The Matador opens with new, spacious digs and Mezcaleria

The move for the Matador is just one block down from its original site in Ballard. But, the new space opens up the restaurant’s interior by a mile.

Perhaps a mile is a stretch. But the Matador’s new location provides diners with 5,000-square-feet to enjoy their Happy Hours and dinners by.

True to Matador’s form, all of that extra space is meticulously designed. From the outdoor patio to the main dining room, the decor is made up of a cornucopia of hand-crafted metalwork, local artwork and vintage lighting fixtures custom built in Mexico.

As Zak Melang, co-founder of The Matador, puts it:

“All of our restaurant interiors reflect the craft, heart, soul and sense of adventure that live inside every good bottle of tequila—and we are taking it a step further in our latest space.”

Zak Melang, co-founder of The Matador

Much more to the Matador than its design

Of course, there is much more to the Matador than its design.

For years, Seattleites have been flocking to the Matador for their food and libations. And, just as the new space offers up elevated design, it also serves scratch-made dishes and drinks that delight.

Sweeping menu options

The sweeping menu options match the soaring surroundings within the Matador.

At a recent seating we were able to dive into some Matador classics – starting off with a margarita.

The Matador offers several, including the Blood Orange. We sipped on this elixir made with Espolón Blanco, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, citrus, and agave.

If you are looking for a margarita with a Mezcal base, try out the Mangonada. This thirst quencher is made up of 400 Conejos Joven, triple sec, mango, lime, and chamoy, seasoned with a touch of tajín. 

They put the ‘Grande’ in to Grande Nachos

For the starter, the Matador put the ‘Grande’ in to Grande Nachos.

For $10 enjoy a big plate of nachos heaping with cheddar, Monterey Jack, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole and cilantro-lime sour cream. Throw in another 3 bucks and you can get that topped with some classic proteins like carnitas or chorizo.

Or, if you are looking for something a little lighter (but just as delicious), check out the Shrimp & Apple Ceviche.  The marriage of the cosmic crisp apple with the shrimp is a smart match. And, the citrus is balanced perfectly with a touch of jalapeño.

If tacos are your thing, you’ll want to check out the two-taco offering with achiote-chile rice and Mexican black beans. We had the marinated carne asada topped with lettuce, guajillo chile sauce, pico de gallo, garlic crema.

Another option to consider is the braised pork carnitas. Tender and with plenty of flavor, these tacos are topped with serrano slaw, tomatillo salsa, pico de gallo, garlic crema, cotija cheese. 

The burrito is a meal in and of itself.  Especially if you opt for the Habanero Steak. This wrapped treat is filled with achiote-chile rice, Mexican black beans, cheese, serrano slaw, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cilantro-lime sour cream.

Like I said, the menu is…extensive. 

The Matador and the Mezcaleria

The Matador does not stop there. They are not shy about their aim of having the largest selection of mezcal in the Pacific Northwest.

Just off the main dining room, you step into the back bar that is transformed into a mezcaleria. You currently can choose from over 60 varieties, which seems like a lot. But as the Matador promises, there will be even more in the future.

There are also multiple options for private parties and events, including the back bar and upstairs area. Make sure you check out the champagne room at the very back. It’s a sweet little alcove to tuck into with close friends. 

The Matador’s new Ballard location is 5410 Ballard Avenue NW. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. 

Happy hour will be offered from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. daily, and a late-night happy hour on Friday and Saturday will run from 10:00 p.m. until last call.

And, if you arrive and find that there is a wait for tables, just stroll next door. Marvin’s Garden awaits and you can keep time right along with the Ballard Centennial Bell Tower.

^{All photos by Jenise Silva}