Reviews for El Matador Authentic restaurant in Irwindale, CA

Was a big fan of this place in Monrovia years past. Stopped in for brunch on Sat morning to check in. Service was 5 out of 5. ... Very attentive, cheerful and accommodating. A/C was on and running strong. Authentic as I always remember it. The locationhas great parking and the menu includes all the classic favorites. Their chips and salsa uses the standard chile del arbol red. Good, a medium-hot, but not spicy. Ordered the Chile Verde con huevos and it was, again, authentic. Wife had the machaca andthat was above average and very fair. Overall, the portions are above average and the food is cooked pretty much right down themiddle. I am certain this is on purpose to remain appealing to the mass audience. The place could use a management visit tosmoothen out some of the rough edges, like the out of order fountain machine, and the stacked tables and chairs out front, aswell as a power-cleaning to the floors. Pricing is slightly above average, but worth the trip. $49 for 2, including 19% tip. Will not be back anytime soon, but for those looking for authentic food with a hole in the wall feel that has been aroundfor over 25 years, a okay place to cruise into for a kickback meal. Read more

Food here is SUPER DELICIOUS! ???? Everything on their menu is fresh and made to order! The service is impeccable and you're... guaranteed to feel an "at home" ambiance! I highly recommend El Matador in Irwindale for your next meal or your next cateredspecial event! Rosemary Martinez & Charlie Ortiz Read more

Coffee tasted old and the eggs were rubbery. Steak wasn't good at all. Asked for the steak to be cooked medium rare. The steak... came out well done and no flower. The salsa for the chips tasted like tapatio sauce. Naaaah... doubt I'll be back Read more

Had chicken enchiladas in mole sauce. That mole sauce was fantastic! Definitely homemade! The salsas were delicious as well.... They off the standard red and green, but also offer chili arbols. Fantastic! This was our first time here, we will be back! Theservice in this place is awesome! You are treated very well and feel special! Read more

The best menudo in town. Friendly service that is very tentative to your needs. Great menu selection. Their green sauce wet... burrito is phenomenal its so good. Read more

Had lunch a few days ago with a co-worker. It’s been a few years since I’ve eaten here but recall very much enjoying the... food. Although I recall the food being a little better before, it did not disappoint. It just might have been what I ordered. Iordered the burrito a la Diabla and my co-worker the al pastor wet burrito. My friend really enjoyed his burrito, but mine wasjust ok. I really expected it the be spicier and there wasn’t a lot of meat. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of thefood, but I do intend to go back soon as Mexican is one of my faves and they have a really good salsa bar and free chips. Read more

We absolutely LOVED this place. Cute little whole in the wall authentic Mexican food. Not your average place. Absolutely... delicious. Everything we are was exceptional. The wait staff were very welcoming and friendly. Small interior but it made itvery cozy feeling. We ordered carne asada burrito, sangria, cheese enchilada and pork tamale. Loved every bite! Very filling.Priced well. 5 stars. We're going back here for sure. Read more

This was my first time coming to this place and it definitely didn't disappoint. I found myself with a terrible cold and googled... "Caldo de Pollo" and after reading other reviews and looking at photos from other reviewers I decided to give them a shot. Iheaded there during my lunch hour after I called in my order ahead. The place is small but clean and it wasn't too crowded. Ican only speak for what I ate, the side of rice that comes with the soup is flavorful and well seasoned. The tortilla chips werewarm and tasted like if they had just been made. The caldo de pollo "chicken and vegetable soup" was very well balanced, thechicken tasted fresh, the vegetables were fresh and cut in large pieces to scoop onto your spoon, it was as if my parents mademe soup at home. I highly recommend this restaurant and immediately came into the office and told everyone about it. Needless tosay, the caldo de pollo instantly made me feel better! Read more