El Matador Authentic restaurant — Restaurant in Irwindale

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 location has 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 and that was above average and very fair.

Overall, the portions are above average and the food is cooked pretty much right down the middle. I am certain this is on purpose to remain appealing to the mass audience.

The place could use a management visit to smoothen out some of the rough edges, like the out of order fountain machine, and the stacked tables and chairs out front, as well 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 around for over 25 years, a okay place to cruise into for a...

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. I headed there during my lunch hour after I called in my order ahead. The place is small but clean and it wasn't too crowded. I can only speak for what I ate, the side of rice that comes with the soup is flavorful and well seasoned. The tortilla chips were warm and tasted like if they had just been made. The caldo de pollo "chicken and vegetable soup" was very well balanced, the chicken tasted fresh, the vegetables were fresh and cut in large pieces to scoop onto your spoon, it was as if my parents made me soup at home. I highly recommend this restaurant and immediately came into the office and told everyone about it. Needless to say, the caldo de pollo instantly made me...

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. I ordered the burrito a la Diabla and my co-worker the al pastor wet burrito. My friend really enjoyed his burrito, but mine was just ok. I really expected it the be spicier and there wasn’t a lot of meat. Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the food, but I do intend to go back soon as Mexican is one of my faves and they have a really good salsa bar...