Decent food, great service and very clean inside. I ordered the carnitas and my husband ordered the chimichanga (which wasn't very crispy). Affordable, quick place to eat. We ordered two dinners with water and spent $25.00 with the tip. Will probably return.
(4)
Anjelica N.
The food is our typical greasy, yet delicious Mexican good. Burritos are huge. Taco salads are plentiful and margaritas are wickedly potent and sure to give you a nice and lasting buzz. In other words, don't drink and then drive too quickly after! The guys at El Toro are quite friendly and even on crowded nights your salsa won't run dry and if you're feeling the heat from your meal - your water will always be filled! Tip: Be sure to check out the coupons online for this place! They'll happily accept them.
(4)
Sara W.
Excellent Mexican food, great service, plenty of free parking, $5.99 ladies margarita night on Wednesdays. 'Nough said.
(4)
Rose K.
Service- 4 Food- 1.5 Rounding up to a 3 because the service really was excellent. Located right in Hyde Park plaza near Panera and Kroger, Hyde Parkers cannot beat this location if you are craving Mexican. Unfortunately the food here was just meh--greasy and mediocre. I've kind of come to expect it from standard Mexican restaurants like this but after being spoiled by the Mazuntes of Cincinnati, I've come to be more picky about my Mexican. They had a huge menu full of typical combo platters, enchiladas, nachos and other standard fare. They also had a good drink menu--marg and tequila options as well as a variety of beers. I was not a fan of how you have to pay $1 more for margarita flavors besides lime. I ordered a platter meal that had an enchilada, a piece of carne asada and a fried poblano. The enchilada was okay, the carne asada was chewy and greasy and practically impossible to eat, and the poblano had more cream filling and breading than actual pepper. I also had a lime margarita on the rocks. Definitely made from a mix... It just wasn't fresh and refreshing like I had hoped! A make or break thing for me at a joint like this is the chips and salsa--if they are excellent, the food typically is too. The salsa tasted like it was from a jar and the chips were unfortunately under seasoned. I'd consider coming back for the Thirsty Thursday marg deal but likely nothing else.
(3)
Doug F.
A perfectly average Mexican food restaurant. Happy hour beers are big and cheap, margaritas are as expected, service is very friendly and eager to speak in Spanish. The thing is... it's a rather forgettable restaurant given the amount of Mexican restaurants in the area. The meal starts with chips and salsa. I think the salsa has a puree'd texture and has a nice kick. For my entree, I had the Boss Burrito which is a chicken and steak burrito topped with shrimp, pineapple and a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was rather disappointing, lacking in flavor and was rather thick. The pineapple gave the bite a fruity zing, but there was nothing that the flavor was building up towards. It may work better if there was more taste in the queso sauce or shrimp, but as is, it tastes out of place. If the beer deal was not as good as it is, El Toro could be a 2 star in my book. Service is friendly, though we experienced long wait times while the staff made their rounds. I think El Toro is fine if you were in the strip mall and suddenly wanted Mexican food, but I think it needs more to stand out from the other options in the area.
(3)
Katie B.
While El Toro might just be your typical cheap, greasy, Mexican joint -- I love it for all those reasons. The chicken taco salad is my go-to dish, and you can't mess with Ladies Night on Thursdays -- $5.99 large margaritas! And, yes, you can taste the alcohol (maybe a little too much). The staff is super friendly, although I recently discovered a bunch of their old staff left for other locations (who knew there were other locations?) Check out their website for a coupon before you go -- and go head and dig out your old college ID, because it's worth 10% off at El Toro!
(4)
Brandy V.
This may be my new favorite Mexican restaurant! I love the chips and salsa, just the right amount of spice. I always get fajita nachos and they are great here! Service is great and staff is friendly. Can't wait to come back! Who wants to join me??
(4)
Kim P.
I went here for the first time. The food was actually good & I've had my fair share of good Mexican food in California. I got the fajita quesadilla with a side of rice and beans. Service was really good also!
(4)
Randy D.
Solid Mexican restaurant that sits back in the Plaza. I've had The Boss burrito, which was solid but not my favorite thing on the menu. I'd go with either the Fajita Steak Quesadilla, which is loaded with Steak, cheese, fajita onions and green peppers, and comes with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream on the side...or the the Burrito Guadalajara which comes with Carnitas, chorizo, onions, with queso and salsa verde on top. Both are delicious. I wish their salsa they give you with the chips was better. It's watery and doesn't taste like fresh salsa.
(4)
Elizabeth B.
Can't believe I haven't eaten here until now! This place hits the spot when you've got Mexican on the mind. Like others have said, the chips and salsa are phenomenal, as is the service. The waiters are attentive and friendly. I came in here by myself and they treated me like family. Loved watching them interact with customers--many of whom seemed to be regulars that they treated like old friends. Will definitely be coming back often, maybe next time with some friends!
(5)
Courtney P.
I've been here a few time with my girlfriends for margaritas and once for food. It's your pretty average Mexican restaurant, nothing special and nothing super great. One person commented they couldn't remember what they ordered and I never can either because the food isn't that remarkable. The menu, however, is pretty big in my opinion with a huge variety of options and combinations. The margaritas are good frozen or on the rocks and I believe Sunday the Texas sized margaritas are 1/2 price. The servers are pretty nice/polite and they move quickly. It's a nice alternative to Don Pablo's but if you are looking for super amazing Mexican food you might want to try somewhere else.
(3)
Dave L.
Cold beer, great service. Blah food. Cheap prices. If that's what you're in search of, it's here for ya.
(3)
Beth K.
El Toro is a great "go-to" place for delicious, cheesy, greasy Mexican food. It's a little deceiving, as it sits right in the middle of a small strip mall type area, but El Toro has yet to disappoint me. Great margaritas and shrimp tacos! The Cincy special is pretty tasty too! Stroll down just a few stores after your belly is full of spicy Mexican and grab some frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf.
(4)
Enisa H.
We usually go to El Toro when we are meeting our Oakley friends. I feel like the only thing I can say about this place is: well it's Mexican place and their margaritas are decent. Everything else is just ok. Usually, when it's hard for me to remember what I even ordered then it must have not been memorable. El Toro is in a strip mall in Hyde Park plaza so no room for outside seating. The decor is very forgettable and I don't think I've had one fun conversation with any of the staff. When it comes to the food, it's your typical 3 mile long menu and free chips and salsa. Nothing spectacular. Usually I am fine with this place when we need to make a quick decision for dinner and like I said their margaritas are decent.
(3)
Danielle P.
I have been coming to El Toro for years- Ladies night on Thursdays ($5.99 Jumbo Margaritas!) quickly became a weekly tradition for my roommates and I. Don't worry fellas, there's a Guys' night too on Wednesdays. The food is everything you would expect from a traditional-style Mexican restaurant: my go-to almost every time is the Fajita Quesadilla. And don't worry about ever walking away hungry- the portion sizes are HUGE. And all of this will be served to you by the most spirited, fun-loving servers- don't be surprised if they put your Spanish-speaking skills to the test!
(4)
Emily C.
Among the things that make me happy: Margaritas, queso, and cheese enchiladas. Oh sorry, I mean "cheese dip"- not queso. All still definitely delicious and give me my Tex-Mex fix. The service is really quick, and the servers are all super nice and attentive. The salsa could be spicier, and the black beans could be a little less "watery." This place is good though, don't get me wrong. The margaritas are delicious, and they come in a variety of sizes. I've only managed to tackle the "jumbo." I like this El Toro location! For Tex-Mex in Ohio, it's absolutely worth checking out.
(4)
Tabitha W.
Armed with a Groupon, I headed out to visit what I believe is my first Mexican restaurant since moving to Cincinnati in May. The biggest complaint I have - and this may not even be their fault - is the Groupon voucher itself. The voucher states that it is for a "Combination meal for 2", but the deal actually includes more than that. I had to go back to the Groupon site to verify what it actually included to make sure we received what we had paid for. Aside from the two combo meals, it includes an order of chips and dip (chips and salsa are brought out automatically, so this allowed us to get a side of queso to go with it) and a dessert. The cheese dip was a tad watery but still very tasty. And the salsa was good, slightly on the spicy side. We also got a margarita to go with our meal. They were on special for $4.99 for a Jumbo. This is possibly the strongest margarita I have ever had at a restaurant. I was impressed! All in all, it was an enjoyable visit. The staff are attentive - our server had a heavy accent, which made him a bit hard to understand at times, but there were no mistakes with our order. The food was good. It's reasonably priced, and servings are generous. It is a fairly large and clean space.
(4)
Pamela F.
As Californians we relish authentic Mexican food -- we've traveled to Baja/Cabo, Acapulco several times and Ensenada --but it is often hard to find West of the Mississippi. This is the real deal: Pacifico beer on tap (with limes!), and fish tacos (although, sigh, wish they'd do a crispy baja version like Rubios). Our family of four check is usually less than $10 per person -- with beer. Friendly, family run and prompt service. Bottomless chips and salsa.
(4)
Andrew G.
El Toro was a great dining experience from start to finish. It offers a locally-owned, authentic Mexican feeling. The menu is extensive and the atmosphere is fantastic, and my meal and the chips and salsa were out of this world. And best of all, the service was 5-star. My waiter was professional, polite and accommodating, and I had my meal only 10 minutes after ordering, even though my visit was during the peak of the dinner rush. Highly recommended!
(5)
Alec D.
The food at El Toro is about on par with other local Mexican restaurants in the area. The salsa tastes fresh, and the chips are served warm. The margaritas are very tasty and will get you where you want to go (if you know what I mean!) El Toro's best quality is their staff. I have never been to a friendlier and warmer environment than at El Toro. They all seem to want to serve their patrons and ensure you have a great time in the restaurant and are satisfied along all aspects of your dining experience.
(4)
Alyssa F.
Pretty decent "mexican" food. We had been seeing good reviews and tons of people outside of this place for a year or so now, and we go to a wine tasting in the area every week, so finally got a chance to stop by. Their "thing," and I think the reason why people go there, are their drink specials. I think they gather a lot of young professionals who are of the sorority/fraternity type. The restaurant was pretty loud. I didn't see any families or older people there. I would go back for a cheap drink with some decent food.
(4)
Josie P.
We go here regularly. Never disappointed. Always good service and food. I love the carne azteca, beef fajitas, and mocaljeta.
(5)
Arun M.
I had a quick lunch at this place located in a strip mall next to many other stores and kind of hidden! This place can accomodate a lot of people at lunch time or other times as well. The ambiance is kind of a mix between sports bar and cantina. They have quick lunch menu choices that are designed for lunch rush time and are very healthy looking. Waiter was not so excited of us being vegetarians, unlike other places he didnt give us many options but answered our questions on the ingredients nicely. Food was mediocre at best. I have had mexican food at different places in Cincinnati and this one is not one that I would like to repeat. Their refried beans were very mushy like baby food. There was a huge amount of cheese in everything and the leftovers didnt look appetizing enough to take home. They do get credit fresh chips and salsa. May be a quick lunch visit is all I will recommend for El Toro.
(3)
Joshua G.
We love this place! The service is friendly and fast. The food is good, hot, and comes in large portions. They bring free chips and salsa right when you sit down. Also, its a very fair price. The managers and employees are really nice. I highly recommend El Toro!
