The Matador
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 297-2855
- Cross Street:
- Ballard Avenue
- Specialties:
- Happy Hour
- Best of Citysearch:
- Over-30s Singles Scene 2008, Singles Scene 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 4pm-2am , Sat-Sun 11am-2am
Editorial Review for The Matador – by Scott Resch
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.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoThe 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.
User Reviews for The Matador
06/22/2008 Posted by rookie_food_critic
I saw several reviews regarding bad service at the Matador, so I decided to write about my good experience there. We went on a Sat night around 9:00 and got seating within 15 minutes. The service was not the best, but we had no complaints either. Our drinks were brought within 5 minutes and appetizers within 15 minutes. The food was also very good. I highly recommend the vegetarian enchiladas... very flavorful and tasty. As the bar got crowded, the drinks were coming a little slower but our waitress apologized for it. Overall, it was a good experience and I wish we had more of such places in Seattle.
Pros: Food, drinks
Cons: Parking... it is rough during weekends
06/01/2008 Posted by MissStacyE
I went to this bar with a group of six people who often frequent local bars with me, and we have never been so disappointed and put off by a place like we were in the Matador. The waitresses were SO miserable, and could not bring themselves to even force a half grin when faced with KINDNESS. We waited patiently for a table in a small, cramped corner, and every waitress who walked by would rudely yell at my friends, such as "Get the hell out of our way!" Literally. Great business, guys! Bartenders - three of them, and each one said they'd be right back to get me a drink, and all three of them failed to remember me as they were too occupied serving the mixture of cougars and half-lidded burnt out frat boys littering the bar. Finally, my friend receives his order of nachos and asks politely for extra napkins, to which the miserable waitress told us to deal. Seriously? It was like the twilight zone. This is coming from a book nerd and a crop of corporate nobodies, it's not like we were wildly and trashing the place. I would not recommend this bar to anyone, unless of course you enjoy being slapped in the face with blatant rudeness.
Pros: Location
Cons: Service in all aspects. Crowd - nauseatingly hollow. Uncomfortable, big wait time, no space to mingle
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