El Torito

3.2 (2.4k reviews)

ModerateMexican, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 9:00 am - 10:00 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

21 Photos43 Reviews

Sweet Corn Cake

2 Photos34 Reviews

El Torito menu photos

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EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

166 Photos

Outside

197 Photos

Moderate noise

Casual

Touristy

Good for kids

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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. :)

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.

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.

We were sat at a table infested with termites. Not clean. We use to love coming here and would eat at this location every time we went to the aquarium don't think we will be doing that again.

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Sophia S.

3 years ago

I am not a karen, but this was ridiculous. I waited for them to take our seats 15 10 minutes, but there was no hostess and there was multiple people waiting. When i was fed up with waiting i decided to wait and go sit down when a server came by and said there was a "waitlist" and she was in the kitchen. She never apologized or seemed like she cared and had attitude. I left immediately, have better service next time. read more

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Bob D.

3 years ago

The restaurant was pretty busy for a Wednesday evening but we were quite happy with our server Jorge and the food was great! Good food, good service, and good drinks! No complaints here at all. read more

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Dawn P.

3 years ago

Location was great but seems like this is run down building and food mediocre at best.

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Cj O.

Elite 24

203

4 years ago

We came in early last night to celebrate two birthdays. Beautiful table by the window , my dad loved watching the seals and boats. Yummy made at table guac, best I have ever had. My parents ordered bacon wrapped shrimp, so yummy. My husband, son and dad and I all chowed on the family fajitas and I was not sure going to be enough for three large men, but it was yummy with shrimp, pastor, chicken and steak. With beans, rice and tortillas, sumptuous. I per usual loved the corn cakes. Fun birthday song with sombreros. Our waiter was funny, organized and was just on top of all. He was amazing and made our night at El Torito perfect! read more

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E. V.

122

4 years ago

These folks always work hard to please their customers! Poncho has been holding this bar down for over 40 years! He always greats us with a smile and a legit drink! Leslie and Denitza were also great! read more

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Kyle E.

Thank You so much for your kind review! We will be sure to celebrate…

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Mariel C.

2 years ago

Very good food!! The food hit the spot after waiting to be seated. Rose was a great waitress and was very helpful when recommending what to try at the all you can eat buffet. We will definitely be coming back and hoping to get Rose again! read more

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Randi J.

3 years ago

We made a reservation and it still took us 45 minutes to get our table. And the food took for freaking ever. The drinks came quick. legend has it we're still waiting on our food. read more

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Amanda I.

4 years ago

Rose gave excellent service! it was a nice place to have a margarita and beer waiting for the rain to stop

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Bob S.

6 years ago

Happy Halloween El Torito's for tonight feeling great with my love great date night Drake Halloween night

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Monica M.

4 years ago

Rose was so great! always right there when our mimosas needed to be refilled!

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Kyle E.

Thank You so much for your kind review! We will be sure to celebrate…

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Jessy C.

4 years ago

Rose was so awesome and friendly! She made our dining experience so much better! We got the custom omelette breakfast and Rose was very attentive to all our needs. read more

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Kyle E.

Thank You so much for your kind review! We will be sure to celebrate…

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Samantha S.

6 years ago

I had a few quams about my dinning experince here last night. Though the restaurant had many customers, my family and I (8) ended up waiting over twenty-five minutes as other tables were being served. We did have reservations for 7:30pm, but being served just water and chips and salsa took well over 15 minutes. Typically this wouldn't be an issue, but we were seated outside right by the water. Dinnertime at around 8pm was freezing, especially considering there were no nearby heating lamps or extra coverage to keep guests somewhat comfortable. Asking for a single takeout box for leftovers of the meal took well over ten minutes, so I'm very dissapointed with the service. The food was average Meixcan cuisine, but nothing worth waiting and freezing over for almost a half hour. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You for your feedback. Im sorry we werent able to exceed your…

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Chavez M.

3 years ago

Great food, great service. I definitely recommend making a stop here for a large group dinner.

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Juliana C.

3 years ago

Love the service and the food Sunday brunch is the way to go when your hungry but not sure what to get they have everything you could think of and more the service was quick and easy my server Lucero was the best she was so nice and attentive 10/10 would recommend:) read more

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Kyle E.

