Matador
(206) 297-2855
2221 NW Market St
Seattle,
WA
98107
47.6686
-122.3851
Neighborhoods: Adams, Ballard
Last updated 4.01.09
What People Are Saying About Matador
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
A longhorn skull above the main bar, lavish metal artifacts on the walls and antique light fixtures hanging from the ceiling give this small triangular room a big dose of character. But it's the centerpiece--a semicircular bar surrounding a massive flume-covered fire pit--that attracts the most attention. The atmosphere feels just right for clientele that is well-dressed and includes employees from other area establishments.
The Draw
Wine and beer are offered, but icy margaritas and perfectly stiff well drinks are the popular sips. The pan-seared sea scallops and Tex-Mex spring rolls make fine starters, but the goat cheese-stuffed jalapenos wrapped with bacon really get the taste buds going. Main course must-tries include carne asada and ancho-chipotle baby back ribs, both of which come with roasted garlic-and-onion mashed potatoes and sauteed corn and leeks. Those in search of variety can choose from any of the numerous taco and enchilada combinations.
User Reviews
lproper
March 27, 2009
I've only been to the Matador twice, but my husband's and my experience there has been completely different than a number of their reviews. Both times we've said during dinner how great their service is - and it really has been...as nice as Crow, imho, and I love Crow. I can't vouch for the mixed drinks, my husband drinks Bacardis and Cokes which are pretty tough to screw up and I have the Dos Equis Amber on tap with two limes which is hard to screw up too. The comments on their food being so-so I definitely don't agree with.....both times I had veggie enchiladas and they were delicious. Especially the Enchiladas Picante....mmm...yum! So I guess I'd say to go and try it once for yourself and see what you think.
read full review
Anonymous
September 19, 2008
This place is a treat to eat in on a summer evening. Great amber chandeliers, outside seating, wrought iron decor. The food is good (not terrific). But, it's a real social hot spot.
read full review
Alexandrea
September 10, 2008
Although the Matador has a hip, cool, antique, Mexican feel to it, the ambiance can't make up for the fact that the bartenders make some of the worst drinks in town. Specialty drinks like Mojitos are OK, but any standard bar drinks are less than satisfactory. I consider a Margarita a standard bar drink, and you can usually judge a bartender by the margarita he/she mixes (especially in a Latin-vibed place). The margaritas my friends and I had were the most watered down, tasteless, and boring we have ever drunk. One guy in my party even sent his back- only to receive the same thing. They were like watery limeade! Oh, and when he did this, the waitress got a little lippy with him. He said, "I'm pretty sure there is barely any tequila in this." She replied, "I'm pretty much sure there is." Kinda snotty especially to a man who was probably about 40 years older than she was. We also had some typical drinks like rum and cokes, and bourbon presses, which had absolutely no effervesence- all the guns must have been broken. We kind of experimented through the night with different drinks and they all pretty much sucked, even the mojitos seemed watery. The appetizers were so so, but what is a happy hour without happy hour drinks? The only thing "Happy Hour" is the food. There are no "Happy Hour" drink deals. Don't bother fighting the crowds. Go get a good margarita at the Chupacabra on Phinny Ridge!!
read full reviewThe Details on Matador
When to Go:
The Matador's happy hours (4pm-6pm and 10pm-1am) make it a great place to dine before or after visiting one of Ballard's music venues.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Travelers Check