(5)
Lauren J.
first off..they have amazing white cheese dip! lol! whenever I'm in a new city searching for a mexican restaurant I look at reviews to see if they have white cheese dip! haha that stuff is a MUST for me and it's awesome here! and their frozen strawberry margs go perfectly with it! their food is great too...I got their Happy Pollo but subbed the mushrooms out and and added bell peppers..sooooo good! I've also had their nachos fajitas...just as yummy! highly recommended :) oh! and great guacamole as well! not one bad thing to say!
(5)
Michael W.
Things have unfortunately changed... We have been going to El Toro for a few years and BOTH the service and "mocalambres" (my favorite dish) have always been amazing. However, the last 2 visits, the service has been very poor (understaffed) and the mocalambres were about half the size they used to be. I'm not prone to complain but I had to say something about the portion size today (it's a $16 entree that used to be nearly two meals, now not even one meal) . The manager said "we have new owners, some things have changed". If "change" = less service staff and dramatically reducing the quality/quantity of food, then I guess this long-term customer will have to find a new favorite Mexican establishment. It really makes me sad to say goodbye to "The Toro".
(1)
Holly S.
I am from California so I am a tad picky about the Mexican food I eat. This restaurant has a lot of recipes with chorizo, which can be greasy. Their Boss burrito with steak, chicken and shrimp with pineapple slivers was massive and good. The folks here speak Spanish and it was somewhat crowded. Try it!
(4)
Amanda G.
This place has average food but beware when ordering takeout from here...$4.50 fee...just to order takeout!!! Ridiculous!!!! Plus I couldn't understand what the person who took our order over the phone was saying. I had to repeat our order several times before I thought that he understood. (3 soft tacos, 3 hard tacos and a guacamole salad, that's it) When my boyfriend went to pick up the food we were charged for an extra meal that we never ordered. Unfortunately he just assumed I ordered a ton of food and paid for it. I understand a language barrier and the miscommunication but an almost $5 fee just for ordering food to go is insane especially since I wasn't informed there would even be a fee for ordering takeout. I've never even heard of charging a takeout fee before and I've been in the restaurant industry for 10 years. Needless to say we will never order takeout from here again.
(2)
Alicia B.
Great customer serve. I only got one thing from here - Sergio Salad. It was delicious and very filling. Only problem why I didn't rate it a 5. I ordered it to go and the way it was package, well... Just didn't make sense! A salad, in a large tortilla bowl... Wrapped in foil. Very difficult to eat a salad in foil.. Oh well, it was still delish. Order to dine in and you should be fine.
(4)
Tori M.
Run of the mill Mexican restaurant but nothing made this stand out to separate it from the many Mexican restaurants around. Would not seek it out nor would I avoid it.
(3)
Carrie K.
Great Mexican with friendly staff. We went on a Thursday night (ladies night as luck would have it). It was busy but we were seated right away by a smiling host. Our server was also quite happy and friendly and gave us some time to look over the large menu while enjoying a margarita. The salsa is very good with a little heat. The guacamole was fantastic! I had a vegetarian burrito and cannot recall the last time I consumed an entire anything at a Mexican restaurant. It was so good I inhaled it. My husband had the Happy pollo which he said was also very good. Fun atmosphere and good food. We will be back.
(4)
Angela C.
Just your average tex mex place. Average salsa, average chips, average tacos, average fajitas, average service, average decor. I can't say it was amazing in any way, shape, or form, but I can't say it was bad. I'd go again if it was convenient.
(3)
Katie F.
I want to love El Toro because the staff and service is just really, really friendly. Tonight, my server, Israel, spoke completely in Spanish to me, which was cool and authentic. I'm not sure how he knew I knew the language?! He was helpful and pointed me in the right direction when I told him what kind of thing I was looking for. That being said, the atmosphere is bland and open/empty-feeling. The menu is overwhelming with endless among endless options. The food is pretty mediocre. The drink specials are AMAZING (we got a big 'ole stein for $3 I think?!? What...) & their margaritas are alright. The place is great for groups. I would recommend to someone who has a big group, wants to drink cheap and eat enormous amounts of food covered in 5+ toppings (me, most of the time), with quick and friendly service.
(4)
Mike G.
I stopped in to appease my Mexican craving on a Sunday evening. The place wasn't crowded and we were seated right away. After placing a drink order( I tried the jumbo strawberry margarita) we were wondering if we would get the complimentary salsa and chips. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, and having to ask, some were brought out. My g/f and I split the seafood fajitas( fish, shrimp, crab) and I still don't think we received any crab, but it was good. Not great, but ok. They were a little chintzy on the guacamole( which looked like Wholly Guacamole!) and refried beans. We asked for extra guac, and got it, at a very overpriced charge of $3.50! We were never asked for a refill or another drink, my g/f having ordered a cherry coke because the water tasted nasty, but turned down an offer of dessert. The place didn't impress me at all, and the annoyingly loud table nearby was the last straw. I'm used to a decent place like Cancun on the west side, and will not be going back to "da bull!"
(2)
Jamie F.
I was torn on giving this a three star rating, because honestly, the food doesn't necessarily set it apart from a lot of other places... but there's just something about El Toro that keeps me coming back. This is my and my best friend's go to place, and no matter how fast the food comes out (which is pretty fast) and how fast the margaritas disappear (also far, far too quickly) we never manage to leave in less than an hour and half. Every server we've had here has been fantastic and enthusiastic, and the atmosphere is perfect for just hanging out and catching up. It's loud enough that you don't feel awkward if you start loudly talking tipsy excited style, but quiet enough that you don't have to strain your vocal chords to be heard. And as a final note... the margaritas never fail to disappoint. They've caused many an impromptu field trip down the plaza to wander the aisles of Kroger until their effects have worn off. Pescatarian Rating: 4 A handful of vegetarian combos and almost a whole page of seafood ones.
(4)
Andrew B.
I don't oft give 5 stars, but this place is fantastic! Great environment (clean, good volume, etc.), sizable, yet well-priced margaritas, and delicious, authentic food served by alert waiters in sharp uniforms. Took my girlfriend here for a date and she was happy. Need I say more?
(5)
Ben N.
El Toro is slipping. The restaurant still seems clean, the atmosphere is still festive, and the servers are still enthusiastic, friendly, and competent. But you can read my original review from a couple of years ago and see that I wasn't exactly thrilled about El Toro's food to begin with. It has gotten worse. This last time, my plate of a food was just a sodden mass of mushy dullness. A tamal that had the texture of spongecake and less flavor. A chile relleno so runny that it was almost liquified. Chips served at room temperature. Sauces that were viscous and one-dimensional. Salsa that, annoyingly, was more sweet than hot. And so on. I don't know of any Mexican combo-plate/Tex-Mex restaurants around Cincinnati that are really great, but El Jinete and El Trio have raised the level of competition a bit on this side of town. El Toro isn't really cutting it at this point. Hat-tip to the staff on the floor for trying to make the best of it.
(2)
James K.
I have been eating here occasionally for almost three years now. They are good about bring chips and salsa to your table upon your arrival, but you are never given plates for them. The table service has really gone down hill over the past year. Tonight we never received refills on our water (which is all we were drinking) and when requesting extra flour tortillas for steak fajitas (they only give you three small ones) it was reflected on our bill as an additional $1 charge. The food is average Mexican food, but good for being in Cincinnati. They wouldn't last long in West. I have had Mexican food in western states and it is much better. I will probably go elsewhere for my Mexican fix in the future.
(2)
Alex S.
El Toro is one of those deceptive restaurants where it looks like a tiny Mexican place in the middle of a strip mall, but actually opens up to be a giant room. You walk through those doors and have a, "Woah!" moment. Of course, that's basically the only surprise of the night. If you're looking for cheap, quick Mexican food, that's exactly what you're going to get here. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but don't go in looking to be blown away. In fact, just go in looking to get drunk. Honestly, the food? Nothing to celebrate. You basically have your orders of corn shell with meat and beans and cheese (ex. Tacos, burritos, quesadilla, enchilada - seriously, all the same thing). It's prepared very quickly and comes out to you at equal speed. It's not awful but not specifically delicious either. It's about the same quality that I could make at home. However, their alcoholic drinks more than make up for it - as they are fantastic and cheap. I got a monstrous strawberry daiquiri for $6 and my friends ordered a pitcher of margarita that was equally excellent. I would come back here just to sit back and drink. Plus, they had free chips and salsa - and I heart free chips and salsa. Because the room is so large, they also didn't mind us sitting around for an hour after our meal had been finished and taken away, being loudly annoying. The alcohol probably did not help us not be loudly annoying. But it's ok, because everyone else in the room was being loudly annoying too. It's that kind of place. Since this is billed as a Mexican restaurant, and not a bar, I can't rate it too highly. However, I'm also not going to rate it too low either. This is the perfect example of a place to go that's not great but not awful. A nice cheap spot to hang out with some friends and basically do nothing.
(3)
Catherine C.
Having gone to Miami and frequenting Fiesta Charra at least twice a week, I have to say I've found that El Toro almost does the trick (I mean, can you really top Fiesta?). They've got good food, quick service, and delicious margaritas. I usually only visit at lunch and it's pretty quiet which is nice, especially if you're going out with coworkers and want to be in and out but still have a sit-down experience. Oh, and don't forget to order cheese dip!
(4)
Ed P.
My wife and I have been trying to find a local Mexican restaurant close to our house in Cincinnati to replace Benny's, our neighborhood staple in Denver. El Toro Mexican Restaurant is only a mile from our new house, in fact we would have walked there if the weather wasn't bad. They are located in the large strip mall named Hyde Park Plaza, next to Ace Hardware and just around the corner from Kroger. The storefront doesn't appear very large, but the restaurant is very deep and has seating for plenty. We arrived just before 7:30 on a Wednesday to find the restaurant mostly empty. We settled into our booth seating and noticed that all the booth tops are shaped like bull horns. El toro translates to the bull, so some care has been made in designing the restaurant. Shortly after sitting down an employee dropped off some chips and salsa and some water. The chips didn't seem very fresh but they were warm. The salsa was pretty good overall, though most of the time I prefer a salsa with more chunks in it. This was very thin, but the spice was there and the flavor was good. Shortly after receiving the complimentary chips and salsa, our server came by to take our drink order. My wife asked if there were any specials, and fortunately one of the smaller sized margaritas was on sale. We both ordered one on the rocks with salt. When they arrived I was shocked at how large it was. According to the menu there are two sizes larger than the ones that we ordered. The taste was decent. It wasn't heavy on either sweet or sour, just middle of the road on flavor. For dinner I went with the combination plate #1, which includes a taco, two enchiladas, and either rice or beans (I chose beans). Overall the food was not good. The taco was completely bland, and though the enchiladas were a little better due to the red sauce on top, they still were bland. The red sauce was simply not full of enough flavor, and their chicken all seemed very dry. The beans might have been my favorite part of my plate, since they actually tasted like I was expecting. For $7.99 the amount of food was good, but the taste needed a lot of work. My wife created her own combination plate with chile poblano, burrito, and tostaguac. She almost ordered the chile relleno but when she realized it was filled with beef she switched to the poblano, which is the same thing except with cheese filling. The poblano was better than anything else on my plate, but still not very good. It too had the same red sauce on it, which really needs work. The burrito was equally as plain and boring as my enchiladas. While the tostaguac (basically guacamole on a tostada) was probably the highlight of the meal. I always thought that it would be hard to find Mexican food that was less flavorful than Don Pablos, but I think El Toro has done it. I really doubt that we will make the effort to return anytime in the near future. Our quest for good Mexican food near our home continues.
