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: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at El Torito
Dairy-Free at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole & Chips, Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Potatoes and Bacon Slices. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 12 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole & Chips, Flour Tortillas and Caesar Salad. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 2 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beef Machaca Eggs Platter and Carne Asada Fries. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Queso Dip and Bacon Slices. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Scrambled Eggs, Queso Dip and Bacon Slices. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Bacon Slices. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at El Torito
El Torito in Pasadena has 9 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole & Chips, Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at El Torito
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Machaca Eggs Platter | 37.8 g | 65.2 g |
| Breakfast Burrito | 102 g | 62.5 g |
| Draft Beer Pint | 0 g | 62.3 g |
| Carne Asada Fries | 47.7 g | 51.3 g |
| Beef Birria Tacos | 60.4 g | 43.7 g |
| Beef Birria Platter | 70.8 g | 35.2 g |
| Chile Verde Platter | 72.2 g | 31.2 g |
| Chile Colorado Platter | 70.7 g | 24.1 g |
| Tortilla Soup | 13.6 g | 21.8 g |
| Flour Tortillas | 63.5 g | 20.9 g |
| Cheese Enchilada Platter | 39.9 g | 19.4 g |
| Guacamole & Chips | 16.4 g | 18.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
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.
Menu
Appetizers
- Street Corn - $4: Grilled corn with traditional toppings Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Queso Dip - $4: Melted cheese dip Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, South-Beach
- Guacamole & Chips - $6: Fresh guacamole served with tortilla chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mini Tacos Steak & Chorizo - $6: 4 mini tacos with steak and chorizo Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sopes Grilled Chicken - $6: 3 sopes topped with grilled chicken Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Flautas - $8: 4 crispy chicken flautas Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada Fries - $8: Fries topped with carne asada and cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Wings - $10: Choice of Buffalo, Mango Habanero, or Ghost Pepper BBQ Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Beef Machaca Eggs Platter - $12: Shredded beef with eggs, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: breakfast, brunch, lunch
- Chile Verde Platter - $14: Pork in green sauce, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Colorado Platter - $14: Beef in red sauce, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carnitas Platter - $14: Slow-cooked pork, rice, beans, and tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Birria Platter - $14: Slow-cooked beef birria, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheese Enchilada Platter - $12: Cheese enchiladas, rice, beans, and tortillas Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Birria Tacos - $8: 3 beef birria tacos Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mahi Mahi Tacos - $10: 3 mahi mahi fish tacos Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breakfast Burrito - $12: 2 breakfast burritos Available at: breakfast, brunch
Soups & Salads
- Tortilla Soup - $6: 16oz traditional tortilla soup Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Menudo - $8: 16oz traditional tripe soup Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Caesar Salad - $7: 6oz Caesar salad Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Scrambled Eggs - $4: 10oz scrambled eggs Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Mini Waffles - $4: 4 mini waffles Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Roasted Potatoes - $7: 10oz roasted potatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Bacon Slices - $3: 6 slices of bacon Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Rice - $3: 10oz Mexican rice Dietary tags: Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beans - $3: 10oz beans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sweet Corn Cake - $3: 6oz sweet corn cake Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Flour Tortillas - $1: 4 flour tortillas Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, dinner, lunch
- Corn Tortillas - $1: 4 corn tortillas Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Signature Margarita - $6: House tequila, triple sec and sweet & sour Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Margarita Flight - $10: Blackberry, Mango & Signature
- Watermelon Candy Shot - $8: El Jimador Silver Tequila, watermelon liqueur, lime, chamoy, agave nectar Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- 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.
- Is El Torito dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. El Torito has 8 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole & Chips, Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas.
- What can I eat at El Torito on a dairy-free diet?
- Guacamole & Chips, Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas carry the dairy-free tag, out of 8 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does El Torito have vegan options?
- Yes. 9 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Guacamole & Chips and Flour Tortillas.
- Is El Torito gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at El Torito?
- Beef Machaca Eggs Platter, at roughly 65.2g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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