El Toreo — Restaurant in Ocala

We used to live in Ocala and had driven past El Toreo many times. Now I'm working in Ocala again right near the restaurant. On the recommendation of co-workers we decided to give it a try. Boy am I glad we did. From the outside, El Toreo looks more upscale than most Mexican restaurants, and that is no different once you enter. The subdued lighting enhances the unique interior decorating, which includes elaborate ceiling tiles and antique-style street lights and none of the garish coloration typically associated with this genre of dining. I found it relaxing and inviting. We were seated immediately, and before we could blink we were provided with the traditional chips & salsa. Shortly after that we had our drinks. The chips were light and crunchy with just the right amount of salt. The salsa had a little bite and very good flavor - much better than the watery stuff I've had at other establishments. Surveying the menu, prices were very reasonable. They serve the selections you expect. My favorite part of the menu is the "combos" section, and I was pleased to find it featured in the center of the page. Within minutes our order was in. During the short wait for our food we were able to observe the meals arrive for other patrons, and commented on how large the portions appeared to be. Having ordered from the "budget" section of the menu mentioned above, I was curious if ours would be as satisfying. When our meals were served, we were very pleased with the size of the portions, especially for the price. My combo meal consisted of two enchiladas, a taco, and Spanish rice. The taco shell was think and crispy - very delicious. I could be very happy with a meal consisting solely of a few of those. My enchiladas (both ground beef) were hearty with plenty of cheese and a tasty red-sauce. It should not be surprising to learn that I will happily order this meal again. All-in-all I fould El Toreo to be a fantastic and affordable dining experience. The atmosphere is inviting. the service is friendly and pleasant. The food is plentiful, affordable and enjoyable. We will happily dine here again in the future. Located just off the busy highway 75, just a little bit North on 200, I recommend you stop by and give it a try...

Best part of road trips are the random eats you get. Been a few years since I've made the trek Michigan to Florida and vice versa. I was driving up and just hammered through FL turnpike and this was my first stop off i75. I tend to always gravitate to a place I can't eat somewhere else. So all the other restaurants there all last choices.

Reading reviews a lot of haters hate and this is off my first and maybe only experience here but it was all great to me. Seating is available outside and it is smoking out there, got lucky with no smokers so that was a plus. Restaurant inside was pretty big, tables and booths everywhere with big square bar in the center.

Staff was wonderful to us, had no issues with anything. Started off with chips and salsa. Basic eats, not out of this world but hits the spot. I love tacos and they serve tacos how they should be served with just the basics but when I saw chimichanga my team fat instincts kicked in and went chimchanga. My guest had the chicken quesadillas that i finished for her later at night cold and I thought they were scrumptious. I did steak in the chimichanga and one great thing about the plate was it wasn't an overkill chimichanga. The portion size waa appropriate to not be so full you knockout. Had a big margarita with salt to wash it down.

To me this was a solid, independent Mexican spot. Prices are totally fare and portion size appropriate. If traveling by there would go...

UPDATE 12/26/24: Maria is absolutely our favorite server and her service is super friendly. If you hate pleasant talk, ask for someone else or tell her upfront.

As always, food is consistently excellent. Flavors on par with authentic Mexican cuisine. They have amazing flavors. My favorite is the beef (steak) and chicken fajitas. Still haven't found a menu item we dislike or is a little off. Come to the best place in Marion County that we can find!

OLDER POST: Finally found the Mexican food that makes us happy. Neat place, great service. Food does not disappoint at all.

The food is flavorful. They do offer homemade sauces to spice it up. You can get them in the food or on the side. I suggest on the side.

The bar had all the typical items a Mexican restaurant should offer. I've tried the house margarita and the mojito. Both were excellent.

We have been here twice as of this post. Both visits were consistent. Come check them out!

UPDATE 10/14/23:

Service was stellar. Introduced our nephew to it, he couldn't stop raving about it. He had the shrimp chimichanga. We shared our dishes as well. The mole sauce is recommended. We have not found a dish...