El Torito

3.2 (2.4k reviews)

ModerateMexican, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

Open • 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

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El Torito - SLOW-ROASTED CARNITAS - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

El Torito - Pina Colda + our waitress - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

El Torito - How yummy is this plate FAJITAS COMBO - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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

El Torito Popular Dishes

Street Taco Plate

17 Photos28 Reviews

Carne Asada

22 Photos43 Reviews

Sweet Corn Cake

2 Photos34 Reviews

El Torito menu photos

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EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

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Outside

198 Photos

Moderate noise

Casual

Touristy

Good for kids

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Reviews With Photos

Edgar V.

Extremely Disappointing Experience I honestly don't like leaving negative reviews. I always try to look for the positive in every restaurant I visit, even when there are things that could be improved. But if I could give zero stars for this experience, I would. My family and I went to Toritos Monterrey to celebrate a special occasion because we had been there in the past and remembered it as a good restaurant. Unfortunately, I don't know what happened, but this experience was completely different. From the outside, the restaurant looked poorly maintained. The roof was covered in bird droppings. I understand that being near the ocean comes with certain challenges, but there are still ways to maintain proper cleanliness and hygiene. Once we walked in, there were flies everywhere. The floors were sticky, the tables were sticky, and the bathrooms had an unpleasant odor that was worse than what I would expect from a gas station restroom. We are talking about a restaurant. Even the menus were dirty, with dried-up food and sauce on them. The food itself was mediocre and lacked flavor. On top of everything, there was an unpleasant smell throughout the restaurant. The only reason we stayed was because we were there to celebrate as a family. I tried my best to overlook everything and not let it ruin the occasion. But honestly, this was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had. I won't even go into much detail about the service because that was another major disappointment. I really hope management takes these issues seriously because this restaurant clearly needs attention when it comes to cleanliness, maintenance, food quality, and customer service. Unfortunately, I don't think I will ever return to this location. I can only hope that the Toritos locations in the Bay Area have not gone through the same decline. I'm still willing to give another location a chance, but after this experience, Toritos Monterrey was a complete disappointment.

Adrian M.

Enjoyed lunch on a Monday sunny afternoon with beautiful views of the water. Delicious fruitful margaritas and a great special price. Got the crispy taco and two enchiladas, the beef enchilada was a bit salty but everything else was excellent. Very nice honest staff found my wallet when I came back to retrieve it!

Anna K.

If you go to cannery Road in Monterey and you want something familiar to eat visit this El Torito location. Ask for a seat on the water. You can see sailboats and watch seals splash around in the water . The restaurant itself is spacious and towards the back you have big windows where you can see the water and you can see Santa Cruz. The food is familiar and delicious. We had the enchiladas and for dessert we had the flan. The Flan was very creamy and sweet. And just for kicks, you get two hours free parking with validation. You're welcome. :)

Jennifer H.

Food was delicious service was just so-so. Slow service, no refills. A little disappointed, considering the cost of the meal. The ambiance of eating while watching sea otters was pretty cool for my 11 & 16 year old nieces visiting from Montana. But when the 11 yr old says something about the lack of attentiveness of the waitstaff - yikes!!

Suchita A.

The view of the ocean is beautiful if you get the window seat. There is nothing else you would visit this place for. Mexican food was good as usual. Nothing extraordinary. Avocado toast was the best dish amongst the ones we ordered. Service was very slow, our order took more than 30minutes to arrive, when only 4-5 tables were occupied. The server could not answer basic questions about the menu - saying he was new there and did not bother to find the answers. Would consider coming back if service was improved.

Trish S.

Came here for happy hour, 3PM. We were disappointed with the service we received. We asked for a specific dessert and our waitress said she wasn't sure if they had any but never came back to inform us, nor provided a suggested alternative. We also also asked for a chip refill and she never provided it. Unfortunately, She wasn't very nice either. She stated to a customer that her coworker called in, so I'm sure she was in a bad mood and overwhelmed, but that's not an excuse. Our drinks were good. Thank you bartender!

Christian E.

The hostess was very friendly! There was a bad smell (wet mop?) when entering. They have a happy hour, but it's only at the bar, which no one wants to sit at. The server asked if we were ready to order before he even brought out our water or drink. I hate feeling rushed! The chips tasted as if they have been in old oil. The Spicy margarita was slightly weak. Although they gave a large private free parking lot & great views, I was not overly impressed. The bacon-wrapped shrimp was decent. The Birria tacos were good, but definitely small and could use some more cheese. The Spanish rice was good. They have the potential to do so much better especially with this space! Add a roofftop& better drinks!

Brennan S.

Came for happy hour. First and foremost, the location is breathtaking. The restaurant itself is spacious and the views and unbeatable. Giving panoramic views of the Monterey bay, it really is worth the visit just for the view alone. We saw sea otters swimming by while we ate- so cute! The food is also amazing, i got steak tacos and they were juicy, tender and flavorful- YUM! Full transparency, we did not have good service. It seemed the staff was honestly bothered by us inquiring about happy hour prices and afterwards really did not make an effort to check in on us at all after we ordered our food. We never received refills on our waters and when we asked for the check it was flippantly handed to us ... i never like to call out bad service was its the only thing that brought this 5 star experience down to a 3 star experience.

Angelica G.

I've been to El Torito a couple of times, and since I love Mexican food, it's become one of my favorite spots in Monterey. One of the things I enjoy the most is the location, the view of the beach is beautiful and makes the whole experience even better. My go-to dish is always the Trio Fajitas, which come with steak, chicken, and shrimp. They arrive sizzling at the table and are packed with flavor. The portion is also very generous, we ordered them for two people and still couldn't finish everything. Honestly, they could easily be shared by three people. For this visit, we also ordered guacamole and swapped the traditional beans and rice for mixed veggies. The service has always been good, although this place gets pretty busy. This time we waited about 15-20 minutes for a table, but honestly, it was worth it. Great food, beautiful ocean views, and a fun atmosphere. If you're in Monterey and craving Mexican food, enjoying some sizzling fajitas while overlooking the beach is a pretty great way to spend the afternoon.

Prajakta G.

Went here on a Saturday for lunch. We were seated at one of their large window tables with an ocean view. They have colorful art around the place with an old-time charm to it. The service at the restaurant is not up to the mark. Our server was not helpful and got a lot of our orders wrong. We ordered the Bloody Maria with 3 toppings, but only got one of them. It was also missing the olives and celery, which are not add ons and part of the original drink. Because we had difficulty placing the order in the first place, we did not send this back because we weren't sure they'd be able to fix it. The small plates at the table were not clean; they had some sticky spots on them. We got the chilaquiles, huevos rancheros and avocado toast. The food was average-tasting. The prices are below average for that area. I would not recommend this place considering there are much better options available very close to it.

LeAnn S.

Had a reservation, asked to be seated by the window if possible but was not. That's okay..But we were seated up on the second floor part and didn't receive very good service (from our waiter, Leonardo)...There wasn't silverware or napkins on the table when we were seated and it took awhile after our water and chips and salsa were delivered to get any The friendly guy running food out and a really sweet lady (bartender or bar back) that brought us another margarita flight-on her- that made the experience a little better. Our waiter was sitting down at a table where I guess employees were, on his phone and chatting. The food: salsa is delicious, chips okay, shared the queso, it was just okay (not hot enough), and the seafood trio. The enchilada was good, the chile rellenos had too much dough, and the taco was dry and tough. It was also strange that I noticed a camera above every table?? Always wanted to come here, checked it off the list and it's a one and done for us.

Gianna S.

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!

Kyanna G.

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.

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salini k.

19 years ago

We always go here after diving. It's reasonable, good food, good service and you can luck out with a beautiful view of the bay where you can see the birds fishing, seals and otters playing/fishing and just a lovely serene outlook. Monterey is a huge expensive tourist trap for the most part. El Torito is one of those places we've always enjoyed after a tiring diving trip. read more

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Tom L.

