4. Restaurants

Casa Del Matador

2424 E Burnside St, Portland, OR, 97214
  • (503) 719-5757
  • Store is closed

Casa Del Matador Menu

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  • Matt G.

    Great modern, American take on Mexican cuisine. Hardly ever a wait, which is nice. Awesome complimentary chips and salsa! Full bar with mixed drink menu and plenty of tequila options. Lastly, 21+ over all all times. I guess technically they're licensed as a bar, not a restaurant.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    My wife and I haven't been here in a while (4-6months)and WOW how the service has gone down hill. After being seated outside and our dink and food orders were taken it was well over 15 before our drinks even came. The drink my wife ordered was a n/a strawberry drink when asking the waitress what else the dink had in it, her response was "strawberry purée". Mainly asking if is was soda or some other mixer added to it. The drink was good the waitress maybe just miss understood. Like I said more than 15 min for drinks. And the place wasn't overly packed for 10:30 at nigh. Lots of empty tables. This may have just been sure to short staffing. I only saw maybe 3 waitresses for the entire restaurant. I had ordered two apps, chips and salsa and spicy prawns. From the happy hr menu and the street taco flight. My wife ordered the shredded chicken tacos happy hr style. After waiting so long for drinks I decided to keep an eye on the clock just because I was so hungry and a little upset that our apps had not come out with our drinks. 25min later it became more evident I wasn't getting my apps. When our food did come no chips and salsa( it wasn't on the end bill) and my prawns came with my meal. My wife's tacos came full dinner style and with the pico that she had had a conversation with the waitress about it being too spicy specifically. When the order was corrected two bites into her second taco she bit into a sharp peace of chicken bone. So there goes the rest of her meal. That stuff happens but it was like insult to injury. My tacos were kinda pathetic for the price and would have paid half for twice as much at any food cart in Portland. My wife and I don't get to go out much and when this kind of night at a decent restaurant happens it sucks to say the least.

    (1)

  • Jeff H.

    I stopped in here, honestly, cuz The Screen Door stopped seating for brunch and it was too early for dinner. I sat at the bar and was treated to the remains of someone else's margarita bar. Lime, salt, sugar and other detritus were directly in front of me...and the waiter made no attempt to move them. I had some chips with some nice salsa. I ordered a carne asada burrito and had a few Dos Equis. It was alright. I wasn't overwhelmed but not disappointed. It was alright.

    (3)

  • Anthony J.

    The first place we ate in Portland. Outstanding!

    (4)

  • Brianna B.

    I've only ever had the taco salad and drinks there but all the food that comes from the kitchen looks amazing! If I'm craving a taco salad there's no where else I even consider going, so good!!

    (5)

  • Brittany F.

    I love coming to the Matador. There usually isn't a wait and if there is, it's pretty quick. It's nice that it's 21 and over so you don't have to deal with any loud children. Their salsa is really good, perfect amount of spice! I've had the burrito, the tacos and the enchiladas. My favorite dish by far is the Al Pastor Enchiladas. I love the mound of arugula they put on top. The green enchilada sauce in really good and so is the pork. They are pretty spicy so beware if you're sensitive to spicy food!

    (5)

  • Esther K.

    OK man, first off. There are THREE BARS in Portland with Matador in the name. I found this out when I was looking for Casa Del Matador and typed in the name in Google maps, which led me to the first two before ending up at the right one. Sucked. Come for the drinks, not the food. They have an impressive tequila selection and their bartenders are impressive to watch. The restaurant itself is pretty huge and they have a really swanky indoor fire pit with seating all around it. This table is ALWAYS occupied though. I'm assuming people show up at five on the dot and just camp out there all night or something because I've never seen an empty seat at the firepit. The food is nothing to note. It's really just edible, kinda pricey and the service is slow probably because it's always super packed in here. Even at 10 at night.

    (4)

  • Andrew H.

    I have now been here for almost nine months and good food doesn't surprise me anymore. I came up here after living in Texas for 13 years. Texas knows it's Mexican food, it's Tex-Mex and great BBQ. So when I started to find really good street tacos up here (Ole Ole), I figured the rest would follow. BBQ still hasn't as of yet, but who knows. As for Matador, I use to live right down the street and would pass by all the time on my way other establishments. It's spendy for Mexican food. A street taco should be like $1.25- 1.50. But I was sure the food was also good. I was correct. Long time friends of my mother were in town on a trip through the northwest so my brother and I met up with them. It was burger week and the original plan was to go to Ate-Oh-Ate, but the line was too long and they had wandered down to Matador before I arrived. I ordered a Ninkasi beer and we had a table waiting. It's always great to catch up with people who have known you since you were a child. As for the menu? It was impressive and Braised Beef tacos were a good and spicy choice for me. Amazing tacos with avocado and a great side of rice and beans to go with it. The tacos weren't overly spicy, but according to our server it was one of the spiciest items on the menu. Really good, really flavorful. I highly recommend them. The place was busy and the space, inviting. I'm not sure how many more opportunities I will have to venture here, but I am glad I got the chance to eat some great, simple Mexican fare that I enjoyed.

    (4)

  • Tanja O.

    Wonderful taco salad with plenty of guacamole and sour cream. Pork had a touch of cinnamon. Delicious. Vegan hubby had the portobello fajitas and said they were good he doesn't dole out compliments frequently so that is high marks. Cozy booths. Great atmosphere. Cool decor. Love the velour panels on the ceiling.

    (5)

  • Luis A.

    I absolutely love the happy hour at this place, some of the best food and the drinks! Love the ambiance and the service but the highlight is definitely the food! Love this place I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Dyanne G.

    8 of us converged on Casa del Matador last Saturday to celebrate a few birthdays. The service was excellent, I wish I had caught our servers name so I could give a shout out. Chips and salsa were free flowing and everyone in our party thoroughly enjoyed their meal. I especially loved the black beans. They were spiced just right and very, very yummy. Some of us had the Tequila flights and this is a great way to try out some different Tequilas and learn a bit more on what the difference is between Blanco, Mezcal, Reposado etc. are. Then you can try a shot or 2 of your favorite!! I also had the red sangria and it was fruity and light and delightful. The ambiance at the E. Burnside location is very pleasant and I love the open round fireplace bar section ( sort of feels like a ski lodge).

    (4)

  • Tim F.

    This is a place you go to for a late-night happy hour. the prices are good and you can get some decent food. the nachos are huge and pretty good. the calamari is a hit or miss. sometimes it's good and other times, it can be soggy. the sangrias are excellent; they wont blow your mind, but they're good. I wouldn't come here for dinner; it's a bit expensive for a place that serves americanized mexican food. All the other stuff on the HH menu is pretty good. if you're really hungry and looking for a place to eat at 12am, then go here

    (3)

  • Robin P.

    This restaurant had a beautiful indoor ambiance and the outdoor seating was modern and semi-private. I was extremely happy with the Enchiladas Poblanos and would get them again if I return to Portland. The margaritas were par for the course; nothing special. The seasonal menu includes fresh rotating menu items. A special treat was the ladies' room which was similar to the restaurant's design aesthetic - super clean, modern, but also classy.

    (4)

  • Ellie M.

    The food was delicious and very fresh. Our server was the bartender and he did a wonderful job making sure we had anything we needed while still tending bar. We got the jalapeño poppers and the idea was a good one but the bacon they were wrapped in just wasn't cooked enough. I go the tacos and the Carne Asada was amazing but the chicken was a little bland however I really do believe that has more to do with my personal preference for steak tacos over chicken to begin with.

    (4)

  • Asa J.

    Food is pretty good but the tequila selection is the reason to go. I work in the beverage industry and some colleges and I went and tasted through three flights of tequila then picked our favorites and had them made into margaritas. I am a big fan on mescal and they had a good selection. We were lucky to be in on a night when all tequila was half off. I think it was because it was a Friday. Call ahead and find out but half price made it fantastically affordable. Happy hours is a nice time in there for apps, and we left totally satisfied. Black bean queso dip left a little to be desired. Good wings. Service is spotty, but they can get pretty busy. Order up sit back and relax tequila lovers.

    (4)

  • Andrea C.

    Good drinks, good food & cool atmosphere. Went to Casa Del Matador for dinner during my visit to Portland & I was pleasantly surprised. Food & Drink: I had the chicken enchiladas and a couple of margaritas. The enchiladas were really tasty. I feel like you can't really go wrong with ordering enchiladas at any Mexican restaurant. Their margaritas were on point. I had a strawberry margarita and a house margarita and they were both great. I tried my friend's mojito and did not think it was that great so I'd probably stick with the margaritas. Atmosphere: This place was packed on a Friday night! It was about a 45 minute wait for a group of 7. Out of all the restaurants on this main street, it seemed to be the most poppin' on a Friday night.

    (4)

  • Janive S.

    Came here because we wanted authentic Mexican food that everyone in the city raves about. I was definitely not disappointed because the food was delicious, but it was modern tex-mex infusion, not hole-in-the-wall Mexican that I really wanted. I ordered the house mango margarita and it was good! I like my drinks light so it was perfect for me, but maybe not for someone who likes it strong. The fajitas were gigantic and worth the money. My steak was a little overcooked but not inedible. Service is a little slow but the servers were nice enough. Id come back for happy hour.

    (4)

  • L L.

    I have been going to The a Matador for a few years now and always enjoy my 2 favorite things there. The cucumber jalapeño margaritas and the enchilada verde vegetarian. There are very few veggie options and I am always quite content to get that since it always has been delicious. Last night was a disappointment. They have omitted the veggie medley and substituted it with button mushrooms and cheese. With whole button mushrooms and not even Crimni mushrooms which are way more tasty! I can't imagine I will want to go back when my partner wants her steak. It's obvious they are stream lining the menu to go "corporate" with their many chains and all but their attention to flavor and detail have in the past stood them apart from the many other great food choices in Portland. I am sad. I mean seriously, whole button mushroom enchiladas?! Does that even sound good to you?! Seems like they don't give a damn anymore because they have ambiance. Bla! Not enough. When we drop $120. for margaritas and a couple flights of tequila (must try!) and dinner I expect to be food satisfied not just tipsy.

    (2)

  • Chris B.

    I used to love this place but I just can't go there anymore. First of all, they almost always close considerably early, so it's impossible to predict if you'll have a shot after 12:30. Second of all, they killed the final hours of happy hour and moved to a "late night" menu that is weak and full priced. Most of all, though, it's the attitude that is ruining this place. Employees here are always miserable and rude. Their nachos are awesome. If you can get in and get service and you have the patience to deal with the negativity cloud... Nachos.

    (2)

  • Kathryn M.

    Yuck. There's nothing redeeming about this place. The food, margaritas and service were all subpar. Plus, you feel like you're eating in a strip mall somewhere in nowhere America. There are so many other better Mexican options in town.

    (1)

  • Mary M.

    It looks like a restaurant but it is a bar. They don't serve anyone under 21. The food is mediocre and the service is harried.

    (1)

  • Betty F.

    Have you seen their newly remodeled patio yet? It's really nice and has ample seating. There really isn't a bad seat in the whole house. From their large rail, to a wrap around bar with a fireplace in the center to large window seats, with windows that open up to a bustling E. Burnside. The vibe is nice and the lighting is just right for even the ugly people. I enjoy that it's 21 and up, because it's nice to go somewhere without any children around. Having a baby at home, I need my adult time. Their Happy Hour is amazing with lots of great specials. Their food is always good, fits the description, and is always fresh and delicious. Although a bit more expensive than your typical Mexican restaurant, you get quality ...and this isn't your typical Mexican restaurant. You won't be disappointed with any drink you order, and if you were the barkeep would be more than happy to make you a new cocktail. There are all sorts that hang out here, especially a large business crowd. They have a great private room in the back for parties. Their bathrooms are nice and clean and the stalls are large enough for a small party. I decided to upgrade my review after their dashing Manager approached me and was concerned that I wasn't receiving the service he thought I deserved and asked how he could remedy it. He now knows my name and has been so sweet, and I'm the hypocrite that can't remember his name. I still mean most of what I said in my previous review, but appreciate the effort and hope that maybe we can build bridges rather than burn them. Yay for Bridge City!

    (5)

  • Crys R.

    I love the ambiance of this place. The lighting is just right and the bar area is uniquely decorated. (Reminds me of this place in St. Louis called Sanctuaria.) I live in area, so I decided to stop in for a quick bite. They have good happy hour prices and the food is decently made. The servers and bartenders are pretty friendly without seeming overly fake. Their music playlist is nice most of the time, but that's a matter of opinion.

    (4)

  • Shea L.

    The $5 nachos are the best. They are delicious and gigantic. Just be warned, it's $2 for the meat which there is no warning about. Bacon and goat cheese jalapenos are excellent. Chicken tortilla soup was okay. Head in any day from 4-6PM for the happy hour eats. Oh, and whoever was picking the music is a badass. Chet Faker, Flume, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Future Islands, Gorillaz, etc.

    (4)

  • Lori W.

    I've lived in Portland for 3 years now. I didn't think I'd ever find authentic Tex~Mex until I had the pleasure of eating at Matador. Well meaning people would suggest places, not understanding that the food I longed for from my home in Texas was not your typical taco fare. I literally cried when I finally got the taste of home I had been missing. Everything about this place makes me happy! The decor is spot on, the fire pit is cozy. The margaritas are perfectly sweet and salty, the bacon wrapped jalapeños will delightfully burn your mouth and make you crave more. I've been here at least 6 times and each time I've had wonderful service, perfectly seasoned fish tacos, carnita's etc. I look forward to my next visit later this month, my mouth is watering as I plan out all the yummy dishes I'd like to try next!

    (5)

  • Dazer T.

    Came for the happy hour and might consider coming back for the happy hour menu, although their draft beer selection is woefully short and uninspired, especially for Portland! The fish tacos were tasty with one big exception--the tortillas were incredibly bland; they tasted like the Fred Meyer brand bought off the shelf. The black bean queso was tasty and so were the habanero shrimp. There were other good choices on the menu, priced well, so if I'm not hankering for a beer I might come back and try it again.

    (3)

  • Anthony K.

    Delish! Had the Carnitas! AWESOME Had delicious drinks... And the chips and salsa were also really good. I hear they have an awesome happy hour too. The service was excellent. We harassed our waitress a bunch by asking her reco on most all things we ordered. She did not lead us astray. I will definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Tiffany B.

    I live in California and my daughter lives in Portland. Every time I come up we try different restaurants. Food is one of our highlights! I have been to this place before and I really liked it so we decided to eat again. Our waiter's name was Noah. He looked like a Matador which made it a little more fun. He was so sweet and went out of his way to help us And make our eating experience beautiful. He made great suggestions for food which I must say was amazingly tasty. I had the surf and turf. The steak melted in my mouth. I was very very happy! Their spicy dishes are definitely spicy! Love it love it love it. Definitely a place I want to come when I'm in Portland. Thank you Noah for making our experience so beautiful

    (5)

  • Alison V.

    This was the best service I've had in Portland. Our waitress was on top of it, and she had so many other tables. We got drinks, appetizers and sat outside. The outdoor area is nice but a little tight when it's busy. We got the black bean dip which was great. They brought extra chips too. I got the special margarita, yummy. If you like Mexican food check this place out.

    (5)

  • Ryan A.

    My favorite thing is no longer on the menu! How am I supposed to properly burn off the roof of my mouth?? In spite of that, this is still one of my favorite go to places in Portland for Mexican food. The service is sometimes hit or miss, but it hits a bit more often than it misses. The one thing I don't remember is if I've ever had a margarita here. It seems like this should be the place to do that. Well, that will be remedied soon, I'm sure. Good food. Nice place. Maybe good drinks. Go here.

    (4)

  • Aloysius A.

