El Torito

328

156

8 years ago

First off I want to say I do come here for happy hour sometimes and it's cool. The drinks aren't that strong and the tacos are alright but it's convenient. Came here last night and ordered the chicken sour cream enchiladas, they were gross. Bland as heck... my drinks were also very weak. I knew I wasn't going to have the best experience here last night but my sister and cousin wanted to come here. I'm not saying I won't be back but the food is meh!! read more

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General Manager

We Thank you for your feedback! We are committed to continue to work…

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Rosie P.

3 years ago

Randy gave such great customer service and food was good happy hour is also awesome !!!! read more

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Diane R.

thank you for the great review and for acknowledging our staff, hope…

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Byron Y.

Elite 23

892

154

1117

8 years ago

Probably the best El Torito spot I've visited. Service is good and the food was delish. I personally ordered the Carne Asada burrito and enjoyed it very much. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! WE TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!!

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Kristina M.

4 years ago

Amazing brunch experience! Food was delicious, seating fast for a Sunday, and Beto (our server) was the best!

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Diane R.

HI Kristina!! Thank you so much for your kind comments and kind…

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Sophia P.

4 years ago

Easter brunch was delicious! Lots of good options and Great service from Berto. Really nice ambiance and everything was super clean.

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Christian R.

3 years ago

Highly recommend the Sunday brunch! The food is great, service is prompt and friendly and bottomless mimosas! Carlos was the best!

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liz g.

4 years ago

love that they have happy hour 7 days a week... The food was delicious, we had shrimp tacos and flautas and they were delicious. plus the service was amazing. read more

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Roger G.

5 years ago

Had reservations for 12. Seated within 5 mins of arrival. Randy took great care of us. Never waited on anything. Kept my champagne topped off .Wonderful service and a great attitude. We will definitely be back. If this is your first time here, be sure to ask for Randy. read more

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Janelle O.

Roger , thank you we appreciate you

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Diana Jeanne N.

204

170

213

13 years ago

I wouldn't recommend this spot as an authentic restaurant. We came here for my cousin's birthday and ordered margaritas. Margaritas were good! The food, very average. I ordered the cheese enchilada place w/ chile relleno What I did not like, though, was the fact that I had to ask for the free chips and salsa. Customer service was average. Parking seems like it would never be an issue and there was no wait time when we arrived. So this was convenienct and fast! read more

El Torito - Margarita time - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Yaretzi G.

3 years ago

Great service and food is always yummy! Beto, our server was very friendly and made the experience even better.

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Kristy C.

189

6 years ago

Love coming here :) great food and drinks & atmosphere with friendly staff. I hope to dine indoors soon! Beautiful Restraunt !

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Janelle O.

Thank You Kristy , we appreciated you , please come back for our…

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Ryan S.

264

1028

440

11 years ago

I work directly across the street from this restaurant, as I have been for about 1.5 years. We have had two lunches here, a happy hour; however, I never have been here off of work hours. I also have never reviewed the restaurant before. Well tonight (01/06/2016) I came here for dinner for a party of 2 at about 8:00PM. We were seated promptly. The host and server were very nice and polite (and quiet); however, we were taken care of promptly and always checked upon. To our surprise, Wednesday was all you can eat Enchilada's for just $10.99. What a deal! We both ordered this and our first portion came out with two big enchilada's and a sizable portion of rice and beans. We did order a second portion of two Enchalida's each. We were stuffed by this time. We found everything to be very fresh and tasty. We also each had a Margarita which was excellent as well. I would give this place a solid four stars. Not the very best Mexican or Tex Mex food ever; however, a very solid choice. We were pleased. read more

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Trina U.

Hi Ryan,…

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Fergus M.

244

6 years ago

Everybody was very nice and helpful for Covid outdoor dining. The flautas were pretty good and I'm embarrassed to admit they came with sweet and sour sauce which is wrong but tasted...fine? read more

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Tracey B.

Elite 24

346

4 years ago

On the day of my visit, they did not have anything steak or shrimp. They actually warned us and had a note on the door, but we decided to stay and try and deal with the chicken entrees because we drove all the way from LA. I asked in the beginning could we get a discount for the inconvenience and our server said that the manager will probably not honor a discount because we told you before you sat down what was available. The point I was trying to make that even though they did not have what we came for we still decided to stay and patronize them anyway even though we could have left. The service was just ok spent too long ordering because we had to figure what we could get. A few of the items we got were over cooked and dry which consisted of a chicken tamale and Carnita taco. Very disappointed in the quality of the food and it was a total let down. In speaking with the server, he said they should have closed for that day since their shipment did not come in. The server was nice, but he forgot a lot of things we asked for and had to be reminded so because of this out of their control situation I would probably not go back here just because they did not value me as a loyal customer that chose to stay. I will probably not go back to this location. read more

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Diane R.