Thank You for your feedback!

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E. Y. G.

106

421

307

5 years ago

Nice views, good location, big bar with TVs. The chicken tostada salad is big enough for two and delish with the cilantro dressing. Good thing they sell that stuff at stores. Its addicting read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You so much for your kind review and feedback!! We hope to see…

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Amy J.

5 years ago

It's really a shame. I have so many childhood memories of this place with my family. However, the recent experiences have been unacceptable. Both were online orders. Both we picked a specific time to pickup. Both times, they hadn't even started our order upon arrival. Both times, it then took an hour to prepare and get out food (and an hour after the time we asked to have our food ready - and we placed the orders HOURS in advance. Sometimes, things happen. But when it happens repeatedly, you have to wonder what is going on? To add to all of this, we paid extra for the fajita platter (we got multiple taco platters, too) and they didn't give us any of the extras we paid for (we didn't get any guacamole, sweet corn cake or peppers). The ordering website gives you no way to ask for a refund or dispute charges. Just really disappointed and probably won't go back. read more

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Karry M.

4 years ago

Rose was an amazing waitress. She accommodated us multiple times and helped our friends choose the items on the menu. Overall she was an amazing person! read more

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Sarah K.

4 years ago

Rose was a fantastic server! Brunch was great and the mimosa were amazing! Also, great views on the Monterey Bay while you eat.

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Monique Y.

139

7 years ago

Ahh-mazing! Mouth watering! Absolutely delicious! Arrived as part of a large party & our waiter had our mimosas waiting for us as we each scurried around trying skillfully pile as many of the Mexican and American food options onto our plates. The food was steaming HOT! Not barley lukewarm like other buffets. Everything was wonderfully seasoned. The Huevos Rancheros were perfect-crispy with a juicy yolk, the waffles could stand alone- no syrup needed, churros superb, the list goes on & on. Our waiter was attentive. He quickly cleared plates off the table between mimosa refills and believe me, he kept them coming! The view of the ocean is beautiful no matter where you're seated. The brunch flow gets a little cramped between the crêpe & omelette station but it does not take away from anything. The cost itself is not cheap but definitely worth it especially when factoring in all you get to choose from, mimosas, an ocean view, AND parking! Ready to go back! 5/5 stars!! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You so much for Joining us at El Torito Vanessa! We take a lot…

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Eddie A.

2 years ago

Rose was an amazing host she was super attentive. And always brought us what we needed

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Jackey A.

4 years ago

Nick was outstanding! We would give him a 10 if we could. Great service and super funny. Great food! read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Wendy G.

164

7 years ago

Hands down my favorite Mexican food. Service was awesome! Had our food out in a timely manner. I was chatting with my husband and not think of one bad thing to say!!! I would give them more then 5 stars if I could. read more

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General Manager

Hi Wendy!…

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Scott F.

7 years ago

Stopped in for a drink or two around dinner time on a Monday. I've never sat at a bar where the bartender literally doesn't say hello....or anything. I felt like a bother from the time I sat down with my GF. Grabbed drink menus on our own, and ordered. Well after we ordered our drinks, we asked if we could order chips and salsa.....were told they're out of chips. As the bartender walks away, says "It's not the end of the world". How? read more

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General Manager

Hello Scott,…

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Alfie S.

4 years ago

Manager didn't have any concerns about any situation Hopefully this will help in the future, thanks read more

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Kyle E.

Thank You so much for your honest feedback. We hope to get the chance…

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Brittany H.

3 years ago

Went to el torito for the first time and let me tell 10/10 for the food and for our server George he did an amazing job on serving us will definitely be back and hopefully George is working so he can be our server again! Great job read more

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Frank F.

4 years ago

This is a great place to eat over looking the Monterey bay. The Sunday brunch is wonderful. It's been 2 years sense our last visit. Terrific food. Fantastic customer service. The windows seats are amazing. read more

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Natasha G.

412

4 years ago

Great service and atmosphere. We really enjoyed the Sunday brunch. Rose, our sever, was friendly and provided great service.