    The ambiance is excellent. It's comfortable and clean and that is really great. The food is mediocre at best and the service is pretty good. When I sat at the bar, I found the service to be way better. The bartenders really let you know they're present and aware of your being there. At the tables, if you're a small party, I've noticed you get forgotten about a little and the male servers I've had didn't seem to be very friendly at all. Perhaps that is because we were a table of men though. Who knows. Perhaps that is just a projection. Besides that, I think that given the proper attention by management, this could be a really choice spot to visit.

    (3)

  • Kat R.

    My husband and I have come in for dinner a handful of times over the last couple of years, and every time we left happy! One summer we sat outside and I ordered the Portobello fajita - which was cold and charred - so I politely pointed out the quality of the food, and our server was apologetic and gracious, and she quickly returned with a fresh, hot, and perfectly cooked mushroom for my fajita! She even, discounted the fajita on the bill even though we offered to pay for it, so we tipped on the full price. Just a few nights ago we brought two of our friends from out-of-town, and we all ordered different drinks (some with salt on the rim, some without), and our server - Chelsea? - was very very chipper, made awesome rapport with us, made us laugh, answered our menu questions, helped with suggestions, and remembered our drink and food orders to a 't'! Amazing service! I'm a fellow server who strives to give the best service possible, and it bums me out the "bad attitude" vibe a lot of servers have in Portland, so it means a lot that Matador is a place we love that we can come back to, and kno

    (5)

  • Sara K.

    Two words: Steak Nachos. Probably the most epic nachos in town and more than enough for two hungry people to split with nothing else. Nice tequila section and the happy hour will definitely give you more bang for your buck.

    (4)

  • Colleen C.

    Oh Matador, you beautiful, wonderful, incredible restaurant. I wish I could survive on nothing other than your Cucumber-Jalapeno Margaritas and burritos. Matador is super cute inside, open late, reasonably priced and the margaritas will change you as a person (for the better, though your liver may not agree). I have yet to eat something here that wasn't delicious, and the portions are generous. Definitely will be back!

    (5)

  • Jskilicious S.

    This was my second time visiting this location. the restaurant has a great design. Our first visit was just ok, so we decided to give it another try. This time it was definitely not great. The hostess is super nice and does a great job checking on tables. That's where the good service ends. Our waitress greeted us about 5min after we got water from the hostess. She offered us some adult beverages so we asked her suggestion. She suggested the bartender's margarita which we ordered. We also ordered a chorizo queso appetizer. The appetizer arrived. It's not really a dip, but rather a melted string cheese with a beer after taste. It's served with tortillas. This was enough to keep our hunger at bay. This was run to us by another waiter as we didn't see our sever for another 15 min or so. Still no margarita. Finally after asking a passing server to check for us it arrived. Pretty good. Probably the best part of my meal. I ordered the taco salad with carnitas and my husband got 2 chicken soft tacos. The tacos were happy hour and rightfully so. Nothing impressive. The taco salad was one step up from fast food, and they only had one dressing choice. The shell was the best part. We finally flagged the waitress down to get our check and we were eager to get out of there. We won't return.

    (2)

  • Cheryl R.

    Never again. I am not a margarita drinker. Never had one before this date. I met the ladies I work with at Casa Del Matador... I figured I'd get one drink, no food, go. The waitress came over to me and we talked a bit about how I like SWEET beverages and have never had a margarita before.. I keep emphasizing "sweet" "fruity" HELP! She points at some drink (the bartender margarita, I think) and says get this... all the while hanging over my shoulder putting the pressure on. So I say "alright". Then the fun part. I waited 25 minutes for my drink. 25 minutes. And it was the furthest thing from sweet. I tried to get my coworker to buy it off me.. to no avail. I considered sending it back.. but hey.. it's not really the bartenders fault. Then I noticed another one of my coworkers has a beverage with strawberries in it... sugar around the top of the cup.. oh it's on the menu? Looks sweet and delicious. and it is. So... I got some salty, nasty cranberry drink (dudes... cranberry is never sweet) because my waitress was pointing at it and waiting impatiently.. my bad I suppose, I could've said "I need a minute"... but I am not a big bar person.. i don't know the etiquette. Either way... I sucked it down in about 25 seconds after my 25 minute wait.. paid 8$ for it and left before it kicked in. It was heavy on the alcohol so at least I didn't actually get ripped off. But next time the ladies all want to go to a bar I will suggest...no.. demand that we go to Sizzle Pie instead.

    (2)

  • Andre W.

    My wife and I went back for dinner last night. Had a great meal with excellent service. I recommend Casa del Matador to all who appreciate a stellar environment and above average food.

    (5)

  • Andrew G.

    I've been to Matador a few times and tried a variety of their dishes. My favorites so far are the burrito, the braised grape salad, and a flank steak special (UPDATE: flank steak dish is now a permanent menu item! I find that the food is nearly always tasty, but some dishes are more consistent than others. You can't go wrong with one of their burritos. As far as drinks go, they're a little weak, but the ambiance is worth it. They have a cute fireplace and the corner booths lend themselves to great conversation.

    (4)

  • Shauna M.

    Good late night place in NE. Good food and service, cool bar and interior fire pit. All-around fun place open until 2a every night. Recommend when you are in the mood for Mexican and a great place to go after the movies. My chicken, black bean burrito was tasty and had a great presentation with reasonable prices. Parking can be scarce if you cannot get into their lot. Parking in the NE is getting as bad as the NW in some neighborhoods :(

    (4)

  • Rico R.

    Amazing food. If you are visiting Portland this needs to be at the top of your list. I got the braised carnitas and they were the best, juiciest carnitas I have ever had. Fiancé got the skirt steak and it was to die for as well. You need to eat here

    (5)

  • Lee M.

    I rated 3 stars for the drinks but I would like to give the waitress 2 stars. I liked the decor and layout of the restaurant. Of note are the tables beside the open windows and the small fire pit at the tabletop seating behind the bar. There are a lot of drink options (especially tequila) as expected but I ended up with the white sangria. What I did not like was feeling "rushed" by the waitress. It was 2.5 hours before closing, and it was a decent amount of people inside (not empty, not crowded). After serving one drink she came by and said, anything else? All I thought was can I at least finish this drink before you rush me off. Is there a one drink maximum? Ughhh I was annoyed. Luckily the group beside us was a little chatty and made the overall experience better. I would go again to try the food.

    (3)

  • Mel H.

    I'm not a fan of Tex-Mex. You can keep your Americanized "Mexican" food and I'll keep the tequila; the real shit, of course. But I had a decent time at Casa Del Matador. Maybe it was because I had such low expectations. Maybe it's because I was that level of hungry where McDonald's starts to sound palatable. Maybe it's the ample outdoor seating and attentive server, who happened to be easy on the eyes. Or maybe it's the fact that it's pretty hard to fuck up steak fajitas. Regardless, I'll be back, if not just to make googley eyes at the waitress. Tip for my fellow salad lovers: The grilled watermelon and fresh spinach salad with habanero vinaigrette is awesome. If you're a spice hound like me, ask for a side of fresh habaneros...and then don't kiss anyone above/below the belt for a full twelve hours.

    (3)

  • J R.

    My family is obsessed with this place for some reason. I mean, I like tequila too, but .... well, I end up here without my explicit consent often. Yes, the nachos are huge and no, there are no kids. Yes to the fire pit and a ton of outside seating at the moment if you don't run cold like I do. Last time I was there, though, we appeared to get cut off because one person didn't order a third round? Not really sure what happened but we got a check rather unceremoniously. The waitress was as mentioned, a bit curt at times and then overly doting at others, making it really difficult to gauge what the heck kind of service we were even getting. She seemed to want to get her ducks in a row, which is great, but there was a cold touch to it. I think the main thing we end up here for is the happy hour, which is, you know, fine. Nothing earth shattering. I will inevitably end up here again and give them some money. Sort of like taxes and death for me.

    (2)

  • Kevin A.

    Ceviche needs to be made without cucumber; not only is it an obvious filler, it overpowers the shrimp. Was not happy with that stinge tactic. The carnitas; however, was the best I've had in my entire life! The intense spices and hints of cinnamon are authentic; portion of pork was ultra-generous, beans tasted magically delicious! Service wasn't the greatest but she was on point with her recommendations, and for that we thank her. Next time we visit Portland we'll make it a point to come back...many times. +The fire pit inside and the decor were amazing; very warm and inviting.

    (5)

  • Destry W.

    These guys are solid. They've got an eclectic Mexican menu and every dish is a surprise. Never a dull moment around there either

    (5)

  • Georgia K.

    I will start by saying I have given this place three chances now and had the same experience every time. I love Mexican food guys, A LOT. I also live two blocks from this restaurant and I now REFUSE to eat here. The first time, I took my parents here, it took 30+ minutes when it was totally dead to get one order of nachos. The waitress was inattentive and snarky when we politely asked about our food. Second time, came with my boyfriend ordered drinks that took 15 minutes, waiter never came by again to see if we needed more drinks and my boyfriend even had to go to the bar to get our second round. Food took ridiculously long again, and AGAIN it was completely dead in there! Third visit and last visit, terrible service when there was NO ONE in the restaurant and waitress was no where to be found when needed. We are not needy guests, we both work in the service industry, we get how it is. This place just sucks.

    (1)

  • Joel S.

    Jr high enchiladas. Not a tablespoon of meat total between three of them. Shame on you, and shame on me for actually paying for them.

    (2)

  • Lisa D.

    I've been here twice and sat at the bar both times. The service at the bar is good. But what's better than the bar service? The MAMMOTH nachos! That's what. Seriously. I was craving nachos this week and I remembered how delicious they were on my first visit. They did their memory justice, and then some. I wish I hadn't missed Happy Hour cause those delightfully cheesy, beany, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa covered chips would have only set me back $5. I also enjoyed a few brews in ice cold mugs.

    (4)

  • Patrick B.

    I'd rate the food four stars, and the service three. Rounding up to four stars because Yelp doesn't allow you to rate a place 3.5 stars. Here's some notes on the place: 1) Excellent tacos. Fresh, good flavors. 2) Service is attentive and fast. The restaurant 'feels' like a well-oiled machine. 3) Some of the other dishes are a bit iffy. Not saying they're BAD by any means, just a bit uninspired. Particularly since the tacos are so great. All in all, I'm really glad this place exists. In Washington and Oregon it's really hard to find excellent Mexican food in a nice environment. (IE, there are lots of cheap mom and pop places that have great Mexican food, but most of the 'upscale' Mexican restaurants serve incredibly bland and Americanized food. Matador isn't perfect, but it's a huuuuuuge improvement over Azteca and Mazatlan.) I've been to their restaurant in Redmond, and their restaurant in Portland. The one in Portland is a real step up from the Redmond location, with improved ambiance and a superior location. The portion sizes are a bit ridiculous. I hope this isn't an indication that the place is 'circling the drain', as I'd hate to see this place close. It really fills a niche in the local restaurant scene: good Mexican food in a classy environment.

    (4)

  • Dave R.

    Good vibe, good food, tasty wine.... what more you need?

    (4)

  • Ron T.

    Fancy and dark. That's the way I seem to like some of the establishments that I go to. There is a sudden eerieness from the ambiance it exudes. Then, the other review from Brandi P. is almost accurate when it comes to the decor and the menu. It would have been better if we were truly being fancy about it when drinking in skulls or gothic goblets. The drinks they mix are ok & I've had better when it comes to pours and flavor. I ordered the Tamarindo in which is looks appetizing as it has sugar and cinnamon with ofcourse, tamarind juice and tequila. I could barely taste the tanginess of the tamarind. It is neither here nor there. The steak taco needs to be charred a little better. I find it chewy but it is definitely tasty. The calamari is also served with a weak sauce. It is somewhat borderline greasy and gooey. There was no crunch when you munch. Happy hour is not bad at all. The price of the menu is decent and reasonable but the drinks could use a little more discount. Being a Tex-Mex restaurant, they should have the proper condiments right at the table. All they have is salt and pepper. You have to ask for pico de gallo and hot sauce. And the latter is Cholula. I was looking forward to something more homemade-ish eventhough I rarely put heat on my food. Would I recommend it? I say, meh.

    (3)

  • Chad H.

    They get five stars for their happy hour, and their staff. All were tits! By tits I mean top shelf, grade a food, and service... This is all I am going to say about this place. Do yourself some justice and give a blow.

    (5)

  • Lindsey K.

    Best margaritas! Can't beat the happy hour prices either. This is my favorite after work spot!

    (5)

  • Brian B.

    Great chips and salsa (free when you arrive). The Mushroom fajitas are pretty damn tasty. The patrons typically are more the type you would see in the Pearl on a weekend, but the booths are super high and you can block out the douchiness around you.

    (4)

  • Shannon B.

    Love this place. The food is excellent, staff is super friendly and place has great atmosphere! Happy hour is amazing! Lots of great stuff for $5! I had the nachos and they were so big and sooo good!

    (5)

  • Vanessa M.

    Delicious quesadillas, great prices on food during happy hour. The drinks are also delicious (I recommend the Red Sangria). The staff was friendly and the decor was great.

    (5)

  • Adam R.

    I've only ever been here for the happy hour, and that's probably all I'll ever go here for. The happy hour menu has some good options and good prices. A single plate of nachos will feed 3 people and cost something like $4 or $5. There are several other tasty options on the HH menu, none of which I can recall right now, but all are in the same price range and offer healthy amounts of good food. This place definitely ranks high on my happy hour spots. The atmosphere is pretty mellow. The lights are kept low, the colors are dark, and the chairs are comfy. They some pretty elaborate decorating here. There's also a huge bar to sit at and sip your favorite cocktail, not that I would know about that, because I'm too cheap to drink at a place like this. Remember, I do happy hour, and so should you!

    (4)

  • M M.

    The server was less than excited to see us. They sat us at a booth near the opening of the kitchen- where we got the delight in hearing them break dishes and complain about their jobs. We started with an appetizer- the only thing worth giving more than 3 stars to. Food was bland. I got the fajitas and my buddy got the enchiladas. The chicken in the fajitas tasted like burnt skillet and was dry, there were way too many onions and the cream it comes with was bland too. The enchiladas were dried out and chalky texture. Very unimpressed considering the price. We decided to jump ship on the restaurant and get the rest of our food to go. The server took our food to package it, and I didn't realize until the next day that she somehow managed to leave out all the trimmings and chicken to my fajitas. All she sent me home with were the onions and a few peppers. I tossed it in the trash. We were one of few people in there- a huge oversight on her behalf. I can think of many restaurants to drop 40$ on- and this place is not one of them. This is Portland- so don't settle when you don't have to

    (2)

  • Phil M.

    I guess I'm just used to the low-price, high-quantity Mexican restaurants of the south. I still have yet to find such a place here in PDX, which isn't good for my wallet but is good for my waistline. I will say, however, that the Casa Del Matador is super high quality, so the priciness is somewhat worth it. I had the chorizo Enchiladas Picante, very tasty and spicy. I also had my eye on the fish tacos, which some of my co-workers had and said were very good as well. Only real complaint is that the music was really bumpin' for a lunch hour with only 2 tables' worth of patrons in the place. Granted, my Mexican restaurant music back home didn't include Portishead and Neutral Milk Hotel, so no further deduction. I'll be back one day, for sure.

    (4)

  • Dennis S.

    Happy hour menu is pretty good. The margarita I had was pretty weak, but the chips and salsa were good. All in all, great for happy hour and OK for regular dining.

    (3)

  • Jen W.

    Celebrated a birthday with friends over happy hour on 12/28/10 at Casa Del Matador. I arrived a bit later than everyone else and so they had already consumed a good portion of the HH food. But that meant I was able to nosh on their remaining items - score me. Everything on the HH menu is $4 or $5 (food only). Nachos (huge and tasty), quesadilla (chicken one was great and not too greasy), ancho-chipotle wings were very good (great spice kick!), and my most favorite...the calamari. I could bathe in that garlic aoli! The only bummer is that they don't offer any drink specials during happy hour. $3.50 for beer and around $6-$8 for margaritas and other specialty cocktails. I had the pomegranate marg - YUM! I slurped that sucker down for sure. Worth it for $8? Meh, don't think so. One was enough for me. Great space, dim lighting, dark wood features. Perfect place to bring a date (if I had one - eh, oh well) if you can score one of the inner booths. Or pull up to the bar and watch a game on the large flatscreens.

