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El Torito Mexican Restaurant
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
157 reviews for El Torito Mexican Restaurant
Review Highlights
"One of the best happy hour spots in the area."
(in 65 reviews)
"Wish they had Taco Tuesdays AND Taco Thursdays."
(in 11 reviews)
"Oh, and I can't forget the amazing chips + salsa."
(in 30 reviews)
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157 reviews in English
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Review from Emmie L.
12/17/2011
The concept of karaoke nights is awesome! Makes the whole vibe at El Torito fun, hip, great for a Friday or Saturday night out. I really enjoyed the service here; they were very attentive and even though we had a massive group (roughly 20 people), they accommodated our needs and were efficient in getting all of our orders in. Quick in getting the seemingly never-ending chips&salsa and the appetizers out, although I think that the main dishes came out about 30 minutes late.. I don't blame them though; it was a chaotic Friday night when we came. I adored the Tortilla salad and Chicken Quesadilla though.. mmmm. Tortilla salad included crunchy tortilla chip bits, the actual lettuce itself, tomatoes, and this very flavorful green dressing that reminded me of a lighter version of pesto. Went along perfectly with the Chicken quesadilla, 4 mini (but not that mini) quesadillas with the chicken breasts grilled to perfection.
I'm thoroughly impressed. -
Review from Jordan J.
San Jose, CA
1/28/2012
Service - depedns on who is doing, but the ladies are all good
Flavor - varies and not consistent
Pricing - good
Paking - very good, tons
Cleanliness - adequate, old tables and chairs, they can use an upgrade
Hostess service - maybe good, drops below if the hostness is business texting... :) - i think there is a law about "do not host and text???"
The drink - very good on happy hour
oh yes -- outdoor seating - it can be very lovely. -
Review from Cat N.
12/28/2011
The great prices and generous timing for happy hour balance out an otherwise terrible experience. It's a seat-yourself sort of deal for the cantina, but I was annoyed out how brusquely the hostess told us, and even more so when I realized there was no sign-up list. It's a crowded melee of people fighting over seats. We would have been willing to sit out on the patio, but the heaters weren't on and servers or hosts shouldered past us too quickly to ask.
Our server didn't pay much attention while we were ordering and asked the same questions over again or got the drink orders wrong. We had to wait forever for our check, even though it was obvious we were done and kept trying to flag her down.
The 99c tacos are a pretty good deal (order first, then take the receipt to the taco bar on the other side of the restaurant), and the margaritas are generous. Cheap tequila doesn't sit too well with me, but it's only a dollar to upgrade to above well. -
Review from Chas A.
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
5 stars for the AWESOME Sunday buffet! I love the abundant food that they provide for you! There's a taco bar with freshly heated tortillas, A soup station, salad bar (with fresh salad and ceviche), and dishes that you can plate (such as enchiladas, chicken, rice, fish, etc.). They also offer a dessert station with several types of dessert in nice little dishes and/or glass cups. They offered waffles with several toppings too. As for drinks...I love the horchata and the orange juice that they serve. However, nothing beats their unlimited refills of mimosa!!! Our server was the bomb! He kept going over to our table and refilling our glasses with champagne and orange juice once he saw that our glasses were merely half empty. For their large buffet, I felt that the flavors of the food was not compromised at all. Almost everything was tasty! The place itself, I saw, gets quite popular around 12 p.m. as crowds of families roll in. Hence, there's a longer wait in getting seated. My impression on El Torito...a nice family friendly restaurant with good food and good service! I will definitely be back!
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Review from Tina T.
San Jose, CA
1/29/2012
My first time at El Toritos was back in August. A lot of my friends were surprised because I've never been here any time prior to that. We usually come for Happy Hour. Good food, cheap drinks, great friends? Can't get any better than that. Service is good, the place is always clean, so I can't complain :)
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Review from Andrew D.
I did not expect to give this place 4 stars because of my horrific experience years ago. I took my family here last week for Sunday brunch since they were offering the buffet. The atmosphere and decor inside felt like you were in Cancun. It really brought out the food stations like the desert and taco bar. It was pricey at $16 per person but well worth it if you're hungry and want to get a buzz! They offer UNLIMITED mimosas... Our server just kept on coming by with the champagne bottle and it was great! They have an omelette station, so you just tell the guy what you want. My favorites were the taco bar (carne asada & carnitas), desert station (flan & churro), menudo (spicy) and unlimited mimosas. The server was attentive, so my experience here at El Torito this time was positive.
