El Toreador Restaurant West

Company Information: This restaurant's claim to fame is that it serves more than 100 brands of beer. It is bright and colorful inside. Hand-painted sombreros and colorful pinatas decorate this small restaurant and make for a funky and lively atmosphere. Try the large burritos, rivaling those sold in the Mission District. Enchiladas and quesadillas are also on the menu. Dinner entrees have larger portions and are served with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas. A meal here is not complete without one of the fine beers available or a margarita. The service is quick and friendly.

Hours of Operation: Tu-W 11am-9pm, Th 11am-9:30pm, F-Sa 11am-10pm, Su 2:30pm-9:30pm

Categories: Mexican Restaurants, Latin American, Italian Restaurants, Continental Restaurants, Restaurants

1. 
   User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

   by Aileen B

   07/18/2008

   I haven't been to this restaurant in a while and I don't know why. The food was always fantastic when I went previously, but I can't attest to it at present. One of the cool things about El Toreador is that you're able to wait for your seat at the bar next door, Joxer Daly's. That's a really cool arrangement, especially because the front entryway/foyer of the restaurant is tiny.

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2. 
   User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

   by awful-awful

   01/09/2008

   What a disappointment this birthday meal was! If you are looking for cute decor and dining in a big pinyata, this is your spot. But if you're looking for a good tostada steak salad, forget it. Tons of half cooked onions, overwhelming mounds of tri-colored peppers, iceberg lettuce, overcooked, heavily salted, dry, tough beef which buries an almost invisible amount of cheese, then this is your place. If you want a surly, abrupt waiter, bingo again. Very disappointing and not cheap either. Try Picante in Berkeley if you want great Mexican food, creatively prepared, graciously served, and reasonably priced.

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3. 
   User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

   by puttopal

   02/26/2007

   Mexican comfort food served in a riot of color: If you crave basic refried beans and enchiladas or chimichangas in flavorful sauces, this place is worth the wait (they don't take reservations). The decor had our four year-old entranced from the moment we walked in. An explosion of bright colors, papier mache toucans and Mexican dolls in native dress greets you and surrounds you. The pictures of the owner's french bulldog never fail to amuse.
   
   Our server was very attentive, and delighted our daughter by bringing her milk with a paper umbrella AND a bunch of plastic monkeys. The food was basic California-Mex, but sooo tasty. It had been a few years since we'd been in, but I know we'll be back, and often.

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