    (3)

  • Julie M.

    Hmm ... it's hard to give this place a sub-par review. They have some of the best margaritas I've had, especially the tamarind/cinnamon. Holy cow they're good. The happy hour nachos and chipotle-ancho wings were pretty good, too. However, Problem #1: They don't include drinks on the happy hour menu. The happy hour is for food only. Couldn't they at least do a house margarita on the happy hour menu? Can't you just choose a cheap tequila out of all of the tequila you have? Problem #2: The server seemed completely disinterested except when she pressure-sold us on more full-priced margaritas and happy hour food. I felt like we'd barely finished before she started pressing us again. Made me not want to come back. If you can live with these problems, I'd say give this place a try.

    (3)

  • Zach B.

    I had a really good lunch here after a nice long hike. The food was excellent. I had the enchiladas which were not done in the most traditional way but was excellent none the less. The portion sizes are also a very good size (could easily be 2 meals for most people). The service was very attentive and their house margarita was very good. There seems to be mixed reviews on here about how the place is styled but I thought it was a cool place. I definitely recommend it.

    (4)

  • Tiffany B.

    Heard some good things about this place, even tried some of the spicy salted rimmed margaritas at another event's here we are. It was a weekend afternoon, too early to hit HH but late enough that our tummys were hungry. Walking in, there is a huge red velvet curtain in front of the doors..Um, were we supposed to walk thru or wait for someone? This was like the curtain in the wizard of oz...you want to see what's behind there, but not sure if you are supposed to look! At last, someone came to rescue us from the confusion! We sat in a booth by the bar. Cool surroundings, skulls and wrought iron flanked the walls. I fire pit in the middle of the bar too. This was like southwest meets Mexico somehow, like the old west...where's the cowboy at, I'm sure he's around here somewhere! I started with a white peach sangria and the bf had the house Margarita on the rocks. Both were really good! I later switched over to the margarita. Not to sweet and you can actually taste the tequila! They do have an extensive lists of tequila's, most I have never heard of. And they have a flight of tequila also! That I will have to try next time, I didn't want to be blitzed in the afternoon...well today anyway! The stuffed jalapenos wrapped in bacon were my favorite! There was a spiciness meets sweetness in these. The bacon tasted like maple. The cheese...creamy and smooth, these were a guilty pleasure for sure! We had the enchiladas, rojas and verde. I liked the roja better.The sauce had more flavor then the verde. Overall, a great place. One complaint though, looking over the HH menu, they have some great $5 food offerings, but NO drink specials? That put me off a bit to come back for their HH.

    (4)

  • Carla R.

    I will give this place between three and four stars. Walking in for the first time, the environment (a little too "suburban hip") screamed chain restaurant. We decided to try it anyway since we were already there. The service was friendly and the wine list though small, had a few really good choices. I never ordered their overpriced full entrée due to the fact that the small places are large enough. Ordering a salad with a small plate was overkill for me actually, especially after having a dozen chips (which are totally irresistible). Overall, the food was decent, though one or two things was a little too sugary for my taste. I think being in a group is the best way to experience this restaurant, especially during a game. Not my first choice, but I wouldn't turn it down either.

    (3)

  • Andrea G.

    A friend and I visited this location for happy hour. I had the shrimp quesadilla, which was awesome. I also had the shrimp tacos, but the server screwed up our orders. Their margaritas are tasty. I've had the sangria and it's also delicious! The seating is good if you're with a group of friends. It has a warm and cozy atmosphere and great for conversation. I have had better mexican food here, but this place is good for socializing with friends.

    (3)

  • Karey R.

    OMG try the $4 Happy Hour nachos! They're piled high with black beans, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, cilantro, onions. An AMAZING bargain. I also had the blackberry margarita. It comes "on the rocks" and is a little spendy at $7.50 but the nachos are so cheap, you won't care. We had a tall rectangular booth that felt very private. The ambiance is fantastic -- rustic without being cheesy country & western. Very clean. Great location. Great place to relax with friends.

    (5)

  • David W.

    We love the Matador. Always good food and service. I can always tell how nice the wait staff because my wife and I always split one meal and not every wait person likes that as they are afraid they won't get a good tip. The drinks we have had were tasty and mixed well. I like my food fresh and served hot. No problem at the Matador. The salsa is very good. and the chips taste fresh.

    (5)

  • Bret T.

    I was pleasantly surprised at the atmosphere an good food. Definitely the most upscale Tex-Mex Restaurant I have ever seen!

    (4)

  • Lyle M.

    Stopped in for night cap one warm summer night, and enjoyed the cleanest booths I have ever encountered. That's means a lot to me. I got to chill with my night cap, watch sports highlights, and have a little dessert. It's a glorified Chilis, and I mean that in the highest respect. I like how mellow this place is, and would definitely suggest it as a late night spot. Crowd is mostly couples in their late 20s or professional types. The back lit bar is beautiful.

    (4)

  • Cedric J.

    I'm floored at all the negative reviews. Seriously. I go to this place once or twice a week. And while I can't seem to keep track of the servers (they seem to go through them like Kleenex), I generally have good service and stupidly-good food. My only complaint, really, is that they stopped carrying Black Butte Porter. Other than that, you MUST get the ancho-chipotle chicken wings. I'm there for happy hour because it is the best time to go (unless you try on a Friday night at 5pm, then it is a madhouse) and these wings of beauty only cost 4$. Their calamari is never chewy. The 4$ nachos can feed four. You cannot beat filling up on nachos for 1$, people. The tamarind margarita is tart, sweet, and delicious. And any of their tacos and ribs are worth it. If you're looking for the coup de grace (on your arteries) try the goat cheese-filled, bacon-wrapped peppers. Worth every delectable second of life you lose. This place runs circles on Los Baez (whose food was terrible) and this is a great place for a neighbourhood bar. Happy hour is from 4-6 and 10-1. You can find me there Fridays from 11:30-1 pretty much every week. If you want 'real' Mexican food, this isn't the place for you. It is upscale and a bit more, shall we say, creative than most Mexican joints (can I hear it for house-made chorizo?!). But if you want quality and amazing flavours, go. The drinks to me are secondary to the food. But that's pretty much because the food shines so brightly.

    (5)

  • Colleen C.

    I really enjoyed Casa del Matador. Great margaritas, calamari that had exactly the spice advertised (and not the usual grease), and excellent beef tacos. we were there and ordered off both the happy hour and dinner menu, with very good results. i ordered an extra salad as i expected my happy hour tacos to be small and possibly not very good, but was surprised not only at how robust, but how good they were...i would order them off the main menu. great service, great selection on the menu, it felt (and tasted) like quality Mexican food with good ingredients, no slop. the happy hour menu is great, but i would also recommend for the dinner menu if you would like a lovely evening, nice atmosphere and great drinks and food. because it is fundamentally Mexican, think about the meat dishes--don't go for the 'beans and cheese' items--Casa del Matador does meat well.

    (3)

  • Dana R.

    I haven't been here in over a year, but, unless things have changed, I really like this place. They have great nachos, a good selection of beer, and fast, courteous service. I have never had a bad experience or meal here, and I am picky. It's true that I almost always order the same thing - beer and nachos - but I have also had good margaritas and other dishes. My one bitch is that parking sucks.

    (4)

  • Jason B.

    Great happy hour, deeply flavored foods. Not gourmet, but close enough for the reasonable food prices. Drinks get costly here.

    (4)

  • Adrienne I.

    Over priced and bland Mexican food with an alright atmosphere.

    (2)

  • Jerrod P.

    Loved it. Best birthday special in town.

    (4)

  • L H.

    I normally would give this place 3 or 4 stars. Their margaritas are good, the service is good, and so is their happy hour food, especially the nachos. Tonight I had dinner there for the first time and I can honestly say, I was disappointed. Yes, I know rib eye steak isn't the specialty of this place, but if you are going to serve a steak, then do it right or drop it from the menu. The meat I had was a 10 oz piece, with 3 - 4 ounces of it inedible fat, silver-skin and gristle, and undercooked. I'll chose somewhere else for dinner next time. Happy hour is harder to do badly.

    (2)

  • Michael H.

    My partner and I got a coupon to eat here and so we thought we would check it out and I am so glad we did. Choosing to go around the post dinner crowd was a good idea. The ambiance in the place was very nice ... there candles all around and it felt just very relaxed and chill. Upon getting some drinks and appetizers we ordered our food and wow!!! We were prepared for some good mexicana style food but the flavor and tatse to themeal we ate was amazing it had the perfect mix of spices and not too dry food. Def recommend this one when you get a chance :)

    (5)

  • Jeff Z.

    Awful. A reviewer below states they want to like this place, but the 2nd visit ruined any hope of that. That's one visit more than this place will get from me. Unbelievably obnoxious service. I planned on ordering food, but after waiting ten minutes for a beer to be brought to me, when the place was absolutely empty (no more than two tables were taken), with no explanation, I had enough of the server's snide, disinterested attitude and left after downing the beer. The place is a joke, and if they have no interest in waiting tables, I'll be happy to oblige them by not going back in.

    (1)

  • Chris T.

    Great food, good atmosphere especially when the weather is nice and the big windows are up. It can get a little crowded and tough to find a seat at times, but that's to be expected when going to NW when the sun is out

    (4)

  • Huong T.

    I have been here many times for different occasions, birthdays, dinner, meeting up with old friends and I have yet to be disappointed. Their menu is reasonably priced. The bar has a great selection of special cocktail drinks that are not to strong and not too light. The bartenders and the rest of the staff are friendly and very accommodating. Because this is a pretty busy place, I highly recommend having a reservation if you are going to be with a large group. The food is cooked just right and tasty, and you get a lot for your money. Try their happy hour menu, so much food for so little price. Parking, however, is kind of a pain because they have a small parking lot, and a lot of customers. I would say parking on the street would be your best bet. There are a lot of great restaurants in the same area, and this one would give some others a run for their money.

    (4)

  • Hieu T.

    I wanted to like this place, but this second visit shot any hopes down the drain. So I roll up and walk on in. Cool, there are these giant curtains at the front door. What the hey? Whatever, move on to the group of friends on the other side of the room. "Hey guys!" As I was about to sit down, the waitress IMMEDIATELY demands to see my ID. That's fine, but I haven't even sat down yet, let alone take off my jacket. She then IMMEDIATELY asks what I wanted to drink. OK...no menu, literally just stepped in and haven't had a chance to appropriately say hi to my friends yet. "Um, give me a minute and I'll get back to you." ... She comes back a couple times, never bothered to ask me what I wanted to drink until I finally asked her what beers they had. This was when she came up and got our food order! THEN she didn't bother to ask what I wanted for FOOD!? WHAT THE HECK? They place was fully staffed and steadily busy, but by no means was it packed. She conveniently floated around the table behind us with ease and frequency, but did not want to serve us for some reason. I understand that people can get rowdy and obnoxious, but we literally sat there and chatted amongst ourselves, not being a nuisance to anybody. So get this...My friend told a joke as she was taking our orders. The joke was not offensive, as it was about the Dos Equis dude from the commercials. He delivers his punchline then she blankly stared at him when he finished. The coolest thing about the place was the firepit in the middle of the room, but it felt like a tornado was brewing with the hot air from that and the draft from somewhere else. SERIOUSLY ITS BELOW FREEZING OUT AND YOU HAVE A RAMPANT DRAFT SOMEWHERE. FIX IT! Disappointed to say the least. A beer was $4.50. It was an import. Holy bejeebus.

    (2)

  • Brandi B.

    Remember "From Dusk Til Dawn?" Only slightly more obscurely, "Desperado?" Both Tarantino-affiliated, both with Selma Hayek, both south of the border... only one had the Banderas, and only one had vampires (though the other woulda' been SO MUCH BETTER if it had vampires...) Y'know what neither had? Fried calamari. But for some reason, someone has co-opted Dusk-til-Dawn/Desperado aesthetic, and paired it with a decidedly TGIF menu. Now don't get me wrong: I don't remember food in EITHER of those movies (beyond the vampire blood-meal, 'natch,) and perhaps if that guy with the guns in the guitar case hadn't been so hungry he woulda' been a lot more friendly. And I do appreciate a tequila flight. That's pretty cool. And there ARE worse places to eat calamari in Portland. But seriously, would you actually eat squid in a Mexican border town? This place is terribly Disney-fied, from the brass-ish chandeliers and black/burgundy brothel-esque decor to the (faux? presuming, cuz there's just so goddamn many) game heads on the walls. I know, I'm treading way too close to that Portland asshole-authenticity edge, but give me a moment... Matador is fine. Despite the edginess it's trying to convey, it's really wholesomely inoffensive. You could take yer folks here. Then again, in my family a decent tequila list is a check on the plus side, so what do I know?

    (3)

  • Rachel L.

    Cool ambience, good chips, decent margaritas. We were disappointed with service, from the host to the busser to our server. She was obviously displeased with us when we asked to split our check between 3 couples. Other than the service, the food was ok. The carnitas were probably the best of the dishes our table ordered. I can't say we will be going back with all our options in Portland.

    (3)

  • Anna R.

    This place is always fun. They have a great happy hour menu and a fun theme. I've had the chicken tacos and chips and guacamole. It is a little spendy which sucks but I do think it's worth it. Head here if you're looking for some yummy Americanized Mexican food and fun drinks.

    (4)

  • Mallory S.

    I was craving a blended margarita so we came here only to find out they do not serve blended, just on the rocks. But, it was good. The service was a little stand offish but the food was very good. I would probably go back.

    (3)

  • Halley L.

    I give 3.5 stars, I went back to Matador we had nachos a burger and shrimp fajitas and mojitos. The nachos were a very good portion, My shrimp fajitas were ok not the best, not a whole lot to them not much flavor just spicy..the mojitos were the best part of the meal! I also have had the flautas and they r more like deep fried taquitos or something not very good and very small.. Something always keeps me coming back to this place tho, i think its the ambiance and i like that they're open till 2 am. The service is always very slow and forgetfull.

    (3)

  • Yadira M.

    I go here a lot the food is NOT authentic mexi food! But some of the drinks are great happy hour nachos are supper good only 6 bucks. The prices went up I believe from the last time I went. But Recommend the wings and nachos and a sangria. If you want real Mexican food this is not the place to go.

    (4)

  • Kristall B.

    Updated review! After reading this, the manager sent me an e-mail and offered to give my husband and I a gift card for $25 so we could come back in for another experience. She said that negative reviews are helpful and she uses them as examples in staff meetings to improve. Unfortunately, I gave the gift card to a friend who helped babysit our kid. However, we did return on another occasion and all of the "kinks" were worked out! And we got free chips and salsa this time. Thank you.

    (4)

  • Mark A.

    Tried Matador for the first time, for dinner, and enjoyed the Ceviche, Cadillac Margarita and Carnitas. Shrimp in the ceviche was a bit less firm that I've had from other restaurants but the overall flavor was still fresh. Carnitas were very tender and had a good-sized portion, enough to have some as left-overs. Nice atmosphere and decent service for a busy place; Overall it was an enjoyable experience with good food; I'd go again.

    (4)

  • Amanda N.

    Service was quick, great atmosphere, amazing cocktails and good food. They had a mix of classic and traditional Mexican food which was refreshing for a sit down restaurant, their spices are great I've eaten here multiple times... Their salsa is great, chicken tacos had just the right amount of spice, enchilada sauce was amazing and the carnitas were so smoky and delicious and the servings were very large. Also the margaritas!!!! Woo those are good :) my sister had the red sangria and that was very tasty, although the cinnamon was a little over powering. I love the open air eating on nice days coupled with the indoor fire pit on the cooler ones. Great for lunch or happy hour or dinner or late night! Love this place!