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Jay D.

109

5 years ago

Horrible experience!! My margarita glass was broken and sliced my finger ! Our waitress was slow and rude , never brought out chips and never refilled our drinks. We asked for more salsa and she could clearly see we were out of chips and brought salsa and no chips. Over priced for small portion!! Beef tasted delicious!! Kids menu was 10$ for small little kids pizza, cheese on a tortilla. Great views. Will not return read more

El Torito - She still serves this , broken margarita glass sliced finger on - Mexican Near Me - Monterey, California

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Janelle O.

Thank You so much for your feedback. Please send me an email…

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Felicia H.

4 years ago

Rose was our server she was absolutely amazing and helpful! The food was amazing we got the breakfast burrito, they were bursting with flavor! Was a great location as we were right off the bay watching sea otters play. read more

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Yoli M.

8 years ago

Beautiful setting, nice staff (Beto, server and Sandra, hostess) went above and beyond, food is good. Needs cleaning--and perhaps a little exterior/interior remodel. read more

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Alexis H.

3 years ago

bruh the mojito flight was bomb. the blackberry was the best. service was good but to be fair we weren't there very long just wanted a little drink and an appetizer. also got a platter. everything was good but the nachos weren't very good. read more

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

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Menma Y.

2 years ago

Rose was the best server ever the food was great!! the theme was amazing she was so nice and talkative someone i would love to have as a waitress again ill be coming back soon read more

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Brian B.

3 years ago

Great Sunday buffet, pricy, but the view is nice. Staff was very nice and very accommodating. Validates parking if you eat there.

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Evan T.

3 years ago

Came in with a couple friends on a Wednesday evening and it wasn't as busy as it usually is. Nonetheless, the hospitality from the staff there was amazing, especially from our server, Nate. He took great care of us and made sure my friends and and I were satisfied throughout the night. To top it off, the drinks were amazing! We'll definitely be back for more. Thank you Nate!! read more

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Kyle E.

Thank You so much for your kind review!! We hope to have the chance…

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Cristina V.

124

4 years ago

The wait was over what they had mentioned. We were told 20 min and we waited 45. When we finally got seated we ordered their guacamole and it was the most plain guacamole I've ever tasted. I ordered fajitas and I asked for it to be well done as I am pregnant and when my fajitas arrived some of my steak was medium well. Not only that but the flavor, where is the flavor in the food. Definitely pass on this spot, there's tons of other restaurants nearby. read more

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Janelle O.

Im so sorry we let you down, please send us an email…

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Nicholas L.

316

5 years ago

I'm not here to complain about a wait to get seated, that happens and I get that. What I have an issue with is being seated at a dirty table, waiting 20 minutes to first meet my server and get a water, waiting another 30 minutes to order, and then about another 40 for my food. Restaurant kitchens get busy, no worries, but to have poor service blamed on a busy kitchen is ridiculous. My server came by to check on other tables 5 times before I was given attention to get a refill on water. Other servers and even the bartender came to assist his section and he was still nowhere to be seen. The first person to check on me after being seated was the hostess because she came to seat another table and was surprised that we hadn't been checked in yet. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm not from the area I would have left to eat at home. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You for your feedback - Im so sorry we let you down. Please…

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Lorien W.

3 years ago

My family tried the Sunday Brunch at El Torito and it was outstanding! The manager Drew was professional and friendly and went above and beyond to make sure that we had a great dining experience! The all you can eat brunch was amazing...all the food was so good and such a variety. Even a special little section for the kiddos! And don't let me forget the yummy mimosas! We will definitely be back! read more

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Kyle E.

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your recent…

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Sandy P.

4 years ago

Food is okay. Definitely hyped but the service is outstanding. Our waiter, Cres is so attentive and funny, good spirits. The bottles mimosas and Bloody Mary are a good deal. read more

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Giovanni P.

Thank You so much for your kind review of El Torito! We hope to see…

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Tom H.

3 years ago

The customer at this restaurant was . The staff was super friendly.. Drew made our experience fun and our kids loved him .. The food was on point we will be back. read more

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Kenny B.

