El Torito Cantina and Restaurant

My wife and I travel all over the state in search of good authentic Mexican food, but we can appreciate good quality "Americanized" Mexican food as well. The El Torito chain was one of the first to do this on a large scale. When we are in an unfam ... more

My wife and I travel all over the state in search of good authentic Mexican food, but we can appreciate good quality "Americanized" Mexican food as well. The El Torito chain was one of the first to do this on a large scale. When we are in an unfamiliar area, we will sometimes choose El Torito or the better, but more pricey, El T.orito Grill.
But this particular restaurant (we live ONE MILE AWAY) never ceases to disappoint us. We have been 3 times in the last 4 years and the service always seems to be lousy; food arriving cold in each case. Definitely overpriced especially for the portions. Food is passable but so many better opportunities so close in San Juan and Capo Beach. Any Mexican restaurant's staple, refried beans, are an exact duplicate of canned Rosarito Beans; not a complement in our book.
Try El Patio, El Maguey or El Adobe instead. less

There are so few places to pick from in Dana and this is one. It's the chain but it's dependable and good for what it is. The service is good and has been every time we've gone. It gets crowded because it's in the harbor. On the 4th of July you ca ... more

There are so few places to pick from in Dana and this is one. It's the chain but it's dependable and good for what it is. The service is good and has been every time we've gone. It gets crowded because it's in the harbor. On the 4th of July you can see the fire works and at Christmas time you see the Christmas harbor parade lights. less