Great food and the service is friendly and fast. It's always a pleasure going there. Good prices too.

An amazingly huge selection of tequilas, and the sort. Variety of Mexican beers in bottle only, no tap. They also offer some other types of alcohol if tequila is not your thing. Friendly service, generous pours. The food is good or just ok. It's your typical Americanized Mexican food. Plenty of people enjoy it, and that's what matters. The place is huge, with plenty of outdoor seating and a fun but chill ambiance. Located in a very busy intersection with limited parking in a small lot but can also park in the surrounding businesses or street. read more

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No wonder it's been here for 60 years! Authentic, delicious food! Marvin takes care of us! We keep coming back!

Wonderful dinner with friends at THE BEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT in Orange County! Delicious chili rellenos, enchiladas and guacamole! The Skinny Margarita is my favorite! Friendly and prompt service with authentic atmosphere! Excellent value...reasonably priced! Thanks again El Matador for a great evening! read more

Service was outstanding, nice Spanish themed restaurant with comfortable seating, food is good, not going to knock your socks off, but well worth the price points and portions. Solid restaurant for sure! read more

Six of us were there for a birthday & had a new server. He was outstanding & had a great personality. Thank you for a fun celebration.

Our family has been coming to El Matador for more than two decades, and it never disappoints. This is real authentic Mexican food, and the margaritas are amazing. Tuesdays are for tacos, and they have good deals on tacos and margaritas. Service is always excellent. If you haven't been here, you're missing out! read more

Great food, customer service, and always good ambiance. A staple for my family and I.

I tried the ultimate margarita described as a big margarita in a fish bowl, wasn't as big as I thought. And the tequila in it tasted pretty low quality. Our food came out pretty fast, service was good. My food was good and the portions were generous. I also tried a bite of my husband's chimichanga and it was delicious. I'd definitely go back but not for a margarita. read more

El Matador - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Service was great and the food was outstanding.We drove in from Cerritos and we were not disappointed.Mr. Juan Salgado was very kind and was very attentive to all the customers and visited every table to make sure all was well.Me and my family had a great time and the ambiance was great.I will recommended this place to my friends and family...KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK AND GREAT SERVICE. read more

Early evening dinner with family here - at their recommendation. How can you go wrong with place that's been around for almost 60 yrs in the same spot. The interior definitely shows its age in a nostalgic way. They were busy but easily accommodated us, clearing an area to seat the group. Server was attentive, got our drinks & the food order was accurate. Considering how busy it was I'm sure it was an effort. I ordered the chimichanga and the wife got the flautas. Portion sizes were huge & food flavorful. My chimichanga wasn't what I was expecting - instead of being deep fried it was more pan fried. Not quite sure how I feel about that... Prices were reasonable considering how touristy the area is. That's probably why they've been so successful read more

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What's Taco Tuesday without tacos?? Even better, what is it without the deals?? This place had specials all day for their Taco Tuesday and I was left satisfied! I got the Stuffed Quesadilla with Shredded Chicken and a Traditional House Margarita. The quesadilla was so flavorful and big, I was stuffed after I finished half of it. Given the guac, salsa, and sour cream on the side, it made the dish even better! Pairing it up with the marg was the best decision. It came in a big cup! We also got complimentary Chips and Salsa that came before everything, but make sure not to finish it or you'll be too full for the meal. Definitely come by if you're having a hard time looking for a place that offers Taco Tuesday deals like this place. Parking is a bit small, but not impossible to find a spot. read more

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Wow what a great little spot! Came in here for taco Tuesday we were seated in Chris's section. It's been a while since I've had such attentive service. Chris was on it with with refilling waters, chips and salsa answering any questions about the menu. Just in general nice and friendly service. It was refreshing. Taco Tuesday was a value. These are monster tacos not tiny street tacos soooooo good. We tried the hard shell, shredded beef, tacos, and soft shell Carnitas. Both were excellent! We got a side of rice and beans those were just ok. But I also got a Chile Riano à la cart and that was excellent! I would definitely go back and would recommend anyone looking for a festive Mexican restaurant to check this little gem out! read more

El Matador - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

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Found a gem. This restaurant feels homey and welcoming! The seats are comfortable the waiter is inviting and the chip and salsa are great ! read more

El Matador - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

The food was delicious and of course we loved the 60 cent margaritas! The service was great, we had a really nice server and we got seated fairly quickly considering the restaurant was packed due to their anniversary celebration. Happy 60th Anniversary El Matador! read more

