A Wild Latin Steakhouse that's Refreshingly Affordable
The only thing crazier than the atmosphere is the prices!
El Toro Loco has locations in Kendall, Doral, Westchester, and Little Havana. This review is of the Doral location.
Sometimes, you need to sit on a spotted cowhide couch to remind you what makes a steakhouse great. And in an era when half the price of your porterhouse goes to pay for a restaurant’s multi-million dollar buildout, eating prime beef in a stripped down locale makes you realize eating great steak doesn’t have to be a budget-busting experience. That’s not to say El Toro Loco is a dive, not by a longshot. It’s a lively Latin steakhouse that trades on chaos and smoke, and for true meat afficionados it might be the best steakhouse in the city.
I said what I said. Because what it lacks in refined servers, elegant ambiance, and celebrity guests, El Toro Loco more than makes up for in spectacular steaks. And if you’re dining out for the meat and not the scene you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal.
When you say “better deal,” what exactly do you mean?
I mean you’re not dropping $63 on a USDA Prime filet mignon because the chef was once a contestant on Chopped. You’ll pay $29 for an 8 oz. and $42 for a full pound. If you’re not good at math, that’s twice the meat for two-thirds the price. A prime ribeye goes for $32. A heart-stopping two-pound prime Porterhouse is $28. The prices seriously make you rethink every steak dinner where you’ve ever dropped $200.
The scene: If you’re unfamiliar with Latin American steakhouses, it can be a bit of a culture shock. It’s a little like going to a Dominican baseball game in that there’s music and singing and constant celebration. A steady stream of 90s and 2000s pop hit videos play on TV, and smoke from the parilla lends its scent to the air. The dining room is filled with families, done up in wood and cowhide booths like an Argentine ranch house - if that ranch house has neon accents on every surface.
What to eat and drink: You’re here for the meat, and the 16 prime cuts are all as good as you’d find in most top-tier steakhouses. That said, they have some standout menu items like wagyu tostones topped with pico de gallo; A5 Waygu tacos with avocado; and churrasco prime fajitas. The guacamole is also some of the better guac I’ve had at a non-Mexican restaurant, and the side sampler brings all the stuff you’ve come to know and love at Latin steakhouses like fried yuca, plantains, tostones, and rice and beans.
The drinks skew sweet, and in full honestly I didn’t delve into the cocktails because I’m just not a sugary cocktail fan. Though the Pink Dragon looked fun, a fruity peach shnaps drinks served with a big bubble atop a martini glass. The wines are good but not great. If you need to pair your steak with red, it’ll do the job.
Don’t miss: The big selection of meats to go. The prices are as good as you’ll find at any butcher shop and they’ve got prime, wagyu, and even venison.
Perfect for: Affordable family dinner with high quality food
Expect to pay: $40-$50 per person.
How’s the parking: The Doral location has a garage that makes parking a breeze.
@eltorolocochurrascaria // 7201 NW 36th St., Doral
