El Torito

4.2 (2.5k reviews)

ModerateMexican, Bars, Breakfast & Brunch

Closed • 9:00 am - 10:00 pm

Updated over 3 months ago

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El Torito - REFRIED BEANS and RICE - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - CHICKEN FAJITAS - limited time for $10.99 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - GRILLED CHICKEN MEXICAN CAESAR - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Mixed tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - CHIPS AND SALSA - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Ice tea - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - HOUSE-MADE TORTILLA SOUP - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Sirloin steak fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - FAJITA SALAD - GRILLED CHICKEN - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Ice tea and tortillas - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Beans and rice - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Mexican street corn - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - NEW! MEXICAN WINGS - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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El Torito - nice tropical ice tea - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Moderate noise

Casual

Good for groups

Dogs allowed

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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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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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Arturo C.

3 months ago

Food and service was good, quick to sit down in a Sunday brunch. Our server Maria S was very attentive and the best ! Would definitely recommend and come back ! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Arturo, we appreciate your business

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Susan Q.

3 months ago

We had such a wonderful experience thanks to Maria S. We came for the Sunday brunch and from the moment we sat down, she was welcoming, attentive, and kind. She made great recommendations and checked in at just the right times without ever hovering. Maria S has such a positive energy that really elevated our whole meal. You can tell she truly cares about her guests and takes pride in what she does. Service like hers is rare and made our dining experience feel relaxed, special, and memorable. The food was delicious and there were plenty of different options to choose from. We'll definitely be back. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Susan, we really appreciate your, and we are happy that…

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Carol C.

4 months ago

We came here for a birthday celebration during Sunday brunch. The food was delicious and so many options!! The service was good despite how incredibly busy it was. The ambiance was ok, I mean the music was too loud, it could've been turned down a bit. I would really like to go back soon! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Carol, we are so happy to be able to accomplish our goal,…

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Brian F.

405

8 months ago

This was our first time coming here on Sunday night! Love your happy hour! 6 dollar margaritas are very good but could use more alchahol! The two item combo is big and their salsa is addicting! Our guy server was amazing! If you're reading this come here for great food, drinks and sit at the bar it's fun! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Brian, for sharing your thoughts with us. We truly…

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Helena J.

4 months ago

El Torito is our tried and true brunch place. This location is the best of most of the locations we've been to. Ernesto was such a great server. He took amazing care of our large party. read more

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Lawrence S.

166

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4 months ago

The place was packed but we got in much quicker than the expected wait time we were told. First time doing the brunch and glad we did. Maria S. gave us fantastic service. She checked non us several times and helped us navigate our options. There's definitely something for just about everyone. Even our baby girl found food she liked. The al pastor tacos were my favorite followed closely by the chicken fajitas. My girl loved the ribs. There was more that I plan to try next time. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We are…

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Ryan L.

Elite 26

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299

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1 year ago

Okay this has been the best morning buffet and mimosa experience I've ever had. They had a tri tip/ham, taco, and omelette buffet. Then they had enchiladas and everything you could like and finally menudo which was perfectly cooked. Desert was also very bomb. Then the bottomless mimosas was simply perfect every time. Maria O. Was our server and she has the best pours! Very convenient location and the parking was very easy. read more

El Torito - Tri tip ham Buffett - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Karolina T.

Thank you, Ryan, we appreciate you, please come back soon.

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Ana R.

4 months ago

El Torito never disappoints. Their brunch buffet is amazing as always, and their service superb. Thank you Beto, our server for being so welcoming, warm and serviceable. :) read more

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Veronica A.

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Casandra S.

4 months ago

We love to go to El Torito and sit with Maria S. Excellent friendly service and delicious food. Can't ask for more!

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Casandra, it was our honor to have you in the house.

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Wendy R.

6 months ago

I'm back at El Torito Pasadena, and once again I was greeted by the same wonderful waiter, Jackson. There's something truly special about the way he makes you feel important and welcomed--almost like family. His service and warmth truly represent the excellence of El Torito Pasadena. I've been coming here since the 90s as a teenager, and this place holds so many precious memories shared with my godfather, my dad, and my grandpa. Although they are no longer here with me, Jackson's welcoming spirit brought back the nostalgia of those special moments we spent together. It felt like a piece of them was still here. The food is always on point! I had the veggie fajitas today, and they were delicious. Thank you, Jackson and El Torito, for keeping those memories alive and continuing to create new ones. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We are…

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Alondra G.

1 month ago

Thank you to Jason !!! He's a vibe we love to see him and you'll have great service !!! Service 10/10 food was sooo good we got the family fajitas !! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you Alondra , we appreciate you

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Angela N.

