Lets start with the positive: food is fabulous and the carnitas tacos for Taco Tuesday are incredible. The problem: The house margarita on the Taco Tuesday menu is $6. I ordered one and the waiter asked if I would like a large one. I said yes, assuming it should be around double the price. My partner ordered the same when he arrived. When the bill arrived, we were charged $34 for two margaritas!! When I questioned the waiter (Santos, I believe was his name) he informed me that the large ones are the "ultimate margarita" which he NEVER informed us that they were so much more because "they have premium tequila and orange liquor". Who cares! They still tasted very watered down and too sweet. This was NEVER mentioned when we placed the order. So our very economical Taco Tuesday cost us over $51, without a tip! So....customer beware...... you will get screwed unless you ask specifically what the large margarita will cost. I've been coming here since the early 90's and today will probably be my last visit. Such a shame read more

I liked the scramble eggs and how they were cooked. the beans and rice are really good and flavorful. not a fan of the Horchata cause its not house made- which im sure why. Service was good on point and quick. Nice! Ambience is nice as well. It matches up. I could just eat beans rice and eggs and sauce. Im good and filled! read more

Love El Matador and Taco Tuesday. They never disappoint. We made a reservation and were seated right away. Food is authentic and spicy. Thanks to all of your excellent staff. read more

Carnitas nothing better. Prove me wrong . Modelo Negro. Epstein Epstein Epstein Epstein read more

Great fun at El Matador last night! We celebrated two family birthdays and it really was perfect! Great food( Taco Tuesday), great prices and excellent service! We had 12 people and 6 were young kids so service needed to be quick which is exactly what we received! Honestly we haven't been to El Matador in awhile but it's back on my list. Very kid friendly! Super fun! Just arrive a little early because parking is limited and I suggest reservations! read more

El Matador - Celebrating at El Matador last night! - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Food was good and environment was great! Would visit again. Went to have dinner with friends and watch a soccer game. Did it's job and was enjoyable. read more

We had a large party of 20 for Taco Tuesday and it was a blast!. The wait staff was so accommodating. read more

El Matador - Mexican Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

Authentic Mexican food without being fancy. Descent portions and good services. Restaurant is a little outdated and random but that's part of the charm. read more

El Matador is definitely one of my local favorites! Their Taco Tuesday menu is great, and the atmosphere is always fun. While it might not be the top Mexican food in town, for the price and vibe, it's solid. On Taco Tuesday, I love their crunchy chicken taco, and I definitely recommend the shrimp and fish tacos with soft tortillas--they're awesome. The service is super friendly, and they keep the chips and salsa flowing. They'll bring you anything you need, like limes or extra hot sauce. It's a great Taco Tuesday spot, but I've also been on other nights with friends or family. I really enjoy their arroz con pollo--super satisfying. I definitely recommend checking it out! read more

This place is amazing. It's amazing they've managed to keep their doors open. Well hell. I just hate to crap all over a place, but El Matador really let their culinary mediocrity show through, so let the crappings begin. Let us assess the damage. First off, this place has been around for donkey years, and in the beginning had pretty decent food. What happened? Went there the other night (hadn't been for awhile). I had cheese & beef enchilada with a taco. My wife had the fajitas. Guess what? El Matador doesn't believe in seasoning their food...at all! They are the seasons challanged. They are bereft and barren of seasonings. They are herb and spices poor. They must take their meat and throw into a pot of boiling water and call it a day. Gordon Ramsay would take one bite, curse out the entire staff and then leave in a huff, kicking over bowls of salsa on his way out. This is a place for people whose flavor sensors were dulled, or no longer existing due to COVID burn out. In which case, El Matador profited from the virus. If they opened a restaurant in Mexico, they would all be tarred and feathered, and then run out of town on a rail. How dare they charge for this. I felt like they should have paid me! Sorry El Matador, but maybe you should just stick to Margaritas and bull fighting, cuz', food ain't you. I gave it two stars because I'm not completely heartless. read more

A local staple for over 40 years that is an institution. Always has delicious and large portions. We love this place!

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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This is one of the coolest and best tasting Mexican restaurants in all of California! I came with some friends because I have heard about this place being good, and was honestly blown away. Great staff, prices, food, location. I'll be back very soon, maybe even tomorrow! O I almost forgot, they have the craziest tequila collection I have ever seen! read more

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

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

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

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

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

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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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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