El Toro Mexican Restaurant

Came here for lunch as I was in the area and my 3 yr old will just eat chips.... so he ate chips. I ordered a HALF order of a nacho supreme (pictured) and was blown away at the size and it was only $10!!! Our server was great; all servers were very friendly though! We felt welcomed from the time we walked in til the time we walked out. If we are back in the area, id definitely come back.

I eat at a LOT of Mexican restaurants, and this is definitely one of the weirder ones. I've had worse, I guess. The first thing I noticed is there were no Latinos in the restaurant. Not eating, not working. Red flag? Maybe. We tried to order margaritas. They don't have any. Red flag? Probably. What we did order ended up being the strangest Mexican food I've ever had, top to bottom. Two noticeables: The enchiladas were baked to an absolute crisp, more like a taquito. The breading on the child relleno was thick and soft, like a chicken-fried steak, and it was smothered in a cheese sauce of indescribable texture. The chips were okay, but the salsa was strangely sweet. Refried beans and rice were somewhat overcooked. The wait staff was very pleasant.

I love Mexican food so we thought we’d try this place. Service was great. Everyone was nice. I decided to order Fajitas since they are a go to safe option. This time it was not. Lacked flavor big time. I was very disappointed.. my boyfriend’s steak was good he said but I didn’t try it.

Found this place on the way back from vacation just passing through craving Mexican food. This place was great. They have the largest tacos I have ever seen and tasted awesome. Their refried beans and rice were top notch. I will make sure from here out to stop by if ever in the area again. Wait staff was wonderful as well. Chips were hot, fresh and actually salted to go along with the homemade salsa. All around great place to eat.

We were very disappointed that this is NOT AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD! The refried beans came straight from the can - literally. Food was extremely bland, and we had to drench our food with salt, pepper, and hot sauce - to give it some flavor. We did not see one Mexican employee in the restaurant, which made sense why the food did not taste like real Mexican Food. We should have trusted our gut and left as soon as we walked in. There were no Mexican decor. The dinning room is very basic with hard bench-like cafeteria seats for the booths....not very comfortable. Prices are way too high for what you get. Definitely not recommended.

We have wanted to try El Toro Mexican Restaurant for a few months now. (New to the area) Finally we were able to go Saturday night. So disappointed! The atmosphere is very bright and blah, like a cafeteria. It was very clean though. The salsa was ridiculous, boring and kind of sweet with no cilantro or spice or freshness to it whatsover. They had no hot salsa available but offered bottled hot sauce when asked. Chips were good. I ordered one of the Specials, a burrito. It was absolutely smothered in lettuce. I could not even see the burrito. When I found it, it had a little cheese and some very unappetizing red sauce. A little dab of sour cream on top of it all. The meat in it was flavorless. I took two bites and sent it back. They did take it off the bill and offered to get me something else. Hubby ordered another type of burrito which was presented looking better but again very little flavor. Dry rice and blah refried beans on the side. The best part of the meal was the ice cold beer. We will not go back, unless we just want a beer.

Awesome place. Staff friendly and attentive. Food was excellent absolutely did not leave hungry. Definitely will return. Returned this evening order the 3 amigos tacos with roast pork they were delicious.

Hands down the best chips and salsa I have ever had! A little over priced for some of the items, but overall enjoy my experience every time.

Well we have eaten here a long time ago and thought the food was pretty good.. we went there and was busy. Our waitress seemed to be bothered at times, like we were a bother. Their salsa is very good, though. I Never got a refill on my water, even asked when she brought my wife her soda refill. Food had a bland taste to it. I threw some of the salsa on my chicken soft tacos and added some flavor. Rice and the beans were actually burnt and crispy, probably under a heat lamp too long. So wasn't too happy with lunch.

Not a fan of the restaurant. I give two stars because the waitresses are great. To bad the food isn't as good as the service. They are way overprived for the amount of food that they offer.

El toro is our go to anything we're in the area. There food and staff are amazing! We've been eating there now for well over 20 years from when they were located in Gainesville.

Great food and great staff.. food is consistently good. The mariachi plate is my favorite.. also the salsa is

Would give all the stars. The queso looks like it was made that day the meat taste like it was never frozen food is just overall amazing and I know the owners personally and they are great people

Ordered a blue margarita, but absolutely no alcohol. Just tasted like sweet kook-aid. Husband ordered a fish dinner, but the food was mediocre at best. However, f you want decent chips and salsa then that's the spot. Other than that, you matter as well go to Chili's

El Toro is easily one of the best Mexican places I have ever eaten at. The food is amazing! The salsa is for sure homemade and tastes great. The chips are good along with the tacos I got. The service was quick and our waitress was nice. Food was out quick and it was hot. The ambiance of this place was quiet and everyone was nice. Would definitely recommend it!