16 years ago

I'll keep this short and simple: Starting with 5 stars (my default) MINUS 3 stars: Ate lunch buffet on a Sunday and it was cold, low quality and tasted below average. Also poor selection. I've seen Holiday Inn hotels with a better selection MINUS 2 stars: Not clean. The utensils had crud on them, the floors were sticky and you got the sense that cleanliness was not their highest priority. PLUS 1 star: Server was really nice even though it was just a buffet and he was eager to please. PLUS 1 star: nice location and good view from our booth. Total: 2 stars Adios read more

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Mike B.

Elite 25

357

14 years ago

The bar was nice but seemed very limited to Tequila which my friend was very engrossed into. I must say I enjoyed the very fresh chips and salsa a lot. The scenic view right outside the window of the ocean waves is remarkable even at night. I was just upset that my waiter told me that my dessert was included with my meal and then charged for it. I didn't make a deal of it but I felt like it was so he could get a bigger tip based on percentages. I had the chicken toquitos and I enjoyed them a lot! For being where it is I thought it would be more expensive but the prices are really good and much cheaper than other places right around it. read more

El Torito - Chicken Flaupas - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

El Torito - This is the Flan which was good. - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

El Torito - Table setting at El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Harry R.

13 years ago

Today was a disaster at El Toritos. It was way too busy. Two of the three meals were served. After a delay. My meal, the 1800 Fajitas were delivered to another customer. The combo with the enchilada was greasy. (See pic). Be careful. The restaurant is full of flies today. Another customer is killing them by swatting them against the window. The helpand manager are very nice and moved us. The good news is that our server Monique was pleasant but at a loss to help. Will not eat here again. 12/8/2013 Provided contact information for Mgmt as requested but never heard back. Not sure if they wanted to appear concerned or just forgot about us. Notice that Dave A had a similar poor experience posted on November 18th. read more

El Torito - Greasy and not good. - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Nidhi S.

12 years ago

Biggest plus is location- overlooking the bay, so gorgeous setting. But the food is pretty ordinary. In fact, I regretted missing out on a better eatery. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Kayleigh G.

12 years ago

I can see this becoming a favorite and a regular weekend dining option. Plenty of vegetarian options (easily made vegan) and a lot of awesome drinks. Last time I went I had vegetarian fajitas and a Skinny Pomegranate margarita, both of which were excellent. I'm slightly addicted to their chips, too. The only reason I took off a star is that the amount of guacamole with their fajitas was a bit on the small side, and we had to ask for chips and salsa whereas before, they would bring it out without asking. Obviously neither of these are very big deals. This restaurant still comes highly recommended. read more

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Trina U.

Hello Kayleigh! We're glad you were impressed with what our menu has…

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Rachel W.

12 years ago

My family loves to sit on the windows and look out on the ocean as we enjoy the great food. Their corn cakes are very good. I do not think this is authentic mexican food but it is very enjoyable. The prices are pretty good too, I do not feel like at this restaurant you pay for the view. The service is okay, nothing great or horrible. When we want a nice night out on Cannery Row, we love going here. read more

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Trina U.

Rachel, we're glad to know El Torito hosts you and your family for a…

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Diamand D.

11 years ago

I went for Taco Tuesday. Got a trio build your own meal. Amy was great. She kept the party going and was attentive.

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Trina U.

Hi Diamand,…

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Marilyn H.

11 years ago

Not a place to come for good Mexican food. Tried to get cheese enchiladas and could not get them served hot... Twice. Listened to waitress complain how busy she was. Left my second order of cheese enchiladas (cold again) saying she is so done with this place. Nah, find a better place to eat. read more

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Maximo R.

5 years ago

Haven't been to El Torito for a long while , and sure did it make me miss it a lot with this last visit , food was so good I wish I could have seconds read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You so much for your kind review! We hope to see you again…

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Gary G.

9 years ago

What a disappointment! The waiter was not particular friendly, we had to ask for chips after not receiving any at the table. We then had to ask for salt. We had the nachos which were dry and bland. My wife and I ate half the order but just couldn't see any reason to continue. BORING! read more

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Sarah W.

7 years ago

Wonderful experience at this restaurant! My family reunion (of 50!) spontaneously descended upon this El Torito last night. They quickly accommodated us in a large space and were not only able to seat us together but were speedy and impressive with their attentive service. Our server, Alex, was speedy with our orders and delivery. He remembered our orders and was incredible service. Serving a family with ages ranging from 2-80 with personable, kind, warm interactions cane naturally to him. The food was tasty, the drinks were good and we had a terrific time. The manager was available and checked on us multiple times. Great experience and we highly recommend this location. Ask to be seated in Alex's section! He's the best! read more

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General Manager

Thanks for choosing us for your Family Event

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Amanda W.

5 years ago

Went here for Sunday brunch at 12:30 (goes to 2oclock as seen on not only the website but on a banner outside the restaurant). We were told the wait was 90 minutes and we should have made a reservation. Also, they stop SEATING for brunch at 12:30 (this was not written on the website.) we were disappointed and asked if we would have to pay for parking. (They have a parking lot, and advertises free parking for customers.) The hostess explained that since we stayed for less than 30 minutes it would be free. Well, when we exited the parking lot is was 10 dollars, regardless of the amount we stayed. So I paid ten dollars to be told that there website is inaccurate. Very disappointed, would not return. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You for your honest feedback, Im sorry we let you down. Please…

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Robbie S.

5 years ago

We were sat immediately. Saw other tables being sat around us. Waited 30 minutes and saw other tables who came in after us get chips and drinks. We ended up just walking out. Not great service at all! Can't speak for the food as we never got the chance to try it. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You for your honest feedback, I'm sorry we weren't able to…

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Olivia T.

7 years ago

First time coming and we had the best experience amazing food staff was amazing especially Pancho he was amazing we will be coming back when we visit Monterey again we're from Madera California great and amazing buffet love all the food it was delicious read more

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General Manager

Thank You for choosing us and for sharing the details of your visit:)

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Frank B.

8 years ago

I have to admit that El Torito has a special place in my restaurant memory as it was the first time I had "real" Mexican food when I moved from Pennsylvania to L.A. in the 1970's. We now live in NoCal and are not close to any El Torito's so often stop at one when in SoCal. We were seated at a window with a view of Monterey Bay that reminded me exactly of that first ET I tried in Marina Del Ray. I had a carne aside burrito and my wife and the burrito especial and both were delicious, as were the chips, salsa, and the house margarita. The service was excellent. It was just was I was looking for. read more

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Joe S.

Elite 19

8 years ago

Better than 5-Stars. Super great food at super agreeable prices. Enchiladas? Delicious. Guacamole? Delicious. Chips and salsa? Bright, crunchy and, yeah, totally delicious. With million dollar views and ample free parking, yelpers, you can't go wrong. Our deep-fried ice cream was yet again the very best. We were here before, and we are coming back, yet again. Yelpers, bring your appetites--El Torito won't skimp on your food portions. Oh, and by the way, this establishment is well within walking distance of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, how's that for awesome! Better than 5-stars. read more

El Torito - Deep fried ice cream. So good. - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Rob B.

8 years ago

El Toronto has always been good to us whenever we've come. From the Sizzling Enchiladas to the Street Tacos, every meal we've had here has been delicious. I highly recommend this place as my wife and I look forward to it every time we come to Monterey. read more

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Samantha R.

7 years ago

It's a hit or miss.. with service but food is amazing. I've been there a few times of them a server took e 30 min to get our drinks and we were there for an hour until we got out food but not to mention he took my order wrong. It was a weekend it didn't seem as busy at night. But other days it's been great service read more

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Erin D.

195

9 years ago

You're in California. You can find WAY better (and more authentic) Mexican food than this chain. Their drink specials are good though.

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Jen H.

335

8 years ago

Place that's probably busy often. We had a 45 min wait. Not a big deal since it's a busy and touristy spot. But Once we ordered another 30 mins. wait. Server didn't check in on us much and our water ran out twice. Chips and salsa ran out for a while before anyone offered to refill it. Took a 20 min wait to get our check after we finished. Food was pretty good. 3.5 stars. Awesome views! I wouldn't come back for dinner but I'd consider checking out happy hour. read more

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Deidra P.

