The Matador Restaurant & Tequila Bar

My first experience with The Matador was at the location in the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon. Yesterday I checked out the Happy Hour menu at the Ballard (Seattle, WA) location. There are 7 locations total. They feature a Tex-Mex inspired menu with 95 tequilas to choose from at the bar. They do a fabulous job with interior design....sort of reminds of me a Mexican House of Blues? There is lots of dark ironwork, antique light fixtures, open fireplace, etc. 

I remember being super impressed when I dined at the Portland location but on this last visit we only ordered Happy Hour appetizers and it was good, but not crazy impressive.  What was impressive was the pricing - they had 10-15 appetizers all priced between $4 and $5. There are no drinks specials (the house margarita was $7) but the food pricing makes up for it! I should also note that they have two Happy Hours daily: 4-6pm and 10pm-1am.  I asked our server what the most popular items were and we picked 4 of them to try:  House Nachos, Spicy-Fried  Calamari, Garlic Shrimp, and Braised Pork Tacos. 

The best of them all was the nachos - I honestly couldn't believe that they were only $4.  

The calamari was just OK. 

The garlic shrimp were OK as well, they were cooked in a spicy garlic oil and when they came to the table they were sitting in a pool of oily sauce. 

The braised pork tacos were OK as well - I was hoping for a little more flavor. 

Overall everything was good considering the pricing and portions. The Matador has a wonderful atmosphere and is a great stop for drinks and some nachos. 

Next time I go I will make sure to report back on dinner entrees. 

For more info check out their website HERE.