Matador Mexican Bar and Grill making a go of it in Siloam Springs

People are talking about the new Matador Mexican Bar and Grill.

"This place is quick, great atmosphere with indoor and patio options," Manora N. posted on the Matador Facebook page. "The bar had wallet and taste bud friendly options."

Christina J. agreed.

"Awesome food and Amazing atmosphere, classiest place around for miles," she posted. "I thought it had reasonable prices and a full bar that's beautiful!"

Crystal N. chimed in on the social media thread.

"Great new place in town," she added. "The food was good, the drinks were fantastic and I love the atmosphere. Great place for groups."

All of these comments must make Erasmo Santillan, one of the Siloam Springs restaurant's owners, proud.

"I hear from customers that everything is really good," he said. "We recommend the steaks, fajitas, burritos and chimicangas."

Open for only a couple of months, Erasmo is pleased with the business and positive comments Matador is receiving.

Erasmo, a 23-year veteran of the restaurant business, wasn't always an owner. He paid his dues.

"I started as a dishwasher," he explained. "From there I became a manager and now I own a part of it."

Matador, a sister location to El Matadore in Fayetteville, serves up traditional Mexican cuisine in a casual and stylish atmosphere.

Erasmo, he said, does have his favorite menu items.

"I like the flavor of the T-bone steak," he said. "But some people like the ribeye better with the seasoning."

Mexican Flair

At Matador, Erasmo and his crew often serve up their steaks with a Mexican twist.

"We have ribeye and T-bone Steak Mexicano," he said. "It's cooked with onions, tomatoes and bell peppers. It's all cooked on the grill and served with rice and beans. We have a Steak Pequeño and it's a T-bone steak and comes with rice and beans and a salad on the side. You can choose with the steak of your choice."

Need something to wash down your dinner? Matador offers a full bar and a long list of specialty drinks.

"Our popular drinks are the margaritas," Erasmo said. "We make mango margaritas, Monster Margaritas and mojitos. We make a lot of mojitos"

Erasmo said that no matter your taste in cocktails, Matador's staff will work to accommodate you.

"We can make you a frozen drink with anything you like," he assured. "We can make them with strawberry, peaches, mango. We can do it. You name it and we will do it. We have a great staff and a really good bartender, too."

In addition to the full bar and specialty drinks, the restaurant offers a full beer selection including Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Dos Equis XX Amber and Dos Equis XX Lager on tap.

While an evening out with the adults is always fun, Matador is ready for families and welcomes kids.

"We invite every body to come in and we will do everything we can to make you happy," he said. "Just come in and try us. It's a family business and we love families. We have a children's menu with burritos and tacos. We have special kid's meal. We have a lot of choices for kids and on Tuesday kids eat free."

Kids are particularly fond of Matador's desserts offering including chimi-cheese cake, flan, sopapillas with ice cream and they are expanding their dessert menu.

Erasmo got serious when asked what the most important thing to remember is when making Mexican dishes.

"Pay attention to everything, buddy," he stressed. "You have to pay attention to what you are doing."

Good to know

Location: 2889 West Highway 412, Suite #10, Siloam Springs

Hours: Open daily from 11am -- 9pm

For reservations: (479) 373-1889

Get social: facebook.com/Matador-Mexican-Bar-And-Grill