    (5)

  • Kerri M.

    I liked this place alright. Especially the happy hour nachos. Those things are gigantic and can easily be shared amongst two people. Eh.

    (3)

  • Alison T.

    This review is based solely on drinks and ambience. Not food. My friends and I met here for a few Margaritas (we had all already eaten and did not order food). The place looks great. The decor is very fitting and we all loved how the booths covered you so you couldn't see other customers. Service was quick and efficient. Not super friendly, but I wouldn't turn away from here because of it. The drinks were so awesome! 3 of us each ordered a different margarita. My favorite was the one I ordered, Strawberry Marg. But the Bartender's Margarita was also a contender. They had interesting flavors (like Tamarind and Blackberry) that aren't normally found with margs. After the first round we got Sangria which was fruity, floral, and refreshing. If it wasn't freezing in February I would have loved the Sangria even more. It's fairly pricey, but the drinks were delicious. Maybe not totally worth it, and I don't make enough to become a regular here. But it's a really fun place with impressive tequila drinks and Mexican flare!

    (4)

  • Jon T.

    The value here is excellent. Great guacamole and chips starter. The carne asada fajitas were amazing! It is served in a hot skillet and continues to cook at your table, giving each fajita a slightly different texture and temp variation. The helpings are large. There was plenty enough for two people to share and at a price of $15, that's a great value. Lot's of Margarita and cocktail selections. Beer selection is a little light. The table placement layout is really unique with a large number of booths in the center of the restaurant and a really interesting shared table section around an open flame fire pit. The service was pretty good, slightly slow on a couple of items, but generally attentive. The bar features two large flat screens that do not take away from the dining experience and allow patrons to view a game easily from almost anywhere in the main dining area. This is especially nice when the Blazers pull of a win in triple OT against the Spurs. Great food, pretty good service, and great value!

    (5)

  • Rachel S.

    We love this Restaurant. It is in a neighborhood with a lot of great restaurants so parking can be hard to find. They have tons of options of tequila and a great happy hour. The steak nachos were so great. The enchiladas verde is also a favorite everywhere I go and this one was no exception. Will be returning again.

    (4)

  • Roseanne M.

    I was so disappointed. The service was horrible. Very slow and there were four of us. My son had the nacho and enjoyed it. I ordered the chicken soft taco and a good 90% was nothing but lettuce. The garlic shrimp was ok, but a bit spicy. my son got his first (nacho) and then his finance got hers. It was at least 5 minutes and my tacos arrived, wait another 10minutes and my husbands chicken sandwich finally showed up. It was piled so high with lettuce and the bread was very hard and dry, kinda like week old hard rolls that had been microwaved at least twice and left out to dry. To top it off it was so loud (there about 4:30) that we could hardly talk to each other and we were celebrating a birthday. The only thing positive was the nacho. When we asked for our check it was at least another 15 minutes and we had to ask again for the check. Then a server asked if we wanted more water and she didn't have the check either. Finally we got the check. This was NOT a great time nor was the food very good. We will NOT be returning and will advise other to avoid it at all cost. Parking IS HORRIBLE!!! 3/24/15 The manager has contacted us twice and she is working with her staff to provide more consistent service and improve the all around experience. I do so appreciate the feedback. She appears to be very caring about her restaurant. 3/30/15 We received another email from the manager of this restaurant and she also sent a gift certificate to cover the cost of the meal and asked that we give them another try. That is what I call customer service and she did go above and beyond to make sure we had a positive experience. I will change the rating to a 4 star and say give this place a chance.

    (4)

  • M W.

    Came here with my boyfriend just to get some drinks while we were waiting to go somewhere else. We sat at the bar which is absolutely stunning, the whole inside decor is. It's a beautiful moden mexican restaurant! Ben was the bartender and served us while we were there. We tried 4 different margaritas that were on their menu, one that Ben suggested, and they were all delicious. We did decide to order some chips/salsa/guac while were drinking and me being the guacamole expert I think I am, I'd say their guac is pretty dang good! We were going somewhere else to eat dinner otherwise I would have ordered food from this place! The people next to us at the bar had food that looked delicious! 4 stars (because I can't reeeallly rate the food) for awesome margaritas, great atmosphere, and very nice and attentive bartender!

    (4)

  • Natalya L.

    I love the food, love the location, has outdoor seating and indoor. This place looks amazing. I would give it 5 stars if we received better service from the person arranging seating.

    (4)

  • Jenna W.

    This place was great for lunch. We had the nachos and taco salad. Both were great and there was leftovers to take home. The salsa is one of the best I have had! I really liked the sour cream which has some sort of lime flavoring, great! The service was fine for lunch, I have read reviews about service but we didn't seem to have any problems. I will be back when i'm craving taco salad!

    (4)

  • Cola V.

    This is kind of like the high class Applebee's of PDX - in a good way. The drinks are great, pitchers of sangria and obviously the array of margaritas but the food isn't anything to write home about. Feels like their quality of ingredients has gone down over the years and it's our back up place now. Always seems like a default venue for first night and girls night out.

    (3)

  • Toby P.

    I've been here a few times for happy hour. Really great food options and very reasonably priced. You could have a BIG meal for $10. Staff are attentive and friendly. Hard to drive past a place as good as this.

    (4)

  • Ronelle C.

    Wow, we were really disappointed with the food. We stumbled upon Matador on a day-after-Xmas ramble and loved the decor and stopped, but everything was mediocre/on the bland side with chili as the primary flavoring. All I could say to my visiting friends was "next time we'll do Tortalandia on the east side to make up for this." Not worth the price or stomach real estate with so many amazing places to eat in PDX!

    (2)

  • Quan D.

    Happy hour is 4-6 and 10-2am. It's definitely worth it. Their margaritas are one of the best I've ever had. They get really crowded around HH time so service wasn't the best but the food and drinks made up for it.

    (4)

  • Brittany P.

    My fiancé and I come here at least once a week. The food is amazing but the reason we come so often is because of the employees! Customer service is always a ten! The atmosphere is awesome for a date or a large group!

    (5)

  • John H.

    Nice ambience and very comfortable Bar area. Great seating options especially in the summer months. The food was good and prices fair. Wait staff was very good too. I didn't care for the Chicken Tortilla soup on the Happy Hour menu so I simply put it to the side. Our waitress offered to take it off our bill but I said not to worry as it was simply a personal taste issue. I felt a little bad when she insisted and thought that it was nice of her. We will go back and not because of the kind gesture but it is a fun place to go.

    (4)

  • Jeremy L.

    Good Mexican food, nice atmosphere, and decent drinks. The Matador isn't exactly amazing, especially in PDX where everything has so much character, but it's solid. The happy hour is worth checking out. It is bigger than a lot of places in town, so it was great when we needed a place to take a large group.

    (4)

  • Brandon S.

    I've always loved the food, drinks, and service at matador! I hate when you go to a Mexican restaurant and they serve the food right away, it took the perfect amount of time for me to enjoy my top shelf margarita. Today was amazing, great drinks, food and service like always. Keep up the great work. Always my favorite place for enchiladas. THE PICANTE SAUCE IS THE BEST EVER. Thank you Emily (our waitress)

    (5)

  • Stacey M.

    Great ambiance, awesome margarita, huge nachos... definitely fits the bill for a fun happy hour. I've been on a few occasions and overall I would say the service is average. Decent servers in the past override the fact that I was there last week and the bartender had to be flagged down on more than one occasion (it wasn't even busy). If they could get the staff to step up and take a genuine interest in the customer experience rather than just do the job, they would get a five.

    (4)

  • Catherine Z.

    Food and drinks were pretty good and the place has a nice atmosphere, but we had some of the worst service ever at this place. It took 40 minutes to process our group's check - 40 minutes!

    (2)

  • Margaret J.

    We love this place! Great atmosphere, good service and excellent drinks. LOVE the HH food, and the cucumber Jalepeno Margarita. I have yet to have a bad experience here.

    (5)

  • Ryan H.

    First time I've eaten here..last time I'm eating here. That doesn't mean I won't be back, just that the food was less than mediocre. I had the carne asada enchiladas in red sauce. The inside was cold - extra dubious about frozen ingredients? The rice was undercooked and the beans were also cold. I didn't send it back as the wait was substantial and I was with my girlfriend's parents, who would have been embarrassed to eat when I wasn't. Gf got the special empanadas and while she said they were okay, they were two, 2.5 inch empanadas for I think $11 or $12 - definitely a starter, not entree portion. As I said, I would probably go back as the ambience is pretty cool, although I'm sure I can find a rival 'house' margarita in town for less than $9. Oh, and the staff were really sweet and accomodating.

    (2)

  • Megan M.

    Love their Happy Hour! Get the sangria and the nachos to share.

    (4)

  • Jesse G.

    One of our favorite places on the eastside. Great food, great atmosphere, open late.

    (5)

  • Brian O.

    Great place to go with a friend. Great tequila selection and food isn't bad either. This place has a fun feel and really cool decor. I have been here a few times and never had a bad experience. I would say the drinks are a little better than the food but that isn't a bad thing.

    (5)

  • Sarah V.

    Came in with three friends from out of town. Super rad happy hour, wonderful tequilas, great atmosphere and friendly service! We can't wait to come back.

    (5)

  • Kal C.

    I argue with myself every time I decide to go here. Their happy hour rocks. Their bartenders are awesome. The vibe is nice. It's close to work and not too far from home. Also, the food is consistently delicious, and their menu has something for everyone. But the service is always so. damn. shitty. It's a wonder this place isn't a McMenamins location. Good food, shitty service. We went for happy hour and they never sat us, even after happy hour ended. The waitresses ignored our party of 12, which dwindled down to 9, then 8. We ordered drinks AND food from the bartenders. By the time we were seated, we'd had drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert. And more drinks. Then the waitress that ignored us was pissed that we didn't have much left to order, so we snubbed her and ordered another round of drinks. From the bartenders. Went here for valentine's lunch since it was close, and it took an hour for an appetizer, a salad and pork that was already in the slow cooker. The three stars are for the decor, the menu, the bacon-wrapped jalapenos (best appetizer EVER), and the happy hour menu.

    (3)

  • Janey E.

    Best nachos in Portland. Hands down. So great, I had a hard time ever ordering anything else on the menu! But be warned, when they say "Texas Size", they mean HUGE. Serves a group of three to four easy. Their margaritas are excellent and other drinks are pretty good, but not the best. The ambiance is dark and plush and I love every square inch of it. Prices are reasonable for the amount of food you receive. The downside of this otherwise perfect restaurant is that the service is just kind of meh... While the waiters and waitresses are often nice (I've only had a mean one once, where it was obvious she just didn't want to be there) they don't come around to your table often to check up on drinks and such. However, our water glasses were never empty, but that duty was left to gent who doted on us with his pitcher. Ambiance and great food keeps me coming back.

    (4)

  • Steve H.

    This place--as a space--is a dark, Gothic Texas wonderland. The bar is fawking awesome, with its giant longhorn steer skull encircled in a stained glass disc of fire, and hundreds of liquor bottles--mostly tequila--shining ominously in the dim light. It looks like the set of some twisted Molly Hatchet-esque Southwestern vampire film designed my Frank Frazetta. It's worth stopping in once just to take it in. It get's an extra star from me for that alone--despite the fact that the food is pretty average. This is apparently an outlet of a small chain that prides itself on its huge offering of high end tequila. It's certainly a good place to pop in just for a drink and some appetizers. I've eaten here twice (once was very memorable, but we'll get to that in a moment). The food is okay. Nothing all that special. Seems to be attempting something of a Tex-Mex thing--or maybe it's just the longhorn steer skull that puts this in mind. Now to that memorable meal. Two years ago my holiday travel plans put me alone in Portland on Christmas eve. And as evening arrived I grew hungry, and the cupboard was bare. So I headed out looking for a place to have dinner. And of course every damn place in Portland appeared to be closed. Then I came across Casa Del Matator, and...it...was...open. So awesome! And I bellied up to the bar and had some tequila drinks and some tacos at the bar--the dark, Gothic bar. It was creepy cool, like dining with Satan, which might explain why it was open on Christmas eve.

    (4)

  • Harold P.

    I've been here several times for their happy hour - items on their happy hour menu are very filling and affordable, and the service is great. It's also a ncie comfy environment (though it can get loud when the room fills.)

    (4)

  • Jessica M.

    I really really tried to like this place. But I just can't. Awful service...awful food. FIVE times in a row. I won't be back. Last time me and my boyfriend just got up an left. We were sitting at the bar and after thirty minutes the bartender still hadn't helped us. There was literly 10 people in the place. As we were leaving the manager gave us a gift card an told us to give it one more shot. I was hesitant because the time before that our food was delivered cold. So we went back last night for one more try and it was awful. The food was awful. So bland. And so hot! They might as well have served us chilli powder. It should say on their menu if something is that spicy but it didn't. We ordered tacos and couldn't even eat them. Some of the worst service an food I have EVER got in my entire life. Don't go here. Place is wack

    (1)

  • Katie S.

    Love the margaritas! Such a fun easy place to get away for a quick date or night out with friends!! One of my favorites!! Try the squash quesadilla too for a real treat!!

    (5)

  • Karthik V.

    This place is a good Mexican place if you want to grab something really late. Sumptuous meal anf great Mexican Old Fashioneds..

    (4)

  • Stephen D.

    I got a chicken fajitas and my wife got a enchilada, it was just OK, We won't be coming back for the food but the margaritas were great, we might come back and try tacos or a nacho on happy hour. I would have gave it 4 stars based on drinks alone but for the food definitely a 2.

    (3)

  • Abbe and Jebby E.

    I spend most of my food related time thinking about Spanish dishes; rice, beans, slow cooked meats, melted cheeses and so on. All those sticky fumblings at other Spanish restaurants and I could only dream of getting out, getting anywhere, getting all the way to the Matador. Jebby and I discovered this little gem by accident, we were actually on our way to dine at a southern food restaurant owned by the person who previously owned the Delta Café, one of our favorite places to eat. When we drove by and saw 10-20 hipsters lining the outside of the building waiting for a table, we decided to put that dining experience on the back burner for now and happily drove across the street to the Matador, which had enticed us with the giant cow skull crowing it's emblem and the moody lighting shining like a beacon from inside it's burgundy draped windows. Once inside we looked around in awe of the gorgeous décor and all around amazing interior of this new found treasure. Wooden paneled walls adorned with various bull and cow skulls, large floor to ceiling windows garnished in deep red and burgundy velvet drapes, antique chandeliers and unique light fixtures hanging above each table, a rustic fire pit in the middle of the room surrounded by a table and chairs, and lastly a huge bar lined to the ceiling with bottles of Tequila sparkling in the dim light and tinted by the stained glass mosaic of what looked like a sacred heart and another bull skull. I just want to point out that the interior of this restaurant is how I wish the inside of my house looked. I want to live there. Jebby and I were greeted by a friendly hostess and seated in a large booth. You get two menus, one for food and the other for Tequila. Casa Del Matador has on of the largest Tequila bars in Portland and they aren't kidding around. The menu has three full pages of every Tequila they carry, prices ranging from $5 for a shot to $400 for a bottle. This visit was solely for the purpose of food review, but someday we vowed to return and have a Tequila tasting night. We were blown away with how fresh the ingredients in our food were. The master minds behind the food at Matador create their own unique recipes that put a completely new spin on "tex-mex" and put a completely new feeling of satisfied in your belly. Every meal is preceded by a large bowl of hot tortilla chips and house made salsa, as much as you can eat. The Matador even has a fresh sheet for each month that contains recipes using ingredients that are specifically in season at that time.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    We have been going to the NW 23rd location for quite awhile now and just happened to go by this one and decided to stop in! We enjoyed the same great food and the same great service as the other location...The Carnita's are very good but the Cilantro button mushrooms were the best! It is to bad that it is a 21 and over place as it would be a great deal busier with families and would actually ad to the emptiness of this location!

