El Matador

HOLY CRAP THE FAJITA SAUCE IS TO DIE FOR AND THE FAJITAS ARE SO GREAT the grilled veggies and the carne asada is so bomb ........the chips and salsa are super bomb too!!!!!! The salsa is spicy but has excellent flavor!!!!!! more

I had been here once before with a friend and it was ok, but nothing special. I stopped in again with another friend and this time it was horrible- the service was bad, the food was bad, and the quantities were poor. They charge $9.50 for a "Guacamole Salad" which is nothing more than iceberg lettuce with a scoop of guacamole on top, and the drinks were sub-par and small as well. I definitely will not be going back here again- there are an abundance of much better mexican restaurants in the OC. more

Everything is delicious from the chips and salsa, guacamole and margaritas...the chile verde is not to be missed! Ann in Costa Mesa more

If you are looking for really good Mexican food, then El Matador is the place to find it. Located across Triangle Square in Costa Mesa, its a small "hole in the wall" restaurant but don't be fooled, the food is excellent. This family owned restaurant offers the standards, beans, rice, tacos, burritos, etc. You'll enjoy the homemade chips & great tasting Salsa as you browse the menu that has many choices and combo platters, personally I recommend the Chili Verde...its a spicy pork dish with a great green sauce. This dish can also be made in a mild version for those that don't like the spicy, or super spicy for the adventurous types (it good) SO if you find yourself in the area and have a craving for Mexican food then stop by El Matador. Great food for not a lot of money more