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    El Torito

    4.2 (2.5k reviews)
    Closed 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    EL TORITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - El Torito

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    IGNITED FAJITAS SUPREMAS + CRISPY FLAUTAS
    Marcus L.

    Good food and service. The happy hour is excellent. Worth coming to with friends! Also love the fried ice cream. Food: 4/5 Price: 4/5 Experience: 4/5

    Jon R.

    Came on a Thursday night, went to the bar and ordered fajitas and happy hour items. Our last visit was horrible. Staff was slow or didn't care. This visit was great. Our waitress in the bar, was amazing. She took our ordered correctly, she refilled drinks quickly, and chips. Food came out hot and tasted really good. The mini tacos and sopes had good flavor a nice hot sauce. They were presented well. Bill was about $60 for two people. We shared a lot of plates. Restaurant was clean and the bar was bright with basketball games on tv. That waitress definitely wed be back for. Manager with pony tail, was helpful and seated guests. Tonight won us back.

    Beef enchiladas, chicken flautas, and beef tacos
    Kim B.

    I really enjoy eating at El Torito! As soon as we arrived, the waiter gave us chips and salsa. Yum! I always look forward to this. We ordered birria tacos, ignited fajitas supreme which has beef, chicken and shrimp, and a three item combo, which we decided to choose a beef taco, chicken flauta, and a beef enchilada. You'll get rice, beans, guacamole, sweet corn cake, and different spicy sauces, too. You can always ask for more tortillas (corn or flour) when you need it. Everything was packed with flavor! I always come back to El Torito because we get good service, good food, serving size is just right, and the ambiance is nice. It brings me back to Mexico.

    Mahi Mahi tacos
    Jessica Y.

    The restaurant is located in the Best Buy Plaza. Lots of parking. Came and tried the happy hour. Seating in the cantina. If you want to watch a game they have TV's around. They started us off with chips and salsa and we ordered the mini tacos, carne asada fries and mahi mahi tacos along with a Margarita flight. The salsa was delicious. The margaritas were beautiful and tasty. The menu has a good variety and all the food tasted great. The mahi mahi tacos were surprisingly juicy and tasty. Staff started off a delight...until they forgot about our mahi mahi tacos, which I didn't understand because the staff who brought the other 2 dishes said before leaving and one more dish mahi mahi tacos? Nothing ever came. Finally asked the waiter who then checked it was written down but was never made. Still don't understand this when the other person verified with us. Other than that the food was good.

    Juan F.

    Came here on a Sunday for their buffet. The buffet price also includes drinks such as Jamaica, Horchata, Agua Frescas, Hot Chocolate, Coffee and more importantly Mimosas. The variety of the buffet exceeded my expectations. They had mole, chilaquiles, tacos, taquitos, chille relleno, rice, beans, ceviche, aguachile, salad, menudo and a full on dessert bar and a kids section with chicken tenders and fries. Overall, great meal and we enjoyed it.

    Steak Tacos
    Ce C.

    On " Cinco de Mayo" afternoon, the place.was full, great ambiance, even greater service provided by staff which was all accomodating in our wait. I want to highlight the treatment and service provided by Jaxson. The food is always good here.

    Berry martini
    Ivy C.

    We've always past by this El Torito but never tried it so decided to give it a go. Walking in, there wasn't anyone to take you to your seat and servers didn't say anything, there was no signs either. We noticed there was a DJ (mind you this was a Thursday early night I recall) so it was surprising that they had a DJ on a weekday night. The DJ was the person who told us we can sit wherever so ok, we found an empty seat and sit down. A server came by and took our drinks order and then food order. All the food was fresh and tasted good. I love the fact El Torito gives complimentary chips and salsa which is an absolute hit when it comes to dining at mexican restaurants. I was fine waiting on food but our drinks took forever to come out and I noticed the bartender forgot to make one of our drinks that even when our food came out, our drinks did not. Our servers and manager did notice this and I do appreciate the attention to detail as I did not say anything. I know they mentioned a small discount as we have to endure the long wait unexpectedly. In the end, we did not receive the discount on the bill as promised, but I was fine without it. I just want to point this out so this restaurant knows where to improve. Their fajitas was good and fresh. I wish I could have got more tortillas. The drinks were alright and not as flavorful or strong as I expected. Thw salsa was great and I love the complement of beans, rice, and onions on the entree which was cooked well. We also got their 4 pcs taco dish from the happy hour menu which was delicious. There was plenty of parking and seating. It is a nice location on the corner of Foothill and Sierra Madre in Pasadena.

    Elsa G.

    I wanted to reach out and say thank you Beto for being so attentive during our meal. This is one of my favorite brunch places, and I truly appreciated the great service and delicious food!

