Los Toros Bar & Cantina

It seems like Los Toros' customer service has gotten much, MUCH worse over the last few years. I used to go on a fairly regular basis, but the last few times the customer service was so bad I left and haven't been back. The problem is that Los Toros is a family restaurant, and I believe the family has the wrong people doing the wrong jobs. They're incompetent at running the restaurant and are clueless when it comes to treating people with respect. You can do a search, I am not the only one who has similar complaints.

Posted 11/30/09

The bartenders are total jerks and talk about everyone behind their backs.Also the drinks are cheap but way too strong. The margaritas are mixed with white wine in a pre-made jug ,then topped off with cheap tequila.The only thing good about the place is the friendly customers. Overall... I'd say it's not worth the hangover!

Pros: Cheap drinks

Cons: Bad service

Posted 10/18/09

The staff is so rude. We put our names in for a table for 10 people, after waiting over an hour, we checked on our table they would not seat us until ALL the guest arrived (WHO DOES THIS??). We advised the host (who is the owner's son) that we only had 8 guests, he would not seat us until everyone showed up...things happen and people who say they are going to make sometimes can't. So we advised this guy with the biggest power trip ever that it was just 8 people and we were all there could we be seated. He told us that we had to wait AGAIN now for a table of 8, this is the most ridiculous policy to make 8 people wait, as if he were punishing us for our NO-SHOWS. They talked to us as if we were bothering them. I think he has SHORTMAN SYNDROME with this power-trip he carries. I will never go to this restaurant again., besides the rude staffing, their Mole dinner stinks!!! They should also be investigated for what they put in their Margaritas never had a margarita that made me feel like that one did. This restaurant is totally over-rated, and the owners do not appreciate their customers.

Pros: Once you go there you will never go back.

Cons: Staff is rude, food is bad, no parking!!

Posted 10/02/09

THIS PLACE IS SO HORRIBLE, FIRST LET ME START OF BY SAYING THE STAFF IS THE WORST!
I KID YOU NOT WHEN I SAY THE BARTENDERS ARE JERKS AND SOONER OR LATER THEY WILL END UP GETTING KNOCKED OUT!!!! I ORDERED A PITCHER AND PLACED MY GLASS FULL OF BEER ON THE BAR, I TURN AROUND FOR A QUICK SECOND,TURN RIGHT BACK AROUND AND MY GLASS WAS GONE,SO I ASKED THE BARTENDER IF HE GRABBED MY GLASS ACCIDENTLY TO WASH IT AND HE WAS ABOUT TO ANSWER WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE DISHWASHER INTERUPTS HIM AND SAYS "I'VE BEEN WASHING DISHES ALL NIGHT AND NO ONE TOOK YOUR GLASS AND IF WE DID WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT" SO I IGNORED HIM AND ASKED THE OTHER GUY IF HE COULD PLEASE GIVE ME A GLASS AND AS HE WAS OPENING THE FREEZER TO GET A GLASS THE DISHWASHER GRABBED HIS HAND AND WAS JUST TALKING TRASH SAYING I SHOULDN'T GET ANOTHER CUP...EVENTUALLY I GOT ANOTHER GLASS AFTER 15 MINUTES AND IT TOOK US ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF TO GET THE TABLE WE RESERVED...JUST AVOID THIS PLACE,ITS NOT AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD, THEY GOT KIDS WAITING YOU, THE FOOD IS ORDINARY, THE ONLY REASON WHIS IS GETS SO FULL IS THE CHEAP DRINK PRICES OTHER THAN THAT LOOK AROUND,THERE ARE SO MANY BETTER PLACES THAN LOS TOROS...HORRIBLE!!!!

Pros: CHEAP BEER!!!!!

Cons: SERVICE, RUDE STAFF,PARKING,TABLE,EVRYTHING

Posted 09/03/09

I always get the Chimichangas. Love the margaritas. Fridays are their busiest nights but perfect on a weeknight or for Sunday brunch.

