I love El Matador and the Bullpen when they open for Northside Social. The person that complained about it not being a real restaurant is because they are currently remodeling and only have the Bullpen open. Very affordable food and margaritas, the spicy margarita is the best. Great North Lawrence mainstay.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
G B
First off everyone was very friendly but this is not a restaurant so to speak.. it's order at a window and eat in the bar next to it. None of the photos or menus posted are accurate. The cocktails at the bar were great. The food was barely edible. The beans were watery with store bought shredded cheese and the chili con queso was salsa with partial melted store bought shredded cheese. The rice tasted weird and had been sitting a while. Mostly went here based off the rave prior reviews and comments on how great and authentic Mexican food it was. Apparently WAS is the key word. I get no pleasure in this rating because everyone was really nice but the drinks were the only thing worth buying this trip.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
Jeff Martin
The worst Mexican food I’ve ever had , the chili tasted like cooked hamburger with NOTHING ADDED . No spices salt or pepper . No seasoning or bad seasoning !! Everything looked great but No taste just pure bland , will never go
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
Caralyn Campbell
The most bland food I’ve ever tasted. Tasted like it had been sitting in a pan all day and we got there just after open. Rice was cold, beans were crusty on the top. Would never recommend this place to someone unless I hated them. Food for white people that had their taste buds burnt off about sums it up.
Food: 1
Ashley Clark
The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Russ Nesseth
My last visit was 1964. My parents visited when I was a Freshman at KU. My father was very critical of substandard meals but he loved the food here and we returned several times. The current owners can be proud of their traditions. I ordered one of the "named" specialties that included several samples items. I enjoyed them all as well as a Margarita. I'll be back much sooner next time!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ray Cessna
Local authentic restaurant with yummy Mexican food. The bar is always serving. Taco, tostada, and rice are all good. Gotta love real food and people
Food: 5
Service: 5
George “Kevin” Elliott
A Lawrence tradition and always a comfort food pleaser. Love their sweet salsa.
harry moore
I've been eating here since 1972. That's 3 generations of the Reyes family's cooking. It has never changed, still the same delicious home cooked Mexican food I grew up with and missed the entire 34 years we were away. Our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Nicest folks around. Thanks Raquel for keeping it going.
Teresa Hodge u
Great atmosphere along with good food. Been eating there a long time since Little Joe was there. Raquel makes it feel like home.
The food was delicious and the service was excellent. My father used to come here in the 1950s. He would bring an egg and ask them to put it on his enchiladas.
ldleach35
El Matador is the best Mexican food I have ever had. It is authentic Mexican food. Try it when you are in Lawrence, Ks.
Tammy Jantz
best family atmosphere and food you can ask for
FLOIris
I grew up teething on El Matador Tacos! Betty once told me, "My kids know this place as home. You are one of my kids." Betty use to tell me, "My customers want to know why my food is so special. I tell them every time before I serve it, I pray that it will be a blessing to them." When "Sonny" ie Little Joe took over due to his folk's Death, he always welcomed me with open arms. I even ate with the family before the restaurant opened! Now, the Grandkids and other family members run El Matador. They amaze me that some of them STILL remember me. It's always a GREAT honor to eat at the ElMatador. Not only is their food original Mexican food, the building is also original to the 50s AND the people really CARE!
Barbara V.
First timer but we were with veterans who shared some history. Fun menu! Love that they've been in business so long through generations. Don't expect oversized portions - each item is fairly small and SO good. It was fun being able to try several items. We didn't mind the sound of the train across the street; the people at the bar were MUCH louder...We'll definitely be back, maybe try lunchtime.
I love El Matador and the Bullpen when they open for Northside Social. The person that complained about it not being a real restaurant is because they are currently remodeling and only have the Bullpen open. Very affordable food and margaritas, the spicy margarita is the best. Great North Lawrence mainstay.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
First off everyone was very friendly but this is not a restaurant so to speak.. it's order at a window and eat in the bar next to it. None of the photos or menus posted are accurate. The cocktails at the bar were great. The food was barely edible. The beans were watery with store bought shredded cheese and the chili con queso was salsa with partial melted store bought shredded cheese. The rice tasted weird and had been sitting a while. Mostly went here based off the rave prior reviews and comments on how great and authentic Mexican food it was. Apparently WAS is the key word. I get no pleasure in this rating because everyone was really nice but the drinks were the only thing worth buying this trip.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 2
The worst Mexican food I’ve ever had , the chili tasted like cooked hamburger with NOTHING ADDED . No spices salt or pepper . No seasoning or bad seasoning !! Everything looked great but No taste just pure bland , will never go
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 1
Service: 5
The most bland food I’ve ever tasted. Tasted like it had been sitting in a pan all day and we got there just after open. Rice was cold, beans were crusty on the top. Would never recommend this place to someone unless I hated them. Food for white people that had their taste buds burnt off about sums it up.
Food: 1
The food was delicious and the staff was very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My last visit was 1964. My parents visited when I was a Freshman at KU. My father was very critical of substandard meals but he loved the food here and we returned several times. The current owners can be proud of their traditions. I ordered one of the "named" specialties that included several samples items. I enjoyed them all as well as a Margarita. I'll be back much sooner next time!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Local authentic restaurant with yummy Mexican food. The bar is always serving. Taco, tostada, and rice are all good. Gotta love real food and people
Food: 5
Service: 5
A Lawrence tradition and always a comfort food pleaser. Love their sweet salsa.
I've been eating here since 1972. That's 3 generations of the Reyes family's cooking. It has never changed, still the same delicious home cooked Mexican food I grew up with and missed the entire 34 years we were away. Our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Nicest folks around. Thanks Raquel for keeping it going.
Great atmosphere along with good food. Been eating there a long time since Little Joe was there. Raquel makes it feel like home.
Restaurantji Recommends
The food was delicious and the service was excellent. My father used to come here in the 1950s. He would bring an egg and ask them to put it on his enchiladas.
El Matador is the best Mexican food I have ever had. It is authentic Mexican food. Try it when you are in Lawrence, Ks.
best family atmosphere and food you can ask for
I grew up teething on El Matador Tacos! Betty once told me, "My kids know this place as home. You are one of my kids." Betty use to tell me, "My customers want to know why my food is so special. I tell them every time before I serve it, I pray that it will be a blessing to them." When "Sonny" ie Little Joe took over due to his folk's Death, he always welcomed me with open arms. I even ate with the family before the restaurant opened! Now, the Grandkids and other family members run El Matador. They amaze me that some of them STILL remember me. It's always a GREAT honor to eat at the ElMatador. Not only is their food original Mexican food, the building is also original to the 50s AND the people really CARE!
First timer but we were with veterans who shared some history. Fun menu! Love that they've been in business so long through generations. Don't expect oversized portions - each item is fairly small and SO good. It was fun being able to try several items. We didn't mind the sound of the train across the street; the people at the bar were MUCH louder...We'll definitely be back, maybe try lunchtime.
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