4 years ago

We came for the Sunday Brunch and had a fabulous time. Great view of the ocean, amazing food. Definitely recommend the omelette station. Cres was an amazing server and was there for anything we needed. We will be back!!! read more

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Giovanni P.

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

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Page 22 of 61

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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Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course

3.1(1.4k reviews)

2.0 mi

•$$

Great hotel choice on large facility grounds on the perimeter of Monterey. Rooms are updated enough…read more(especially for Monterey), and the lobby/restaurant/bar area is excellent with plenty of amenities. Pool and hot tub are great, but also close super early (2100). Staff at reception are super friendly and helpful. Parking is plentiful although is paid per night. Prices can vary widely depending on season and local events/holidays. Recommended.

The room and resort were really nice. The bed is another story. It was probably the worst bed I…read moreever slept on. It was like laying on the ground. My joints and bones hurt so much. I'm not one who likes a super soft bed but some support would have been nice. Also the soap in the shower was out. Parking is $20 a day but the parking is terrible. Had to drive around a few times to find a spot. We had a room in building G with a balcony overlooking the golf course. It was nice most of the day. In the morning the mow and blow guys would be there, so not very peaceful. The restaurant and bar were good although not much of a selection. The pool and games area was nice for families.thete is a $35 resort fee as well. Probably won't return.

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Another angle of seating

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel And Spa On Del Monte Golf Course

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Lobby facing golf

Loulou's Griddle In the Middle

4.3(1.7k reviews)

1.0 mi

•$$

Made it over to Loulou's for breakfast and was not disappointed. It's a small spot, and first come…read morefirst serve, and some times may be a bit of a wait but it's absolutely worth it. You can tell that workers are upbeat and attentive, having a great time while providing service so the atmosphere was wonderful! The food was also excellent, my wife and I opted to get the wharf wrap and the hubcap cake and split them between us. The wharf wrap was excellent, pico tasted great and the eggs and potatoes were cooked to perfection. But the hubcap cake was absolutely bomb. It's like having a short stack of pancakes, but everything gets the right amount of syrup. Absolutely loved it and would recommend to all

Food: Went with the special of the day that is a 3 egg scramble with mushrooms, spinach, cheese,…read morechicken apple sausage, and country style potatoes. I went with corn tortillas, and avocado slices on top. It was filling and was the perfect start to the day in Monterey. Ambiance: Diner vibes in full effect. Hole in the wall type of spot with friendly and lovely staff. About a 30min wait so you can walk around and explore, while you wait. Parking: You can park on the pier or park down the street for an easy walk to the diner.

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First Awakenings

4.3(4.2k reviews)

0.4 mi

•$$

The turkey dill is the best and Cole, Manny (copas) y Norberto, are the best servers, everyone…read morethere are very friendly and helpful staff thanks

As locals, we have had the opportunity of visiting First Awakening since they first opened down the…read morehill. The quality of the food, the service, as well as the pricing of the plates, has been consistent since the opened. They may have to raise prices given our wonderful economy, however, and we make this point, the selections, and portions of food is never reduced. Now for those who always seem more intent on complaining about food ,or service, Have we experienced less than great servic,certainly. Have experienced poor food, NO. Now for those whose visit seemed to be a disaster, rember, Cannery Row has many fine restaurants. Too the rest ofus, just keep on smiling.

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Merch area.

Day Starter Skillet

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Strong condiment game. note the coffee carafe!

Old Monterey Cafe

3.8(1k reviews)

1.2 mi

•$$

My kids loved the chocolate chip pancakes. My wife liked her waffles and my omelette was good too…read more It gets packed but it's because the food is good. One of the servers (Caesar?) is okay. We asked warm milk for my kids and he said they're too busy to do that. Otherwise, it would be 5 stars.

What a great local cafe We arrived about 8:00 AM and seated…read moreon the spot, the wall behind us was open to the sidewalk Great atmosphere, service and food We will be back next time in Monterey

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Joe's Special

Seating

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Rosine's Restaurant

4.1(3.2k reviews)

1.1 mi

•$$

Food is delicious, cakes are delicious. There is a reason this place is always packed. I come to…read moreeat every time I'm in Monterey.

