El Matador Cafe in Kansas

"I've been eating here since 1972. That's 3 generations of the Reyes family's cooking. It has never changed, still the same delicious home cooked Mexican food I grew up with and missed the entire 34 years we were away. Our favorite Mexican Restaurant. Nicest folks around. Thanks Raquel for keeping it going."

"This is the oldest restaurant in Lawrence. It's still owned and operated by the original family. Food is just as good today as it when I was a little girl. Lots of Lawrence nastolgia on the menu. Wonderful authentic Mexican food at an affordable price. Everything is cooked fresh when you order, so don't expect to get your food as fast as Taco Bell when they are busy. But, during the week, it's pretty quick and Friday is lunch buffet. They are only open for dinner the rest of the week except closed on Sunday and Monday. They have a dinner buffet on the 1st Saturday of the month, also."

"The best of the best real Mexican restaurant! They don’t change the recipes. They keep the original. Sometimes we have to wait, which is ok because they don’t hurry and compromise on the flavor. Always plenty of chips if we have to wait. They do not smother everything with cheese. Really good hot sauce, and the best beans I have ever tasted. I never get tired of going to the El Matador."

"Very unique place. We visited on Friday for lunch which is buffet only. It was good authentic Mexican food."

"First timer but we were with veterans who shared some history. Fun menu! Love that they've been in business so long through generations. Don't expect oversized portions - each item is fairly small and SO good. It was fun being able to try several items. We didn't mind the sound of the train across the street; the people at the bar were MUCH louder... We'll definitely be back, maybe try lunchtime."

"Many years since we have been here. Love the new bar area and extended seating areas. Huge menu at reasonable prices. Good margaritas!"

"I love El Matador and the Bullpen when they open for Northside Social. The person that complained about it not being a real restaurant is because they are currently remodeling and only have the Bullpen open. Very affordable food and margaritas, the spicy margarita is the best. Great North Lawrence mainstay."

"My last visit was 1964. My parents visited when I was a Freshman at KU. My father was very critical of substandard meals but he loved the food here and we returned several times. The current owners can be proud of their traditions. I ordered one of the "named" specialties that included several samples items. I enjoyed them all as well as a Margarita. I'll be back much sooner next time!"