Didn't expect such good Mexican food in this small place but like every other time my experiment with Mexican food came out pretty good. To start with, they have one of the best salsa I've had till date. Food quality is very good and their portions are also good enough. We were three and we had to pack some food of the two dishes we ordered. I would definitely suggest this place, if you are looking for good Mexican food in this area.
(4)
Kimberly L.
Pretty much done trying. We live in Alachua, and try to patronize local businesses. El Toro has been a consistent disappointment, for various reasons. Tonight was the last straw. We were seated at the table right next to the out-swinging kitchen door, where my husband actually had to unscrew the light-bulb hanging 3 inches from his forehead, so that he could see, even if he couldn't hear over the kitchen roar. After getting about half way through our chips, we discovered an Earwig insect in the chips. I called someone over to show it to them, and she picked it up, rolled it between her fingers and declared it a "burnt french fry that stayed too long in the oil". Uh, no. It had a forked tail, legs and feelers. She assured us it was a burnt french fry, whisked the basket away, and another server appeared with new chips. I had the chicken and spinach burrito, while my husband had pork. The chicken tasted fresh from the can. The rice that came with the meal was crunchy, and under-cooked. The refried beans were more like four times fried, and dry. The whole table-spoon portion full. The check came, and the queso dip that is supposed to be complimentary, was almost $3 and no adjustment or apology was made regarding the dead Earwig in the chips. This restaurant has steadily gone down in quality. I try to give establishments chances, but I think I've spent enough money at El Toro for over priced, flavorless, bug garnished, slop.
(1)
Stephen H.
You are kidding right? The owners' daughter tried to warn me, "it's not authentic, more Tex-Mex," after telling her we just moved to the area from Mexico. She was not kidding, the burritos served at McDonald's for breakfast is more authentic. If this is the best that Gainesville has to offer, I'm going to import a Mexican family to open a real Taqueria just to get a real taco. I can't believe they put thousand Island dressing on shrimp tacos... That should be a crime.
(1)
Brent S.
This restaurant caught me off guard. I never thought I would have a burrito this good in northern Florida. The service was fast and friendly and the restaurant itself was clean. I ordered a steak burrito, for some reason I can't get enough wet burritos! The burrito was stuffed with steak and rice. Served with a side of sour cream, lettuce and tomato. The meat was tender and to top of the burrito was a delicious cheese sauce. The chips and salsa were also good. I defiantly will stop in again if in the area.
(5)
Matthew D.
The food was not good and way overpriced for the serving size. I ordered 3 enchiladas (more than $12) and they were extremely small. It was about the diameter of a quarter! It came with barely any rice and the enchiladas were COVERED in cheese. As a matter of fact my entire plate was covered in cheese! The ambiance in there is not Mexican at all. They weren't even playing Spanish music or anything remotely close to it. They only reason why I gave 2 stars is because their sauce is good and that's it.
(2)
Rob S.
The place was empty, the service was friendly and quick. Our food arrived hot... But it was bad. I mean, I'm not exaggerating here. The soft-shell beef taco I had, if placed side by side with one from taco bell, would be identical. You legitimately would not be able to tell the difference. Same ingredients, same meat consistency, pre shredded processed cheese. The shredded chicken in my burrito was completely unseasoned. No flavor. It was just pulled chicken. The burrito was covered in a "cheese sauce" which I could only describe as reminiscent of those frozen things of stouffer's mac and cheese. There was just no flavor. The food was, quite simply, bad. Sorry El Toro. You were nice, I almost feel bad for this.
(2)
Chris K.
El Toro moved from Gainesville to Alachua a few years ago and is hidden in the Rolling Oaks Plaza that's near Hitchcocks off of 441. The chips and dips (they give you cheese dip and salsa which are both good) are the only things I've really enjoyed at El Toro. For Mexican food, the prices seem on average $2 too expensive, and to top it off, the food they serve is mediocre at best. I've received meals here that I would have preferred microwavable burritos over. I've found the food to be a little too much on the greasy side, as well. If you're from Alachua, it's worth the trip into Gainesville to choose from the countless other Mexican food options there. But if you really need to eat some Mexican food in Alachua, Taco Bell would be a better choice. I don't say that as a recommendation for Taco Bell though...
(1)
K W.
I've eaten here many times (20+ times) and never had an unpleasant experience. My favorite dish is the chicken chimichangas; very light crust and loads of flavor. The salsa is made fresh and is AWESOME. To HEATH DEHART: Maybe you SHOULD have talked to the owner/manager. He is a very nice, Christian man and he would have made your experience better. He wouldn't let you leave so dissatisfied. And by the way, 'Gringo' is a term for English-speaking foreigners - mainly Americans. It's not a derogatory term.