I don't usually go back to restaurants multiple times while on vacation, but my mom and I adored…read moreRosine's so much that we made it a point to return a second time for dinner while on our trip to Monterrey! On our first visit, we both got pastas. The servings were extremely generous, everything was hot and fresh, and we left full and upset that we didn't have an opportunity to try the incredible looking cakes in the dessert case. Our second visit, we got the seasonal berry salad (absolutely incredible, 100% order it) and the cake sampler. I don't think I can explain in text just how much cake was included in this cake sampler. The regular cake slices served here are large, but this sampler, for $20, came with what felt like 3 full large slices of cake still! We loved all 3 cakes we tried (double chocolate, carrot, banana walnut), but a month after our trip, my mom and I are still talking about how amazing the banana walnut was. I would go back just for this cake it was that good, please order it. Service was also attentive and quick! Our servers both visits was super nice and when they heard we were from out of town was kind enough to give recommendations. The restaurant is popular and can get busy, but it's pretty large so the wait goes quickly. And the area it is in is nice to walk around while you wait.

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Our freshly made award-winning desserts!

Pancakes with fresh fruit

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Bacato Omelette (bacon, avocado)

Crepes of Brittany

4.5(1.8k reviews)

0.9 mi

•$$

Such incredible crepes, both sweet and savory! We got the brie and caramelized onion crepe and the…read morenutella and strawberry and banana crepe. Inside is so cute and very french vibes. Owners are so sweet :D

Awesome spot for a breakfast or lunch! The crepes were so fresh and warm, the toppings were great…read more The sweet and savory crepes were both great. I got a make your own with onions, tomato's, and turkey. So good. The apple cinnamon dessert one was really good too. Food was out pretty quick. Glad I got to check it out!

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The Butter House

4.5(2.5k reviews)

3.1 mi

•$$

Delicious I ate everything in sight lol pancakes were fluffy and the sausage was delicious…read more Would definitely recommend.

A few weekends ago we were on our way to the Monterey Bay Aquarium but we were unable to get a…read moretable because there was a long wait and we had hungry kids. We stayed in Monterey this weekend and were able to come again but at a different time with no wait time. We are really glad we came back to try it. It is so cute inside! Everyone who works there is so friendly, they seem to really enjoy working there. The food was really good, way better than the pictures. Very cute and would love to come back again when we are visiting to try something different. If you come and there is a long wait, there is a reason for it.

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Croissant Breakfast Sandwich with sausage patties, fried egg, cheddar cheese and house made aioli.

TBH Benedict

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Chicken & Waffles

Turn 12

3.7(975 reviews)

1.1 mi

•$$

I haven't been going out to eat. Saving money for travel. But, got a bug to be at 12 turn. I…read moreexperience the best service here as a solo (not at night. Night manager won't give me a 4 top). Ordered food. But what I want to point out is the generous pour. This photo was taken after a few sips.

We ordered a pizza and a burger here, and unfortunately, both were very average. The pizza was…read morenothing special and, in our opinion, not worth the price. The burger was also very average, and the caramelized onions were overcooked. For around $25, the burger was definitely not worth it. What made our experience even more disappointing was the service. Our server was a tall, middle-aged woman, and unfortunately, she was not friendly or welcoming toward us at all. We did arrive later in the evening, but we checked the restaurant's hours before coming and placed our order while they were still open. We understand that it may have been close to the end of the night, but we still expected basic friendly service. There wasn't even a smile, and her attitude made us feel unwelcome. Also, the fork that was given to us was visibly dirty, as you can see in the photo. This was unpleasant and definitely something that should have been checked before being given to a customer. Overall, between the average food, the high prices, the unfriendly service, and the dirty utensil, our experience was disappointing.

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Truffle fries

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Wave Street Café

4.3(1.4k reviews)

0.1 mi

•$$

Good food, perfect view, good music, good service. Outdoor dining and indoor dining. Plenty of…read moreparking options. A stones throw away from Cannery Row.