(2)
Danny S.
This is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati. The food is amazing and priced well. The staff truly sets this place apart. My kids LOVE the whole staff and even make a point to stop in to.say hello even if we are not eating!
(5)
Katherine M.
This is a pretty decent little Mexican place in Hyde Park. I have other places I prefer, but this was pretty central to me and friends (everyone lives in Clifton, I didn't) and always a good stop for lunch or dinner. The margaritas are okay - a bit watery and always not frozen enough for me when I got the frozen ones. I usually choose on the rocks - and there is never ever enough salt for me. The food is okay - everything is pretty normal and nothing ever stands out to me. The queso hardens too quickly, the rice is just average, and the shrimp tacos were full of spices but not shrimp. My favorite is the fajita quesadilla - it's pretty darn good. I have tried to get the sopapillas but they are usually out. I finally got them once and they were just okay - a little bit hard for my liking. Overall they are getting 3 stars for being convenient and having good service.
(3)
Missy L.
I must say I was quite impressed by this little Mexican restaurant! El Toro's exterior is rather deceptive. Despite being located in a strip mall in Hyde Park it actually offers pretty tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. My dinning experience started with the typical chips and salsa. They were pretty tasty and the chips were still warm which is my favorite. The menu doesn't hold any real surprises. It's the typical Mexican fare. Oddly enough what I was exceeding pleased/surprised by were their beans and rice! I got one of the combo meals that came with an enchilada, a burrito, beans and rice. I typically find most restaurants beans and rice to be dry from sitting under a heat lamp for too long. Then there's the flavor...or lack there of. The rice typically has no flavor whatsoever and the beans can only hope to be helped by a generous heap of cheese. Not the case at El Toro! Both the beans and rice had their own unique flavors and you could tell they both had been made fresh. Now, I do have to say that my "burrito" and "enchilada" were exactly the same thing, the only difference being the burrito was slightly larger than the enchilada. They were both tasty, just the same. I missed the enchilada sauce that typically comes with them and the burrito was so full of shredded chicken I found it to be a bit dry. The service was great and we got our meal in a timely manner. Our waiter was funny and kept referring to my water as tequila. "Ma'am would you like another tequila?" I guess I should have prefaced that with the fact that I was only one not drinking at the table. All and all a pleasant experience. I would honestly go back and just get beans and rice. It's not my favorite Mexican restaurant in the tri-state, but it's pretty high up there. If you are in the area and craving a fresh and cheap meal El Toro is definitely a good choice.
(3)
Brad B.
Located in the Hyde Park Plaza, this little Mexican hideaway will satisfy your craving for good Mexican food! Their prices are moderate and the atmosphere is lively. There is also a cantina in the back if you're just looking for a bar-style scene. Parking is not an issue as it is located I a strip mall.
(4)
Sanjeet G.
Pretty cool place for grabbing some mexican food and drinks. Pros: 1) Great atmosphere 2) Good drink specials, They have 32 oz beers and giant Margaritas 3) The servers are really friendly and professional Cons: 1) Due to this place being busy pretty much every time I have been there the service has been kind of slow
(4)
Alex L.
So I've been here a few times and I'll say that it's about middle of the road in terms of Mexican food. It's definitely not authentic by any stretch of the imagination but the portions are decent so you will get full. In terms of size the actual restaurant is quite big with a main dining area and a bar area in the back. That being said, be ready for a wait if you come during dinner time. I'm not sure if it's a function of the servers being terribly inefficient or just a lack of ppl for the amount of customers. In terms of food, as I said they have a great selection of combo plates so you'll definitely be able to find something that sounds interesting or you want to get. Again, nothing to get excited about but definitely not the worst either. They provide limitless chips and salsa so at least they have that going for themselves. I'll say the best part about this place is the alcohol selection. They have cheap 32 oz beers and Margaritas. The worst thing is the service though. Aside from the blatant ignoring at times, the last time we went they just completely forgot an order so we waited an extra 15-20 min for that to come out. At the end of the day though, you'll go there for the beer and eat the food as an aside.
(3)
Victoria B.
The service was wonderful. Even the manager/owner? stopped by. Nice relaxing vibe to the late lunch early dinner atmosphere. Margaritas were great. Tried some the Chorizo Pollo and it was delicious. Portion sizes are enormous so plan on leaving super stuffed. Fried ice cream was great as was the banana desert. Something different... something very nice.
(4)
Arianna C.
I'm from New Mexico so my mexican food standards are pretty high. This is the most legitimate mexican food I've had so far in cinci. The staff is very friendly and even spoke Spanish to me when i was ordering. I felt right at home! 100% recommend this place. Very authentic food and atmosphere.
(5)
Lewis R.
If you take a look at my check-ins, you'll see I'm an El Rancho Grande fan. But sometimes there just isn't one around when I'm craving Mexican. So when I'm in the area I stop by El Toro. The place is huge, as others have mentioned. This makes it look completely empty at lunch time. But I don't mind a quiet lunch, so no big deal. The service is prompt and the lunch menu had some nice surprises in addition to the usual fare. The tamales are big and well stuffed, but I'm not a fan of the beef sauce they put over top, and the meat inside is not very flavorful. The tacos and enchiladas are good choices, and the chips and salsa aren't bad, too. The food portions are large and the prices are cheap. That means I'm a happy camper.
(3)
Tara N.
I really like this place for a quick Mexican dinner. The salsa is runny but has a good flavor, the chips taste homemade, and the food is good. The margaritas are GIGANTIC, even at the smallest size. The prices have been increasing since they opened, which is what holds me back from the 5th star. The service is quick, and like most Mexican places, you get your food in about 10 minutes. The restaurant is huge, so even if you go during prime dining hours, you shouldn't have to wait for a table. Not the best Mexican food I've ever had, but definitely hits the spot when you're craving queso or fajitas.
(4)
Sarah F.
Based on 1 dinner there, I would say this place is fairly average as Mexican food goes. There was quite a wait on a Saturday night, I guess because this is the only other Mexican option in the Hyde Park area other than Don Pablo's. The chips were good--hot and crisp, but the salsa was just average (kind of thin and not a lot of fresh or spicy flavors). The guacamole was good though--fresh and chunky, but kind of a small serving for a table to share. I ordered chicken enchiladas, which were good, but again, nothing special. Rice was also average, but the real disappointment was the refried beans--they were unnaturally pale and flavorless. Service was pretty quick, especially considering the packed house. Prices were reasonable. Bottom line? A good alternative to Don Pablo's if you're in the area, but don't make a special trip (and see if you can substitute something else for the refried beans!).
(3)
Tricia F.
Probably the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. No, not probably.. It is!!! I am still gagging while choking down cereal just to keep my stomach from seizing. If I was completely wasted black out drunk I would choose Taco Bell and then stumble over to El Toro and puke it up all of over their sidewalk. It is that terrible. I've been using yelp for years and have never given any restaurant a review until today. You have been warned.
(1)
Rachel P.
I enjoy El Toro when I am looking for a quick bite to eat and casual Mexican food. They have a large menu with a lot of different options. Whenever I go there the servers always speak Spanish and it's a fun way to practice.
(4)
Amy H.
El Toro is a great place for lunch or dinner. The vegetable fajitas are my favorite. I always order them with no cheese or sour cream, and it always come out just the way I asked for it. (Anyone who makes "special requests" can understand how often this doesn't happen at many restaurants). Take care not to fill up on the chips and salsa! It's so good, you might not be able to eat your meal when it comes to the table. The service is fast and the staff is friendly. The margarita are good, and they have happy hour discounts. If you stop in and order take out, it takes them less than 10 minutes to bring it out.
(4)
Sarah P.
Only makes 2 stars because the place is clean, pleasant and the service was polite and efficient. This is some of the worse "Mexican" food I've had anywhere. The cheese queso was too watery to stick to a chip, and flavorless. I think the filling in the tacos and burritos was TVP; if it was meat, I'm frightened to think what kind it was. I was supposed to have a chalupa on my combo plate; what I got was flavorless refried beans srved open faced on a crispy taco shell, topped with lettuce, a few shreds of cheese, and that horrifying guacamole that has a fishy aftertaste. I'd avoid this restaurant at all costs.
(2)
Rob T.
El Toro is a fine mexican place. We came because of a Groupon Coupon. The prices are low, food is good, drinks are strong, and portions are large. The place is large and high ceilings and it was crowded. We were seated quickly. The sound level was very high because of the large room and many tables. I mean it was super loud fueled by strong drinks and a young majority young crowd. I'll be back.
(4)
Chenney C.
Dinner was fabulous, but the service lacked any sort of urgency. Mind you, I was there for a birthday party - so there was about 12 to 15 of us at a table and it was already jam packed night. However, the waiter just seemed nonchalant about everything. I recommend if you want to try it, go before 5:30pm and make a reservation!
(3)
Jordan M.
El Toro is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. It offers an authentic and fun atmosphere, with a well decorated and themed interior. They offer a great selection of different Mexican entrees at great prices. My favorite dish is the UC Special, a spicy chicken queso enchilada-like dish that's less than $10. El Toro offers the standard chips and salsa with your meal free-of-charge and has a fun assortment of cocktails with an array of daily drink specials. El Toro is best known for their Margarona, a giant margarita topped off with two Coronitas inside. El Toro would definitely be my first recommendation for a low-cost Mexican restrautant.
(5)
Mrs G. B.
Mexican food is my fave and I and my Husband Love to eat here at El Toro in hyde park plaza. I enjoy going there for lunch sometimes because there is not too many people around that time. The food is amazing and my fave to get is the taco salad. Drinks are also good, I enjoy their margaritas are the bomb.
(5)
Claire C.
Love this place! My boyfriend and I go here roughly once every other week. The food is delicious and very affordable, drink are great and reasonable too. My boyfriend is really picky about his guacamole but loves El Torro's. This place is also a good vegetarian option with a few set vegetarian dishes and an accommodating kitchen/wait staff that is willing to modify dishes. The majority of the waiters/front staff are fantastic; friendly, personable and attentive. A select few waiters are a bit more quiet but still get the job done. Overall, highly recommend!
(4)
Julianna R.
Your typical Mexican place; the only thing that separates it from some others is its drink specials. Each day of the week has its own specials, and their margaritas are pretty solid too.
(3)
Jim F.
Coming from California, this is the best Mexican food we've found. Is it 100% authentic? No, but I think they do a great job of delivering what the clientele interprets as Mexican food. The staff are very friendly and don't mind my attempts to practicar mi espanol.
(4)
Janelle S.
El Toro has great food, great salsa and great management. I'm a huge mexican food fan and this place didn't disappoint. The food always comes out hot and exactly how I ordered it. My new must have is the 'RonaRita which has an inverted Corona in their classic frozen margarita! Great drink combination to complement the great food!
(4)
Dickie P.
It's a shame that restaurants in Cincinnati too often deviate from what makes that particular food great in the first place. Overly sweet pizza sauce (read LaRosa's), watery thin sweetened chili (read Skyline) and overly hyped, run of the mill burgers (read Zip's). When it comes to Mexican food, it's about sabor (flavor) and a little heat. Sadly, this place has neither. It's as if they toned down the flavors to satisfy people who think ketchup is spicy. I ordered carne asada tacos and was completely let down. Seriously, cook a decent steak, season it a bit, slice and serve on a quality tortilla. Not too hard in my book. But these guys served me tepid, fatty, bland meat. The rice was okay if you like Rice-a-Roni style, but I prefer the real deal. My wife ordered enchiladas with a bland sauce on it (I won't dare dignify it by calling it enchilada sauce). The refried beans were flavorless and the meat was hardly seasoned. When we asked our waiter for some salsa with a little more kick, he said they didn't have any at the time. It seemed that the entire place was full of Hype Park folks that should know better Mexican food. Mostly I observed what appeared to be high school students with fake IDs drinking cheap beer. That sort of sums up El Toro ... lots of potential, great location, but bland and soulless food better suited for a senior citizens home than Hyde Park.
