by Nick Coons

As soon as you enter this restaurant, you feel like you leave the crowded closed-in feeling of downtown Phoenix and escape to someplace that's, well, not downtown Phoenix. My first thought is that this is probably the single largest room I've seen in the area. It just doesn't fit, and it's a nice escape.

El Matador can accommodate a very large or very small group of people, and seating is prompt. Two types of salsas are brought to the table -- One mild and slightly bitter, the other hotter and sweet. They work best when eaten together.

The menu selection was quite large, though the service on two occasions was nothing spectacular. One thing that did catch my attention, however, was that the meats are flavored very well with the perfect spices and very juicy.

El Matador is located at 125 E. Adams in Phoenix.

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