This review isn't going to start off very good, so just bear with me until the end. So before today, I've been to El Toritos maybe 3 times. It was probably the first experience, in Bakersfield, that left the greatest impression. To their defense, we probably blindsided them with over 30 people, so we probably had quite a wait. We had a good time though, and time flies when you're having fun, right? No, my biggest gripe was the food. OMG, I have never been so disappointed in a meal up to that point. It was then that I learned I did NOT like Tex-Mex food. It was like eating Taco Bell, only worse. And I actually like Taco Bell lol. Anyways, fast forward about 10 years, and a friend took us to El Toritos. The food was free, all we had to pay for was the drinks. Everything was an appetizer, but it was so much better than I remember. But still, I'm never in the area, so haven't been back. This El Torito isn't in the most high traffic area. I imagine it's most busy during lunch, what with all the businesses downtown. But after work, everyone goes home, across town. Anyways, low and behold, I move just around the corner. On this particular day, we were beat tired. If I wasn't driving, I'd have had a drank to go with my food. The clientele were of the business variety. I think the hotel next door has something to do with that. Otherwise, the restaurant was fairly empty. So if you're looking for a place that can accommodate your large group in a pinch, they will have plenty of room. Anyways, the food didn't have that Tex-Mex taste I had found so disappointing last time. Perhaps things have changed over the years. What a relief! [email protected]
Alia T.
I kept trying to like it because my mother was impressed and has recently moved to the area. I'm starting to question her tastebuds. The margarita was delicious- as was the coconut pineapple mojito. The food is ok,nothing was flavorful enough to me and the happy hour tacos were just awful-runny ground meat, no thank you.
Sara V.
The Sunday brunch buffet was amazing! They have a huge variety of food and desserts, they have an omelet station and a taco and burrito bar where they are making hand made tortillas to order. I started with a bowl of menudo that was very flavorful and I went on to have an omelet and huevos rancheros. I also tried their Chile Colorado and the meat was so tender and tasty. I had so much more and everything was yummy! The buffet also includes bottomless mimosas.
Alexis P.
We went for a work lunch. It was nearly $20 for the buffet and an iced tea. That doesn't include tip. The service was okay but the food was not good at all. I even wondered if I knew what meat I was eating. For the price it was even worse. Not sure how this place stays in business. Part of why I got the buffet was how high priced the items on menu were. Will not return.
Jim G.
I had a great lunch here today at El Torito. I went for the buffett, and sampled a lot of dishes, from cheese enchiladas to tacos and more. Delicious Mexican food and a super nice and friendly wait staff. I had some time to kill while waiting for my Amtrak train, and they kindly let me work on my computer at my table for quite a while.
Pablo E.
We're here for the brunch. Brought my wife for her first time and she couldn't believe how much variance and good thins they had!
Amanda C.
The owner opened the the door for us when we arrived and gave us a welcoming greeting. First time here. We had a party of five. We were seated immediately. The decor is adorable. The server was very thorough. He got all of our orders correct without having to write anything down. The food was delicious and tasted fresh. What more could you ask for? And let me tell you, our group usually encounters bad experiences when dining. This was a pleasant surprise. Love this place will definitely be back.
Kaira M.
Me and my husband come here every friday and we love it! We always sit at the bar, the bartender knows our drink and food order by heart! The spicy mango margarita is my favorite along with a blended raspberry margarita. Service is great food is delicious! I would definitely recommend coming here!
Delia G.
I placed a phone order to go. The gentleman who took my order was very nice and I was told 10 minutes for pick up. When I arrived the employees were attentive and the waiter brought my food out on time. Fajitas and Chile verde was what I ordered and it was ALL very delicious. Thank you for great customer service and yummy food!
Suley Z.
Went for their happy hour. Got a Cadillac margarita which was super good. Also had a draft Sequoia Brewery beer which they had a okay selection of draft beer (me liking ipa beers) They has beef hard shell tacos and a cheese dip also rolled taquitos in their happy hour which were all tasty. Not bad happy hour at all. ALot of options.
Great place to stop for a long layover while traveling by bus! Staff was friendly and courteous! Good spot for Happy Hour too! Loved my Margaritas! Right On the spot!!
Jordan Alabart
The food here was great, I got the sizzling enchiladas and loved them. The beer and cocktail selection was good. It was a Friday and there was a dj playing good music although we were in the restaurant side, it still wasn't too loud, although the bar was pretty poppin. The waiter was great, in fact my SO had left her glasses at the table and he actually chased us down after we left the restaurant as we were leaving the parking lot to get them to us. That's some great service and integrity that went greatly appreciated, we will definitely be back.
mna230
Lunch buffet was great! Servers were friendly and attentive. Tortilla chips were warm right out of the fryer. Ingredients were fresh and food was seasoned perfectly. Walkable from CRMC hospital - colleague had sizzling enchiladas which looked great. Good spot!
Megan S.
My husband and I stopped here for a couple drinks to kill some time. The staff was super friendly, the drinks were excellent and we got fresh chips and salsa. My husband has been here for lunch and says the food is amazing. We'll definitely be back - and if you like mojitos, try the blackberry mojito - it's on point!
Ricky SwiftRic
Pretty good ambience and the food is good but if you're there for happy hour... the service isn't always great. I waited more than 20 minutes one time and not a single waiter came to ask if I needed anything. I had to walk over to the bar area just to get a drink.