We went for our 30th anniversary on the recommendations of friends and reviews on yelp! Very mediocre food, and kids running unchecked in restaurant read more

This place is great - a true neighborhood/local gem for Mexican food. The food is great and the servers are very nice. It's got a chill vibe. It gets very busy for dinner. It's worth the visit. read more

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As a longtime visitor at El Matador (since 2006), I can't believe it's taken this long to write a review. El Mat has consistently been one of our favorite restaurants in OC. The food is always excellent (and fast), drinks are well-made, and the service is friendly. The restaurant has had multiple upgrades in the last few years (lighting, decor, flooring) but has always maintained its charm. It has always been our go-to place for new friends or visiting family to try. Thank you El Mat fam for never straying from the excellent quality you've always provided. read more

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Wonderful service and the food is excellent!!! We love the mango margaritas! Highly recommend. read more

Our server was amazing and we had a great time there. Diego was amazing and very friendly. As well as the busser he is super friendly and great. We have been coming there for many years and enjoy every time we go. Thank you read more

We love El Matador. Great food , wonderful service . Quick and easy . We have been going El Matador for years , have shared many happy occasions and made many memories at this local Mexican Food Restaurant. read more

In town for a tournament and wanted some good Mexican food. This place did not disappoint, food was on point. I had the shrimp fajitas and my wife had #13 (cheese enchilada, and tostada). Both had such good flavor. Highly recommend. read more

From the moment I stepped through the door, the energy was warm, vibrant, and full of soul. The kind of place where family recipes and good tequila go hand in hand. They get it here. The carne asada? Juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The house-made salsas? Bold, balanced, and crafted with love. I had to order a margarita with my AsomBroso Tequila and it was blended to absolute perfection. With a smooth finish that danced with fresh lime and just a hint of sweetness. El Matador knows how to celebrate Mexican tradition, and they do it with style, heart, and a pour of the good stuff. Raise a glass and savor the moment--this place is the real deal. -Rick read more

Solid taco Tuesday deals. $6 margaritas and cheap tacos. Fast and friendly service. Lots of space. Big fan of the shredded chicken hard taco (without cheese). The steak soft taco was also really good and topped with a healthy amount of guac. Will be back! read more

El Matador - Taco Tuesday - Shredded Chicken Taco and steak soft taco - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

I have been dinning at El Matador for almost 50 years now. It is my all-time favorite Mexican restaurant -- and, today, it has never been better! Service, food, the building -- everything. I am a devotee of Combination #3 (Cheese Enchilada and Chili Relleno -- the best!). Please do check out this Newport Blvd. institution! read more

Great neighborhood Mexican joint for the locals. Glad to see it packed on Tuesday night for the tacos specials. Has the mom and pop vibe with a noisy crowd. It's funny how they have different glass sizes with some smaller than others even though you're ordering the same drink. The tacos would have been better if the shell wasn't so thick. I couldn't even taste anything else. So thick and hard that it was hard to bite and chew. Overall, I good place to have a few drinks and waste time. read more

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If ElMatador is having a private party in their Annex space, go elsewhere. They will not tell you that it will take 45 minutes for your food to show up. I'm happy for their success but they should be honest when you order how long it will take. read more

El Matador - Dinner to go. - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Enjoyed the carne asada burrito ($12) and crispy tacos ($6.50 each). Four stars for taste. Pretty busy for Sunday afternoon, but service was fast read more

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No wait . Fast and friendly service . Been coming here since the mid 70's. For me its all about the nostalgia of childhood . The interior is dark and old school . Chips and salsa are solid . My go to are chili verde and shredded beef hard shell tacos . They have over 400 tequilas if you want to explore . There is a small private parking lot in the back and the bathrooms are always clean . read more

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Jamie is the best. Service was amazing, so fast. Couldn't ask for a better server. Thank you!

Amazing food and service. Always get our favorite table by the window. Love the steak tacos on Taco Tuesday. Every meal we've had has been delicious. The service is fast and efficient and friendly. We have been here oodles of times and will never stop going especially on Taco Tuesday. Also the chile reyenos are the best I have had. read more

great food, fresh, delicious food and good vibes. I need more places like this everywhere!!!! Everything is great here

This was an amazing place for our private event! The staff was on point, the food was excellent and everyone had a wonderful experience! Sincerely, Orange County Dental Society read more

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