Came here on a Sunday afternoon after biking a bit. Didn't know they had brunch, we only went for drinks but the food looked really tasty. We got the two margarita flights (one was the spicy and the other way regular). All of them were good, so here is my true rating in order. Mango jalapeño margarita Strawberry jalapeño Mango margarita (non spicy) Jalapeno margarita BlackBerry margaritas Signature Margarita With the gorgeous view and good service, I definitely want to come back for full dining experience. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

Went to El Torito Friday night at 5:30 was seated immediately for a table of 7. Had the best waitress, Adrianna. Ordered 3 bowls of guacamole and quesadillas for appetizers, iced tea and a margarita. Got the quesadilla 45 minutes later. Ordered dinner which took another 45 minutes. Not sure if kitchen was short staffed but it was clear our waitress was running the whole time trying her best to keep the food moving. The enchiladas were cold, the flautas were soft. The restaurant was loud and busy as you'd expect on a Friday night. The tables and floors are sticky. The bathrooms were not only sticky but dirty. Because we're locals we try this restaurant frequently but last night Will probably be our last visit for awhile. This restaurant needs help with staffing and a good deep cleaning. For 7 people (4 adults, 3 children) our bill was $216. Parking is validated. Thank you Adrianna read more

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

Unfortunately, we won't be returning. Our visit started off poorly when we found a hair in our basket of chips. The waitress was courteous and promptly brought us a new batch, which we appreciated. However, several other cleanliness issues followed. The busser cleaned our table with the same rag he had just used on the bench seating. We were seated in a booth by the window, and the windowsill was covered in crumbs and dirt. The menu was also sticky and visibly dirty. To make matters worse, our party of three was automatically charged gratuity, along with an additional surcharge that I assume was for using a credit card. The final concern was seeing a waiter carrying a rag tucked into the back of his pants, possibly inside his waistband, which did not appear sanitary. Overall, the restaurant seemed to have significant cleanliness and hygiene issues. I believe the establishment would benefit from a thorough deep cleaning and additional staff training on sanitation practices. read more

This is the worst food I ever had. I was there with my family and we paid around 80 dollars for the food to go into the trash. We ate a few bites and couldn't continue eating because it was so disgusting. I rarely say that about food and never have I left a whole uneaten plate but it was just so terribly bad. read more

Delicious food! I tried the veggie fajitas, which comes with a chile relleno. It was delicious! Very important, with no seeds at all! Corn cake yummy . Beautiful ocean view ! I recommend it. My husband got the combo fajitas, with chicken, beef and an enchilada. Just a few non alcoholic drinks, but very good! I tried the strawberry cilantro mocktail read more

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Been to other El Torito in other cities before although not my first choice they haven't been bad. This place, however, exceeds the level of disappointment by having rock bottom performance. We arrived for dinner at 7;30 PM and the place was not crowded, no hostess at podium for about five minutes. Finely she arrived and seated us. A short wait at the table before waiter Leonardo shows up to take our drink order. He leaves, ten minutes latter he passes by and repeats our drink order to confirm. Another ten to fifteen minutes pass and we flagged him down asking about the drinks. He leaves and shortly latter a person arrives. A few minutes later Leonardo returns to take our order and explains the drinks were late because the person that was to deliver them went on break and they were just sitting there. So we gave him the order of two combo plates one a cheese enchilada and tamale there a taco and chili relleno. The enchilada that arrived was not cheese but chicken, the relleno was over salted. To put a cap on this "lovely" evening we never got our check from Leonardo. We had to ask someone passing by to get it read more

We finally got inside, and they tried to seat our group of 5 adults and 3 year old and a 1 year old at 2 tables that were not even next to each other. Finally they found us 1 table to all sit together, now well over an hour after our reservation time. We were able to order drinks once then our server never came back. When we went to pay, there was a $14 charge for the child's buffet on the bill despite the child being under 4. I pointed out that the child is supposed to be free. 15 minutes later the bill comes back still with the charge, but with a $6 discount. Why am I still paying $8 for a small child who is supposed to be free? From other reviews it's clear this was not just a fluke. They need to get it together at this place. read more

Service was excellent thank you Jessica R awesome work it's a beautiful place in Monterey with this beautiful restaurant it made it perfect

Seafood Taco Trio is good . Preferred shrimp over Mahi. 4/5 stars The Guacamole was too good 5/5 read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Love this restaurant. Can't beat the views of the ocean. We tend to go at lunch time.

