Help Save El Toro Bravo – A Truckee Tradition Since 1988

Help Save El Toro Bravo – A Truckee Tradition Since 1988

Located in the heart of Historic Old Town Truckee, El Toro Bravo has been serving authentic Mexican cuisine and cocktails to locals and visitors alike since 1988. For 37 years, this beloved gathering spot has been a place where everyone is welcomed like family—and now, we’re asking our extended family for help.

El Toro Bravo Truckee and its sister restaurant in Capitola were founded by the amazing Delia “Grandma” Rey, who built her menu from the traditional recipes she grew up with. Today, El Toro Bravo is run by the third and fourth generations of the Rey-Guzman family - Trinidad (Trini) and his uncle, Mike - who continue Grandma Rey’s legacy with heart, hard work, and love for the community.

But now, after nearly four decades in Truckee, El Toro Bravo is at risk of closing its doors. Economic challenges related to an unanticipated deadline to raise funds to purchase the business and building from an outside entity have put us in this very difficult position. We’re reaching out to our friends, neighbors, and longtime supporters to help keep this cherished local institution alive.

El Toro Bravo is more than just a restaurant. It’s part of Truckee’s soul—a true “Truckee Was” treasure. We don’t serve trendy dishes or overpriced plates. We serve real food made with love, just like Grandma Rey intended. It’s the kind of place where you know your server, where generations of locals have celebrated birthdays, graduations, and everyday moments. When you step through our doors, you’re stepping into our home.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal here, shared a margarita with friends, or felt like part of the El Toro Bravo family—we hope you’ll consider donating. Every dollar you give brings us one step closer to purchasing the restaurant and securing its future, so it’s not sold and turned into yet another upscale spot that locals can’t afford.

Your support helps preserve a piece of Truckee’s history, keep our team employed, and continue serving the honest, authentic food you’ve known and loved for generations. Please help us keep this family tradition alive in Truckee.

Gracias from the bottom of our hearts. We hope to keep welcoming you for years to come.

With gratitude,

The Rey Family

El Toro Bravo Truckee