El Torito

"It had been a very long time since I had eaten at El Torito. One bad experience can set you back. This was a totally different experience. Sergio our server was also the bartender, he made the drinks perfectly, very attentive and straight up a great server as well. The bacon wrapped shrimp and that sweet and spicy sauce amazing! I thought the food was going to be more expensive bit to my surprise it wasn't. The fajitas suprema and the Don margarita matched well together. The rustic look and music were on point. I have paid more money at some places that claim to be authentic and no comparison. The only thing is that the rice needs a little work, other than that everything was PERFECT! They earned a repeat customer and I will be back."

"You can't beat happy hour. Food is ok, it could be better but their prices are reasonable."

"Yesterday my son and I were here and we had an excellent time, delicious food and of course excellent service from the waiter Josué excellent job from this guy , we loved it, I absolutely recommend it."

"My grandson and I have been having events it seems for days now in Lakewood. Tonight was the circus and he was very excited about it and was excited to find, in his mind, the perfect Mexican restaurant in town. He spotted El Torito, right near where our event was being held. It is on the exterior of the Lakewood Mall property on Lakewood Blvd. Parking is super easy and free. Now, I had an issue with the choice. We have been to the one right near our house and I thought it was overpriced and awful. There was little I liked about it. Buddy, however, was insistent, so I caved. I am so glad I did. We might even give the one near our home a second chance. This El Torito had everything right and not a thing wrong. We loved it all. From the service to the food to the décor. First, the place is really pretty outside and the inside is super cute and it is spotless, and this includes the bathrooms. We were seated straight away in a really large and comfortable booth. We had menus and chips in seconds and our server came by to get a drink order. Now, as we sat there and dinned, we saw the place start to get very crowded. It was a Saturday night, so I suggest you make reservations if you plan on going there at 6pm or after and for brunch on Sunday. Our server was back to us very fast to help with the menu. We ordered guacamole made tableside, enchiladas, Spanish rice and beans, a chicken tamale and a great little side dish, not on the menu of Polenta. It came, a tiny amount, with my combination plate and I loved it. It is corn and cornmeal made into a very soft little cake, it is not as soft as a pudding, but not really like a cake. Just try it. I have a hard time explaining it. It is not the Italian dish that I would always call Polenta. The guacamole was just as my grandson wanted it. The server had him help him with the spice level and the ingredients. He was very patient with my speech impaired teen. Oh, and this place is super family friendly. The rice and beans were traditional Mexican fare, but they were good. Our chicken tamale was amazing. Not spicy and just loaded with chicken. We loved the enchiladas bursting with cheese in a wonderful mole sauce. Their chips were served warm which we love and their salsa was great. Go there. This one. Drive to this one."

"Went in to split a dinner with my wife ordered the burrito Especial shredded beef option from this young guy who was way over his head, the burrito took an unusually long time and when it was brought it was not shredded beef, took so long we sent it back and ordered a side of beans as a dip but even that took a long time. One of the shift managers came in to apologize and try to make thing right but it was a bit too late our hunger passes with chips. This was our only meal for the day. This place is very consistent, the food is good not great but it’s consistently good and nice options to choice from. Dinner is good, lunch is good and the Sunday Brunch is good, great with unlimited mimosas! Jose is a great waiter on the weekends. Chips and salsa are very good you can even order some to go. We haven’t been her for a while but as good as we remember. There is always better and there is always much worse, as I mentioned it’s consistently good. Yes I recommend this place"