Second time eating at Wave Street Cafe, and it definitely won't be our last!…read more Overall, the food was amazing. My husband wasn't a fan of the grilled chicken, but everyone else's meals were delicious. The potatoes were perfectly cooked, the eggs were great, and the thick-cut toast was fresh and so tasty. But the real star of the meal was the Cinnamon BUN Pancakes... WOW. They were absolutely delicious! Soft, flavorful, and honestly some of the best pancakes I've ever had. I couldn't get enough of them. The prices were also very reasonable, especially for being so close to the beach. Great food, great location, and a place we'll continue coming back to. Highly recommend! My picture does not do it justice

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Inside

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

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Breakfast Burrito with chorizo

Captain + Stoker

4.4(987 reviews)

1.1 mi

•$$

This cold brew will hit you in the chin like a randy johnson fastball . Strongest i ever did have…read more It literally cured a hangover. Also , friendly, personable staff. Wish they had a few more food options . Will definitely be back !

We came to Captain + Stoker because it had good reviews (more that a 4.0) so I thought it would be…read moregood, no - very disappointing. We got 2 seasonal item menus - snickerdude and leg warmer latte, both literally tasted the same. One was suppose to have a pumpkin flavor- no where to be found. They both looked and tasted the same. We got one of the pressed drinks and it was okay. I spent $30 on 2 coffees that tasted nasty and a pressed juice. Save your time and energy, go somewhere else.

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The ordering counter. Still nostalgic

Iced matcha latte

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Iced Matcha Latte w/ extra matcha shot, oat milk ($7.50) + Shaken Sesame w/ espresso, housemade black sesame syrup, milk ($6.75)

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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.

29 days 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.

4 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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La Casa Del Sazon

4.1

(208 reviews)

•$$

If you're craving the most authentic taste of Mex without paying an arm and a leg please come by…read more Everything from the ambiance to the food as well as the service is amazing. This is for sure our new go to Mexican restaurant! A huge S/o to Ignacio and Claudia

The La Casa del Sazón is located off of Alvarado in Old Monterey. It's a gem hidden from the…read morecrowds. We live part-time in Monterey and have walked past La Casa del Sazón several times saying "we need to try it"...Wow we should have sooner. It's delicious! Getting there is much easier than going to anything on Alvarado. Parking in the area isn't abundant but not a problem.. even so it's worth a short walk. The Food: It's freshly made so it takes a little more time to be served...well worth the wait! The chips and salsa served before the meal were very satisfying. The salsa has a nice kick for lightweight spice eaters. For dinner, I tried the Taco Plate and had two fish tacos with their beans and veggies as the sides. Perfect score 5-stars. Delicious! The seasoning used was just right and everything tasted fresh. They have homemade masa tortillas that are tender with good flavor. We also had the Chicken soup. My wife felt the broth could be more flavorful but I also liked it. It had plenty of chicken and veggies...very hearty. Looking forward to the leftovers as it's a large portion! It's important to note the exceptional service. Emanuel was our server and he couldn't have been more polite, helpful with the menu, and paid court close attention to the shellfish allergy we alerted him to. Lastly, the price is right! The food is not expensive and prices are noticeably less than those just one block away! Bottom Line - Highly recommended

Papa Chano's

3.6

(338 reviews)

•$$

Popped into Papa Chano's since we were in a hurry, it was later in the night, and just wanted…read moresomething easy. It's got that classic, unpretentious taqueria feel--high ceilings, blue rafters, and some cool murals on the walls. Definitely not the place you go for a "scene," but it's spacious and chill. The food hits exactly how you'd expect. I grabbed a Super Taco and a Super Quesadilla. Both were pretty hefty, had plenty of meat, and didn't skimp on the extras like guac and sour cream. The quesadilla especially was a massive, cheesy brick--definitely felt it afterward. Service was quick and the staff was pretty low-key. You just order at the counter, grab your chips and salsa from the bar, and find a spot. It's a solid, reliable option if you're looking to get full for a decent price without any of the downtown Monterey fuss. Good spot to just zone out and eat.

