El Matador Mexican Restaurant

Sat immediately since it was empty. About 7pm Saturday night. After sitting we waited 20 mins to get our order taken. Another 2 people came in so now it was 4 people in the restaurant. Took another 20 mins to get drinks. Another 20 for food. When we finally got our food, the waitress brought us an extra serving of tostadas when we asked for one. As she was placing them down I explained to her we didn’t want this extra order and we just wanted the food we had she called over the older waitress and she rudely explained to my elderly guest that she was going to have to keep the food since it was already prepared and on the table for her and then turned away. Food was good. Check came quick. Situation was uncomfortable so I payed for that extra order and left.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 2

My initial review was 5 stars, and while the food is still delicious with great flavor, their portions have decreased. Their loaded nachos were the best, use to fill the container to the top. Now, it’s half the portion with barely any ground beef. Their Tacos Dorados platter with rice and beans only comes with 3 tacos, not 5 tacos as depicted in the menu’s photo, which is a bit misleading. I really love their food though, I guess my only complaint is I’m not getting enough of it 🥹 I understand the current inflation requires our favorite restaurants to increase prices, I hope they don’t ever compromise quality and portion.

Food: 4

Service: 4

Best tamales ever!!!! I liked the shrimp diabala they were awesome looking forward to going again and eating there. I feel welcomed there and in a calm environment. Perfect place to eat and enjoy. Best food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tres Leches Cake, Rice and Beans, Shrimp a La Mexicana

A family go-to. Large portions, fair prices and delicious food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I stumbled upon this restaurant while studying at Shake and Pour bartending school down the road. It’s turned into my weekly spot before class starts, and the food never disappoints. The portions are great with affordable options on the menu. The food isn’t greasy (sometimes an issue with some Hispanic cuisine) and it’s all super fresh. My go-to is the chicken taco platter with tres leches for dessert. The servers are very attentive, even if you choose to sit outdoors. I will be coming back, even when my class ends!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Small, cozy, traditional Mexican restaurant with outdoor dining. We eat here at least once or twice a month and have never had anything that was not delicious. We are slowly working our way through the menu. Large portions which they will spice to your desired level. Our favorites are the Tamales, Tortas and Sopas. Their homemade Horchata is fresh & delicious and you will not be able to have just one! Staff are friendly and attentive.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

El Matador is a gem of a Mexican restaurant in Montclair—authentic, flavorful, and refreshingly affordable. The food is consistently excellent, with generous portions and a great variety of classic dishes done right. What really stands out, though, is the warm and attentive service. The staff goes out of their way to make you feel welcome and well taken care of.

The outdoor seating area is charming and well-maintained, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or a lively dinner with friends. It strikes just the right balance between casual and festive.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for delicious Mexican food, reasonable prices, and great hospitality.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was marvelous, it was quite exquisite in flavor. The tamale tasted delicious, as it made me revel at how great it was. The quesadillas were one of the highlights of my visit, as they tasted better than the average Chevy's experience. This restaurant definitely outclasses Chevy's in every way possible. The dessert was the best, as the Tres Leches cake was sweet, and had the perfect amount of milk and chocolate sprinkled over it. Its consistency was fresh, and evident that it was made there at the moment.
The service was great, and it was a very welcoming environment. It's a very well-developed family business. It is a pleasant, welcoming place to go for a meal, whether it be lunch or dinner. The waiter was quick and understanding. He was very approachable as well. I highly recommend that you try and stop by to dine in.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is fantastic and inexpensive (big portions!). The staff is super friendly, polite and efficient. I cannot get enough of the Tinga Tostadas! This is our new hands-down Mexican place in town. So much better and more interesting than Tinga (and we like Tinga and have ordered there for years!).

I love it! Delicious food and drinks.Extraordinary service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Carne Asada, Chips, Fajitas, Street Tacos, Shrimp a La Mexicana, Churros, Grilled Chicken Platter, Taco Platter, Shawarma

The best Mexican food ever seriously amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fajitas, Street Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Taco Platter

Ordered 2 chips&guac and 2elote locos both chips were very stale and hard could barely bite them. Guacamole was good but not for 10$ and the elotes had no mayo

Food: 2

This place has been consistent! Always get the Nachos, Tamale, Tacos Doraods, and Ground Beef Quesadillas! Super fast delivery!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food was Terrible 😞. The carne azada was no so good 😊 on The chilaquiles. The chicken was old. The guacamole 🥑 also wasn’t fresh. The chips are all stale. I came from New York and my experience was not pleasant to my palate.

This is just my review for the burrito. Cant believe I was eating the half of it and couldn’t feel any meat yet. All it was was a rice from yesterday burrito. Flavorless and watery. All that for 11 dollars. Tbh I rather go to Taco Bell and have a better burrito there than in this place.

Food: 1