I like their food very much. I always sit outside in order to soak up the happy Capitola vibes. The building has been fixed up and it looks nice. read more

Had lunch at El Toro Bravo while at the Capitola Art & Wine festival today. It is a small restaurant with a good size menu of Mexican food. We were seated and given menus immediately. A waitress then came right away to take our drink order and bring us chips and salsa. I ordered the crispy taco with carne asada and my sister ordered chicken quesadillas. The taco was good, but could have used some cheese. Instead it came with a large portion of shredded lettuce. I ordered the pico on the side in case it had jalapeños in it, which it did. My sister didn't care for the chicken quesadillas. It had pieces of raw celery and green peppers in it and not enough cheese. I tasted it and the chicken was flavorless. I'd go back for the carne asada tacos but would order two next time and ask for cheese to be sprinkled on them. read more

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Today I think I had the most disappointing "super burrito" I have had in the state of California. Utterly bland. No sauce, no spice, not even much salt. It was like taking canned beans and unseasoned carnitas and a little bit of chopped lettuce and stuffing it into a tortilla. I told my wife about it and she asked, "Was it that place right across from the beach bathrooms at Capitola beach? I totally agree! It's terrible!" How sad that in a state with some of the best Mexican food on the planet--and at a breathtaking spot on a legendary beach--the food is so totally uninspiring! El Toro ownership--please make a change here. Do something! read more

We stopped in to get food before the Wednesday Music in the Village. My 2 friends were really hungry, but I'd eaten more recently and wasn't really hungry. They allowed me to order a chicken and cheese quesadilla off the kids menu. They also gave me a cup of ice water with a lid and straw for like 35 cents and gave me some salsa when I asked. I didn't eat it at the concert but heated it in the air fryer when I got home. Absolutely delish! Mild green peppers and wonderfully flavored chicken really made it great! Plus the salsa is fantastic! It was also super busy and they offered great service! read more

So happy that El Toro Bravo is back open again! It was heartbreaking, what happened to their establishment. I am glad to report the food is still amazing, as is the service! We got a chance to finally return to Capitola this weekend and this was one of our first stops. The house made guac with chips is so dang good and their salsa is really good too. My wife loves their chicken tacos and I had the beef taco and cheese enchilada combo. Can't wait to come back next time! read more

El Toro Bravo - Beef taco, cheese enchilada combo - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

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Decided to try this place out since I was craving Mexican food. The food was DISGUSTING! Ordered a cheese enchilada ala cart. The grease was sitting on top that you could see it. When I took a bite, it was unbearable to swallow due to the extreme amount of grease so I had to spit it out (which I never do at restaurants) and I had almost thrown up. I didn't even dare to try another bite. When the waitress asked if I liked it since she noticed I didn't eat it, I admitted it was too greasy and she was just like "oh...". Not apologetic and didn't remove it from the bill. Needless to say, I will not be back! read more

El Toro Bravo - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

The food is always delicious here! The service is excellent and the warm welcoming I receive every time I go. The ambience of the restaurant has always been great, but with the remodel and mural on the walls is amazing, it's gorgeous! read more

So glad they were able to reopen. If I lived here again, I'd want to eat here every day. Warm, welcoming, cozy; feels like home. Hadn't been here in decades. There's a long family history with this place. Had a simple cheese enchilada with rice and refried beans and a margarita (no salt) because bad kidneys. Wolfed everything down in 15 minutes. Not bad for an old man. The food is flavorful without being oversalted, which is death to me. This is a reasonably priced gem in the heart of The Village. read more

I'm local went a few weeks ago very disappointed, dry meat cheese cold , no flavor a simple taco so I decided to try them once more today a ground beef taco not fresh the meat tasted funky 1 taco 6.95 won't be going back read more

PROs: Great location Suuuuuper nice waitress!! A part of the menu is dedicated to vegan options! CONs: A tad pricey ... read more

El Toro Bravo - a glass of modelo especial - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Quaint little spot in Capitola! Do not set your expectations for a traditional taqueria and you'll be surprised! It was a beautiful day in capitola and we were quickly sat outside for a group of 6. The food was pretty tasty and we highly recommend the nachos. Not pictured was a chile verde and the pork was pretty tender. I would've salted it a bit more but that's a slight caveat. read more

We love El Toro Bravo! Best shrimp enchiladas and chile rellenos! We go there every time we are in the area, which is at least once a month. It is very casual and comfortable and the gals that own it or work there are very warm and welcoming. Great service! We can't wait til they reopen soon! read more

The food was excellent. We started with the fish ceviche, which was incredibly fresh and delicious. I had the tamale plate, and it was both tasty and satisfying. I especially loved their rice and beans. The service was also great--they seated us quickly and brought our food out fast. I will definitely be returning. read more

Great food! And the service is par none! They are always happy and excited to see you! I love the consistency of the food that they serve!