(1)
Eric M.
Their food is pretty decent and a large menu with good sized portions. Margaritas are pretty strong as well. The only thing that lacks some is the service, but I'd come back.
(4)
Bliss D.
Cringe-inducing decor, flat lifeless food, and the worst tortilla chips I have ever tasted in my life (think Catholic church crackers but with less zing). Not even the 99 cent Modelo made me feel better about spending my hard earned money here. I went with two other people and our individual rankings all ranged between 1 to 2 stars. The meat was fatty, the fish was too salty, and my vegetarian entree was just gross...A flavorless set of 1 burrito, 1 quesadilla, and 1 enchilada. The queso was the best part of the meal, and even that was tepid with skim on top. I don't know how the other reviewer (who also has California roots) could have possibly given this restaurant 4 stars. He must have lived inland.
(1)
S E.
Having recently moving to the Hyde Park area, I thought I'd try out El Toro because I love Mexican food. However after getting take out, and sitting down at home to eat it, I have to say that I'm less than impressed. Slightly over-cooked with okay flavor. Their salsa is delicious; but that was the high point of my meal
(2)
Mit N.
Solid Mexican fare at a price below chipotle. Clean & courteous. We go there for lunch on Saturdays. We both had lunch specials and drinks for under $15 (plus tip of course). The food is authentic. The staff is fast!
(4)
Sasha P.
There seems to be a run on new mexican restaurants at the moment...and Cincinnati should be pretty happy about that. El Toro is solid - probably my top pick currently in this city. Does not compare great to California places - but a welcome addition to Hyde Park. Great service, amazing value and pretty tasty food. Also was super excited to see so many tables full on a Tuesday night. Me gusto el toro!!!!!
(4)
Diana H.
This place is hidden in Hyde Park Plaza, and is actually a huge restaurant despite its deceptive smaller store front. When I finally walked in to eat here after buying a Groupon I was pleasantly surprised at my experience. The owners and staff are sweet and friendly. The beers are huge and cheap for happy hour, as well as the margaritas. The tacos are okay, I actually recommend getting the dinner dishes here, they are very authentic, cheap, and huge servings. The guacamole is exceptional too, make sure to order it if you love avocados!
(3)
Pam T.
When we saw that a new Mexican restaurant was coming to our neighborhood (it's located in the same plaza as the Hyde Park Kroger) we were super excited. Is El Toro as awesome as the little taqueria in our old Chicago neighborhood? Not quite. However, the food was good, and the service was really friendly. Their prices are also very reasonable - they have a ton of lunch options that are $5.25. Overall, I'd recommend it. I know we'll be back soon.
(4)
Evan P.
My wife and I just went here for lunch today, since we both have been craving mexican food and couldn't stomach the idea of going to Don Pablo's (bleh). I had the Lunch #9 - Tamale, burrito, & beans. She had the Lunch #1 - Chile Relleno, taco, & guac salad. She really enjoyed her lunch, and said the chile relleno was great. It was the first non-vegetarian meal she ordered in a mexican restaurant and she was happily surprised. (She would give her meal 4 stars) I was disappointed with my burrito. There was something about it that tasted off to me. The tamale was good, and I felt the beans could have had a bit more flavor (I would give my meal 2.5 stars) I also had their Jumbo margarita, which had a decent punch for something dispensed out of a glorified slurpee machine. We finished the lunch off with a fried ice cream, which was good. Overall, the food was good and we will be adding them to our rotation. If there was one thing to really complain about, it was that the cleaning fluid they used on the tables were rather pungent. Nothing says "yum" like having your nostrils assaulted with the aroma of windex.
(3)
Nicholas D.
I go to el toro every once in a while and haven enjoyed it every time. The staff is always friendly and really like to make the customers feel at home. Their quasadillas are really good and taste even better when you wash it down with a margarita.
(4)
Jack R.
This place is right in the middle when it comes to Mexican food. I mean it was good. no problem with the food at. The drinks were fine as well but the problem i had was the service. The wait staff acted like they didn't have set tables and it was a free for all. once we sat down we had three different waiters ask about drinks. The food did get out really fast though. However when we were done our waiter took for ever to come by to check on us or get the bill. I had to ask several times for it before we got it. that was the only thing making it a three star from a 4 or 5 star place.
(3)
Emily R.
I met Winter M. here for a lunch meeting yesterday. We'd both heard great things about its authenticity and amazing margaritas. So, we ladies had to try it out. Since we're both watching our waistlines we were being pretty selective on our choices. But, its Mexican, Go big or go home. So... we went big and then went home to take a nap. Winter had one of the lunch combos with a taco and a burrito with rice and beans. I opted for an A la Carte item of 2 tacos. One chicken and one beef to mix it up. That was more than enough food for me. The food wasn't disappointing. It was actually pretty good. Considering all I had was tacos, I don't think I can speak to its authenticity, but the chicken and the beef were both well seasoned and Winter won the clean plate award. So, obviously, her's was pretty good too. The service was wonderful. Never had to ask for anything. They were on top of it. Parking was easy and the booths were so comfortable. I'll definitely be back for margaritas next time. Ole!
(3)
Andy P.
Just as the rating system goes... Woohoo! As good as it gets! I have been frequenting El Toro for the past 8 months or so, and I have never been disappointed with the service, cleanliness, or food (I usually go once a week or so). The staff is extremely nice and very attentive! The quality of food served beats all of the other Mexican restaurants I have gone to in the Cincinnati area. The prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality.
(5)
Don G.
One of my favorite places for Mexican food. Very friendly staff and good service and the prices are reasonable and the food is great. Many of the items are very good and I tend to try something new every time we go.
(4)
Amanda T.
Don't be fooled by the strip mall location of this Mexican joint. El Torro serves authentic Mexican cuisine with excellent, cheap margaritas. They have happy hour 7 days a week until 7 pm with HUGE margaritas! I recently converted from Don Pablo's to El Torro for my quick, inexpensive Mexican fix. The staff is extremely friendly, the restaurant is very clean (and I'm pretty picky), and the atmosphere is fun with a vibrant local crowd and flat screens showing the game. The bar is in the back of the restaurant and is a great place to sit while waiting for your table or just grabbing a drink (they also serve their entire menu here). The food is authentic Mexican- nothing super fancy. You will receive chips and salsa the second you are seated. The chips are lacking a bit but the salsa is excellent. I recommend the chicken fajita quesadillas, but beware they are HUGE, stuffed with chicken, onions, peppers, tomatoes and cheese, and served with refried beans and rice. This is a fun place and is especially good for groups. I wish they had a patio for the warmer weather but other than that I highly recommend El Torro, especially for Happy Hour.
(4)
Lee B.
For me El Toro is kind of like a peanut butter sandwich. It's not incredibly exciting, it's not really fancy, and it is by no means gourmet. That being said, I enjoy going there, and tend to go there more often than I go to fancier places. I always can find something that I enjoy and it is always good to my wallet. The margeritas are reasonable, especially if you bring coupons or come during their happy hour.
(3)
Marie E.
Great place for weeknight Tex-Mex. We like to get the queso dip just to make the chips a salsa a little less healthy. My favorite thing is the happy Pollo which is flattened chicken with mushrooms and cheese and seriously delicious. I get it every time despite my best efforts to try something new. Margs are just okay. They work but taste a little like they came right out of the machine which they probably did. Overall adequately fills that need for a quick mexican meal. Prices are fair and there is plenty of seating.
(4)
Niamh O.
A friend of mine says that good Mexican is "brown, yellow, and cheap." I suppose by those standards, El Toro is good. It is absolutely cheap and extremely fast, and if you're just looking to meet and satisfy a burrito hankering, go for it. But the food was subpar, and the enchiladas in particular were not great. I probably won't be heading here again.
(2)
Ryan T.
Hot chips and fresh salsa within seconds of sitting down, ice cold Mexican drafts in obnoxiously large mugs and some great dinner entrees (Chili Colorado & Alahombres are my favs) all at a reasonable price... I'm sold.
(4)
Andrea L.
We just ate here again last night and the queso was thicker, the margaritas stronger, and the salsa more flavorful!! Very pleasant surprises.
(3)
Charlie T.
Pretty good. I'm from Texas, by the way, and love Cuban and Colombian food. This meets our approval. Prices are good. We have been here three times in a short period of time!
(5)
Ann S.
I have several co-workers who LOVE this place, and I have been twice myself. The service was good, the chips and daiquiri were not. Shrimp nachos were excellent. My friend did not like her trio platter (tacos, enchiladas, etc.) - very bland. Overall, I guess it just depends on what you order, but can't give it more than three stars.
(3)
Ludwig T.
I've tried this place a few times, and while the restaurant itself is clean and fairly comfortable with decent decent servers I would hesitate to recommend the food to anyone. The first time we ate here my wife and I both felt ill later that night and the next day. We thought we would give the benefit of the doubt and try it again but had the same results with different dishes. The food was not seasoned very well and neither one of us finished our meals - not because we were full but because they just weren't very good. With all the excellent dining options in Cincinnati I would definitely avoid this place if I could help it.
(2)
John M.
If your looking for something resembling Mexican food, drive on by and find a Taco Bell. The only thing good here is the staff, they're great!
(1)
John A.
Being from Texas, I've been hurting for decent Mexican food for awhile. This place helps fill that void in my soul. It isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good. The menu is surprisingly extensive, and everything we had was good. The ultimate litmus test for a Mexican restaurant is salsa, and El Toro's is pretty good. Give it a shot.
(4)
Liz A.
i was told by the girl who cuts my hair that this is the best mexican food in cincinnati. she usually has pretty good food taste so i gave it a shot despite hearing bad things from other people. it was disappointing. now to be fair, she is a vegetarian and i can see how vegetarians would like this place. they have lots of menu options, the portions are big, and you can request the smoky and spicy house salsa to give your food some flavor. i ordered the chicken fajitas which were the special that night and found them to be pretty bland and dry as hell. also, it's not particularly cheap. i guess it is better than don pablo's or something like that but i would not go back.
(2)
Becca E.
I am conflicted about El Toro. The food is not inspired (I would rather just go to Taco Casa) but Mexican restaurant experience-wise for the area, I would rather go here than Don Pablo's. I feel like it is trying to be an El Rancho Grande but can't compete, which is saying something. I am always a big fan of Mexican places that have the numbered system, where I can decide if I am in the mood for a taco or a burrito or an enchilada or rice or beans or any combination. However, when I get a combination, I cannot really tell which one is which. I ended up having leftovers I didn't want to eat later. That being said, every time I have been there, I have had a wonderful time. The staff is so nice and the margaritas of any size are wonderfully priced, which tends to make you not care so much about how the food taste because you are just so happy to be eating food at all. So (and I feel like this is the most stipulation filled review I have ever written) if you are in Hyde Park and want Mexican but don't want Don Pablo's but still want to sit down and have a drink, go here. Otherwise, get Taco Casa.