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Review from Revorc P.
San Francisco, CA
11/26/2011 4 photos
Mmmm had Chef Pepe's Fajita Combo consisting of grilled chicken breast and grilled steak served with a cheese enchilada.. plus the usual 3 flour (or corn) tortillas, some grilled peppers and onions, rice, beans, lettuce, tomato, guacie.. Twas sooo good! The chicken and steak had this grreat bbq-ish fab flavor to them. Mmm. Way better than expected.
Also, if you sign up for the e-club on their website, you can get a free fresh tableside guacamole! A free $8.99 right there. -
Review from Max P.
10/21/2011
I have been here a few times.
Everytime I go I have a great meal.
It doesn't hurt that the margaritas are very stong and delicious.
Service here is a little slow but that is okay if you are are just here to relax with some friends
if you have somewhere to go after eating here I wouldnt suggest this place hahaha. -
Review from Erica M.
Fremont, CA
10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Their lunch buffet...is the bomb! They have hand made tortillas with the lady making them to order. And the selection is DELISH.
MUST TRY GUYS:) -
Review from Fallon P.
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in the area with my auntie after we had just finished shopping and she was craving Mexican food. So, this was the nearest place to us and we decided to give it a try.
Mind you, the nearest location to where I live is in Burlingame and I've never even been there. So, being my first time, I didn't know what to expect. It did however remind me of Chevy's, but with better food of course.
It took a while for our server to come to us because she said she didn't see us go outside to the patio. My auntie had to go inside and flag her down. But, anyway, my auntie ordered the shrimp enchiladas and I had the chicken enchiladas. Our food came out within 15 mins.
I asked my auntie how her food was and she said it was ok. My chicken enchiladas were just alright as well. I felt like the chicken was really lacking flavor and some pieces were dry. For a Mexican chain restaurant, I've had better chicken enchiladas at Celia's in San Bruno and Daly City.
Overall, an ok spot to grab decent Mexican food. Service could be better, but the waitress was very nice. Apparently, this is the place to go for HH. So, I'd suggest that. As far as price goes, we paid $28 before tip. -
Review from Jenny O.
San Jose, CA
9/22/2011
Who knew El Torito had a happy hour?? My friend and I came here on a Tuesday and happy hour was from 4-10pm I think. Hella long.
When I stepped in, I noticed the interior reminded me a lot of Chili's on Santana Row. The hostess took us to the happy hour section (yes, they separate the happy hour section from the regular dining area! Pretty cool IMO) and were quickly seated. Our waitress was super nice and explained how happy hour worked since it was both our first time there.
I started off with a blended coconut-pineapple margarita and my friend got the mango one. BEST margarita I've had thus far!! It was so creamy, smooth, and delicious! I didn't taste much of the alcohol so if you like your drinks strong, this might not be for you. And the best part was that it was only $3! All appetizers were half off and we decided to get the sampler so we could try a bit of everything ($5). It came with chicken flautas, buffalo wings, cheese quesadillas, nachos and guacamole, and carnitas sope (I'm totally pulling this off the menu, haha). I really enjoyed the cheese quesadillas and carnitas sope. The buffalo wings were a bit on the dry side, but no complaints since it was cheap. I had high hopes for the guacamole but it didn't taste superb or anything. It was kinda warm and I know that means it's fresh...but I like my guacamole cold!
They also have a $1 Taco station where someone makes your taco fresh right in front of you! That looked pretty sick so I'll definitely try that out the next time I come back.
Overall I give this place a 3.5. Not sure if I'd eat here during regular hours, but you will definitely see me back during happy hour! -
Review from Mrs. B.
San Ramon, CA
10/29/2011
Ugh, it was just awful. We came in early on a Sat. night and every stall in the ladies bathroom was out of toilet paper and it got worse from there. The wait staff was friendly but super slow and our waiter never did anything we asked. We'd ask for refills and he'd politely smile and then come back twenty min. later. I ordered a combo plate with a taco and got a taco shell with two huge chunks of tough meat (golfball sized,) yuck. I asked for an extra paper napkin and it never came. There were only a few guests dining and plenty of waiters but for whatever reason it was super slow and the food was mediocre at best. They must be struggling as this isn't how I remembered ET in the past when they had a store in Dublin.
