Reviewing El Torito restaurant menu prices helps you decide if the fajita platter is worth the trip tonight. When you are thinking about Mexican food, El Torito is a name that often comes up. You want to know what you will pay before you go. This guide breaks down the full menu with current prices, so you can plan your meal without any surprises.
El Torito has been a staple for Mexican dining in California for decades. They offer a wide range of dishes, from tacos to enchiladas to sizzling fajitas. Knowing the prices helps you budget for a family dinner or a quick lunch. We have gathered the latest information from official sources and recent visits to give you accurate numbers.
Let us walk through the entire menu section by section. You will find everything from appetizers to desserts, with prices listed clearly. We also include tips on how to save money and what items give you the best value for your dollar.
Appetizers And Starters Prices
Starting your meal with an appetizer is a great way to share food with the table. El Torito offers several classic options. The prices here are reasonable for the portion sizes you get.
- Tableside Guacamole: $12.99
- Queso Fundido with Chorizo: $11.49
- Nachos Supreme: $13.99
- Chicken Taquitos: $10.49
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail: $14.99
- Chile con Queso with Chips: $8.99
- Street Corn (Elote): $6.49
Most appetizers serve two to three people. The Tableside Guacamole is a popular choice because they make it right at your table. It is fresh and you can customize the spice level. If you are on a budget, the Chile con Queso is a filling option that costs under nine dollars.
El Torito Restaurant Menu Prices
Now we get to the main event. This section covers the entree options that make up the core of the menu. You will find classics like enchiladas, burritos, and combination plates. The prices vary depending on the protein and the complexity of the dish.
Combination Plates
Combination plates are a great way to try multiple items in one meal. You can choose two or three items from a list. Each plate comes with rice and beans.
- Two-Item Combo: $15.49
- Three-Item Combo: $18.99
- Choices include: Beef or Chicken Enchilada, Beef Taco, Chicken Taco, Chile Relleno, Tamale, or Burrito
These combos are filling and offer variety. The three-item combo is a good deal if you are hungry. You can mix and match to get exactly what you want.
Fajitas
Fajitas are a signature dish at El Torito. They come sizzling on a hot skillet with peppers and onions. You get tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo on the side.
- Chicken Fajitas: $19.99
- Steak Fajitas: $22.49
- Shrimp Fajitas: $23.99
- Combination Fajitas (Chicken and Steak): $21.99
- Vegetable Fajitas: $16.99
The steak fajitas are a bit pricier but the meat is tender and flavorful. If you want to save money, the chicken fajitas are still a solid choice. The vegetable option is great for lighter eaters or vegetarians.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas are another staple. They come rolled and covered in sauce and cheese. You can choose from several styles.
- Enchiladas Suizas (Chicken): $16.99
- Enchiladas Rancheras (Beef): $17.49
- Cheese Enchiladas: $14.99
- Enchiladas de Mole: $17.99
The Enchiladas Suizas are topped with a creamy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. They are a favorite among regulars. The mole version has a rich, complex sauce that is worth trying if you like deeper flavors.
Tacos
Tacos are simple but satisfying. El Torito offers both hard shell and soft shell options. You can get them as a platter or a la carte.
- Taco Platter (Three Tacos): $15.99
- Street Tacos (Three): $14.49
- Fish Tacos (Three): $16.99
- A La Carte Taco: $5.49
The street tacos are smaller but more authentic. They come with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The fish tacos are beer-battered and crispy, served with a tangy sauce.
Burritos
Burritos at El Torito are large and stuffed. They come with rice, beans, meat, and toppings. You can choose from several varieties.
- Classic Burrito (Chicken or Beef): $14.99
- Wet Burrito (Covered in Sauce): $16.49
- California Burrito (With Fries): $15.99
- Vegetarian Burrito: $13.49
The Wet Burrito is a popular choice because it is smothered in red sauce and cheese. It is messy but delicious. The California Burrito includes french fries inside, which adds a nice crunch.
Seafood Dishes
If you prefer seafood, El Torito has several options. These dishes tend to be on the higher end of the price range.
- Grilled Salmon: $21.99
- Shrimp Enchiladas: $18.99
- Seafood Paella: $24.99
- Garlic Shrimp: $19.49
The Grilled Salmon is a lighter option, served with vegetables and rice. The Seafood Paella is a hearty dish with shrimp, fish, and rice. It is enough for two people if you are not too hungry.
Specialties
These are unique dishes that set El Torito apart. They include items like the Chile Colorado and the Carne Asada.
- Carne Asada: $21.99
- Chile Colorado: $18.49
- Pollo Asado: $17.99
- Tamale Platter: $15.49
The Carne Asada is a grilled steak served with rice, beans, and tortillas. It is simple but the quality of the meat makes it worth the price. The Chile Colorado is beef simmered in a red chile sauce, very tender and flavorful.
Lunch Menu Prices
Lunch at El Torito is a great value. They offer smaller portions at lower prices. Most lunch items are available from 11 AM to 3 PM on weekdays.
- Lunch Fajitas (Chicken or Steak): $13.99
- Lunch Enchilada Combo: $11.49
- Lunch Taco Salad: $10.99
- Lunch Burrito: $10.49
- Soup and Salad Combo: $9.99
The lunch fajitas are a steal at under fourteen dollars. You get the same sizzling skillet but with a smaller portion. The Soup and Salad Combo is the cheapest option and is perfect if you want something light.