9 years ago

Not bad for happy hour, $5 house margaritas and pretty good appetizers. One of few that has happy hour 7 days a week! read more

El Torito - $5 house margaritas happy hour! - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Concerned Q.

5 years ago

Ordered food at 7:30pm, got a message for delivery time of 8:22pm -8:45pm. I was ok with that, but then at 9:00pm got a message from the Grub Hub driver that part of the food was ready but some parts of the order was missing. Called the restaurant 4 times, no answer. Called grub hub and canceled the order. They refunded the full amount. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for your feedback, this will be shared with the team so…

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Natalie G.

128

9 years ago

Awesome Sunday brunch! Food was always hot.. homemade tortillas, ceviche, AND great desserts. Our waiter Richard was exemplary! We will be back... read more

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randy t.

154

267

8 years ago

Food is ok at best. Our food and drinks came quickly, after that the service went south. No refills, no one followed up with the table. Asked a waitress for refills or to find our server, might have as well gone and got my own drinks. read more

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Justine T.

7 years ago

They started serving breakfast! I had the breakfast combo... a little bit of everything and it was delicious! Churro pancakes were AMAZING!!!! Highly recommend! read more

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Amy B.

8 years ago

I'm local and I love El Torito. The food is great they always seat us by the water the service is great and the servers are so nice all the time they go that extra mile. I just think that the way that they treat their customers goes over and Beyond other restaurants in this area and the food really is excellent! I love the view and they make you comfortable there. I would recommend it over almost all the other restaurants on Cannery Row it's my favorite! read more

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Josephine B.

5 years ago

Pretty good and overall our waiter was really nice. The rest of the crew .. seem they were to lazy to do the happy birthday song .. overall besides that I would comeback.. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You for your feedback! We hope to see you again soon!!

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Daemeon H.

9 years ago

Even though this is a tourist hub, being on cannery row with an actual parking lot our wait for a window table was very brief. We were greeted with a smile which was nice. Our table was complimented by the nice weather. Our server was prompt and relatively attentive given how full they were. My wife had a flat sofa which was fixed immediately and my beer was perfectly poured. Our chips were hot and fresh and the salsa was still foamy from the blender. The food was ok, fresh but a little mediocre balanced against the price. My biggest complaint is that they were out of floutas. Going to the Row always leaves me with the same lesson though. Tourists are monsters. read more

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Tanner K.

8 years ago

I love this place. Pretty good food, the service is fast but fresh and prices are fair! The chips & salsa are amazing as well as the taquitos!! Definitely looking forward to coming back in read more

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Larelle V.

9 years ago

We got a great table by the window. The food great and all was fresh! We had such a great waitress i believe her name Alondra was so nice and attentive to your table even tho she/ restaurant was super busy definitely will be going back to brunch on sunday and hopefully she will be our waitress again.. read more

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Mayra M.

8 years ago

We came to one of my best friends wedding receptions and we were so impressed. We had an amazing time, ate great food from a beautifully set up buffet, and were treated so well by the staff. We met the GM and Chef while setting up the party and they kept making sure we were happy throughout the night it turned out to be an extremely memorable experience. Everyone we talked to was so warm I would highly recommend having party's here!! I asked how I could give them the credit they deserved and they recommend leaving a review here! I hope the bosses know about the amazing people they have in Monterey! read more

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Richard F.

5 years ago

Beautiful location but it's at a cost. I'm a El Torito fam from SoCal. The food here is tasteless or must I say bland. No effort to prep meats. 1st tone at this location so I ordered my standbys combo fajitas. Honestly it was sooo bad I thought I caught Covid again. It's said because the view is one of the best and the parking is great. Happy Cinco de Mayo, not! read more

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Sam M.

7 years ago

I love coming to El Torito! The moment I walk in, Lyle and Richard and the staff were very attentive! Our server Sergio was amazing! We love the food! read more

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Chris L.

Thanks for choosing us for your cinco party!!…

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Jared D.

7 years ago

This place is amazing, manager greets you, great food and an amazing view of the Pacific ocean

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Chris L.

Thanks Jared!!

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V F.

6 years ago

Amazing breakfast today @ El Torito! I had the veggie omelet & my mom had the Carne asada and eggs. The side potatoes included with the breakfast were perfect! Love the salsa & chips too! Ask for Alex as your waiter, he's very attentive and had an upbeat personality! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank you for the kind words! We’re so happy your visit at El Torito…

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John T.

7 years ago

I've been to El Torito serval times and have always received terrible or just mediocre service. Since its the best Mexican food in the area Ive just gotten over it and always walked in expecting bad service. But when my girlfriend and I sat in the bar/lounge area tonight it felt like a completely different restaurant. We had hot chips and salsa on a table within 30 seconds of sitting down, courtesy of Montana, and Ty greeted us almost immediately after. Our drinks came out super fast and Ty check on us every 15 mins, maybe even more. I'm ecstatic that El Torito is increasing the quality of their servers. I literally made a Yelp account just to write this review. That's how awesome Ty is. read more

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Christine A.

Elite 25

128

428

185

8 years ago

We had a nice dinner in the bar last night. My meal came out completely wrong and the bartender went above and beyond to rectify the situation. Not only did he replace my salad with one more to my expectation, he also gave me a shot of cinnamon tequila with the chef's apologies. He enjoyed his fajitas. I enjoyed my salad and my Paloma was mixed perfectly. read more

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Camila E.

8 years ago

We were here this weekend! Amazing good food! Super fast service and that view! The waiter was a bit slow but reached out a few times. We will definitely be back and recommend this location to friends and family! read more

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Chris L.

Good Evening Camila…

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Kool M.

16 years ago

4 starts, not for the food but the view. Go elsewhere to eat some real Mexican food (Puerto Neuvo in Seaside perhaps?) but then come here for drinks and the 5 star view (5 view stars minus a star for the regular Tex-Mex menu). Enjoy the view, get well lubricated, and then take a cab home. read more

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Page 41 of 61

See outside
600 Cannery Row
Monterey, CA 93940
Directions
(831) 373-0611
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.eltorito.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does El Torito open?

El Torito opens at 9:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.El Torito opens at 8:00 AM on Sunday.

What time does El Torito close?

El Torito closes at 10:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.El Torito closes at 11:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Thu 9:00 AM - 10:00 PMFri-Sat 9:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Payment methods

Does El Torito take credit cards?

Yes, El Torito takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does El Torito have catering options?

Yes, El Torito does have catering options.

Does El Torito have a drive thru?

No, El Torito does not have a drive thru.

Does El Torito have a happy hour?

Yes, El Torito has a happy hour.

Does El Torito serve alcohol?

Yes, El Torito serves alcohol. Full Bar

Indoor Amenities

Does El Torito allow dogs?

Yes, El Torito allows dogs.

Does El Torito have TVs?

Yes, El Torito has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does El Torito have bike parking?

Yes, El Torito has bike parking.

Does El Torito have outdoor seating?

Yes, El Torito has outdoor seating options.

Does El Torito have parking?

Yes, El Torito has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Does El Torito allow outdoor smoking?

No, El Torito does not allow outdoor smoking.

Does El Torito have free WiFi?

Yes, El Torito has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

History

Established in 1954.

It was in 1954 that Real Mex Restaurants first introduced Mexican casual dining to SoCal with the opening of El Torito. Half a century later, Mexican fare has become an integral part of the American dining experience. El Torito is a truly authentic & traditional Mexican concept. A festive & approachable restaurant rich in heritage, focusing on offering a memorable experience to each and every guest. Food quality, refreshing drinks, welcoming service, vibrant music selections showcased in a traditional/timeless Mexican hacienda, creates a warm & comfortable environment for our guests. Today, El Torito continues to honor the flavorful history of Mexican cuisine, leading the way through culinary innovation, superior hospitality and rich and infused flavors.

El Torito Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Torito

How many stairs are there to the upstairs dining area?

No stairs at the Milpitas El Torito.

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Do they have karaoke?

they don't.

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Are they open on Christmas Day?

El Torito is open from 9 AM to 8 PM on Christmas Day. From 9 AM to 2 PM is their breakfast menu which I believe consist of ham and tri-tip. Then from 2 PM till closing is there a regular menu.