2 months ago

I love this brunch! The food is excellent , they always refill my chamgagne... I love the Mariach, and Maria S. Is my favorite server so attentive and sweet. A great place to come after church on Sunday !!!! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you Angela we appreciate you, see you soon

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Morgan R.

2 months ago

Love the tacos and live music! Our servers Maria S. Was super nice and attentive during our Sunday brunch :)

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Veronica A.

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review, we appreciate your…

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Victor P.

1 month ago

Everything was amazing! Love the brunch on sundays with the live music. Beto is such a great server, he made sure all our needs were met. Kept the mimosas filled! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you Victor, we appreciate you, please come back soon

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Tania G.

1 month ago

The brunch has a lot of options. The omelette station is the best! Excellent service from our waiter Carlos.

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Tania, for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We…

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David P.

1 month ago

Maria server was great. Food was delicious Sunday brunch with live music. Can't beat it....

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Veronica A.

Thank you, David, for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We…

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Malcom

4 months ago

El torito advertises promotions that are incorrect. I watch a lot of sports at the cantina and inquires about their promotion of free rampage nachos for the rams 4th down stop. Where I was told informed that the manager and staff are unaware of the "discount code" to apply for their promotion which is supposed to be "rams nachos." Corporate needs to come in and fix it read more

El Torito - Rampage nachos "rams nachos" - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Malcon, for the feedback, take my more sincerely…

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Kevin P.

4 months ago

Can't think of a better way to spend time with the family for brunch at El Torino. The staff is friendly and Maria S. is awesome!

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Veronica A.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We are…

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Jared V.

4 months ago

Excellent food and service. Top notch buffet. Pozole hit the spot on a rainy Sunday. Cafe de Olla and an omelette station was the best way to wake up. Taco bar was the star of the show. Add in bottomless mimosas and its the best way to spend a Sunday. Our server Carlos M was very attentive and kept the mimosas coming. The mariachis even came over to play for the birthday boy. A1 Ambience and vibes. Overall 10/10 experience. We will be back soon. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you for taking the time to give us a review, we appreciate your…

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Kristin P.

1 month ago

Maria S provided great service and made sure we had everything we needed. We would definitely recommend El Torito to friends and family.

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Kristin for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We…

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Hab-Lo Diablo ..

10 months ago

Great experience last night for a large group of 22 personas . Taco tuesdays and margaritas cannot be beat! Food was delicious. Service was excellent! Olga and the busser did a wonderful job. Plus side is the incredible parking lot in pasadena! IYKYK. Will be back again and again ! read more

El Torito - DELICIOUS - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Hab we appreciate you, yes please come back soon

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marian r.

Elite 26

152

530

1564

10 months ago

Absolutely worse food ever! I used to go to El Torito Decades ago, in fact I was surprised they are still around. We got baskets of the worse chips I've ever tasted, mealy and flavorless, bad aftertaste. . The waitress let us know a pitcher of margaritas would serve 5 and much cheaper than ordering separately.... Absolutely horrible, the 5 of us who ordered the margaritas only had a few sips and didn't finish them. Mexican street corn was salted so heavily it was inedible. The Mahi Mahi tacos were good. I ordered chicken tortilla soup had very little chicken in it, it was topped with way too many tortilla strips and a huge glob of cheese with mushy diced potatoes, and 4 pieces of cubed chicken, not appetizing at all. The happy hour menu is for the cantina only 3-9pm everyday. Our waitress was very sweet. For some reason she took away our water glasses instead of filling them up when I told her I had wanted a refill she took a glass off the tray , I asked her how did she know it was my glass. She didn't answer, but did not come back with a fresh glass or water. When my sister stood up she almost slipped on a shot glass that was on the floor. The chairs felt like they were sticking to the floor. Since this was a birthday gathering the server was very accommodating, as we brought our own cake , and brought plates along with the servers singing happy birthday and a free birthday flan with a candle. This really was the worse meal I had for the week visiting in Pasadena. I can see how a large group would enjoy this venue as it has 3 large rooms, and an area for serving buffet style. Another big draw back, instead of the bathrooms being hidden in the Cantina, Where we sat we could see everyone going in and out of the bathrooms. Save your money, find another Mexican restaurant to go to. read more

El Torito - A shot glass on the floor that my sister almost slipped on - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Happy hour 3-9pm - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Veronica A.

7 months ago

Food & ambiance was great But what made our day/ experience a whole lot better was our server RANDY He was so cool, patient, & attentive. Ask for RANDY. read more

El Torito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Yvonne M.

1 month ago

My family & I have been coming to El Torito in Pasadena weekly and it is good. The fajitas & enchiladas are good. We like the bar area because it is lively and Richard is usually our server. He is great. Real nice & personable. We will see you next week. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you Yvonne it was a pleasure to meet you and your friend

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Brenda A.