Thank you for you feedback, really appreciate it

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Bella X.

5 years ago

Our server Vanessa P was wonderful, always coming by to check on us and topping us off. The food was delicious, from the tacos to the menudo to the desserts. Outdoor patio is available as a socially distant option. Will be back again for the Sunday brunch. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Bella We are happy to hear you enjoyed! come back soon

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Nick F.

5 years ago

Excellent service and great food. Highly recommend carne asada burrito. Norma extremely friendly!

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Janelle O.

Thank You Nick, we appreciate you !!!!

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Ken P.

739

720

387

10 years ago

If you like Tex mex this is the place to be. I ordered a macho plate that included a tamale, chili relleno, and a taco. It's was ok, I'm from Dallas Texas basically the home of Tex mex, so my level of expectation is a bit higher than most. The bar staff was friendly and attentive. All in all a pretty good place. read more

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Jason T.

We always look to improve the experience at our restaurants - thank…

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Fernando G.

5 years ago

Great service, Norma was on top of the service, kind and respectful. Once again super happy to visit el Torito.

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Janelle O.

Gracias Fernando , it was our honor to have you ,please come back soon

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Carlos F.

3 years ago

The staff here is absolutely amazing. The food is great and the place is clean! Regardless of how full the restaurant was, our needs were always met and our glasses were always full. Will definitely be back! read more

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Evelyn A.

4 years ago

Came for a quick bite and the service plus food was amazing ! The atmosphere was great even right at opening our server Beto was great!

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Joaco S.

7 years ago

I've coming to this restaurant for many years and I always enjoy the food, drinks and the best part is the service, Heidi is so nice to me all time and friends love her too. My favorite dish is the macho combo wich is enough for to handle such a delicious combination. Greg is there all the time to guarantee that service and food are the best... thank you so much for everything! read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You very much Joaco S for your nice review , it means a lot to…

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Jason A.

5 years ago

Always great service and fresh food for the Sunday buffet - my girls love it here . Thanks for taking such good care of us Beto

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General Manager

Hi {{Jason}}!…

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Abraham A.

4 years ago

On my first Time of trying the buffet here In Torito and the food is really good, I really liked the menudo they have. Beto was our server and I really recommend him. Really nice service . And also the manager Veronica was also very nice. Overall really nice. read more

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Rosy B.

4 years ago

First time at el torito first time here great food great service. Bobby was great he was soooo nice and very efficient. He took very good car le of us. The brunch is awesome and bottomless mimosas. What read lot defines this as lace though is the great service thank you Bobby we will come back it's quite a drive but we will be back for next month la friends birthday read more

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Giovanni P.

Thank You Rosy , we appreciate you !!!

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Jorge V.

8 years ago

I love El Torito Restaurants but today Mr.Gregory (bartender)tonight really surprised me with his great attitude, service and very attentive, great asset for this company, definitely I will come back. Thank you very much!!!! Jv. read more

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! IT MEANS SO MUCH TO US! We…

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Manuel G.

6 years ago

Started going to el Torito during the pandemic and love their new look.Their happy hours drinks and food is the best you can find in town , whenever I go feel really welcome , from busboy to manager . I definitely recommend it to any one looking for an amazing place read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Manuel !!!! please come back soon

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Joanna V.

3 years ago

It was my first time here for Father's Day and it was a good experience. Beto, my server, was very nice and attentive. They have different food stations and it was all delicious. I would recommend this place :) read more

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Annetta S.

3 years ago

Had a great time today. My family use to eat here all the time while I was growing up and still today we had a great time. Excellent customer service and great food. Thank you Randy and the rest of the team. We had at least 30 in our group and yall all did a great job serving us. read more

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Ally C.

6 years ago

Came in two days ago and was helped right away. I choose to partake in the happy hour deals which were priced very well and the drinks were delicious. The staff was so helpful and really worked as a team to fulfill my order! Thank you will be back soon read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Ally !!!! please come back for our Taco Tuesday and try our…

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Israel F.

4 years ago

Beto our server was very attentative and brought our food in a timely manner. He even went above and beyond and got pancakes for my son without even asking. Highly recommend and will be coming back. read more

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Yoan Elizabeth L.

4 years ago

Came in with my husband for Sunday brunch, Beto our server gave us great recommendations, manager Gregorio on site was friendly with customers. Food was delicious. read more

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Erica M.

131

5 years ago

Jeo was the best! Fast and courteous service. He kept the drinks coming and the chips bowl filled!! He was pleasant, polite and made the long wait for our food seem like nothing. read more

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Janelle O.

Thank You Erica for you review , hope to see you again soon !!!

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Maria M.

3 years ago

Very good food recommend it to everyone the brunch buffet is amazing and our server Beto was great polite and great service

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Diane R.