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Can you make reaervations?

yes but they give your table away 50% of the time

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Open at 8am every day - does that include the bar?

They published an account of their hours on Christmas Day. Open 9 am to 8 pm. Brunch buffet served…

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Are they having the Sunday buffet brunch or what are brunch options? We are a group of at least 7 people and want to go tomorrow.

They offer All you can eat Sunday brunch fajita station, which includes steak, sent, chicken, and carnitas. It also includes lot Mexican entrees, taco stations, fresh salads, almonds made to order, menudo, pozole, dessert bar and more. Along with…

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Are dogs allowed outside?

I believed they offered outdoor seating during 2020-2021. But doesn't seem like they offer it now.

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Are they open for dine in?

Yes they are!! I confirmed with them today! Enjoy!!

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Is there bottomless mimosas brunch on Sundays?

Yes there is! It's from 9am-2pm!

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Is the remodel finished & open for business?

Yes its open

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Do they have brunch on saturday?

Hi Michael, we offer our Champagne Brunch only on Sundays from 9am-2pm. We hope to see you soon.

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Do u have to call ahead for reservations?

You can. But no need. The restaurant is huge

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Segovia's Cocktail Bar & Lounge

4.6(22 reviews)

0.2 mi

First class joint!!…read more We were able to meet the owners of the bar, whose family has owned it since the 50s. Laced up with old school nostalgia photos of the family and customers of the past. It's like stepping into a scene out of Goodfellas. Lots of locals also great for tourist. We were there for a karaoke night. The service and the DJ was awesome. The vibe was legit. Extremely clean bathroom bathrooms!

TERRIBLE customer service. Got kicked out because I was on the phone with my friend then when I…read moreasked to speak to the owner he told me I couldn't go back in based off what he saw on the footage. I'm confused as to what he saw because I was literally just on the phone with my friend. Security guards same like armpits don't waste ur time here. Salty seal is better. I'm editing this to clarify that I NEVER made threats against anyone and that you are only going based off of a surveillance video. I was simply talking on the phone w my friend about something that doesn't concern anyone in this place. Yes I called you a shitty ass owner because you didn't handle the situation very well and let your bouncer or whatever he is tell me to "get the fuck out" and you still doubled down and called me a "shitty ass customer" over a misunderstanding on your staffs part. And yes your bar smells like fucking shit every time I stepped foot in there. Fix the smell and the attitude and maybe you wouldn't have undercover cops in your place all the time from the type of crowd that YOU bring in. Maybe don't kick people out for minding their own business and treat them with disrespect when they try to explain the situation. Thanks I will enjoy the better local bars around For the last time I did not make threats at ANYONE nor did I harass anyone or make negative comments TOWARDS anyone. I don't know what this owners issue is and why he's not understanding that I was mistreated by his staff and told to "GET THE FUCK OUT" even tho I had not done anything wrong to anyone I was just ON THE PHONE WITH MY FRIEND. Since when was using profanity wrong in a bar? If you don't get my point stop replying your making your business look bad and I can keep replying all day. And yes I wanted to go back in because my friends were inside. Still a poorly run place my point stands "case closed".

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The 2AM reset: Halloween

Tavern Kitchen

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Bar countertop

Tipsy Putt

4.1(185 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

One of the highlights of my birthday trip to Monterey!!!…read more My partner surprised me with a trip to Monterey to celebrate my birthday, and of course, we wanted to play tourists for the weekend lol! We were looking for something fun and different to do while exploring the area. Although the Monterey Bay Aquarium is just a short walk away, we had already visited before and wanted to switch things up. Since we're both fans of mini golf, we came across Tipsy Putt while searching for activities nearby, and OMGGG, I'm so happy we did!! From the moment we walked in, the vibe was already a 10/10! The atmosphere was super fun and laid back, and the playlist??? BANGERS!! Definitely the kind of music that puts you in a good mood right away. We headed over to the front bar area, where we were greeted by the sweetest employee! She was SOOO friendly, welcoming, and helpful. She explained how everything worked and gave us a chance to look over the drink menu. I ended up ordering a pineapple margarita, while my partner went with a strawberry margarita. Both were such fun drinks to enjoy while playing! While waiting for our drinks, we noticed they had a PHOTO BOOTH!! Obviously, we couldn't pass that up lol. We took some cute pictures together, and one detail I absolutely loved was the little area where visitors could leave behind one of their photo strips. Seeing everyone's memories displayed was honestly such a cute and thoughtful touch. Of course, we had to leave one of ours behind too! Once our drinks were ready, the employee handed us our golf balls and explained that the mini golf course was downstairs. Now, the golfing area itself isn't the biggest, but don't let that fool you because we had SOOO much fun!! The courses were actually pretty challenging, and there were definitely a few holes that had us struggling longer than we'd like to admit lol. But that honestly made it even more entertaining! Between the friendly competition, laughing at each other's attempts, and sipping on our margaritas, we were having the best time. They also had a boxing arcade machine, which we decided to try before wrapping up our visit. Such a fun little addition to an already great experience! What I loved most about Tipsy Putt was that it wasn't just another activity to cross off our list. It ended up being one of those spontaneous experiences that made our birthday getaway even more memorable. I'm already wanting to bring my family here so they can experience it too! The ONLY thing I regret is not trying their food while we were there, so that's definitely on my list for next time. Overall, such a fun spot for a date, a little friendly competition, or just something different to do while visiting Monterey. Between the fun atmosphere, great music, friendly service, drinks, and activities, Tipsy Putt was a HIT for us!! We'll absolutely be back!!

A Fantastic Time at Tipsy Putt -- And Those Wings! We had…read moresuch a GREAT time at Tipsy Putt! From the moment we walked through the doors, I knew we were in for a good time. We were greeted by Lexi at the front desk, and WOW! She was so warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to be at work. You very seldom see this kind of customer service these days, and Lexi made an immediate impression on us! She wasted no time giving us the scoop on everything Tipsy Putt had to offer. We headed downstairs and played golf for about half an hour. Let's just say we worked up an appetite, especially after all the laughter over our golfing skills! When we were ready for food, Lexi was there again, happy to walk us through the menu and tell us about the many drinks they offer. I ordered a strawberry something-or-other that I wish I could have another one of RIGHT NOW! We all ordered drinks and were very impressed with the variety of options on the menu. Now, let's talk about the FOOD! After stuffing our faces with some of the BEST barbecue wings I've had in a long time, I have to say they were even better than Wingstop! ....And that's saying something! My buddies enjoyed tacos and pulled pork sandwiches, and we were all very happy with our choices. Lexi shared that the cooks really enjoy preparing the food, and I believe it! Everything came out tasting like it was cooked with LOVE. I'm already looking forward to going back, and it won't be long! Please tell Lexi we said HELLO, and that we'll be seeing her again soon. She helped make our visit extra special, and that kind of service deserves to be recognized. And as for those barbecue wings? They're CALLING MY NAME RIGHT NOW! Thanks, Tipsy Putt, for a wonderful time, great food, delicious drinks, lots of laughter, and an employee like Lexi who makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. See you soon! Angel

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Quesabirria

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Members get an upgraded pour on most drafts

The Salty Seal

3.6(273 reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Thank you Nacho!!! He was such a thoughtful server and very considerate. One of the greatest dining…read moreexperiences I've ever had.

A super fun spot! My…read morefriends and I swung by The Salty Seal for a night out and had a great time. One thing to note, if you are 22 and under and try to come in, you will need two forms of ID. I came with just my drivers license and was almost not let in because I did not have two IDs on me. Luckily, I had a photo of my passport which sufficed. The bouncer was definitely not the friendliest. He was super stern and not the most understanding. Once you're inside, you will be greeted by a dive bar type area. There are some pool tables and seating. It is a very lowkey and casual vibe in this area. The back area of this bar is very different. There is another bar, booths, and a dance floor where there is a bit more of a club vibe. We came the Friday night before the 4th of July. The music was fantastic. The DJ this night was playing absolute banger after banger. He was playing some great throwback hits. It had to have been the best local DJ I have ever seen. The dance floor was packed with everyone dancing and we totally caught a vibe. There is also an outdoor area with tables and stools. It is much quieter and lowkey back there. We had such a great time that we decided to come back the following night. I was prepared with my two forms of ID! As expected, the crowd was much smaller (it was the Fourth of July). The music wasn't my favorite this time around but it was still fun. The only thing that bugged me a little was that their Green Tea Shots were premade. We ordered about four of them and they were poured straight out of a jug. Other than that, this place is a great time. I will definitely be back.

