El Matador Restaurant — Restaurant in Town of Brookhaven

So where do I start when I went to a restaurant and actually had an absolute perfect meal.

Tonight my family and I went to El Matador in Patchogue. It's been a few months since I've been there and whenever I go I like to try different things tonight was no exception.

Let's start with alcohol, it was good tonight. I had something called a Michelada... I hope I'm spelling that correctly. It is a Mexican beer mixed with spicy hot sauce I'm guessing Mexican seasonings and tomato juice. I had absolutely never heard of it but asked the waitress what she recommended and that was her go-to. After she brought it and I drank most of it I said I hope it was a little bit spicier and she said that normally it is but they don't like to make things too spicy not knowing people can handle it. She said next time order it with spicy and she will make it spicier.

My wife had not one but two strawberry margaritas. Again the waitress recommended half sugar half salt rim and it was out of this world she said.

We started the meal with an appetizer. This appetizer was a stuffed plantain filled with cheese and chicken and it was just so good.

Kenny stepped outside of his comfort zone tonight. We are very proud of him because on his own he ordered a chicken fajita. It came in the sizzling plate and he actually put like real ingredients in it. I half expected him to dig through and just put chicken but there was a little bit of everything in it and it was absolutely beautiful.

Gabby got chicken Mexican street tacos. The tortillas look fresh and homemade and Gabby said they were on the thinner side so they were a little messy. My daughter does not care about getting messy so she thoroughly enjoyed them. A lot of times you worry about the chicken being dry but it was moist and flavorful and so good.

My wife ordered besito salvadoreno. Is it traditional Latin dish, grilled top sirloin steak served with a fried egg avocado chorizo sweet plantains and a side of rice and beans. The steak was cooked perfectly and the treat so had enough spice to be comfortable but not bland at all.

And my dish I left mine to last because there are so many things I want to tell you about this dish. Visually it was not the most colorful dish but taste wise the flavors exploded in my mouth. I had chuleta frita. Boneless pork chop 3 pan seared boneless pork chops sauteed and onions and a light brown sauce. I got a side salad and sweet plantains. Next time I order this dish I would probably forgo the salad and ask for double plantains. They are out of this world good. The light brown sauce I'm going to be honest and say I wish a loaf of crusty Italian bread came with. I would have stopped up every ounce of that sauce. It was so tasty. I don't know if that's an Italian thing alone or if people of Spanish heritage would do the same but oh my God it was amazing I had to restrain myself from picking up the bowl and drinking the sauce. It was...

I had the most wonderful experience at El Matador, a true culinary gem. From the moment I walked in, the vibrant and inviting atmosphere immediately set the tone for what would be an unforgettable dining journey. The service was impeccable, and the food? Simply out of this world.

The first time I visited, I tried the stuffed plantain, and it was extraordinary. The perfectly sweet and caramelized plantain was stuffed with tender shredded chicken, creating a beautiful balance of savory and sweet. As a lover of maduros, this dish hit every note for me. Alongside that, we ordered a picada with chicharrón, a dish bursting with bold, rich flavors. The crispy chicharrón paired with the other components of the picada made for a deliciously indulgent starter.

On another occasion, I attended a pairing dinner at El Matador, and it was truly an elevated dining experience. The complimentary lavender and vodka cocktail we received was refreshing and aromatic, setting the mood for the incredible dishes to follow. The potato soup was a standout—velvety, comforting, and perfectly seasoned. Then came the octopus taco, which was a revelation. The octopus was tender and charred to perfection, with layers of flavor in every bite. For the main course, the stuffed chicken with potato purée was cooked to perfection, showcasing a beautiful harmony of textures and flavors.

To finish the meal, the dessert was a tiramisu that was absolutely divine. It was creamy, perfectly sweet, and a delightful way to end such a memorable meal.

El Matador excels in every aspect—from the incredible food and drinks to the welcoming ambiance and attentive service. Each visit has been a celebration of creativity and flavor. If you’re looking for a place that serves exceptional dishes and provides an unforgettable dining experience, El Matador is it. Highly,...

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of dining at this hidden gem of a restaurant specializing in Spanish and Latin American cuisine. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly by the staff, setting the tone for an incredible dining experience. The highlight of our evening was undoubtedly the food. I ordered paella, which was an absolute masterpiece - bursting with flavors, the rice perfectly cooked, and the medley of fresh seafood and aromatic spices created a delightful symphony on my taste buds. My wife opted for the grouper dish, and it was equally impressive. The fish was cooked to perfection, tender and flaky, and the accompanying sauce was a harmonious blend of tangy and savory flavors. The presentation was impeccable as well. To complete our culinary adventure, we indulged in the milk cake for dessert. Moist, creamy, and with the right amount of sweetness, it was the perfect ending to our meal. Another thing worth mentioning is the exceptional customer service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our evening was flawless. They were knowledgeable about the menu, provided excellent recommendations, and catered to our every need with genuine warmth and professionalism. It's clear that they take great pride in their work and genuinely care about their customers' satisfaction. If you're seeking an authentic culinary journey through Spain and Latin America, look no further. This restaurant is an...