Thank you for the great comment and for acknowledging our staff, hope…

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Matthew G.

3 years ago

Amazing service Beto was amazing waiter would come back here again the food was amazing and overall a great experience.

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Diane R.

Thank you for the great comment and for acknowledging our staff, hope…

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Richi R.

3 years ago

Very friendly service, Beto was an amazing waiter, very delicious food lots of choices and overall good experience.

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Ana G.

7 years ago

We came for our daughters birthday with a group of 7. Our server Rebecca was awesome she was courteous and friendly . Rebecca took good care of us she had our drinks and food fast. David served us our family fajitas and enchiladas plates.The food was delicious. The staff and food are the best. read more

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General Manager

Thank you so much for your review! WE TRULY APPRECIATE IT!!!

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Zack T.

5 years ago

Randy! He was the best waiter I've ever and made the good food taste even better!...forgot to take pictures

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Janelle O.

Thank You Zack so much for taking the time to to leave us a review ,…

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Page 38 of 69

3333 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
Chapman
Directions
(626) 351-8995
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.eltorito.com

Full menu

Hours

What time does El Torito open?

El Torito opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.El Torito opens at 9:00 AM on Saturday and 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 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMFri 11:00 AM - 11:00 PMSat 9:00 AM - 11:00 PMSun 9:00 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

Is El Torito wheelchair accessible?

Yes, El Torito is wheelchair accessible.

Does El Torito allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, El Torito allows 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.

More Info

Health Score

El Torito Reviews in Other Languages

Spanish
18 Reviews

Ask the Community - El Torito

Is this place pet friendly?

No pets, maybe in the patio.

Does this location do the Saturday buffet? if so, what is the price? And is it the same food as Sunday buffet?

No, they don't do Saturday brunch, only Sunday. I don't know the price exactly but I do know is about 30 dollars per person unlimited mimosas.

Is there a private space for 80 people ? what is the maximum for people and time limit for a private event?

Hello Deisi, yes, we do have space for a private event, even 100 we can accommodate you, please come and ask for any manager we will be happy to help you or call us 626 351 8995, Veronica or Karla

How are the tamales?

Good! Hot and tasty

How much is brunch buffet Saturday?

I think you meant Sunday. Around 40.00 per person including unlimited Champagne. Well worth the price

Do they still have sweet corn tamales at the brunch buffet?

Yes! And it is absolutely delicious

How much is the Sunday brunch?

Prices have changed since Covid. It used to be $24.99 per person. Call your local restaurant and they should be able to tell you the current price.

How much the Sunday brunch buffet?

Between $25-$30 per person. Not sure as this is not my go to breakfast spot. But thats what I remember paying.

When do kids eat free?

If they are the owners family, otherwise no.

What is the maximum number of people in a group that El Torito can accommodate outdoors?

I would call to get a number of people in a group for outside. I saw probably minimum of 6 people.

Do they have Time Warner Cable = Dodger games?

In the cantina. If it's not on you can ask them to put on the game.

Is there a buffet during the week?

Nooo only on Sunday for brunch, and that's over at a certain time (idk what times it stops):)

How much is brunch and what day is it on ? Are drinks included

Sunday’s and it was about 40$ That includes the drinks they offer in the brunch which is orange juice, horchata, apple juice, and coffee.

If I don't drink, is the sunday brunch still the same price?

Yes, the brunch still remains the same price. A non-alcoholic beverage is substituted

View All 18 Questions

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3.9(1.6k reviews)

3.0 mi•South

We came for their weekend brunch and had the house burger with runny egg ($2 extra) and their Basic…read morebreakfast. The burger comes with a thick patty but it was overcooked. We asked for medium but it was dry and completely gray inside. I had higher hopes for this one. The Basic breakfast plate was your typical eggs, bacon, potatoes and toast combo. It was good but the best item was the sourdough toast! Crunchy on the outside and soft/chewy on the inside. We also got a side of the Belgian fries which was good too. Loved the decor. There's indoor and patio seating along with a cozy bar area. Servers were great and checked in on us frequently throughout our meal. There's paid street parking on Lake Avenue but I recommend parking for free at the Macy's and Erewhon parking structure across the street.

Loved our brunch here at Magnolia House, just wish they had a high chair!…read more We came here to celebrate a birthday and it was my first time dining here. I love how cute the interior design of this restaurant is - it felt cozy and the chairs are so comfortable it makes you feel right at home. There were some tables for traditional style dining, and there were some couches for light bites. We sat inside the restaurant right by the street, perfect for a people watching lover like me. Since we had our toddler with us, we asked for a high chair but they said they didn't have any, which was quite disappointing for a restaurant like this. Luckily our table had a loveseat type couch, so we were able to squeeze our toddler in between us during the meal. We were here for the weekend brunch and I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the price of the menu items! For a restaurant on Lake, I was expecting more. I got the crab cakes benedict ($20) and it was just perfect - not too salty, and the portions were just right. Overall, great experience here, easy to find parking in the lots behind the restaurant, just wish they had high chairs to accommodate families.

Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 - 6:30PM. Enjoy $5 wine & local draft beers, $6 well drinks & $6 House Sangria, and more

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Private Lounge Area - For event inquiries, send an email to: events@themaghouse.com

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MariaElena M.

1 year ago

On Sunday (5-4-25), after a very busy and stressful afternoon, we finished running important errands around 6:00 p.m. Throughout the whole day, I had only eaten 4 Chips Ahoy Chocolate Chip Cookies and my sister had only eaten a donut. By the time 6:00 p.m. came, I was incredibly hungry, tired, and a little bit stressed. My Dad decided we would go have dinner at El Torrito in Pasadena, CA. From the moment that our host took us to our table, the one thing that we could not help but notice, was how loud the music was. We could not believe how loud the music was. I felt like my head and my ears were going to explode. We asked our host and also our waiter several times to please lower the music, but they did not lower it. After a stressful and busy day, we just wanted to sit down, relax, talk, and enjoy our food. We couldn't do none of that because the music was incredibly loud. This raised my stress and anxiety through the roof. We are in the middle of going through a very difficult time with my sister-She needs additional surgeries for two serious ankle fractures. When no one wanted to do anything about lowering the music, my Dad asked to speak to the manager. The manager was not very sympathetic. He completely shut off the music, but I don't believe he did it out of any respect towards us. I don't understand how you can put customers through that. I thought we were going to a restaurant, not a night club. If we want to hear music full blast, we'll go to a night club. I would have never expected this from a restaurant. Our dinner was beyond ruined because I was left with my head and ears ringing from the loud music, as was my Mom, Dad, and sister. Also, that whole situation flared up my stress and anxiety. My sister suffers from migraines and loud music can trigger her a migraine-You people have absolutely NO RESPECT for your customers. I am pretty positive that we are never going back to your El Torrito Pasadena, CA location. There is no way that we would be able to go up against that incredibly loud music. We are so disappointed with this awful, stressful, and uncomfortable dining experience. We NEVER, EVER would have expected this from you. I highly suggest that in your next meeting you discuss lowering the music at your restaurant to a level that will allow customers to be able to have a relaxing conversation and to be able to enjoy their dining experience. We were left beyond disgusted. I don't know how you can do this to your customers. You have no common sense and no respect for your customers. read more

Sandy R.

8 years ago

Just had the WORST experience. My husband and I went in expecting a delicious meal and a good margarita. We ordered one "double" margarita and fajitas. The service was slow. Server was ok pleasant. When we received the margarita it tasted like frozen ice. Both my husband and I took several sips and agreed it was terrible. We told the server and she took it back and replaced it with another margarita. It was a little better, had at least SOME flavor, but still was the worst margarita we had ever tasted. Our fajitas were served, however we had NO plates! After a few minutes our plates were delivered...but we had NO tortillas! We have never ever been to a Mexican restaurant where we had such poor service. The food was tolerable, but in comparison to other local Mexican restaurants it was much less tasteful. Basic substandard food. When we received our bill we were SHOCKED to be charged $7.99 for the margarita and $6.49 for the extra shot of tequila...because we ordered a "double". Honestly, the margarita tasted like water with just a little bit of flavor...and I mean a little bit! We asked our server about the charge and informed her we were VERY unhappy and had NO idea about the $6.49 charge for ONE shot of tequila. The manager came over and was extremely rude and showed NO customer service compassion, respect, or understanding. Unfortunately we did not get her name...but this happened at approximately 10pm on Saturday night, 5/11/2018. Our server was not friendly and showed no customer service courtesy. My husband and I had been shopping at the local stores and stopped in hoping for a relaxing dining experience and left this restaurant feeling unsatisfied, disturbed, and angry about the lack of courtesy displayed by the staff at this restaurant. We give this restaurant a big 0 rating. Do not dine here unless you don't care about the quality of service and food/drinks. read more

Christine E.

