brunch

May 31, 2023. Toro Loco Restaurant, Financial District. Manhattan New York– Toro Loco (Spanish for crazy bull), located at 15 Stone Street in the Financial District, launched a Summer Kick off Party in honor of the unveiling of “The Garden” their newest dining and event space just in time for Memorial Day weekend. 

Toro Loco, whose official opening date was May 3, 2023 is popularly known for their delicious cloud-light guacamole blend and heaping portions of nachos; over-the-top dishes such as the Birria Tortas and their mouthwatering cuisines; also doubles as an event space. The Ground Floor, which is the primary entranceway into the hangout destination, holds a capacity of up to 150 standing guests; 50 seated with bar service (domestic and imports on tap). The Second Floor, whose entrance is located directly upstairs, holds a capacity of 120 standing and 60 people limit for seated guests. The newly unveiled area, “The Garden”, Toro Loco’s newest outdoor space, maxes out to 60 guests. The Garden, an outdoor Terrace, is best suited for intimate gatherings during warmer temperatures.

The Summer Kickoff party opened with DJ Hi Ki, playing several sets that included music from Bruno Mars to Beyonce blended with classics from the 80’s and 90’s and present-day hits! The restaurant showcased their signature dishes, the delicious chicken and beef Empanadas, savory steak tacos and much more. Guests mingled as the kitchen served up rounds of delectable bites for sampling. An open bar provided refreshing cocktails such as the spicy off menu beverage, the Girasol, a tasty blend of Bacardi, mango chili, rum, mango lemon, and melon liqueur.  Guests danced and kicked back to enjoy the open sky view and the cool breeze floating from the Piers nearby. 

Being thoroughly impressed by the food offerings, I took a step away from the Garden to browse the full menu. Beginning with Para La Mesa (or ‘for the table’) section, the appetizers, I came across some interesting finds such as the Sopa De Tortilla, a rich tomato-based soup made with chicken, guajillo and topped with crispy tortilla strips, sour cream, avocado, shaved radish and Manchego cheese. I’d recommend that savory comfort meal on a cold or rainy day. The Toro Loco wings, one of my personal favorites, is coated in a thick habanero agave glaze and served with a cool side of jalapeno ranch dressing to dip., another delicious item on the menu.

For guests in search of a much lighter dining experience, the Ensalada (salads) like the Mexican Cobb salad or the California Bowl, served with corn, avocado, queso fresco, cherry toppings, iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, jicama, red onions, ranch dressing in an edible taco bowl, are sure to be satisfying finds. 

Before returning back to the Garden to witness the return of the infamous “Flaming Skull”, I took one more peek at the Taqueria (the specialty Mexican dishes) and the Platos Fuerte (Heavy Dishes) sections of the menu to take a mental note of  a few additional dishes I’d like to try on my next visit.  The Chimichangas, my favorite Mexican dish; the Surf & Turf, a grilled Sirloin steak served with charred octopus, chimichurri, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, radish, salsa verde cruda and corn tortillas.  Lastly, the Cauliflower Al Pastor, a vegetarian friendly option made with Cauliflower Al Pastor, pineapple, guacamole, onion, cilantro, chile de arbol salsa with a corn tortilla. 

I ventured back to the Garden to find the guests centered on the bartender and taking candid photos of the Flaming Skull in preparation for its “flame on top”. As the bartender carefully placed the lighter to the rim of the glass, lightly dusting the cocktail to boost the dramatic appeal, the guests clapped and cheered with great fascination. 

I highly recommend checking out this very cool, laid-back atmosphere after work, Friday night or a Saturday night out on the town. If you’re feeling adventurous, Toro Loco also hosts the “Bottomless Brunch” Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm (last seating at 3:30 pm); and Drag Sundays, hosted by: LAS BORRACHAS.

Reservations for dining at Toro Loco is available on their website, including their menu: www.ToroLocoNYC.com or if you’re sold on this spot already, you can Book Your Toro Loco Reservation Now on Resy!