Every time I come, I wait for Cyntia G, she's the best waitress, treats us like friends and always a great attitude no matter how busy she is. Myriam makes the best drinks when she's behind the bar. Look for her! read more

After three visits: Visit #1: Took my mother here for her birthday and we were treated awfully! We just sat, waiting and staring at our empty glasses. The food was cold, as if it had been sitting there awhile. When the manager asked how our visit was, I advised him and we were given a free meal. Whoopty doo- thanks for ruining her birthday. Visit #2: Taco Tuesday- A bunch of 18 year olds with fake ID's crowded onto the patio for cheap tacos. Fire hazard- I'm sure they were above occupancy, as I couldn't even breathe. Visit #3: Ordered a shredded beef burrito. Instead, someone decided I needed mroe chicken in my diet, and I recieved an ice cold chicken burrito- the cheese wasn't melted it was so cold. Someone was playing with the lights the whole time. It would get super dark, then bright, then dark. The whole freakin' time. No point in complaining- We waited about 20 minuites for the "Fast Lunch Special" or whatever it is and I didn't have another 20 minuites to wait for another bad burrito. How hard is it to throw cold chicken in a cold tortilla with some cold sauce and cold cheese? Does El Torito cook their food, or leave it under the heat lamp forever? read more

Horrible service from the waitress to the management. Our food came back soggy, super greasy and bland on one plate. The other was cold and cheese wasn't all the melted. It was busy during the time we went (@6pmish) but geez... Hire up better cooks and staff who really seem to care. Management, Take notice as well, you are the leaders and flagship. Maybe if you properly handle your GUESTS concerns and complaints in a non egotistic, rude manner. Unprofessional!!! Will NEVER go back to this restaurant. Wouldn't even let a dog have the leftovers! Will try to reach out to district management and see if they seem concerned about how this establishment is being ran. read more

Service was great, but the food was very gross. We will never go back to el torito. Also the place looks like it needs to be updated.

Margaritas Noooo Bueno, tequila shots half full, Corona's warm..... Only one bartender on Cinco de Mayo..... El Torito use to be the place to gooo :( Noooo mas...... read more

Crazy great brunch - much better than I remember from previous brunches here. They have really upped their brunch game. Server Cuco was awesome too. Very festive, friendly restaurant with awesome food. read more

Ordered a sea food fajita, took one bite from the mahi mahi and almost threw up! Drinks was nasty. The only good thing was the guac and chips, other than that it was bad. Would never go back read more

Food is not great here, barely even decent for Mexican food! I like the location and atmosphere. Service was good, but the food just was not good. I've eaten here twice and I know I will never go back! Just a waste of money on bad Mexican food! read more

Craving brunch but all other places being booked past noon, we headed to El Torito to try their brunch. Okay, at best. The best part was, obviously, the alcohol. The taco meat was dry and everything but the carnitas was supremely unseasoned. Tortillas were undercooked but I don't blame the poor lady, making tortillas and staffing the taco bar all by herself. The meat bar - dry. Sausage and bacon were positively dripping in fat. Desserts were lacking, with only carrot cake, flan, sheet cake and brownies offered. Flan was actually disgusting and churros were flavorless. We never got to the omelette or banana bar. By our second servings, we were both ready to go. If you want brunch in Riverside, this is not the place. For $23.99/pp, you'll get much better food, service and drinks at ProAbition or Cafe Sevilla. read more

Destiny was AMAZING!!! the best server i have ever had. if you decide to come to el torito, request destiny, you will be beyond satisfied!!!

We've been coming to this El Torito for a few years now. Margarita are great and food is consistently good, however, this night we noticed an unexplained "Surchage" on our bill. After asking both the hostess and the manager about it, the finally explained that "corporate" was having them add this to offset "labor costs". What? I'm not part of your labor issues. Tell me the cost of my meal, up front and I'll pay it, or go elsewhere, but don't tell me, after the fact, that I'm paying an additional fee, that I didn't agree to, to cover your labor costs. Everyone can do as they want, but after many years of patronage, we won't be back. read more

Not many places in Riverside that offer a quality Sunday brunch at an affordable price. Happy to say that brunch was great and the service outstanding. Will be going again soon. read more