4 years ago

The bartender name Paul is the rudest person I've ever experienced. I sat at one the tables in the bar area with my son. Ordered a margarita. He slammed the glass on the table. It spilled over the glass and the table. He walked away. I called him to request napkins to clean up the mess. I thought he should do it and apologize, but all he did was slam a 2 inch stack of napkins on the table and walked away. I did not want to complain, because I just wanted to have an enjoyable lunch. We two ordered salads but only received one. I could not find Paul so I walked up to the bar and waited for him to come out of the kitchen. I told him we're still waiting for my son's salad. He said he never ordered it in a very argumentative way. I said forget it. We'll just share my salad. Then I told him I think he is very rude. He walked up to me in a threatening way. He was much taller than me. It was kind of scary espy since I'm a senior citizen. I turned around and walked to my table. He followed me there. Kept arguing with me. I told him to go away and he said no he is not, so I said well then have a seat with us. He kept arguing I told him to just go away and get the manager. I spoke to the manager. She is new there so I'm not sure what action she is going to take. I told her that we have come here several times in the past. Whenever we see him we know the service is going to be lousy with this angry server. I will never go back there again. The food is OK. Definitely not five star, though, yet the should service definitely should be five star. read more

Bobby A.

9 years ago

This past Sunday, on Easter my family and I decided to try this place out for brunch. My wife and I don't have small children, so there was no need for the egg hunt this year. We got there around 10 and got seated right away. The employees were all dressed in Easter color shirts and some of them had bunny ears on, it was a very upbeat environment. The food was amazing. I started with an omelette which was made by a talented young lady who could manage 4 omelette day a time! It was delicious. I have to admit that after that omelette, I was already starting to get full. But I had to try out more options. They had something for everyone from tacos, rice/beans, menudo, waffles, seafood, fresh fruit, and a carving station. Everyone in my family found something to satisfy their cravings. By the time we were done, I could've been rolled out. Our server Jonathan was very nice and attentive. Normally with buffets, it's easy for waiters to forget about you since you get up to get your own food but not him. Our drinks were always full and we never had to flag him down for anything. Even after it started to get busy, he still made sure to keep us in his rounds. A manager, Ralphie, even stopped by a couple times to make sure we were having a good time and to check if there was anything we needed. As we were leaving, he wished us a Happy Easter and invited us to come back soon which needless to say, we will be back. read more

Delilah V.

9 years ago

My boss and I stopped in here for lunch on the way to a meeting. He had been here before and said we have to stop and eat here. The place was very upbeat and everyone that I saw had a smile on their face. We were seated right away when we got there which was nice since we were on a tight timeline with the meeting we had to go to. Carlos was our waiter and he was very nice and helpful. I wasn't sure on what I wanted to get and he suggested I try the Mexican Caesar Salad since I wanted something light. I normally don't get excited for salad's but this one was delicious! The portion is enough to satisfy you without over stuffing you. The chicken was perfectly cooked, the dressing was delicious, and the pepino seeds give it crunch and texture. Besides the food being great, the service was amazing as well. Carlos made sure our drinks were refilled, and brought us new chips/salsa when we were running low. A manager Ralphie also stopped by a couple times just to make sure we were enjoying ourselves and asked if everything came out okay. We made sure to thank him as well as tell him about our great experience with Carlos. I told my boss we should come here more often for a working lunch. read more

Lynn V.

9 years ago

My friend and I were looking at Apartments at the Ellington which is right across the street from here. We we were finished, we decided to eat here for dinner. I absolutely loved the food here. I friend the Baja combo which is bacon wrapped shrimp, a shrimp enchilada, and a fish taco. The wrapped shrimp were big and juicy. Sometimes the bacon can be too crispy but this was cooked to perfection. The enchilada had a sauce on them with was so tasty but not overpowering. By the time I got to the mahi mahi taco I was stuffed but after one bite, I didn't want it to go to waste. If you are a seafood lover, this would be the dish I suggest. Trino and Ralphie were fantastic! Trino was our waiter and he really was on top of the service. Chips, napkins, refills, we never had to ask, it just showed up which was nice. More time to focus on my food! Haha Ralphie is a manager there and he stopped by once or twice just to make sure we were being taken care of which I though was pretty cool because you rarely see managers out and about at tables. He mentioned we should stop by on Tuesdays because they have a Taco Tuesday promo. I will keep everyone posted after I try it out. read more

Briella O.

9 years ago

This is my new favorite Mexican restaurant! I ended up here tonight by chance. I had a client appointment in Pasadena and decided to stop here for dinner to try and avoid heavy traffic. From the moment I walked into the restaurant I was greeted and sat right away. Since I had never been here before, I had some questions about some of the food and drinks. My waitress was Ramona and she was so helpful! She answered my questions and gave me some suggestions as well. I ended up choosing the steak fajitas which she recommended. The flavor of the spices used were so good. Normally I just eat the meat but the onions and bell peppers were too good to pass up. I ate the entire serving, which was huge, by myself! After I finished eating, a manager, Ralphie, stopped by my table. He heard it was my first time here and just wanted to make sure I was enjoying my experience. I wasn't drinking since I had to drive home but he told me I need to try one of their many margaritas next time I come. I work in an industry that is all about customer service and this restaurant really wow'd me. I have already told my friends we have to stop by next week. read more

Jorge J.

