EL TORITO MEXICAN RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Virginia

Tried this restaurant after new management took over. As we are driving to the restaurant we are talking about how it is under new management and that it is probably the same.... we would soon find out how wrong we were. When we drove up, we notice a sign stating they serve breakfast. I thought that was interesting in an odd way.

We arrive about 12:45pm on a Thursday for lunch. There are no cars in the parking lot except for 2 which I assume are employee vehicles. (I have driven past it on several occasions and noticed that there are usually no cars out front, except the 2, since the new management took over. This was my first red flag. ) We go inside and I was correct, no one was dining, we were the only ones and it is during lunch hour.... second red flag. We are first seated at the weird table that is off center on one side of the booth. I ask to be seated somewhere else and we are. We get our drink orders placed and look over the new menu. I checked out the breakfast menu and the expensive biscuit and gravy stood out. Wow, we commented among ourselves about some of the other items being over priced. We started with the chips and salsa then decided I wanted the kitchen guacamole (under $5 by old mgmt) when I realized the price had doubled ($9.99 by new mgmt), so I declined. I ordered the lunch combo and it was ok. My son was with me and he started with an order of the queso. He ordered the lunch burrito del rancho. The avacado slices on top were wilted and mushy. My daughter ordered the lunch arrowz frontera $18.99 ..... this was a huge disappointment. She tried to replace the rice with the crema salad but that didn't work. I'm looking at my receipt as I am writing this and now realize they over charged by $4. I guess this is my 3rd red flag. My order was one of the lunch combos. It was very small servings for lunch portions. We all agreed that flavor was lacking compared to previous management and the prices were several dollars higher than the other 3 Mexican restaurants within a 2 mile radius of this place. From the outside it looks small but once inside it has plenty of room. You can tell that it is a renovated fast food diner chain building. Decor is nice. Service was good for lunch time... since no one was there eating. I would advise you pass this place and continue down the road a mile or two in either direction for a better dining experience and much better food, prices...

I am beyond thrilled to share my experience with this amazing Mexican restaurant! About a year ago, this spot was under different management, and let me tell you, I had vowed never to return after a terrible encounter with a rude server. But now—what a transformation! Under new management, this place has completely turned around, and I couldn’t be more excited to tell you all about it.

The moment you walk in, you’re welcomed by three friendly and beautiful Latin ladies who waste no time getting you seated and ready to enjoy your meal. Their service is prompt, warm, and attentive, and the entire atmosphere is cozy and family-oriented. You truly feel at home here!

Now, let's talk about the food! While some of it might have been slightly over-seasoned, everything was delicious, and the real star of the show? The chimichanga cheesecake. Let me just say—this dessert is pure magic! It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for sharing (though I couldn’t resist eating the whole thing myself!). Another person at my table even ordered it after tasting mine. It's that good.

I originally came here after being let down by another Mexican restaurant (EL Napal, I'm looking at you), where management just wouldn’t listen to customer feedback. But this place? They listen, they care, and they’re eager to make you happy. When I asked for a special taco adjustment, they made it happen without hesitation and didn’t charge me extra for it! You don’t find that level of service everywhere.

Here’s the kicker—they’ve only been open for four months, and they’re still operating under the old restaurant name, El Torito, which doesn’t reflect the incredible changes they’ve made. This restaurant is worlds apart from the previous one, and I truly believe they deserve a fresh start with a new name and recognition. The staff is full of energy, the food is delicious, and the vibes are perfect.

I’m telling you, if you’re looking for the best Mexican restaurant in the area, THIS is the place to be. I’ll be a lifelong customer, and I’m going to do everything I can to support this gem. Do yourself a favor and visit—you won’t be...

Went with my bf and his mom, our food that we ordered wasn’t right (ordered carne asada tacos I was given carne asada dinner (rice and beans with steak), when I asked the server about it he (as someone who’s worked in food service I really was tryna be understanding) immediately became combative and argued with me saying id asked for what he brought me instead of what I had actually asked for. I repeated what I’d asked for “carne asada tacos con tortillas de maiz” (I’m Spanish and automatically ordered in Spanish, the server responded in Spanish I assumed he knew what I said) and he proceeded to let me know that I had ordered a carne asada meal even though I had explicitly said carne asada tacos with corn tortillas with an extra thing of cilantro and onions for them. He also didn’t seem to understand restaurant terminology when my table asked about top shelf liquor options and such. It was overall a horrible experience, the food was gross the steak was dry, rice was unseasoned and beans were unflavored. I tried stomaching what I could due to the fact I was hungry but as someone who’s worked in Mexican restaurants and also is Costa Rican this food was completely bellow any idea I had of what...