We always go to The Red Lobster and I was tickled to see El Torito across the street. Sad, as we'll never go back there, but at least TRL is still putting out good food for a good value. I wish they'd come back into the Dublin/Pleasanton/San Ramon area so we don't always have to drive to Milpitas. -
Review from Erica S.
Updated - 11/17/2011
A friend recommended here for Taco Tuesday so we came at 7PM and it was the place to be! Apparently, their Happy Hour goes on until 10PM. Luckily, we found an empty booth. Ordered a side salad, rice, strawberry margarita, and 5 street tacos. The tacos are self serve. I tried the chicken and carnitas. Both were tasty with their salsa. You could eat these in 3-4 bites so you don't have to feel like a pig if you eat more than 5. If I didn't get the sides and the drink, I could have easily eaten 8 of them. Service was attentive. Food was satisfying. Gotta go back again for Taco Tuesday.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/9/2010
On a Friday night, Happy Hour at the bar was packed so we had no choice but to sit at the table.… Read more »
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Review from Lien T.
San Jose, CA
Had it not been for my co-worker, who wanted to go to happy hour at El Torito, I probably still would not have given them a try. I have lived in the area...for how long now?! Long enough to know very well that this place existed; however, I never had a hankering to eat here.
We came in for happy hour at about 6PM on a Wednesday and business was bustling. There were a handful of tables in the bar area available, so we snatched one. I noticed right away that all of the customers were predominantly in the bar area. I guess the majority of people were there for happy hour. Once we got cozy, our cheerful waitress came by and suggested a few drinks to start. The three of us ordered a round of blended margaritas. I got the raspberry one and the other two got strawberry. A few minutes later, our waitress brought out three margaritas on the rocks. Apparently, it was the bartenders mistake, but our waitress brought them out anyway, just to see if we wanted it on the house. I personally hate margaritas and I can't drink them unless they are blended, so I had mine remade. When I finally got my hands on my margarita, I couldn't let go! It was so refreshing and delicious! I could barely taste the alcohol, which I am not sure is good or bad. I know they didn't skimp on the liquor though, because I got pretty buzzed.
My coworker has been here a few times now, so I left the food ordering up to her. She ordered hot wings (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) and nachos (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). The food was surprisingly decent. I especially liked the nachos because it had everything--cheese, beans, guacamole, sour cream, chicken, and beef! The hot wings were okay, but a little tough.
I don't make it out to happy hours often, but I would have to say that El Torito is a decent place for happy hour. I think our tab was less than $40 and the three us had two margaritas each. I wouldn't mind coming back. -
Review from Shirley N.
San Jose, CA
I really like this location a lot better than the Santa Clara one. (because of the service) Parking during happy hour/taco Tuesdays can really suck, i had to park in the Safeway parking area the last time! (come early!). If you come during their peak hours, getting a table in the bar area can be hard. I only come on Tuesdays for their tacos. i LOVE that they make their tortilla fresh in front of you! Their very generous when coming to their meat, super yummy! I like the idea that you can build your own taco! Don''t forget to ask for your orange sauce!!!! We also ended up order their quesadilla which i found to be mediocre, just order their tacos! Service here is okay, a lot better than their other location!
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Review from tracey l.
San Jose, CA
i usually come here for their lunch buffet which is a good deal and good food. The other day I came here with my family for happy hour. The margaritas were good and we had the party platter appetizers. The flautas were solid. The service was not that good. I had asked for water and had to wait about 10-15 minutes for water which was unfortunate. I think this place is ok. Not my favorite mexican restaurant, but decent. I wish their happy hour drinks included fruity margaritas.
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Review from Kristina N.
San Jose, CA
5/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a review for their taco tuesday happy hours. The highlights include:
$1 tacos! - chicken, beef, carnitas
$3 margaritas! - pineapple-coconut, strawberry, standard
free chips and salsa!
That's all you need to know. You can eat 4 tacos, have a drink, and munch on chips for only $7. AMAZING! -
Review from Tim H.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/3/2011
What can I say for a chain the food is not bad!
I love Mexican food! I had business lunch with a buddy here and we had the lunch buffet. I was surprised with the amount of selections, fresh tacos, enchiladas, fresh fix ins all for a good price.
The place is not full at lunch time, the service is good.
The best time is happy hour! lots of cheap shots, and beers plus free food.