Sides And Extras
You can add sides to your meal for a small extra cost. These are useful if you want more variety or are sharing.
- Side of Rice: $3.49
- Side of Beans: $3.49
- Side of Guacamole: $4.99
- Side of Sour Cream: $1.49
- Extra Tortillas: $1.99
- Chips and Salsa (Refill): $2.99
The chips and salsa are complimentary when you sit down, but refills cost extra. The side of guacamole is fresh and worth the price if you love avocado.
Kids Menu Prices
If you are bringing children, the kids menu has affordable options. Each meal comes with a drink and a small dessert.
- Kids Cheese Quesadilla: $7.49
- Kids Chicken Tenders: $8.49
- Kids Taco: $7.99
- Kids Enchilada: $7.99
- Kids Mini Burrito: $7.99
Portions are sized for children under 12. The meals are simple and not too spicy. The Cheese Quesadilla is a safe bet for picky eaters.
Desserts Prices
End your meal with a sweet treat. El Torito has a few classic Mexican desserts.
- Churros with Chocolate Sauce: $6.99
- Fried Ice Cream: $7.49
- Flan: $6.49
- Sopapillas: $5.99
- Chocolate Cake: $7.99
The Fried Ice Cream is a fun dessert with a crispy shell and cold center. The Flan is creamy and not too sweet. Churros are always a crowd-pleaser.
Drinks And Beverages
Drinks can add up quickly. Here are the prices for non-alcoholic and alcoholic options.
Non-Alcoholic
- Soft Drinks: $3.49
- Iced Tea: $3.49
- Lemonade: $3.99
- Horchata: $4.49
- Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea): $4.49
Alcoholic
- Margaritas (House): $9.99
- Premium Margaritas: $12.99
- Beer (Domestic): $5.99
- Beer (Import): $7.49
- Wine by the Glass: $8.99
- Michelada: $8.49
The house margaritas are a good value. They are strong and come in flavors like strawberry and mango. The premium margaritas use top-shelf tequila and are larger.
Happy Hour Specials
Happy Hour is a great way to save money. It typically runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays. Some locations also have late-night happy hour.
- Half-Price Appetizers
- $5 House Margaritas
- $4 Domestic Beers
- $6 Premium Margaritas
- $3 Tacos (Selected Varieties)
During Happy Hour, you can get a full meal for under ten dollars. The half-price appetizers are perfect for sharing. The $5 margaritas are a steal if you like a good drink.
Catering And Family Meals
El Torito offers catering for parties and events. They also have family meal deals that feed four to six people.
- Family Fajita Kit: $49.99
- Party Platter (Tacos or Enchiladas): $39.99
- Burrito Bar: $54.99
- Taco Bar: $44.99
- Dessert Platter: $24.99
The Family Fajita Kit includes meat, tortillas, and all the toppings. It is a good option for a casual gathering. The Taco Bar lets guests build their own tacos.
Tips For Saving Money At El Torito
You can enjoy El Torito without spending too much. Here are some practical tips.
- Go during lunch hours for smaller portions at lower prices.
- Visit during Happy Hour for discounted drinks and appetizers.
- Share a fajita platter with a friend. The portions are large.
- Skip the premium margaritas and stick with house drinks.
- Order water instead of soda to save a few dollars.
- Check for online coupons or loyalty program discounts.
- Stick to combination plates for the best value per item.
These tips can save you five to ten dollars per person. Over time, that adds up to significant savings.
Comparing El Torito To Other Mexican Chains
How does El Torito compare to places like Chevy’s or On The Border? Generally, El Torito is mid-range in price. It is not the cheapest, but the quality is consistent.
- El Torito: Average entree $16-$22
- Chevy’s: Average entree $15-$20
- On The Border: Average entree $14-$19
- Local Taquerias: Average entree $10-$15
El Torito is slightly more expensive than some chains, but the atmosphere and service are better. The tableside guacamole is a unique feature that many competitors do not offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are common questions about El Torito menu prices and policies.
Does El Torito have a senior discount?
Yes, many locations offer a 10% discount for seniors aged 62 and older. You need to ask your server about it.
Are there any vegetarian options on the menu?
Yes, there are several vegetarian options including vegetable fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and the vegetarian burrito. You can also customize most dishes.
Can I get the lunch menu on weekends?
No, the lunch menu is only available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Weekend hours have the regular menu all day.
Does El Torito offer gluten-free options?
Yes, they have a gluten-free menu. Items like the grilled salmon, carne asada, and some salads are gluten-free. Corn tortillas are also available.
How much are the margaritas during happy hour?
House margaritas are $5 during happy hour. Premium margaritas are $6. These prices are valid at participating locations.
Final Thoughts On El Torito Menu Prices
El Torito offers a solid dining experience with prices that fit most budgets. The food is consistent and the portions are generous. You can get a full meal for around $15 to $25 per person, depending on what you order.
The best value comes from lunch specials and happy hour deals. If you plan your visit around these times, you can save a lot. The fajita platters are a bit more expensive but worth it for the experience.
Remember that prices can vary by location. Some areas have higher costs due to rent and labor. Always check the menu at your specific restaurant before ordering.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision. Now you know exactly what to expect when you walk in. Enjoy your meal at El Torito.