(5)
Marsha M.
Worst Mexican food! No flavor whatsoever! The only good thing I can say is that the waitress was very nice. The wait for the food to come out was also too long!
(1)
JT F.
Amazing Service by Robin and the food is absolutely fantastic! Everything is homemade, def a must eat!
(5)
Ron K.
I really miss the old El Toro down on 13th street, as it had more of an authentic feel to it and was more spacious. Having said that, I believe the food is just as good as it ever was and the salsa and queso dip are still awesome. No margaritas here.., but they do serve draft and bottled beer. The service has been great so far, as we have never had to wait very long for our meals/drinks/chips, etc. I've been an El Toro fan since the 90's, so I hope they stick around!
(4)
Deb D.
The only place for Mexican food! Easy drive from Gainesville, best salsa ever (no, she doesnt share the recipe!). Tonight had the best server ever , JP. Free chips and salsa but dont leave without buying a pint to go !!!
(5)
Kevin F.
Food is just okay but service is good. Not a lot of option in the surrounding area, so this makes El Toro one of the better destinations in the Alachua area.
(4)
Tara S.
Excellent service and clean and good food. We went in the late afternoon so it was very quiet. I would make a stop again if I'm driving through the area.
(5)
Ashley L.
Went there a few months ago and the food and service was good. Went again and we waited for 45 minutes (with only roughly 12 people in the restaurant) on two salads a few tacos and a chicken meal. When we got our meals the chicken was like rubber we couldn't even eat it , the lettuce was like shreds and we ended up not eating over half our meal. I was very disappointed. The restaurant is nice and clean and most of the staff was friendly but we paid nearly $50 and didn't eat much even my kids who LOVE tacos were disappointed 30 minutes after we left all our stomachs were upset. Not sure what happened in the few months I went from then until now but sadly we will not be returning again.
(1)
Tim A.
Good Food. I love the Cheese Enchilades. Service is good and prompt. Worth a visit.
(4)
Sondra L.
Bright atmosphere. Not too noisy for conversation. Food was good.
(3)
Richard B.
When it comes to mexican food its hit or miss. This is a Hit. Its clean the food is good, unlimited chips and homemade salsa and the fajitas are humongous.
(5)
Fred P.
Food is good and consistant. Wait staff is good... sometimes a little slow. One of the best Mexican places in town.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Ashish S.
Didn't expect such good Mexican food in this small place but like every other time my experiment with Mexican food came out pretty good. To start with, they have one of the best salsa I've had till date. Food quality is very good and their portions are also good enough. We were three and we had to pack some food of the two dishes we ordered. I would definitely suggest this place, if you are looking for good Mexican food in this area.
(4)Kimberly L.
Pretty much done trying. We live in Alachua, and try to patronize local businesses. El Toro has been a consistent disappointment, for various reasons. Tonight was the last straw. We were seated at the table right next to the out-swinging kitchen door, where my husband actually had to unscrew the light-bulb hanging 3 inches from his forehead, so that he could see, even if he couldn't hear over the kitchen roar. After getting about half way through our chips, we discovered an Earwig insect in the chips. I called someone over to show it to them, and she picked it up, rolled it between her fingers and declared it a "burnt french fry that stayed too long in the oil". Uh, no. It had a forked tail, legs and feelers. She assured us it was a burnt french fry, whisked the basket away, and another server appeared with new chips. I had the chicken and spinach burrito, while my husband had pork. The chicken tasted fresh from the can. The rice that came with the meal was crunchy, and under-cooked. The refried beans were more like four times fried, and dry. The whole table-spoon portion full. The check came, and the queso dip that is supposed to be complimentary, was almost $3 and no adjustment or apology was made regarding the dead Earwig in the chips. This restaurant has steadily gone down in quality. I try to give establishments chances, but I think I've spent enough money at El Toro for over priced, flavorless, bug garnished, slop.
(1)Stephen H.
You are kidding right? The owners' daughter tried to warn me, "it's not authentic, more Tex-Mex," after telling her we just moved to the area from Mexico. She was not kidding, the burritos served at McDonald's for breakfast is more authentic. If this is the best that Gainesville has to offer, I'm going to import a Mexican family to open a real Taqueria just to get a real taco. I can't believe they put thousand Island dressing on shrimp tacos... That should be a crime.
(1)Brent S.
This restaurant caught me off guard. I never thought I would have a burrito this good in northern Florida. The service was fast and friendly and the restaurant itself was clean. I ordered a steak burrito, for some reason I can't get enough wet burritos! The burrito was stuffed with steak and rice. Served with a side of sour cream, lettuce and tomato. The meat was tender and to top of the burrito was a delicious cheese sauce. The chips and salsa were also good. I defiantly will stop in again if in the area.
