Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » El Toreador – San Francisco
El Toreador - San Francisco
Photo from El Toreador
El Toreador at a glance
San Francisco West Portal
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#1855 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#100 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
6.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
394
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Festive ambiance
- Food variety
- Good value
Frequently criticized
- Food inconsistency
- Poor service
- Loud environment
The restaurant El Toreador invites you to experience authentic Mexican flavors right in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant West Portal neighborhood. This cozy and casual Mexican restaurant is renowned for its great beer selection, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a leisurely dinner, or a refreshing cocktail, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere here. You can enjoy your meal through dine-in, takeout, or convenient delivery options.
Overview: Introducting El Toreador
El Toreador offers a vibrant setting, often described as a colorful space with a festive ambiance that many find appealing. While some appreciate the value for money, the culinary offerings and service can present a mixed experience for diners.
The food, though sometimes praised for its authentic flavors, has also drawn criticism for being inconsistent or lacking. Service experiences range from attentive and welcoming to feeling overlooked, impacting the overall dining impression.
Good
6.7
out of 10
394
Reviews
67.3%
Satisfaction
109
negative
20
neutral
265
positive
El Toreador holds an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, placing it in the ‘average’ category. Customer satisfaction sits at 67.3%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception.
This assessment comes from 394 customer opinions, with 265 positive and 109 negative remarks. Diving deeper, the Food (7.1) receives a ‘good’ rating, often highlighted for its salsa and various Mexican dishes, though some find it lacking authenticity.
The Ambience (7.9) is also rated ‘good’, frequently praised for its colorful decor and festive atmosphere. However, Service (5.2) is ‘average’, with experiences varying, and Value (4.9) is also ‘average’, with opinions split on pricing.
What people like
- Festive, colorful ambiance
- Good food variety
- Reasonable pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food quality
- Unattentive service
- Noisy dining areas
If you’re seeking a vibrant setting with a lively atmosphere and generally good Mexican fare, El Toreador could be a suitable choice. The 6.7 recommendation score suggests it’s a decent option, particularly if you prioritize ambiance and reasonable pricing.
However, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in food quality and service, as these aspects have drawn criticism. It’s a place that might satisfy for a casual meal, but temper expectations regarding culinary excellence or consistently smooth service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on El Toreador
Food (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns high marks, boasting a good score of 7.1 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 73.3%. Many guests rave about the authentic Mexican food, highlighting delicious burritos, spectacular enchiladas, and unique, flavorful salsa. With 159 positive remarks out of 217 total comments, it seems like a solid choice for your cravings.
However, not every dish is a hit, as 47 negative comments indicate some areas for improvement. Criticisms include soggy flautas, dry pork meat, and a perceived use of canned sauce. Some diners also found certain items bland or noted inconsistencies in quality, suggesting that while many dishes shine, others might fall short of expectations.
Food
217
Reviews
73%
Satisfaction
47
negative
11
neutral
159
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Mexican food
- Generous portions
- Delicious salsa
What people don't like
- Inconsistent quality
- Bland flavors
- Dry meat
Often praised
- foodThe food has been delicious through my life
- salsaI found the most authentic Sonora Mexico seasonings in everything they prepared. The excellent margaritas were a highlight, and the best salsa was a perfect accompaniment. It's a must try!
- Mexican foodMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best Mexican food in the area by far. The staff was great, and they were always fast and friendly.
- fish tacosThey offered my kids the green sauce, which they enjoyed. I had beef burritos, and my family enjoyed the Mexican bowl, enchiladas, beef tacos, fish tacos, and chicken empanadas. Ronaldo was our server this time and was very good, attentive to food allergies.
- refried beansthe best thing on the plate was the child size portion of refried beans
- FoodFood:5
- burritowhen I'm in the mood for a burrito
- chicken enchiladaThe chicken enchilada was actually fine
- enchiladasThey offered my kids the green sauce, which they enjoyed. I had beef burritos, and my family enjoyed the Mexican bowl, enchiladas, beef tacos, fish tacos, and chicken empanadas. Ronaldo was our server this time and was very good, attentive to food allergies.
