I was grateful to have this restaurant within walking distance from my hotel, although crossing Lafayette was a problem as it is not great for pedestrians. There was no greeting when I entered. The young person at the front desk had to pull themself away from their phone to seat me. Chips and salsa were delivered quickly and my server came along in another minute to take my order. She left me alone after that, but was friendly and seemed to be keeping an eye on things. The food was standard. I had enchiladas verdes. Arrived scalding hot but were cold by the time I finished them. Rice, beans, and a pile of shredded lettuce with sour cream on top for sides. I thought the salsa had some heat but not so much I couldn't eat it. The chips were nothing special but plentiful. I got what I came for and it was a pleasant hour or so. read more

They had authentic Mexican dishes, such as Molè and I loved it! The service was OK, but I wasn't there for great service. I was there for great food. And I got it. read more

Close to home. Never loved it or hated it. Tonight, food was mediocre, waiter was ok, but hostess/cashier was awful! She was very unfriendly, no smiles, and didn't say "thank you" to me or any of the four people in front of me paying. My other half called her out on her attitude and she was dumbfounded. No response. We will NOT be back. We will go elsewhere where our business is appreciated. read more

Food is great here! I love this place..very nice and clean! I come here with my family ALL the time will recommend!

The service was horrible. The server tried rushing us out the door 10 mins after we got our food. I don't know the servers name she is a bigger girl with some little tattoos on her arms and glasses but she needs to be removed or retrained. Also pretty sure the beans are bad cause they smelled awful. read more

Located on Lafayette near Battlefield, they have a good location with decent parking. From the outside it looks like a typical Mexican restaurant. You come into a small waiting area with the cash register, so it can get a little crowded working your way into the dining area through the line waiting to pay. Inside looks like a typical Mexican restaurant. Seating includes a mix of tables and booths. Decor is traditional, with a TV screen against one wall. Salsa and chips were brought to our table fairly quickly. The chips are standard from a bin. They were not warmed. The salsa comes in a small decanter. I think they fill them the night before and leave them in the refrigerator. The first pour into the bowl was thick, but had liquid separated out. The next pour was more uniform. Flavor is nice but no heat. Cilantro is evident along with onion pieces, but the rest is a smooth puree. Pretty average. We ordered two items from the vegetarian menu for a change of pace. The chimichanga Santa Fe was a good size and came with rice and refried beans. It also had a "salad" consisting of shredded iceberg lettuce, 1/2 slice tomato, and sour cream. It started out nice with a grilled flavor, possibly from the zucchini, but then sort of faded away. There was nothing wrong with it, but vegetarian does not mean bland. The vegetarian combo #4 was a chalupa, quesadilla, and tostaguac. It was a nice variety, but again rather bland. Service was quick and efficient. Our water was not refilled, but I didn't empty mine either. The waiter was was attentive but not obtrusive. Certainly nothing to complain about. Overall, this is a typical Mexican restaurant. There was nothing wrong with it, but nothing made out stand out either. read more

See all

The last time I went in there to dine, I was by myself. Usually my husband and I went together. Anyway they weren't very busy. I sat in a booth. I sat there at least 20 minutes and no one came to my booth, no water, flatware no server. It's like I was invisible. I was very embarrassed to be ignored like that. I don't know why I was treated this way but I haven't been back since then and I will never go back there. They aren't the only Mexican restaurant in town. There are two wonderful Mexican restaurants in town and I dine at one of those. I don't even know why I went that time, their food had started tasting like a heated up TV dinner. read more

The absolute worst service we have ever had in a restaurant. It took so long to get waited on we were getting ready to leave, and my husband told the lady in a nice way we were fixing to leave, she didn't say anything. She brought us our drink order and never came back, but she was waiting on other tables, one wait or came and took our order another guy brought our cold food. We never got drink refills, more salsa chips nothing, not even the check. So then the table next to us stood up to leave and the "lady" told me she paid for our order, we were terrible people and that we better leave the female waitress a good tip... So this girl must have been talking about us to the other customers, I asked for the manager, no manager on duty I was told to call on Saturday, I called they said they don't have a manager on the weekends, I need to call on Monday but she never has time to come to the phone. That was our first and last trip there, not sure if the food was any good ,I feed it to my dog, but the service is awful. read more

Their shrimp taco salad is amazing, as well as their cheese dip. Decent margaritas and the low lighting make it a cozy place for lunch or supper read more

The food here is always so good. I've never had a bad thing here and I usually stick to favorites when eating at a new (to me) Mexican place. read more

Absolutely horrible! I'm stuck at home and ordered dinner delivered. I get my food and its inedible!! I ordered steak fajitas, it should have been called pepper and onion fajita bc there was very little steak and the few pieces that was there was so burnt they were inedible. There was no chips and salsa with the meal. There was grease dripping from the plate and there was absolutely no spice or seasoning. I will never eat at this disgusting place again! read more

El Matador Mexican Restaurant - The burnt piece of steak that was completely inedible. - Mexican Near Me - Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

See all

They have been around a loooong time. They do a very fine job with their menu, their service was spot on, the place is clean, the prices a modest, and we we're seated fast! read more

El Matador Mexican Restaurant - The front eating area. - Mexican Near Me - Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

Wasn't terrible, just wasn't great. I ordered a rib-eye steak and I wasn't even asked how I wanted it done. It was really chewy and dry, and just didn't feel worth it. read more

Don't waste your time or money. Hostess rude, food greasy and the wait stall nonexistent. Worst restaurant in Fort O.