Food is great and servers too. The views are amazing, and the atmosphere welcoming (family and kids friendly). The only negative thing was the attitude of the girl who seated us on Sat, 19 Oct at lunch time. Will definitely return! read more

El Torito - Birria Taco - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Do not waste your time. There is so many great options for delicious food in Monterey and it is NOT here. We have tried it over and over in hopes it will be a bit better. Tonight was our last time. From the people working there to the drinks and the worst is the food. They always have flies around your table while eating. They will charge you for a spicier salsa, charge you wrong prices on drinks. We will not be back This place will shit down next! read more

As a local I have many restaurants to choose from, particularly for Mexican food. Let me just say I would Never recommend El Torito on Cannery Row to "Anyone." This place has gone downhill over the years, and yesterday I was talked into meeting friends, and the Buffet for $40.00 was the only option. The food is mediocre at best, and is basically American Mexican. Lots of choices, however the layout and presentation of the food is disgusting. It reminded me of a college munchie fest where no one cleans up after themselves. Food on the floor, sticky tables. The service was poor from the moment we were seated as the staff told us nothing. They just pointed to the table and left? Every surface in the restaurant is dirty. Bathrooms are not clean. I immediately wanted to wash my hands after being seated, and asked the front door service staff for some hand sanitizer to avoid using the bathroom, Nope! I would so like to see the health department come and visit this establishment. Tourists flock here and as a corporate franchise I know they could afford to upgrade this place and CLEAN IT!!!!! Enough said, if I could give a negative rating I would. read more

The food was amazing and so filling. So good! Our server Daniel was so friendly and the service was quick. The view from our table looking out to the water was beautI fil. We will definitely come again! read more

Don't know why we ever came here a second time. The food was horrible, each of us (6) had to spit out multiple bites of every meal we had. Made a reservation and asked for a pretty view for the guests visiting us from Ohio, they sat us in the dark bar with the only view being a seagull poop covered balcony. We waited and got a new table in a much nicer area but the music was so loud we felt like we were at a night club and couldn't hear across the table. THEN we get charged 3.99% because they're a "local" business and the cost of labor has gone up. Since when is el torito local??? We live here in Monterey but we hadn't been here in years because we were disappointed the first time and now we will never EVER go there again. Our waiter was really sweet though, wasn't his fault just a kid working in food service under a terrible company. read more

El Torito - Bullsh*t charge - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

We went on a Sunday and it wasn't busy when we arrived. The wait was 25 minutes, but it became even longer. We had to go check in again because we never received a text notifying us that our table was ready. Once we finally got seated the waitress was nice, but only checked in when taking our order and dropping off the food. The service was extremely slow. I ordered the macho combo which came with four different items. It was okay. The chile relleno wasn't my cup of tea due to the sauce being too watery. We did order mojito flights and margarita flights which were very cute and delicious. This restaurant has a really nice view of the ocean. But for some reason our table had so many fruit flies by the window. Overall it was an alright experience, but I don't think I will be returning. read more

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They were pretty busy on Friday night. They seemed a bit understaffed, so please be patient with them. Everyone was happy with how their food came out! With a view by the water, its hard to not have a swell time :) read more

In the first place, you get free parking with your visit! I have even gotten a ticket one time for not picking up my car at the established parameter, when I parked elsewhere, and it's a pretty good fine the city gives you! It was odd that we had to wait about 10 minutes after the reservation we made, one little thing. We ordered our food and drinks, we got our drinks pretty fast, and we got our guacamole made right in front of us right away. We had a pretty good visit, and I really don't have much to complain about. The service could've been better, but was adequate. You can see the bay from where you sit, and the music was diverse and pleasant to listen to. I recommend the place. read more

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Great service from Daniel! Food was good and drinks were delicious. Traditional Mexican restaurant feel. Would go back.

It's Cinco de Mayo and they had specials on food and drinks. We sat down and saw the same flyer for specials so we choose what we wanted to order. The waiter came and started to order from the flyer that was on the table when we sat down and he says that is for bar seating only. No where on any signs was this stated. We ordered the same food we wanted from the special menu the fish mahi mahi tacos. The dish came with three tacos with slivers of fish and loads of cabbage. While the flavors were good the fish tacos were lacking FISH!! No one seemed to smile at all and most looked like they didn't want to be there. read more

Cres was a great server! Super attentive and friendly. If you do visit El Torito I hope you get him as a server.

The food was good and the view from our booth was beautiful. We had a mid afternoon lunch/dinner. The waitress was nice and friendly.

The food was really good they have a really good happy hour the view is amazing we had pretty good service tonight the ambiance was casual upbeat and trendy read more

My family gathering at your restaurant was disappointing. My wife's food was incorrect. My food was lukewarm. I would have had my server correct the issues but it was hard to find her. I actually had to go to the bar to get a glass of water. I asked another young server if we could get more chips and basically it wasn't her table and she let our server know. Rude and wrong comment. Another issue I had is the " table side" guacamole. It was just set on our table. No service to be seen but the table next to us got a full service. I am not sure how that works but we should not be served if you are not prepared to do the service. We would have mentioned this a manager but there was nobody who looked like a manager walking around. The last but not least was the server missed an opportunity to get dessert and coffees but when we finally saw her she brought our check and didn't mention a dessert option. I mentioned her that we would have but she never was around. read more

The service is terrible, waited over 45 minutes for nachos and enchiladas, Jamaica Water is just food red coloring water, and sugar. They served Hair in one of our dishes, hair was on the dish with nachos, in between the meat-that was absolutely disgusting, on top of it all, they gave our first plate to someone else on another table. Over all NO, Just save Yourself from fake food, spending your money in a place that make You believe You are eating Mexican food, Cause guaranteed is not Mexican food and trash food indee read more