If your'e looking for a good mexican dinner, with excellent service. You have to try out EL TORITO in the Riverside plaza. Also if your'e lucky enough to land the best server ive had by the name of ALEX VAZQUEZ. You will be highly impressed. The food was great. Even when they are packed, they still make you feel important. Great service by ALEX VAZQUEZ and great food! read more

I was not at all happy with the service or food given to me. The Torta i ordered was a burger with chicken. That is not as Torta it was not at all close to the description on the menu. I work in the plaza. I ordered online and 30 min later I walk over to the restaurant and my food was not prepared. They tell me they ran out of bread but failed to call me and let me know even though my email and telephone number was included in the online order. I had to continue to wait and the Women who was the greeter was very very unprofessional. Weeks later a friend of mine orders exactly what I ordered and received a properly made TORTA. Hmmmmm interesting. Glad she got what she wanted. I will not be going back and if you expect good service and properly made food do not go to this El Torito. read more

I went for taco Tuesday around 8 at night and the meat didn't look so great but I ate it anyway it's supposed to be fresh meat so right after I was finished btw I didn't even finish my tacos but immediately I got sick and I was throwing up right when we got home... It's been almost a week and I'm still sick with food poisoning. Horrible tacos and I called to complain and the manager was so rude to me he didn't believe me at all read more

Went to the bar to have a drink with my friend. The bartender did not even acknowledge our presence. Waiter walked by and not one word. We waited a few minutes and no one came up to take care of us. Place was not busy at all. It's not like they were short staffed. A simple hello would have been nice. We walked out. Never coming back. Went to islands instead and we we're promptly taken care of. read more

The place takes a long time with seating but the service overall is great . Cynthia is my favorite server of all time . I've been going there for years just because it was locally from work . We are nurses and just want to have drinks , vent and eat ... but Cynthia has made it so much more pleasurable for me to make the drive from Moreno Valley on my days off . She's happy , accommodating , makes the drinks herself to my liking . Great at delegating my order to my choices and I love it . My BF just met her and he said wow , she's busy with all those tables and yet she came just to say hello and took over the order ! That's great service ! I recommend Cynthia to be your server as well . She's happy , jolly , you know she's smiles under mask . She's makes it worthwhile for me to make that drive on my days off as well . Her costumer service is impeccably awesome ! Thank you Cynthia for bringing me back to el torito in riverside !!! read more

Tried this place out for taco Tuesday, let me tell you if your thinking about going there think again! just go somewhere else. The servers here suck! i could train monkeys to do there job better. Sat for 20 min and never got served on the patio. Even after i called a manger over, who simply stuck his nose up at me. So i'd talk about the food, but i never got any because i never got served and simply walked out after 20 min! Don't put yourself through this! read more

Service was all around great, especially from our server Bertha Alicia! She was very attentive to our table while still helping out other customers. Their happy hour specials were really great as well. read more

Average restaurant, nothing really spectacular the food is more likely than not pre cooked and reheated (or at least it tastes that way) they are usually busy the main problem IMO is the noise level. This is a super noisy restaraunt to the point where you really can't have much of a conversation. read more

Amazing food and drinks!!! Bertha is the best server! So nice and attentive!!!! 10/10 will be coming back again soon.

On Sunday I went to El Torito's Sunday brunch, and the the service was amazing. Brigette was my waitress, and she was sweet as can be. My friends and I loved the mimosas and they went perfectly with all the delicious authentic Mexican food. I will be coming back and asking for Brigette again! read more

Great food and service our waiter Victor Perez was very friendly and accommodating to our needs.

My family and I attended the renowned El Torritos Sunday Brunch, I believe this is the only positive toned sentence in my review your going to read. For my brothers birthday there were 14 of us; family and friends so of course we made reservations ahead of time. When we arrived my mother asked about our reserved table and the hostess was far from any likeness of a hostess. She lacked the proper and desired welcoming smile and she talked ever so rudely to me as I was the one who got to our table as my mother was off waiving down the rest of our party. When we got to our table the floor near two seats were wet and covered with leftovers. When we asked for them to clean it up it was as though we, paying customers, were suppose to live with this inlanitary unwelcoming mess. Even though the reservation was for 14 somehow they didn't pass their High school exit exam math portion because when we went to sit down their was only 12. When I went to go pick up my plate it had left over crud from the last customer and this wasn't the first tableware to have remains as I reached for a bowl the bottom had whipped cream spread over it like a freshly decorated cake. Throughout out brunch the overall expression from the employees was "why am I here I hate my existence, and don't ask me any question because you will receive attitude". And my earlier remark has been proven wrong the service made a slow turn around and I could say by the end of our brunch I was feeling less than negative about this establishment. Although not a one star review it doesn't deserve anywhere near a five. read more

