I'll give 5 stars. Our server is Ernesto , and he's awesome . Definitely will come back.

I've been coming to this location from back in the day when they had DJ''s and Karaoke. Our server Randy was the best. He goes above and beyond for everyone he serves!!! What a great experience. Highly recommend coming here. read more

The food was great, well sized portions and good tasting. Ernesto was nice and very attentive.

Went here today for lunch thinking they might still have the buffet. Seems that's a thing of the past so I settled for the lunch menu. I don't know what happened, but El Torito used to stand for something and used to be good. Now it's just downright awful. I had the chicken enchilada and beef taco combo and was talked into a side salad (more on this in a sec). When the food came, it looked rather tired. The taco shell was soaked through with grease and literally only had some kind of meat mixture and some wilted lettuce. That's it. No cheese, no salsa, nothing. The jack in the box tacos are a step up from these. That's not to demean the jack in the box tacos, I actually like them but since I can get them 2 for a buck, I expected a little more. The enchilada was mostly grissly chicken meat and just plain not very good. The shining star was the salad which i can to find out was a $4 addition, most places let you add a side salad for $.99 which is kind of what i expected. All in all, this place is a loser. For $15 i had a meal that was worth about $5 (being generous because of the salad). I should have just gone to Chipotle next door. Oh well, live an learn I guess. read more

The manager Gabriella was very accommodating to our party! She was so helpful and of course the food was amazing like always! Our server Beto was great! read more

We love coming here- the brunch is great and the service at the bar is always really attentive. This week we came in early on a Sunday for brunch. Serena was behind the bar and she was awesome- our mimosa glasses were never empty! I'm glad we live so close by and can come hang out anytime! read more

My husband and I just finished eating in the cantina at El Torito and we are both so pleased with the service. Our waiter, Ernesto, greeted us the minute we sat down and brought chips and salsa over as soon as we sat. He was taking care of a few tables and not once did we feel forgotten about. His professionalism, positivity, speed, and efficiency made for a very pleasant dining experience. We will 100% be returning and hope to have Ernesto as our server again! read more

My husband and I came for a quick happy hour burning time before my daughter's basketball game. Ernesto provided excellent recommendations. The food was delicious and the service even better. ¡Gracias Ernesto and El Torito! read more

Our waitress Heidy was amazing and very helpful. The food was fantastic as well as the service. I will total be coming back here!

The Waitress Ramona was very nice by recommending for my family and me the family side fajitas. And that made us safe money because it was a great dish. The waiting time was good. Everything was fantastic! I recommend people to come eat with their families at El Torito. read more

I know I wrote this on Google but I really hope he gets acknowledge for a great service. Matt was our server he was funny and super attentive. I love El Torito because the Carne Asda and Cheese Enchilada plate is my favorite! Our server Matt told us it was his third day there I thought he did an amazing job! Also thank you for taking the time to remember our names! -jackie read more

Best buffet I've ever been to! It's literally the best spot for a Sunday brunch! Highly recommend. A bit price but you pay for what you get! read more

We come here for our monthly dive club meetings. The food is okay, not great, but the servers are friendly and especially the gal assigned to our private meeting room. She takes good care of us. read more

