Orange County CA
El Matador

El Matador

Eat Local in Costa Mesa

4.4 1,459 Google reviews$20–30

+1 949 645 03 241768 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, California 92627 · East Side Costa Mesa

El MatadorEl Matador, photo 2El Matador, photo 3El Matador, photo 4

Where to find them

1768 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, California 92627

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About

The doors to El Matador opened at this exact location in the spring of 1966, and for over 55 years we’ve served the same quality Mexican food created from original family recipes. Our “Tequila Wall of Fame” boasts an impressive collection of over 400 different tequilas, and we are passionate about educating our guests about the art of tequila! Whether it’s your first visit or 100th, we’re so grateful to have you with us and hope you enjoy your experience at El Matador! Bienvenido!

Amenities

Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports

Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour drinks
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor

Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service

What people say

5 out of 5 stars

“Just walking in to El Matador makes you feel like you are at home. Everyone who works there has a heart of gold. Your service will rock. The FOOD.... is so good you'll want to lick the plate clean especially using the tortilla chips. We never miss an opportunity to eat at El Matador's. Don't miss out on this awesome restaurant”
Google review · Oct 2026

5 out of 5 stars

“What a wonderful find for new comers from NorCal. Delicious authentic Mexican food. Went there for happy hour The tacos were great, not to mention the delicious salsa I had 2 grilled mahi mahi taco, husband had the same + a chicken taco. Had the classic margarita it was so delicious”
Google review · Oct 2026

5 out of 5 stars

“El Matador is a gem with truly great ambience and service. Alex, the bartender makes great drink and food recommendations, he gives the best service and has been working there for 20 years!!! They offer over 400 different tequilas. Try the La Mula drink if you want a refreshing cocktail with ginger beer. Thank you, Alex for giving our family amazing service. The food was delicious and we'll come back from L.A., many times more to see Alex.”
Google review · Oct 2026

Hours

Wednesday
11 AM to 9 PM
Thursday
11 AM to 9 PM
Friday
11 AM to 10 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM to 10 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM to 9 PM
Monday
11 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday
11 AM to 9:30 PM

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