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Cincy F.
Decent food, great service and very clean inside. I ordered the carnitas and my husband ordered the chimichanga (which wasn't very crispy). Affordable, quick place to eat. We ordered two dinners with water and spent $25.00 with the tip. Will probably return.
(4)Anjelica N.
The food is our typical greasy, yet delicious Mexican good. Burritos are huge. Taco salads are plentiful and margaritas are wickedly potent and sure to give you a nice and lasting buzz. In other words, don't drink and then drive too quickly after! The guys at El Toro are quite friendly and even on crowded nights your salsa won't run dry and if you're feeling the heat from your meal - your water will always be filled! Tip: Be sure to check out the coupons online for this place! They'll happily accept them.
(4)Sara W.
Excellent Mexican food, great service, plenty of free parking, $5.99 ladies margarita night on Wednesdays. 'Nough said.
(4)Rose K.
Service- 4 Food- 1.5 Rounding up to a 3 because the service really was excellent. Located right in Hyde Park plaza near Panera and Kroger, Hyde Parkers cannot beat this location if you are craving Mexican. Unfortunately the food here was just meh--greasy and mediocre. I've kind of come to expect it from standard Mexican restaurants like this but after being spoiled by the Mazuntes of Cincinnati, I've come to be more picky about my Mexican. They had a huge menu full of typical combo platters, enchiladas, nachos and other standard fare. They also had a good drink menu--marg and tequila options as well as a variety of beers. I was not a fan of how you have to pay $1 more for margarita flavors besides lime. I ordered a platter meal that had an enchilada, a piece of carne asada and a fried poblano. The enchilada was okay, the carne asada was chewy and greasy and practically impossible to eat, and the poblano had more cream filling and breading than actual pepper. I also had a lime margarita on the rocks. Definitely made from a mix... It just wasn't fresh and refreshing like I had hoped! A make or break thing for me at a joint like this is the chips and salsa--if they are excellent, the food typically is too. The salsa tasted like it was from a jar and the chips were unfortunately under seasoned. I'd consider coming back for the Thirsty Thursday marg deal but likely nothing else.
(3)Doug F.
A perfectly average Mexican food restaurant. Happy hour beers are big and cheap, margaritas are as expected, service is very friendly and eager to speak in Spanish. The thing is... it's a rather forgettable restaurant given the amount of Mexican restaurants in the area. The meal starts with chips and salsa. I think the salsa has a puree'd texture and has a nice kick. For my entree, I had the Boss Burrito which is a chicken and steak burrito topped with shrimp, pineapple and a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce was rather disappointing, lacking in flavor and was rather thick. The pineapple gave the bite a fruity zing, but there was nothing that the flavor was building up towards. It may work better if there was more taste in the queso sauce or shrimp, but as is, it tastes out of place. If the beer deal was not as good as it is, El Toro could be a 2 star in my book. Service is friendly, though we experienced long wait times while the staff made their rounds. I think El Toro is fine if you were in the strip mall and suddenly wanted Mexican food, but I think it needs more to stand out from the other options in the area.
(3)Katie B.
While El Toro might just be your typical cheap, greasy, Mexican joint -- I love it for all those reasons. The chicken taco salad is my go-to dish, and you can't mess with Ladies Night on Thursdays -- $5.99 large margaritas! And, yes, you can taste the alcohol (maybe a little too much). The staff is super friendly, although I recently discovered a bunch of their old staff left for other locations (who knew there were other locations?) Check out their website for a coupon before you go -- and go head and dig out your old college ID, because it's worth 10% off at El Toro!
(4)Brandy V.
This may be my new favorite Mexican restaurant! I love the chips and salsa, just the right amount of spice. I always get fajita nachos and they are great here! Service is great and staff is friendly. Can't wait to come back! Who wants to join me??
(4)Kim P.
I went here for the first time. The food was actually good & I've had my fair share of good Mexican food in California. I got the fajita quesadilla with a side of rice and beans. Service was really good also!
(4)Randy D.
Solid Mexican restaurant that sits back in the Plaza. I've had The Boss burrito, which was solid but not my favorite thing on the menu. I'd go with either the Fajita Steak Quesadilla, which is loaded with Steak, cheese, fajita onions and green peppers, and comes with rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream on the side...or the the Burrito Guadalajara which comes with Carnitas, chorizo, onions, with queso and salsa verde on top. Both are delicious. I wish their salsa they give you with the chips was better. It's watery and doesn't taste like fresh salsa.
(4)Elizabeth B.
Can't believe I haven't eaten here until now! This place hits the spot when you've got Mexican on the mind. Like others have said, the chips and salsa are phenomenal, as is the service. The waiters are attentive and friendly. I came in here by myself and they treated me like family. Loved watching them interact with customers--many of whom seemed to be regulars that they treated like old friends. Will definitely be coming back often, maybe next time with some friends!
(5)Courtney P.
I've been here a few time with my girlfriends for margaritas and once for food. It's your pretty average Mexican restaurant, nothing special and nothing super great. One person commented they couldn't remember what they ordered and I never can either because the food isn't that remarkable. The menu, however, is pretty big in my opinion with a huge variety of options and combinations. The margaritas are good frozen or on the rocks and I believe Sunday the Texas sized margaritas are 1/2 price. The servers are pretty nice/polite and they move quickly. It's a nice alternative to Don Pablo's but if you are looking for super amazing Mexican food you might want to try somewhere else.
(3)Dave L.
Cold beer, great service. Blah food. Cheap prices. If that's what you're in search of, it's here for ya.
(3)Beth K.
El Toro is a great "go-to" place for delicious, cheesy, greasy Mexican food. It's a little deceiving, as it sits right in the middle of a small strip mall type area, but El Toro has yet to disappoint me. Great margaritas and shrimp tacos! The Cincy special is pretty tasty too! Stroll down just a few stores after your belly is full of spicy Mexican and grab some frozen yogurt at Orange Leaf.
(4)Enisa H.
We usually go to El Toro when we are meeting our Oakley friends. I feel like the only thing I can say about this place is: well it's Mexican place and their margaritas are decent. Everything else is just ok. Usually, when it's hard for me to remember what I even ordered then it must have not been memorable. El Toro is in a strip mall in Hyde Park plaza so no room for outside seating. The decor is very forgettable and I don't think I've had one fun conversation with any of the staff. When it comes to the food, it's your typical 3 mile long menu and free chips and salsa. Nothing spectacular. Usually I am fine with this place when we need to make a quick decision for dinner and like I said their margaritas are decent.
(3)Danielle P.
I have been coming to El Toro for years- Ladies night on Thursdays ($5.99 Jumbo Margaritas!) quickly became a weekly tradition for my roommates and I. Don't worry fellas, there's a Guys' night too on Wednesdays. The food is everything you would expect from a traditional-style Mexican restaurant: my go-to almost every time is the Fajita Quesadilla. And don't worry about ever walking away hungry- the portion sizes are HUGE. And all of this will be served to you by the most spirited, fun-loving servers- don't be surprised if they put your Spanish-speaking skills to the test!
(4)Emily C.
Among the things that make me happy: Margaritas, queso, and cheese enchiladas. Oh sorry, I mean "cheese dip"- not queso. All still definitely delicious and give me my Tex-Mex fix. The service is really quick, and the servers are all super nice and attentive. The salsa could be spicier, and the black beans could be a little less "watery." This place is good though, don't get me wrong. The margaritas are delicious, and they come in a variety of sizes. I've only managed to tackle the "jumbo." I like this El Toro location! For Tex-Mex in Ohio, it's absolutely worth checking out.
(4)Tabitha W.
Armed with a Groupon, I headed out to visit what I believe is my first Mexican restaurant since moving to Cincinnati in May. The biggest complaint I have - and this may not even be their fault - is the Groupon voucher itself. The voucher states that it is for a "Combination meal for 2", but the deal actually includes more than that. I had to go back to the Groupon site to verify what it actually included to make sure we received what we had paid for. Aside from the two combo meals, it includes an order of chips and dip (chips and salsa are brought out automatically, so this allowed us to get a side of queso to go with it) and a dessert. The cheese dip was a tad watery but still very tasty. And the salsa was good, slightly on the spicy side. We also got a margarita to go with our meal. They were on special for $4.99 for a Jumbo. This is possibly the strongest margarita I have ever had at a restaurant. I was impressed! All in all, it was an enjoyable visit. The staff are attentive - our server had a heavy accent, which made him a bit hard to understand at times, but there were no mistakes with our order. The food was good. It's reasonably priced, and servings are generous. It is a fairly large and clean space.
(4)Pamela F.
As Californians we relish authentic Mexican food -- we've traveled to Baja/Cabo, Acapulco several times and Ensenada --but it is often hard to find West of the Mississippi. This is the real deal: Pacifico beer on tap (with limes!), and fish tacos (although, sigh, wish they'd do a crispy baja version like Rubios). Our family of four check is usually less than $10 per person -- with beer. Friendly, family run and prompt service. Bottomless chips and salsa.
(4)Andrew G.
El Toro was a great dining experience from start to finish. It offers a locally-owned, authentic Mexican feeling. The menu is extensive and the atmosphere is fantastic, and my meal and the chips and salsa were out of this world. And best of all, the service was 5-star. My waiter was professional, polite and accommodating, and I had my meal only 10 minutes after ordering, even though my visit was during the peak of the dinner rush. Highly recommended!
(5)Alec D.
The food at El Toro is about on par with other local Mexican restaurants in the area. The salsa tastes fresh, and the chips are served warm. The margaritas are very tasty and will get you where you want to go (if you know what I mean!) El Toro's best quality is their staff. I have never been to a friendlier and warmer environment than at El Toro. They all seem to want to serve their patrons and ensure you have a great time in the restaurant and are satisfied along all aspects of your dining experience.
(4)Alyssa F.
Pretty decent "mexican" food. We had been seeing good reviews and tons of people outside of this place for a year or so now, and we go to a wine tasting in the area every week, so finally got a chance to stop by. Their "thing," and I think the reason why people go there, are their drink specials. I think they gather a lot of young professionals who are of the sorority/fraternity type. The restaurant was pretty loud. I didn't see any families or older people there. I would go back for a cheap drink with some decent food.
(4)Josie P.
We go here regularly. Never disappointed. Always good service and food. I love the carne azteca, beef fajitas, and mocaljeta.
(5)Arun M.
I had a quick lunch at this place located in a strip mall next to many other stores and kind of hidden! This place can accomodate a lot of people at lunch time or other times as well. The ambiance is kind of a mix between sports bar and cantina. They have quick lunch menu choices that are designed for lunch rush time and are very healthy looking. Waiter was not so excited of us being vegetarians, unlike other places he didnt give us many options but answered our questions on the ingredients nicely. Food was mediocre at best. I have had mexican food at different places in Cincinnati and this one is not one that I would like to repeat. Their refried beans were very mushy like baby food. There was a huge amount of cheese in everything and the leftovers didnt look appetizing enough to take home. They do get credit fresh chips and salsa. May be a quick lunch visit is all I will recommend for El Toro.
(3)Joshua G.
We love this place! The service is friendly and fast. The food is good, hot, and comes in large portions. They bring free chips and salsa right when you sit down. Also, its a very fair price. The managers and employees are really nice. I highly recommend El Toro!
