Restaurant Review
El Torito
One visit to El Torito and you will understand why it has become a regular favorite for many Smith Mountain Lake residents.
By Fred Tscheulin

Appetizer-4
Dinner-5
Dessert-3 
Drinks-5
Service-5

Special Recommendation:
The Texas Fajitas

     What could be more appealing on a cold winter day than a trip south of the border? So off we went for lunch to El Torito, conveniently located in the Westlake Plaza. We were instantly rewarded.
     To describe El Torito in a word I would say, “authentic” – from the traditional greeting at the door and the colorful décor, to the extensive menu, quality service and of course the delicious food. We enjoyed an authentic Mexican experience…right here at Smith Mountain Lake.
     El Torito is a full-service restaurant serving up an authentic Mexican experience. For those unfamiliar with Mexican food or concerned about the spicy heat, El Torito is an ideal place to be introduced to the flavors of Mexican cuisine. One section of the menu is devoted to descriptions of Mexican dishes; waiters will provide a special dinner menu for mild to authentic. Most dishes have been modified to appeal to the American taste and heat levels, but for those amigos who like it hot and spicy, a side dish of hot sauce is served. 
     The menu is extensive offering a dazzling variety of appetizers, side dishes, house specialties, fajitas, steak dinners, chicken dinners,  beverages and even pizza. There are also combination dinners, numerous vegetarian delights, a children’s menu including cheeseburgers or chicken nuggets and French fries. And to top off any meal there is a variety of tempting Mexican desserts including flan, fried ice cream, xango (cheesecake pastry) sopaipillas and churros.  
     We began our lunch with an order of nachos and side dishes of salsa and a  jalapeno cheese dip. The salsa was fresh and zippy; the cheese dip creamy with a mild jalapeno flavor. For lunch, I choose the taco salad with chicken. My luncheon partner chose the taco salad with beef. The salad was fresh and the flour tortilla bowl crisp. The chicken was juicy and flavorful, as was the beef. Both were accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream. The food was excellent. Our waiter was attentive and the service prompt. What more could you want?  A margarita perhaps? You have a choice of strawberry or traditional lime. Jumbo or medium. Or perhaps you would prefer one of the many varieties of domestic or Mexican beers, wines or soft drinks including authentic Mexican soft drinks such as Mandarin Orange and Pink Guava or non-alcoholic Sangria. This being a work-day lunch we passed on the margaritas and went for the soft drinks.
     One visit to El Torito and you will understand why it has become a regular favorite for many Smith Mountain Lake residents. What are their favorites? According to owner Rodolfo Rueda they are the “Shrimp Quesadillas and the Fajitas Texanas made with shrimp, chicken and beef. And on Thursday,  El Torito has become a very popular meeting place where customers gather to enjoy our Margarita specials at half-price.” According to Rodolfo, business has been very good, and once a month the restaurant features a Mariachi group  for traditional Mexican entertainment to add to the fun.
     For special events, El Torito can cater your next fiesta. And you can enjoy El Torito authentic Mexican food at home. Just call in and order your meal to go at 540-721-3821. The official hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily but they do stay open until 11 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  
     I asked Rodolfo for a special point he would like us to make about his restaurant. He said, “Gracias! Thank you to all our customers. People at the lake are really great! Nice and friendly.”