Ummmm, not sure what's up with this place. Seems popular, but why?? There are SO many Mexican restaurants in Alachua County! This place serves lowest-common-denominator Americanized beans rice and meat served under a massive blanket of cheese (I may have just answered my question). I would NOT go back again, definitely bottom tier for this area.

I got a chicken and a Beef burrito with Spanish rice and refried beans. It was good I must say it was really good. The salsa was really good they didn't overdo it with the lime like most places and the tortilla chips were perfect. The food was great I got a takeout order I would also like to add that they had A recyclable container which was aluminum with a paper cover. I give extra points and plus plus for that that shows that they care I want a business cares they care about the food also.Definitely recommended.

After our dinner the other night I had to write a review update and add a star. El Toro has taken it up a notch over the last few months. Not only is the food really good, they serve a lot of it. There is no way that you can't leave here not full. I had the monterey dinner and it was yummy. Unfortunately they do not have a liquor license so they cannot sell margaritas. They do have a license for beer and wine though. For those who are being cautious, they are following covid prevention at this restaurant. Everyone was wearing masks, tables were sanitized between customers, and social distancing is set up throughout the restaurant.

Great place and we will be back! The first time we tried this place and Sooo glad we did. Parking lot was full but we found a spot at the bar and ordered. I had a double top shelf margarita, Dos Equis Amber. I ordered a grilled shrimp chimichanga and my boyfriend ordered shrimp tacos. Atmosphere was busy but happy and very pleasant. Bar tender was outstanding! He was the best bartender we have had in a long time. He provided individual attention to each person at the bar and was not only pleasant, but made one feel appreciated as a customer. Meals were very good, excellent margaritas (I had a single shot top shelf strawberry margarita as my 2nd drink) and we were very happy! When I asked the bartender his name he said "El Toro" so I think he can't give his real name as El Toro translates into "The Bull". Lol

Let me start by saying this is by far the best Mexican food in Alachua and in Gainesville, when it used to have two locations in town!! As an avid Mexican eater this place is unlike any other. The salsa is simply the best I've EVER tested and made fresh in house. I currently live outside the Gainesville area, but make a point to go whenever I'm in town. Follow eating tips below. 1. Get at least one cup of salsa for each person at the table. You might call me crazy but this stuff goes fast. Eat it with chips and dip, top on your Mexican rice, or dump it all over your cheesy chicken enchiladas (that's what the pros do anyways) 2. Order two chicken enchildas with white sauce (as the come - red if your traditional with your Mexican food) and add a side of Mexican rice. 3. Feeling outside of the box: try beef and bean burrito with red sauce, fajita quesadilla, or shredded beef soft tacos. However, just trying to emphasize they have the best white cream sauce unlike any restaurant so might as well get something with it. 4. Enjoy!! I could eat this food multiple times/day it is that good. The environment is not your typical Mexican environment, but the employees are extremely nice and always recognize us Mexican food lovers. Last tips: you can buy their salsa online and they will ship it!! Not as good as the fresh stuff but better than store bought salsa. I don't believe they serve alcohol so drink up your appetite before. And lastly, they are open during this COVID-19 craziness. My family has ordered it once a week during the social distancing and it's still as good in house

Went to El Toro for a late dinner. We had to stand for a fEw minutes before I was acknowledged. The host seated us and our server came over after a few minutes. She never gave us her name. One of my pet peeves is give your name to the customer. All the servers seem in the weeds and not to happy. Our server brought over our Drinks and set them on the table. She did not bring straws. I asked for a straws. After a few minutes he came by the table and threw them down. Maybe she was a new server and hopefully she will be more talkative. The fajitas for two where yummy. They also had good unsweet tea.

We enjoy eating on the patio. Best Mexican restaurant in town. Their chips and salsa are homemade and amazing and I enjoy their fish tacos. Excellent service.

Simply said, they offer service that makes you feel like you're in their home. Their salsa is so good I take home a 16oz container every other week. My wife really loves their shrimp tacos.

Solid & reliable family-run Mexican restaurant. Service is always good and the food is tasty. Can't go wrong with the free salsa but the single-serving guacamole is very good and inexpensive. Chicken chimichanga is very filling and flavorful.

Overpriced not so great Mexican food. Better off at Peppers or Chuys. Chips stale. Salsa not good. Portion size small for Mexican place.

