Quaint, cozy restaurant with years of history. Our server was so kind and welcoming, and the food was DELICIOUS. My boyfriend said they were the best birria tacos he's ever had, and everything reminded him of his Nana. I also loved the guacamole and how fresh it tasted. We want to come back but are wondering if they are still open? We would love to come again.

Me and coworkers went out for drinks after work and had dinner at another place across the street. We were not satisfied and decided to pop in for 1 beer. The place is cozy and not too busy. But we want to support local businesses, especially long established ones who now have to fight the big new restaurants like cheesecake factory. The staff read super friendly, attentive and always ready to assist. The owner prepared super nachos, guacamole dip and chips and salsa. Food was amazing! Wish we stopped here first. Going back With our other coworkers real soon. Thank you El Toreo!

I stopped in for a quick snack today, and got 1 carne asada taco. I was given complimentary chips with two salsas, and my taco came with homemade potato chips. I had a great experience and will be back to try the carnitas :)

I live in Pasadena and work two blocks from El Toreo Cafe. Didn't even know it was here! I went over and ordered the Carnitas burrito ala cart. Comes with complementary chips, pico, and onions and cilantro. Dude, this carnitas burrito was huge and only cost $12.07 out the door. Comes with rice, beans, cheese, onions and cilantro inside. Will definitely be back! Shout out to Jason for the great customer service. Not sure what these people are talking about with the one or two star reviews, this place is great!

I've lived in Pasadena since 2014 and somehow just finally came here. I wish I had come way earlier! The food is great and can't be beat for the price. Our server was very attentive and friendly. You can tell this is a family owned business which makes it even better to support. Go and get the Guadalajara taco!

Pasadena local here and sad to say I had never been here until today. What a mistake ! My girlfriend and I had an incredible experience. The move is the carnitas or birria- you won't be sorry, it transported me to my nana and papas dinner table. It was THAT good. Everything came out hot and fresh. Salsas were on point. I guess you don't exist for 50 years by having bad food lol Carlos, the manager, was so friendly and genuine. He chatted us up and recommended what to get. Made us feel comfortable like we were in someone's home. I think a lot of places try and create what El Toreo organically possesses. Excellent food, fantastic service, great vibe. El Toreo reminded us why we love restaurants. We will be coming back again and again.

Delicious! I came for birria tacos from OTMC. Stayed for don rauls special! It was def more full and hot the day I went in, but service was good, chips and salsa came fast. The green was less spicy. I liked the chips. Added some lime to them. I did a beef crispy taco, chicken enchilada and carnitas burrito. Rice was PHENOMENAL, beans were delicious too. The birria tacos and consommé was so so good! I'd never put cucumber in my taco but I definitely would again! The beef taco was also very flavorful. The relleno was well done too!!! The enchilada was ok, between the guacamole, enchilada and I wasn't a fan of how the carnitas was in the burrito, the the salsa was just ok, I took off 1 star. But foods definitely delicious. I read about Jason, and he came by my rabid and talked to me. Introduced me to the other owner as well. I'm horrible with names and forgot his (sorry guy!) but he told me I should follow them to hear about upcoming specials. They're gonna do short ribs, birria ramen, and I believe he said oxtails would be used too (but don't quote me!) I loved the fact that they introduced themselves, despite my poor memory, how flavorful the food was, and it just had a vibe that reminded me of places in my hometown. Jason said if I showed my review next time in, I'll get a free guac. It just didn't do it for me though, my guac is def better lol. All in all, great experience. Authentic food, polite service and I will be back! I never knew it was there, I definitely slept on them, but won't be doing that anymore! You won't be sorry!

Came here bc I found this through OTM and I was making a delivery nearby. Parking took a while to find on the street but that's bc I was driving a big delivery van. Awesome little spot! I had 2 birria queso tacos that were delicious!! Tender birria and melty cheese dipped in the consomé was great! Their fresh in house made chips and salsa was great as well, perfect amount of heat. Met the owner (Jason) and he was super inviting and chill to talk to. My server Nikki was also very nice and cheerful. Great service and food! Not from the area but next time I'm in town I'll definitely stop by