This has been a favor since I was a kid. But now I'm old and a food snob and I still love this place! One of the best Hispanic spots in town

Went here on Sunday 6/7 at around 4pm. Food was mid. Finished paid for our food and tipped 20% of our total in cash. Server then proceeded to add an additional $10 tip onto my card. So beware as servers here will steal from you... Update: called the restaurant the first person that answered sounded like the server that stole from me. Asked for a manager. Manager didn't even let me finish what I was saying and told me to just come in and they'll give me a $10 bill. So clearly their employee stealing from customers is a common thing. read more

We were in Lincoln for cinco de Mayo staying at a hotel in the area. The reviews were great for El Toro, and it was well worth our drive in the rain. We were happy with our El Toro margaritas, chips and salsa. Our dinners came and they were delicious. I had the carne asada tacos which came with guacamole, rice, beans and pico de gallo. Service was friendly and fast. The place was packed! It's located in a strip mall, so the parking lot is large. I would come here again while staying in Lincoln. read more

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The chips and salsa are so good here! They give mild and spicy and they are both great. I ordered the small portion of the chicken tortilla soup ($5) as an appetizer because I was so hungry and wanted something right away! It came in a HUGE bowl with so much soup that I didn't even have space to order anything else! Lol I will definitely be back for the main course! Besides that, customer service was good, cute little cozy spot :) read more

I have been craving queso and chips for weeks now and finally decided it was time. My friend suggested El Toro for it's "bomb queso" and I thought I'd give it a try. I am so pleased! Let me start by saying I've found it hard to find the winning Mexican restaurant in town whose location is convenient to me (Northeast) Lincoln. There is one near my home that I do not care for, and another near 70th and O that is my go to. Copal is my favorite but I reserve that for more of a classy Mexican meal so I think El Toro might just take the cake for now. Due to coronavirus, I ordered food to go. Service was quick, the restaurant looks nice, but the staff could maybe smile more. I ordered this around 4:30 and asked to pick it up at 5, and was very happy that it was hot and fresh and hadn't been waiting around to get soggy and cool. I picked it up but due to errands wasn't able to get into it until about 45 minutes later so presentation was probably a little off. I normally always order fajitas, sometimes tacos, but this time I got chicken cream cheese enchiladas with El Toro sauce. I was nervous when I opened it. It honestly just looked like a hot mess. At first bite I was more just curious as I don't really eat enchiladas. But it was good. I didn't see cream cheese (lots of red and chicken) and the El Toro sauce was hard to find as well, so I wasn't even sure if it was the right order but I think it was. lol. The taste was great. I was worried about soggy enchiladas but they were ok. The real winner was the beans and rice. Here's the thing, I really don't like beans and rice at most Mexican restaurants. They have no flavor. These were SO yummy I ate them all. But what about the queso? Oh yes, the queso. It didn't disappoint. I wish you got a huge Styrofoam cup full like I do at Mazatlan but this worked. I liked that the queso isn't overly salty or spicy (hot) but it comes with jalapenos on top so you can kind of play with your spice level. It really hit the spot. The salsa was also tasty and flavorful. My order include three small Solo containers with salsa, one being the spicy one. Chips were good, not too salty. I also ordered the kids grilled cheese and fries for my son. The fries are actually really yummy, but my son barely at any of it. #toddlers And, for a treat, I also got a blended raspberry margarita. It was yummy!! By the time I got home it was melted and separated so probably would be much better in store but still, it was nice. read more

We have been long time fans of El Toro until tonight! We noticed right away that the salsa was different. our meals came (we always order the same thing) and everything seemed different and not in a good way. So sad that it was not as good as it has always been. We decided we will give them one more try and we are hoping our subpar meal was because it was just an off night. read more

We went as party of 6 for lunch. Four out of six entrees were wrong. I have no idea how it got so botched - chicken quesadilla didn't have any chicken, cheese enchiladas had beef in them, and such. We asked 3 times for more chips and salsa, with no luck. It wasn't until one person in our party got up (using a cane), with empty chip baskets, that we finally got a refill. People in our party who had been there before said it used to be way better. We won't be back. read more