El Torito - Michelada Monday! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ok so my family and me just came here but after it was the worst experience. I'm giving it two stars because of the one person that was serving us he was so nice and the food was good, But for what happened. We had to wait for us to have a table for almost TWO HOURS and it was so cold and I asked when and he was like oh almost forgot HE FORGOT and we finally got our table and then we got our drinks we waited for like about 2 minutes and we ordered the waiter was nice but we were still mad before we got our table no one was there then a lot of people were there and then we waited and waited and I was really hungry because it was Easter and we went to this farm Easter place. So then it was LITERALLY 2 HOURS WE WERE SO HUNGRY AND HE WAS TRYING TO GET ATTENTION WALKING BACK AND FROTH LIKE WE DON'T NEED ANYTHING AND HE WAS SO ANNOYING AND GAVE US COLD TORTILLAS. We got our food and everyone left and he was doing the same thing walking back and forth over and over. I asked for ketchup and he said "Ok!" I said that like a minute ago and I asked "when is the ketchup going to be here?" He said "oh I forgot" like seriously? We all finished our food and my mom was still eating and the waiter says "do you want a to go box?" MY MOM WAS STUFFING HER FACE STILL EATING AND NOT DONE HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY NOT SEE. we were all annoyed and just left the table and the quote on quote manager was there and we all got so mad but we were acting nice and all they signed the check and the manager says "come back,but not on an holiday." And then has the most dumbest grin. So if you want to eat somewhere in Pasadena just don't go to el torito it will take a long time to get your food and the customer service is horrible so don't go there and I will not be coming back ps go to Taco Bell or del taco or another place thank me later. read more

Ramona was an excellent server. She was very attentive. We had the 3 item combo and the duo fajitas. Food was good and we left feeling full!

This place as gone down hill over the years. They use to have more items on the menu for a cheaper price. Now it is less items for more the money. 2 taco's with rice and beans was almost $15 I can go to a mexican place near my location and get 3 tacos with rice and beans for like $8. read more

Came in on a Friday night to happy hour after a long day and I am so grateful I walked in! Ashley our server was super sweet and attentive. She recommended the new Mariposa margarita and I have to admit IT WAS THE BEST! If you haven't tried it, you must! So delicious and refreshing thank you for the great service, drinksand food! Cheers! I came in again for taco Tuesday and I'm telling you guys the service is consistently great. I walked in and Olivia and Bria greeted me and let me know i was in for the taco bar! Thanks so much ladies for making my trip tonight a happy one! It's great to get great service after a long work day! read more

Came in for a girls night. We decided to have dinner at the cantina for a fun vibe! Our server Ashley was very attentive and professional especially since they were pretty busy! She definitely had her "A" game on tonight! read more

This place is amazing. Good food. Ernesto was on point. Amazing service. Bottomless mimosas. Heck! What else do you want?

I'm so happy this place is still open! I love their outside sitting. We were there for happy hour. The manager Vanessa greeted us with a warm welcoming. I requested a table outside with a tv view, Vanessa made sure to get what we wanted. Thank you! Our server Norma was the best! She was right on top of our drinks making sure we never went empty. Always friendly. We will definetely be coming back! read more

My family and I were brought in and seated and our drink order was not even taken. No chips and salsa, nothing. About 5 minutes later still nothing and another family was seated near us. Another 5 minutes goes by and then that family gets waited on. We were so frustrated, plus we were super hungry. After another 5 minutes of nothing we got up and walked out. The place is really just one big bar anyway. The last time I actually did eat there I was surprised by how the quality of the food had gone down. We were still craving Mexican food so we experimented with a new place called Chiquita Bonita on Colorado Blvd. It is a quaint little spot but were we ever pleased! Even though there was a crowd there we were waited on instantly! Chips Salsa and drinks were all at our table within minutes of being seated. Then the food was delicious!!! And since it was out first time there the owner gave us a free flan! Ah the little things that give it that personal touch, that's what will keep us coming back! If you were heading to El Torrito I suggest B-Lining over to Chiquita Bonita a few minutes away from there. You will be glad you did! read more

this review and it's low score has only one purpose, to let customers know to avoid Judy at the bar. I've been comin' in here for several weeks now for the happy hour margarita's. I've been helped by four different bartenders, and Judy has been lazy and rude every time. the other servers have been friendly and prompt. she however hides in the corner chatting with the servers, and it takes 15 min to get a chips and salsa refill. once I finally get that refill, she rolls her eyes like i'm doing something wrong by not ordering more than a cocktail. this restaurant would get 3 stars for the drinks and food if not for this one bartender. it's a shame when a single employee ruins a restaurant experience time after time. read more

