El Matador - Reservar uma mesa

As a long term existing restaurant, practically landmark status in Costa Mesa, it was OK overall, but I was expecting more. My dining experience started with a strawberry daiquiri, as I had not had one in years, and house chips and salsa.  The was no discernable taste of rum in the drink, but that wasn't terribly important on this visit as I didn't order it to get tipsy.  The chips were good and the salsa had the perfect amount of spiciness that would appeal to nearly all palates. Upon recommendation (the menu labeled it a staff pick), I ordered the pork carnitas plate.  The presentation was nice and perhaps that prematurely inflated my expectations.   The rice had good flavor and the beans were rich to the taste and topped with a generous portion of melted cheese.  The carnitas, however, was unimpressive as compared to what I've eaten at other places.  The meat was bland and tasted as though it needed a salt rub before cooking.  Likewise, at a different restaurant where this dish is a customer favorite (for comparison), they cook the carnitas with citrus that adds to the flavor while creating a caramelized crispy coating to the exterior of the cooked meat that is served.   In comparison, in both depth of flavor and texture, this carnitas plate was not special in any way.  I would not recommend it as I'm sure other items are probably better.  Disappointing as compared to expectations, but by no means a terrible dining experience.

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It was okay with all the experiences. We have a great reception. Our table was ready to get there at a great time. The salsa and chips they give you to start is delicious. I am currently pregnant for 5 months, so I have to order my Margarita virgin and it was delicious. We have steak, chicken and shrimp fajitas and they were great. However, the pages for a Mexican restaurant felt they bought department store. The rice was dry, I barely got beans and what I got was dry. The service began to leave when food came to the children. I understand a Mexican restaurant that doesn't order Americans, but kids also learn to eat.

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I would give this place 5 stars if it didn't take so long to get our food. We were there on Sunday night the wait for the table was only 20 minutes but the wait for the food was probably 40 minutes after we ordered (they did warn us at least). Food was excellent though! Service was good as well. Would def recommend eating here if you are in the area and have time to spare!

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If you get the right things, the food is decent. This is definitely not a traditional Mexican food. It's very American, which is not necessarily a bad thing when you're looking for it. Although the salsa was kind of sharp and that was very good. Just ask for extra if you are looking for and add it to your meal and you should be good!

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Tacos Al Carbon were delicious, rice and beans: amazing! Margaritas can be a bit stronger.

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