I say when in the "little corn field" check them out. -
Review from Mansi A.
6/11/2011
Looking for a Happy Hour spot? This is THE spot.
$3 menu from 2pm-8pm!! Seriously. It's that great.
The margaritas are off the hook. Free chips & salsa. Plenty of choices for happy hour food specials. GREAT viewing area and plenty of tv's (with sound!!) to watch your favorite game.
THE south bay happy hour spot. Period. -
Review from Amy D.
San Jose, CA
I'm not going to lie, this is one of the best and cheap happy hour locations in Milpitas.
Alcohol and snacks during happy hour is pretty cheap, and the time frame gap for happy hour is awesome. 2PM-8PM, all places should do this.
My default menu: Buffalo Wings (Around $4.50? some say it's too salty, but it's my fav) and a couple house margarita on the rocks with salt ($3).
I forgot her name, but there is this Latina waitress with a Spanish accent that is awesome 24/7. Always has a smile on her face even though she is running around like crazy. She constantly makes sure that our chips, salsa, and drinks are full! -
Review from Meghan R.
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are going in a large group, try to convince everyone to do the lunch buffet. It is a good price, there is variety (soup/salad/entrees/fajitas) Sure the buffet isn't anything major but it sure beats waiting a decade. Time is always a ticking when I come here because it is during a work lunch hour. Which can easily extend to lunch hoursss.
With that said, I love their goblets of beer. I think they could stand to have a beer list at their tables. Do they only have one amber beer on tap?? It seemed that way. I couldn't be sure. -
Review from David R.
San Jose, CA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
The lunch buffet is a great value! I highly recommend
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Review from Chefs daughter D.
Silicon Valley, CA
10/26/2011
We haven't been to an ET in years and glad to say nothing has changed in a great way.....
Friendly service and servers
Very attentive during meal
Clean table and music wasn't blaring in the dining room.
Constantly refilled our beverages.
We ordered fajita combo and warm fajita salad. Both came in a timely fashion. We couldn't finish as we filled up on chips, salsa and soup.
The meal was filling and good tasting.
Will be back it's a good place for friends and family. -
Review from Noel M.
Updated - 3/7/2011 12 Check-ins Here
Salsa on tacos and enchiladas in red,
Carmel on waffles and more I haven't said.
Every ones glasses - overflowing of champagne,
These are a few of my favorite things.
................................They have a Sunday champagne brunch now.Listed in: My Middle Name is Gluttony, Champagne Brunches
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/11/2008
The service always sucks but it's about Happy Hour anyway.
XX on tap, decent margaritas, and half… Read more »
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Review from Mandi P.
3/22/2011
Surprisingly decent!!!
I was here last week with a large group for a business meeting. I was quite bummed that this restaurant had been chosen, but left pleasantly surprised.
The food was all consistently tasty and good...not exactly healthy, but I am not so sure Mexican food is known for its healthy factor. Our group opted to order numerous appetizers and combo platters to share instead of actual entrees. I think we tried one of everything and no one complained about anything. They even make the guacamole fresh...table side...VERY GOOD!!!
The huge positive to this place is the service. I tried to remember all of the servers names (we had numerous), but I failed. Everyone who assisted our table was fabulous, funny, personable, and very attentive.
I would definitely suggest this restaurant to anyone in the area for a quick and delicious meal...but better be planning on hitting the gym after leaving!!! -
Review from Andrea R.
4/19/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Consistently great food for a chain restaurant.
I know some people abhor chain restaurants, but I have to say in the case of El Torito you could do worse at a chain (a certain auto maker comes to mind, WHAT?!). My hubby and I have gone to El Torito for as long as I can remember.. oooh, 20 years in several California counties. (Note: we met and started eating there when we were 5 years old. Okay, 20 years old, whatever!)
Overall, the food is consistently good though I have experienced a few "soggy" crispy beef tacos in the past two decade. I'd say it's solid 95% of the time which is a pretty good run rate. The chips and salsa are always hot, fresh and flavorful. To be honest, I could make an entire meal out of their chips and salsa. If I'm truly honest, I will eat the chips and salsa at El Torito until one of two things happen: we run out or I pop like a tick. Thankfully, the latter has never happened.