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Front Bar area - pool tables, dartboards, Foosball

Nachos

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The Bulldog Sports Pub

3.6(265 reviews)

0.2 mi

•$$

What a find! I usually go to BWW's to watch football, but I decided to pull an audible, and what a…read moregreat decision I made. So this bar does carry the NFL Sunday Ticket, and they open up at 9am for games on Sunday. This is a Buffalo Bills bar, so be prepared. This is definitely a family-friendly place w/ great atmosphere. I don't know the owner, but you can tell that the owner takes pride and is very intentional in the look and feel of this establishment. They have high-chairs for the kiddos and they're bathrooms look new and they were very clean. They wait staff were very nice and was served quickly and they never made sure my bottomless mimosa was empty. They also have a full bar. As for added convenience, they have power outlets if you want to charge your phone. There's also a dartboard & a Touchtones jukebox. As for the food, I had the nachos w/ beef & fried pickles. Both were very tasty, I was with 2 other people and there was plenty of food to go around. They bread on the pickles were light and flaky, and the house ranch was divine. The nachos have a two cheese blend, the chips held up well, they do put sour cream & salsa on the side. Would I come back, definitely! I saw the wings and burgers that other patrons had and they smelled very good. Price $52 (w/ 20% tip)

We stopped by here on this past New Years Eve briefly. I randomly found this spot on Yelp while I…read morewas searching for places to try since we were having a little getaway for NYE in Monterey. I was so thrilled to check this pub out especially with our doggie, Meatball the Bulldog! How perfect right? A Bulldog at The Bulldog Sports Pub. We snagged the last available booth, and it had crumbs on there. Not clean. SMH. I went to the bar to order some drinks for my boyfriend and me since he left his wallet in the car. It was raining that night, and we parked several blocks away. The service was okay. I remember the guy bartender said $29something, but then he charged me $30something. I got the Jalapeno Margarita while my boyfriend had the Tito's Mule. My drink was very sweet with a kick of jalapeno while his was pretty good. They had music playing. It seems that there is a modern jukebox where you can pay to pick a song. There was one pool table for people to play. So many people came up to pet Meatball and give him so much attention. He absolutely loved it! There was one guy who asked if he can say "Hi" to Meatball, and we said that it was okay like we normally do. This weirdo was basically making out with Meatball; not cool at all man. Then Meatball flipped on his back, and he was holding Meatball. My boyfriend told him to let go of Meatball. It was such an uncomfortable interaction. Not normal at all. He even said, "This is my NYE kiss!" SMDH. The guy sat down at a table that is across from us, and he kept looking at us. We quickly finished our drinks, and then we left to ring in the new year at our hotel lobby instead. We should have just hung out in our hotel lobby instead of going out; it was much better there.

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Compact Disco

3.9(51 reviews)

1.1 mi

Family-owned & operated

Veteran-owned & operated

Jesse is an amazing bartender. We are from out of town and he treated us so well even gave us…read moresuggestions of other bars, but we came back because he's so welcoming. Great bar! Great service!! Thank you Jesse! The ambiance is dark, but I love it.

Epic lil disco in Monterrey honoring the house/ disco scene perfectly. Perfect addition to the…read moresleepy lil central coast town. Drinks are great music is better!

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They are on the guestlist.

The hallway has become the place to take photos for some reason. And we approve!

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Always awesome when the Naval Post Grad folks come by

Sly McFly’s

2.5(1.4k reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

We stopped in for lunch while exploring Cannery Row, and this was one of the few restaurants that…read moreseemed to have a pretty good crowd. The menu had plenty of options, so we figured we'd give it a try! The host was super friendly and welcoming, and we decided to grab seats at the bar, where we received service right away. The bartender was pleasant enough, although his personality and overall service were pretty average. We ordered a couple of drinks, and while the flavors were good, the preparation was a little underwhelming. He seemed to struggle a bit while making them, and the technique and presentation gave the impression of someone still learning the ropes behind the bar. For food, we split the chicken club sandwich with french fries, and both were really good! The fries were definitely the highlight of the meal and probably my favorite part of the experience. Overall, it's a decent, casual lunch spot with a good variety of menu options. Nothing particularly memorable, but not a bad experience either. In hindsight, I think we would've enjoyed ourselves more sitting at a regular table and skipping the cocktails. I'd consider coming back for the food, especially those fries!

Was in town visiting Monterey, and something about being by the beach makes me crave clam chowder…read more Happened along this place and figured we try it out. After seating we waited a long while until I had to flag the waiter down. He was busy chatting at the bar with the other coworkers. I didn't think anything of it at the time because well, we are all human, so I figured I give him grace because sometimes we all get caught up in good conversations. The food did not take long to come out. It was decent tasting. $17 for the bread bowl clam chowder. But, the food delivery was the last time we ever saw our waiter! He never came to check on us, nor give us refills or to even acknowledge us. I had to walk up to the bar he was at (to politely interrupt his conversation with coworkers) in order to ask for the bill. When he brought it over he just handed it to me. No "thank you" or anything. I still left a tip but I got out of there thinking that whole interaction was pretty weird. You can get a cheaper clam chowder bread bowl and an actual smile and acknowledgment at the shop around the corner by the water. Wish I woulda seen that place sooner but didn't see it till I walked out of Sly's.

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Inside

Burger(I forgot what kind) and fries

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Pearl Hour

4.0(121 reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

We came for the jazz in the evening and it was very enjoyable. We will be back. It's a great space…read morealso.

It's the hour of the night…read more.. Came here to get drinks after dinner and didn't expect this place to have affordable drinks judging from the interior. Every cocktail was around ($11-$15). It's got that whimsical and jazzy bar feel with low lit seating inside, and a fire pit with lots of tables outside --- perfect for larger groups. Their menu is fun to look at and still have the classic drinks you'd get at the bar like Moscow mule and old fashioned, but with their own twist. I opted for the Modern Love with mezcal, amaro, passionfruit, and lime. Let's just say I was knocked outttt after sipping that...quite strong with no lime to be found but it was still a bit fruity. My boyfriend got the Cali Old Fashioned, which you can definitely taste the whiskey and bitters (with a whisper of citrus --- heavy on the whisper). Really cool spot and I'd love to come back! Had a fun time.

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Aquamarine cocktail

Cute touch

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Cute abalone lamp

Alfredo's Cantina

3.7(119 reviews)

1.2 mi

•$$

Enjoyed reading the reviews lol, I came here years ago when I lived in Monterey and just went back…read morethe past two days, it hasn't changed at all and I mean that in the best possible way. Cash Only, No Food, Lots of Friendly Locals and my experience with bartender was very friendly. If you go into it understanding the above and without pretense, you will have fun. If you expect something else suggest going somewhere else. This place knows what it is and what it is not and I respect that.

A long time dive bar in the heart of downtown Monterey. There a lot of regulars here during the…read moreday and it is super lively at night with locals and tourists alike. Service at the bar is general pretty good during the day but be patient in the evening and on weekends. No food at this location but drink up. Close to downtown Monterey and hotels. Come see where the action is in Monterey.

