The Matador — Restaurant in Calumet Township

Stopped in here on a Monday, we were in town visiting my grandmother. It was my elderly grandmother, her friend, me, my husband, and our 1 year old. It was empty and there was one waitress who was incredibly high. She was confused, didn't know what was happening, and after bringing a random assortment of glasses of water, disappeared never to be seen again. There was a "band practice" happening intermittently in the other room. The owner(?) had to screw in a light bulb above us to let us see the menu. After ordering two small specialty pizzas, and my grandmother and her friend ordering chicken marsala (all of which was on the very small "limited menu") the cook/owner came out to say that only one person could have the chicken marsala "it's a chicken issue" and that the only other things that could replace it was spaghetti or a burger.

At this point, all of this was something we were willing to excuse. We understand the limitations of a very small town in covid. What was pretty unacceptable was that we noticed that someone had clearly dropped and shattered a large glass pitcher just behind our table and there were LARGE hunks of glass as well as many small shards all over the floor. We had been walking our baby around while we waited on food and I'm astonished that she didn't get injured, as when I went to pick up pieces of glass, there were shards all over the area we had been walking with her.

I picked up the pieces and set them on the bar top, because I thought I'd be able to let the owner or waitress know. But they remained in the kitchen for another half hour. By that time, it had been an hour since we ordered and it was insanely hot in the building. We opted to leave. The owner came out as we were leaving to ask if we wanted our food to go.

When we informed him of the issues, we received no apology, no sense of shock or dismay that there was a slew of glass all over his floors. Just a suspicious stare and an "ok"

I'm not sure how far the excuse of "we don't have enough help" goes if you're going to stay open late and be surprised when you get customers. If you have a limited menu, prep the items ahead so that you can have them out hot within short time frame. And when someone drops a large glass pitcher on the floor, turn on the lights so that you can clean...

Growing up in an Italian family, I have been exposed to Italian food, and the true meaning of sharing a meal. This restaurant brought me home. The Owner makes the best of what is available on the tiny peninsula, giving a unique variety to the area, as well as doing the best to make you feel welcome, and even supporting local artists. Considering the obstacles of available local staffing, ingredients, and supplies, this is by far the best restaurant within this area. I hold high regards to the Owner for holding it all together as long as they have, while juggling the burden of starting up shortly before the pandemic. They are very skilled in their dishes and presentation, and offer fantastic authentic and even unique selection. True art.

I have loved every one of them.

Thank you for every meal, every smile on mine and my son's when we left, and for keeping your dream alive and sharing it with the community and people who visit.

*Those who have left negative reviews must have had a lack of cultural exposure, and/or not care to understand the local and world wide struggles in the...

Take out: ordered the meat lovers and garlic parmesan wings, so I thought and the receipt showed it. But for over $50 we received a Cheese pizza with 7 pepperoni and 4 pcs of ham with 5 chunks of hamburger. Where's the Meat?? 🧐🧐😳😲. No wings, we got a crumb battered chicken patty cut into slices, this was so ridiculously funny this man doesn't know his chicken parts. A disgrace to restaurant chefs everywhere. Taste was disgusting. If you don't have bone in wings. Just say you don't have wings instead of disguising a chicken patty: Note, that is not a boneless wing as you called it. Never ever Again....check your orders don't trust this ridiculously priced chicken patty cook....