many tables have window views. Happy hour is only in the cantina, which does include some high top bar tables and the bar. You get a ticket when you enter parking lot. They validate 2 hours of parking. read more

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Food was okay, although it took so long for it to arrive. It was the service that really ruined our experience. They gave us a water glass that had a hole in it so it started leaking over the whole table. We immediately asked for a cloth we could clean it up because so much water was spreading across our table. It took them a long time to bring us something for us to clean it and when they did, they plopped a pile of thin paper napkins in front of us. Not that we're against even cleaning it up ourselves but they wouldn't even give as a cloth towel to clean it with. Someone in our party ordered the mahi mahi fish tacos. We were told by the server they were out of mahi mahi which of course happens sometimes but what was frustrating was after waiting 45 minutes to get our food, it wasn't until it arrived for the rest of the party that the person was informed they were out of mahi mahi and did she want anything else. Not only did she have to now wait longer for her new order to arrive but our server didn't bother to give her a menu so she scrambled to remember other items she could order. These ^ are just a couple of examples of the MANY instances of terrible service. And again, even when we finally got our food, it was mediocre at best. Such as shame because it has such a beautiful view overlooking the ocean. Definitely not worth it though. read more

This was the first time we visited El Torito... we made a reservation beforehand through opentable, and the pictures there were quite compelling. But as soon as we got there, we understood that it was not what we imagined... unfortunately, we did not like ANYTHING in this place ... First of all, we requested a specific seating when we made a reservation and even called once again to confirm that we would get that seating, but upon arrival we were told we should wait.. and after waiting they put us in a wrong place.. The inside was old and worn out.. it was very noisy as well. The food was not impressive at all. It was quite greasy... overall, we had bad experience and even left without finishing our food. read more

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Wow!! Stellar!!! Great for vegans- beans made with vegetable oil, grilled veggies! Yum! Came for a wedding party and eveyrhting was excellent! read more

10:38 9:32 norcal food reviews Message pretty sure this place is a chain so was really surprised to find actually good chain mexican food. the chips and salsa were fire. i feel like this was a really good salsa with a good little kick to it. not overwhelmingly spicy. my mom got the chicken tacos with beans, rice, and cornbread. most meals come with the cornbread which is really good. i wish there weren't such big corn pieces but flavor was great. nice and sweet. the tacos themselves were good and even better with a spicy salsa. the chicken was cooked well, juicy, and full of flavor. she asked for refried beans and was given whole beans which are just never all that. the rice also had flavor that we all enjoyed. could balance of tomato flavor and chicken bouillon. the enchilada and tamale plate is a lot better than it looks. the tamale had a salsa that was really yummy and unique. if it didn't have the salsa the tamale would be so dry and lacking flavor because it's mostly masa and barely any filling. the salsa saves it. i can't even describe the flavor. it's somewhat sweet but just so subtly and not in a disgusting way. th enchilada sauce was also good and my favorite thing we tried. it just hit the spot and was a well done enchilada. the refried beans were good and had good flavor that i really enjoyed. andy wasn't a huge fan of the birria tacos. i didn't try them so can't give my thoughts but he thought flavor was SERIOUSLY lacking. the kids pizza didn't look amazing, but my nephew really liked it. the fries were good and were seasoned well and perfectly crispy on the outside while still being soft on the inside. i'm glad they weren't the typical plain fry. the chicken tenders were so dense, hard, and solid. seriously not good and soo dry. my daughter kept choking trying to eat the tiny bites. she loves the broccoli on the other hand even though it could've been cooked a little longer. the staff was friendly and attentive. it was really busy on a saturday and the employees were going back and forth to makes sure the guests were enjoying everything. read more

El Torito - chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

The best food on earth! The most excellent service on Earth I always have the best time cuz I go alone so I sit with the bartender area who is excellent and this past Easter day I got to meet the general manager Mike super nice hard worker the whole staff is amazing thank you for having me and a little extra thank you for the marshmallows with the chocolate on top ;-) that was cool love you El Torito's you're worth the drive it was two and a half hours to drive just to eat at your restaurant read more

Happen to arrive during Sunday Brunch. The mimosa was bottomless the tritium the best I ever had. Chile Verde beyond words. And our server Cres pleasant, kind, and full of smiles. Best brunch I ever had. read more