El Torero Restaurant

4.5 ( 706 reviews )
Checking... 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
231 E 26th St, Tucson, AZ 85713, United States
+1 520-622-9534
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 and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Has great beer selection
  • Popular for
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves alcohol
    • Serves beer
    • Serves cocktails
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Serves food
    • Serves organic dishes
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
    • Serves spirits
    • Serves vegetarian dishes
    • Serves wine
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has bar on site
    • Has gender-neutral toilets
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Historic
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
    • Good for groups
    • Popular with tourists
  • Planning
    • Dinner reservations recommended
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For El Torero Restaurant

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 5,2025
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 2,2025
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 1,2025
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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