Excellent Mexican Cuisine! Moved from Gainesville to Alachua 13 years ago. Every bit as good as they were on SW 13th Street next to SubWay. Nicely decorated and a cool patio for outdoor dining. Rona, a server, is a real gem.

The food here is good and the service is great! Chris was an amazing server. We will return. BTW, I don't like Mexican, but my friends do. They have one of the best burgers ever here. The place would be truly awesome if they served margaritas!

Terrible terrible Mexican food. Don't waste your time here it isn't even worth it. Service is ok but food is a no from me! I'd rather drive to Gainesville then eat here. They also have rodents.... Run!

My husband and I have lived in High Springs for just a few months. we had a favorite Mexican restaurant in Venice Florida that we went to just about weekly. We found El Toro and had The beef chimichanga dinners. It was absolutely delicious! And so much food that there was no way we could eat it all. The salsa and chips that are complementary are delicious! I could just use a spoon and eat that salsa it is so good! They do serve beer or wine, but sadly no margaritas. Everyone has been so nice to us every time we go in. Jett is our very favorite server! She is so friendly, professional and attentive! We have definitely found our go to Mexican restaurant in Alachua!

Always great food, large quantity of food, excellent service, and relaxing atmosphere. My "go-to" for a quick inexpensive filling Mexican meal. The kids love it and get free ice cream or root beer floats with their meals.

We frequent El Toro often but tonight was the BOMB!! I am a fajitas girl or the San Diego but LAWDY! One of the employees Jordan made up a new burger. Burger at a Mexican restaurant, you say? That was my first thought. But DANG! Jalapeños, red onions, cheese, and guacamole on a toasted bun all melted and juicy! Then fries with cheese ( not the nasty nacho cheese but REAL cheese) and jalapeño peppers and red onions. It's a hood thing we walked over 3 miles this afternoon! I can't wait to go back again! Definitely 5 stars!

Food was not over cooked however the dishes lack any hint of seasoning. We were a party of four and nobody was happy with the flavor of the food. Nice place great service but the authentic Mexican flavor is missing.

This restaurant caught me off guard. I never thought I would have a burrito this good in northern Florida. The service was fast and friendly and the restaurant itself was clean. I ordered a steak burrito, for some reason I can't get enough wet burritos! The burrito was stuffed with steak and rice. Served with a side of sour cream, lettuce and tomato. The meat was tender and to top of the burrito was a delicious cheese sauce. The chips and salsa were also good. I defiantly will stop in again if in the area.

We saw the photos online and the reviews looked good so we thought why not, not only was the food bad but the price was more than other places with better quality food. The lettuce tasted old and the fish had no seasoning and was incredibly bland. The rice tasted like one of those uncle Ben's microwaveable rice the enchiladas were tolerable but not amazing. This is definitely not an authentic Mexican restaurant, we were actually laughing at how bad this place was. Definitely would recommend them to try new recipes and get better quality ingredients. Also lower the price until they have better food.

My husband and I have been going here for years, and it's always an excellent experience! Love the food, music, and atmosphere! Highly recommend!

I had heard a lot of hype about rhis place but I must say, as a Southern Californian, this was a HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. 1) everything is covered in this bland white sauce that I really couldn't identify as cheese or sour cream or a mixture of both. 2) Did I mention BLAND?? No seasoning or spice at all could be detected in the burrito or taco or enchilada!!! To say there was no spice is a huge understatement. My wife, who does not like spicy heat was clamouring for salsa (which she never eats) as a way to add flavor to her food!! Unfortunately, the "salsa" was just as bland, almost tasted like a can of stewed tomatoes has been chopped and put in a bowl! There was no red sauce or peppers to be found and the staff was just as bland. Not a single smile from anyone and it seemed like it was an inconvenience that we were there. When I went ro pay, the owner didn't even ask if everything was alright and did not thank us for coming. If I lived in Alachua or the surrounding area, I would open a real mexican restaurant. Please avoid this place if you know what's good for you. It is NOT MEXICAN FOOD!! I gives Mexican Food a BAD reputation!!! I would give -5 stars if I could!!!

Didn't expect such good Mexican food in this small place but like every other time my experiment with Mexican food came out pretty good. To start with, they have one of the best salsa I've had till date. Food quality is very good and their portions are also good enough. We were three and we had to pack some food of the two dishes we ordered. I would definitely suggest this place, if you are looking for good Mexican food in this area.

