Oldest Mexican Restaurant in South Carolina
El Matador Mexican Restaurant is located in an old rock house on Wade Hampton Boulevard. It celebrates the Greenville landscape, and for our beloved customers & devoted food lovers, this is a place like no other. When you talk through our front doors, you’ll be greeted with southern hospitality & the owner may even know your name. We are popular for our scratch-made daily fresh sauces, Chili Rellenos, & margaritas. Visit us for the sense of belonging over 50 years in the business brings.
El Matador opened in 1968 with a Mexican-inspired menu and a blend of Spanish goodness. Today, we take pride as the first Mexican restaurant in South Carolina, founded by The Stockwell Family. Our kitchen continues to churn out Tex-Mex-inspired favorites and traditional cuisine for a multi-generation clientele.
Down the Culinary Lane
Over half a century later, EL Matador retains the Greenville tradition of other long-running local restaurants in the area, eliciting stories of first dates, family dinners, and times of the past. There are plenty of nights we have 4 generations of a family seated together for memorable dinner celebrations. We have retained our family-owned business, packing 100 seats with little advertising.
David is the youngest son of the original owners, Dee & Brian Stockwell. He has worked for his family since his teens for the longevity of El Matador and its future. Dinner time is often met with his presence. David greets almost everyone who enters El Matador. His wife, Dana & daughter Ava, are often there to lend a hand.
“In today’s life there are a lot of distractions,” said D.J Rama, president of Auro Hotels and a long-time loyal El Matador customer. “David has stayed true to himself. He is an incredible individual that is THE RESTAURANT. So, he is the soul for that restaurant.”
Enjoy Your Meal With Us
David pays attention to the little details of almost every customer. From making sure tables seated on the patio with their dogs have water bowls to making sure a “pop the question” special date goes off without a hitch, it's all part of the experience of dining at El Matador. “The middle of the restaurant, when its super busy, there’s a waiting line, the blender is going, the oven is opening & closing and guests are walking around everywhere, that’s when I’m in my element.”
Come enjoy exceptional culinary skills that celebrate the exotic flavors of Mexico. Orders are made fresh using the finest ingredients. Be a part of the El Matador family’s story.