El Toro, a neighborhood institution for easy, fast, cheap Mexican, got Morales..ized. New menu, new salsa... bring back the old El Toro. The one with big portions I could feed my whole family with.Normal tabs were $45‐60 for a family of 4. Last night, it was $80. Sincerely, the cheap dad with hungry, growing kids. read more

Amazing chicken tortilla soup! Probably the best I've had. My family got shredded beef chimichangas. Loved it! Great service! Fast and friendly. Will definitely be back! Thanks so much!! read more

El Toro Mexican Restaurant - Chicken tortilla soup - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

El Toro slaps. Anyone saying otherwise is a hater sipping on the hater-ade. It's exactly what it claims to be: a Mexican place. Anyone expecting anything else needs to reassess their expectations of life in general. read more

Horrible experience, I saw a cockroach by the front door I decided to go in since it was by the door and it could've just wondered in but I regret it completely, manager was very rude,food portions are very small, and the food didn't smell anything fresh so it made me loose my appetite never coming back read more

I spent $44 here and I ordered a Expresso Burrito! It was so extremely spicy ( hot) I couldn't eat it. I called the restaurant and they didn't care. So becareful what you order here!! read more

El Toro Mexican Restaurant - a plate of enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Excellent shredded beef chimichanga. The Abram margarita with top shelf patron was excellent.

The service was abysmal. The food was below average. Seriously disappointed. It's been a while since we have been here but the experience was not positive. There are many other restaurants in town that are better and less expensive. I seldom post reviews but this experience warranted it. read more

Seriously hate that we had a bad experience. I loved Las Margaritas which was owned by the same family and I want to support them. But their service at this location is consistently bad and tonight was the worst. I ordered fajitas and my daughter had two enchiladas. They brought out her food and my sides for the fajitas. It took a little bit to get the sizzling fajitas and I immediately asked for the tortillas she forgot. I waited...15 minutes and had asked another waiter, and our waitress again. She proceeded to take another tables order and then bring them drinks so I ask again. Finally she brings them out, fajitas no longer sizzling and there was no apology. Then I asked for a to-go box for everything. I didn't get a container for the salsa but wanted one. The waitress was no where to be found. The chips and salsa person did not speak English. Finally, I ask our waitress for a container for salsa and she says I had to pay extra for that. They give the salsa away at the table. I was asking for a container for the salsa that I did t eat at the table. We go to the counter to check out and no one is there to check us out. It's like s ghost town in there. Luckily I used a QR code on toast to pay with an app but the service is absolutely horrible. I'm sadly never going back to this location. read more

So on the 20th of July we went to El Toro a restaurant we have gone to for 20 plus year's. We had our dinner, and each of us a margarita. We get the bill and they now charge a 1.50 if you use a card.so our bill with charge for card use 49.31. I left a Cash tip of 9 dollar's on the table of which he picked up before I left the table. Went up and paid put 0 with a line through it on tip line, and brought down to total 49.31. In checking my account today the 23rd, I see they changed the charge to 54.31. I called El Toro ask for the manager she said at the end of the night the waiter does not put his tip info on for that ticket, they add 5 dollar's for the tip. She said if you come in we will give it back in cash. I said no my card needs corrected for the deceptive charge. She said they could not do that with their system. Then as I'm going over there she calls me back from caller ID and said they can do that and I can come get the receipt. So I go get the receipt and they refunded my drinks so it would not show a reflection on them that they charged an additional tip. I told the guy there who happened to be the waiter, I wanted to see the manager and she was gone. So a restaurant I have gone to for 20 plus year's and supported during the pandemic has lost a customer, for being deceptive. So watch what gets charged to your account by El Toro. read more

This is my favorite Mexican place in town! Without question it is where I will pick 100% of the time when given the option.