We've been here a number of times, and it's always good. That's why we returned tonight. This time, however, I didn't make it past the hostess stand, as the staff seemed inconvenienced by our mere presence. I'm glad your restaurant survived through the pandemic. We did our part to support you over the last, difficult year, but I'm afraid that we're done. Good luck read more

Sucks! Sorry for the strong language, but it does. I know people who like this place, but I honestly don't know why. I've never had good service when I've eaten there. There are good waiters, but it's hit or miss. I haven't eaten there in a while, so I can't really give details. On the food, it's not that bad, but there are a few things that really turn me off. First, the salsa has way too much cilantro for my taste. I realize a lot of people like it, but it's just too much for me. One dish I usually like is Chile Relleno. Here, they bread it. I don't know if that's right or wrong, but the execution is weird. It's kinda spongy and blah tasting. I've had a couple things there that are pretty good, but it's just not worth my money. read more

I have eaten at El Matador many times over the years and have not been disappointed. Is it the "best" Mexican restaurant in the Chattanooga area? I am not sure I would necessarily say that but the food is typically very good and prepared well. The staff and owners have always been very nice to me and do a great job. One of my favorite things to order are the charro beans. Not sure they are listed on the menu but they typically have them available and are very good. So, if you are looking for a good place to eat in the Ft. Oglethorpe area ~ check out El Matador. read more

El Matador Mexican Restaurant - Charro Beans at El Matador. They are great! - Mexican Near Me - Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia

We have never had a bad meal here. The service is good, not wonderful but good. The food more than makes up for it. I lived in TX for 25 years and am very picky about Mexican food. This is some of the best I have had here. read more

We got chimichangas it said it was a flour tortilla with your choice of meat served with rice and beans yet we got it LOADED with onions and bell peppers read more

The food was fresh and made to order. Portions were a good value for the price! The drinks were a little weak. The wait staff left alot to be desired in the communication and checking back department. read more

See all

Best Mexican I have found in the Chattanooga area and some dishes are authentic instead of just blanded down to American palates. Prices are also some of the best I've seen. This has replaced Amigos as our fave Mexican. read more

I personally know the owner and the manager. They're probably the most hard working people I've ever met and are always trying to make better of their restaurant. Already I may sound biased, but I'm sincerely not. The food here is fantastic and served large enough to where I generally bring half the plate home. The waiters/waitresses are quick to order, to refill, to check on how you're doing, and on bringing the check. While I find everything I've ever ordered to be fantastic, nothing beats the chip sauce. It's so fresh and authentic. I can never have enough. read more

Made a to go order and when we got home only one portion of our 3 meals was correct. I called to talk to a manger and Carlos said he would be the one to speak to. I told him what we ordered and he said my husband was lying to me about what he ordered. On top of this they charged extra for the chips and salsa which should come with all meals. Any good Mexican restaurant does that. They WILL NEVER GET MY MONEY AGAIN AND I WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW IN TENN. AND GA HOW WE WERE TREATED, AND HOW THE FOOD WAS WRONG AND WHAT WE DID GET TASTED LIKE SHIT read more

We ate here after leaving Lake Winnie. The service was great and the food was good. I would like it with a little more flavor, but my guess is they cater to the local taste. This is rural Georgia. Only negative was they aren't allowed to serve alcohol on Sunday, but that is not their fault. read more

Out of all of the chicano places to eat.... Hands down fast, friendly and cute guys... Lol.

I love the food at this place, but will not eat here anymore because they make the waiters take turns and they only have 3 good waiters. If you get stuck with one of the slackers it does not make it worth your time to eat here. I even tried requesting a waiter and the owners said no...so I said no more business. They need to rethink the way they run this and maybe I would go back because the food is not bad. read more

Not clear any food is made on premises rather than simply heated, but the food was good and they did not charge for and improperly prepared Chimichanga. Good service. read more

I believe every server has done exactly what I want and expect. I am not one who wants a server to hover over them and the nature of most the male servers is not to hover. Ask for something and you will get it. Ask nicely and you get even more. Worth the business. read more

HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! Order several simple meals to go and after picking them up all were wrong but one. Did not get the flour tortillas with a fajitas meal. When we called back to ask if we could get a refund they offered a free bean dip if we came back. After we drove 25 miles to get there. Heck no we won't go back. Thanks a lot Carlos! read more

This restaurant disgusts me. They refused a military veteran with a licensed service dog because of his dog. These people do not deserve your time and service. The food is mediocre too. read more

The service was great and the food was excellent! Most Mexican restaurants that I have eaten at were bland to say the least but not here..I had the Chicken burrito with pepper, onions etc. took up the whole plate. I will eat here again. Highly recommend. Great price. Next time I will have a margarita. read more

Visited here last night for the first time.. I had the carnitas plate, loved the food, atmosphere & service, nothing disappointed me. This is the first mexican restaurant I've found out here in 5 years that reminds me of So.Cal.. I'll be coming back often. read more