El Torero Restaurant

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231 East 26th Street, Tucson, AZ

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El Torero Restaurant

4.5 706 reviews 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM 231 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, United States

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El Torero Restaurant, a Tucson gem since the 1950s, enchants diners with its rich heritage and authentic Mexican cuisine. Nestled at 231 E 26th St, this family-run establishment has been passed down through four generations, celebrating both tradition and flavor in every dish. Patrons rave about the diverse menu, boasting sizeable portions that reflect the heartiness of Sonoran cooking. Many reviews highlight the green corn tamales, heralded as the best in the region, alongside the Sonoran style carne asada that leaves a lasting impression on first-time visitors. The inviting atmosphere, albeit in a quaint area, invites diners to embrace the local culture. Customers like Rodney Muller and Nell appreciate the multitude of flavors in dishes like the tamale pie and gargantuan burritos, while enjoying refreshing mezcal margaritas that complement the authentic experience. The service deserves a mention too, with friendly waitstaff who guide newcomers through the intricacies of the menu, ensuring an enjoyable dining experience. El Torero is not just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant tapestry of community and culinary delight. With its incredible flavors, genuine hospitality, and a touch of nostalgia, El Torero Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking the true essence of Mexican cuisine in Tucson.

Amenities & More

Service options

Takeout

Dine-in

Delivery

Highlights

Fast service

Great beer selection

Great cocktails

Serves local specialty

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite

Gender-neutral restroom

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Cozy

Historic

Crowd

Family-friendly

Groups

Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with El Torero Restaurant before visiting.

What's on the menu

Quesadilla Special

BURROS CHIMIS

Bean

US$6.00

TACOS

Old School Patty

View full menu

Reviews for El Torero Restaurant

4.5

706 reviews

5100%

417%

37%

24%

17%

Review highlights

Based on 706 reviews

El Torero Restaurant consistently receives praise for its authentic Mexican cuisine, particularly its standout dishes like green corn tamales, Sonoran-style carne asada, and cheese crisps, which are noted for their bold flavors and generous portions. Reviewers frequently highlight the restaurant's long-standing family heritage and commitment to traditional recipes, contributing to a genuine dining experience. Despite its location in a working-class neighborhood that some find unexpected, the atmosphere is described as casual, clean, and welcoming, with attentive service that helps diners unfamiliar with Sonoran cuisine navigate the menu confidently. Customers appreciate the variety and authenticity of both food and non-alcoholic drink options, creating a local favorite where quality and cultural richness are paramount.

Rodney Muller

Jun 21, 2025

Well this is a classic! Started in the 50s and run by the fourth generation of the same family. Large menu. Large portions. Working class neighborhood. We went for lunch. Had the tamale pie and a cheese crisp! Both very good! No idea what was all in the pie. A multitude of textures and flavors. Very fun. Lots of flavors on the crisps too. I’d give it a try. We r visiting Tucson for the first time and have gone out a lot but I’d put this near the top

Dara Hayes

Jun 05, 2025

My very first stop after getting off the plane. THE SONORAN STYLE CARNE ASADA?!?! AMAZING. Kind of a hole in the wall but as soon as I walked in I was greeted and seated, the place was quiet and cool and clean. They had really nice NA drink options.

Nell

Jun 02, 2025

I’ll admit that we almost didn’t end up eating here when we drove into the neighborhood and it was obvious not the best area. Like a LOT of police activity. But I’m so glad we did. The food and cocktails were amazing! As someone who doesn’t know Sonoran food well, I really appreciated our waitress who patiently explained the dishes to me. The burrito my husband ordered was legitimately HUGE. The Mezcal margaritas and the Mezcalero were fantastic. If I had to nit pick, the green chile tamale was a bit soggy but flavors were great.

char haddock

Jun 01, 2025

Absolutely the best green corn tamales. This is the place locals go to get homemade Mexican food.

HENTHORNE

May 31, 2025

Don't let the looks from the outside fool you.... Food here is off the hook amazing. Definitely have to try the green corn tamale and the calabacita cheese crisp. Super casual. Super authentic. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Clare Madrigal

May 29, 2025

2nd time here. Back for the plant based vegan menu. The tofu tacos were incredible! Slightly chard, had Elote and pickled veggies. So so good. The server knew to confirm which beans I wanted since the refried have lard. The black beans are vegan. Drinks were fantastic. The bartender made me something since what I wanted wasn’t vegan. He was great! Knew so much. Very attentive and skilled.

Brennen Barrasso

Apr 24, 2025

El Torero is the real deal—an absolute Tucson classic. From the moment you walk in, the old-school charm and friendly service set the tone. But let’s talk about the food... FORGET ABOUT IT! The patty tacos? Legendary. Perfectly crisp outside, juicy on the inside. And the cheese crisp with green chile? Game over. That combo alone is worth the visit. Everything is made fresh and full of flavor, like a homemade meal from someone who knows what they’re doing. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, El Torero is a must. Great food, great people, great atmosphere. This spot is a gem.

Adam Fletcher

Apr 21, 2025

We were in Tucson for a week and tried this place based on recommendations online. It did not disappoint and we ended up eating here twice in one week! We are foodies so I feel confident in saying this place is special. The food was fantastic and so were the drinks. Both were superior to what you would expect from someplace far more expensive. But instead, you got great food and drinks at great prices and in a laid back, casual, friendly atmosphere instead of some pretentious place trying to “reinterpret” the classics. I just cannot recommend this place enough.

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Quick info

Address

231 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, United States

Phone

+1 520-622-9534

Price range

$10–20

El Torero Restaurant

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