The food was excellent and the pricing was great. The ambiance is pretty good. It's simple but very hispanic, decor and clean. My chile relleno was out of this world, and i'm very picky about that. I will definitely be going back. Our service was pretty good.She was pretty busy, so I'll give her that much.But it could have been a little better, but not bad. read more

I must say I lamented the close of the "neighborhood" Mijares that had been at this location for 20+ years, and because of that I was slow in even trying the restaurant that replaced it (El Matador). Because I had a desire for mexican food and did not want to drive all the way over to the remaining Mijares thought I'd try something closer and this was my pick. Not being familiar with the El Matador menu decided on the El Matador platter. It was a choice that let me try many things all at once. LOVED IT ! Loved everything about the platter (including the price). This is now my new "go to" restaurant for good mexican food. The only negative would be the amount of salsa included with the platter. I can never get enough salsa for my meals. Check them out, I think you will find them to be a wonderful replacement. read more

Overall, the food was good. My dad is pretty picky about burritos. He said the burrito was delicious. Usually, if you get chicken, it comes out a bit dry and not as flavorful overall. But the burrito was perfect. The taquitos were also good; they had a nice crisp fried outside with moist beef inside. read more

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The great: the staff is amazing, attentive, and always made sure we had everything we needed. 10/10 The good: the Mexican dishes were huge! We had a fried mojarra, carne asada plate, and shrimp cocktail. Portion wise- definitely worth the price. The could be better: The food was a bit bland, and lacked the flavor I am used to when eating Mexican food. Will be trying it one more time. Worth a stop if you're in the area and are craving Mexican food. read more

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This is a really cute and quaint family owned Mexican restaurant with about ten tables inside...very casual, but very comfortable with good service. The staff is very friendly, and the food is really, really good and authentic. I love coming here! read more

El Matador Authentic Mexican Food - Camarones Mazatlan - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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My wife and I went here for the first time a couple of weeks ago and we think it's one of the best sit down Mexican restaurants in town. It was so good we had to bring our family there for a dinner (11 of us) and they all loved it. The staff are very friendly and accommodating and the atmosphere is really cozy. And the food quality, taste, and freshness are top tier! read more

This is our go to restaurant for our once a year trip to Pasadena. The food is simple yet delicious. Service is outstanding!

Great spot in Pasadena for burritos especially wet burritos. Big portions and a very filling meal. read more

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This might be the best Mexican food I've had in a long time. Shrimp and fish plate was excellent. Shrimp enchiladas was awesome, highly recommend read more

El Matador Authentic Mexican Food - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Amazing chips & salsa, the service was great and everyone was so nice. We decided to go here on a whim and it was perfect! 10/10! read more

El Matador Authentic Mexican Food - Combo with Beef Taco & Chicken Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

First time coming here, and I've gotta say--the food is delicious. The place is on the smaller side, but there's plenty of indoor seating, and the whole atmosphere feels really welcoming. They've got TVs, Mexican artwork on the walls, beer, and sports playing, which is always a plus. Their menu has a great variety, from classic Mexican dishes to mariscos. Javier and Juan helped us out, and they greeted us with a smile the second we walked in. Their energy was great, and they were super attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. Amazing service. I'll definitely be back! read more

We came in one day during september of last year and the AC was either off or not working, couldnt tell. I got chilaquiles and my bf got a carne asada burrito. My chilaquiles was soggy by the time I got it, not crispy as you would expect; very tasteless too. They wanted to charge my boyfriend for the refill on a drink, as well. Will not be returning. Its giving TV dinner, microwave quality. I honestly dont know how this place gets so many good reviews. Only leaving one because yelp keeps prompting me. Customer service was sub par, as well. In their defence, I would never own a restaurant. They are money pits. Good luck. read more

Located in a small shopping center with limited parking. Don't know why it's so busy, food is 5 out of 10. The menu is overwhelming with too many items in the menu. The service was great and the food didn't take too long. So, the agua fresca is store bought and no salsa fresca for the chips that was a definite bummer for me. read more

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LOVE this place !!! BEST Mexican food . We have one half a block from me and I drive over or have the food delivered . Either way the food is always on point . Service is great !! The guys are really nice and make you feel very welcome . Don't let the small strip mall and the size of the place fool you .. this is the spot if you want great authentic Mexican food . read more