I'd been avoiding this place because of bad reviews but I have to say, I think the reviews have got it wrong or this place has made a lot of changes, because the food was really good when we went. We both got the San Diego platter. It was a ton of food and we could have easily split it. The burrito and enchilada were absolutely delicious. I got chicken in both so I can't speak to what the other meat options might be like. I loved the white sauce they used on the enchilada. I saw some comments that it was bland, but I'd consider it mellow. Regardless, it was delicious. The taco, I will admit, was not great and with everything else being so good, it was easy to leave uneaten. Refried beans weren't greasy, rice was tasty. I'd definitely eat here again without hesitation.

Most of the food was flavorless. The chicken and beef enchiladas, the rice and beans, the tostada. The salsa was ok, but not good enough to make up for the lack of flavor on everything else.

The food is pretty good, but the servers are a hit or miss. Sometimes they're really nice other times they're rude. Not my favorite place considering the people aren't the greatest, but food is great! Also it's never busy which is a plus, have never had to wait.

I've only had take-out from here, but I've had it 3-4 times. Always the chicken fajitas. So here's my review on that alone. The chickens is juicy & the flavors with the sautéed mushrooms, pepper & onions are great! The way they plate the food for takeout keeps the lettuce, tomato & cheese cold & the meat hot. It comes with way more taco shells than you need & there's salsa, guacamole & sour cream on the side. Will definitely continue to carry out & will update review once I've been in the restaurant to dine.

Fantastic. Great salsa but better fresh in restaurant vs taking the jars home. Taste rather pastey/ketchupy if that makes sense. Tortilla chips are super salty and warm and oh so yummy. Best in the area.

Went on Cinco de Mayo with some ladies, one of whom is a big fan of this place, though she readily says Mexican is not her go-to cuisine (it's a huge one of mine!). Salsa and chips. Chips are chips, these were nothing special. Salsa was flavorful but very mild. Ok. My friend ordered the queso dip, it was also pretty good, but not anything more than what you might get out of a jar. Slight hint of spice in the aftertaste. I ordered the Deluxe Mexican dinner so I could try a few of their items. Chile Relleno...small, soggy, not very flavorful. Pretty much sums up the other items as well - and I didn't even finish the taco, it was so boring. Served with the standard rice and beans, nothing special, no flavor. It also came with a "guacamole salad," which is a big bowl of shredded lettuce topped with tomatoes, and two tablespoons of guacamole. Maybe. The guacamole tasted like it was out of a tube. Terrible. Oh, and the first thing the waitress said when taking our drink orders? "We don't even serve margaritas." Seems they have a beer license only.

Not impressed. I'd been before but prices have gone up and actual meat portion has gone way down. No lunch special that I could see... One person ordered chicken enchiladas and got cheese ones. I only got the side items for my fajitas and not the main dish so both of us had to wait on food while everyone else ate. Fajitas were still $14 and while they looked decent at first, it turned out that most of what I thought was steak was actually mushrooms. I've never been to a Mexican restaurant that puts mushrooms in steak fajitas. Onions and peppers were severely undercooked. I got MAYBE 4 or 5 ounces of actual meat. Literally 85% of the plate were veggies. Tortillas were tiny but only enough meat to make 2 and a half fajitas...not to mention only got enough lettuce and tomatoes for the first two. I won't be coming back. If you live near Gainesville try Las Margaritas you can get dinner portion and real quality fajitas for $8 any day before 3pm on lunch special. This place just seemed like a waste of money to me and we only drove out there bc Las Margaritas had too long a wait (it was a busy weekend in town). No clue how this place rates 4 stars. Some ppl are raving about the salsa but they have zero taste in food there was not one chunk of onion or cilantro or anything to separate it from cheap canned salsa. After reading another review another patron found roaches in her food which makes me queasy :/ This place is only open bc there is no other Mexican in Alachua, if you can even call it Mexican.

Pretty much done trying. We live in Alachua, and try to patronize local businesses. El Toro has been a consistent disappointment, for various reasons. Tonight was the last straw. We were seated at the table right next to the out-swinging kitchen door, where my husband actually had to unscrew the light-bulb hanging 3 inches from his forehead, so that he could see, even if he couldn't hear over the kitchen roar. After getting about half way through our chips, we discovered an Earwig insect in the chips. I called someone over to show it to them, and she picked it up, rolled it between her fingers and declared it a "burnt french fry that stayed too long in the oil". Uh, no. It had a forked tail, legs and feelers. She assured us it was a burnt french fry, whisked the basket away, and another server appeared with new chips. I had the chicken and spinach burrito, while my husband had pork. The chicken tasted fresh from the can. The rice that came with the meal was crunchy, and under-cooked. The refried beans were more like four times fried, and dry. The whole table-spoon portion full. The check came, and the queso dip that is supposed to be complimentary, was almost $3 and no adjustment or apology was made regarding the dead Earwig in the chips. This restaurant has steadily gone down in quality. I try to give establishments chances, but I think I've spent enough money at El Toro for over priced, flavorless, bug garnished, slop.