2 years ago

El Torito offers an exceptional Mexican brunch experience that shouldn't be missed! Their Sunday brunch menu perfectly balances the menu with traditional Mexican breakfast flavors with creative contemporary touches. The chilaquiles are absolutely outstanding - crispy house-made tortilla chips simmered in a vibrant tomatillo salsa that has just the right amount of heat, and cheese to balance it out. Each bite delivers the perfect combination of textures and flavors. For something sweeter, the churro French toast is a revelation - thick-pancake qcoated in cinnamon-sugar, perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining custardy inside, served with fresh berries. The brunch cocktail shines with Serena aA. with her take on mimosas, featuring a traditional orange, tangy, and exotic Jamaica juice that put this brunch staple over the edge. The bright, colorful space features traditional Mexican setting and comfortable seating, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Service is attentive and knowledgeable without being intrusive, making El Torito for the perfect spot for a leisurely Sunday brunch! read more

Raffi A.

2 years ago

I visited this place for Sunday brunch, and it was absolutely fantastic! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was simply amazing. The space had a warm and inviting vibe, with beautiful decor and just the right balance of lively energy and comfort. Whether it was the soft background music, the cozy seating, or the natural lighting, everything came together to create the perfect setting for a relaxing meal. The food was absolutely delicious--every dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. I especially loved [insert favorite dish, if applicable], which was a true standout. What truly made the experience unforgettable, though, was the exceptional service from our server, Maria S. She was incredibly friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. Her recommendations were spot-on, and she had such a welcoming demeanor that made us feel truly special. Between the amazing food, impeccable service, and stunning ambiance, this brunch was one for the books. I can't wait to come back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience! read more

David C.

See more unrecommended reviews

254

242

2 months ago

SUNDAY MIMOSA BRUNCH -- SO MUCH FOOD! Came here for the Sunday Mimosa Brunch Buffet and honestly, it was AMAZING! We decided to come early to beat the crowd, and I'd definitely recommend doing the same because it starts getting pretty busy after 12 PM. For $39.99, there was an impressive variety of food and something for pretty much everyone! The buffet had an omelet station, taco station, ceviche, ribs, pasta, tamales, shrimp, desserts, conchas, a chocolate fountain, and so much more. There was definitely no shortage of options, and I loved being able to try a little bit of everything. The service was great as well -- friendly, attentive, and kept everything running smoothly despite the crowd. Another huge plus is the large parking lot right outside, so parking was easy and convenient. Overall, this is a great spot for a Sunday brunch, especially if you're looking for a buffet with a ton of variety without breaking the bank. Definitely worth checking out! read more

Azul P.

9 years ago

Was there last Saturday and man the wait was worth it!!!! I noticed that everyone was working fast. As soon as I got seated the busboy came right away with chips and salsa, as i ordered i was noticing that the busboy was running around cleaning tables one after another and that was very impressing because i had noticed that the other busboy was just taking his time on cleaning one table when the other one was done with 5 tables. I had ordered a table side Guacamole and the it was very delicious! I even tipped the busboy because it was very well made and it was made fast as he left i asked him his name very well mannered he answered "JR" and off he went to clean a table that had just gotten up. Now thats a hard working young man. My waiter was the nicest person every she served us really well and she was getting us everything we order. I want to thank El Torito for such an amazing service keep it up and i will always be coming back !!!!!!! read more

Brittney A.

9 years ago

This place is great! My anniversary is on Valentine's Day and most times we celebrate before or after yo avoid all the people who are celebrating Valentine's Day. This year, since it fell on a Wednesday, we thought why not try dinner, it might not be too crazy. We ended up going to this restaurant to celebrate. I've personally had El Torito Grill before but never El Torito. The manager Ralphie stopped by the table to ask how everything was and started chatting. At some point, we talked about the fact that it was our anniversary. Shortly after, Duet singers stopped by our table and serenaded us. It was beautiful! The food here was delicious of course, I fell in love with the Mexican chicken Caesar salad (I could put that dressing on everything!). But was put our dinner over the top was the experience. Ralphie was amazing and took the time to listen and be attentive. My husband and I will be coming back here again regularly. read more

Karen H.

9 years ago

I just want to let everyone know that when you head to this location, you have to ask for Ralphie. My friend and I meet for lunch every week and I mentioned craving Mexican food so she suggested El Torito. I have eaten at this restaurant many times before and absolutely love their food. The chicken mexican caesar salad is my favorite hands down! I would love to have a never ending supply of that dressing. Aside from the great food (per usual), the service was outstanding. Ralphie we so cheerful and attentive. Our chips and drinks were always refilled without us having to ask or catch his attention. Even though he was busy, he made sure that we didn't feel rushed or like our business didn't matter. More often than not, most waiters do not take the time to make you feel welcome anymore and this was quite the opposite. Please share with Ralphie that he now has another regular guest! read more

Brad S.