(5)Matthew D.
The food was not good and way overpriced for the serving size. I ordered 3 enchiladas (more than $12) and they were extremely small. It was about the diameter of a quarter! It came with barely any rice and the enchiladas were COVERED in cheese. As a matter of fact my entire plate was covered in cheese! The ambiance in there is not Mexican at all. They weren't even playing Spanish music or anything remotely close to it. They only reason why I gave 2 stars is because their sauce is good and that's it.
(2)Rob S.
The place was empty, the service was friendly and quick. Our food arrived hot... But it was bad. I mean, I'm not exaggerating here. The soft-shell beef taco I had, if placed side by side with one from taco bell, would be identical. You legitimately would not be able to tell the difference. Same ingredients, same meat consistency, pre shredded processed cheese. The shredded chicken in my burrito was completely unseasoned. No flavor. It was just pulled chicken. The burrito was covered in a "cheese sauce" which I could only describe as reminiscent of those frozen things of stouffer's mac and cheese. There was just no flavor. The food was, quite simply, bad. Sorry El Toro. You were nice, I almost feel bad for this.
(2)Chris K.
El Toro moved from Gainesville to Alachua a few years ago and is hidden in the Rolling Oaks Plaza that's near Hitchcocks off of 441. The chips and dips (they give you cheese dip and salsa which are both good) are the only things I've really enjoyed at El Toro. For Mexican food, the prices seem on average $2 too expensive, and to top it off, the food they serve is mediocre at best. I've received meals here that I would have preferred microwavable burritos over. I've found the food to be a little too much on the greasy side, as well. If you're from Alachua, it's worth the trip into Gainesville to choose from the countless other Mexican food options there. But if you really need to eat some Mexican food in Alachua, Taco Bell would be a better choice. I don't say that as a recommendation for Taco Bell though...
(1)K W.
I've eaten here many times (20+ times) and never had an unpleasant experience. My favorite dish is the chicken chimichangas; very light crust and loads of flavor. The salsa is made fresh and is AWESOME. To HEATH DEHART: Maybe you SHOULD have talked to the owner/manager. He is a very nice, Christian man and he would have made your experience better. He wouldn't let you leave so dissatisfied. And by the way, 'Gringo' is a term for English-speaking foreigners - mainly Americans. It's not a derogatory term.
(5)Marsha M.
Worst Mexican food! No flavor whatsoever! The only good thing I can say is that the waitress was very nice. The wait for the food to come out was also too long!
(1)JT F.
Amazing Service by Robin and the food is absolutely fantastic! Everything is homemade, def a must eat!
(5)Ron K.
I really miss the old El Toro down on 13th street, as it had more of an authentic feel to it and was more spacious. Having said that, I believe the food is just as good as it ever was and the salsa and queso dip are still awesome. No margaritas here.., but they do serve draft and bottled beer. The service has been great so far, as we have never had to wait very long for our meals/drinks/chips, etc. I've been an El Toro fan since the 90's, so I hope they stick around!
(4)Deb D.
The only place for Mexican food! Easy drive from Gainesville, best salsa ever (no, she doesnt share the recipe!). Tonight had the best server ever , JP. Free chips and salsa but dont leave without buying a pint to go !!!
(5)Kevin F.
Food is just okay but service is good. Not a lot of option in the surrounding area, so this makes El Toro one of the better destinations in the Alachua area.
(4)Tara S.
Excellent service and clean and good food. We went in the late afternoon so it was very quiet. I would make a stop again if I'm driving through the area.
(5)Ashley L.
Went there a few months ago and the food and service was good. Went again and we waited for 45 minutes (with only roughly 12 people in the restaurant) on two salads a few tacos and a chicken meal. When we got our meals the chicken was like rubber we couldn't even eat it , the lettuce was like shreds and we ended up not eating over half our meal. I was very disappointed. The restaurant is nice and clean and most of the staff was friendly but we paid nearly $50 and didn't eat much even my kids who LOVE tacos were disappointed 30 minutes after we left all our stomachs were upset. Not sure what happened in the few months I went from then until now but sadly we will not be returning again.
(1)Tim A.
Good Food. I love the Cheese Enchilades. Service is good and prompt. Worth a visit.
(4)Sondra L.
Bright atmosphere. Not too noisy for conversation. Food was good.
(3)Richard B.
When it comes to mexican food its hit or miss. This is a Hit. Its clean the food is good, unlimited chips and homemade salsa and the fajitas are humongous.
(5)Fred P.
Food is good and consistant. Wait staff is good... sometimes a little slow. One of the best Mexican places in town.
(5)