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High noon

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Don't take shrooms and look in the mirror.

the C restaurant + bar

4.1(809 reviews)

0.2 mi

•$$

On my initial visit to the area last year, my 1st meal was dinner here on a Thursday night…read more This was clearly planned as I learned that an entree special is only available weekly on this day. Before leaving SF, the restaurant called me a little after noon as I prepared to make the drive there informing me that a plumbing situation closed the restaurant for the day. The complication was that I invited a couple of local friends to join me for this dinner as they've never dined here. I obviously pivoted and we had dinner somewhere in the area that evening. During the same conversation, I asked whether they would be open on Friday before asking whether the Thursday entree would be available. He told me yes and changed my reservation to Friday for one as my guests were not available. Coming in for my 6 pm reservation, the bar area was half full and the dining room about 1/3rd. I was seated in a middle two seat table facing the bay. I asked about the special which my waitress confirmed was available. After my visit a year ago, I did not order any appetizer, knowing the portion is generous. While waiting for my order, they provided a bread plate with rosemary bread and butter (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&select=LYUR7vnBpbKq2_0ZQ9X65w). My meal was the smoked prime rib, medium rare (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=Pgx51_N9n8CmPl8NYh9lwA) which came with potatoes au gratin and thin green beans; the prime rib was cooked a perfect medium rare (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=rogS6MUshvRuxUSne2Vz3Q) as requested, paired well with the creamy potatoes and the nicely cooked crunch thin green beans. Even without an appetizer, I could only finish half of my order. Wanting to finish my meal on a sweet note, I had the sorbet Vacherin (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q&start=24&select=7CurpgMow13xMHHo9RTMrQ), mango sorbet and raspberry sorbet - I asked them to hold the baked meringue and chantilly cream listed on the menu to keep things lighter. Both were delicious and again the portions are generous. I could again only finish half. Luckily, my hotel room has a small refrigerator with a freezer section so I asked them to pack the rest in a small box which perfectly fit in that fridge. As I dined, more parties came to the dining room and, in a sectioned area to my left, a larger private party looked to by starting soon. Thanks to Lia who tended to all of my needs and requests including taking photos of me after enjoying my meal.

My wife said the Mary's Free Range Chicken with wild mushroom Risotto was FABULOUS. My Filet…read moreMignon was cooked perfectly medium rare and we couldn't have asked for better service from Tony. The manager visited our table and his care about our experience was obvious. There's NO DOUBT in my mind about why we had a great experience because this establishment and it's staff CARE. The atmosphere was quiet and relaxed, giving us a great memory of ambiance that we seldom experience. We WILL be back even though it's a 4 hour journey to get here.

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Very clean restaurant, very beautiful view, with very excellent service!

Calamari

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The Clement Monterey ~ The Intercontinental Monterey

Schooners Monterey

4.0(2.2k reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$$

Great food, service and views! We could watch the sea otters and sea lions while we sat with drinks…read moreand food. Perfect for what we were looking for!

Beautifully situated by the water and inside the Monterey Plaza Hotel and Spa. We were seated at…read morethe outdoor terrace that's nicely lit and heated. Servers were all very nice and friendly. We tried the House-Made Focaccia, Lobster Baked Potato with Bacon Bits, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Pecans, Blueberries, and Monterey Cioppino Pot. I never thought blueberries would go so well with pecans and Brussel sprouts, pecans add a perfect texture to the dish. Cioppino had quite a bit of seafood in it. The dessert coffee crème brûlée was a perfect ending for our evening, not too sweet. We enjoyed every dish we tried and would love to come back to try other dishes sometime.

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View from the restaurant.. Get here early and watch the sunrise.

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Kanwar D.

3 years ago

Extremely Disappointing Experience at El Torito in Monterey, CA My recent visit to El Torito in Monterey, CA turned out to be an incredibly frustrating and disappointing experience. From start to finish, the service and overall quality of the dining experience were far from satisfactory. Upon arriving at the restaurant, my party and I were seated promptly, but our server was nowhere to be found. We assumed he was attending to other customers, but after an extended wait, we grew concerned. It was only when I approached another staff member that I discovered our server had gone on his break without informing us. This lack of communication and courtesy was highly unprofessional and set the tone for the rest of our visit. As time dragged on, we realized that no other server came to check on us or offer any assistance. We patiently waited for over an hour, expecting our food to arrive, but it never did. The absence of any communication or updates from the staff only added to our frustration and confusion. To make matters worse, when the one appetizer we ordered finally arrived, it was prepared incorrectly, with the wrong ingredients. This demonstrated a clear lack of attention to detail and a disregard for customer satisfaction. At this point, our hopes for a satisfactory dining experience were completely shattered. Overall, I cannot recommend El Torito in Monterey, CA to anyone based on my experience. The server's disappearance without informing us, the excessively long wait for food that never arrived, and the incorrect appetizer were all indicative of a poorly managed establishment. The lack of attentiveness and professionalism demonstrated by the staff left a lasting negative impression. If you're looking for a Mexican restaurant with prompt service, delicious food, and attentive staff, I strongly suggest looking elsewhere. El Torito failed to meet even the most basic expectations, and my visit was an unfortunate reminder of the importance of quality service and customer care in the hospitality industry. read more

Beth H.

1 month ago

I wish I could give 0 Stars as it was that bad. I've never found El Torito to be anything that great. Mediocre and decent, but not amazing. My friend was having her Bachelorette Party last night and we ended the night eating dinner there to our surprise of what we found in our food! My friend "The Bride" ordered the crab enchiladas to find not only were they cold but one of them was filled with a large piece of plastic! A wrapper of sorts that was as big as I would say a old school chalkboard eraser. She cut into it and was like, what is this? than pulled out a huge piece of plastic....my goodness! How do you miss that? Meanwhile, we are trying to get ahold of our waitress that was non-existent most of our meal to tell her and we hear the family behind us talking to the manager about the lug nut...YES..LUG NUT they found in their food. How does that even make its way into the kitchen!????? Now, here's the kicker...that family went to get frozen bananas from the place nearby that sells treats and was talking with the cashier about it...to hear from the cashier that "oh that happened to you? It happens all the time!". 1. Why has nothing been done about it, let alone from the lady running the shop that KNOWS about it. AKA: CALL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT!! 2. It keeps happening and no one is reporting it? According to the reviews, plenty of people have been unhappy with the odor of the building, the foul restrooms, the sticky floors/tables and menus, the bird poop everywhere, the flies....... what about the health concerns to the customers? That should be #1! Both families, us and the other did incident reports as it should be done. We will NOT be returning and more people need to speak up. This place needs to get shut down!! This can't continue!! Whose with me? read more

Cheryl A.

3 years ago

Offal, Offal, Offal...Don't Bother! 4/4/2024 Went there for dinner, the wait was to be 30 mins. so we decided to eat at the bar. (Bar Tender was running with so much work). Took along time to order and took along time to get our drink. Tried to order the special Chili Relleno, the bar tender came back and said that was unavailable. Okay order the steak and prawns 27.00. After an hour, I asked a manager that had jumped behind the bar if he could check on our food as it had been an hour. He asked the hostess to check, someone brought out our meal. You could tell it had been sitting under the hot light for quite some time, my med rare steak looked like beef jerky and the prawns were not prawns but baby shrimp and were so dried out from being under the light it was disgusting. My husbands dinner wasn't any better and it wasn't what he ordered. They should have been embarrassed to service us such crap. I picked up the thinly sliced steak nothing like the menu picture and it was just brown, dried out and burned looking I'm sure from sitting under the light for so long. Why the kitchen staff let is sit there for so long without saying sometime I will never know. We didn't complain as the 2 people that handled our food should have surely noticed the condition of the meal and serviced it to us anyway. I wouldn't have given that food to my dog. Needless to say, we paid our bill and tipped. But, I'm sharing this review to let you know beware. Bad service, offal, offal food, would bother. Disgusting, Oh yes and an older couple came in after us, never got serviced, they ended up leaving, we should have done the same, especially after our meal came. We should have just walked out, leaving that god offal food on the bar. read more

Brenda J.