7 months ago

This restaurant has consistently been the worst. I have ever experienced when it comes to takeout orders. An example of what happened often happen was tonight when I ordered online a half an hour later than their current take out time. I asked for curbside service because I have a daughter with a disability who gets distressed if I leave the car for very long. We called we waited, and eventually, I went into the restaurant and hopes of finding someone there to get my takeout order. There was no host or hostess there to help. I waited and waited. There was absolutely no one available so I went back to my car and I called again and we waited until someone finally came on the phone and said they would send somebody out with the order. It was already 10 minutes later than the time due, yeah, we waited another five minutes beyond that to get our order. So take out customers beware. read more

Nina A.

9 years ago

It's been awhile since I've eaten here so it was a treat when my sister offered to take me out to dinner. I have been craving their chicken flautas and a Cadillac margarita. I have tried chicken flautas at every Mexican restaurant I have ever been to and nothing compares! Luckily I'm off tomorrow so I got to enjoy the margaritas more than usual haha Besides the food, you can always count on the service being great here. Ashley was our server tonight and I will be asking for her by name next time. She put up with my sisters indecisiveness on drinks and food, always had a smile on her face and was in such a cheerful mood. One of the managers, Ralphie, even stopped by a couple times just to make sure we were doing okay and asked if we needed anything. We made sure to let him know that Ashley was taking care of us. Its always delicious food and great service here. read more

Maria R.

10 years ago

Today my friend and I went in to grab some appetizers and drinks and sat in the bar area. Normally I don't write any reviews as I have never experienced exceptional service or terrible service. However, today was different. Ralphie was such a pleasant server to have help us. We were laughing and smiling the entire time. It was much more than just the "standard" service. He made us feel like friends/family as if we were regulars when in reality, we rarely visit this location. It was a breath of fresh air to know that there are still people out there who have a genuinely positive attitude. The food was great of course as well as this delicious margarita he told us about, I believe it was called a dueno. Overall today's experience was great and would definitely come back to visit him again, possibly this weekend when I have family in town. read more

Ray F.

11 months ago

Our recent visit with a party of 15+ was severely impacted by the inappropriate conduct of our server. Our Hispanic server was relentlessly leering and staring down the young female guests in our party, which immediately created an environment of intense discomfort --a fact noticed by our entire table. When I immediately reported this serious concern to the manager on duty, I was met with shocking indifference. I requested the server be removed from our table, but the manager was dismissive and rude, flatly stating, 'He HAS to stay there' and even remarked, 'Oh well I'm on my lunch.' This complete refusal to address a severe behavioral issue and the manager's unprofessional attitude are unacceptable. The management clearly fails to prioritize customer comfort and safety. We will not be returning and I strongly advise caution to other patrons. read more

Nancy S.

Elite 23

178

4 years ago

I recently had lunch at El Torito, and I was impressed by the fast and friendly service. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile from the hostess, who quickly seated me at a table. The server was equally friendly, taking my order promptly and providing some great recommendations from the menu. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly my food arrived, and it was clear that the kitchen was working efficiently to get meals out to customers. Throughout my meal, the server checked in on me regularly to ensure that I had everything I needed and that my food was to my liking. Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with the service at El Torito. The staff were all incredibly friendly and efficient, making for a great dining experience. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for fast and friendly service. read more

Stephanie V.

9 years ago

Absolutely love this place! My family and I moved to the area a few months ago and were on the lookout for a good Mexican food place. We used to live in the Fresno area and had tried the El Torito up there a few times and we're excited to find out there was one here too. The food is amazing, especially the flautas and jalapeño jelly. I could eat those every day and still keep coming back for more. The waiters and managers are all so friendly and helpful. When my husband and I came for drinks, one of the managers Ralphie, came by to see how everything was going and suggested a spicy mango mojito. They were delicious! I appreciated the suggestion to try something new as well as just ask how things were. We will be coming back here for future date nights and family nights. Our next visit will be taco Tuesday! read more

Bog D.