Pros: food, drinks, prices, and decor

Cons: sometimes crowded and service will lag as a result.

Posted 03/07/09

Deeee..licious.. Awesome mango margaritas.. Excellent service .. Outstanding authentic Mexican food...

Posted 03/04/09

My family & friends LOVE this place!! Though, we would never dare to go on a Friday night or weekend...crrrrrazy long wait! Most of the staff is awesome!! We always have the same waiter & he is great!

Posted 03/03/09

The food is hot and flavorful, the kind you simply can't get outside of Southern California. The drinks are strong. It's the locals that make the place intolerable - why west Valley hicks would even go to a Mexican restaurant when they hate non-whites so much is beyond me.

Pros: Food, drink

Cons: Locals

Posted 02/24/09

The food isnt so great. My opinion, it tastes like something you would get from a fast food chain. The drink are watered down.

Posted 12/08/08

My family and I used to love this place - we'd brave the crowds to eat here frequently. We took a break and I'm sad to say after a couple of mediocre experiences we're going elsewhere. The food was just average but on the expensive side (no lunch specials). The iced tea was from a machine - seriously, this is a huge restaurant - they can't brew iced tea??? I predict they'll continue to lose customers unless they want to focus on quality, value for the money and good customer service.
To sum it up - go if you want just a margarita and some chips in the bar - don't go it you're looking for a great tasting Mexican meal with friends and family.

Pros: good margaritas

Cons: food is just "eh"

Posted 12/02/08

The staff is so rude.
I would never recommend this place to anyone ever again after my last experience.
I used to go for the food because the food is pretty good, but I've had more than 2 bad experiences with the service staff etc. that I'll never go back.
I wrote a complaint to the manager.
I went on a double date, made reservations 5 days in advance.
When I got there there was no record of my reservation even though I had given my name and phone number to who knows who?
The woman at the front gave me the biggest attitude basically called me a liar and told me she didn't care and I wasn't on there so we had to wait.
It sucked.

Pros: food is good - lots of people

Cons: staff is rude

Posted 11/24/08

I cannot believe what I witnesses in the restaurant tonight. I watched the manager push a guest, I watched the bartender not card one guest, and I had to leave the restaurant due to 2 tables starting a fight with another table. The manager threw out the table that did not start any trouble. I suggest that the one guest presses charges for the manager pushing them. Amazing. I suggest that no one patronizes this restaurant. I suggest that you go to El Presidente, eat at home, or not eat at all rather than go to this restaurant. I will be sure to tell everyone that I know not to eat here. Didn't finish my food due to the ruckus.

Pros: Waiter was nice

Cons: Everything else

Posted 10/02/08

Great place to go for lunch for working people and the place is packed at quitting time for drinks.
Has 10 stables for thoese that come on horseback. Very good original dishes. Classic mexican fair.

Cons: parking limited

Posted 09/07/08

Since the late founders son bought out his difficult sisters interests, Los Toros has returned to it's once great and legendary character.

The Sangria is the best in the world, and will quietly knock you on your butt, so beware.

The bean dip is colossal.
The food?
Well it's like eating sliced then fried baseballs.
No taste, heavy and greasy.
Gone are the fresh made tortilla chips for the COSTCO bulk, no flavor cardboard chips.
Store bought salsa has replaced the once famous fresh made.
No creative imagination to the menu either. Just bold new descriptions written on the menu, same old heavy, greasy slop.

Over all, this restaurant is one of the last of the non-chains in the area, is rough around the edges in a way we may all love,,, and certainly worth several visits if only for the cocktails.

Pros: Great Cocktails, good locals mix of characters.

Cons: Food not-so-good.