I had given up on Mexican up north. But my two nieces talked me into this one -- I went knowing I would not like it but I wouldn't say anything to hurt my beautiful ladies -- boy I learned a lesson! Listen to the ladies!! This place not only has vegetarian on the menu - they listened to what I wanted that wasn't on the menu and made it for me to perfection. Salsa (which is what I judge most Mexican restaurants by) was very good. Then I asked for their hot Salsa, telling them Im a Salsa type guy, they brought me a real hot one, plus a couple of more for me to try. I ended up with a great dinning experience. My wife agrees with me on this one - you need to try it yourself. Especially if you actually life in this snowbound area and like Mexican food -- here is your one spot in Lincoln to get the real deal! No ketchup salsa here!! read more

El Toro Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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Anahi was an amazing waitress- she made us feel attended to throughout the meal, and her warm smile made us feel immediately comfortable. Not to mention, the food is pretty great. read more

Always a great place to eat at. They are willing to do substitutions on most of the food. The food is always out very quickly and delicious. It is a pretty decently priced place to eat at. The wait staff is always helpful and friendly. read more

Not a bad little place! Their mild salsa is deliciously fresh tasting. Service was very good. Everyone with me enjoyed their food. There were three carnivores and two vegetarians (including myself) and we all had plenty to choose from which was so nice. My chile relleno burrito was really good - a little spicy for my taste but overall very tasty! This place is definitely vegetarian friendly. Thumbs up from me! read more

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My wife and I have eaten at this restaurant on many, many occasions and have been impressed both with the service and with the quality and authenticity of the food. I lived in El Paso, Texas, for three years and have traveled to Mexico many times. My experience with Mexican food has strongly influenced my judgement regarding authentic Mexican restaurants. And in Lincoln, NE, El Toro is the best there is. Their salsa is excellent and the ice cold Negra Modelo they serve is a great accompaniment to the spicy fare. Everything on the menu makes me think I'm back in Juarez. I highly recommend this establishment. read more

I used to like this place a lot. Either my tastes have changed or they have, but, the huge portions are not enough for me anymore. Every dish is full of sauce, and it seems like they are trying to cover up the real ingredients. I generally like the Morales restaurants, but this is my least favorite. read more

I really love El Toro. My boyfriend and I really prefer to eat here as opposed to some other popular Mexican places, because I enjoy supporting this little hole-in-the-wall. The chips and salsa are OUTSTANDING and the service is quick most of the time. My only two complaints are that 1) when the service IS slow, it is very, very slow and 2) the food is a little inconsistent- sometimes is amazing, sometimes it is eh. read more

Just passing through. I had the Chimichnaga with Queso Blanco. It was delicious. Some of the best I've had. Service was good and speedy. The chips and salsa were also stellar. read more

This tiny, hole-in-the-wall Mexican has become one of my South Lincoln favorites. I find myself making a weekly appearance there and I have to this point never left disappointed. If we're talking strictly cuisine, I do feel there are better Mexican restaurants in Lincoln, but El Toro comes with some perks that set it over the top. Food - Good, fresh, and huge. Always start with the complimentary chips and salsa, which is nothing too extraordinary. I always fancy their hot salsa myself. I am always a fan of their Arroz con Pollo, any fajita platter, and (on occasions) their Chorizo con Huevos. I tend to stay away from fried food, but my friends always enjoy their chimichangas and burritos just fine. When I go with my fiance, we normally split a meal and both leave stuffed. I feel that I'm a pretty big eater, but their plates tend to be ginormous. So either go hungry, or bring a friend. I've never had enough room for desserts. Drinks- Ladies and gentlemen, this is the reason I have given El Toro 4 stars. Wednesday and Thursday, El Toro has very healthy sized flavored margaritas for $2.50. Let's just say after two of there, I'm looking for someone to drive me home. They have over five flavors to choose from for the special, but my personal favorite has become the blue on the rocks with salt on the rim. They also run beer specials on Mondays and Tuesday. I have also had their pina colada, and was quite impressed - though the amount of real coconut milk is probably enough to clog my arteries for a while! Service- Only once has there been a little mix up in who was supposed to take our order, but besides that it is always fine. They have one man there (I assume he is the owner or the manager) who is dynamite, always a bright face and adds a lot to the experience. All the other servers are very timely and helpful, they have a small staff so they tend to be very experienced. It should be noted that El Toro is quite small, they only have 2 locations where tables of five or more can sit, so taking a group of over four is not highly advisable without a reservation. Overall, it's a very charming restaurant. Good food, good drinks (unbeatable specials), and good staff. read more