This review isn't going to start off very good, so just bear with me until the end. So before today, I've been to El Toritos maybe 3 times. It was probably the first experience, in Bakersfield, that left the greatest impression. To their defense, we probably blindsided them with over 30 people, so we probably had quite a wait. We had a good time though, and time flies when you're having fun, right? No, my biggest gripe was the food. OMG, I have never been so disappointed in a meal up to that point. It was then that I learned I did NOT like Tex-Mex food. It was like eating Taco Bell, only worse. And I actually like Taco Bell lol. Anyways, fast forward about 10 years, and a friend took us to El Toritos. The food was free, all we had to pay for was the drinks. Everything was an appetizer, but it was so much better than I remember. But still, I'm never in the area, so haven't been back. This El Torito isn't in the most high traffic area. I imagine it's most busy during lunch, what with all the businesses downtown. But after work, everyone goes home, across town. Anyways, low and behold, I move just around the corner. On this particular day, we were beat tired. If I wasn't driving, I'd have had a drank to go with my food. The clientele were of the business variety. I think the hotel next door has something to do with that. Otherwise, the restaurant was fairly empty. So if you're looking for a place that can accommodate your large group in a pinch, they will have plenty of room. Anyways, the food didn't have that Tex-Mex taste I had found so disappointing last time. Perhaps things have changed over the years. What a relief! [email protected]
I kept trying to like it because my mother was impressed and has recently moved to the area. I'm starting to question her tastebuds. The margarita was delicious- as was the coconut pineapple mojito. The food is ok,nothing was flavorful enough to me and the happy hour tacos were just awful-runny ground meat, no thank you.
The Sunday brunch buffet was amazing! They have a huge variety of food and desserts, they have an omelet station and a taco and burrito bar where they are making hand made tortillas to order. I started with a bowl of menudo that was very flavorful and I went on to have an omelet and huevos rancheros. I also tried their Chile Colorado and the meat was so tender and tasty. I had so much more and everything was yummy! The buffet also includes bottomless mimosas.
We went for a work lunch. It was nearly $20 for the buffet and an iced tea. That doesn't include tip. The service was okay but the food was not good at all. I even wondered if I knew what meat I was eating. For the price it was even worse. Not sure how this place stays in business. Part of why I got the buffet was how high priced the items on menu were. Will not return.
I had a great lunch here today at El Torito. I went for the buffett, and sampled a lot of dishes, from cheese enchiladas to tacos and more. Delicious Mexican food and a super nice and friendly wait staff. I had some time to kill while waiting for my Amtrak train, and they kindly let me work on my computer at my table for quite a while.
We're here for the brunch. Brought my wife for her first time and she couldn't believe how much variance and good thins they had!
The owner opened the the door for us when we arrived and gave us a welcoming greeting. First time here. We had a party of five. We were seated immediately. The decor is adorable. The server was very thorough. He got all of our orders correct without having to write anything down. The food was delicious and tasted fresh. What more could you ask for? And let me tell you, our group usually encounters bad experiences when dining. This was a pleasant surprise. Love this place will definitely be back.
Me and my husband come here every friday and we love it! We always sit at the bar, the bartender knows our drink and food order by heart! The spicy mango margarita is my favorite along with a blended raspberry margarita. Service is great food is delicious! I would definitely recommend coming here!
I placed a phone order to go. The gentleman who took my order was very nice and I was told 10 minutes for pick up. When I arrived the employees were attentive and the waiter brought my food out on time. Fajitas and Chile verde was what I ordered and it was ALL very delicious. Thank you for great customer service and yummy food!
Went for their happy hour. Got a Cadillac margarita which was super good. Also had a draft Sequoia Brewery beer which they had a okay selection of draft beer (me liking ipa beers) They has beef hard shell tacos and a cheese dip also rolled taquitos in their happy hour which were all tasty. Not bad happy hour at all. ALot of options.
Restaurantji Recommends
Great place to stop for a long layover while traveling by bus! Staff was friendly and courteous! Good spot for Happy Hour too! Loved my Margaritas! Right On the spot!!
The food here was great, I got the sizzling enchiladas and loved them. The beer and cocktail selection was good. It was a Friday and there was a dj playing good music although we were in the restaurant side, it still wasn't too loud, although the bar was pretty poppin. The waiter was great, in fact my SO had left her glasses at the table and he actually chased us down after we left the restaurant as we were leaving the parking lot to get them to us. That's some great service and integrity that went greatly appreciated, we will definitely be back.
Lunch buffet was great! Servers were friendly and attentive. Tortilla chips were warm right out of the fryer. Ingredients were fresh and food was seasoned perfectly. Walkable from CRMC hospital - colleague had sizzling enchiladas which looked great. Good spot!
My husband and I stopped here for a couple drinks to kill some time. The staff was super friendly, the drinks were excellent and we got fresh chips and salsa. My husband has been here for lunch and says the food is amazing. We'll definitely be back - and if you like mojitos, try the blackberry mojito - it's on point!
Pretty good ambience and the food is good but if you're there for happy hour... the service isn't always great. I waited more than 20 minutes one time and not a single waiter came to ask if I needed anything. I had to walk over to the bar area just to get a drink.