3.5 for better than alright but could be a better Cal Mex cantina. I placed it on the lower end of the half star because I simply do not feel you are getting the best value with the combos which were not filling and you mostly get a lot of rice. Just under $40 dropped and I've been more satisfied spending $9 at Chipotle. Not the best place to go if you want to be out in under an hour but not so bad that they're on your Yelp blacklist of places to never return. If anything it was hard to make a choice with their menu since a lot of the items sounded good but definitely similar - the specialties looked unique but I went for the Baja combo for the bacon wrapped shrimp because #mood #vibes. Apparently everyone was in the same mood because they ran out of bacon wrapped shrimp at which point things were taking long already I just went with a sub par substitution of another taco in their Baja combo...a combo I ordered because of the bacon wrapped shrimp/variety of 3 different types of items now reduced to 2...and they did not have any comparable substitutions. If I had time I'd have just ordered a different combo altogether because a combo with 2 or less diverse offerings is not really why anyone orders a combo off of their menu. They also could have been better informed in general that they were out of something so when an order is placed time is not wasted and it's mentioned from the outset. The chips and salsa are pretty good though. And the ingredients were fresh and simple but not filling. The combo did not fill me up and I usually get full pretty easily/quickly (but eat several times daily #bruceleediet). The corn mash on the side is also surprisingly tasty - like a deconstructed sweet corn bread but moist and lightly sweet. Unexpectedly good. But the server who was also the bartender (short staffed I guess) was the best part - she tried her best to manage it all and brought extra hot sauce (which was really good) and drink orders out in a timely manner. However she could have maybe improved her suggestions for substitutions when they run out. read more

This is by far my family's favorite place to brunch on a Sunday morning. We've been patrons at this location for over 16 years and the buffet has gone through some positive changes over the past year. The quality of food at this particular location has become outstanding, more authentic and presents itself beautifully. We find ourselves over-indulging a little bit more on their various ceviche selections (this time at least 5), their taco choices with their famous fresh hand made corn tortillas and their hot dishes which included two kinds of shrimp tamales today. I even noticed that the orange juice that they use in their bottomless mimosa's have become fresher and tastier. Well done El Torito staff! read more

Came during Happy Hour and it was great! We had a fantastic server named Crystal who was very quick and friendly! We enjoyed our food as usual and are leaving with happy stomachs. They have some of the best strawberry mango margaritas around and the food and service by Crystal was terrific!!! read more

Ashley was, and has been a phenomenal server for me every time I come here! She makes sure that my drinks are kept full and always cold. I always sit where she is! Thursday night football at its best! read more

All I ask for is delicious food and great service and that's what I get here at El Torito. I loved it more after Ashley helped us because she was so sweet and patient with my crazy family. read more

Service was great Beto our server was amazing definitely will be coming back food was delicious. Will definitely be our new brunch place . Vero the manager really has her staff on point . Really great customer service over all . Thank you el torito Pasadena for the awesome experience. read more

Great service Beto was great and very on point. Greg was very helpful as well. Best brunch ever. Definitely will come back and recommend.

Great service by Ashly and the food was delicious happy hour is always a great time here at El Torito of Pasadena.

First off great parking haven't been to Pasadena much used to live here but I walked into the restaurant and behind the bar is an amazing bartender name Greg refreshing great Hospitality professional involved with the guests at the bar makes you feel comfortable great taco Tuesday great spread for 2.99 a taco I definitely will recommend to this restaurant not only for the fresh food but for the staff especially Greg the bartender read more

After our big layoff announcement the other day, my co-workers and I swarmed like bees to the El Torito down the street for a few drinks to help us relax. Food was okay. I had the usual fiesta platter with over-sauced buffalo wings, small flavorless chimichangas, nachos drenched in cheese and beans, and some pork stuff. I opted for the strawberry house margarita (two blended, one on the rocks). And of course, the chips and salsa. Service was a tad slow. I supposed we should've called to warn them of all the grieving and all the alcohol that needed to be consumed. The bar area is big enough to hold quite a lot of people, and there is an outdoor patio for the smokers out there. If you go during happy hour, they have a free little buffett of small appetizers as well as a some yummy carne asada or carnitas tacos for $1. Overall, it's a good spot to get your margaritas on. :) read more

