EL TORO GRILL TAQUERIA — Restaurant in San Diego

I came here when I was craving late-night Mexican food while driving north from Chula Vista. There was no one else there when I arrived, which was understandable since it was near closing. The girl working at the counter was really nice and helpful when I asked a few questions.

I ended up ordering a hard-shell potato taco, a tripa taco, a chicken taco, and a carne asada quesadilla (the quesadilla was to-go). I really enjoyed all of the tacos, but the hard-shell was exceptionally good—all the ingredients just tasted super fresh. I like the guacamole they gave with the soft tacos a lot as well.

The salsa bar has 4 choices, and I like the habanero and jalapeño the most, but everything was pretty good. While bordering on too watery, there was enough flavor there to carry the salsas and they worked well on the tacos. The bar also had limes and cucumbers.

When I ate the carne asada quesadilla the next day, I reheated it slowly in the oven. I was really impressed by the seasoning on the meat and the overall quality of the tortilla and ingredients. Definitely a favorite alongside the hard-shell potato taco.

Overall, El Toro is a pretty solid taco spot in mid-city, with a good range of dishes, variations of items, and salsas. Hard-shell potato and carne asada quesadilla for the win—I’m curious to try out a California burrito from here...

I just moved into the neighborhood and am trying as many local and new places as my budget will allow. I had asked my neighbors about Mexican food and was told this was a "must try"! But I moved in on a Monday, alas the only day El Toro Grill is closed.

But today I managed a visit, tho I have to say the $1.50 fish taco sign might have nudged me along. Once I ordered, I had an opportunity to chat with one of the family/owners. On this day it was 2 sisters and a daughter running the show. They have a small bar and are open fairly late on Fridays and Saturdays, with a Mexican hot dog cart serving out front from 6pm on those late nights. They were very welcoming, answered all of questions and I felt right at home!

Now, the fish taco. I was raised food is love and there was a LOT of love in this taco. The fish was crispy, the sauce just the right degree of "tangy" (tho I will order easy sauce next time) and the cabbage was fresh! Served with lime and fresh cut cucumbers, it was a great value and plenty for my light supper. I highly recommend them both for the food and the attention to integrating themselves into the neighborhood they...

We're new to the neighborhood and decided to stop by and try their food. All I'm gonna say is theres a lot of love put into their food. We tried the soft tacos Al Pastor, carnitas, fish and carne asada. Meats are seasoned very well, very tasty authentic Mexican tacos. The fish tacos are crunchy and juicy. Reminds me of Mexico. We also tried the Mulitas. Very filling and really good here. And they gave a side of grilled onions and jalapenos!! So good. Oh yeah and the Horchata is goooddddd good here. If you like it sweet, GET IT! Definitely a new favorite spot...