I always get 2 Crunchy Beef Tacos, Hubby loves the Mexico City tacos, we both start with a Mexican Cesar Salad and our daughter (11) vacillates between many items and she is always happy. Oh, did I mention they are a Pepsi establishment? In the question of Coke or Pepsi, I am a Pepsi girl through and through. Though I don't drink soda too often, I love a fizzy Pepsi and am pleased I can get it at El Torito.
There was a Dublin, CA El Torito for years that we would visit almost every Friday night in the early 2000's. For some reason it closed and we've been known to drive out to Fremont or San Leandro to satisfy our craving from time to time. Likewise we make a point of stopping at the Santa Clarita El Torito either en route TO or FROM Disneyland. What can I say? We like the El Torito! -
Review from Alexandra G.
Milpitas, CA
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I used to work at On the Border and this place reminds of that place. Thing I like the most here is the orange sauce they put with their sampler.
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Review from Tiffany S.
San Jose, CA
3/23/2011
Just so you know... I'm rating this place based off of their happy hour. haha & I'll actually give it 3.5 stars. I should really vary my happy hour places and come by here more often.
I've been here several times... mostly for their happy hour from 4pm- 8pm. Margaritas for $3, $1 tacos, and half off appetizers!
I was invited to join a couple of friends for happy hour yesterday and how could I say no to $3 margaritas with salsa and chips?!
I came on a Tuesday around 7pm and it was pretty packed and busy. Parking was a b*tch at this hour btw. (I should've known...) I ordered a strawberry margarita and a mango margarita and decided that mango is the way to go! We also ordered the $1 tacos, flautas, and chicken strips. I got steak tacos, which were pretty legit. A bit small, but 2 was good enough for me. You pick your choice of meat and you basically put whatever you want on them (choice of salsa, lettuce, onions, cheese.) I didn't have any of the chicken or flautas but I was told they were pretty good (the left overs are sitting in my fridge as we speak..mmm.)
The decor was cute, like a Mexican cantina! If it wasn't raining out, I'm sure it'd be nice to sit in the patio. It was really busy and crowded during happy hour, but none the less, nothing beats good muchies and drinks with good company!
An update review is to come, when I actually eat more... haha -
Review from noah a.
Fremont, CA
9/30/2011
4-stars only considerings its a chain mexican restaurant and WAY better than Chevy's. Hadn't stepped into one of these in years but I really liked the lunch buffet I had today. $9 for all you can eat, M-F 11am-2PM. No guacamole in the buffet but just about everything else. Will be back for that and I hear the happy hours are pretty much all afternoon into the early evening, need to check that out too!
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Review from Eric E.
Cupertino, CA
1/28/2011
My coworkers and I like to come here for happy hours. During the evening, this place gets pretty crowd right around 5-6pm. Their menus have some good specials for just $3! We normally order margaritas, nachos, quesadiilas, fajita sliders, and buffalo wings.
We sat near the bar and it was convenient to watch sports highlights. The only thing I don't like about sitting near the bar is that the tables are pretty small. A circular table which doesn't offer enough space to put a lot of food. -
Review from Thao V.
1/5/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Happy hour from not sure when - 8PM besides on Tuesdays when Happy Hour lasts till 10pm!
Good cheap food on the HH menu. Draft beers and margaritas are only $3! Margaritas on the rocks or if you're lightweight like I am, you can get them blended.
Taco Tuesdays! Tacos (steak, chicken, beef) are only $1! You tell the waiter how many tacos you want and you go pick it up at the taco station and make your own tacos!
Wish they had Taco Tuesdays AND Taco Thursdays! -
Review from Emanuel M.
San Jose, CA
8/30/2011
Went here today for happy hour! It's a really chill ass place, the waiter was a nice dude, and just so relaxing. We ordered a couple of margaritas, YEAH I SAID IT WHO CARES hahahah we thought it was 3 bucks, but it came out 4, which wasnt too big a deal. we also ordered buffalo wings, chicken tenders, and i forget, its on the menu. It wasnt too bad, i actually liked it, came with 2 sauces, ranch and some orange sauce. we also ordered tacos which were hella bomb for a 1 each!!! overall i wouldnt mind coming back here for happy hour hahaha its pretty cozy, food is pretty good and rather cheap, and our waiter was really nice. we kept asking for salsa and chips and he was happy to give us more hahaha! alright yelpers enjoy ;D
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Review from Stine H.
