The Matador

Had the Matador Bowl and a quesadilla; both were great. Atmosphere was loud but that was expected and fine. The service was great, attentive but not overwhelming. Overall had a great experience; it was my third time and each time it’s been a last minute, walk-in, sit at the bar and there’s always been room and great service. I will be back again when looking for good food, good service, and a quick meal.

Either I'm getting kinder as I get older or the restaurants in the Portland area have really stepped up their game. The evening I spent at Matador was a blast from the moment we walked through the door! Huge windows /doors open to the sidewalk, bringing the outdoor hustle and people watching as close as you prefer to your dining experience! The staff were awesome from Agave - Zambaripao! Our group had a blast. Service! Great food! atmosphere! This place has it all!!

I absolutely love this Matador location. It always feels so alive. I love sitting by the windows to look out at people passing by on NW 23rd, especially on a rainy day, but my favorite seat is right in front of the fire pit! It’s not too hot, and gives it a very nice ambience. We only come during Happy Hour, to get a good deal, and it never disappoints. The food here has always been delicious. Full of flavor and decent sized portions. During Happy Hour, their prices are pretty good, and you get the opportunity to try different things. I glanced over their regular menu though, and I think I’ll have to try something from there next time. There seems to be a lot of good options. We’ve only been here 4 times since we don’t live in Portland, but we try to pay them a visit when we can. The service has always been pretty friendly and attentive. I don’t believe we’ve had any negative experiences here with the food or the staff. Everything has always been pretty good. I do know they get busy, and one time, we had to go elsewhere because their wait was too long for us. Please keep in mind that parking can be a biiitch in that area, so give yourself some time and go with a little bit of patience if you are driving over there. Also, I am pretty sure they are 21+ ONLY. So call and verify if you have any minors. This is a really good place to try different Tequilas. It’s actually what they’re known for, aside from their food. I do recommend this place. It’s good, dim, cozy, intimate, but lively with upbeat music at the same time. Not a place to go if you’re looking for a quiet dinner. At least, not the times I’ve gone. Great for a date or meeting up with friends or family for some food and drinks.

Great experience here. I don't usually just throw a bunch of five-star reviews out here but, I don't have any thing to complain about at the Matador. We went in just a bit tail end of happy hour for dinner and it was busy but not too busy, we got a nice booth by the window almost immediately. Everything was clean and the atmosphere was really comfortable. That a really nice young man is our waiter that was super attentive and helpful. Christina got the roasted poblano plate which was really super good, even better than enchiladas that I got. I also got a side fish taco which was pretty great and highly recommend. Pretty rare these days you go to a place and the service and the food and the atmosphere and the experience are all positive. Might bite your paycheck a little bit, but worth it for the experience for me!

Nice Mexican restaurant a little way out from the craziness of downtown Portland. I had the ribeye fajitas which was a nice upgrade from the standard beef facitas. The guacamole appetizer was also outstanding. Service was a bit overwhelmed and slow. They could have sold more drinks to our group if they had stopped by.

Met a friend visiting from Tacoma who had been here previously. All the dishes were very good and while generous portions they were not too much food. I had the Salmon Tacos and they were unique and very good. Hope to be back though it’s not the part of town we normally go to. (Fortunately we both found nearby street parking).