- margaritasExcellent margaritas
Frequently criticized
- foodHe simply smiled and stated that this was how they would be served for the rest of the night, which was quite disappointing. Consequently, I sent the food back. Despite the poor food experience, the atmosphere was great and was the initial reason for my visit, but it won't be enough to bring me back.
- menuHowever, when I got home, the bag was filled mostly with chips, the burrito was thin, and there was no salad. Upon calling the restaurant, they explained they don't provide salad for to-go orders, which wasn't mentioned on the menu. Frustrated, I’ve issued a chargeback for this disappointing experience.
- ricethe child size portion of rice had no flavor at all
- salsaIn my opinion the salsa is too hot
- saucethe sauce on top was crapy and NASTY!
- tacosPork meat in tacos was very dry and did not seem fresh
- Mexican foodThis is not proper Mexican food.
- bean broth souphe rudely told me it was a bean broth soup
- birthday dinnerRuined me and my twins birthday dinner
- burritoI ordered a burrito, enticed by the menu's promise of a salad in bold letters. However, when I got home, the bag was filled mostly with chips, the burrito was thin, and there was no salad. Upon calling the restaurant, they explained they don't provide salad for to-go orders, which wasn't mentioned on the menu.
If you're looking for authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions, this place often delivers a satisfying meal. While many dishes are praised, be mindful that some experiences point to inconsistencies, so you might want to stick to their highly recommended items.
Service (5.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 71% of the guests
It seems the service here is a real mixed bag, with a 5.2 score putting it squarely in the average range. Many guests rave about the excellent service and friendly staff, often highlighting service speed and the attentive server who ensures a great experience. With 42 positive remarks, its clear that when service is good, its really good, sometimes even outstanding with no wait times.
However, with 45 negative remarks and a 46.7% customer satisfaction, there's definitely room for improvement. Some experiences mention rude or condescending staff, slow service, and a general inattentiveness that can lead to frustrating waiting times. It sounds like you might encounter some bad attitude from certain individuals.
Service
90
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
45
negative
3
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Excellent, fast service
- No wait times
What people don't like
- Rude, inattentive staff
- Slow service, long waits
- Poor customer service attitude
Often praised
- serviceMy experience was an excellent dinner with charming service. I'm unsure if the restaurant was not crowded because people are still hesitant to venture out, but the overall experience was very positive.
- staffIt’s cozy, feels like home, and there’s history in every corner. The staff was chill and welcoming, the vibe was relaxed, and everything about it just hit right. If you’re ever in the area and want real, honest, amazing Mexican food with some family history behind it, this is the spot.
- ServiceService:5
- attentionwas given quality attention, they brought me chips when I wanted them
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The server was friendly and the atmosphere is cute, which were definite positives. However, the food was pretty bad.
- waitThe decor is funky but extremely clean. The wait isn't too bad most nights. Being a half block from the West Portal MUNI tunnel makes this a great spot to dine, as parking isn't always terrific.
- Customer serviceCustomer service was good 👍🏽!!!
- SheldonSheldon is the best!
- chefThe chef must have just had a bad day the previous time
- chip bowlThey keep the chip bowl full
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service, I think it was the current owner.. I got the feeling he would rather be doing his taxes then serving us
- customer serviceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to the lack of customer service. The staff, and possibly ownership, showed no interest in providing a decent experience.
- staffThe two folks there tried to force me out of the restaurant
- staff membergot a staff members who was extremely rude
- waitera waiter that made me feel like I was bothering him
- DoorDash menuthey really need to fix their DoorDash menu.
- Servicehe just smiled and said there was nothing they could do
- ageWhen I explained I had lost the original, the employee became suspicious and another staff member or manager told me to leave. They even made reference to my age. This is particularly upsetting as I had planned to take my family of four for dinner, which would have been a much larger expense.
- attentivenessnot very attentive
- attitudeHe has an extremely bad attitude
If youre lucky, youll get fantastic service, but be prepared for a potentially frustrating experience. Its a bit of a gamble, so if service is your top priority, you might want to consider if youre willing to roll the dice.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The ambience here truly stands out, earning a solid 7.9, which is a good score. With 81.2% customer satisfaction, it's clear most folks love the vibrant decor and lively atmosphere. Many of the 56 positive comments rave about the colorful space and musical, lively vibe, creating a fun and unique experience.