As stated in previous reviews this is not high class dinning experience but if you want a local neighborhood Mexican restaurant with large portions and friendly service this is the place. It's always packed on the weekends with a line out of the door, so that's a positive sign. You are always greeted up entering and do not have to wait long for a table. The prices are fair and the portions are gargantuan, we always leave with a to go box. It's just up the street from my house and is a nice backup if dinner does not turn out well (don't tell my wife he-he) or I just want a warm meal, total comfort food. This restaurant has been open for over 15 years and will continue in the same legacy. read more

Not as good as it used to be - food was pretty good. Service was poor. Very giggly young girls chatting and on their phones in the corner who could occasionally be interrupted to wait on tables. Drinks were watered down and needed to be remade which they did do upon request. Used to eat here often but have not been impressed the past two visits. Would do take-out only. read more

Consistently good food with excellent service. Prices are reasonable. Wide variety on the menu. Nothing fancy, just good Mexican food. read more

El Toro Mexican Restaurant - Fish tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

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This place really closes at 8:30 pm not at 9:00 pm as they advertise. It's nice when businesses post their true hours , to avoid inconveniencing their patrons. read more

I'd say one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. With lots of options and great food.

Great service. Excellent food. My husband always gets arroz con pollo. Best in town. Complementary warm chips and great salsa. I normally get the taco salad without the fried bowl. Never like those bowls. It comes with tender white meat chicken and a great sauce on it. Tonight I got the chicken tortilla soup because I wasn't that hungry. Very nice sized bowl with avocado and great flavor! read more

I have been going to El Toro for 21 years. I am 21 years old. I have been there hundreds of times and it is amazing food and service each time. The staff knows me by name and is very friendly. You're making a mistake if you do not eat here. read more

Food came out very fast, and tasted delicious. I got their new Macho Grande Burrito and was very pleased. Large portion too, taking my leftovers for lunch tomorrow. read more

This restaurant is absolutely amazing! I ordered a quesadilla and my fiancé had tacos. Both were fresh, delicious, and ready fast. The portions are huge and we had plenty of food to take home. The staff is extremely friendly as well. I'll definitely be coming back to this restaurant! read more

I was looking for an authentic and casual Mexican food restaurant in Lincoln and that is exactly what I got. Our server was amazingly kind and was very timely about fulfilling our requests for more chips or another margarita. El Toro's margaritas are some of the best I have ever had. I ordered both strawberry and mango on the rocks and they were so fresh and not overly sugary like most are. The food was delicious. I recommend coming hungry because the portions are huge! They have so many combinations to offer, which I really like because most restaurants restrict your options to mix and match. The prices are appropriate for the portion size, I easily got two meals out of it. read more

If I could give ZERO stars I would! The cooks must have left the building. The beef and beans in my meal tasted like cheap canned chili and beans that come from the dollar store! This was the worst meal I have ever had! And they used to be the best in town too! I am really upset! read more

Great salsa. I don't like spicy food and their mild salsa was perfect. The tacos al pastor are delicious. I usually don't like onions and forgot to ask for them without, but I'm glad I forgot! Give them a try! Reasonable prices and since I don't like rice and beans I was able to get the tacos without the sides and not pay for the sides. That allowed room in the budget for some delicious fried ice cream! read more

Great service, great ambiance, customer care is always on point especially from the Tall girls that are servers. Keep up the good work

This was my first time visiting El Toro and I can honestly say it is now my favorite mexican restaurant! I can not believe I've never been here before. We arrived on a Friday night at 9:45 pm. Not realizing that they closed at 10:00 pm. Yes - we were those people. Lol needless to say - they didn't rush us, they were polite, the food was awesome and although we apologized profusely for keeping them there late (we left by 10:30.) - they were awesome and so nice to us. Did I say the food was awesome! Large portions, very tasty and served quickly. I'm not one to usually review much on Yelp but felt compelled to this time. Give these guys a try. You will not be disappointed! read more