Two words. Happy Hour. It is probably the best time to go to get cheaper prices and okay food and booze(Mexican food chain). I came here for the Lakers Finale game. It was packed, packed, packed! It was also taco tuesday as well. Everything was just so cheap and the bar food was okay. Finding a table was a problem in itself. People must have came super early to take up all the tables that were in the bar area. The tacos were pretty decent as well. There was a table set up where the lady was making them to order. Their tv screens could have been bigger and strategically placed. read more

Not sure where all the bad reviews come from. I've been here plenty of times and have had nothing but good service. Fresh (warm) chips and fresh salsa is always amazing and that's just the beginning of the food. Their tableside made guacamole is amazing and you get plenty of food for what you pay. I also have to note that their unlimited strawberry lemonade tastes really good. And it always amazes me when the managers stops by to ask if everything is alright. If I could give 4.5 stars, I totally would, but I reserve 5 stars for only the best experiences (something which really made me feel like it was above and beyond a normal experience), so I have to leave it at 4. Would definitely visit again soon and would highly recommend it if you feel like dining in at a Mexican restaurant. read more

Never go shopping on an empty stomach. We were in the Old Navy plaza right behind the restaurant and were famished as we were leaving, so we stopped in. We should have just gone to Chipotle. It took quite a few minutes for anyone to come out and escort us to a table. They just assume that everyone wants their gross-looking lunch buffet. Our server was very friendly and was a total pro. The woman a the table across from us was such a bitch and talked down to our server, but she kept it together the whole time. Our food, however, tasted like it came from the microwave. I tried the chicken flautas again and the chicken was awful. It was dark meat that was dry and gamey. I definitely wouldn't recommend them to anyone. The $4 side of guacamole was completely bland, even though they add tomato and onion. I had to add a ton of salt just to get some flavor. It didn't even taste like avocado! Definitely won't be back. read more

I came here with a visiting friend and sat at the bar. From start to finish, EVERYTHING WAS AWESOME! Food was amazing (we ordered the big family style entree because "leftovers" were the goal....and GD the food reheats very well!), drinks kept coming, and we left so happy. This was three weeks ago, but so worth it to rave about it afterwards. This is gonna have to me my "out of towner" restaurant. read more

Everything was wonderful!Crystal was very attentive and my favorite appetizer is the bacon wrapped shrimp!This place never disappoints!

Glad my sons favorite "Brunch" is Back and to all the nice and patient servers thank you, specially Carlos and Greg who helped us.

This place is ok, nothing great, nothing wicked awesome bout it. Ive gone to have meals here and as well recently more to go to their cantina and go to their happy hr for 3 dollar margaritas and a buck tacos. The food is decent, though I do enjoy their chips. Tacos are alright in the cantina, i love the fact that u can personalize them and such and make my own taco. Margaritas are so-so. I think I realized what matters who makes them, from my own personal experience it seems, that the dude with the long hair at the bar makes them the best. Ive ordered off the server last time and I didnt feel quite the love when he makes them. read more

I usually find my self here for a nice happy hour with my co-workers. The place is nice and it's not too busy. Nice cozy feel to the place. The waiters/waitresses are generally nice and helpful. What makes this place shine is the taco tuesday nights, I think its a dollar for a standard small street taco. Great idea! I'm sure they make enough doing this and it's relatively cheap for a customer to get full at a low price. I've been to some other El Torito's where it gets super packed and they bust out the kareoke machine, but this one stands relatively quiet, which I like. I remember ordering a huge burrito some time back, and it put me right to sleep! That thing was a beast. read more