(5)Lauren J.
first off..they have amazing white cheese dip! lol! whenever I'm in a new city searching for a mexican restaurant I look at reviews to see if they have white cheese dip! haha that stuff is a MUST for me and it's awesome here! and their frozen strawberry margs go perfectly with it! their food is great too...I got their Happy Pollo but subbed the mushrooms out and and added bell peppers..sooooo good! I've also had their nachos fajitas...just as yummy! highly recommended :) oh! and great guacamole as well! not one bad thing to say!
(5)Michael W.
Things have unfortunately changed... We have been going to El Toro for a few years and BOTH the service and "mocalambres" (my favorite dish) have always been amazing. However, the last 2 visits, the service has been very poor (understaffed) and the mocalambres were about half the size they used to be. I'm not prone to complain but I had to say something about the portion size today (it's a $16 entree that used to be nearly two meals, now not even one meal) . The manager said "we have new owners, some things have changed". If "change" = less service staff and dramatically reducing the quality/quantity of food, then I guess this long-term customer will have to find a new favorite Mexican establishment. It really makes me sad to say goodbye to "The Toro".
(1)Holly S.
I am from California so I am a tad picky about the Mexican food I eat. This restaurant has a lot of recipes with chorizo, which can be greasy. Their Boss burrito with steak, chicken and shrimp with pineapple slivers was massive and good. The folks here speak Spanish and it was somewhat crowded. Try it!
(4)Amanda G.
This place has average food but beware when ordering takeout from here...$4.50 fee...just to order takeout!!! Ridiculous!!!! Plus I couldn't understand what the person who took our order over the phone was saying. I had to repeat our order several times before I thought that he understood. (3 soft tacos, 3 hard tacos and a guacamole salad, that's it) When my boyfriend went to pick up the food we were charged for an extra meal that we never ordered. Unfortunately he just assumed I ordered a ton of food and paid for it. I understand a language barrier and the miscommunication but an almost $5 fee just for ordering food to go is insane especially since I wasn't informed there would even be a fee for ordering takeout. I've never even heard of charging a takeout fee before and I've been in the restaurant industry for 10 years. Needless to say we will never order takeout from here again.
(2)Alicia B.
Great customer serve. I only got one thing from here - Sergio Salad. It was delicious and very filling. Only problem why I didn't rate it a 5. I ordered it to go and the way it was package, well... Just didn't make sense! A salad, in a large tortilla bowl... Wrapped in foil. Very difficult to eat a salad in foil.. Oh well, it was still delish. Order to dine in and you should be fine.
(4)Tori M.
Run of the mill Mexican restaurant but nothing made this stand out to separate it from the many Mexican restaurants around. Would not seek it out nor would I avoid it.
(3)Carrie K.
Great Mexican with friendly staff. We went on a Thursday night (ladies night as luck would have it). It was busy but we were seated right away by a smiling host. Our server was also quite happy and friendly and gave us some time to look over the large menu while enjoying a margarita. The salsa is very good with a little heat. The guacamole was fantastic! I had a vegetarian burrito and cannot recall the last time I consumed an entire anything at a Mexican restaurant. It was so good I inhaled it. My husband had the Happy pollo which he said was also very good. Fun atmosphere and good food. We will be back.
(4)Angela C.
Just your average tex mex place. Average salsa, average chips, average tacos, average fajitas, average service, average decor. I can't say it was amazing in any way, shape, or form, but I can't say it was bad. I'd go again if it was convenient.
(3)Katie F.
I want to love El Toro because the staff and service is just really, really friendly. Tonight, my server, Israel, spoke completely in Spanish to me, which was cool and authentic. I'm not sure how he knew I knew the language?! He was helpful and pointed me in the right direction when I told him what kind of thing I was looking for. That being said, the atmosphere is bland and open/empty-feeling. The menu is overwhelming with endless among endless options. The food is pretty mediocre. The drink specials are AMAZING (we got a big 'ole stein for $3 I think?!? What...) & their margaritas are alright. The place is great for groups. I would recommend to someone who has a big group, wants to drink cheap and eat enormous amounts of food covered in 5+ toppings (me, most of the time), with quick and friendly service.
(4)Mike G.
I stopped in to appease my Mexican craving on a Sunday evening. The place wasn't crowded and we were seated right away. After placing a drink order( I tried the jumbo strawberry margarita) we were wondering if we would get the complimentary salsa and chips. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, and having to ask, some were brought out. My g/f and I split the seafood fajitas( fish, shrimp, crab) and I still don't think we received any crab, but it was good. Not great, but ok. They were a little chintzy on the guacamole( which looked like Wholly Guacamole!) and refried beans. We asked for extra guac, and got it, at a very overpriced charge of $3.50! We were never asked for a refill or another drink, my g/f having ordered a cherry coke because the water tasted nasty, but turned down an offer of dessert. The place didn't impress me at all, and the annoyingly loud table nearby was the last straw. I'm used to a decent place like Cancun on the west side, and will not be going back to "da bull!"
(2)Jamie F.
I was torn on giving this a three star rating, because honestly, the food doesn't necessarily set it apart from a lot of other places... but there's just something about El Toro that keeps me coming back. This is my and my best friend's go to place, and no matter how fast the food comes out (which is pretty fast) and how fast the margaritas disappear (also far, far too quickly) we never manage to leave in less than an hour and half. Every server we've had here has been fantastic and enthusiastic, and the atmosphere is perfect for just hanging out and catching up. It's loud enough that you don't feel awkward if you start loudly talking tipsy excited style, but quiet enough that you don't have to strain your vocal chords to be heard. And as a final note... the margaritas never fail to disappoint. They've caused many an impromptu field trip down the plaza to wander the aisles of Kroger until their effects have worn off. Pescatarian Rating: 4 A handful of vegetarian combos and almost a whole page of seafood ones.
(4)Andrew B.
I don't oft give 5 stars, but this place is fantastic! Great environment (clean, good volume, etc.), sizable, yet well-priced margaritas, and delicious, authentic food served by alert waiters in sharp uniforms. Took my girlfriend here for a date and she was happy. Need I say more?
(5)Ben N.
El Toro is slipping. The restaurant still seems clean, the atmosphere is still festive, and the servers are still enthusiastic, friendly, and competent. But you can read my original review from a couple of years ago and see that I wasn't exactly thrilled about El Toro's food to begin with. It has gotten worse. This last time, my plate of a food was just a sodden mass of mushy dullness. A tamal that had the texture of spongecake and less flavor. A chile relleno so runny that it was almost liquified. Chips served at room temperature. Sauces that were viscous and one-dimensional. Salsa that, annoyingly, was more sweet than hot. And so on. I don't know of any Mexican combo-plate/Tex-Mex restaurants around Cincinnati that are really great, but El Jinete and El Trio have raised the level of competition a bit on this side of town. El Toro isn't really cutting it at this point. Hat-tip to the staff on the floor for trying to make the best of it.
(2)James K.
I have been eating here occasionally for almost three years now. They are good about bring chips and salsa to your table upon your arrival, but you are never given plates for them. The table service has really gone down hill over the past year. Tonight we never received refills on our water (which is all we were drinking) and when requesting extra flour tortillas for steak fajitas (they only give you three small ones) it was reflected on our bill as an additional $1 charge. The food is average Mexican food, but good for being in Cincinnati. They wouldn't last long in West. I have had Mexican food in western states and it is much better. I will probably go elsewhere for my Mexican fix in the future.
(2)Alex S.
El Toro is one of those deceptive restaurants where it looks like a tiny Mexican place in the middle of a strip mall, but actually opens up to be a giant room. You walk through those doors and have a, "Woah!" moment. Of course, that's basically the only surprise of the night. If you're looking for cheap, quick Mexican food, that's exactly what you're going to get here. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but don't go in looking to be blown away. In fact, just go in looking to get drunk. Honestly, the food? Nothing to celebrate. You basically have your orders of corn shell with meat and beans and cheese (ex. Tacos, burritos, quesadilla, enchilada - seriously, all the same thing). It's prepared very quickly and comes out to you at equal speed. It's not awful but not specifically delicious either. It's about the same quality that I could make at home. However, their alcoholic drinks more than make up for it - as they are fantastic and cheap. I got a monstrous strawberry daiquiri for $6 and my friends ordered a pitcher of margarita that was equally excellent. I would come back here just to sit back and drink. Plus, they had free chips and salsa - and I heart free chips and salsa. Because the room is so large, they also didn't mind us sitting around for an hour after our meal had been finished and taken away, being loudly annoying. The alcohol probably did not help us not be loudly annoying. But it's ok, because everyone else in the room was being loudly annoying too. It's that kind of place. Since this is billed as a Mexican restaurant, and not a bar, I can't rate it too highly. However, I'm also not going to rate it too low either. This is the perfect example of a place to go that's not great but not awful. A nice cheap spot to hang out with some friends and basically do nothing.
(3)Catherine C.
Having gone to Miami and frequenting Fiesta Charra at least twice a week, I have to say I've found that El Toro almost does the trick (I mean, can you really top Fiesta?). They've got good food, quick service, and delicious margaritas. I usually only visit at lunch and it's pretty quiet which is nice, especially if you're going out with coworkers and want to be in and out but still have a sit-down experience. Oh, and don't forget to order cheese dip!
(4)Ed P.
My wife and I have been trying to find a local Mexican restaurant close to our house in Cincinnati to replace Benny's, our neighborhood staple in Denver. El Toro Mexican Restaurant is only a mile from our new house, in fact we would have walked there if the weather wasn't bad. They are located in the large strip mall named Hyde Park Plaza, next to Ace Hardware and just around the corner from Kroger. The storefront doesn't appear very large, but the restaurant is very deep and has seating for plenty. We arrived just before 7:30 on a Wednesday to find the restaurant mostly empty. We settled into our booth seating and noticed that all the booth tops are shaped like bull horns. El toro translates to the bull, so some care has been made in designing the restaurant. Shortly after sitting down an employee dropped off some chips and salsa and some water. The chips didn't seem very fresh but they were warm. The salsa was pretty good overall, though most of the time I prefer a salsa with more chunks in it. This was very thin, but the spice was there and the flavor was good. Shortly after receiving the complimentary chips and salsa, our server came by to take our drink order. My wife asked if there were any specials, and fortunately one of the smaller sized margaritas was on sale. We both ordered one on the rocks with salt. When they arrived I was shocked at how large it was. According to the menu there are two sizes larger than the ones that we ordered. The taste was decent. It wasn't heavy on either sweet or sour, just middle of the road on flavor. For dinner I went with the combination plate #1, which includes a taco, two enchiladas, and either rice or beans (I chose beans). Overall the food was not good. The taco was completely bland, and though the enchiladas were a little better due to the red sauce on top, they still were bland. The red sauce was simply not full of enough flavor, and their chicken all seemed very dry. The beans might have been my favorite part of my plate, since they actually tasted like I was expecting. For $7.99 the amount of food was good, but the taste needed a lot of work. My wife created her own combination plate with chile poblano, burrito, and tostaguac. She almost ordered the chile relleno but when she realized it was filled with beef she switched to the poblano, which is the same thing except with cheese filling. The poblano was better than anything else on my plate, but still not very good. It too had the same red sauce on it, which really needs work. The burrito was equally as plain and boring as my enchiladas. While the tostaguac (basically guacamole on a tostada) was probably the highlight of the meal. I always thought that it would be hard to find Mexican food that was less flavorful than Don Pablos, but I think El Toro has done it. I really doubt that we will make the effort to return anytime in the near future. Our quest for good Mexican food near our home continues.