    (4)

  • erin b.

    great happy hour... if you like it habanero hot! i- i- ieeeeee ... but so worth the burn! (not that burn you get in the gym either) either spot off burnside or nw 23rd is good, but I like the 23rd spot a little better, mainly due to vibe of the peeps I think...

    (4)

  • Ashley P.

    Nothing like a vagina in your face for a buck. Tell me what is the difference between this club and paying a girl to rip the pants off you....just saying and I ain't complaining ;)

    (5)

  • Kimberly V.

    One of my favorite things to do is make up band names based on every day ephemera and my short attention span, then determine what kind of music the bands would play if they really existed. Some examples: Viva Los Bus: Thrashcore punk music that espouses environmentally sound habits and suggestions for harmonious living, such as throwing away your roommate's patchouli. You Are a Towel: Snappy, simple power pop by a band of three girls and one guy on Casio detail. The guy's name will be Sally. Don't Do It Torture King: Sprawling psych rock influenced by Lou Reed and Hanson. Will walk off the stage during their first arena show because someone shines the glowing end of a laser pointer in the singer's face and exposes his faulty eye job. Seem random? Seem a little like a cooking experiment gone awry due to too many disparate choices? Then you have some idea of what a night at Casa Del Matador is like. Brandi P does a splendid job of describing the interior design, so I will just agree with her. Would you ever take the linens that you found in your great-grandma's bedroom after her passing and reuse them to decorate your child's nursery? Only if you are extremely poor and/or blind. Then if you wouldn't do that, then why would you call yourself a Tex-Mex restaurant and not provide any hot sauce or salsa with your tortilla products until it's requested? For that matter, why would you even bother with the whole "I am one of the nouveau riche and all my newly acquired accoutrements will weigh more than a Toyota sedan" aesthetic and not even set any coasters or even a placemat (just to show that you're still in touch with your roots) on your lacquered wooden table? Sorry, I just had high hopes. The margarita was lovely, the service was lovely, and the company was lovely. But when I play the band name game, the fun of it comes from the fact that none of those Frankenstein creations will ever make it past the R & D stage. Too much work, not enough substance. But the entire Casa Del Matador chain (because even if you're only located in the Northwest or whatever, you're still a chain) *tries* to be a serious restaurant, for lovers and families and Internet friends to make good times. But there are fancypants dining establishments and junkie Mexi joints, and when one starts to look eerily like the other, the whole style falls flat. Again, apologies. Viva Los Bus was playing a set and someone tossed a plastic bottle of mead onto the stage. They are pissy.

    (2)

  • Linda S.

    When it comes to happy hours, this is the best. Although the drinks are not discounted they are fantastic. Love the Argentine Malbec, .best nachos in Portland. It's my go to place for happy hour. The atmosphere is fantastic, casual, warm and friendly. The staff is very riendly and there is a nice varieey of choices on the Happy Hour menu.

    (5)

  • Brandy S.

    This place is ok, but nothing really that unique that you can't find at one of the other Mexican restaurants on 28th. Not very many vegetarian options . . .so I went with a salad . . . again nothing special, but it wasn't bad. Overall: If you are a middle class frat boy that like tequila, you might fit in here

    (3)

  • browse n.

    Great atmosphere, good drinks, boring food. Like its sister restaurant on NW 23rd Ave, Matador is a very attractive space. Dark, with lots of raw metal welded artwork and a table near the bar with a firepit, Matador fairly overflows with ambiance. It manages to be dark and festive at the same time, just the sort of place where you'd like to meet with some friends after work. And there's a drink menu that has a wide variety of tequilas and mixed drinks, a little more expensive than you'd pay elsewhere, but not crazy. There's even a happy hour menu until 6:00 pm that is quite tasty and worth exploring. But the dinners are just plain boring, and worse yet, overpriced. For $14, you can have the dubious pleasure of chicken fajitas that are identical to those from any one of a dozen chain restaurants (Chilis, Fridays, Bennigans, et al, ad nauseam). Not bad really, just boring. Mundane. Uninspired. Not even particularly flavorful. For prices that are higher than average for this area, I expect much more. There's too much competition in the Portland restaurant scene to settle for bland, mediocre and over-priced. So, stop by for drinks. Meet "the gang" for happy hour. Then head elsewhere for a real meal.

    (2)

  • Ben W.

    Bland boring food. Chips were good but that's about it. I would only go back if I was forced to and would only drink The decor is gross as well

    (2)

  • B S.

    Really nice bartenders that can shake a good one. Games always on at the bar with a few plasmas. Cool round indoor fireplace you can sit at. The food is always good, somethings are better or more unique then others. The shrimp tacos, wings, caesar, tex-mex spring rolls, margaritas, and of course white russians are all winners. Happy hour has excellent deals on food only, 4-6 m-f and after 9 or 10pm - close too.

    (4)

  • Rick W.

    I rounded up to 4 stars because the drinks are good, the ambience is great and the service is friendly.We love the large open windows on warm summer nights and looking forward to the indoor fire pit this fall. The nachos were a bit of a disappointment: too many chips, not enough fixin's. We'll go back.

    (4)

  • Barclay B.

    Maybe an off night, but very dispointed!! Always loved this place but had not been there for a year untill last night, so maybe they have just gone downhill. Hostess was rude and seated others that came in afterwards before us. Service was slow. Pork carnitas usually the best I've ever had were so full of chunks of fat we could barely eat them. Then when the bill came and we paid cash they shorted us on our change!!! It will be a long time before we go back....too manu other good places to eat in this town

    (1)

  • K N.

    Excellent nachos, margaritas and cute bartenders... what's to complain about?? Their nachos are by far the best in town, especially for their happy hour price (the chips they use really make them exceptional). Also, they have a tamarind margarita that has a cinnamon-sugar rim with an orange that will make you happier than you've ever been. Just last week I had their special butternut squash quesadilla was that was so exquisitely delicious I can't stop thinking about it's gooey-ness.

    (5)

  • Sung L.

    We met some friends for dinner at the Burnside location a couple of months ago after work. It was crowded and loud but that's to be expected on a Friday night. The food there is American Tex-Mex which is fine as long as you're not expecting an authentic Mexican experience. We ordered Fajitas (standard, no complaints) and Pan Seared Sea Scallops with tomatillo cream sauce. The Tomatillo sauce should be poured over anything and everything ... deeeelicious. They also let us sit in a booth and chat for 3-4 hours so we all appreciated the hospitality. I'd say it's a great place to meet friends, a good place just focusing on the food.

    (3)

  • Kristie A.

    Great food, Great drinks. I had the pulled pork sandwhich and my husband had the steak sandwhich, both where amazing along with the fries!

    (5)

  • Michelle K.

    Why yes, I am a fan! Of their Happy Hour. This review is focused on a phenomenal happy hour food menu in my neighborhood, with a brief nod to the decent-but-pricey dinner menu. I live about 100 feet from this place. Suffice to say, I go here a lot -- I've been known to go there up to three times in a week (and remember up to two!). I'm hooked on their 10pm-1am Happy Hour, where they have a rather extensive menu of about 10-12 items priced $4-5. I'm on a mission to try everything on that menu, and haven't been disappointed yet. I wouldn't order every dish again, but at $4-5, I'll try them all. As other reviews have noted, they do not have any discounts on their drinks. Admittedly, since this is often my last stop on a long night's journey before plopping into bed, I usually don't get an alcoholic beverage. When I do get a drink, I like that their beers are served in nice frosty steins that make you feel like you're getting your money's worth on them, however (no slender pint glasses here). I come here to sate my cravings for their fried calamari (hit or miss), their prawns (habanero and garlic are both delicious, though the previous sauce is better), their nachos are a GIANT plate that takes more than one person to conquer, and their tortilla soup a lovely, chunky mess. Probably the most bland Happy Hour dish I've encountered is their Romanine salad. The dressing is tasty enough and has a tart, fishy overtone, but the bed of lettuce is more boring than springy. I've only been here once outside of Happy Hour times, and got a prawn dish that in the $14-16 range was a lot more meager than I expected, though the prawns were nicely seared and there were a decent number on the plate (2 skewers of 4). Additionally, if you go in past 1am, they no longer have the cheap Happy Hour food but only carry a small selection at $8+... a tricky entrapment for drunkards! One note: This is one of those bars (as in, 21+ from open to close) that employs exclusively male bartenders and female waitresses. The service has been fantastic every time I've gone, but it's a calculated management decision on someone's part that sticks out when you notice it time and time again. Sit by the fire for a great show!

    (4)

  • Robin S.

    Tiffany from holiday express was so right GREAT place. Food and drink was amazing!

    (5)

  • J M.

    Feels a little bit like a chain to me, but get the Cadillac. Food is always excellent. HH is good as well.

    (3)

  • Sarah A.

    I'm hoping this was just a bad night. We have been impressed in the past but sticky rubbery calamari (sent that back) and the enchiladas were not only sub par in the flavor department, my mouth was infiltrated by grissle, not sumptuous beef. bummer

    (2)

  • Dan S.

    Casa del Matador has a lot of upsides and a few that trend downward. Positives: great atmosphere, outstanding tequila selection, tasty food (had the asada enchilada in green sauce). Not-so-good: no free chips to snack on, no happy hour drink specials, parking can be a long, hard search. I'll definitely include CDM in my rotation of Mex joints, it's just not near the top.

    (3)

  • Devon D.

    The food is "pretty alright," but the concept is off-kilter: Tex-mex food at a swanky bar with an extensive tequila list. I love the tequila flight options (as such long lists are often daunting) but again we see unbalance: what is the purpose of washing down CHEAP happy hour food with $50s worth of nice tequila!?

    (3)

  • David R.

    I like this place for the overall ambiance as much as the food. I've only had one meal there, but it was quite fresh and satisfying. The pozole and spinach salad were delicious, and the desert was outstanding--a crispy shell with banana embedded in it, and the shell was stuffed with coconut ice cream, which was drizzled with a caramel sauce. Portions were generous. Also, the staff was pleasant and attentive.

    (4)

  • steve w.

    The coldest beer on the East Side and a Happy Hour food selection that is excellent.

    (4)

  • Marc Z.

    Great food & margaritas in a cool atmosphere. Only negative was the really poor service we had from our waitress. Really want to rate this restaurant 5 stars, but the service was terrible.

    (2)

  • Annie C.

    good ambiance & margs, ok service, inconsistent food. never been so disappointed in tacos (several occasions) we go here frequently because of location, but I prefer que pasa for Mexican.

    (3)

  • Jimmy M.

    Beautiful bar with killer happy hour food menu. Nachos are well worth it.

    (4)

  • Brian N.

    I love spicy, which is probably why I give this place 5 stars over 4. The flavorings are real good. Everyone we've taken there seems to love what they get. I've only gotten the shrimp and carne asada taco plate. I love these items so much I can't move on to try anything else. No kids allowed. Great atmosphere at both the NW and Eastside locations. Sometimes you can get placed in the back area of the NW location. Sort of feel like you're out in the alley way. No reservations, expect short and doable lines if you get there at dinner time.

    (5)

  • Joshua M.

    There are two divisions in Mexican food... those who use the black bean, and those who use the pinto. I am not on the side of the black bean. Matador is trying hard to be upscale and gourmet, which is fine, but without a refried pinto on the menu you'll be hard pressed to get more than a 4 star out of me. Oh yeah... I'm giving them 3. Well the interior was cool (sat by the fire pit), service was friendly and efficient, but I wasn't sold on what I ordered. Enchiladas verde... overly spicy to the point where I wasn't really enjoying them. My wife however ordered the carnitas and that was excellent. I think if that had been my main dish I would have 4-starred it.

    (3)

  • Diana L.

    A group of friends and I stopped by Matador on a Thursday night for Happy Hour .. Yes, the Nachos are pretty HUGE and cheap. And I guess the Chorizo Tacos are worth coming back for. But on the downside, our waitress wasn't the best. And actually was pretty short with us, no asking if we needed anything else like Tabasco, etc. And after handing us a SINGLE bill for a group of eight - which we separated for her, she just gave us the nastiest look. Boo for the bad customer service .. Just grab the Chorizo Tacos for take out instead ;)

    (3)

  • Lia S.

    As a once "go-to" restaurant, this establishment has underwhelmed time and time again. Between the poor management and surly staff, the environment presented by the Matador restaurant is barely decent enough to sit through a stiff drink . Being a frequenter of Portland restaurants, I am well aware there is incredible food to be tasted, as well as attentive, knowledgable service to be had. The Matador provides neither. While the food is decent and well priced, the service makes the experience unbearable. With management that refuses to take responsibility for poor service, this establishment will no longer be one of the restaurants I frequent. Even knowing there is rarely ever a wait time for dinner (which perhaps should have been a warning of the lackluster experience to follow), I will not be returning in the near future for dinner. Unfortunately, this restaurant gives even less attentive service than a low quality dive bar.

    (1)

  • Brandon H.

    Great Great Happy Hour! Nachos are a mountain and calamari is delicious also. No drink specials (Run near 7$). Mojito is good and the mango margarita is the best. Menu outside of happy hour is pretty pricey.

    (4)

  • Luv the Biz D.

    Ya know, just because we live on the East side doesn't mean EVERYTHING has to be cheap and grungy. I mean, I love the cheap and grungy places, too, but...... If you wanna hang in a cool spot with high end tequilas and a killer HH, this is the place. Yeah, the drinks are a little spendy, but they are stiff and full of real quality ingredients. The decor is fun, the staff are very helpful and they have parking ( a rarity in SE ). I am not certain about the regular menu, but the HH items were much larger than expected. Of the 15 folks in our party, every person was pleased with their food. Also, Christian, the bar tender is worth a visit all by himself.

    (4)

  • Wendy C.

    21+ even during the daylight hours. Dangitall, Small Child and I were ready to eat a crapload of nachos.

    (1)

  • Mel V.

    This restaurant use to be my absolute favorite! My friends and I would go after every Blazer game, However, this restaurant love to higher beautiful waitress that time after time can not get your meal correct or they take no more than 15 minutes before asking if you have been helped and if you would like to have a drink. When the bill comes and you order something to go you have to pay for the salsa that you would of gotten free with your meal and it will cost you $6.95 the nachos only cost $7.00 so outrageous! The best part is when you pay the waitress NEVER knows how to count change so you wont ever see your change you will either get short changed or get most of your money back considering the waitresses are they to look pretty and not count cash. I suppose the upside is you never see the same waitress twice, more than likely fired for her till being off. Consistency would be nice one time you visit you do not pay for salsa the next time its a dollar, the next its free the next two times its a meal for $6.95. perhaps it would be easier to swallow if I drank and didn't notice the waitresses and manager was ripping their customers off. two stars for their cooks who do a fabulous job they are the ones I wish I could tip. If last straw that for me was when I asked for some salsa and a Matador burrito with Verde sauce they did not put the Verde sauce on the burrito however decided to put the salsa on the burrito when i told them i did not order red sauce another waitress comes out with a cup and my plate and makes it sound like it was my fault and never corrected the problem told me to just eat it with the salsa already on the burrito and just pour the Verde sauce on top! no caring if my heart could take the heat of the salsa.

    (1)

  • Joshua B.

