Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?

Beans, roasted potatoes, and corn tortillas all qualify as both gluten-free and vegan, while carnitas and chile colorado platters are high-protein.

Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?

This budget-friendly Mexican spot is ideal for special occasions, offering an inviting space, attentive service, and a memorable dining experience.

What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?

Customer reviews for El Torito mention no specific concerns, instead praising the savory dishes, perfectly portioned plates, and attentive service.

Is this restaurant suitable for families?

This budget-friendly Mexican restaurant is family-friendly, offering an inviting space, attentive service, and shared plates like mini tacos and flautas.

Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?

The menu supports diverse diets including keto, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, high-protein, and several heart-healthy or low-carb options.

What makes this restaurant unique or special?

This restaurant is unique for its exceptionally knowledgeable staff, perfectly portioned savory dishes, and an inviting, festive dining atmosphere.

How can I contact this restaurant?

You can contact El Torito by visiting their official website at https://eltorito.com/location/pasadena/ for location-specific information and inquiries.

How many reviews does this restaurant have?

The provided restaurant data does not specify the exact number of reviews, though the establishment maintains an average rating of 4.0/5.

What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?

Diners seeking budget-friendly, authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting with extensive options for keto, vegan, and high-protein diets.

Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?

The menu accommodates diverse needs with high-protein, gluten-free, vegan, and keto options like carnitas, roasted potatoes, beans, and corn tortillas.

El Torito – Mexican

Step into a vibrant celebration of Mexican flavors where the air is thick with the scent of charred street corn and slow-simmered chile verde. The table becomes a mosaic of shared plates, from crispy chicken flautas and loaded carne asada fries to tender steak and chorizo mini tacos that burst with authentic spice. Whether you're diving into a bowl of velvety queso dip or savoring a hearty beef machaca platter, every bite captures the festive spirit and bold, sun-drenched soul of traditional cantina cooking.

3333 East Foothill Boulevard, Pasadena CA 91107 https://eltorito.com/location/pasadena/

Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)

Cuisine: Mexican

Price range: $

Dietary options: high-protein, nut-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, low-carb, sugar-free, pescatarian, plant-based, low-fat, heart-healthy, diabetic, mediterranean, whole30, paleo, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, atkins, clean-eating, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, weight-watchers, volumetrics, low-fodmap, tlc, detox, alkaline, carnivore, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free

Currently closed

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

What diners are saying

Celebrated for its savory dishes and perfectly portioned plates, guests consistently praise the inviting space that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. Reviewers highlight the attentive service, noting that the helpful staff is exceptionally knowledgeable about the menu and eager to provide recommendations.

Street Corn - $4: Grilled corn with traditional toppings Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
Queso Dip - $4: Melted cheese dip
Guacamole & Chips - $6: Fresh guacamole served with tortilla chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
Mini Tacos Steak & Chorizo - $6: 4 mini tacos with steak and chorizo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
Sopes Grilled Chicken - $6: 3 sopes topped with grilled chicken Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Chicken Flautas - $8: 4 crispy chicken flautas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Carne Asada Fries - $8: Fries topped with carne asada and cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
Wings - $10: Choice of Buffalo, Mango Habanero, or Ghost Pepper BBQ Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Atkins

Main Courses

Beef Machaca Eggs Platter - $12: Shredded beef with eggs, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Chile Verde Platter - $14: Pork in green sauce, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Chile Colorado Platter - $14: Beef in red sauce, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
Carnitas Platter - $14: Slow-cooked pork, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Beef Birria Platter - $14: Slow-cooked beef birria, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Cheese Enchilada Platter - $12: Cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber
Beef Birria Tacos - $8: 3 beef birria tacos Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Mahi Mahi Tacos - $10: 3 mahi mahi fish tacos Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Breakfast Burrito - $12: 2 breakfast burritos Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free

Soups & Salads

Tortilla Soup - $6: 16oz traditional tortilla soup Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Volumetrics
Menudo - $8: 16oz traditional tripe soup Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Volumetrics
Caesar Salad - $7: 6oz Caesar salad Dietary tags: Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Volumetrics

Sides

Scrambled Eggs - $4: 10oz scrambled eggs Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Candida, Lectin-Free
Mini Waffles - $4: 4 mini waffles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Roasted Potatoes - $7: 10oz roasted potatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Mayo-Clinic
Bacon Slices - $3: 6 slices of bacon Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Candida, Lectin-Free
Rice - $3: 10oz Mexican rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
Beans - $3: 10oz beans Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
Sweet Corn Cake - $3: 6oz sweet corn cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Flour Tortillas - $1: 4 flour tortillas Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
Corn Tortillas - $1: 4 corn tortillas Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Mayo-Clinic

Beverages

Signature Margarita - $6: House tequila, triple sec and sweet & sour
Margarita Flight - $10: Blackberry, Mango & Signature
Watermelon Candy Shot - $8: El Jimador Silver Tequila, watermelon liqueur, lime, chamoy, agave nectar
Sangria Roja - $8: Red wine, brandy, citrus, hibiscus, raspberries
Horchata - $5: 32oz traditional rice milk beverage
Draft Beer Pint - $4: Selection of draft beers
Well Drinks - $4: House spirits and mixers
House Wine - $4: Selection of house red or white wine

Frequently Asked Questions about El Torito

Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?: Beans, roasted potatoes, and corn tortillas all qualify as both gluten-free and vegan, while carnitas and chile colorado platters are high-protein.
Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?: This budget-friendly Mexican spot is ideal for special occasions, offering an inviting space, attentive service, and a memorable dining experience.
What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?: Customer reviews for El Torito mention no specific concerns, instead praising the savory dishes, perfectly portioned plates, and attentive service.
Is this restaurant suitable for families?: This budget-friendly Mexican restaurant is family-friendly, offering an inviting space, attentive service, and shared plates like mini tacos and flautas.
Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?: The menu supports diverse diets including keto, vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, whole30, high-protein, and several heart-healthy or low-carb options.
What makes this restaurant unique or special?: This restaurant is unique for its exceptionally knowledgeable staff, perfectly portioned savory dishes, and an inviting, festive dining atmosphere.
How can I contact this restaurant?: You can contact El Torito by visiting their official website at https://eltorito.com/location/pasadena/ for location-specific information and inquiries.
How many reviews does this restaurant have?: The provided restaurant data does not specify the exact number of reviews, though the establishment maintains an average rating of 4.0/5.
What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?: Diners seeking budget-friendly, authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant setting with extensive options for keto, vegan, and high-protein diets.
Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?: The menu accommodates diverse needs with high-protein, gluten-free, vegan, and keto options like carnitas, roasted potatoes, beans, and corn tortillas.