El Toro Mexican Restaurant & Cantina — Restaurant in Lakewood

Funny, this is is second time I've visited this charming family-style Mexican Restaurant just off of the I-5 (actually on Pacific Highway SW) in Lakewood, WA. Both times I stopped here, was because the I-5 was so backed up, Google maps rerouted me to avoid it from exit 127, WA512 to Gravelly Lake Dr, 3 miles down the road. Both times also, when viewing the I-5 from Pacific Highway SW from where it is visible again, I made the decision to wait it out a little, and pulled into the parking lot of El Toro instead. Both times I have been delighted I made that decision. It's not merely that it was better than sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic on a poorly maintained piece of American infrastructure, it's truly a pleasant place, with friendly staff, and good food. This time when I was seated, the server asked if I'd like something to drink, and I said a margarita, but with his tequila, nothing out of the well. She replied with a smile and said "on the rocks with salt?" To which I replied, "if course." I liked it when a server doesn't miss a beat like that. She's brought back a very well made to shelf margarita. I ordered the Green Chile Burrito. It was very good. The green chile was flavorful without being overly spicy hot, and was just enough to help me face the I-5 again, about an hour later. Next time I'll do here regardless of the traffic on the I-5, just to have a good meal, in a nice restaurant, with...

Well its a Mexican restaurant near Seattle, WA. I'm from LA so this definitely wasn't what I'm accustomed to, except for the lil non-English speaking bus boy 😂. TacoBell style tacos, smh. The beans are just about spoiled...had that rank taste. Flies 🪰 were a nuisance. The Pepsi-Cola was right. The waitress was Ok but I guess the idea of service is dead. Just me $24 & $5 tip. The whole vibe of the Mexican culture is good, fresh, affordable food and drinks in a clean, relaxed, cheerful atmosphere with fun music and happy ppl. The restroom was clean 👍 and overall the restaurant was very clean. But it lacked that authentic feel. The rest of the food was good. White meat chicken enchiladas just what I like. Like I said it's a cool 😎 lil spot but it just needs some fun injected. It also had cool parking. I was in a LARGE VEHICLE when I stopped and it was good. Real Talk if I'm ever in the area again i might stop. Skipping the beans. But the Pepsi-Cola was on point, the chips were light and flaky, the salsa was Ok. Again the rice/enchiladas were good. My waitress wasn't the worst and she definitely was NOT rude. But lets just say she's just trying to get thru her shift. Seemed to have a serious takeout clientele. So overall I'll give it...

Horrible quality and service. First, we use the restroom and a soap dispenser didn't work so I mistakenly thought it was out of soap, I casually mentioned it to the waiter, he said okay. A few minutes later he came out with soap on his hands to prove that it actually works. The waiter took our order before all of the people were sat down at the table, while I was in using the restroom with my daughter. So I had to approach him a couple of times to complete what we wanted. The food was less than impressive, the soup was Bland, my cocktail was pretty gross. One guest at our table wouldn't eat the soup... It's her favorite dish and while she doesn't normally complain, she mentioned it to the waiter... Who then shrugged it off.

He did end up comping the soup but he was dismissive, rude and seemingly negative overall.

There are a half dozen other choices within a few miles of here and I'd go to any of them before I stepped foot in here again.

... And the guacamole gave my daughter food poisoning so we'll be reporting that to the health department. Here is your reminder to always check recent food inspection ratings before dining at an...