    Kathy M.

    We came on a Saturday and didnt expect them to have a brunch buffet! They have a parking lot that is NOT connected to the plaza! You must enter either on Foothill or the other cross street, I think its Madre St. We were greeted right away and was told of their special. On Saturdays, its a mini buffet. On Sundays, they have the full buffet with live music from a mariachi band. We could also order off of the regular menu too if we liked. They have an omelet station, waffle station, and menudo! So many options and they did not cheap out on the bacon! The bacon slices were thick and plentiful. We will be back for a Sunday brunch in the near future!

    FAJITAS DUO
    Omar A.

    Oh my! What a change! The husb and I had not been to this location in years due to the bad service we received years prior. What a difference years make, we would hope, right? Food as usual was great, I got the fajitas both times we went, the husb got the steak and shrimp and the macho combo the second time. We enjoyed our dishes. I'm very picky, so I get refried beans instead of frijoles de la olla because they're spicy. I can't handle spicy foods. I usually get the corn tortillas and I make tacos with the meats and green peppers and onions. Oh yes, and the beans. They're very nice with the chips as well, we had two bowls of chips. The employees are very friendly and outgoing as well as serviceable. The restaurant was very lively and full of energy, parking was easy, the restaurant was extremely clean. We will be back since it's so close to home!

    08/01/25
    Jasmine A.

    Stopped by on Friday, 08/01/25 for Dine LA Restaurant Week. We ended up ordering drinks and food from the Happy Hour Menu (3pm-9pm everyday!!!) Ordered the following: - 1 street corn = $4 - 1 guacamole and chips = $6 - 1 carne asada fries = $8 - 1 draft beef = $4 - 1 margarita flight = $10 (amazing!!!!) OVERALL TOTAL WITH TAX = $41.37 We ended up having to take our food to go due to last-minute errands. We chugged our drinks - amazing and for a good price too!!! Overall this place has the best Happy Hour menu.

    DEEP-FRIED ICE CREAM
    Cassidy I.

    We stopped at El Torito for Dine LA Week and had a great time! It was our first time visiting, so we weren't quite sure what to expect. The meal was definitely at a slower pace than I'm used to, but this may have just been because we visited at a weird time and they're not fully staffed at 3pm. There was so much food, at such a good price! I feel that the flavors were very Americanized Mexican food, you can definitely get more authentic flavors in the area, but it was all very savory and delicious. We'll be back next time we need a space for a larger group of people.

    DEEP-FRIED ICE CREAM
    Francisco M.

    There's loads parking for this location. You can be seated in the cantina or the dinning area. The staff are really nice and helpful. I did like the hidden piñata decor. The inside is welcoming for group meals. I got the Dine LA menu. The guacamole and chips were good. The chips were warm and crunchy. There's a lot of guacamole and you can easily share. The enchiladas were resl tasty. The sauce had a small kick that wasn't too spicy but left you wanting more. The bean and rice were just as good and expected. This was also a large plate is expect leftovers. The deep fried ice cream was great although a bit too sweet. It can be simplified with less syrup and whipped cream. The buñuelo being used as a bowl for the ice cream is amazing! Overall it's worth a shot to try out all the food here. I still want to try more on the menu.

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    Photo of Ryan O.
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    3 months ago

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    Veronica A.

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    5 months ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you Grace we appreciate you please come back soon

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    2 months ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you Pete, it was great to have you, please come back soon again

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    2 months ago

    Our server Beto was the best best brunch buffet in town. Mexican food is So good. i will definetly be back

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    Veronica A.

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    5 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    3 months ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you, Michael, we appreciate your business, please come back soon

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    5 months ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you Luisa we appreciate you

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    Thank you Leslie we appreciate you, please come back soon

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    1 month ago

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    11 months ago

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    Thank you we appreciate it very much

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    Thank you we appreciate you very much

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    21 days ago

    The food here is amazing especially Sunday brunch. Randy is our favorite server he's the best! Looking forward to coming back again!

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    Veronica A.

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    1 year ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you Naliness , we appreciate your business .

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    3 months ago

    Went for Sunday all you can eat brunch and the experience was amazing! Maria S was a great waitress

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you, Cody, you are amazing, come back soon

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    2 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Great service, the manager Karla is great and so is her staff. Karaoke on Friday night with DJ Jim is a good time!

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you Rosie , you are always welcome

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    Thank you Souad , it was great to meet you today please come back soon

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    Thank you we appreciate you please come back soon

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    2 years ago

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    Veronica A.