Yet, not every visit is perfect. The 7 negative comments mention issues like a blaring TV or a noisy kitchen, which can make the environment not relaxing. Some found the interior disruptive, suggesting that while the decor is a hit, certain elements can detract from the overall peace.
Ambience
69
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
7
negative
6
neutral
56
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Vibrant decor
- Lively atmosphere
- Unique character
What people don't like
- Loud TV
- Noisy kitchen
- Not relaxing
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The server was friendly and the atmosphere is cute, which were definite positives. However, the food was pretty bad.
- decorMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I loved the great salsa and the great decor. The service was exactly what you hope for, and the atmosphere was a perfect 5/5.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance is so colorful and festive
- Instagram photosgood place to get Instagram photos
- Mexican museumlike walking into a Mexican museum
- Mexican musichad good Mexican music playing
- ambienceGreat ambience inside
- childhood memoriesI have some childhood memories of the place
- colorful spaceThere was not an empty space to fill on this colorful space
Frequently criticized
- blaring TVnext to the blaring teevee
- discriminationdiscriminan demasiado a los mexicanos
- inside diningWe’ve been eating here for a decade. We recently called and were informed that we can no longer eat inside because we aren’t vaccinated. This experience made us feel like this isn't America anymore, and it feels more like North Korea.
- interiorDon't be fooled by the charming interior, it's a ruse.
- noisy kitchenWe were a party of 6 and had made reservations, arriving on time. Unfortunately, we were seated in the back next to a blaring TV, the noisy kitchen, and a screaming baby. While the food and service were fine, the overall experience was not relaxing due to the disruptive atmosphere.
- not relaxingit was not relaxing
- screaming babyWe were a party of 6 and had made reservations, arriving on time. Unfortunately, we were seated in the back next to a blaring TV, the noisy kitchen, and a screaming baby. While the food and service were fine, the overall experience was not relaxing due to the disruptive atmosphere.
If you're seeking a vibrant, colorful spot with a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware that some areas might be a bit noisy, so pick your seat wisely if you prefer a quieter experience.
Value (4.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, opinions are a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.9 indicating an average performance. Customer satisfaction sits at 44.4%, suggesting theres definitely room for improvement. Many appreciate the prices and value for money, finding reasonable price for dinner, especially in a city like San Francisco, as noted in 8 positive remarks.
However, 10 negative remarks highlight concerns about the price being expensive and some even feeling overcharged. Several customers felt the affordable days are over, with dishes increasing significantly. It seems the value proposition isnt consistently hitting the mark for everyone, with some finding it not worth it.
Value
18
Reviews
44%
Satisfaction
10
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Great value
- Affordable dinner
What people don't like
- Super expensive
- Not worth it
- Overcharged
Often praised
- pricesvery reasonable prices
- pricePrice wise, the Toreador is exceptionally reasonable
- dinneran affordable dinner in this area
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price for San Francisco
- value for moneythey give you a great value for your money
Frequently criticized
- priceI now find myself preferring Taco Bell. The food is expensive, poor quality, and bland. The service also left much to be desired; I felt the current owner would rather be doing his taxes than serving us.
- pricesFor these prices, I was really expecting higher quality food
- $50they are keeping my sister's 50 dollars
- affordablethe affordable part is over
- credit card overchargemy credit card was overcharged for a takeout order
- dishesDishes that used to be $14 are now $20
- price for the burritoThe price for the burrito was also insanely high priced
So, is it worth it? If you're looking for an affordable dinner and catch them on a good day, you might find reasonable prices. But be prepared, as many feel the cost can be super expensive and not always worth the quality, so manage your expectations.
How are the prices at El Toreador?
You’re looking at roughly 25 per person – reported by 41 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests are spending in the 11 – 30 $ range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with just a few diners opting for something a bit more premium.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
Comparing value for money: how this restaurant stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Francisco. Its a solid choice if youre looking for quality without overspending.
Customer Reviews: what people think about El Toreador
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Worst Mexican Food Experience Ever
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative, particularly concerning the food. We arrived 30 minutes before closing on a Saturday night. The chicken enchiladas were dry and incredibly bland, lacking any seasoning.
