El Torito
18512 MacArthur Blvd, Irvine
(949) 833-8230
Recent Reviews
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Nancy was a great hostess! My chicken tostada salad had no avocado, no sour cream, no cheese... that's a kitchen problem! Next time I'll speak up!
My family and I love El Torito. We normally go to the one near the Outlets but today we decided to go closer to home, in Irvine. The Irvine location was actually the worst. First of all, there was only one server. My family and I felt very bad because the server seemed stressed and was constantly running around. We were understanding and patient. But after sitting for 30 minutes, and not having our order taken, drinks (even water), or any acknowledgement that they were coming was very disappointing. We had to go look for someone to help us out. After our orders were taken, it took another 30 minutes. So essentially it took an hour to even get food. Like mentioned previously, we tried to be patient and understanding but we noticed that a couple who got there about 10 minutes after us, were done eating and paying the bill before we even got our food!! That was very infuriating! Once we got our food, we had no utensils or napkins. The server got them from other tables 🤦🏽♀️. Oh man. And we were celebrating a birthday. We didn't even want to stay any longer to sing happy birthday. Completely ruined our appetite and mood. Don't come here, find a better location.
Hoy visité el torito por primera vez mi mesera fue Yaneth muy atenta comí las fajitas de pollo la verdad si pienso regresar
We got sat, waited 30-45 min and never got any help. A waiter didn't even come by to give us water or anything. Horrible experience. Left without eating anything
My family of 7 came to Christmas Day dinner. I will say they were great at sitting us on time. Although, we waited 30 minutes before ordering our drinks. Another 25 minutes before ordering food. And took over 40 minutes for food to arrive. Waiter was rude and constantly dodging us (he would hide in the kitchen and checked on us once) We had to basically ask the front desk and hostess twice to track him down. I understand it's Christmas Day, they appeared to not hire on enough waiters although mind you, the place was basically empty. The waiter complained about how they did not expect to be this busy.... but how? They only accept reservations so wouldn't they know how many people reserved? Also, his attitude was very unnecessary. We were very polite to him and did not deserve the treatment we received. We came for Thanksgiving, the food was much better than, and the service was much better (and it was much busier than Christmas Day) which tells me it was very much the waiter this time. We will not be returning to this location.
Food was bland, no seasoning and no salt. Guacamole was supposed to be table side and what we got was a small bowl just brought from the back and also was very bland. Ordered a drink and wasn't told they didn't carry that specific drink and was brought a substitute drink without being told it would not be what we ordered. Two of our plates were missing items because they did not have all the food ready for service. We had to ask for the items that were missing and then we were told that items would not be served to us because they don't have any - then why not tell us this when we order the food? How can you charge for a meal that you cannot fulfill? Totally horrible place. Will never spend money here again. Our poor server seemed overwhelmed while a lot of other workers sat around a large table and chatted and laughed it up. The older lady server tried hard so I don't blame her but the restaurant is horrible as a whole and whoever the cook is needs to learn how to cook. Dry bland food!!!!
The chips were fried in old oil. The taco was GREASY, the flautas were noy crunchy. I was highly disappointed.
I remembered El Torito as being fairly upscale years ago, so this visit was quite surprising. The restaurant looked rundown, and the food presentation and taste felt noticeably downscale. We were looking for a moderately priced restaurant near the airport and ended up here out of necessity. The service was mediocre. I ordered the fajitas and specifically explained that, due to acid reflux, I needed the dish prepared without any spicy seasoning. I was assured by the server that there was no heat in the dish. Unfortunately, that information was incorrect. After the food was served and I experienced discomfort, the manager explained that the protein is actually marinated in a mild-to-moderate spicy seasoning. What was most disappointing is that the server did not communicate this accurately and did not offer alternatives, such as having the protein prepared without the marinade—an option the manager later said was available. Overall, this experience fell far short of expectations. I will not be returning to this El Torito and hope that other locations are managed better.
We started coming here for Thanksgiving last year. We are very satisfied with the Flavor of the Turkey, the multiple s offerings and the choice of desserts.
For the Thanksgiving Special they should consider making a large handful of things for Vegetarian customers. But it's okay if you dont. Understandable either way. Staff was TERRIFIC
Restaurantji Recommends
Roberto Martinez was an amazing waiter today. A professional and kind man.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David and Aurelia were so great to take care of our large party. With 12+ people, orders were taken and brought out in a timely manner. They constantly checked in. Will be back!
BEWARE!
There was a light rain, indoor bar seating area had about 10 leaks. In the booth my wife's purse was wet on one side my jacket on another. My wife suggest for the mess a wine would be nice. They charged us. The bill was $79. In the end. Gave them 2 new $50 gift cards. They said one had $50 the other $39. So in the end cost us $108. With tip.
We took $4. Out for the charged wine. But I feel they are dishonest. Never going back!
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
We went in and it was chaos. The lady I spoke with had an attitude so we ended up leaving and going to Chick-fil-A.
The place is understaffed I don’t blame the waitress I blame management for not having enough people to run the place
Waitress to forever to get our drink she gave us no silverware never came to refill our drinks
We also got sat down next to a family who’s kids where playing on our table as we tried to have our lunch we kindly asked to be seated somewhere else and where told they had no tables opened we asked for a refund and that’s the only way we where accommodated at a different table
Their brunch buffet was empty everything was cold
Overall this place is very bad managed
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