    Casa del matador (on the east side) is one of the most ambient restraunts/bars in Portland. Quite frankly it is visually stunning from the dark wood and heavy velvet drapes; to the tea light candles all over the bar; to the slightly gothic bar itself; to the ethnically influenced music playing. If Disney were to create a bar in Portland it might look something like this. Casa del matador reminded me exactly of something out of the mask of zorro. Besides having an almost overwhelming selection of top shelf tequila (this is appropriately a tequila bar) the restaurant part is simply superb. Came here this weekend at 11 pm and was thrilled to find both the kitchen still open and happy hour prices in effect. The food portions are very generous and certainly shareable. The pork here is braised and seasoned with cinnamon/allspice and is perhaps THE best pork I have ever had. Bartenders poured strong drinks (the red sangria was deliciously potent) and were cute as hell (just saying!). Medium range pricing that is glorious during happy hour. There also may be some confusion in these reviews as there are several places called matador in Portland. Casa del matador is a true experience that I look forward to repeating in the future.

    (5)

  • Nga H.

    So now that I'm back in the great state of Oregon, I'm wasting no time getting reacquainted with Portland's bar scene. Let's dive in shall we? Went to Matador the other night. Got there for their late night happy hour. No drink specials, but they do offer a $4-5 food menu. We ordered the ancho chipotle wings, which were sweet and with just enough of that fiery kick that leaves a tingle on your tongue but doesn't leave you lurching for your water. The group next to us ordered the nacho platter, and when they brought that sucker out, I couldn't believe that beast was only $4. So from what little experience I've had with their happy hour food menu thus far, it seems their food is either beastly or tasty. I will say I was disappointed with their Strawberry Margarita. It was below par at any bar you go to. The strawberry tasted artificial, and they served it to me in a pint glass. Are you kidding me?! Where's the margarita glass that goes with the margarita that should go with sitting in a Tequila bar?? Despite that though, the decor was nice, service was punctual, and the food was good, so four stars.

    (4)

  • Joe G.

    Most of the negative reviews of this place focus on lackluster service, but I have not had a problem with service myself. My only experience here has been at the late night happy hour, and it rocks! No drink minimum (rare), and good food served fast. I'd suggest being careful ordering the chili, as it was VERY spicy-hot. Go with the chicken tacos instead.

    (4)

  • Mike S.

    Tonight was my first visit to this place. Actually headed out wanting fried chicken but the Screen Door was too busy and we had time issues so my wife wanted to try this place. I was not happy I wasn't getting my fried chicken but I said yes. Our waitress, Tracy, was very friendly and knew everything about the tequilas and menu. She was very helpful. This place was jam packed but she was patient and spent several minutes explaning the tequila offerings. And there are many. The meny had many classic Mexican dishes but also some for those who might want something else. A bit more expensive than I normally pay for the type of food but after all, we were down on 25th and Burnside. That was to be expected. I ordered the steak fajitas. Now I have had a lot of steak fajitas after living in Texas for 12 years. But none better than what I was served. And better than I can make them myself and I pride myself on being an excellant cook. They came with the traditional sides to add to the tacos. The flour tortillas seemed to be made in house and fresh. They also came with black beans that were spicy with a little crumbled cheese on top. The fried chicken can wait, this was awesome. I don't normally give 5 star ratings to any reastaurant but this place deserved it for sure.

    (5)

  • Scott A.

    I had the best ribs at this place. Normally restaurant ribs are hit or miss, but they were perfect. The spice and tenderness was great and so were the garlic mashed potatoes. What a great place to go on a date. Service was a little light though

    (4)

  • Nicole A.

    Delicious variety of margaritas, beautiful, hardwood-and-candlelit atmosphere, skilled bartenders, appropriate music, and the best, crispest chipped, most gargantuan, happy hour nachos in town, deemed such by a true nacho connoisseur. The rest of the food is also delicious. Ask for the special salsa.

    (4)

  • Stuart H.

    So a few of us finally decided to give Matador a chance and only because our 1st choice was East Burn and it was insane! Anyway the first thing I notice was how big and empty this place was. There were only 2 other customers and it never got any busier. The decor was top notch (you can't help but notice it).and you know these guys spent a bundle. The things I liked about this place was the bar and the open gas fire place in the middle with a wrap around bar that could seat at least 12+ it was pretty impressive, and It definetly demands your attention. The tall ceiling, gothic feel, the shelving lit by extremely low lighting and several candles strategically placed showed off an impressive selection of alcohol, the ambience is dark in a vampirerish kind of way and I love the long bar. What I didn't like was several areas lacked intimacy. I hated the long booths, more then 2 people on one side I become clastrophbic and they had several of them. The table seating along the wall and window area was far enough apart making the place even less intimate It had this warehouse feel to it. So we sat by the firepit and ordered a few drinks. They definetly pour a good drink and they our bartender was very personable. Then we ordered a few appeitizers (we should of just stuck with the drinks). We ordered the blackened fish tacos 2 for $4. The fish was so spicy I couldn't taste anything else. I was impossible to separate any flavors same with the pork or boar tacos (I can't remember). Both came with salsa and unfortunately we never need it. Another dish we tried was the garlic shrimp. Again we were disappointed we could barely taste any garlic I even gave a taste to our server who agreed it was bland. I hope that this place makes it, but when I've talked with others who have gone there have ALL said the same thing when it came to the food and won't eat there again but maybe go for the drinks. The other problem and I've mention this before is you have to be 21 to go in there. Even the bartender agreed it is really hurting business and they are trying hard for the OLCC to get them to catorgize the place as a restaurant

    (3)

  • Mavis B.

    you know, haters gonna hate, but good music, pozole, a tamarind margarita and i'm all about that piece.

    (5)

  • Annie E.

    I showed up with 2 friends on a Friday night, and they were busy with a 20 minute wait (not unreasonable considering), so we looked at a menu just outside while we waited. The hostess was friendly, and we ended up waiting slightly less than 20 minutes. We were in a wooden booth, which was spacious and allowed us to spread out a little. There is a lovely fireplace, and red-toned decor, so this is the place to eat dinner on a rainy night. Food was excellent, and there was enough to take home. The drinks were good, and they catered to my friend's weird drink preferences without batting an eyelash. Pretty great place for a Friday girls' night out, or a date. One caution: it is crowded, it is loud. Really nice otherwise. And I agree, their chips and salsa are better than the average Portland Mexican fare.

    (4)

  • Jesse G.

    Yes, the interiors are overdone. Yes, it's a (NW) chain. Yes, the service is spotty. But at my most recent dinner our server visited often, refilling my water over and over (I'm like a water buffalo). I can see the risk in hiring only hot chicks to be servers. They could have an attitude or be outright incompetent, but this time we got lucky. I love their salsa, much better than our other Mexican haunt, La Bamba, and the entrees are bumped up a few dollars than other places, but you get pretty much what you expect. It's not autentico, you're there for the ambience and some flavor. And also awesome happy hour values.

    (3)

  • Doug Y.

    The friends and I had a dress up night, so we wanted to go some place dress-up friendly, but we were still poor as hell so... what to do? This place was our shot in the dark. It looks fancy... but don't let that be a deterrent, it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be; A mohijto was $7, but I was able to milk it for over an hour, so that worked; we got Nachos for $4 during happy hour, which was enough to keep two people busy for 20 minutes provided your party is conversing. So an $11 trip to keep about an hour and a half of time occupied-- before they dragged me over to Chopsticks II across the street. Not bad. If you're poor but want to feel as close as you can to fancy for a night, this is your place. There's a forced gratuity if your party's a little big (our was nine people), and parking was dead as hell on a Friday night. Nothing weighed the experience down, and if anything I would recommend this place in the future in case another dress up night occurs.

    (4)

  • Sara S.

    Totally awesome food and drink. I do wish their wine list was a bit more vast, but it was good. The small plates are great. The kalamari is ok ( although a Greek restaurant would serve the best kalamari as far as I'm concerned) and the prawn plates are good as well as the quesadillas.. The larger plates seem too large and a bit pricey. I would definitely go again and recommend it. The only thing I was surprised about is that children are not allowed...I would probably go more often if that was the case as i'd love to dine with kids also.

    (4)

  • Seth M.

    Matador has one of the better happy hours in Portland and the best margaritas in town!

    (4)

  • Destinie D.

    What a pleasant surprise. We had planned on going to a different restaurant but they were busy so we meandered over here since I've been wanting to check it out anyway. The food was delicious, the tequila was great and while its a bar, there's no t that gross bar vibe going on. Check it out!!

    (5)

  • Robert W.

    This place has some of the Best Margaritas out there!! Also the atmosphere is really cool with the dimmed lighting and the fire place! We come here all the time!! Their Nacho is insanely good too!

    (5)

  • Kisar D.

    We are giving this four stars, because they do a great job with their food. I brought my brother in law here this past Friday because he has been craving any kind of Mexican food, because he does not get it in India! So we went here and he had the carne asada enchiladas and I had the carne asada dinner plate. We thought they both were excellent. In addition, we just loved the guacamole too! Overall, great job!

    (4)

  • Kyle A.

    Amazing Happy hour! Great nachos and amazing tacos!

    (4)

  • Ben N.

    Came in and was never greeted or acknowledged by any of the works.. Had to seat ourself which was NOT A BIG DEAL. Then waiting 10 mins just for someone to come by to give us water and the person was rude.. Felt unwanted at the place I go to all the time.. Waitress much been having a bad day or wanted to go home..

    (1)

  • She C.

    I give up on this place. It's only getting two stars, because I dig the atmosphere and the music is good. However, we won't be going back. Our party of four was told it'd be a 45 min. wait. No big deal, it was Friday night at 7 and expected. We actually got seated earlier, but the time it took to get our order taken, (20-25 min.) and then the HOUR it took afterward to get the food, negated that one positive of the experience. Kinda ridiculous. The food was blah. Two people at the table got carne asada, one in a burrito, the other soft tacos. There was literally, maybe ONE ounce of steak kibble in each. Really. Unbelievable for a $13+ meal. Beware, their particular recipe for pico de gallo is chalked full with jalapeños. They should stipulate that on the menu I think. Way too hot for my liking. Overall the service wasn't bad, our server was fine, but we didn't see her much so...

    (2)

  • Jessica M.

    Wonderful happy hour menu. Nice servers. Delicious margaritas. A little pricey, but for the most part, worth the extra money.

    (4)

  • Karine B.

    Great atmosphere, good food and nice, hip location. The staff is very friendly and you feel right at home. Worth a visit while in Portland.

    (4)

  • Kit S.

    No it's not authentic Mexican and it's not meant to be. I find authentic Mexican to be a little boring, and Matador is anything but boring. Great food, great people, great venue, very imaginative menu. And they must have over 100 tequilas! Would like to book their big outdoor area for a party sometime.

    (5)

  • Diana M.

    I love their nachos!! It is something you just have to share because eating it by yourself would be a mission... plus it wouldn't be any fun! Another thing I recommend is their Chipotle Mushrooms. They come out covered in chipotle garlic butter and some bread for dipping.... my mouth is watering now! YUM! The calamari is okay and so is the spicy jumbo prawns. The prawns were a little too tough for me and not spicy enough. If you want something a little bit lighter, the romaine salad is good and refreshing.

    (4)

  • Keith L.

    Great place, love the atmosphere, very good food, the choices of Tequila are endless. Had a cute little blonde help us with our choices, very good choice!! Would bring back many of my friends, too good to just tell them about this place!!

    (5)

  • Tyler D.

    Portions are generous and the staff is inviting. The homemade salsa is delicious and the chips are crisp. The only complaint I have is that the inside was way to dark, I couldn't even see my girlfriends face in front of me. But besides that the chill indie music was fitting and it was busy (which is a good sign). I highly recommend stopping in if you haven't yet, summers coming up and they even have patio seating!

    (4)

  • Janet L.

    For a long time I only came over here to drink through my wait for a table at Screen Door across the street. My impression, for no reason whatsoever, was that this place was mediocre. I gotta say I'm sorry Matador, and I was wrong. You're doing almost everything right, and I'm hoping I can help your star ranking turn a little closer to red. The happy hour is a screamin deal, it's only for food but it's a $5 menu with an enormous plate of nachos, delicious quesedillas, calamari, and a lot more. It's a long list. The drinks are reasonably priced and they have a lot of margaritas, all fresh juice, delicious flavors, well made. The ambiance/decor is great.. lots of booths, a wall that rolls up on nice days/nights. Some fire pits. Great for groups and intimate dates alike. Also thanks for not having any TVs. Service has always been a hit for me also. This is a big one for me and they have always been 5 stars on that. It's never crowded, I've always been able to get a great table any time of day. And they're serving this awesome food late, til bar close! What's keeping me from 5 stars? A couple of things. The music is distractingly bad. And piped into the bathrooms so you can't escape it there. I don't know what to tell y'all on this. Get a DJ maybe? Let me help you on some Pandora stations? I dunno. Vanilla Ice and Boys II Men don't mesh with the rest of the experience you're creating here. I feel silly griping about this but I saw I'm not the only one between Yelp and 4sq so I think it's something that needs attention. Something that I can't put my finger on that makes this place smell like a chain restaurant.. you know the kind that is themed and creates the American stereotype of a culture rather than actually being authentic to it. I really wish I could be more specific but that's all I've got, and it was the reason I had the mediocre impression in the beginning. I'm trying to get over it. But I guess on the plus side it's not too Portland weird feeling for your suburb friends.

    (4)

  • M R.

    Casa del Matador has really good food and what I like the most is that they make the majority of the menu in house. Never have to worry you are eating canned, mass-produced salsa. Speaking of salsa, theirs is amazing. I love the slightly smokey flavor. They run really good specials, especially in the summer incorporating the citrus fruits. Had chicken fajitas last night and fajitas are always a safe bet. And, the ancho chile wings are TO DIE FOR! I forgot to ask the waitress if they are fried or baked, but if they are fried, they definitely do not taste fried! Great flavor and the meat comes right off the bone. Decent beer selection. Wish they had a different Mexican beer on draught than just Dos Equis. Service can be hit or miss. Last night our waitress was super attentive and sweet, but don't be fooled, I have gone before where it took an obnoxiously long time for a waitress to come by to even take our initial order and then follow up after that was pretty much none. It is pretty dark inside. Your eyes adjust, but is a little off-putting at first and usually pretty loud, unless you hit a gap like we did when it was relatively slow. Great place to sit at the bar and watch football or other sporting events. TIP: sit at the bar around the fire pit!

    (4)

  • Brody L.

    I guess I am use to delicious cheap Mexican food that rocks your world. This place has the opposite, womp womp. It's expensive fake Mexican food that isn't very world rocking at all. It isn't horrible it just isn't great and I'm not into paying more for mediocre. They do have a nice dim atmosphere that is good for dates and a cool fire pit table you can sit at.

    (3)

  • Bob B.

    I revisited Casa Del Matador's Burnside location a week ago, and I'm pleased to say that the service has improved since my last visit, and I'd rate it excellent. Our server was attentive and efficient, and made our visit a pleasure. The steak fajitas have a decent flavor, but they've been tough and chewy all three times I've had them. The food items on the happy hour menu are good values for the money, and I highly recommend them. The cocktails I've had (house margarita, Cadillac margarita, mojito) were so-so. Your best bet is the beer, but if you go for mixed drinks, ask for light ice; otherwise you get what seems like 4 ounces of drink in a 14-ounce glass. And a happy hour without reduced drink prices? Seriously? Beautiful facility, though. I love the fire pit, the outdoor seating, and the huge windows that open everything to the outside. I've revised my rating to 3.25 stars (up from 2) - 4.5 for our server, 2 for the food and drink.

    (3)

  • Monique N.

    I cant say enough about this spot. I love Mexican Food and I love Matador.. I drag sheldon here at leatst 2-3 times a month.. Great drinks here too

    (5)

  • Samantha P.

    This is the second time that I have been to this location, and this time was a vastly different experience. Horrible service, the food was meh, other customers were permitted to mill about in the aisle and lean against our table, as well as come up to just take chairs from our table when their party of 10+ couldn't all squeeze into one booth. The situation needed staff interference and there was little to none. Will not be returning.

    (1)

  • Zícenina R.

