Beagle says...
"You're always dancin' down the street
With your suede blue eyes
And every new boy that you meet..."

Ah, yes, El Torito. Sweet, alluring, and like your first crush, ultimately one huge disappointment but an experience burned into one's memory for a lifetime.

El Torito is chain Mexican food. That means average. Directed to the masses. Middle-of-the road. One suspects that the whole experience is a culmination of years and years of market research. Hey, wait, is that a secret diner I see sitting there, "anonymously" rating every aspect of the dining experience and reporting back to corporate on Monday with recommendations for improvement?

One thing is for sure, you can't go wrong with El Torito because nothing is really bad on the menu. Of course, nothing is really good either. Hey, why not meet at El Torito and then head out to a Ducks or Angels game? Now, that's an evening made in purgatory    [24 Mar 2001 09:46:33]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Hmm, burrito, taco, tostada...

     ­Beagle   

Okay Mexican
Hardest restaurant to find. It's kind of hidden off of Bristol across from South Coast Plaza. I do like to go there when I'm at one of the several movie theaters in the area.
The food is okay. I like the Tamarind Raspberry Baby Back Ribs and the fresh flour tortillas served when you sit down. Also the fire roasted tomato soup is great. Best tomato soup I've ever had. The ribs not too sweet but have a rich spiciness. Some of the El Torito Grill food is bland and some burns my mouth. The only downside here is the service is very marginal. It's neither quick nor very friendly. The decor is really great.    [10 May 2002 23:39:37]

Food:    Service:    Ambiance:    Overall: 
Recommended Dishes: Baby Back Ribs, Warm Fajita Salad, Chocolate Cake

     ­Anonymous