I'm having a bit of a sweet tooth at the moment so I got a churro which was $2. Not bad in my opinion especially here at the beach. I pay more for churros whenever I'm back in Fresno. It was delicious and satisfied my sweet tooth. The staff were all friendly and the outdoor seating with the cool breeze was scrumptious! I need. Also for all the dog lovers... They're dog friendly like most of Capitola. They came out to me with a menu which was sweet. They greeting me with a water bowl for my dog which I didn't even ask for yet. I felt like they were reading my mind and was being served hand and foot. I've had a wholesome experience. Thank you El Toro Bravo for making my experience here so welcoming. read more

El Toro Bravo - The dog bowl they offered my dog some water with. - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Looking forward to your reopening. Susie really misses you guys. Byron My first lunch will be your chile verda and 2nd that great big taco rolled up in a flour tortilla yum read more

I had left a pair of prescription sunglasses in their restroom when helping my toddler son. I stopped back a week later and asked if they found them. Several of the staff acknowledge they had found them but couldn't locate them at that time. One of the staff took down my information and said they'll find them and get in touch. I received no contact from that person. I emailed the contact address on the website and received no response. We've eaten here on several occasions but the lack of follow-up is disappointing. I take responsibility for leaving my glasses there (distracted parent). It is the acknowledgement they were found and the lack of follow-up that will prevent us from patronizing this establishment in the future. read more

Can't beat amazing Mexican food at the beach. Friendly staff and great food. Highly recommended the steak nacho's.

Ate here during one of the busiest times of the year during the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. The food was excellent and our server, Esmeralda, was great. Despite the crowd, she patiently answered our questions, took our order and promptly served our food with a smile. Would definitely go back here! read more

Amazing! My husband had crab and shrimp enchiladas, excellent! I had taco and margaritas! Perfect!

I would like to start by saying there was no one else in the restaurant at the time of my arrival. That was the first red flag. This establishment needs to take Mexican out of its name!! The lack of energy and effort that was given to my group can in no way represent the Mexican culture. With that being said, the food was unreasonably over priced and the taste was bland. What was served to us was poorly wrapped burritos, an overload of beans, and a plastic cup of salsa! You would think for the price you would be engulfed with flavors..... Capitola deserves so much better than this! read more

As a Mexican I am truly disappointed at the abomination they call Mexican food. My friend ordered a "burrito" but I guess the cook doesn't know how to fold one because it was falling apart. It was 90% beans & 10% meat. If I could give negative stars I would. I ordered the enchiladas. The rice was stale and flavorless. I think their chef is canned food & a microwave. The enchilada sauce tasted like water and their hot sauce was way too sweet. I think to save money they fill you up with beans. My plate was drenched in beans and one scoop of rice. Overpriced gross "Mexican" food is what they should change their business name to rather than el Toro bravo. It will be really bravo when you have to use the bathroom right when you finish eating. You'll be gripping the toilet seat begging god to help you. The only good part about this place is when the server asked "would you like me to top you off" which was hilarious. My advice.... Stick with pizza my heart which is 3 mins away from toro. read more

El Toro Bravo - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Get the cheese enchiladas they are AMAZING!!!!! I love this place, it's been a while since I've been here but it never disappoints YUMMMMMMM!!!! read more

Love the food, the service and the ambiance- its Capitola and the competition is fierce, but you will not be disappointed at all with this place. Try the Tacolada! A family owned business that we always support in a tourist town. You won't go away hungry. read more

What a great find of friendly people, delicious authentic Mexican food and a cozy clean cafe to eat in with free chips and salsa! We loved the food, Chicken Tostada, Cheese Enchilada and Custom Taco, that we had at El Toro Bravo. Their location is right by the beach so there is plenty of parking - 3 hours free. Can't wait to go back! read more

El Toro Bravo - the outside of a mexican food restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Great service, great food and the prices are right!! They have vegan options as well so that's a definite plus!!

Love this joint. The best enchilada sauce ever!! Friendly staff and you get the food fast. This place has never steered me great food it's a small location I would not recommend a group bigger than ten. read more

El Toro Bravo - #8 ole cheese enchiladas and a bean and cheese wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Horrible food. Has no flavor whatsoever. If you go to Capitola definitely do not eat here.

