El Matador Restaurant

- 680 NY-112, East Patchogue, NY 11772

For those in the New York metropolitan area craving an authentic and dynamic Spanish and Latin American dining experience, El Matador Restaurant in East Patchogue, Long Island, represents a true culinary gem. Proudly identifying as Latino-owned, this establishment is celebrated for offering a flavorful fusion of the best dishes from all over Spain, Central America, and South America. The restaurant is led by Executive Chef and Owner Juan Alvarado, who brings over 30 years of culinary expertise, ensuring every plate is an embodiment of homemade cooking elevated to a spectacular commercial level.

El Matador is more than just a place to eat; it's a warm, inviting environment where family and tradition blend seamlessly. Customers consistently praise the restaurant for its fresh, flavorful food and the genuine, attentive service provided by the staff, including co-owner Emily Alvarado and standout servers like Ingrid. The restaurant has successfully created a beautiful environment and atmosphere, often described as Casual, Cozy, Quiet, and Trendy, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings, group dinners, or a relaxing solo dining experience. It is a recognized establishment, having received accolades as a winner for the Best Latin American Restaurant by Best of Long Island, a testament to its commitment to quality.

The menu showcases a magnificent range, from authentic Spanish classics to beloved Latin American staples. Signature Spanish offerings include the magnificent Paella Valenciana—a colorful and hearty blend of clams, mussels, calamari, fish, chorizo, shrimp, and chicken, all cooked together with saffron rice. The Seafood section (Mariscos) is particularly rich, featuring dishes like Camarones Al Ajillo (five jumbo shrimps sautéed in a garlic sauce), Salmon Al Horno, and Cazuela De Mariscos. For meat lovers, the Carne Carnes section offers flavorful options such as Ropa Vieja and the grilled Sol, Mar, Y Tierra, which often includes skirt steak, shrimp, and chicken breast.

Beyond the Spanish influence, the menu embraces its broader Latin American heritage with popular items like Matador Fajitas, various Enchiladas, and hearty Combinations. The appetizers, or Picadillos, are a journey in themselves, featuring both Spanish classics like Gambas Al Ajillo and Latin American favorites such as Platano Relleno (sweet plantain stuffed with chicken and melted cheese) and crispy Tostones Con Pollo.

The beverage program is a significant highlight, with El Matador known for its creative and well-executed cocktails, especially its margaritas and mojitos. Whether you are looking for a simple lunch, a complex dinner, or just a place for happy hour drinks and small plates, El Matador provides a high-quality, memorable experience on Long Island.

El Matador Restaurant is conveniently situated at 680 NY-112, East Patchogue, NY 11772, USA, making it a highly accessible location for residents across Suffolk County and beyond. The restaurant’s position on a major roadway facilitates easy driving access for diners traveling from different parts of Long Island.

The commitment to guest comfort is evident in the comprehensive accessibility provisions offered by the business:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free parking is provided in a dedicated lot)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

For drivers, the availability of both a free parking lot and free street parking ensures a stress-free visit. Furthermore, El Matador welcomes well-behaved pets with a "Dogs allowed outside" policy, making the outdoor seating area a pleasant option for pet owners.

The restaurant provides a full spectrum of services designed to accommodate various dining needs and preferences, cementing its status as a versatile local favorite:

• Dining Experiences: Offers service for Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, with comfortable Seating and full Table Service.
• Private Events & Catering: Full Catering services are available, suitable for bringing the authentic flavors of El Matador to special events and gatherings.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient Service options include Takeout and local Delivery for enjoying meals at home.
• Onsite Bar: Features a dedicated Bar Onsite, serving an extensive range of offerings including Alcohol, Beer (Domestic and International), Hard Liquor, and an acclaimed selection of Wine and Cocktails.
• Happy Hour: Offers dedicated Happy Hour Drinks and Happy Hour Food specials, making it an excellent social destination.
• Reservations: The restaurant readily Accepts Reservations, a wise option, particularly for dinner and weekend dining, due to its popularity.
• Family Accommodations: Clearly "Good for kids," with High Chairs available and a dedicated Kids' Menu.
• Payments: Accepts all major payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

El Matador's appeal is driven by several distinctive features that elevate the dining experience for local New York users:

• Award-Winning Cuisine: Recognized as the Best of Long Island Latin American Restaurant, reflecting its commitment to quality and authentic flavors spanning Spanish and Latin American traditions.
• Exceptional Beverage Program: Highly praised for its "Great cocktails," including unique offerings like the Blackberry Lavender Margarita and Spicy Mango Margarita, alongside a strong selection of classic Sangrias and varied Wines (Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Pinot Grigio, etc.).
• Charming Outdoor Seating: Features a beautiful Outdoor Seating area, described in reviews as "very private and relaxing," which enhances the ambiance for dining, especially during warmer months.
• Ambiance and Comfort: The atmosphere is noted for being Casual, Cozy, and Quiet, suitable for different occasions, while also being "Trendy" with Bar Onsite, Restroom, and Wi-Fi access.
• Attentive Service: The staff, being a major highlight, is known for "Fast service" and outstanding attentiveness, with specific shout-outs from customers for personalized, informative service.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Caters to a broad audience with Comfort food, Healthy options, Vegetarian options, Quick bite items, and Small plates (Picadillos), ensuring there is something for everyone.
• Dessert Quality: Famous for its "Great dessert" selection, providing a perfect conclusion to the meal.

For reservations, inquiries about the menu, or catering details, please use the provided contact information:

Address: 680 NY-112, East Patchogue, NY 11772, USA

Phone: (631) 569-5082

Mobile Phone: +1 631-569-5082

El Matador Restaurant is unequivocally worth choosing for New York diners seeking a truly authentic, high-quality, and family-oriented Spanish and Latin American dining experience on Long Island. What truly sets El Matador apart is the passion and expertise of its owners and staff, which translates into dishes that are prepared with homemade sauces and the freshest ingredients, a fact that is immediately apparent in the taste of their offerings. The Executive Chef's commitment to home-style cooking, "elevated a little for that commercial level," ensures that every dish, from the signature Paella Valenciana to the delicious Chuleta Frita ($23.00), is both comforting and sophisticated.

The total dining environment is a major draw. The combination of a cozy, slightly trendy atmosphere, a highly-rated, private outdoor patio, and a vibrant bar known for its creative and perfectly crafted cocktails—including unique margaritas—makes El Matador ideal for any occasion. Patrons particularly appreciate the family-friendly nature, complete with a kids’ menu and high chairs, as well as the quick and excellent service, which a server may even enhance by explaining the entire menu. While some find the popular appetizer portions to be on the smaller side, the general consensus is that the overall experience, from the delicious main courses to the great desserts, is fantastic and highly recommendable. Choosing El Matador means choosing a local, Latino-owned gem that consistently delivers award-winning food and a genuinely warm welcome.

El Matador Restaurant

680 NY-112, East Patchogue, NY 11772, USA