    Thank you, Aarti, we appreciate you, hope to see you soon again

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    6 months ago

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    Page 2 of 64

    El Torito Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - El Torito

    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

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    Girl scout cookie flight day! Excellent service by Austin and Chelsea, they gave samples of beer so…read moreI can select a beer that matches my tastes. I say go with the cactus kooler if you want something sweet and fruity. That's my favorite here serious best brewery in Pasadena! The day I happened to enjoy a nice afternoon here they had a girl scout cookie paring. Shibuya with the Trefoil and then Jamie bravo with the Lemon up then finally late train with Exploremore. Perfect pairings, every single bite and sip!

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    The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

    The 1894

    4.5(72 reviews)
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    If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

    Cute little place inside Vroman's to get a glass of wine and read! I saw that they have live jazz…read moremusic on Thursdays sometimes so I hope to check that out. Good ambiance!

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    T. Boyles Tavern - Corned beef sandwhich with fries

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    3.0 mi
    $$

    I've heard some good things about this place and from other fellow yelpers friends, it must be…read moreworth it. Had a dinner reservation with some girlfriends celebrating two of their birthdays. The restaurant itself isn't too big but it does a pack a nice punch. Cute patio out front that takes some of the sidewalks and streets. Plenty of heat lamps which helped with the chilly nights. We got seated at one of the tables on the patios which was nice. Didn't really utilize inside area except for the restroom which it's quite cute in there. The rooms were pretty well decorated and executed. Nice bar area too. Like mentioned, we got seated on the patio and the heat lamps were great. Down to the menus, it's quite limited on dishes. Seemed like there were more shared plates versus the entrees. Drinks, it was fairly decent with their cocktails and wine. Service at the beginning was great. The staff were amazing and very friendly. We didn't order right away as we were still waiting for the last one to show. But did start off with some drinks. It didn't take that long for the first round which was nice. Food wise, the shared plate was a mixture of everything. Some of the olives, which is exactly what it is. The Belgian fries, nice thick cut fries with shredded pecorino cheese and a nice aioli sauce. We ended up getting a second order of it. The albacore tuna crudo was a hit which was really tasty. Chili ginger relish, mint and shallot, can't go wrong with that. Lastly the meatballs, tasty and very great for sharing. Entrees, the pan seared sea bass which I loved. Portion is pretty tiny which also seemed like they were a shared plate. Almost tapas styled. Nice chimichurri sauce and a side salad. The chicken Milanese also with a side salad of arugula. Simple dish but quite tasty. One of the salads that was somewhat hyped up by the waitress but it was just a salad. Decent but nothing major to rave about...lol... also the confit oyster mushrooms was major hit. Something that simple but quite tasty. And lastly the pan con tomate, rustic sourdough with tomatoes and burrata. Tasty as well. Overall the meal was good. From there, the second round of drinks did take a long time to arrive and with then plates that we shared, trying to get someone to clear the plates was another thing. Took a long for someone to clear the table before more items came. Even when the entrees came, all the empty starter plates were still there. And if someone did clear the plates, some was still left on the table. Finishing off the night, we did have the dessert which we tried all three. As it was two of our girlfriends birthday, they brought out a little bubbly for us to celebrate with the dessert. That was quite sweet and nice. Honestly opinion with the dessert, they were just ok. Nothing major to rave about. We tried all three on the menu and they were just ok. Overall, the food was great. Service was nice and the staffs were all very friendly. It did take a while for plates to get cleared from the table and second round did take a while, but it was manageable. It was a sweet gesture with the bubbly with the dessert which was greatly appreciated. The place is nice and great for catching up. Menu is limited and portions are quite small. You would have to get a good amount for sharing. Entrees, depending on what you order is small as well. But we enjoyed ourself.

    Service: 5 stars, our server Kiana was outstanding. I troubled her for a glass of ice, she…read morebrought me a glass of ice and filled it with water for me and said I filled it with water for you! She read my mind and knew without me saying. They serve lukewarm water and the a/c was on but was not on ..if u catch my drift. The front hostess was also phenomenal, I had reservation for outdoor seating but since she saw that the sun was like glaring, she asked if I wanted to change to inside. Very obliging and accommodating. Food: 5 stars, surprisingly good, right amount for us. I was full but I can see where other reviewers say portions are small. It's small if u're a heavy eater. But the quality is definitely there. Ambiance: trendy, high energy, casual vibes where u can lounge and have a beer while munching on fries...or u can choose to be poshy and have a glass of wine with a salad and Chilean sea bass. It's flexible to accommodate both as there are different sections. Parking: street metered 1 hour parking. 3 stars, not their fault but 1 hour is simply not enough. It can get super busy and the server can be pulled left and right, so cut them some slack during super busy hours. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended .

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    Magnolia House - Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

    Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

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

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

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

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

    El Torito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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