Posted 08/16/08

Pay no attention to anything negative said about LT?s in posts below. I would agree about the parking being difficult for some. I have no problem, tip the valet well, visit often, and wave your hand when you walk out the door. And the valet will have your auto in a flash. Like many say food is great and priced well. Drinks are also well priced and tap beer is always COLD. I do take great offence to post below talking #@*! about the locals here in Chatsworth. Which I am very proudly to be one. LT?s is a very safe place with plenty of security. Unlike most Mexican restaurants in the Valley, which are flooded with trigger happy cholo?s. So go to LT?s sit down enjoy the great bean dip, salsa, and chips. Order a pitcher of Papa Nick?s Margaritas and enjoy the company of Chatsworth locals. And don?t forget to? high five security, don?t drink and drive, and have your pets spade and neutered.

Pros: All the food is great, and drinks are cheap!!!!

Cons: ???????

Posted 02/27/08

First the pros. Food is mostly good, I usually get it piping hot. The menu is not expensive at all, except for dishes with shrimp. Many a la carte items are dirt cheap. Bean dip, salsa and chips are excellent. (Watch out if you're vegetarian, the bean tip has pork in it!) Good atmosphere in nearly every room. Mariachi guitarist will sing you a few traditional songs for a few bucks. Drinks are SUPER CHEAP! Pitchers of imported beer are only 6.50! And these ain't no tiny pitchers. Margaritas are also reasonably priced and very strong, though they do not use the best Tequila. (Margaritaville tequila is in their standard.) Sometimes my buddies and I go just to have some chips and dip and a few drinks and come away paying practically nothing. They can accommodate very large parties which makes for a good time if you're celebrating a birthday or another event.

Now for the cons. The place has practically no FREE parking. I say free because the majority of the actual parking lot is valet. If you don't want to pay for that, you will probably be walking a block or two after you park on the dimly lit streets surrounding it. Waits can be very long. Contrary to what people say on here, you can NOT make reservations before arriving. They will only do it if you show up in person ready to be seated within an hour or so. I've had many times when they told me it was a 45 minute wait for 4 people, we come back 50 minutes later, and it's still another 30 minute wait. This happens Thursday through Saturday. Hostesses are rude and unapologetic when it's busy, so don't bother them too much. Tons of locals invade this place and make it less than charming. People tend to often get wasted, causing it to be loud and raucous. Service can be spotty, especially on those weekend nights.

Overall, a nice place to get cheap drinks and reasonable food, as long as you don't mind long waits and loud locals.

Posted 02/15/08

A local spot in the neighborhood . . .is a little to local. The party I dinned with dealt with a sexist/ arion brotherhood table near us to whom the restaurant security high fived. These local skin heads hang out here I guess. So now I know. . .not to go here. Ironic, didn?t think skin heads like Mexicans. . ? now I know and would like to let anyone know. DON?T EAT HERE. the food normal...average.

Posted 02/12/08

This became mine and my sisters favorite place to relax, visit and have a good time talking to others
making new friends. The Bean Dip is very good, the Tacos and Enchaladas for $1.25 can't be beat.
Parking never problem for us, the valet guys are always quick to take our car as soon as we get there.
It's a busy place for a reason, it's great.

Pros: Prices, Quality of Food

Cons: Busy but worth it.

Posted 10/07/07

We've been going to Los Toros for years. Contrary to previous posts, food is great, drinks are tasty, strong and dirt cheap. Happy hour at LT is a must after work, they got specials on margies and domestic beers.
In response to the poster saying that LT uses Rose wine to make them pink, the real reason is because there is grenadine in their margaritas. Oh, and by the way, LT actually doesn't use premade margie mix. They actually make their margies from their own house recipe. (too bad they won't tell us what's in it!)

Make reservations, this place is always crowded.