I came here for lunch today after a long absence.I always enjoyed the food here.Today ordered my fave chicken enchilada with a side of of rice and a side of refried beans.Wnd a soda.Everything was fresh and delicious.The service here is really good. read more

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Have been coming to the area for years but it's Cinco de Mayo so wanted Mexican service is amazing ......food fresh ....we will be back!!! Family owned for 55 years and that's a bonus!! You will not be disappointed read more

This place is very iffy. Sometimes it's good. And sometimes it's not. Today we went there and the rice was crisps. It was so old they can clearly describes the pan and gave us old rice. I just had surgery so it's hard for me to cook right now, so I was looking forward to something warm and this was kind of cold. They can be good, but they also it can be just mediocre. Definitely disappointed today though. read more

My boyfriend was scared to bring me since we're from the Bay Area and he thought my standards were too high! But this place was really good. I got a the tamale and cheese enchilada. I really like that their sauce isn't overwhelming. The salsa was a bit odd with a strong pepper (table) presence but that's honestly the only thing I wasn't excited about. I didn't mean I wasn't eating it though. Since it's in Cap Village, it is a bit pricey. Too be expected. read more

Very convenient location right next to capitalo beach and a pretty diverse menu (there was a vegan menu too). Their a la carte taco menu was a bit overpriced (6.75 for one shrimp taco) - could make sense due to the location or post-covid prices. Overall not too bad read more

El Toro Bravo - Nachos con todo (no beans) and nachos with cheese - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

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Wonderful service! Hillary and Christy Amazing!!! Awesome Guacamole! Delicious dinner! Priced just right! Great location! We will back read more

El Toro Bravo - El Toro Bravo! - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

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Came here on memorial day with my family! We were in the mood for some good Mexican food! But what we failed to do was look at the reviews before we came here. What we should've done, was wait for Zeldas to call her name! This food, who is the most unfaithful and bland Mexican food I have ever eaten! I ordered a quesadilla with the works, Super plan! But hey! Their rice and beans are dank! My husband ordered shrimp and steak fajitas and he told me that I make a better for heat a plate than a real Mexican word! He only ate the shrimp, he said that the steak tasted like rubber! read more

I've been coming to this establishment since I was a kid...they've always had decent food, fair prices( for the village), and pleasant staff. After moving back to the area with my young son a few years back I've continued my patronage at el Toro, ordering takeout weekly for the two of us. Typically ordering an entree, and a side of beans. My son likes the beans best, and enjoys using them to make burritos & tacos d over the following days. Recently however, I've noticed a slight decrease in food quality and also that prices are increasing. (They've even started charging a buck 25 for a tiny bag of chips!) I just assumed it was because of all the changes afoot lately, everyone is struggling. But last night I came home after spending $25 on soup, a taco and a side of beans only to find they'd given me about a forth of what we usually get. I mean, it was absurd how little they gave us. The beans, typically filled to the top of the container, were nothing but a thin 1/3 inch layer, browning at the edges from being over cooked. It looked almost as if we'd gotten someone's half eaten left overs! I called them to ask why they'd given us such small portions, but was simply told that they have different cooks from day to night and they determine portions. There wasn't a single attempt made by the gal I spoke with to resolve the issue, instead she rather rudely dismissed my complaint and said goodbye. All I can say is it that unfortunately this place isn't what it used to be, in food quality nor service, and I'd strongly recommend looking elsewhere the next time you have a craving for Mexican. read more

El Toro Bravo - Side of beans for $4!? - Mexican Near Me - Capitola, California

Aside from my own home town, Capitola is my favorite seaside village. I visit here a couple of times a year and absolutely love this place! Been coming here for years. They have the best rice, beans, salsa, and menudo! Great customer service and great place for a grab and go to the beach! read more

Not so sure my previous review memory of the (thicker) salsa is valid? Since we've returned easily 20+ times since then, we love their salsa with chips - plus I order a spare salsa for mixing into my machaca. ETB is now an essential part of each day trip experience to Capitola... Great dining experience! read more

Just this: I spent $47 on TO GO food and gave the "waitress" who neglected to even acknowledge my presence upon entry a 22% tip - I asked for ONE extra (little) tub of salsa (feeding four people) and she not only gave me a snort but called her manager over to make me ask for one more tub of little salsa. I get running a biz by the beach involves careful meting of resources but a paying customer at a $50 price point who has left MORE THAN ADEQUATE tip on "to go" should perhaps get a salsa per person - if not approaching excessive...but should also be accommodated privately and with respect. read more

Service was cool. The food was hot garbage spent 60 on a burrito and nachos easily one of the most nasty Mexican restaurant I've ever tried. I honestly never write reviews but I thought I'd try and save a innocent person from walking in there the chef can't even fold a burrito read more