El Matador is a popular restaurant in Ogden Utah. Chef Tony’s Mexican menu is one of the best in the city. The ambiance adds to the dining experience. Stucco walls, posters for bull fights, stone brick floors all serve to create the feeling of being in a Mexican cantina.
It is difficult to choose what to eat, everything on the menu is delicious. Different entree items offer combinations of enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. There are also menu items available with jumbo shrimp. Fajitas are a popular choice. If you stand in the lobby watching people leave, you will notice that they are all carrying to go boxes while smiling and laughing. This tells me two things, without even being seated and tasting the food. First, the portions are large enough that most people take some with them because they can’t finish it all. Second, people have had a good dining experience and are happy as they leave.
Prepare to wait for a table if you go on Friday or Saturday night. There is always a list. El Matador does not take reservations. It is first come, first serve. The wait is not usually more than about thirty minutes and is often less that that. However, if you have a large group, it may be longer. You can take a seat in the cantina area while you wait and have a drink.
If you are looking for a quiet dinner, visit on a week night. El Matador is typically filled to capacity on weekends, there will be typical crowd noise. If you are celebrating a birthday or other special event, El Matador has a unique twist on the staff singing “Happy Birthday. They will ask the other customers to join in on the song.
El Matador does offer takeout. Just call in your order and pick it up. Their unique salsa is also available for purchase in pint containers. I highly recommend buying some and taking it home. The enchilada sauce is available to take home as well.
El Matador is casual dress. It is more like come as you are. I have seen people wearing t-shirts and jeans waiting for tables along side people wearing prom dresses or business suits. Everyone is welcome. It is a great place for a special occasion, a date, or a family outing. My husband and I go to El Matador nearly once a week for our “date night.”
One thing to keep in mind when you visit El Matador: They do not accept credit cards or debit cards. They accept cash or checks. An ATM is available in the lobby if you forget. The staff treats everyone like a friend. I have never encountered an unpleasant staff member at El Matador.
From the first time you walk through the front door until you leave, everyone is part of the El Matador family. Everyone is welcome. The service and food are both top notch.
El Matador is located on the corner of 26th street and Ogden Avenue. Whether you live in Ogden or are just visiting, make sure you stop in and enjoy the experience. I guarantee, you will want to come back.