Pros: Food, drinks, outside patio

Cons: Parking, long wait without reservations

Posted 09/18/07

I have been to this establishment exactly twice. The first time, we realized they had a patio (I am a smoker).We were lead to our table by someone who didn't look old enough to shave and it was in the middle of the patio in August in Chatsworth at about 2:00pm. ( no shade...110 degrees).There were plenty of tables in shaded areas of this patio, so we asked to be seated at one of them.At this point, our server became visably "put out" but seated us and then promptly ignored us....we left after waiting about 30 minutes and trying to get our servers attention twice.We tried again about 1 month later and were again seated and ignored while the gen-y wait staff stood around and talked to each other in the practically empty restaurant...We tried to get their attention twice, left our menus on the ground and informed them we would not return, to which we were met with not even eye contact....Their food??? I have no idea....We were never served even tap water....I don't know how they stay in business.......

Pros: Nothing

Cons: NO SERVICE....Extremely rude people....The worst

Posted 09/12/07

Los Toros is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Los Angeles. I have been there over 20 times and it has never let me down. It?s usually busy and everyone is always smiling and having a great time. The bean dip will keep you coming back. Everything there is good, even the shrimp cocktails. The drinks are strong too. Try the Papa Nick?s Margarita and you wont be disappointed. They also have a place to tie up your horse if you live in the area. Be prepared to wait about 45 minutes on Friday and Saturday night. Also, there is a great coupon on their website. Enjoy!

Pros: Always Good

Cons: Always Busy

Posted 05/01/07

The way I see it... The only good reviews reported on this restaurant MUST come from the owners or employees. Sure, the bean dip is ok, but thats it. Contrary to what people think, the margaritas are not good, theyre just strong. Ever wonder why their margaritas are pink? I did and I found out why. Los Toros uses rose wine instead of margarita mix. Wine gets people drunk faster, and it also causes terrible hangovers. Now lets talk about the service. It's hard to believe that the servers work for tips. I figure they would, at least, want to show up once in a while. It's worse than pulling teeth trying to get a waitress. The food is always cold and soggy. I think it's standard procedure to dip all the meals in a bucket of cold water before serving. The parking is so bad that by the time I find any I'm typically closer to Mexico than to Los Toros

Posted 10/07/06

I love Los Toros, they have the best drinks, and the best Bean dip. I reccomend to all my friends if they want to eat real Mexican Food. I'm actually going there on Friday 9/1/06 for happy hour.

Pros: Best Margaritas, best bean dip, great service

Posted 08/27/06

Great food, great Margueritas! Service is good, and prices are low for the quantity of food you receive! I have eaten everything on the menu and don't have a favorite I like it all! The Appetizer Platter is a #1 recomend!

Pros: Great Food, Great Price!

Cons: Parking can be tough!

Posted 06/27/06

Seriously, I'm going to get married here ;0) Gotta love L.T.'s! Have a Papa Nick's, make some bad decisions, wake up fine and ready to do it again. Kisses to everyone at L.T.'s.

Pros: drinks, food, people

Cons: parking

Posted 03/23/06

I've been going to los toros for at least 8 years and I find los toros to be a very traditional mexican restaurant. the food is not like your average mexican restaurant that is "mexican american". the ambiance is amazing in every one of there 5 or six rooms that they have. we recently had my inlaws 25th wedding anniversary party there and everything was great. we must have had 100 people at that party, now like the angry woman said partking is difficult to find but there is a valet. there margaritas and bean dip are to die for, we go in there almost every friday and hang out at the bar while we get a seat, the wait is always long on weekends so get there early!

Pros: margaritas, bean dip, food!

Cons: parking, long waiting list

Posted 01/31/06

We had our Company Christmas lunch at Los Toros and it was a disaster, lunch was served an hour late, there was not enough food in the buffet, and the service was very very slow and not friendly.
The service was not very efficient and pleasant in our previous visit there.
Not recommended for parties, in particular(parking problems as well), and the food can be found in other Mexican restaurant with much better service.

Cons: Service, food

Posted 01/21/06

The portions are huge, the food is great, and you'll pretty much always have leftovers. The bean dip that comes with the tortilla chips is addictive, and I wish they sold it for me to take home. There is often a wait on weekends, but it's worth it. The service is kinda average, but again, the food is excellent.