We stopped by Papa Chano's for dinner and, unfortunately, left a bit disappointed with the food…read more The restaurant itself is spacious with plenty of indoor seating, and the menu is extensive, so there's something for just about everyone. I ordered the regular carne asada burrito, and the biggest letdown was the meat. The carne asada was bland and lacked seasoning or flavor. Surprisingly, the rice ended up being the best part of the burrito. My husband ordered the carne asada super tacos and felt the same way--the meat just didn't stand out. One thing we did appreciate was the complimentary chips and salsa bar. They offered both a red and a green salsa, and both added much-needed flavor to the burrito. The chips, however, didn't taste fresh or homemade, which was a little disappointing. Overall, the restaurant has a lot going for it with its large menu, ample seating, and self-serve salsa bar, but the quality of the carne asada didn't meet our expectations. We were hoping for a much more flavorful meal.

Aquino's Birrieria & Brunch

3.8

(295 reviews)

•$$

Birria so good, I almost forgot about the hole-in-the-wall surroundings. Service was sweet and…read morefast. This little spot in Monterey used to be an old Chinese restaurant and has since been transformed into a Mexican restaurant serving authentic Mexican food. Nothing fancy, but the birria was SO flavorful, perfectly grilled, tender and the perfect crunch, and absolutely worth the stop. Sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected places. Definitely a hidden gem if you're in Monterey!

The food was good and service was friendly, very casual vibe and service with counter ordering and…read moreself bussing. Was quiet and felt like a very local spot - love the blend in decorations from what was (presumably) a Chinese restaurant that was there previously.

Silver Tide Bar & Grill

3.6

(53 reviews)

•$$

I think this place is underrated. Everything we got from the clam chowder bowl (amazing!!) to the…read morekids menu sandwich and fries (sooo good and a big size), to the service and staff, we loved this hotel and the restaurant. If you're staying here you have to check it out.

We were staying at the Embassy Suites and decided to go down for the free cocktail hour- as we were…read moreat the bar, we decided to order dinner. Service and food were great!

Tacos California Grill Mexican Restaurant

4.3

(351 reviews)

•$$

This places is really great. The food is always excellent, it tastes very fresh. They make their on…read moremasa! The tortillas are killer good. The hauraches are the best I've ever had. Loved the enchiladas. They do catering too! Plus outdoor seating.

Cute little mom pop shop that wasn't too far from our hotel. Decided to grab lunch here right…read morebefore checking in. Super easy to find. They have a pretty simple breakfast lunch, and dinner menu. Offering California style and Mexican food. We were greeted right away as soon as we sat down. And had our drink order taken right away. Hubby got water and I got Horchata drink it was so yummy. Hubby ordered the chicken tostada with rice and a salad and it got the Hawaiian torta with al pastor Meat served with fries. Food came out really fast, it was nice and hot, and the portions were a great size They have indoor and outdoor patio seating, and pet friendly.

Crabby Jim's Seafood

3.1

(1.3k reviews)

•$$

After visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we walked down to the pier and had several restaurants to…read morechoose from. We decided to eat at Crabby Jim's, and we're so glad we did! Alfredo, the host at the front, welcomed us with a great attitude. Our waiter, Butch, was amazing and made the entire experience enjoyable. We were celebrating my daughter's birthday, and the staff went out of their way to surprise her with a slice of birthday cake. Papa brought it out and made the moment fun and memorable--he looked like an Italian character straight out of The Sopranos! The seafood was fresh and delicious, and the view was absolutely amazing. If you visit, try to get a table by the window so you can enjoy the beautiful view of the water and boats while you eat. Great food, wonderful service, and an unforgettable experience. We definitely recommend Crabby Jim's to anyone looking for fresh seafood in Monterey!

Needs a new carpet!!!! Classic, old, seafood place on the wharf…read more Service was good, it got very busy. Tables a spaced closely to maximize window view of the bay so you sit back to back with other table. Clam chowder was really good. The shrimp was not fried correctly it was burned. Has the potential to be really good with interior updates, but must be challenging business with all same type restaurants on the wharf.