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

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

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

This makes me so sad but I have to review so others are aware, El Torito used to be so good! But sadly this last time was awful and I won't be coming back. I ordered the breakfast burrito and at first it just came with plain egg wrapped in a cold tortilla, I told them about it and their version of fixing it was just adding beans to the same tortilla, it was missing the cheese and bacon as well as the breakfast potatoes, when I told them about it they told me I was mistaken and there wasn't supposed to be all that in the burrito. The mugs were chipped and my entire families food was cold :(( When we told the manager she brushed it off like nothing and was a little rude. read more

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We came to El Toritos on a Tuesday for lunch in June, mainly because we tried to go to Chart House down the street, found it closed, and had already paid for parking, so walked to El Toritos. One of my favorite things about restaurant choices is the view. El Toritos is right on the still water of Monterey. The interior has archways and is brightly painted, so there is a nice ambience. We had been staying at a hotel in Carmel. One of the well-traveled customers at our hotel had been telling us of their favorite spots to eat, but said to definitely avoid El Toritos. I'd been here once before years ago, and to a couple others, and thought I'd still give it a try, since our first option fell through, and the parking meter was ticking. There was a large crowd in the reception area and outdoors to get seated. There were available seats, but apparently none of their busboys had come to work, so the manager and wait staff were bussing some tables, and many tables had stacks of plates on them. There is one mens/womens/handicap restroom on the first floor. There was a long line for this. To get to the other restrooms, you have to go up stairs, which wasn't great for my healing broken leg. I waited until we finally got seated, and then tried the now vacant restroom on the first floor. It was not clean, with stuff on the floor, so I quickly exited, and trekked up to the 2nd floor. There was a very long wait at our table. Plates were dropped nearby. Everything seemed very disorganized and a bit out of control. The food, when it came, was okay. Nothing to write home about. We then had a long wait for the check and had to ask people to please send our waitress or check over, as we had to leave. My mother realized when home that she had not been given back her credit card. This was where it was last used. She called. They ask the name, type of card, and then the color of the card. She wasn't completely sure on the color, but I wouldn't think that would matter. They then said they'd have to get the manager. She had to go through their list of questions again. They seemed to hesitate when she asked why she needed to give the color. The then said they didn't think they had it. My mother called back 6 times. Every time they had to get the manager, or said the manager would call back, which they didn't. We know the card was left in the bill cover. She never got her card back and had to cancel it. On top of that, two days later we tested positive for covid. Overall, my impression was very underwhelming, frustrating, disorganized, unclean, and not worth trying again. If there is nothing else you can get into, you can try it and hope for the best. Maybe we had their worst day ever. read more

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Stopped by for Thanksgiving buffet. Needed a quick bite to eat. Food was mid. We got carne asada tacos, and some other stuff from the buffet. Pancakes for the table were an interesting choice. Service was decent. Multiple people stopped by the table. There were flies inside the restaurant. read more

Maria was fantastic! We have been here many times and she is by far the best server we have ever had, not just here, but at any restaurant. She is attentive and very friendly. She makes you feel like you have been friends for years. Better yet, she's the cool Tia you never had! If you can, try to get her as your server when you're here. read more

We are so happy with the service Adriana provides when we come to El Torito Cannery Row. We always hope that she is there when we come because the service is excellent! Keep up the great work. - Joseph and Adela read more

El Torito - Restaurant View - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

The food , decor and view were super great and the prices especially being by cannery row were affordable the only bad thing was it's pretty busy so servers don't checkin often and food wait time but the chips and salsa kept coming so that's another plus read more

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Food was amazing! I had the Ranchos Enchiladas with chicken. It had a touch of spice with melted jack cheese. It was delicious! Husband had street tacos with pork carnitas and he really enjoyed them! Each plate was served with rice and beans - delish! We both had an El Dueño Margarita, that had a 50ml Grand Marnier floater - great tasting - just what I needed! Service was excellent! The server was very friendly and attentive. The restaurant is nicely decorated and the views of the Monterey Bay were incredible! read more

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Came for brunch all you can eat! Definitely recommend! Sat at the bar, bottomless mimosas for the win!! Debbie and Saul were on it wouldn't let my drink go past half way!! Thanks for that! Food was delicious. From sea good to tacos and pastries. A++++ read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

This place is amazing and we had the best experience with our waiter, Cristian. The service, food, and view were all A+. I ate the steak and eggs with corn tortillas and fruit on the side which was tasty. It was our friend's birthday so a bunch of employees came to sing and made it a special experience. Cristian was accommodating, always made sure our drinks were filled, and was pleasant to chat with! read more

El Torito - Beautiful view! - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Took 30 minutes to take our order and another hour to receive our food only for every meal to look very unappetizing. The beans had no flavor, there was little to no meat in the enchiladas, and the carne was very dry and chewy. The waitress was friendly but I will definitely not be coming back. Felt like I wasted my time waiting for food that was not good at all. read more

The ocean view is very nice and staff were friendly. We got fish tacos, sizzling fajitas for entrees. They were a little bland. For appetizer, we got bacon wrapped shrimp which was juicy and flavorful and I enjoyed. read more

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