El Toro Mexican Restaurant - Clute — Restaurant in Clute

This was our first visit, on what appeared to be a busy Friday night, around 6 pm. Despite the parking lot being virtually packed, and being placed on a wait list, we were seated within 5 minutes. Our waiter, Kenneth, seemed a bit new, and a little unsure if he could fill our non-alcoholic drink order (virgin Margaritas), but he was friendly and attentive. He let us know the virgin Margaritas were not available but offered alternatives that we accepted. He also asked if we wanted water, instead of waiting for us to request it. It was all delivered quickly, along with our appetizer. He took our dinner orders and it was delivered to our table within about 10 minutes, refilling our chip dish without being prompted.

The restaurant itself, while busy and somewhat crowded, allowed us to talk in normal conversational tones. The dining room is clean, well lit, with plenty of room between tables so that conversations don't overlap. Kenneth remained properly attentive throughout the meal, there when we needed him, invisible when we didn't. The portions were very large, necessitating a request for take out boxes to bring home the leftovers, which will easily feed us dinner again at home. The prices were very reasonable, totaling a $60ish tab for an appetizer, two (very large) entrees, and two bar drinks.

The only bad mark I would put against the restaurant is their rewards program. We would likely have signed up, except that it requires a $25 sign up fee. It's made clear that the fee is immediately "refunded" in the form of a $25 gift card, but, to me, that seems disingenuous. If you're going to refund the money, why charge it in the first place, unless you're trying to "force" the member back in your doors? The food, service, and atmosphere are enough to do that without the added "enticement" of a gift card that the customer pays for anyway. I mean, we'll definitely come back, and we'll bring along family when they visit, but that rewards program isn't the perk El Toro ownership may think it is.

Overall, great food, great service, great atmosphere,...

This is a combined review from our recent pair of visits to El Toro. This restaurant is well-staffed and welcoming. The dining area is very well maintained and clean. The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious. The red salsa was spicy, which we both enjoy! My wife ordered chicken Tacos Al Carbon and I ordered the Zapata plate, which is 2 cheese enchiladas, a crispy ground beef taco, and a queso covered crispy corn tortilla. The crispy taco had delicious flavors, but the ground beef was much too hot to eat when it arrived. This is not a problem, I just waited a few minutes until it cooled off. The lettuce, tomato, and cheese were fresh and tasted great. A little bit too much grease content in the ground beef. Overall, a very nice taco. The chicken Tacos al Carbon were very nice also.

For me, part of the allure of a great Mexican restaurant is the beans and rice. In each case, the rice was great. On one occasion, the refried beans were well seasoned and flavorful. Tonight, they were bland and unappealing.

Last night, the cheese enchiladas were a bit undercooked and lukewarm. Previously, the server offered cut onions on top, and they were cooked perfectly. This inconsistency should be addressed. A cheese enchilada should sag considerably when picked up in the middle with a fork, right? If not, they are chewy and unpleasing. The flavor of the enchilada and the sauces are excellent!

Overall, this is a very nice restaurant. Our favorite Tex-Mex in this area! We will be...

El Toro has been a mainstay in Clute for several decades. I've been eating here since their old location next door since I was a baby (so it's been around at least four decades ). When I come back home this is place I want to go. The food is good, the service is usually attentive, and the salsa is tasty. They are remodeling now, so things are kinda out of whack still. The first thing I noticed was the restrooms are up front. Well, actually it's just the women's restroom. So I asked the girl where is the men's restroom, and she said let me show you. She walked me over pass the bar and pointed to the door that said emergency exit only do not open the door the alarm will sound, so I jokingly said so it's outdoors, and she said yes. There are three rooms that are construction restrooms. The updates are nice inside. Lots more room on the bar side. We had a large party (nine) but the wait wasn't too long and when we sat down there were chips and salsa (red and green) at all four tables that were pushed together. Nice!! One of my favorite things about El Toro is the refried beans and rice which sounds kind of silly but they are absolutely the most flavorful refried beans and rice I've ever had and any Tex-Mex restaurant. This time I ordered the tacos al Carbon and they were good. Not great, but good. I do really like the fajita meat also. We also ordered a queso for an appetizer, and I forgot how good their queso really is. It's...