El Matador restaurant celebrates its 50th anniversary

Greg and Jana McConaughy have owned El Matador restaurant in Costa Mesa since 2005. The establishment first opened in 1966.

Greg and Jana McConaughy have owned El Matador restaurant in Costa Mesa since 2005. The establishment first opened in 1966.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

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Greg McConaughy prepares to open El Matador for lunch

Owner Greg McConaughy prepares to open El Matador for lunch on Tuesday.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

The carnitas platter at El Matador

The carnitas platter at El Matador in Costa Mesa.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

Costa Mesa's El Matador restaurant

Costa Mesa’s El Matador restaurant will celebrate 50 years in business on Thursday.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

Esmeralda Segoviano helps a customer

Esmeralda Segoviano helps a customer at El Matador in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

Chatting up patrons at the El Matador restaurant bar

Jana McConaughy, who owns El Matador restaurant with her husband, Greg, chats with Casey Weaver at the bar, which has more than 200 varieties of tequila.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)

Alex Prada prepares for the lunch rush

Alex Prada prepares for the lunch rush at El Matador in Costa Mesa on Tuesday.

  (Scott Smeltzer / Daily Pilot)