You are kidding right? The owners' daughter tried to warn me, "it's not authentic, more Tex-Mex," after telling her we just moved to the area from Mexico. She was not kidding, the burritos served at McDonald's for breakfast is more authentic. If this is the best that Gainesville has to offer, I'm going to import a Mexican family to open a real Taqueria just to get a real taco. I can't believe they put thousand Island dressing on shrimp tacos... That should be a crime.

El Toro moved from Gainesville to Alachua a few years ago and is hidden in the Rolling Oaks Plaza that's near Hitchcocks off of 441. The chips and dips (they give you cheese dip and salsa which are both good) are the only things I've really enjoyed at El Toro. For Mexican food, the prices seem on average $2 too expensive, and to top it off, the food they serve is mediocre at best. I've received meals here that I would have preferred microwavable burritos over. I've found the food to be a little too much on the greasy side, as well. If you're from Alachua, it's worth the trip into Gainesville to choose from the countless other Mexican food options there. But if you really need to eat some Mexican food in Alachua, Taco Bell would be a better choice. I don't say that as a recommendation for Taco Bell though...

Pleasantly surprised. The only choice we have in the High Springs/Alachua area is El Patio. I'm not impressed with El Patio. So we tried El Toro. Very attentive server, Elaine. Salsa is great. Queso is is delicious. Food came out hot and fast. It is delicious. Will definitely come back!

Amazing Service by Robin and the food is absolutely fantastic! Everything is homemade, def a must eat!

Went to El Toro for dinner and the reality is that I have experienced way better. The restaurant has a lot of potential but the food and service are just lacking. Here are some of the items we've ordered in the two dinners we've had here in the last few months. .- Guacamole Dip. Their guacamole is really good. Both times it was fresh and the taste is great. This is probably the best option on the menu. Their tortilla chips are very good and are restaurant quality. .- White Queso Dip. The first time this white queso dip was thick and creamy. Delicious tasting. Second dinner it was watery and tasted nothing like the first time. .- House Salad. Bland .- Steak Fajita First time dinner fajita was okay. I'm not sure how I feel about their claim that it's the best fajita in town. .- Homemade Salsa. It's a fresh salsa. Very good and their chips are good as well. El Toro is an option especially on game days for UF and not wanting to go into Gainesville for dinner, but it will not be my first choice when wanting to dine around Alachua.

Food is just okay but service is good. Not a lot of option in the surrounding area, so this makes El Toro one of the better destinations in the Alachua area.

I've eaten here many times (20+ times) and never had an unpleasant experience. My favorite dish is the chicken chimichangas; very light crust and loads of flavor. The salsa is made fresh and is AWESOME. To HEATH DEHART: Maybe you SHOULD have talked to the owner/manager. He is a very nice, Christian man and he would have made your experience better. He wouldn't let you leave so dissatisfied. And by the way, 'Gringo' is a term for English-speaking foreigners - mainly Americans. It's not a derogatory term.

My Husband and I go at least once a month, and it never disappoints (for the past 4 years). Plus every time my friend comes to church with us she looks forward to eating here! I have not had a bad dish or left feeling gross. The staff is friendly and the service is good. I would recommend to anyone!

This is by far, my favorite Mex. restaurant in the Gainesville/Alachua area. Their homemade salsa with fresh chips are a meal in it self ( if you aren't careful).

Great food. Excellent wait staff, very helpful and friendly. It's always hard to drive by without stopping in for at least a snack. Well worth it!

Avoid! Reminded my family and I of poor school lunchroom food at high prices. Tortilla chips "wet" soaked and heavy due to grease fill. Fish tacos were lightly fried (not done) and heavy breaded and greasy on cold white flour soft shell with cheap shredded cheddar on top. Even beans and rice were covered in another mass of melted cheap cheeses. Seasoning also nonexistent or poor. Even decor stinks, don't even try for Spanish setting, classic rock blaring throughout. Save your cash, a bitter disappointment. Waitress untrained, wrong drinks, left waiting with menus 15 minutes...could go on and on...won't be back!!!

We enjoy the food here but avoid coming more often because of the music blaring. I don't share their horrendous taste in music and would appreciate a variety rather than the constant organ playing 50's music. I beg to sit outside when we come to avoid the music.