9 months ago

We've come to this place maybe 3/4 times when we're around and each time unfortunately we're never served/acknowledged within 30 minutes. So we went again today. No water, no drinks, no food order was taken, they just gave us chips as we sat and that was it. It's not like they asked us and we just said "not ready". They just didn't come to our table after seating us, mind you they seat people after us and they get their drinks asked for and is brought to the table. Still not one person has came to our table to even give us water. We left and didn't order anything. It has never been like this before and truly it wasn't worth waiting when it seems like this is a reoccurring issue. read more

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Darlene P.

2 months ago

Kenia was a great server! She accommodated our big group and special orders all with a great attitude! We appreciate her service , efficiency and friendliness! The food was delicious and we didn't have to wait long. We'll definitely be back ! read more

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Cheyenne J.

2 months ago

Very disappointed with our experience at El Torito today. My family and I waited almost an hour after our original waiter finished her shift and no one came to serve us. We were left sitting there while other tables were helped. What used to be our Sunday family brunch spot will no longer be for us. Everyone deserves basic respect and service when dining out!!!! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you again Cheyenne , as I told you earlier I really appreciate…

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Oscar R.

1 month ago

I came today with family for my moms birthday we had food drinks and so much fun but what made it an awesome experience was our server Jackson he made us feel good knowing that he was checking on us and seeing what we needed from the moment we got here he was amazing and we will definitely be coming back soon thanks again for the amazing experience read more

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Josh M.

8 months ago

Our server Randy was amazing. The food was delicious and the facility was great for an early dknner. Be sure to try the banana cheesecake chimichanga - my wife absolutely loved it. The only reason for not getting 5-Stars was that our second appetizer didn't arrive. It was taken on the bill, which was good; however, it would have been better to have received it as ordered. read more

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Salvador L.

Hello Josh M., Thank you for the 4-star review! We appreciate your…

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Denzel L.

Elite 26

115

319

2 years ago

Ahhhh came by this El Torito to celebrate my daughter's dance recital. Growing up my family would always frequent El Toritos for celebrations, birthdays, etc. The one in Marina Del Rey was our go to. This is a nostalgic place for me they can do no wrong. They've upgraded the menu to match the times, there's Vampiro and Birria tacos, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp and even a Mexican Pizza (I wanted to order it cause where else have you seen a Mexican pizza than Taco Bell?!) but it's only available for lunch during the week. The service in this one was top tier. Our server Oscar, was extremely attentive, informative on the new menu and even offered my daughter a celebratory ice cream for her recital. The ambiance is authentic to El Toritos it's an old Spanish cottage vibe, wooden tables, down to the plating and utensils have the Spanish aesthetic. The chips n' salsa are always a BANGER! I ordered the Macho Combo subbing out the Chile Relleni for another Chicken and Sour Cream Enchilada. Our table ordered the Vampiro Tacos, the Birria Tacos, the Mazlatan Enchiladas and the Grande Fiesta Platter. Everyone scraped their plates. The food came out hot and fresh! My favorite is always ending with the lil sweet corn cake. Shouts out to the chef. read more

El Torito - The Matador - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - Birria Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Torito - MACHO COMBO with an Extra Chicken and Sour Cream Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Karolina T.

Thank you,Deazy, we appreciate you please come back soon

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Kaylah A.

1 month ago

We have always come for the Sunday brunch -- but this past Sunday, we had exceptional service from our waiter, Johnathan. He was so personable and attentive, he made sure we were taken care from the moment we sat down. Thank you Johnathan -- if you're ever at El Torito make sure you ask for him! He'll take great care of y'all! read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you Kaylah we appreciate you

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Daniel R.

7 months ago

Had an amazing Sunday brunch here! The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was great. Our server John was outstanding, attentive, friendly, and made sure everything was great. I definitely will come back and request John as our server read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Daniel, it was our honor to have you here, please come…

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Deanna C.

9 months ago

I had brunch at El Torito today and our server, Beto, was absolutely incredible! From the moment we sat down, he made us feel like VIPs. He was warm, welcoming, and had the perfect balance of professionalism and personality. Our drinks never went empty, the food came out quickly, and he checked in at just the right times without ever hovering. What really stood out was how attentive he was--he anticipated what we needed before we even asked, and somehow managed to stay upbeat and friendly even though the restaurant was packed. That kind of energy and care is rare to find these days. Beto turned what could've been just a regular Sunday brunch into an experience worth raving about. El Torito is lucky to have him on their team--I'll definitely be coming back and requesting his section every time. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you we really appreciate you

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Allison C.

