El Toro: User Reviews

Great service and food!
By rachelann1, April 19, 2012

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I wrote this for a school paper & we had to post it on here, so enjoy...

When you walk in you immediately feel like you’re actually in Mexico. The music and atmosphere really give you that feeling. In no time you are seated and ordering food. A lot of the people that work there speak Spanish, so you might even learn a few words while you’re there.

This wasn’t my first time going there, so I knew exactly what I wanted. The food there is amazing, but I always get enchiladas and rice. If you were to make enchiladas at home, there is no way they would taste like there’s. A lot of their food consists of tortillas, meat, chips and cheese. Before we get our food I like to eat chips and cheese sauce. Not everything you eat there is spicy, so you would be surprised.

Whenever I go there I always have a good time, and I’m pleased with their service and food. I think all the decorations and music really make you feel like you’re in Mexico. They did a good job decorating, and you can tell a lot of thought was put into it. My overall reaction is always the same; I want to stay a little longer just to feel like I’m actually in Mexico and on vacation!

If you’re looking for a good Mexican restaurant I suggest El Aguila Real. If you don’t like spicy foods, there are always other options. One thing I really like is that on their menu they have American foods, like hamburgers and French fries. So if you just want to go in there and look around and feel like you’re in Mexico you can always do that while enjoying a burger.

I love going there with my family; it’s a place we can always count on for good service and food. I would also consider going there on a first date, because it isn’t too formal. I have been there plenty times in the past and I know I will be going there much more in the future.

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LOVE IT!
By DonMcCurley, October 20, 2011

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I love El Toro! We eat there all the time! If you go to their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, get there early! They have the best salsa, the best quesadillas, the best chile rellenos, and the best guacamole! Portions are generous enough to easily split a meal, and most meals are well under $10.

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Poor food, mediocre service
By redbird78, September 30, 2011

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Food was well below average for Mexican. Very greasy and little flavor. Chips were stale and tasted like they were made a month ago. Salsa was not much better. Service was below average. Server asked what we wanted, dropped of drinks, dropped off food and wasn't seen again until time for bill. This place will probably be closed soon. A couple of their other locations failed too.

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Poor Attitude Poor Service
By cyhawk, September 11, 2011

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Living in AZ for half the year and IA the other half, we get a craving for good Mexican food. This is NOT the place to get it! When ordering a diet Coke with a lime, I was brought a diet Coke with a lemon. I asked again for a lime and was told they didn't have any. However, when paying the bill I noticed nice lime slices at the bar. I mentioned this to her and she told me the limes were only for Marguaritas (her decision, I guess - poor customer service in my book). When asked if I could get a diet Coke 'to go' she told me 'no' - they had 'to go' cups but she couldn't give me an 'extra' soda to go. Her attitude sucked and so did the food. Maybe we are just used to 'good' authenic Mexican food since we live in AZ for half the year. Bad experience, won't go back, won't recommend it. And we realized it is the same business that used to be off of 22nd & University in West Des Moines, just a different name.

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Love this place!
By jessicajs, May 27, 2010

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El Toro is right around the corner from my apartment, and I was excited when I saw it move in a few months ago. My boyfriend (who usually doesn't like Mexican restaurants) and I tried it for lunch the first or second day it was open, and we were hooked! Like most restaurants in this category, the prices are unbeatable. My favorite dish is the carnitas burrito (only available at lunch--#11)--it is covered in chile verde, and is so yummy. My boyfriend gets the chicken fajitas and they are equally amazing. I find their food more tasty than other restaurants of this type, and the service is always outstanding. Servers always eagerly accommodate special requests and are friendly and attentive but not overbearing. I can't tell you how great it is to have a really good, really cheap restaurant right down the street!! Love it!

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