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
04/08/2008 Posted by Sasha04
I haven't been recently, but it sounds like the service has gone downhill. It wasn't really that great when I'd been before but I have to say that their happy hour menu was really, really, really good! And cheap! My favorite were the shrimp tacos, they are so good!
03/03/2008 Posted by fishilips
Forget getting anything, service, help from others, food...you name it don't count on it! A group of three went down on a not so busy Sat night, expecting more people to join us. While waiting for a table we ordered drinks at the bar. We moved to the table, and with 5 menus (no food), and half full drinks our idiot of a waitress asked if we wanted more drinks...no mention of food. And don't count on anyone else helping you, you must order from your waitress. Little did we know she would stop by no more than every 20 mins. The rest showed up, and due to the poor service, they had to go to the bar to get drinks. Some other friends happen to be stopping by, the stopped in to say hi...they asked to pay their tab (they never sat at our table, they just stood and said hi), and left. When we got out bill at least $30 of their bill was on ours, when we asked our waitress to fix it, after asking the hostess to get our waitress, she went in to this ridiculous diatribe about how she would have to pay for the mistake if we didn't. EXCUSE ME!?! We didn't make the mistake why should we pay for it. She even asked if we could front the money and get it back from the people that stopped by. I am quite certain she dyed her hair brown, she had to be naturally blonde! THAT THE RESULT OF MAKING MISTAKES! I have worked as a bartender before, and I understand the business and am usually very forgiving of servers/bartenders, but with the exception of the bartender the entire service staff was heck bent on only doing the absolute minimum! Great happy hour portions, but only worth it if you are willing to be exceptionally patient with the service!
Pros: great happy hour portions!
Cons: HORRID SERVICE!
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