(2)Danny S.
This is by far the best Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati. The food is amazing and priced well. The staff truly sets this place apart. My kids LOVE the whole staff and even make a point to stop in to.say hello even if we are not eating!
(5)Katherine M.
This is a pretty decent little Mexican place in Hyde Park. I have other places I prefer, but this was pretty central to me and friends (everyone lives in Clifton, I didn't) and always a good stop for lunch or dinner. The margaritas are okay - a bit watery and always not frozen enough for me when I got the frozen ones. I usually choose on the rocks - and there is never ever enough salt for me. The food is okay - everything is pretty normal and nothing ever stands out to me. The queso hardens too quickly, the rice is just average, and the shrimp tacos were full of spices but not shrimp. My favorite is the fajita quesadilla - it's pretty darn good. I have tried to get the sopapillas but they are usually out. I finally got them once and they were just okay - a little bit hard for my liking. Overall they are getting 3 stars for being convenient and having good service.
(3)Missy L.
I must say I was quite impressed by this little Mexican restaurant! El Toro's exterior is rather deceptive. Despite being located in a strip mall in Hyde Park it actually offers pretty tasty and authentic Mexican cuisine at an affordable price. My dinning experience started with the typical chips and salsa. They were pretty tasty and the chips were still warm which is my favorite. The menu doesn't hold any real surprises. It's the typical Mexican fare. Oddly enough what I was exceeding pleased/surprised by were their beans and rice! I got one of the combo meals that came with an enchilada, a burrito, beans and rice. I typically find most restaurants beans and rice to be dry from sitting under a heat lamp for too long. Then there's the flavor...or lack there of. The rice typically has no flavor whatsoever and the beans can only hope to be helped by a generous heap of cheese. Not the case at El Toro! Both the beans and rice had their own unique flavors and you could tell they both had been made fresh. Now, I do have to say that my "burrito" and "enchilada" were exactly the same thing, the only difference being the burrito was slightly larger than the enchilada. They were both tasty, just the same. I missed the enchilada sauce that typically comes with them and the burrito was so full of shredded chicken I found it to be a bit dry. The service was great and we got our meal in a timely manner. Our waiter was funny and kept referring to my water as tequila. "Ma'am would you like another tequila?" I guess I should have prefaced that with the fact that I was only one not drinking at the table. All and all a pleasant experience. I would honestly go back and just get beans and rice. It's not my favorite Mexican restaurant in the tri-state, but it's pretty high up there. If you are in the area and craving a fresh and cheap meal El Toro is definitely a good choice.
(3)Brad B.
Located in the Hyde Park Plaza, this little Mexican hideaway will satisfy your craving for good Mexican food! Their prices are moderate and the atmosphere is lively. There is also a cantina in the back if you're just looking for a bar-style scene. Parking is not an issue as it is located I a strip mall.
(4)Sanjeet G.
Pretty cool place for grabbing some mexican food and drinks. Pros: 1) Great atmosphere 2) Good drink specials, They have 32 oz beers and giant Margaritas 3) The servers are really friendly and professional Cons: 1) Due to this place being busy pretty much every time I have been there the service has been kind of slow
(4)Alex L.
So I've been here a few times and I'll say that it's about middle of the road in terms of Mexican food. It's definitely not authentic by any stretch of the imagination but the portions are decent so you will get full. In terms of size the actual restaurant is quite big with a main dining area and a bar area in the back. That being said, be ready for a wait if you come during dinner time. I'm not sure if it's a function of the servers being terribly inefficient or just a lack of ppl for the amount of customers. In terms of food, as I said they have a great selection of combo plates so you'll definitely be able to find something that sounds interesting or you want to get. Again, nothing to get excited about but definitely not the worst either. They provide limitless chips and salsa so at least they have that going for themselves. I'll say the best part about this place is the alcohol selection. They have cheap 32 oz beers and Margaritas. The worst thing is the service though. Aside from the blatant ignoring at times, the last time we went they just completely forgot an order so we waited an extra 15-20 min for that to come out. At the end of the day though, you'll go there for the beer and eat the food as an aside.
(3)Victoria B.
The service was wonderful. Even the manager/owner? stopped by. Nice relaxing vibe to the late lunch early dinner atmosphere. Margaritas were great. Tried some the Chorizo Pollo and it was delicious. Portion sizes are enormous so plan on leaving super stuffed. Fried ice cream was great as was the banana desert. Something different... something very nice.
(4)Arianna C.
I'm from New Mexico so my mexican food standards are pretty high. This is the most legitimate mexican food I've had so far in cinci. The staff is very friendly and even spoke Spanish to me when i was ordering. I felt right at home! 100% recommend this place. Very authentic food and atmosphere.
(5)Lewis R.
If you take a look at my check-ins, you'll see I'm an El Rancho Grande fan. But sometimes there just isn't one around when I'm craving Mexican. So when I'm in the area I stop by El Toro. The place is huge, as others have mentioned. This makes it look completely empty at lunch time. But I don't mind a quiet lunch, so no big deal. The service is prompt and the lunch menu had some nice surprises in addition to the usual fare. The tamales are big and well stuffed, but I'm not a fan of the beef sauce they put over top, and the meat inside is not very flavorful. The tacos and enchiladas are good choices, and the chips and salsa aren't bad, too. The food portions are large and the prices are cheap. That means I'm a happy camper.
(3)Tara N.
I really like this place for a quick Mexican dinner. The salsa is runny but has a good flavor, the chips taste homemade, and the food is good. The margaritas are GIGANTIC, even at the smallest size. The prices have been increasing since they opened, which is what holds me back from the 5th star. The service is quick, and like most Mexican places, you get your food in about 10 minutes. The restaurant is huge, so even if you go during prime dining hours, you shouldn't have to wait for a table. Not the best Mexican food I've ever had, but definitely hits the spot when you're craving queso or fajitas.
(4)Sarah F.
Based on 1 dinner there, I would say this place is fairly average as Mexican food goes. There was quite a wait on a Saturday night, I guess because this is the only other Mexican option in the Hyde Park area other than Don Pablo's. The chips were good--hot and crisp, but the salsa was just average (kind of thin and not a lot of fresh or spicy flavors). The guacamole was good though--fresh and chunky, but kind of a small serving for a table to share. I ordered chicken enchiladas, which were good, but again, nothing special. Rice was also average, but the real disappointment was the refried beans--they were unnaturally pale and flavorless. Service was pretty quick, especially considering the packed house. Prices were reasonable. Bottom line? A good alternative to Don Pablo's if you're in the area, but don't make a special trip (and see if you can substitute something else for the refried beans!).
(3)Tricia F.
Probably the worst Mexican food I have ever eaten. No, not probably.. It is!!! I am still gagging while choking down cereal just to keep my stomach from seizing. If I was completely wasted black out drunk I would choose Taco Bell and then stumble over to El Toro and puke it up all of over their sidewalk. It is that terrible. I've been using yelp for years and have never given any restaurant a review until today. You have been warned.
(1)Rachel P.
I enjoy El Toro when I am looking for a quick bite to eat and casual Mexican food. They have a large menu with a lot of different options. Whenever I go there the servers always speak Spanish and it's a fun way to practice.
(4)Amy H.
El Toro is a great place for lunch or dinner. The vegetable fajitas are my favorite. I always order them with no cheese or sour cream, and it always come out just the way I asked for it. (Anyone who makes "special requests" can understand how often this doesn't happen at many restaurants). Take care not to fill up on the chips and salsa! It's so good, you might not be able to eat your meal when it comes to the table. The service is fast and the staff is friendly. The margarita are good, and they have happy hour discounts. If you stop in and order take out, it takes them less than 10 minutes to bring it out.
(4)Sarah P.
Only makes 2 stars because the place is clean, pleasant and the service was polite and efficient. This is some of the worse "Mexican" food I've had anywhere. The cheese queso was too watery to stick to a chip, and flavorless. I think the filling in the tacos and burritos was TVP; if it was meat, I'm frightened to think what kind it was. I was supposed to have a chalupa on my combo plate; what I got was flavorless refried beans srved open faced on a crispy taco shell, topped with lettuce, a few shreds of cheese, and that horrifying guacamole that has a fishy aftertaste. I'd avoid this restaurant at all costs.
(2)Rob T.
El Toro is a fine mexican place. We came because of a Groupon Coupon. The prices are low, food is good, drinks are strong, and portions are large. The place is large and high ceilings and it was crowded. We were seated quickly. The sound level was very high because of the large room and many tables. I mean it was super loud fueled by strong drinks and a young majority young crowd. I'll be back.
(4)Chenney C.
Dinner was fabulous, but the service lacked any sort of urgency. Mind you, I was there for a birthday party - so there was about 12 to 15 of us at a table and it was already jam packed night. However, the waiter just seemed nonchalant about everything. I recommend if you want to try it, go before 5:30pm and make a reservation!
(3)Jordan M.
El Toro is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. It offers an authentic and fun atmosphere, with a well decorated and themed interior. They offer a great selection of different Mexican entrees at great prices. My favorite dish is the UC Special, a spicy chicken queso enchilada-like dish that's less than $10. El Toro offers the standard chips and salsa with your meal free-of-charge and has a fun assortment of cocktails with an array of daily drink specials. El Toro is best known for their Margarona, a giant margarita topped off with two Coronitas inside. El Toro would definitely be my first recommendation for a low-cost Mexican restrautant.
(5)Mrs G. B.
Mexican food is my fave and I and my Husband Love to eat here at El Toro in hyde park plaza. I enjoy going there for lunch sometimes because there is not too many people around that time. The food is amazing and my fave to get is the taco salad. Drinks are also good, I enjoy their margaritas are the bomb.
(5)Claire C.
Love this place! My boyfriend and I go here roughly once every other week. The food is delicious and very affordable, drink are great and reasonable too. My boyfriend is really picky about his guacamole but loves El Torro's. This place is also a good vegetarian option with a few set vegetarian dishes and an accommodating kitchen/wait staff that is willing to modify dishes. The majority of the waiters/front staff are fantastic; friendly, personable and attentive. A select few waiters are a bit more quiet but still get the job done. Overall, highly recommend!
(4)Julianna R.
Your typical Mexican place; the only thing that separates it from some others is its drink specials. Each day of the week has its own specials, and their margaritas are pretty solid too.
(3)Jim F.
Coming from California, this is the best Mexican food we've found. Is it 100% authentic? No, but I think they do a great job of delivering what the clientele interprets as Mexican food. The staff are very friendly and don't mind my attempts to practicar mi espanol.
(4)Janelle S.
El Toro has great food, great salsa and great management. I'm a huge mexican food fan and this place didn't disappoint. The food always comes out hot and exactly how I ordered it. My new must have is the 'RonaRita which has an inverted Corona in their classic frozen margarita! Great drink combination to complement the great food!
(4)Dickie P.
It's a shame that restaurants in Cincinnati too often deviate from what makes that particular food great in the first place. Overly sweet pizza sauce (read LaRosa's), watery thin sweetened chili (read Skyline) and overly hyped, run of the mill burgers (read Zip's). When it comes to Mexican food, it's about sabor (flavor) and a little heat. Sadly, this place has neither. It's as if they toned down the flavors to satisfy people who think ketchup is spicy. I ordered carne asada tacos and was completely let down. Seriously, cook a decent steak, season it a bit, slice and serve on a quality tortilla. Not too hard in my book. But these guys served me tepid, fatty, bland meat. The rice was okay if you like Rice-a-Roni style, but I prefer the real deal. My wife ordered enchiladas with a bland sauce on it (I won't dare dignify it by calling it enchilada sauce). The refried beans were flavorless and the meat was hardly seasoned. When we asked our waiter for some salsa with a little more kick, he said they didn't have any at the time. It seemed that the entire place was full of Hype Park folks that should know better Mexican food. Mostly I observed what appeared to be high school students with fake IDs drinking cheap beer. That sort of sums up El Toro ... lots of potential, great location, but bland and soulless food better suited for a senior citizens home than Hyde Park.
