Discover the Finest Mexican Cuisine in Northwest Arkansas. For over a decade, El Matador has been a cherished gem in the NWA community, offering fresh, authentic Mexican dishes that delight the palate. With a menu brimming with beloved classics and enticing beverages, Matador has established itself as a go-to destination for both lunch and dinner.

In addition to our outstanding cuisine, we feature a full bar and a spacious patio complete with its own bar, where you can savor cold beers, cocktails, and our famous margaritas.

El Matador remains true to traditional Mexican cuisine, with a kitchen committed to using fresh ingredients and crafting made-from-scratch meals. “In all of the restaurants we operate, everything is prepared fresh,” explains Gonzalo Leon, the general manager of both Matador and Mexico Viejo.

Utilizing tried-and-true recipes and a dedicated, experienced staff, the restaurant consistently delivers high-quality food and service, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for quick and dependable visits.

Lunch specials are available daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering choices of seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or pork, all smothered in cheese.

Specialties include lunch-sized portions of dishes like huevos rancheros, fajitas, and the Burrito El Matador. Our lunch combos offer diners an assortment of options such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and enchiladas, most served with rice and beans and priced around $5-6.

Beyond the traditional favorites, the menu also features an array of house specialties, showcasing a diverse selection of chicken, beef, pork, vegetarian, and seafood offerings. Enjoy grilled tilapia tacos, shrimp ceviche, t-bone steak with ranchero sauce, chile verde, spinach enchiladas, and pollo loco.

Among the house specialties is the Wedington Special, which includes two sliced flank steaks accompanied by rice, cucumber salad, and a chile relleno—a fresh poblano pepper stuffed with cheese, fried, and topped with mole sauce.

The Dennis Special features a large flour tortilla filled with beef or chicken, onions, rice, beans, cilantro, white queso, and tomatillo salsa.

Chilaquiles Mexicanos consist of corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and ranchero sauce, crowned with queso, while the Cazuelada offers a family feast, including grilled shrimp, carne asada, chicken, and chorizo, paired with sides of pinto beans, rice, guacamole salad, and tortillas.

Taquitos Mexicanos are made from four corn tortillas wrapped around chicken or beef, deep-fried to a golden perfection. Pollo Borrego presents a grilled chicken breast topped with mushrooms and a zesty cream sauce.