Capitola doesn’t let places like this disappear, and luckily it didn’t have to. After a fire forced them to close, El Toro Bravo is officially back and serving the same recipes that made it a local staple in the first place.
El Toro Bravo — Classic Family Recipe Mexican Food
El Toro Bravo has been around since 1967, and you can feel that history in the food. This is a family-run spot with recipes that have been passed down, including enchiladas made from their great grandmother’s recipe. No canned sauces, no shortcuts.
We asked what to order and didn’t overthink it. The lemon butter shrimp is a must, rich and simple in the right way. Pair it with an enchilada and add a chile verde taco on the side, made with beef instead of the usual pork.
This is the kind of place you root for. Nearly 60 years in, a major setback, and now back open like nothing changed where it matters.
📍 123 Monterey Ave, Capitola, CA, 95010
HOURS:
Monday -11:30 AM–9 PM
Tuesday - 11:30 AM–9 PM
Wednesday -11:30 AM–9 PM
Thursday - 11:30 AM–9 PM
Friday - 11:30 AM–9 PM
Saturday - 11:30 AM–9 PM
Sunday - 11:30 AM–9 PM
