The newest Mexican Restaurant to open on the Corner is called Toro’s Tacos, and it’s definitely one you’ll want to try. Even though the restaurant only officially held its grand opening on October 5th, Toro’s has already made impression on the UVa student population. I’ve heard it’s name mentioned countless times around grounds as both a great place to grab dinner and a nightlife hot spot.
Toro’s Tacos is decked out in unique décor, centralizing around a Mexican wrestler theme. Although unusual and certainly different from your standard Mono Loco or El Jaripeo look, I was intrigued and impressed with the cool vibe I felt as soon as I stepped in the door. I was there on a Thursday night, and brought along my friends Lizzy and Courtney to grab dinner. The three of us were all starving and excited to sample the menu. With a large, colorful Tequila bar on the first floor with a seemingly wide variety of alcoholic drink choices, the place had a lively young atmosphere and the restaurant was packed. You can choose between a table downstairs or on the porch, and there is an upstairs bar and lounge that is often used to host parties. Realizing that night was likely one of the last warm-weathered evenings we would have for the season, we decided to sit on the beautiful back deck that was illuminated by strings of light bulbs.
One of the first things I realized was that chips and salsa were not complimentary, unlike at most other Mexican restaurants. After glancing over the menu, we found that it was $1.50 for chips with salsa, $5 for chips and guacamole, and $4 for chips and queso. We were three hungry and food-loving college girls, so we decided to go for all three. The salsa was delicious, with just the perfect amount of kick to it without being too spicy. As a guacamole fanatic, I was only mildly impressed with the guac-dip we got, which came in a surprisingly small dish and seemed to lack a lot of flavor. It was good, just not the best I’ve had in Charlottesville. The queso, on the other hand, was outstanding and I’d go back to Toro’s solely to order it again.
The tacos are what I was really excited to try for myself. After all, it is called Toro’s Tacos. You get one taco for between $4 and $5, and have the option of chicken, chorizo, fried avocados (vegetarian option), brisket, pork, steak, cod, and tuna tacos. We were advised by our waitress that most people usually choose to get 2-3 tacos if they’re ordering dinner, so I ordered two chicken tacos that came with avocado crème, roasted corn, onions, cilantro, peppers, and queso. Although I was a little hesitant about the seemingly small size of the dish when it arrived, it surprisingly filled me up very quickly and was absolutely delicious. The chicken was flavorful and not dry, and the added toppings gave a spicy, but not overwhelmingly so, boost to every bite.
Courtney ordered a chicken quesadilla ($9) that came with cheese, queso, rice, black beans and corn. Although I didn’t try it myself, she said it was satisfying and impressive compared to our usual Qdoba quesadillas. Lizzy had the braised brisket tacos, which came with candied bacon (YUM!) and chipotle cole slaw. She was equally delighted with her meal and said the bacon was a perfect compliment to the tender brisket!
Toro’s perhaps gets it’s highest marks for service. Our waitress was patient as we scoured the menu over and over, made great recommendations, and accommodated our every need. She checked on us regularly throughout the meal and happily split the check when the time came. Our food came out hot and within a timely manner, which was certainly pleasing.
Overall, I would highly recommend Toro’s Taco’s to anyone looking to grab a delicious, filling, and pleasant Mexican meal. The prices are pretty reasonable and the service is impeccable for such a busy restaurant. With a great atmosphere and so many menu options to choose from, I can’t wait to go back!
Their hours are: Monday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am, Tuesday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm – 2:00 am, Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 2:00 am, Sunday: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm and they are located at 1327 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
All images belong to Toro’s Tacos, located on their Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/toros…