    This place has a great atmosphere and an large selection of tequilas. I came here for a quick dinner and a few drinks. My friend had, and was pleased with, the house margarita; while opted for the much better "top shelf" margarita. We were both pleased. The food was good. We were both raised in neW mexico and agreed that the food is a one of portland's most exemplary productions of tex-mex. The experience was great; the service was excellent; the drinks were better than expected; and the food was average.

    (4)

  • Amy O.

    I love that Portland has these neighborhood finds! Had a late lunch here, sitting outside in the sun, and great customer service. This place has a great vibe, and you can tell at night time it looks really cool. Coming from California, I was like...eh...mexican? We have great mexican food in California. But...we had some just as great food here. Ordered to share: the stuffed jalapenos, tacos al pastor, and chips/guac. Jalapenos - hot!! Well, yah, they are peppers, I get it. But, they were on the spicier side. The veins must have been left in...but hey, we loved them. They were wrapped in bacon with some cheese inside (and not deep fried!). Served with a really good crema. Tacos - good flavor, slivers of red onion, grilled pineapple. Glad we shared these, as I would have been tired of the flavor if I had to eat all three. Chips and Guacamole - chips were numms...guacamole needed some help. More acid, more onion, and more salt. Just tasted like squished up avocado. But, our experience was great, service was on top of it, and food was fresh and delightful. Since we only had water, these three things were only $23.

    (3)

  • Kelsie V.

    for a small local chain this place is Okay. Highlights: Dos Equis Ambar on Draft in frosty mugs Center firepit table -perfect spot on a cold day Happy Hour food and prices Layout and decor is somewhat trendy and scene----ish. It's a beautiful space. Both the NW location and the SE are the same.

    (3)

  • Daniel C.

    I had the chance to go here recently during a pub-crawl. This establishment has a great atmosphere for all ages and types. I think one of the first things noticed is the relaxed atmosphere and hip seating arrangements when walking through the door. Some of the circular tables near the bar have their very own fireplace in the center. The food and beverage pricing is moderate to high, depending on the fare. It's worth it if you plan to spend an evening at this place. I would definately come back here for dinner or drinks with some friends!

    (4)

  • Ellie B.

    The decor here is gorgeous. Awesome cattle skulls on the walls, beautiful wrought iron piece above the bar and cool booths and lighting. My friends and I just stopped in for a drink before dinner and I loved my salt rimmed margarita. It was refreshing and strong without knocking you over. The chips and salsa served with our drinks was also great.

    (4)

  • Jessica K.

    Death by spice? Not a bad way to go. At least that's what I must have been going for a few months ago when we dined at this Tex Mex place for a friend's bday. Everytime I think about this place my lips get this phantom burn thing going on. I had the cucumber jalapeno margarita rimmed with chili powder. Just delightful. For my entree I had the Camarones y arroz a la tumbada. Yeah....thank goodness for the detailed descriptions on the menu, I studied German in school so I would have been screwed without them. It's the Prawns with habanero salsa. It comes with rice, chicken chorizo, tomatillo and poblano pepper. I really enjoyed it, but I'll be damned if it didn't just contribute to the burn I already had going. Large portions too. Even if I hadn't indulged in the tasty chips and salsa and the tender bites I stole of my bf's pork carnitas, I would have had plenty of leftovers to take with me. Bonus burn for later! The only non-spicy aspect of my visit was the service. Our server was very sweet and handled the birthday group beautifully. We sat at the kidney shaped table, I think there was some sort of fire feature but that may have just been the sparks flying off my lips. It was pretty to look at, but not terribly functional for social gatherings. Not sure I would pick it again for a group of people that I all adored and wanted to chat with such as this. If on the otherhand your New year's resolution was to go dry and you are not feeling terribly social and/or are stuck out with your in-laws, it's not a bad option as you can only converse with the person 1-2 spots away. I definitely dug the open air aspect in the warm weather and really just the overall experience. I've got an emergency stash of aloe in my purse now so I'm always at the ready for a return visit.

    (4)

  • Summer V.

    The ambience of this place was the only good thing about my dining experience here. We arrived a few minutes before happy hour on New Year's Day. It wasn't very busy...there were probably 8 tables with 2 people. The server was slow to get drinks & food out and had the typical Portland "I don't give a f**k" attitude. She wasn't mean but seemed like we were putting her out just by being there. When the food finally came it was pretty bad. The server never brought the hot sauce I requested (what Mexican place doesn't keep hot sauce ON the table?!) The rice that came with the enchiladas was CRUNCHY. My date is Mexican and was immediately like, "NO." There was no flavor in the rice, beans or enchiladas and there was hardly any sauce on enchiladas! The nachos were OK. I'll say edible because I ate them but, again, no flavor and altogether TOO MANY black beans. The coke was nice and fizzy & the atmosphere is great. Too bad the most important things (food & service) were so terrible. Won't try this place again.

    (1)

  • Debbie M.

    This restaurant has one of my favorite foods. It's a quesadilla with butternut squash, grilled onion And two different kinds of cheese. It's served with some type of flavorful sour cream and guacamole. The guacamole is not my favorite, as it is a bit too raw-oniony for my tastes. The quesadilla is a great appetizer or meal depending on how hungry you are. Sometimes I literally have cravings for this quesadilla and have to go get it. I also really enjoy their tacos, And the steak medallions with mashed potatoes is a wonderful comfort meal. Their happy hour is very well done and I've had margaritas there upon occasion. I've always found the food and drinks to be quite tasty. The only time we had an issue with the food was when their version of medium spice almost melted my lips. I've learned to ask clearly what the level of spice is, as I do not want a repeat. Luckily it was only that one time. However I must be fair and tell you that I am a Wuss. That means that what other people consider an alright level of spice is often too much for my taste. Pretty much all of my experiences this restaurant have been positive. Sometimes the service is slow, and it seems like there's not always enough servers when it gets busy. The crowd there is always nice, I like the decoration and the bar area is quite unique and fun to check out. Last night it was around 10 PM when I was heading home and realized I had not eaten dinner. I knew they would be open, which was great, so I stopped and placed an order to go. I was advised that I should just go wait at the bar and place my order there. I was very impressed with the bartender who offered me a drink, chips and salsa, or anything else I needed. This is the first time I gotten an order to go and I was happy with the experience. The only thing that stops me from going there at times is the parking. Their lot is quite tight and the on street parking is limited. Now that I've had a positive experience ordering to go, I would be happy to call and order in ahead of time and just swing in and pick it up.

    (4)

  • Sherry S.

    4pm ding ding... Happy Hour! Come on! Get Happy! First off, there is definitely an upbeat wait staff there. They are readily available at the drop of the last ice cube in your glass. We had a few of their signature margaritas as usual. Got the jalapeno/cucumber one again, of course. We decided on their romaine/caesar/jalapeno salads, like always. Cannot help it as I cannot find this particular item anywhere else. Still wakes me up when I eat it all. We split the winter squash/goat cheese quesadila which was plenty for the 2 of us. Love their creamy quacamole too. We sat at the big table with the fire pit in the middle which can be quite warm, in a good way, for this time of year. The open space here just makes you want to spread out. All they need are some cushy pillows for their wooden chairs and I'd consider a 5 star here.

    (4)

  • Peter P.

    Cheap, high quality, great tasting HH specials! Tacos, nachos, calamari... Mmmm

    (5)

  • Courtney G.

    The food was great, reasonably priced, and well-portioned. The service was kind of inconsistent in its attentiveness, but it was a very busy Friday night. We were seated very quickly which was a major bonus over screen door down the street which we gave up on. Oh, and the stuffed jalapeño appetizer was awesome!

    (4)

  • Erik P.

    Not Tex-Mex, not even close. What's this weird seasoning in the rice? No refried beans? The salsa is "southwestern" and that simply ain't Texas. No chips and queso? Seriously....queso. That's the most important part! What a letdown. You have a long way to go, y'all.

    (2)

  • Rizzo S.

    Food was decent but not great. Service was not very good at all. Our server just didn't seem to care.

    (3)

  • Wolf L.

    Great Happy Hour! From 4 to 6 in the afternoon, so most people can actually make it there after work. Many $5 food items on the HH menu, including the best platter of HH nachos I've ever had in Portland. For an additional $2 you can get a generous portion of meat on top of those nachos. We went with the carnitas. For seven bucks, you'd be hard pressed to find a better nacho bargain anywhere. We also got the Habanero Prawns, but honestly, all we needed was the nachos for a full meal. I had to get a Caddy Margarita. They make 'em just the way I do at home: in a pint glass, rim loaded with salt, plenty of tequila. The tequila list is huge, BTW. We were seated inside, but next to a large, open window. I really like this place. I'll have to try the food off the regular menu, but even if I never do, the HH warrants four stars alone. Good service, too.

    (4)

  • Matt S.

    I have been to this place a few times, but only for reverse happy hour late at night. I love their happy hour menu. Some of the best fish tacos you will find on any happy hour menu, some of the best fish tacos period. Pure white large fish pieces. The prices are very good for the quality of the food. The selection on the menu is also very good. Piled high nachos, good quality salsa. The ambiance is the high point here, very open and spacious. Great decor, very comfortable. I do agree with Nathaniel's review regarding the service, it is average at best. That's the only negative I can think of this place however.

    (4)

  • John L.

    This place has great apps (santa Fe spring rolls Friendly attentive service tacos were delious Enchiladas green sauce and pork great meal Great place to bring a group or to do a fireside cocktail chat and have a chat

    (4)

  • Shawn A.

    The best happy hour in town that runs 4-6 during the week and late nights. It has become our "go-to-place" when in doubt or too "hangry" to think about something else. A large selection of fresh and strong margaritas. The sangria is pretty awesome as well. Always have great service, endless nachos/salsa, and a solid menu of mexican/influenced dishes. The only warning I would give is that when something says hot, they are serious here. If you get something with Jalapenos, it is covered in some potent heat.

    (5)

  • Kati D.

    Grab the bull by the horns and head over to another Mexican resturant in the area because this one just won't do you justice. Why? I'll tell you. Admittedly, it's very pretty inside. It's a large open concept with tables and booths aplenty. You can even sit up cozy next to a fire on those rainy Portland nights. The music, often reminiscent of the playlist on my first iPod, is something of a contrast from the usual Mexican restaurant sound. I tend to be a Happy Hour guru and here it is just okay (running every day from 4pm to 6pm and again from 10pm to 1am). The texas size nachos are probably the best taste and deal while the create your own tacos are a good choice but often hit or miss (if you're comfortable asking for a reheat then these are not a bad choice). On the starter menu my disappointment exceeds itself: you're over the chipotle mushrooms after two bites, the spicy jumbo prawns are ne'er spicy nor jumbo and the fried calamari is more grease than good. True though I've never had an entree here (I'm not one for splurging on larger dishes when the smaller ones aren't right), I don't know that Matador would have enough staff on long enough for me to get to that point. Likely the most frustrating part of Matador is the inconsistent service - 2 out of 6 times I've been served in a timely and attentive manner. The other times bartenders and waitresses (never a waiter) make it seem like it's my fault for the lack of time they have for me. So why have I been three so many times? Truly my favorite part of the restaurant, besides the pretty atmosphere, are the drinks : a margarita and a shot of XO for dessert. Matador is close to my home so with guests in town I love showing them the beautiful atmosphere but stay only long enough to keep them unexposed to any service snafus and any inclinations to say 'should we just stay for dinner?'

    (1)

  • Katy B.

    Great ambiance! They have a tremendous selection in tequilas, you may want to ask the bartender to help you with selecting one, but don't worry you are in good hands. The menu is good, I recommend the Tex Mex spring rolls. Staff was friendly. Great margarita.

    (4)

  • Smar T.

    This is one of the strangest bars on east burnside. First, let me say that nobody, I mean nobody who lives in this neighborhood goes to eat/drink at this place. Nobody. It's often filled with people from outside the neighborhood who want to come in and act like they live here. Luckily, the Matador has a large parking lot for all of their BMW's. On any given night, you can see sights that are very rare in Portland: men wearing shiny shirts tucked in to khakis with lots of product in their hair - women in spandex dresses with high heels and lots of mascara. Kinda like a Beaverton version of "Jersey Shore" - on East Burnside. It's really weird. Thing is, I don't understand this phenomenon...I mean, why would you want to come to this neighborhood and experience something that is totally opposite of what the hood is about? And why would you open a bar like this here? It belongs in Miami or San Antonio or San Diego or something... The food is really terrible (as most of the reviews have noted). Drinks are okay, but you've got to spend time around these creeps to drink them.

    (1)

  • Amanda W.

    Great food, so-so service. Carne asada fajitas were great, our waitress was fairly attentive, and my water was never empty. But, when I was boxing up my leftovers a guy, who had already tried to clear our table and been told not to, stated grabbing plates, plates that still had food on them, food that I had wanted to take home. It ruined the feel of the place for me, I felt hurried, and therefore irritated. It's no good when dinner makes you cranky.

    (3)

  • Nathaniel M.

    Great atmosphere derailed by mediocre food and apathetic service. I have been here twice now and had a deja vu experience the second time around. Both times I came with a group of 5 or more and both times we had to constantly flag down our servers in order get water, more alcohol, food....you know, everything. The food itself is standard tex-mex, nothing too different from what you would expect at a TGI Fridays. I sampled the happy hour nachos and tacos, and both were ok, but nothing to rave about. I also tried some of a friends happy hour calamari which just tasted like onion rings. If you're more concerned with the right atmosphere than the right food, Casa Del Matador serves its purpose well. During the summer, there is ample outdoor seating and they open up many of the massive windows to give the place a wonderful open-air atmosphere. The lounge lighting and music also make it a good place for a date and there is certainly no shortage of eye candy. If you're hoping for next-level tex-mex food in Portland, you'd be much better served by one of the many Mexican food carts in the city.

    (3)

  • Hulda W.

    Came for my son-in-law's BD by his request. Perfect from beginning to end. We were told there would be a 45 minute wait but couldn't even get our order from the bar before we were seated at a wonderful table. The Tamarind Margarita was a definite Winner - my daughter switched to that from the Jalapeno/Cucumber - good choice. Carne Asada taco plate - oh, amazing. The Chorizo burrito - not so much... Pork Tacos al Pastor - good enough. Tex-Mex Spring Rolls - another winner. The salad with Jicama, oranges and grapes - Yum. Fun atmosphere with efficient service makes for an altogether delightful experience.

    (4)

  • Don B.

