We’re big fans of Matador Cantina in Fullerton. It hits all of the marks for a great Mexican restaurant: ambiance, delicious food, and memorable drinks. With a great atmosphere coming from what could be the oldest building in historic downtown Fullerton, Matador features a warmly lit dining area, a lounge featuring century-old brick walls, intimate booths, and the longest bar in the city at 55 feet in length.
The menu, created by Executive Chef David Dennis, is a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine. We recommend the chile relleno with chicken, Oaxaca cheese, cream cheese, and green chiles stuffed in a tortilla-crusted poblano chile, served with a roasted tomatillo avocado salsa, rice and beans ($13); everyone’s favorite chorizo ravioli, with chipotle cream sauce and served with a small Caesar salad ($14) and of course the tacos de carne asada, carnitas o pollo, choice of two carne asada, carnitas or chicken tacos (soft or hard shell) with chopped lettuce, pico de gallo and cotija cheese ($11).
Matador also offers some of the best handcrafted cocktails in the area. Favorites on the menu include the irresistible and spicy Jalapeno Martini, Mango Dulce, and its signature Matador Margarita. All cocktails use only the finest liquors, fresh squeezed fruits, and house-made fusions. Mixoligist Ricky Yarnell keeps things fresh by creating seasonal cocktail menus.
Save room for dessert. Matador offers delicious chocolate enchiladas; a cookie fundido, chocolate cookie topped with a scoop of dolce de leche ice cream with fried cinnamon-sprinkled flour tortillas; and Chef Dennis’ family century old carrot cake recipe and through the holidays, an equally delicious pumpkin cake.
Matador Cantina is open for lunch, dinner, brunch and late night. Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday; and weekends from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Happy Hour is offered 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. 111 North Harbor Blvd. in Fullerton. 714.871.8226.
90th Anniversary? Wow!
von Hemert Interiors is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a sale through Sunday, Nov. 7 at its Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa locations. All home furnishing are reduced 25 to 50%, including Stickley furniture. Stop by the store and let the savings and designers inspire you! Choose from bedroom and dining room furniture, leather and upholstery sofas and sectionals, art, accessories and more.
Top furniture manufacturers include Baker, Century, Councill, Hancock & Moore, Theodore Alexander, Hickory Chair, Hickory White, Sligh, Italian Imports and much more! The entire collection can be viewed here.
345 N. Coast Hwy in Laguna Beach. 949.494.6551. 1595 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa. 949.642.2050.
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from the blog
- 11.19.25 – Uncle Fluffy Opens Soon at Triangle Square
- 11.19.25 – American Ballet Theatre’s ‘The Nutcracker’ Returns to Segerstrom Hall
- 11.17.25 – Thanksgiving Getaways: Where to Celebrate, Relax, and Feast in Southern California
- 11.17.25 – HAVEN Honors Taco Asylum with New Taco Tuesday Menu
- 11.17.25 – Costa Mesa Welcomes Sweetgreen’s New Sweetlane
- 11.17.25 – Sip, Savor, Repeat: Better Buzz Expands in Orange County
- 11.16.25 – A Thanksgiving to Savor at Allegretto Vineyard Resort
- 11.16.25 – The Nutcracker Returns to Irvine Barclay Theatre
- 11.13.25 – McG, Nancy Silverton, and Rick Caruso Team Up for Spacca Tutto at Palisades Village
- 11.13.25 – Philz Coffee Debuts Holiday Menu and Launches First-Ever Rewards Program
- 11.12.25 – Pendry Newport Beach Hosts Annual Chefsgiving Dinner
- 11.12.25 – Sip, Shop, and Give Back with HYPEACH and Working Wardrobes
- 11.08.25 – Shucked Musical Comedy Heads to Segerstrom Center November 11–23
- 11.05.25 – Dolly Parton’s Songs Come to Life with Pacific Symphony
- 11.05.25 – Savor the Season by the Sea at Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
- 11.04.25 – Ice at Santa Monica Returns for the Holidays
- 11.03.25 – ZAFFRE Fine Linens Celebrates Two Years in Costa Mesa
- 11.02.25 – North Italia Debuts Seasonal Fall + Winter Menu in Irvine and Beyond
- 10.30.25 – An Evening with John O’Hurley at The Lido
- 10.28.25 – Día de los Muertos Rooftop Brunch at Top of the V
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- 11.16.25 – HOTWORX Costa Mesa Courtyards Offers 24-Hour Infrared Sauna Workouts
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- 11.12.25 – Winter Fest OC Returns November 28 With Expanded Experiences
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- 11.02.25 – Super Irvine International Market Opens in Irvine
- 11.02.25 – Prime Pizza Opens First Orange County Location in Mission Viejo
- 10.30.25 – Zara Man Opens First U.S. Store at South Coast Plaza
- 10.27.25 – Jack Johnson Headlines Two-Night Coast Film & Music Benefit Concert
- 10.20.25 – Salt & Lime Modern Taqueria Brings Elevated Flavor to Costa Mesa
- 10.19.25 – Fall Fun at The District: Halloween Boo Bash and Cocktail Tour
- 10.16.25 – Luxury Wellness Meets Concierge Medicine at Coastal Wellness MD
- 10.16.25 – Chiang Rai Thai in Tustin Serves Up Michelin-Recognized Northern Thai Cuisine
- 10.16.25 – Chili Chutney Brings Authentic Afghan Cuisine to Lake Forest
- 10.15.25 – Tales of Wonder and Imagination: Alexander Shelley Leads Pacific Symphony in ‘Scheherazade’
- 10.14.25 – California Wine Festival Returns to Huntington Beach Oct. 17 - 18
- 10.08.25 – Newport Beach Film Festival Announces 2025 Honors
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