This is the second time I have ordered from here in disappointment. Not from the taste of the food cuz it's good, but from the wrong order. Both times I ordered the mole enchiladas and both times my food has been delivered with only one enchilada in it. This is frustrating because there is only one option when ordering the enchiladas for $17.95 on their menu online. It says that two enchiladas is $17.95. The first time I got my order incorrect. I called and spoke with the lady who told me that I only paid for one enchilada however, I told her it is the only option on the menu. So, now the second time I took a look at the menu online and it says at 17.95 is for two enchiladas, so why do I keep getting one enchilada with my order delivered???! read more

El Matador Authentic Mexican Food - Online menu with only one option for enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food is delicious. They have the best chilaquiles out there. From the sauce to the eggs cooked just right. Portions are great and this dish is definitely sharable. Staff is friendly and the food is made fresh and quick. I would go here every day if I could! read more

Big portions, amazing food, and amazing service. 10/10 would come again. Servers were welcoming and constantly checked in to make sure everything was good. read more

I was greeted with a big smile and friendly service. El Matodor is a happy, casual neighborhood spot in East Washington Village in Pasadena which is clean and organized. The food was just as the Yelpers noted=OUTSTANDING! I had the Chile Relleno Burrito and it had all the flavors and textures I was craving. It will serve two, or eat half now and the other half later. This will be my go-to spot. I'll be back soon! read more

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Great food and the staff are amazing people! What else is there to say? One of my go to spots!

I'm so disappointed El Matador hubby and I are regulars here and unfortunately this morning's experience was the saddest. Included our two pictures one of what is on the menu and the description and the second is what arrived at my table. Shame on you.!!! read more

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This place is great! If you're ok with a no frills experience this place is for you. The food is great and the service is too. The chicken mole enchiladas are filling and delicious. The mole is more on the sweet side versus savory. The chicken inside is shredded and juicy. The refried beans are more on the looser side, and they are not salty: a real treat. The red rice is soft, fluffy, and eat well with the beans. The shrimp enchiladas are surprisingly juicy. I expected them to be overcooked, yet they were cooked to perfection. And chili verde sauce was savory and not salty. The salsa that comes with the chips is addictively spicy. The prices are not bad. They have a small parking lot that they share with another restaurant and a laundromat. I'd recommend parking on either Washington or Allen. They do have two television sets that were both on when I was there. Luckily they had the same thing on both sets. read more

First time coming here and the food was very good! I wanted to try it for awhile and I was very satisfied! The food was very fresh good quality with good prices as well. For my food I had the salsa and chips, which were so good, chicken tostado, and the sampler platter that was very delicious and I recommend to those who have a party 3 or more for appetizer. Seriously all the food was very Yummy and flavorful. The service was amazing Jaun and Javier out did themselves with the exceptional customer service! They were so amicable the whole entire time and beyond attentive to our table. We had no complaints, everything we asked for or needed was right away! They are very personable with good hearts! I will come back all the time because if that! The restaurant is small and quaint! But cute Inside with enough amount of tables that are comfortable within space! They even have a Tv on to watch sports if you would like! Also, they do have beer, wine, and wine based margaritas they did look very tasty! Overall, I will be back to El Matador... I mean I am a Csun Alumni so the Matador is in me! :) but seriously the food is bomb and the service is amazing! I recommend! Small parking lot area, but it's street parking too! -Marshay D. read more

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This was my first time trying this place and I swear to you, It did not disappoint. The owner's sons Juan and Javier were so amazing. They went above and beyond and exemplified professional customer service. I felt so welcomed and at home there. The place was very clean and I saw the cooks constantly washing their hands. I ordered the crab and shrimp enchiladas combination plate with rice and beans which was amazing. The food was so hot and fresh you could not eat it fast enough. Everything from the chips to the salsa and the food was very flavorsome and cooked to perfection. The decor was nice with an old school authentic Mexican-style decor. I had a glass of Merlot wine and it was very refreshing. Their menu is so big and has so many authentic family recipes to choose from. You can also purchase breakfast if you like because it's served all day. I am glad I went here. For sure I will be a recurring customer. Next time I am going to try their wet burrito which is what this restaurant is known for. Easy parking right in front of the location. Indoor seating only. Note: Margaritas are made with wine but are very good. They sell beer and wine too. If you like sports they have two television displaying games. read more

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My brother and I enjoyed this restaurant; this was our fourth time. My favorite delicious dish is nopales, and not many restaurants have it on their menus, so I look forward to trying different dishes. One issue I encountered was that they did not wipe our table. I noticed that as soon as the customers left, they wiped the table right away before seating other customers They only had one table left, where the owner was doing his paperwork. He got up and removed his stuff, and then they sat us down. However, no one came back to wipe the table, which I should have brought to their attention. Other than that, I still rated it five stars. read more

