A group of long-time, hard-core El Matador enthusiasts have made a pact to get this El Matador graphic, featuring the powerful bull and dancing matador, as a tattoo in order to immortalize the rich history and culture of the famed Decatur-based Mexican restaurant. 

According to recent reports, the old El Matador location has been turned into an Indian restaurant that was reported to be "Very Good!"

El Matador Closed...Again!

We aren't sure what happened this time, but El Matador has shut the doors again. This time there was no note in the door explaining why, so we would have to speculate as to the reason behind the latest closure. 

El Matador's Official Website is Up

We finally got word of El Matador's official website address. It is hosted at www.elmatadordecatur.com contrary to the You Tube video released in March (see older post).

Attention Pollo Zarappe Enthusiasts

If you voted for Pollo Zarappe in our "Favorite Dish" poll, pay attention to this. Pollo Zarappe is now called Gritona. Please take note next time you order.

Photo Credit: Tony Piraino

Liquor License Issued! Let the Tequila Flow!

The State of Illinois has issued El Matador their liquor license. The margaritas, and Dos Eques are ready to flow like water from the tap. 

"I don't always eat Mexican, but when I do, I do it at El Matador."

New El Matador Menu

Here is a copy of the new menu. This is the latest menu, but is not guaranteed to be accurate, as El Matador manages any menu and/or prices changes.

Content Credit: Nikki Cutler

FINALLY REOPENED!!!

As of May 19th El Matador is reopened. As late as Friday night 05/17 there was no sign of an opening, but as of Sunday the new El Matador has posted a "Now Open" sign and the doors are open.

Stay tuned for the latest news and information as we report it!

Photo credit: Stephen Zeller

Coke Truck Spotted at El Matador

The other day a Coca-Cola truck was spotted at El Matador possibly unloading equipment and product. This is a departure from the old El Matador business model which offered exclusively Pepsi products. We didn't get a chance to snap a photo but we did find this stock image of a custom low-rider Coca-Cola truck which only seemed appropriate, and was my best re-imagining of what it must have looked like.

Photo credit: Maximus_W / Foter.com / CC BY

Cinco De Mayo at El Matador...Maybe.

Cinco De Mayo is probably the most important event for a Mexican Restaurant. We suspect that it would be important for El Matador to be up and running full bore by then. If so, and also because we were told that doors would open by the end of march, we would suspect a soft opening any day now, with a full opening following shortly thereafter in order to have a fully oriented staff for the big Cinco De Mayo weekend.

However, we do not have access to the project schedule and are therefore unaware of what activities are on the critical path which is creating negative float to the target date, or what the current schedule finish date even is. We feel that this close to opening, that there may not be much opportunity to crash the timeline to improve on the estimated finish.

Photo credit: Esparta / Foter.com / CC BY

Liquor License Still Not Issued

One of our reporters ran a search on the state of Illinois liquor license web site and determined that as of yet, El Matador has not obtained its liquor license. You can't really blame them for not being opened yet, because without the ability to serve margaritas there is really no point in opening!

http://www.state.il.us/lcc/

UPDATE: 04/20/2013 - Still no sign of a liquor license listed on the site above. 

El Matador is Reopened! Just kidding!

We have a confirmed report that El Matador opened their doors Saturday evening 03/30/2013, fulfilling their commitment to be opened by the end of the month!

UPDATE:
This was apparently a cruel April Fools joke by one of our field reporters. Sadly, it is not yet open.

March 27th update

Today's update is there is no update. We are starting to question the end of the month target re-opening date.

Remodeled interior, in-progress.

Here are some shots of the new interior with some finishing touches still remaining. Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. No more carpet floors! Nice tile throughout. New booths. Also, I'm sad to see the large, heavy, custom carved, awkward chairs that always tip over are gone. Oh wait, I spotted one in the second picture. It is a green one! 

Talked to the Staff. Should open by end of month.

We have good news to report. We spoke with one of the El Matador staff today and he said they're just about finished, only waiting on the liquor license. Should be open by the end of this month at the latest! The establishment will be under new management.

Also inquired about the menu...

We're happy to report that Pollo Zarrape will be included! WITH chorizo option!
We forgot to inquire about chicken fajita quesadilla - lunch!

El Matador on You Tube and ElMatador.com

It looks like Yellowbook posted this video on behalf of El Matador to You Tube last Thursday 03/07/2013. Check it out!

I called the new number from the video, but there was no answer. I left a message requesting more information, but haven't gotten a call back yet. 

It also points to www.elmatador.com, but that web site doesn't appear to be built yet, as of today. 

Update 08/10/2013: See new post

Favorite Menu Items

What were your favorite menu items? Here are a few of our team's favorites.

Pollo Zarappe

Chicken Fajita Quesidilla - Lunch

Chimichanga
Tacos
Speedy Gonzales

Add your favorites in the comments below and vote on your favorite menu item in our poll on the right at the top of this page.

No Checks!!!

The old El Matador had some issues with bad check writers. These people would come and order their fajitas, and their burritos, and their pollo zarappes, eat the free chips and salsa; then write a bad check for their meals that would bounce. These bad checks used to be displayed as wallpaper around the cash register at the old El Matador as a stark reminder. Needless to say the old El Matador stopped accepting checks, so you can assume that this policy will be in place at the new El Matador! Cash or cards only. 

A great place to celebrate!

Whether it is a special event in your life or a business lunch, El Matador was a great place to celebrate.

El Matador could always accommodate our corporate events. New employees, job changes, promotions, or department lunches; were always handled with swift professionalism.

El Matador Wall Art