15 days ago

2 Stars for the Restaurant, 5 Stars for Our Server Reyna! Unfortunately, our experience at El Torito was not as good as we had hoped. While I'm giving the restaurant 2 stars overall, our server, Reyna, deserves a full 5 stars for her exceptional customer service! We arrived without a reservation, and Reyna was wonderful from the beginning. She was welcoming, attentive, and made us feel comfortable throughout our visit. Her kindness and professionalism were definitely the highlight of our evening. As for the food, we were honestly disappointed. The chips and salsa were delicious, but unfortunately, that was the best part of our meal. Our food arrived cold, lacked flavor, and simply wasn't what we expected. We were really looking forward to a good Mexican dinner, but the food fell short. Another unpleasant part of our experience was the smell inside the restaurant. There was a noticeable odor that reminded us of plumbing or sewer pipes, which made the dining experience less enjoyable. Even the drinking water had a strange, plumbing-like taste. Overall, we expected much better food and a more pleasant dining atmosphere. The restaurant definitely has room for improvement, especially when it comes to food quality, temperature, and cleanliness. A special thank you to Reyna! You truly deserve 5 stars. Your wonderful service was the one thing that made our visit enjoyable. Unfortunately, great service alone couldn't make up for the disappointing food and atmosphere. read more

Dora P.

2 years ago

We stopped by El Torito for a drink and nachos, figuring we'd grab a quick bite and decide if we wanted to stay for dinner. We got on the waitlist and found a seat in the bar. Unfortunately, the service started off slow. It took a while for the waitress to come around, but we were patient. Our drinks were served, and just as we were enjoying them, we were told our table was ready. The restaurant was busy, so we didn't think much of the long wait for our food. However, after about 35 minutes of waiting, we checked in with the waitress about our nachos. She told us that the restaurant was slammed and it would be another 20 minutes. At that point, I was ready to leave, but my husband wanted to wait. Well, she wasn't exaggerating--20 minutes later, we finally got our nachos. By the time the food arrived, the restaurant had started to clear out. We ate our nachos, finished our drinks, and decided not to stay for dinner, as it seemed like it would take forever to get our food. The waitress explained that large parties of 10+ people were being prioritized. She said, "They wanted to make sure the bigger parties were happy," implying that they placed more value on larger groups than on smaller customers like us. Her apology felt half-hearted, and she suggested we return for happy hour. Honestly, after this experience, we won't be back. The service was awful, and the nachos were just okay--not worth the long wait. Very disappointed. read more

Rebecca R.

16 years ago

My husband and I went here on a Tuesday evening, so not one of the busier times. When we were waiting to be seated, a family came out of the restaurant complaining about the service. They looked kinda cranky so we chalked it up to that and were ready to give the place the benefit of the doubt. That was a mistake. Once we were seated (at a booth with an amazing view, hence half of a star) it took a while for the waiter to get our drink order. Once ordered, it was another while until we actually got them (mine was a super yummy pineapple-coconut margarita, hence the other half star). After we finally got our food order in, it took forever for it to come (we went through 3 baskets of chips waiting for it). The food was good, but I've had better at El Torito in the past. The tables all around us were being served by a different waiter than us and he seemed to be very attentive to them; ours on the other hand was not. We barely saw him the whole time we were there. My husband had a child behind him kicking the back of his seat the whole time we were there. When we asked to speak to a manager about our overall experience, we waited a good 20 minutes. It was just a whole lot of sitting and waiting for something that wasn't worth sitting and waiting for. The only reason I would ever go back there would be for a margarita with a view; and then I would sit at the bar. read more

Bri A.

808

2 years ago

**Restaurant Review:** I visited this spot yesterday for dinner, drawn by their Happy Hour menu despite the mixed reviews. I'm glad I decided to give it a shot myself. Upon arrival, the host who greeted me was surprisingly friendly, a nice contrast to some of the negative comments I'd read. I opted to sit at the bar because, as others had noted, that's where you get access to the Happy Hour menu. The service was a bit slow, but it was understandable. The bartender was handling everything solo, from crafting drinks for the entire restaurant to serving bar patrons. When it comes to food and pricing, this place is probably one of the best budget-friendly options in town. I ordered the Chicken Flautas and Birria Tacos, both priced at just $8 each. A cool perk was a QR code that gave us free table-side guac and tortilla chips, which would normally cost $14. As for the food, it's not bad--it's American-style Mexican, so don't expect traditional flavors. The Birria Tacos, for instance, were made with ground beef rather than the usual Birria meat, but the seasoning was on point. All in all, the total cost for the meal came to $17.40, which is a steal for what you get. If you're looking for a decent, budget-friendly meal with a relaxed vibe, this place is worth checking out, especially during Happy Hour. read more

Shana C.

11 years ago

Came for Thanksgiving today. Killer view and was lucky to get a window seat after great grief. Kinda soured my day. Front staff was kinda irritating with the whole thing. I never feel like it's ever just alright to feel an ounce of discrimation for my disabled family member. Because of this we need to be seated comfortably for us and the wait staff to safely maneuver around. Once that was settled after a bit of embarrassment we were on to getting some plates. Overall the food was decent - nothing spectacular. Can't help to say I was a bit disappointed. The desserts for starters ALL had a pumpkin theme and felt it was a bit of overkill especially for those of us who don't enjoy pumpkin. Food variety was decent. Ham was tasty, mashed potatoes were decent, taco station was a nice surprise - the lady manning it not so great, but whatever, the retried beans were good, etc. Waitress was whatever and was picky and choosy who she was nice to. Guess she didn't like us because everyone else got wished a Happy Thanksgiving but us. Real nice. I probably would not choose to come here again for a Thanksgiving or another holiday. Just nothing special and I left still hungry. read more

Itzel C.

7 years ago

3 horas esperando la comida. Pagamos $100 por sodas. Y el baño sucio, el piso súper resbaloso en la área de las mesas. Nos pusieron en un pasillo sin luz y teníamos que agacharnos cuando pasaban con las charolas. Pedíamos una soda, y tardaban más de 30 min en traerla. A final de cuentas pagamos más de $100 por sodas, mal servicio y comida que nunca llegó. Mis sobrinos pequeños sufrieron más por estar sentados ahí sin comer. Al irnos la manager corrió dejando al mesero súper lento que se desaparecía , a atender nuestra queja. Nos hicieron pagar la bebida que tuvimos que pedir mientras esperamos la comida que nunca llegó. Y su solución fue un "no es nuestra culpa" y un misero 10% de descuento en el appetizer de una sola persona en la compra de toda una cena. Cuando éramos una faMilia de 7 personas esperando 3 horas por comida que nunca llegó. Ahora, me piden que me comunique con el restaurante por mensaje privado. No hay manera de hacer eso. Para sólo aparentar interés con otros comensales . Y borran mi review. Platicando con amistades me cuentan que también les ha sucedido en el mismo Toritos . PÉSIMO. Arruinaron ese día en familia. read more

Rob M.

3 years ago

I like to qualify my statements. Therefore, I'll start by saying I've visited hundreds of restaurants. I also believe that I have reasonable service level expectations, as both of my kids have worked as servers and have shared their horror stories about unreasonable patrons. As such, I am normally patient, polite, and generous with servers. That being said, the service was bad! We (my family and I) got seated quickly, but waited around 10+ minutes without so much as glance from a server. I flagged down a server to request some drinks and he tracked down our server who eventually showed up. From that point on, I literally had to wave my arms around in an attempt to get his attention for any service. The service was so bad that I felt like I was begging for everything. I used to be a college wrestler, so I'll sum it up this way. I felt like I was in a wrestling match with the service and it was slippery and hard to pin down. At the end of this match, I was exhausted and not interested in a rematch. I will say that the view and the food was good, but not good enough to make up for the bad service. read more

Sandra M.

2 years ago

A Truly Exceptional Dining Experience Courtesy of Marcus at El Torito During my recent visit to El Torito, I had the pleasure of being served by the exemplary Marcus, whose impeccable service and expansive knowledge of the menu elevated our dining experience to unprecedented heights. From the moment we arrived, Marcus greeted us with warmth and graciousness, ensuring that our every need was anticipated and met with effortless ease. His expert recommendations and insightful guidance navigated us through the culinary offerings, showcasing the restaurant's signature dishes and hidden gems. The culinary delights, expertly prepared and presented, were further enhanced by Marcus's attentive and personalized service. His dedication to ensuring a memorable experience was evident in every detail, from the impeccable timing of course delivery to the thoughtful refilling of our glasses. For a truly exceptional dining experience at El Torito, we highly recommend requesting Marcus by name. His outstanding service and passion for hospitality will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. read more

Marcus M.