Shoutout to Javier, Jose, Marvin, Caesar and everyone else at El Matador. They make you feel like family, food is great and authentic for sure. Their presence in the neighborhood is highly appreciated. read more

Got a carne asada burrito that cost nearly $20 and it was mainly rice and beans, barely any meat. Never again

Love this spot! Service is great, food is even better. From their wet burritos to their tostadas to the cops and salsa! Everything on this menu is great. Not to mention my go to caldo spot whenever I feel sick or it's cold out! If you're looking for the Best Mexican food around Altadena this is definitely the spot. read more

Such fresh yummy food! The guac was great, servers were great, yum! Everyone was very thrilled with their meals ... we got the chimichanga, the quesadilla and nachos! read more

I live in altadena and have driven past this place for years but never went in Until I was recommended to go here by one one my friends AND LET ME TELL YOU, I WAS MISSING OUT!!! The inside is charming, inviting The staff is welcoming and made me feel like family Juan was an amazing server and made the experience that much better And all this was before the food even came!!! The food was delectable I ordered the fajitas and a carnitas taco The fajitas came out fast, hot, and smelled amazing I could not wait to eat it!! Once I did it did not disappoint Flavorful, hot, tender, meaty It was everything you want from fajitas and it hit all the spots that I wanted The carnitas were the perfect mix of crispy and succulent I love carnitas and they did it well For dessert I did not want any but I saw that they have cafe de olla and my fat ass had to order some with churros 10s across the board This is a beautiful family owned Mexican spot that I will be returning to And if you are in the pasadena area I highly recommend you give them a shot Thanks for everything EL matador You guys left an amazing taste in my mouth and I will for sure be back read more

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First time there since it opened after Mijares left. 5 stars say it all. Salsa excellent with some spice. Mole enchiladas were some of the best I've had. Look forward to trying some other dishes. read more

They have cafe de olla! And it's good! Got huevos rancheros. Solid. I probably wouldn't go out of my way too much to drive here, since we have so many delicious places where we live, but I suppose if you're in East Pasadena, this is a solid option. I might go back for the cafe de olla though. Service is super friendly. read more

I love this place! I order from them at least once a week, and it's always fast, hot, and flavorful. Huge fan. If I were to give one tiny piece of criticism it would be that I would love the option to order extra chips on the apps. I would happily pay! Overall, killer neighborhood spot. read more

One can not deny that the food at El Matador is truly authentic and delicious! I would continue to rave about the dishes, but what I was equally, if not more, impressed with was the service at El Matador. Arriving on time for our 7:30 reservation, I was dismayed to be told that the restaurant had no reservation recorded. With a party on 20 already seated and all other tables taken, there wasn't much that could be done. Apologetically, Juan calmly and kindly offered to seat us outside in the parking lot under a pop-up tent. It was a good solution for the dilemma until the sun began to set. There were no outdoor/tent lights. With genuine concern about our party, Juan came to the rescue and immediately had us inside the restaurant as soon as the party of 20 left. Throughout our dinner, Juan paid close attention to making sure we were happy. He and his staff provided superb service. What could have been a dismal night turned into a wonderful night had by all. Our tummies filled with delicious food and our hearts filled with joy from the attention and care Juan and the El Matador staff provided! Thank you Juan and staff! We shall see you again! read more

Love their soup and customer service. Great little spot in Pasadena that's reliably good

First time diners party of 5, we were immediately and warmly welcomed and acknowledged. (Why don't many service providers understand how vastly important this is?!! Sets the tone). We explained we needed more than a four top and this was immediately managed with smiles. Couple a beers, cocktails, we're happy-- but the food !!!! The frijoles were the best I've ever eaten. Ample and convenient parking. Do give this little neighborhood restaurant a try read more

El Matador is legit. The service is fast and friendly. And I've tried 5-6 different plates, and they've all been delicious. It's a small, cozy spot and they always have the Dodgers or Lakers on their TVs, great ambiance! read more

Taco Tuesday! Street tacos for cheap. They tasted great. The guacamole there is the best. You must not leave any behind. Super friendly server. Tacos came fast too. Neighbourhood family restaurants that makes me feel comfortable. Every time and I mean it, if they are open, I make them my place for dinner when I fly in from Honolulu. I'm glad my sister saw the Taco Tuesday sign. read more

Worst Mexican ever. Food was horrible . Service was unacceptable and overpriced we won't be back

I eat here often. Simple old school SoCal hard-shell taco vibe Mexican food. Friendly family vibe. Recommended.

Nice warm dinning room with outdoor seatings as well. I live 2 blocks from it, and I go there a few times a year. Dishes are tasty. Give it a try, support small business. read more