El Torito

from the 5/01 paper Ibaraki Report

As most of you are fully aware, Tsukuba City is well known as a science, research and development capital of Japan. As a result, many foreigners, both researchers and others call this city their home away from home. In fact, Tsukuba's foreign resident population of 6,981 is nearly equal to that of Mito (2,836), Tsuchiura (3,433) and Hitachi (1,475) combined. I'm unable to tell you how many Mexicans are in the 6,981 [70 in Ibaraki, as of March 2007 -Aurélien], but I can tell you with all certainty that Tsukuba City is the home to the most authentic, inexpensive, and fun Mexican restaurant in Ibaraki Prefecture: El Torito Restaurant.

For starters, this place is mammoth in size. It seats over 200 people, so arranging a large group enkai can be done with ease. Their garden terrace is also a great place to hang out during the summer, and their bar reminds one of an upscale establishment in Cancún. The parking area seems as bis as Cancún, at least when you compare it to other establishments in Japan.

I later found out that this establishment is a part of 7-restaurant chain, but this doesn't mean you can directly compare it with a Taco Bell. The 6 restaurants in Tōkyō and Yokohama are not only located in fancy, upper areas, but have also been getting rave reviews from native Mexicans.

Starting with the exterior architectural design, the ambiance is exceptional. When you combine the background music with the sensitive interior designs, you feel genuinely comfortable. Casual yet fancy, this restaurant has the unique ability to cater to all occasions: family outings, a romantic and eagerly anticipated hot date, business dining, or a large and a rowdy group.

As for the food, I was floored by the combination of selection, price and volume. Fajitas, tostadas, tacos, and various other lunch sets range in price between 580 and 880 yen. My sizzling fajita came with an all-you-can-eat salad bar, complementary nachos and salsa, soup, and 6 hand-made shells (additional shells at no extra charge). Even if you throw in a 20 oz fountain drink for 100 yen, you still have yourself a real bargain. (780 yen for everything).

The dinner menu includes an array of traditional Mexican dishes: ceviche, taquitos, nachos, fresh guacamole, tostadas, arroz, fajitas, enchiladas and much, much more. And if you're wondering about the famous Mexican alcoholic beverage selection, this place has it all. All five Mexican beers (Corona, Tecate, Bohemia, Dos Equis and Negra Modelo) can be had for 550 yen or less. El Torito's maragaritas are also first class. While the regular (12 oz) and grande (15.5 oz) margaritas can be thoroughly enjoyed in 7 different flavors (original, strawberry, kiwi, orange, pineapple, raspberry and mango), nothing can beat the Cadillac Margarita! Mmmm.

Since I was fortunate enough to spend a few years in southwest America, I had the opportunity to "head south of the border" to Mexico on a few occasions. The El Torito experience brought back all the good memories of Mexico for me.

El Torito Restaurant
Tsukuba Gakuen, 2-16-4 Amakubo, Tsukuba-shi
Right across the street from CoCo's on Higashi-Ōdori

Telephone

(0298) 50-2012

Dining

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Bar

5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.