(1)Eric M.
Their food is pretty decent and a large menu with good sized portions. Margaritas are pretty strong as well. The only thing that lacks some is the service, but I'd come back.
(4)Bliss D.
Cringe-inducing decor, flat lifeless food, and the worst tortilla chips I have ever tasted in my life (think Catholic church crackers but with less zing). Not even the 99 cent Modelo made me feel better about spending my hard earned money here. I went with two other people and our individual rankings all ranged between 1 to 2 stars. The meat was fatty, the fish was too salty, and my vegetarian entree was just gross...A flavorless set of 1 burrito, 1 quesadilla, and 1 enchilada. The queso was the best part of the meal, and even that was tepid with skim on top. I don't know how the other reviewer (who also has California roots) could have possibly given this restaurant 4 stars. He must have lived inland.
(1)S E.
Having recently moving to the Hyde Park area, I thought I'd try out El Toro because I love Mexican food. However after getting take out, and sitting down at home to eat it, I have to say that I'm less than impressed. Slightly over-cooked with okay flavor. Their salsa is delicious; but that was the high point of my meal
(2)Mit N.
Solid Mexican fare at a price below chipotle. Clean & courteous. We go there for lunch on Saturdays. We both had lunch specials and drinks for under $15 (plus tip of course). The food is authentic. The staff is fast!
(4)Sasha P.
There seems to be a run on new mexican restaurants at the moment...and Cincinnati should be pretty happy about that. El Toro is solid - probably my top pick currently in this city. Does not compare great to California places - but a welcome addition to Hyde Park. Great service, amazing value and pretty tasty food. Also was super excited to see so many tables full on a Tuesday night. Me gusto el toro!!!!!
(4)Diana H.
This place is hidden in Hyde Park Plaza, and is actually a huge restaurant despite its deceptive smaller store front. When I finally walked in to eat here after buying a Groupon I was pleasantly surprised at my experience. The owners and staff are sweet and friendly. The beers are huge and cheap for happy hour, as well as the margaritas. The tacos are okay, I actually recommend getting the dinner dishes here, they are very authentic, cheap, and huge servings. The guacamole is exceptional too, make sure to order it if you love avocados!
(3)Pam T.
When we saw that a new Mexican restaurant was coming to our neighborhood (it's located in the same plaza as the Hyde Park Kroger) we were super excited. Is El Toro as awesome as the little taqueria in our old Chicago neighborhood? Not quite. However, the food was good, and the service was really friendly. Their prices are also very reasonable - they have a ton of lunch options that are $5.25. Overall, I'd recommend it. I know we'll be back soon.
(4)Evan P.
My wife and I just went here for lunch today, since we both have been craving mexican food and couldn't stomach the idea of going to Don Pablo's (bleh). I had the Lunch #9 - Tamale, burrito, & beans. She had the Lunch #1 - Chile Relleno, taco, & guac salad. She really enjoyed her lunch, and said the chile relleno was great. It was the first non-vegetarian meal she ordered in a mexican restaurant and she was happily surprised. (She would give her meal 4 stars) I was disappointed with my burrito. There was something about it that tasted off to me. The tamale was good, and I felt the beans could have had a bit more flavor (I would give my meal 2.5 stars) I also had their Jumbo margarita, which had a decent punch for something dispensed out of a glorified slurpee machine. We finished the lunch off with a fried ice cream, which was good. Overall, the food was good and we will be adding them to our rotation. If there was one thing to really complain about, it was that the cleaning fluid they used on the tables were rather pungent. Nothing says "yum" like having your nostrils assaulted with the aroma of windex.
(3)Nicholas D.
I go to el toro every once in a while and haven enjoyed it every time. The staff is always friendly and really like to make the customers feel at home. Their quasadillas are really good and taste even better when you wash it down with a margarita.
(4)Jack R.
This place is right in the middle when it comes to Mexican food. I mean it was good. no problem with the food at. The drinks were fine as well but the problem i had was the service. The wait staff acted like they didn't have set tables and it was a free for all. once we sat down we had three different waiters ask about drinks. The food did get out really fast though. However when we were done our waiter took for ever to come by to check on us or get the bill. I had to ask several times for it before we got it. that was the only thing making it a three star from a 4 or 5 star place.
(3)Emily R.
I met Winter M. here for a lunch meeting yesterday. We'd both heard great things about its authenticity and amazing margaritas. So, we ladies had to try it out. Since we're both watching our waistlines we were being pretty selective on our choices. But, its Mexican, Go big or go home. So... we went big and then went home to take a nap. Winter had one of the lunch combos with a taco and a burrito with rice and beans. I opted for an A la Carte item of 2 tacos. One chicken and one beef to mix it up. That was more than enough food for me. The food wasn't disappointing. It was actually pretty good. Considering all I had was tacos, I don't think I can speak to its authenticity, but the chicken and the beef were both well seasoned and Winter won the clean plate award. So, obviously, her's was pretty good too. The service was wonderful. Never had to ask for anything. They were on top of it. Parking was easy and the booths were so comfortable. I'll definitely be back for margaritas next time. Ole!
(3)Andy P.
Just as the rating system goes... Woohoo! As good as it gets! I have been frequenting El Toro for the past 8 months or so, and I have never been disappointed with the service, cleanliness, or food (I usually go once a week or so). The staff is extremely nice and very attentive! The quality of food served beats all of the other Mexican restaurants I have gone to in the Cincinnati area. The prices are very reasonable, especially for the quality.
(5)Don G.
One of my favorite places for Mexican food. Very friendly staff and good service and the prices are reasonable and the food is great. Many of the items are very good and I tend to try something new every time we go.
(4)Amanda T.
Don't be fooled by the strip mall location of this Mexican joint. El Torro serves authentic Mexican cuisine with excellent, cheap margaritas. They have happy hour 7 days a week until 7 pm with HUGE margaritas! I recently converted from Don Pablo's to El Torro for my quick, inexpensive Mexican fix. The staff is extremely friendly, the restaurant is very clean (and I'm pretty picky), and the atmosphere is fun with a vibrant local crowd and flat screens showing the game. The bar is in the back of the restaurant and is a great place to sit while waiting for your table or just grabbing a drink (they also serve their entire menu here). The food is authentic Mexican- nothing super fancy. You will receive chips and salsa the second you are seated. The chips are lacking a bit but the salsa is excellent. I recommend the chicken fajita quesadillas, but beware they are HUGE, stuffed with chicken, onions, peppers, tomatoes and cheese, and served with refried beans and rice. This is a fun place and is especially good for groups. I wish they had a patio for the warmer weather but other than that I highly recommend El Torro, especially for Happy Hour.
(4)Lee B.
For me El Toro is kind of like a peanut butter sandwich. It's not incredibly exciting, it's not really fancy, and it is by no means gourmet. That being said, I enjoy going there, and tend to go there more often than I go to fancier places. I always can find something that I enjoy and it is always good to my wallet. The margeritas are reasonable, especially if you bring coupons or come during their happy hour.
(3)Marie E.
Great place for weeknight Tex-Mex. We like to get the queso dip just to make the chips a salsa a little less healthy. My favorite thing is the happy Pollo which is flattened chicken with mushrooms and cheese and seriously delicious. I get it every time despite my best efforts to try something new. Margs are just okay. They work but taste a little like they came right out of the machine which they probably did. Overall adequately fills that need for a quick mexican meal. Prices are fair and there is plenty of seating.
(4)Niamh O.
A friend of mine says that good Mexican is "brown, yellow, and cheap." I suppose by those standards, El Toro is good. It is absolutely cheap and extremely fast, and if you're just looking to meet and satisfy a burrito hankering, go for it. But the food was subpar, and the enchiladas in particular were not great. I probably won't be heading here again.
(2)Ryan T.
Hot chips and fresh salsa within seconds of sitting down, ice cold Mexican drafts in obnoxiously large mugs and some great dinner entrees (Chili Colorado & Alahombres are my favs) all at a reasonable price... I'm sold.
(4)Andrea L.
We just ate here again last night and the queso was thicker, the margaritas stronger, and the salsa more flavorful!! Very pleasant surprises.
(3)Charlie T.
Pretty good. I'm from Texas, by the way, and love Cuban and Colombian food. This meets our approval. Prices are good. We have been here three times in a short period of time!
(5)Ann S.
I have several co-workers who LOVE this place, and I have been twice myself. The service was good, the chips and daiquiri were not. Shrimp nachos were excellent. My friend did not like her trio platter (tacos, enchiladas, etc.) - very bland. Overall, I guess it just depends on what you order, but can't give it more than three stars.
(3)Ludwig T.
I've tried this place a few times, and while the restaurant itself is clean and fairly comfortable with decent decent servers I would hesitate to recommend the food to anyone. The first time we ate here my wife and I both felt ill later that night and the next day. We thought we would give the benefit of the doubt and try it again but had the same results with different dishes. The food was not seasoned very well and neither one of us finished our meals - not because we were full but because they just weren't very good. With all the excellent dining options in Cincinnati I would definitely avoid this place if I could help it.
(2)John M.
If your looking for something resembling Mexican food, drive on by and find a Taco Bell. The only thing good here is the staff, they're great!
(1)John A.
Being from Texas, I've been hurting for decent Mexican food for awhile. This place helps fill that void in my soul. It isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good. The menu is surprisingly extensive, and everything we had was good. The ultimate litmus test for a Mexican restaurant is salsa, and El Toro's is pretty good. Give it a shot.
(4)Liz A.
i was told by the girl who cuts my hair that this is the best mexican food in cincinnati. she usually has pretty good food taste so i gave it a shot despite hearing bad things from other people. it was disappointing. now to be fair, she is a vegetarian and i can see how vegetarians would like this place. they have lots of menu options, the portions are big, and you can request the smoky and spicy house salsa to give your food some flavor. i ordered the chicken fajitas which were the special that night and found them to be pretty bland and dry as hell. also, it's not particularly cheap. i guess it is better than don pablo's or something like that but i would not go back.
(2)Becca E.
I am conflicted about El Toro. The food is not inspired (I would rather just go to Taco Casa) but Mexican restaurant experience-wise for the area, I would rather go here than Don Pablo's. I feel like it is trying to be an El Rancho Grande but can't compete, which is saying something. I am always a big fan of Mexican places that have the numbered system, where I can decide if I am in the mood for a taco or a burrito or an enchilada or rice or beans or any combination. However, when I get a combination, I cannot really tell which one is which. I ended up having leftovers I didn't want to eat later. That being said, every time I have been there, I have had a wonderful time. The staff is so nice and the margaritas of any size are wonderfully priced, which tends to make you not care so much about how the food taste because you are just so happy to be eating food at all. So (and I feel like this is the most stipulation filled review I have ever written) if you are in Hyde Park and want Mexican but don't want Don Pablo's but still want to sit down and have a drink, go here. Otherwise, get Taco Casa.
(3)