7 months ago

My husband love it here. Used to go to the one in Covina but we came to the one on foothills twice, more recently... love the hacienda like vibes inside. Not bad for a chain. Also, the bar looks nice - more renovated than other locations... the place is nice and we like to dine in the bar area. It's more lively Anyways, big shout out to our waiter, Richard. He waited on us last time too, and gave us excellent drink/food recommendations. He's super accommodating and friendly. Great customer service overall. We left super satisfied. We recommend the Cadillac margarita + Cantarito for drinks. Btw their seasonal old fashioned was phenomenal (large ice cube in case you're worried). read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you, Allison, we appreciate your feedback, it makes us happy…

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Rand V.

1 month ago

Our food was hot delicious and didn't take much time to get to me. Our waitress Maria S. Was fantastic and very efficient. I recommend 100%

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Veronica A.

Thank you Rand, we appreciate your feedback

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Kyrsten H.

1 month ago

We come to this location often. We always have great service and food. Richard has been our server many times. He's a friendly and attentive server. We're always happy when we're seated in his section as he makes our experience that much better. read more

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Veronica A.

Thank you for sharing your fantastic experience with us! We are…

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Tenn p.

5 months ago

Love coming here on for brunch! Excellent customer service (shoutout one of the waiters Carlos), breakfast/brunch buffet. Serviced dishes from Mexico. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good morning!! read more

El Torito - Buffet bar - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Business owner information

Veronica A.

Thank you we appreciate you

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Wagner T.

5 months ago

Always enjoy coming here for Sunday brunch. The food selection is excellent and never disappoints. Today our server, Maria S., was wonderful, attentive, friendly, and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our visit. Looking forward to coming back again soon! read more

Business owner information

Veronica A.

Thank you please come back soon

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Ash B.

4 months ago

Christopher is a wonderful manager who truly goes above and beyond. During our visit, he personally checked in to make sure everything was perfect and promptly resolved a small issue with genuine care and professionalism. The restaurant is well-run, the service is consistently pleasant, and the food is excellent. His positive leadership truly enhances the overall dining experience. read more

Business owner information

Veronica A.

Thank you, Ash, we are so happy to be able to accomplish our goal,…

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Melissa G.

2 months ago

First visit in a while. Let's say the company has improved. We went for Sunday brunch. The drink menu, cafe de olla, bottomless mimosas, along with brunch selection is superb. Large selection, homemade tortillas, chilaquiles, and my favorite the menudo. Our waitress Rebeca was on top of everything we asked for. Definitely will tell our friends El Torito is back to what we knew a long time ago. read more

Business owner information

Veronica A.

Thank you Melissa, so happy you were happy with our food and service,…

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Page 3 of 64

3333 E Foothill Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
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
16 Reviews

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

View 1 more answer

How are the tamales?

Good! Hot and tasty

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How much is brunch buffet Saturday?

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

View 2 more answers

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

Yes! And it is absolutely delicious

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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.

View 2 more answers

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.

View question details

When do kids eat free?

If they are the owners family, otherwise no.

View question details

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.

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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.

View question details

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):)

View 2 more answers

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.

View question details

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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View All 16 Questions

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

972 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

8 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.

1 year 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.

1 year 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

Dani J.

1 year ago

I had such a great experience ordering takeout this past Monday, thanks to the incredible service from Jason working as the host. He mentioned he was still new to the role, but you wouldn't have known it, he handled everything like a pro! Even as the restaurant got busy, he stayed calm, organized, and completely in control of the room. He didn't just stand at the podium waiting for work to come to him, he stayed busy the entire time. From seating guests and managing the host stand to checking on orders in the kitchen, he was on top of everything. He even checked in with me multiple times to give me status updates on my order and made sure the waiting guests were taken care of and kindly offered me extra chips and salsa for the wait (which honestly wasn't long at all. Fresh food takes time, but I know some people can be impatient these days). Hadn't been to this location in years. I love the renovations y'all did to the interior--modern, yet still keeping the restaurant's charm. Thanks again Jason and all the staff at El Torito Pasadena :) read more

Azul P.

8 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.

8 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.

1 month 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.

8 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

Denny M.

2 months ago

We had such a great experience at El Torito that we had to come back--and it did not disappoint. We first came about two weeks ago and were so impressed that we made it a point to return today. Everything was just as good (if not better). The food, the spread, the freshness--top notch across the board. Shoutout to Beto, our server, who provided amazing service from start to finish. Attentive, friendly, and really helped make the experience even better. Highlights for us: * The carnitas -- absolutely fire ! * Fresh, handmade tortillas -- you can taste the difference * The omelet station -- cooked perfectly and super fresh * Chocolate fondue -- my daughter LOVED it * Fried plantains -- my wife was all about these Overall, just a fantastic experience. Great food, great service, great vibe. We'll definitely be back again. Highly recommend! read more

Ray F.

5 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

3 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.

8 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

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El Torito - mexican - Updated May 2026

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