Chart House

3.8

(2k reviews)

•$$$

I was in Monterey for a family wedding and was looking for a restaurant to accommodate a large…read moreparty (20) while still being flexible. I called multiple restaurants in my search of good food, great atmosphere and willingness to accommodate and after speaking with both Julie and Kerrie I was sold on Chart House being the best option. This Chart House is located on Cannery Row where parking seemed like it could be difficult on a weekend. We came here on a weekday at 5pm so had little issues finding decent parking. There is street parking as well as a parking lot nearby if you are willing to pay to park. Our large party was seating shortly after the majority of us had arrived at the restaurant. Everything that my family ordered was on par with the Maryland Chart House location. Delicious food, high quality ingredients and great presentation. My family ordered: - Seared Ahi Tuna - This appetizer was perfect to share with an equal portion of slices of avocado with your ahi tuna slices. It was fresh and a great start to the meal. - Kids Coconut Shrimp - My son loved this so much he also devoured an additional appetizer plate of these. I will say this was my favorite thing I had this night. - Sablefish Miso Sake Glaze - Great flavors with perfect sauce portion. The fish was perfectly cooked, fantastic dish and presentation. - Steak & Lobster - No complaints, both perfectly cooked and seasoned. Another great dish, just not as memorable as the others. Aside from the amazing food here, I want to highlight the views. There are huge windows giving you an amazing view of the ocean, you can literally see sea lions splashing about as you enjoy your meal. We were lucky enough to see the sun begin to seat from this view and it was so beautiful. The staff were attentive, constantly checked on us and brought out all items just and ordered. I want to also mention that I forgot to take my rewards membership card and the staff were even kind enough to be willing to ship to me after I returned home. Overall, I had a wonderful experience at Chart House in Monterey. If you are looking for top tier food, atmosphere and staff then come visit Chart House. If I am ever in the area again, I would definitely make the trip back here :)

Went there tonight with some out of town friends and Chart House did a wonderful job!…read more The waiter William was attentive but also allowed us to take our time. The food was wonderful, 2 of us had salmon which I hear was excellent. The other two had shrimp which I can personally testify was very flavorful. The manager, a tall man named Brian stopped by and checked in to make sure everything was great! That's always a nice touch. The view of the bay was incredible and the ambiance top-notch! They'll be seeing more of us!

Barba Azul

4.5

(159 reviews)

•$$

I loved the tacos (I had pulpo and shrimp) and the service. Very nice people. We sat outside, so go…read morewhen it's warm.

Dropped a star :-(…read more We had our usual trio of tacos, out for the 6 there were 5 that hit the spot and one (my wife's) deep fired fish taco was comfortably on the overcooked side and the fish didn't taste fresh apparently ... To be clear, this is the first thing we have had at BA that hasn't been at least 10 stars so am really hoping its a glitch not a trend... We'll be back to make sure we were correct, its our goto Mexican in the area and that's against stiff competition so fingers crossed

Schooners Monterey

4.0

(2.1k reviews)

•$$$

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!

Great service always. Views to die for on the water…read more My spouse had chicken piccata which was over cooked and dried out unfortunately. I had pasta bolognese with short rib. Delicious! Good wine as well . Nice spot to dine with ocean views!

Sandbar & Grill

4.0

(1.7k reviews)

•$$

Carli is the best server ever. Great food and views. Highly recommend. The clam chowder is to die…read morefor. A great locals hangout!

We were visiting friends in the area. After going to the aquarium, my family of 4 decided to meet…read moreour friends--another family of 4--here for lunch on a Sunday all because I told my husband "Just take me somewhere with Sanddabs on the menu." The hostess didn't seem overly thrilled when we showed up to this tiny restaurant (we didn't know how tiny it was when we chose the place) asking for a table for 8, but after a 30-ish minute wait, they were able to accommodate us. I really appreciate how kid friendly they were. It had a great kids menu beyond the typical chicken finger/burger options that are standard at most restaurants. But going further than that--the waitress offered to bring the kids' food out first, which is next level service. The food was delicious. Our glasses stayed filled. The oysters were fresh and wonderful, and my sanddabs were perfection. A really great meal with a fabulous view of the boats passing by. But if you're going to roll up with a party of 8, I'd recommend a reservation or be prepared to wait a bit. But definitely worth it either way.

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El Torito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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