1 year ago

We stopped by El Torito in Monterey, and wow -- this place delivers big time! The food, the drinks, the whole vibe -- everything feels a little extra in the best way possible. Even the kids' meals had that Monterey flair -- like, low-key fancy! My kids were out here eating better than me! Marcus was our server, and he made the experience even better -- super friendly, attentive, and just overall awesome. Of course, the adults had to dive into some margaritas and cocktails, and they did not disappoint. Perfectly mixed, super refreshing, and packed with flavor. The food was just as impressive -- every plate looked straight out of a foodie magazine, but still had that comforting, authentic Mexican flavor that hits home. The atmosphere was lively but relaxed, with awesome service and those ocean views that make Monterey so special. Perfect spot to bring the family, hang out with friends, or just enjoy a great meal and a good drink. We'll definitely be back -- next time, I might just order off the kids' menu myself! -- A happy dad living the good life read more

Peter M.

1 year ago

5 Stars -- Marcus Made Our Visit Feel Like Home My family and I came into town again, and by good fortune, Marcus was our server once more. It's rare to find someone who truly enjoys what they do, but Marcus takes pride in every detail. From the moment we sat down, he greeted us warmly and made us feel like old friends. The ambiance at El Torito was just right -- comfortable, lively, and full of that welcoming energy that makes you want to stay a little longer. The music, the aromas, and the cheerful atmosphere all came together perfectly. When our meals arrived, Marcus came by, got down to eye level, and asked how everything was after our first few bites. That simple gesture showed real care and attention. Throughout our dinner, our drinks were always full, the table stayed neat, and Marcus made sure everyone was happy -- from the grandparents to the youngest at the table. It's service like this that keeps us coming back. Thank you, Marcus, for making our evening so special once again. El Torito is lucky to have you. -- A grateful family man read more

Jenny M.

8 years ago

What a wonderful experience we had El Torito tonight! So much so that I am writing my first ever yelp about it to make sure Kyle, Nick, the Chef, and their whole team gets the credit they deserve. The atmosphere was lively, welcoming, and friendly from the moment the young General Manager opened the front door for us and welcomed us in. We were told there was a 20 minute wait and we were seated in about 15. Nick (in his bright red chef coat gagaga) offered to bring us drinks in the lobby while we waited and we declined but appreciated the gesture. When we were seated we had warm chips and delicious salsa right away and our server Montana made our guacamole right in front of us! The Macho combo is huuuuuge and the steak fajitas were enough for two people and they were both delicious. There was even another manager an older gentleman I didnt catch his name that came by to check on us while we were eating they have managers all over the place! We will definitely be back whenever we are in the area, great job El Torito! read more

Ismael A.

1 year ago

We visited El Torito in Monterey to celebrate a cousin's graduation with a midday meal. Although we had a reservation and our table was ready when we arrived, it was missing two chairs. We had to ask twice before the extra seats were brought over -- a frustrating and basic oversight. Our server was kind and polite but frequently forgot items we requested, from drinks to napkins, which added to the disorganized feel. The food was a major letdown. It leaned heavily toward Americanized Mexican, missing the authentic flavors you'd expect. Dishes arrived lukewarm and uninspired -- my birria tacos looked more like plain ground beef than the rich, tender meat they should be. The rice was particularly disappointing; honestly, I'm pretty sure even microwave rice would have tasted better. The best thing about the meal was the mojitos -- at least those were refreshing and well-made. What should have been a smooth, celebratory lunch was ultimately a letdown. I wouldn't recommend El Torito for any special occasion. read more

Jenna Z.

9 years ago

This review is coming kind of late, but we stopped by the actual restaurant for dinner last night and had the same kind of wonderful experience so I wanted to share. A few months ago El Torito came to cater our office party, and the manager Kyle his team really did an amazing job. They were on time, professional, caring, courteous, and provided delicious food and tray service for our party. They set up a beautiful display for us and went above and beyond and helped decorate the rest of the office too, they even helped us wash glasses and dishes in our break room that had nothing to do with them. Last night we decided to give the actual restaurant a try and we were not disappointed. We received the same level of friendly caring service and delicious food that we had when they came to cater our party, its clear that is just the kind of business they run. I would highly recommend El Torito as a catering service or restaurant to any of my friends. Kudos to you El Torito we will be back! read more

Mr J.

2 years ago

I just had the most amazing dining experience at El Torito, and I have to give a huge shoutout to our server, Marcus. From the moment we were seated, Marcus made us feel like VIPs. His warm, friendly demeanor and expert knowledge of the menu made our evening truly special. He was attentive without being overbearing, ensuring our drinks were always full and our food came out just right. Not only did he offer great recommendations, but his timing was impeccable, making the entire meal flow smoothly. We were truly impressed with how he anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. The food, of course, was outstanding--delicious, flavorful, and cooked to perfection--but it was Marcus's exceptional service that really elevated the experience. It's clear that he takes pride in what he does, and his genuine enthusiasm for the job made our night unforgettable. Thank you, Marcus, for making our visit to El Torito so enjoyable. You're the reason we'll be coming back! read more

Bryanna S.

4 years ago

Was really excited to try out this restaurant as it's a short walk from the aquarium and overlooks the bay. When we got there we were told it would be an hour wait but luckily got a text about 15 minutes later that our table was ready. We were seated at a booth out looking the water and were served our drinks thereafter. Once we ordered we waited about 20 minutes before we got impatient and asked where our food was. We were told we were three tickets away from coming out and trusted the food would be out soon. However, 20 minutes later the table next to us that arrived 10 minutes after us got their food and we were still waiting. After this I asked the waiter again for the eta on our meal and was told our ticket got lost?? He apologized and offered us a discount on the bill but still had to wait for them to get the order in again. Fortunately we only waited about 5 more minutes but at this point we were just ready to leave. Don't think we'll be back. read more

Paul B.

9 years ago

My wife and I came here last Saturday afternoon and had to wait almost 40 minutes for a table but the hostesses were friendly and kept us updated and it ended up being worth the wait. We sat at a beautiful window seat and the service and food were great. The general manager came by and checked on us during our meal and we told him it was wonderful and he invited us to the Sunday Brunch the next morning and boy are we glad we took him up on the offer. There was an hour wait when we checked in but he recognized us and said he would get us seated because he made us a reservation since "he knew we would be back." I have never been to a better buffet. Tacos, mole, enchiladas, omlettes, salads, desserts, and bottomless mimosas! Our server Cressensio was funny and warm and took great care of us. What a great experience we had! We will visit every time we are in Monterey read more

Margaret W.

7 years ago

The worst service I have ever experienced anywhere, any tine. Our waitress brought drinks and food. No utensils, napkins, or salt and pepper. I had to ask for the salt and pepper and the waitress removed it halfway through dinner. I can forgive friendly but incompetent service, or not friendly but efficient service, but our waitress GLARED at us. She didn't drop by the table at ALL. I got up FIVE times to ask for refills. I called on Monday & asked for the GM. He wasn't in & failed to return my call Tuesday. I called today (Wednesday) & was told it was his day off. The Assistant Manager pretended to be shocked at my story & told me to "ask for him" next time we came in. I said we were only visiting & he said that he would try to find a coupon or something & call me back. I am willing to bet one thousand dollars that he won't be calling me back. read more

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El Torito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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We had such a great lunch today! We were there with two 5-year-olds, a 1-year-old, and two adults,…read moreand everyone had a wonderful time. Our waitress was so sweet and attentive. She brought crayons and paper for the girls right away, which was such a nice touch and kept them happily entertained. The food was really good, and they had some great options for the kids, including chicken nuggets and fries. The atmosphere was great and felt very welcoming, even with three little kids in tow. The staff was friendly, attentive, and made us feel really comfortable. We also got to meet the owner, who was incredibly nice and welcoming. It was just an all-around great experience. We'll definitely be back and are already looking forward to our next visit!

Papa Chano's

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Aquino's Birrieria & Brunch

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Crabby Jim's Seafood

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El Torito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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