12 years ago

My friends from overseas are visiting and asked to take them to a mexican restaurant, so I brought them to El torito, a nice place with very reasonable prices, delicious food and great service. It took us a long time to order food, because we tried to figure out what each one of them (7 people besides me) wants and the waiter was very patient, explained all the foods and specialties. drinks, appetizers came right away, which was great. And the delicious food came right after. No waiting like in some places. The food was lovely, tried several different dishes (hard to remember all the names though) liked all of them. The portions are big and make u full. Even though the wait time was about 20 minutes, it was ok, since I was waiting for my guests anyway. Would like to recommend this restaurant to anybody. read more

El Torito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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4.8

(146 reviews)

Great small local restaurant with a varied and interesting menu. They have Asian flavors like…read moreadobo, along with Peruvian, Jamaican, Cuban and tacos (mexican?). Somehow everything came iut great tasting and would come back to try other dishes! For 5 people, we ordered and had perfect amoint of food: -free crisps with mediterranean seasoning (not sure what they're called), very tasty -Hamachi crudo - interesting but good texture, as they cure it with beet juice. Has a peruvian flavor to it with the sourness of the sauce, but also comes with olives? Like I said, interesting menu -peruvian chow mien with added steak - well cooked tender steak, noodles were nice and springy as well - pork chop - very well cooked and delicious -brussel sprouts and pork belly - pork belly pieces were very small, definitely more brussel sprouts, also tasty - side of Maduros, which are sweet fried plantains, but not too sweet as they can sometimes be All in all a great meal! Neighborhood or street parking. Patio allows dogs. Fast and friendly service. Also on inkind

Deluxe 1717 is located in north Pasadena near the Hastings Ranch/Altadena area. The restaurant is…read moreon the small side and is cute. It has a small neighborhood restaurant vibe. We got the Cubano and it was good. I realized I am not a huge fan of Cubanos even though this one was pretty decent, I find all Cubanos on the greasy side. We also got the hamburger and it was solid. Service was excellent. There is street parking and there is a parking lot in the back.

foothill

4.2

(1.4k reviews)

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

4.1

(1.6k reviews)

•$$$

My Honey and I celebrated our 10th anniversary. We ordered Sweet Chili Calamari for appetizer and…read moreenjoyed the bread and fresh butter, Ice Tea, Orange Juice, 8oz Filet Mignon one with Lobster Tail and one with Crab, Macaroni Cheese with Lobster, Chocolate Lava Cake and a Cappuccino. Our server Sarah Y. and the entire restaurant staff all treated us warmly and were all very attentive to our needs. The ambiance was low-key and relaxing!

Service 5/5. Afive stars for Emily, our very perceptive server who made sure my moms 88th birthday…read moredinner was a happily one....with friendly fast service; she noticed my moms hands and arms were Ktaped, so she offered to extract the lobster from its shell, she offered glasses of complimentary brut champagne...and she noticed my youngest nephew didn't get a glass of wine, so she proactively brought him one when his two older brothers said yes to the complimentary wine but didn't let their kid brother have any as a joke. Kudos to the very observant concierge staff who noticed our booth was a tight fit for 3 boys all over 6 feet...so the offered to move us to a table which was more spacious. Service is exceptiona and the meal was well paced. l 5/5. Food. 3/5 My party of five ordered from the two- course prix fixe menu...two got the petitfilet with lobster, two got the short ribs with risotto, and one ordered a large filet with bone and lobster. All the lobsters were overcooked. The steaks were supposed to be medium rare or mediuim,, but they were all medium well done. The meal came with a generous salad, three of us had the Caesar and two of us had the house salad. 5/5 The house had nuts and cranberries, it was great. Our server came around with a pepper mill, also a hunk of parm for anyone who wanted it sprinkled on the salad. Nice touches. We ordered four sides, which were a la carte...Brussel sprouts..asparagus. .Fleming potatoes basically scalloped potatoes with cheese...and the mack and cheese. Great roasted al dented sprouts and asparagus...5/5...everyone enjoyed the other two but I found them too salty, and the cheese a bit overwhelming. Birthday girl loved the Fleming potatoes though. We enjoyed the warm loaf of bread but it was small and visually depressing and ungenerous. We had a table of big guys and each guy could have eaten a loaf all by themselves ......1/5 for the portion size for a table of 5.. the pumpkin butter and the brie was delicious 5/5....a nice departure from just a pat of butter. Yay for the inventive choice of bread spreads. 5/5 Parking. We parked in the structure behind the restaurant. Normally it costs 15.50 but Flemings validates. However, even though I used the QR validation code, it didn't register at the exit gate. Had to call for help, with the line of cars piling five deep behind me. Happily, an attendant answered the call and gave us our discount so parking with validation was 5.50. I noticed other patrons before and after me seemed to have a si.ilar issue. Fix the QR code please. 2/5 Ambiance. 4,/5. It was an expensive meal, but in an upscale modern spacious setting with an open kitch at the rear..., the lighting is too dim and we had to use cell phone flashlights inorder to read and study the menu...suggestion, table andles or pendant lighting...its not romantic to have to use a flashlight in order to read the menu. It was nice to try this place for our special occasion...while the food was not a wow, the service was. Wait staff and concierge staff were all bright lights in a dinly-lit albeit beautful restaurant. Place was packed and too noisy for conversation at 7 pm on a Friday nite. A nice place for special occasions.

Bobby's Place

4.2

(358 reviews)