El Torito - I feel this photo best represents my experience - Mexican Near Me - Riverside, California

We went a few days ago once all the bars shut down for a 2nd time. We were so happy we came to this place. As we walked in they had social distancing laid out and the hostess sat us quickly and accommodated us with having a baby. Which was really nice bc I know other families don't like hearing a loud baby. Once we sat down we were greeted by Vincent or server. He was very personable, asking how we are, suggesting drinks, and being friendly towards our kids. He was very fast and efficient. Our drinks came out of fast and our food was hot! The fresh guacamole was to die for!! The best thing I can say about this place and the fact he wrote everything down as a note and remembered what we needed. He didn't have to plug in everything on a tablet then ask again what we ordered, most restaurants have tablets and the servers can't log the order fast enough and we always have to repeat our order. Very annoying. We were very happy with Vince and will be going back and asking for him! BTW.. please tip at least 20% of your bill. The people working are working hard and under these conditions with always wearing a mask.. its very difficult for them but they manage and really make your dining experience fantastic! Ask for Vincent read more

Vicente fantastic and attentive as always. Juan helped him today. Really great service. Really good food.

My service was amazing. Exactly what I needed after a stressful day at work our waitress María Fernanda was on top of it. Excellent customer service and always had a smile on her face. Also a big thank you to the Manager Gabriel he was very attentive. I will definitely be back!!! read more

What can I say!!! El Torito is cheap, fake Mexican food!!! Then why the 3 stars???? They have good drinks & I always have good company :)

Well I was extremely impressed when I asked the Bartender about the tequila and what was her favorite was! Well let me tell you home girl has done her homework! She knocked it out of the ballpark I tried a tequila Ive never thought of trying and she said tequila with lime and salt is always good but try it with oranges and black salt! WOW! She amazed me the bartenders always tell me we have happy hour and push for the cheap stuff... Well not her she made suggestions but she picked up on me wanting to know more about tequila and what I wanted! I'm coming in next week for the mezcal and new drinks and food of course! Please let Jannet know she has a fan for life girl knows her bar! Love that and the fact that she's so welcoming as you walk in she says hello only reason I sat at the bar! Thanks for the amazing service! read more

We went in for happy hour, service was excellent. The margaritas were good as were the mini chimi's, the mini tacos, not so much.

Our waitress Destiny was absolutely amazing! She went above and beyond. They are definitely lucky to have her as an employee. The food was always very good and everything came out as ordered. With always be a favorite place of ours! Highly recommend! read more

Soup and salad or chicken Cesar salad are my favorites. If you are short on time for lunch and need quick service, ask for Rocio to be your server. She has a great attitude and very fast. read more

Myriam and Kuko! Thank you guys so much! Always a pleasure coming to you guys at the bar. Love me those salmon tacos and the attention given here. Will be back looking for them. Thank you. read more

For never having eaten at El Toritos, I'd have to say it's quite good. From the chips and salsa to the absolutely juicy and tasty carne asada. But, the chips could have used a little more salt. read more

I love the friendly service from everyone every time I go in. And the food and drinks are delicious. Kuko makes the best margaritas- skinny, Cadillac, you name it he's awesome and on point!! read more

Stopped in for a drink before a concert, had the pleasure of being served by Kuko... he waa very charming and personable. Ordered some happy hour aps ( sliders, wings, and fries) all were yummy!! thanks again kuko for your great service and smile read more

Came in for brunch and left happy and disgustingly full. UNLIMITED MIMOSAS and ALL YOU CAN EAT buffet.

This place was really good a few years ago, but the service is really bad now. Worst wait times during Taco Tuesdays although the tacos are really worth your money and fresh. read more

I go to this El Torito once in a while. Food is always great. Drinks are great. And I have the same server, Jannet and she is by far the best of the best. Request her if you dine here. She will not disappoint. read more

This place gets 4 stars for taco Tuesday's deals and the micheladas. The rest of the food unfortunately is not my cup of tea. Everything is so bland and lacking. The chips and salsa and tacos on taco Tuesday are the best thing they have here. read more