San Jose, CA
2/15/2011
On terms of taste...El torito is average. Not the best of places, but happy hour is pretty awesome. $3 margaritas and a big menu of appetizers and other snacks for 1/2 off!
They start you off complimentary chips and salsa, you can ask for refills! This is nice while you wait to order or wait for your food to come out.
Not a big fan of their nachos, but the portion is massive! It could probably feed 4-5 people easily. I like their steak fajita sliders though. Depending on the chef that day, it may or may not be spicy. I like it with a bit of heat though! It's basically like a steak fajita in a little slider/hamburger bun with the steak, bell peppers and onions. It comes with fries and an orange dipping sauce and ketchup.
Have yet to try the chicken flautas, but I hear those are pretty good too. Will come here for happy hour only. Not sure if they ever get crowded, but it's usually pretty empty. Doesn't matter to me though, as long as I get my food, and hey it's cheap! -
Review from Kimberly G.
Milpitas, CA
11/20/2010 7 Check-ins Here
I've been to El Torito in the past, but today was the worst service ever.
Our server felt that it was more important to tend to the guest next to us because he knew them?
I don't care if it's your friends or family, but you're still working!
He forgot my boyfriend's mother's margarita, so he gave us one on the house. That still doesn't make the situation better because our food took an hour just to get to us.
Late on refills, no napkins or utensils given until we actually ate.
I don't know why our food took an hour just to get to our table.
( this was when he clearly was more occupied with the people he knew next to us then actually working and serving us!)
I hope the next time I come the service gets A LOT better. -
Review from Ashlee M.
San Jose, CA
8/29/2011 4 Check-ins Here
When the bar area/cantina is full, service is slow. It was also Tuesday Taco night and it took forever for my friend to get tacos. My one other friend was brought quesadillas instead of nachos. We all ate our meals at different times due to the wait. :o(
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Review from Irene L.
7/24/2011
Typical El Torito food, but the service is pretty bad here. Slow and rude, but a good place to watch sports. Not really sure why I keep coming back here even though the crappy service frustrates me! I guess cause it's close to mi casa...
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Review from Peter N.
Milpitas, CA
8/8/2010
Mom was working late, so my dad, brother, and I decided it was time for a guy's night out. And so we raided the coupon jar and found out el torito was gonna give us 10 dollars off of 25. Cool, we stop in a 6pm when it was still pretty empty. Saw a worker outside chain smoking some marlboros. We were seated, decided on some steak fajitas and waited for the waiter to come.
25 minutes later with no drinks, no free chips, our waiter decides that he could probably live an hour longer if he spaced out his marlboro evenly so he comes over to take our order. Not in rush so that's cool, but the pops decides to get another waiter to bring over our complimentary chips so we he doesnt have to munch on some nicotine flavor chips. Polishing off a couple of baskets of chips and still no food and waiter to be found...
60 minutes later. Rejoice! fajitas come out. It was alright I guess, but then again I can't really tell from the 3 thin strips of steak that they gave me. The corn mash thing was pretty bomb with the tortillas though. We ate and dad decides that leaving no tip would be messed up (I rationalized that since the cig tax was going up, we gotta help this dude out!) so we left them 10%. Came outside and saw our waiter hitting the cigs again. I thought to myself, "damn, I hope this place doesn't provide health benefits cause this dude is gonna bleed them dry..." -
Review from Dan L.
San Jose, CA
6/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
El Torito is okay for Mexican food, not like mom used to make, but it will do if you need a Mexican food fix. I had the enchiladas rancheros which are okay but a little low on the meat. My gf's shrimp dish was pretty good actually. The beans and rice are standard fare but the cornbread was pretty good. Our waitress was attentive and was there when we needed her even though it was crowded. I hear they have a great Sunday brunch so one of these days I'll check it out.
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Review from Karen M.
Santa Clara, CA
8/27/2011
I've been coming to the "EL" since I was a kid. Always good food and service. I love this place!
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Review from Joseph T.
Fremont, CA
2/1/2011
Came here a couple times for dollar taco tuesdays, (and am going again in an hour)
but... overall the tacos are good, they press the tortilla right in front of you which gives it that authentic taste to it.
However, shitty seating arrangements and it's usually packed and a clusterfuck to get around, and if you have to sit outside, prettymuch only 2 tables get the warmth from the heater.
I only got the tacos, and I'd rate them 5stars if this was based on food alone, but it isnt.
