Los Toros - Not Just a Meat Market ---

They offer a full-service butcher shop, offering hot food, canned foods, frozen foods, telephone cards, FAX service, sending money to Mexico & central america, cigarettes, beer and liquors.

Owner Miguel Mardueno opened the original store at 8210 East Garvey Ave. in Rosemead , CA in 1980. In 1992 he opened the No #2 store at 5225 N Peck Rd in El Monte,CA. The El Monte location falls someplace in between the category of a grocery store and a supermarket, with a sit down restaurant to boot.

Mardueno said that the El Monte store features more American products than its Rosemead counterpart, due do the demographics of the neighborhood.

“We have more (USDA graded) Choice cuts instead of Select and they are cut thicker, as well,” he said.

“We're here to serve the people,” Mardueno continued. “We want to please, If someone wants something we don't have, we'll try to get it for them. I prefer that my customers get a little bit better quality and freshness. They can get it a little cheaper someplace else, but I want them to have better quality, freshness and attention.”

Los Toros caters Mexican barbecue for anywhere up to 700 people under the guidance of Chef Joseluis Eslobedo, including a choice of Birria (red chile stew with goat meat ) or Barbacor (similar to Birria but made with beef, instead). Customers can order full service catering or just the food.

Prices for the restaurant are reasonable. Dinners have a choice between many different varieties of meat, including Carne Asada, Carnitas de Puerco, Al Pastor, and Pollo & Sea Food.

Combination Plates are available, providing rice and beans to go with entrees that include Chile Rellenos, Pork and Nopales, Steak Picado, and Machaca.

Breakfast is also available at Los Toros, as well as hamburgers for the Anglicized palate.

Menudo, Tamales Birria, and Champurrado are available on the weekends.

The Los Toros Guacamole dip has a thin, watery texture rather than the chunky dip that most Americans are used to. Diners should not be deceived by its appearance. However, since it provides the perfect complement to a taco or burrito.

Also worth mentioning is the Orchata, which is made fresh daily by Mardueno's staff. Los Toros' version of the popular Mexican beverage has a rich, sweet flavor, compared to the watered down recipe found at many establishments.

For people who prefer to do their own cooking, Mardueno sells pre-marinated chicken and beef out of the meat market, using the same sauces that the restaurant uses on its food.

Mardueno comes from along line of butchers, and has his sons following the family business.

Email:  info@lostorosmeatmarket.com