Posted 11/05/05

Really bad service, waste of money and time! Taco bell is better

Cons: Rude manager, Gang like staff

Posted 07/22/05

About 10 of us in the bar ordered Margaritas. 10 minutes later some waiter comes by and very rudely states that we have to leave the bar area because a private party is coming in. RIGHT NOW!! OK...what are we supposed to do with our pitcher, drink it in the parking lot? So we found ourselves another table, we asked a waiter if its ok that we sat there (we really didn't have a choice) and he said, yeah, no problem. 45 minutes later, no waiter. We overheard the hostess in Spanish tell the waiter to ignore us because we cut in line to get our table. WHAT??? So we tried to explain the situation to several waiters, bartenders..whomever. Nobody would even talk to us.
Talk about unprofessional and rude. I'll never go back there again.

Pros: Good, if you like, rudeness

Cons: Service, Service, Service

Posted 05/27/05

I haven't found one restaurant yet that has beat the happy hour prices of Los Toros. With $1.25 tacos and $1 draft beers, I'm in heaven. Also, the margaritas kick butt and are only $2.25 during happy hour. One can easily overlook the noisy and crowded bar area just to take advantage of these tasty cheap eats.

Pros: Happy hour specials

Cons: Noisy, Crowded, Service

Posted 04/24/05

A great valley institution!!

Great locals hangout. Great bar!! Food is incredible!! Try the carne asada on the menu - the best value.

Head and shoulders above the typical chain mexican joints!!

Pros: Big portions, Great value, Awesome bean dip

Posted 04/06/05

Great Margiritas and the best black bean dip! Service is prompt and complete, and the food is fast, so after you finish the dip and your first margarita your dinner will arrive just as you realize how delicious the other plates in the dining room look. And value, value, value! Just delicious and a wonderful experience, try the fajitas!

Pros: Food, Service, Margaritas

Cons: Loud

Posted 02/10/05

The margaritas and the chips and dip are absolutely to die for. They have a really great happy hour and the cocktail waitresses rock. If you can't make it for happy hour, try a week night for less crowds.

Pros: inexpensive, great time, great bar

Cons: , parking

Posted 09/12/04

We've been going to Los Toros for years, and the service has recently gone completely down hill. You must beg and plead to get any service and the staff is beyond hostile. The only reason why that place is so crowded is there is no other Mexican restaurant around that can accomodate large groups. Yeah, the bean dip and cold beer on a hot day is great, but not worth the crazy valet situation and staff that makes you feel like it's an imposition to give you a fork to eat your food with. Thumbs down. Get a new staff / management team, add some flavor to the food and turn that place around!!!!

Pros: bean dip, outdoor patio, 2 bar areas

Cons: , bland food, rude hostesses

Posted 06/21/04

I recently moved away from Chatsworth and this is the one place that keeps me going back! If the waiting list is long, head to the bar for the 'ritas, chips and dip. You won't mind the wait...

Posted 03/08/04

This place rocks! The food is amazing and the drinks are top notch. They honestly have the best bean dip around. I crave it all the time. You will not be disappointed.

Posted 11/09/03

Great margaritas, 2 weekend cocktail waitresses are awesome, bean dip is to die 4! definetly sit in the main bar if you are looking for a relaxed fun party environment

Pros: average prices, valet, service

Cons: long wait 4 table, crowded, owner is devil woman

Posted 11/06/03

LT'S FOOD HAS BEEN A PART OF MY FAMILY SINCE I COULD REMEMBER. THE BEAN DIP IS INCREDIBLE, THE SERVICE IS GREAT. ON WEEKENDS SEATING IS A HARD WAIT BUT WORTH IT. LT'S IS A FAMILY OWNED RESTAURANT THAT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY . YOU SHOULS REALLY TRY IT!

Pros: INEXPENSIVE,, GREAT MANAGEMENT, GOOD SERVICE

Cons: CROWDED PARKING

Posted 09/08/03