The tortilla shells for the enchiladas were hard on the edges, suggesting they might have been over-microwaved. The food tasted like cardboard, and I honestly felt hospital food would have been better. The green sauce had a nasty, "fresh out of the can" taste.
Even the child-sized portion of rice was flavorless. The best items were the small portion of refried beans and the tiny salad. The tortilla chips and salsa served while waiting were superior to the actual meal.
While the sauce could be milder for those sensitive to spice, the main issue was the overall poor quality. The enchiladas weren't even hot or soft, and the sauce was described as "crapy and NASTY! " I would strongly advise skipping this place; the good reviews likely come from friends and family.
It's worth waiting for a table at Elena's, my preferred restaurant down the street. I could have been more satisfied with a hot dog from a street vendor or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The food at Elena's is vastly different.
If I could give zero stars, I would. I will never return. #Yuck🤢 #nastyfood🤮
- refried beans7
- salad7
- tortilla chips8
- chicken enchiladas1
- tortilla shells2
- green sauce1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Terrible Service and Misleading Menu
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. The customer service was the worst I've encountered in San Francisco. From the moment we walked in, the staff was unfriendly, and this attitude persisted throughout our visit.
I ordered the "famous bean soup, " which arrived with no beans. When I questioned the waiter, he rudely stated it was a "bean broth soup" and that the menu didn't specify whole beans. This is a dumb menu, and it would have been a minimal cost to add beans.
Due to the rude staff and the misleading menu, we will not be returning.
- customer service1
- staff1
- famous bean soup1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Northern Jalisco Taste in West Portal
My experience at this restaurant was a delightful taste of Northern Jalisco, right here in the West Portal neighborhood. The food was delicious, and the service was great. I visited for lunch and experienced a quiet atmosphere, making it easy to talk.
There was no wait, and the atmosphere and service were rated a perfect 5 out of 5.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Delivery
8
Delicious Enchiladas, Confusing DoorDash Menu
We ordered out through DoorDash and encountered a confusing menu. It stated we had to pick only one side (beans, rice, or salad) with our entrée, but I wanted all three and couldn't find an à la carte option. I assumed this was a San Francisco thing, but upon delivery, everything was included – the rice, beans, and salad!
They really need to fix their DoorDash menu. I had the chicken enchiladas, which were so, so good! I especially loved their red sauce.
My husband had an enchilada and a chili relleno, and he found them to be really good too. In my opinion, the salsa is too hot, but that's a common sentiment for me as I always prefer a milder option.
- chicken enchiladas9
- red sauce10
- enchilada and a chili rellano8
- salsa3
- DoorDash menu2
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Over 40 Years of Great Food and Experience
My experience at this restaurant has been absolutely great for over 40 years. The food is consistently great, and the overall experience, including service and atmosphere, has been a perfect 5 out of 5.
- food10
- experience10
- service10
What El Toreador offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
Is El Toreador accessible for everyone?
Yes, El Toreador prioritizes accessibility for all guests. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable and convenient dining experience for every visitor. The restaurant aims to be welcoming to everyone in the West Portal community, making it easy for you to enjoy your visit.
What dining options and beverages can you expect at El Toreador?
At El Toreador, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with comfortable seating. They offer a full bar with hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside coffee. You can also grab a quick bite or enjoy a full table service experience, with a kids’ menu and high chairs available for families.
What is the overall customer sentiment for El Toreador?
El Toreador has an overall score of 6.7 out of 10, with customer satisfaction at 67.3%, indicating a mixed but generally positive reception. The Food (7.1) and Ambience (7.9) are rated well, while Service (5.2) and Value (4.9) are considered average.
Is El Toreador a good place for its atmosphere?
Yes, many customers praise El Toreador’s Ambience (7.9), describing it as colorful, festive, and like walking into a Mexican museum, making it a good spot for Instagram photos.
What are common concerns about dining at El Toreador?
Some customers have noted concerns regarding inconsistent food quality, with dishes sometimes described as bland or not authentic. Service experiences can also vary, and certain dining areas might be noisy due to blaring TVs or kitchen sounds.