El Torero is probably one of the first Mexican restaurants I went to here in Atlanta when I first started dating Scott and moved down before we got married in 1997. I remember the first time I walked into the location in Stone Mountain; I wasn't impressed, it looked very cafeteria-like. The walls are covered in pictures of sea life and actual mounted large big game fish like marlins and swordfish. After learning, however, that the owner, Manual Magana, is an avid deep sea diver and photographer, I understood the decor more. And honestly, I'm not impressed by lush settings if the food is no good.
Manuel Magana opened his first El Torero restaurant in Chamblee, GA in 1981. Almost 25 years later he has nine stores, six in the Atlanta metro area (including the original, on Peachtree Industrial Blvd.) as well as three in the Nashville, TN area. El Torero is known for its excellent quality and rapid service, and most of the offerings are drawn from family recipes down in the Mexican state of Jalicsco where Manuel grew up. Everything in El Torero is made fresh from scratch daily and each dish is made to order. Quality and freshness are the restaurant’s hallmarks, from its Black Angus beef and crisp lettuce to Hunt’s tomatoes and Land O’Lakes cheeses. All El Torero restaurants are non-smoking, family friendly and employ a helpful and courteous staff.
Here, the food is VERY good. I like to sit and watch the servers come out with plates lined up down their arms. For the longest time my favorite thing to eat was the Special Order ABC: An order of two burritos topped with nacho cheese sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and sour cream...but I would get a single. That was plenty! Scott loves the El Diablo: Select one of your favorites: chunks of pork, steak, chicken, shrimp, or scallops; choice of green chile peppers, onions, tomatoes, cilantro and spices simmered together, served with rice, beans and flour tortillas. It's over the top hot...he typically has what he calls "El Diablo's Revenge" the next day, if you know what I mean! :)
We both really love their salsa; spicy, delicious and never ending! One server walks around with a literal pitcher of salsa, filling you up every time they come by. Margaritas? Definitely one of the best things about El Torero. Their Texas margaritas are strong and good. You can taste the tequila and they don't skimp on it. If you are looking for good food, good value and don't care about atmosphere, this is the place for you!
