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
- 02.11.25 – Valentine’s Weekend at Triangle Square: Dining, Dancing & Celebration
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