    The Casa Del Matador on E. Burnside is now open, and this marks the 6th restaurant in this little Pacific NW mini-chain (4 in Seattle/Tacoma, 1 other in NW PDX). I have not been to any of the other locations, so I have nothing to compare this one with. The Casa Del Matador (not to be confused with that filthy dive bar on W. Burnside of a similar name) is an upscale-ish new Mexican joint offering a huge (3-page) list of high-end tequilas and a moderately priced (for how nice the place is) menu. The interior is well appointed - dark, open, candle-lit, lots of wrought iron (or steel, I can't tell) and wood/metal inlay bar/tables. The lighting is nice, all of the finish work is refined, and it's obvious that a lot of $$ was put into the place. The iron/steel work above the bar is impressive, and the wood inlay bar is quite nice. The menu itself is a mix of general Mexican favorites like Carnitas, Carne Asada, Enchiladas, etc, with a bit of a gourmet flair. This place is obviously not meant to compete with the uber-cheap down-and-dirty taquerias, and it is fully a step above your traditional stucco-and-mariachi Azteca-style places. The prices are moderate as well, ranging from $10-$18 or so for most dishes. For the ambiance and how nice the place is, the food is, I think, reasonably priced. I was not wholly impressed by my $18 meal (one Dos Equis and a plate of Carnitas), but there was so much food that I could not finish it all. So the volume merits an A-grade. The carnitas were well done but nothing to write home to madre about, and the accompanying beans and rice were pedestrian. They have no house spicy sauce (Tapatio or Cholula were offered), which was kind of disappointing. The guac seemed fresh and the crema had some sort of tasty seasoning in it. All in all, I got a plate full of meat, beans, rice, pico, guac, and crema, accompanied by 4 flour tortillas and a big bowl of chips/salsa for $14. The beer was another $4. Really, not a bad deal, again, for how nice the place is. I spent a few $$ for atmosphere and to get some foo that was not drowned with cheese and didn't have that refried-bean-paste crap that most Mex places serve. I am a big fan of the flavors that come from down-and-dirty taquerias, so I am always suspicious of a place that wants to charge almost double the price for what is really a standard dish (some have seen my scathing reviews of these places). I wasn't so disappointed here simply because I was sitting in a really nice place, being served by really nice people, and frankly, the food was better than any of the local chain stucco places. While it is technically a mini-chain, it didn't really feel like one. If someone had told me this was the only location, I would have believed it. So when I am in the mood for filthy authentic Mex food, you can find me at one of the thousands of taquerias in the Portland area spending $7 (after tip) on a greasy but filling meal. Those nights where I crave those old school style enchiladas or simply a nicer place to take my lady, Casa Del Matador will definitely be in the running. Good tequila, decent food, really nice service, beautiful atmosphere (seriously, the work above the bar is freaking impressive), Casa Del Matador does push some of the right buttons for me. PS: They have a pretty stellar looking food happy hour, with lots of $4 and $5 options that look pretty big. I bet a guy could get REALLY full for a reasonable price at HH. No drink specials, though. PPS: I just learned from the website that the whole restaurant is 21+. I think that just won them an extra .5 star! (Not that I have anything against kids, but this place is on the nicer end...) 3.5 Stars.

    (3)

  • Erin A.

    I am extremely disappointed. I've been to Casa numerous times and I love their dark atmosphere and chips and salsa. We ended up at a restaurant just a few blocks over on a Friday to celebrate my birthday. This place totally screwed up my reservation, setting us at a table for 7 instead of the 14 I had requested. We weren't offered drinks until 30 minutes after we sat down (at a table still 4 people too small for my group) and when they still hadn't come 15 minutes later we decided it was time to leave because we had another place to be at by 9pm. My girlfriend called Casa and asked if they had room for dinner for 12 for a birthday, they said "yes, come on over, maybe a 10 minute wait." We left the restaurant we were at, walked the 2 blocks in the rain to Casa only to be told 50-60 minutes. They lied just to get us in the door. So now I have my group of 12 people outside in the wind and rain, trying to figure out where we could eat in under an hour in order to get to our next destination on time. I hate inconveniencing people and I had no idea where to go such last minute notice that could hold our large group and give us fast service, so we gave up and went to our next destination and all had to sit at 3 separate tables in a loud bar eating bar food. They They only caused additional stress and played a part in ruining my birthday, I did not get a nice sit down birthday meal with my friends and I'm upset they told us "no problem, we'll make room" only to 5 minutes later be told "no room, one hour wait." You shouldn't lie about having space just to get people in your doors.

    (1)

  • Jason P.

    Average service Average food Top dollar Won't be back

    (2)

  • Joey K.

    Hands down my favorite Happy Hour spot in Portland. I get giddy just thinking about. The quality of the food is always top notch and, perhaps what I appreciate most, is the portion size (I mean seriously, I'm a growing boy and this stuff fills me up). You'd be hard pressed to find a better or bigger plate of nachos (the black beans instead of pinto or refried is a wonderful touch), and the same could be said about the quesadillas. For something a little lighter though, I'd recommend the Tex-Mex Spring Rolls. Honestly, I don't think you could go wrong with anything on that menu. It's all good. The hard part is just deciding what to get. So, if you love cheap, well made, and tasty food, this needs to be your spot. Additional bonus: no drink minimum! Woohoo!!!

    (5)

  • David H.

    Great bar with good food. The atmosphere is fun and when it is warm (or not raining), the large windows open up to allow the outside in, which adds to the already impressive ambiance. Happy hour is the best time to go as the standard fare gets a little pricey. The drinks are solid, and most of them are tequila-based (it's a tequila bar, after all). They are open late - very late - so it's a nice place to end a night out with friends.

    (4)

  • Debbie L.

    I love this place!!!! The food is great, the margaritas are to die for and the staff is... Well what can I say they're the best!!!!

    (5)

  • Brad L.

    My wife and I don't go out very often, maybe twice a month and when we do, it's normally Casa Del Matador. I have run restaurants for years, and everything at the Burnside location is first rate. A great place to relax and get good service with very good food. Have been there dozens of times, and never disappointed, Good job!

    (5)

  • Lisa G.

    HH nachos are the best nachos I've had in years- the plate is heaping, you'll be full for 24 hours! Bartenders mix VERY well, and are so nice if you have a special request....I normally do... Skulls, candles, velvet curtains, fireplace, high booths, and great food....somebody thought this place through! LOVE.IT

    (5)

  • Stephanie W.

    Strong drinks! I have two of their Top Shelf margaritas and I'm on my way to drunk town. Plus they are delicious! I'm a vegetarian so I only have a few options, but I love their vegi enchiladas with the spicy green tomatillo sauce. And I've heard great things about the nachos. I like its cozy atmosphere at night, with the fireplace, and the fresh open air atmosphere feeling on a summer day. They also have TV's playing sports, which I dig. It's a good place to go grab dinner with my wifey, but not miss the blazer game.

    (5)

  • Julie T.

    Yeah, I would mostly go back for the margaritas.

    (3)

  • Jeremy K.

    So I went here on a whim with a few friends. Just got done golfing and needed a good meal pronto. They said it would be a short wait so got a drink and got a table in 20min on a Friday night. Drinks were ok, a bit pricey and no blended margs? Free chips and salsa good, dinner entrees good ($10+) but service was slow and prolly better for a date than casual drinks and dinner. Ok place overall

    (3)

  • Rachel M.

    $5 happy hour nachos are key. They're huge enough that the whole table can snack (and they're vegetarian, too). Well drinks are a little overpriced but strong. Service is always friendly. The rest of them menu looks good, but I haven't tried food here other than the nachos because really, why would I ever need anything else?

    (4)

  • Doug P.

    I love Casa Del Matador for both dinner and happy hours. The food here is always fresh and the service staff is always welcoming and kind. In the years going to the various locations in WA and OR I have yet to have a bad experience. I particularly enjoy their habenero sauce as well as their wall of tequila. It's always fun to come to Matador and sample something new!

    (5)

  • dylan h.

    Awesome HAPPY HOUR great food and good drinks. Cant really go wrong but don't expect a profound culinary experience. Cool bordello-goth(Is that a thing?) type environment. Huge mirrors and gigantic collapsible windows make for a good summer experience. The place is good if you aren't over thinking it.

    (4)

  • Tawnya B.

    Whenever I go I have to get their Texas Sized Nachos (they are a two person meal for sure.. or if I felt super starved ;p) and their Cadillac Margarita. Delicious. I've never had any bad issues with the service, though I always tended to go late night when they weren't very busy. It's definitely worth trying out, though if you are going for a very authentic feel, it may not be right for you

    (4)

  • Liz P.

    I normally have an amazing experience for happy hour, and because of the cheap prices I order an expensive shot of tequila. Though today was an exception to my normal experience. First we sat out on the patio and the waitress was rude so we moved into the bar, and the bartender was rude even to the couple that wanted to order a $20-50 tequila shot. What an easy sale and your bummed? Then I saw the servers roll their eyes at each other and it was because the manager was over everyone's shoulder o. A slow Sunday afternoon. I know he was the root of everyone's discomfort and he was just standing yawning and micro managing everyone. Then the bartender forgot the chicken on our nachos and didn't apologize when I pointed it out. I guess we won't be getting expensive tequila today.

    (1)

  • Rosetta S.

    I usually come for happy hour. The food options are awesome, and the $5 giant plate of nachos is just what late night needs. I've also had the veggie enchiladas verde. They were delicious. The service has almost consistently been great (and cute). Well drinks are 6 dollars, so spend a 2 extra bucks and get a cocktail off the menu.

    (4)

  • Nancy K.

    Stopped in for dinner over the weekend and was able to grab a table right before a line formed. The space and decor is pretty cool - I liked the offset booths and the patio seating areas. Our waitress was OK, I can't say that she had much personality. She did her job adequately, nothing more, nothing less. The food was decent - I liked my braised beef tacos. The beans were good but the rice was bland and a little dried out. The husband/s carnitas was alright. It was a large hunk of pork that looked impressive but was lacking flavor. I think because it was a large piece, the spices weren't able to penetrate it well. Unfortunately, we were less than impressed by their drinks. My hubby and I both ordered house margaritas, no salt - exactly the same. When we received them, we could tell that they looked different. Mine definitely had more mix and tasted like lime, his had way more booze and tasted like jet fuel. Oh and the rims were salted, too. Overall, they are more like a 2-1/2 star review rounded up because although I've definitely had better, I'd still give them another shot.

    (3)

  • Yael N.

    Went here for Happy Hour last Sunday- Service was awesome, place was empty, and for $20 I got a margarita, my husband had a soda, and we shared two apps- the nachos and a chicken quesadilla- both delicious and filling. Our server tried to be sneaky and get me a second marg, but not at $8 a pop! The only thing that could improve the happy hour would be if the drinks went on special as well. I would love to come in here with $100 or so and have some fun with that tequila menu! Until I win the lottery though, i will settle for $5 apps. Will be back for sure!

    (5)

  • Danie W.

    Excellent happy hour!! My favorites are the tex mex egg rolls and the nachos. Service is slow and we always wait a very long time to even have our order taken. but the staff is always friendly so it makes up for it. I find it a little TOO dark. I like to see my food when I eat it but the vibe and look of the place is lovely.

    (4)

  • Jennifer I.

    Surprisingly good Mexican food. Nice decor, helpful servers. (I asked her if I should do picante or roja on my enchiladas and she recommended roja since the jalapeños were pretty hot right now - I appreciate that information). BF had beef tacos, which he said were a bit spicy, I had carnitas enchiladas that were quite good, and my brother had enchiladas as well. He said that the fajitas were really good as well, but that it was a lot of food. Anyway, good neighborhood spot for decent Mexican food.

    (3)

  • Seymour D.

    I like this place. Awesome margaritas. Cute waitstaff. Good food. Good music, when I was there. Cool ambience. Nothing not to like, really.

    (4)

  • Dylan S.

    Solid food. However the music they pump can be extremely grating. I can't blame them for being ultra-busy, but the wait can often be very long and then it can be difficult to hold a conversation with your friends. Thank being said, their great happy hour prices keep bringing me back! their Tequila selection is also awesome. Friendly bartenders can give you a nice education on tequila and help you select one that's going to get the most bang for your buck.

    (3)

  • Lisa L.

    this place always satisfies...the food is always spectacular and the service is great for anything from watching the blazer game to meeting friends. the atmosphere is amazing. the picante enchilada is wonderful. HUGE happy hour nachos for cheap.

    (5)

  • James K.

    After living in Southern California for several years, it's difficult to find Mexican food in Portland that hits the spot. And while this place should probably be considered Tex-Mex, the food is always consistently great. I usually order the carnitas, and it's just as good as anything I found in Los Angeles (nicely spiced, large portion). The margaritas aren't bad, either (but I wish they served them in a more traditional glass, rather than a pint glass). The atmosphere is also cool -- dark, fire pit in the center, and good music. Great place to hang out for awhile with a few friends.

    (4)

  • Tana J.

    I would have given this place only one review for tonights food but the waitress we had was soooooooooo nice. I can't remember her name but she had straight, brown, mid length hair so she was very attentive and so bubbly and helpful. Now let's talk about the food, the Fish Tacos were so spicy I had to pick the fish out and just eat it alone, the Calamari was cold and soggy, and the shrimp was so-so. The Strawberry Lemonade was amazing! I was very disappointed.

    (2)

  • Hal D.

    Can up from Santa Cruz to visit family and enjoy Portland. Decided because of the good reviews and loving tequila to head here with the family. Got turned away at the door because of my accompanying 3 month old grandson! Other than a minors not allowed sign at the door, not sure what negative influence he would have had on the restaurant.. Noise? Underage drinking? Liability? Breaking the law? Went to another place with the same sign on the door and were welcomed in. Too bad we had to first try a spot that discriminates against children. Sad to see this at an eatery.

    (1)

  • Jeff T.

    I noticed this place when I visited the the patisserie next door about a month ago. I'm always searching for good Mexican food. So I was excited when my friend suggested Casa del Matador for his birthday dinner. I was pleasantly surprised. The service was great. We had a large party, our server automatically separated our checks. She didn't constantly hover over us, and she did not push our checks on us until we asked for them (yes!). Like most Mexican restaurants, they started us with fresh chips and salsa. The quality of the salsa usually indicates the quality of many Mexican restaurants. The chips were obviously freshly fried. mmmmm The salsa was fresh, garlicy with a smidgen of heat. For the main course I chose the braised pork carnitas. Carnitas, especially pork carnitas, are usually overcooked and dry, dry, dry. I figured this wouldn't be the case as they were going to braise the pork. I was not disappointed. The meat was fall-apart tender, and the portion was ample. I ate half and saved the rest for home. The rice was nothing to write home about, but the black beans were well prepared. I drank two margaritas, too. The bartender delivered the goods on both. The first was a plain house margarita on the rocks. The second was a margarita muddled with cucumber and chile pepper with a chili powder/salt rim. I had been craving margaritas, and I could've/would've kept drinking them down had I not had to drive across town to get home.

    (4)

  • Andrew S.

    Tried the happy hour here. It was good, Habanero shrimp was nice. Taco's were clean and fresh. Very original place, cool decor. Dinner Menu did look good. Drinks also were okay. I'd would go back to try the Dinner.

    (3)

  • Edward K.

    I am a BIG fan of the Matador, but lately it has not been good. I went last mid-week and ordered off dinner and happy hour menu. Despite it not being busy, 5-6 tables, service was SLOW and the food was COLD. I ordered quite a bit of food, and it tasted like it came out of the fridge and onto the table. I'm really disappointed, this used to be one of my favorite places :-(

    (1)

  • Jacob M.

    I love this restaurant! The food has great flavor, portions are decent, ambience is amazing; go try it out!

    (5)

  • Dan H.

    A friend came a calling. She was going to be at the Casa Del Matador for a friends birthday. I live 4 blocks away from this place, but had never stepped foot inside. Don't ask me why. Have had a few opportunities and more now that some friends of mine recently moved across the street, but never went. Now I have. Here is the scoop. I went with the group and ordered a Margarita. I'm a beer drinker mostly, but a Mexican restaurant sometimes calls for a Margarita. They make them fairly strong and they are very easy to drink. I was rather light-headed by the time my food arrived. Onto the food. I had the pork sandwich which was marinated and came with caramelized onions, lettuce, cherry peppers, cilantro and chipotle mayo. I got the mayo on the side because I don't do mayo. I still don't understand the fascination with mayo on this coast and I never will. I did end up dipping some of my french fries in the mayo. Again, I had a nice buzz and probably would never have done this stone cold sober. Not that I was drunk. I remember dipping my fries in it a few times. I don't know what I was thinking. I regret it now. Anyway the pork sandwich without the mayo was very tasty. It didn't need any condiments. A nice sized sandwich and a good amount of fries all for $9.95. Atmosphere is nice. I was admiring the art work above the bar. Service was friendly and she split up our bill without even asking. Guess that isn't uncommon in the city, but still nice when you don't have to ask.

    (3)

  • Windy S.

    Came here with a big group of friends for some margaritas. Our party of 10 was seated immediately. We weren't really planning on ordering food, but they still brought out chips and salsa. My husband ordered the Tamarind Margarita and I ordered the Spicy Cucumber Margarita. Both were very good! Someone ordered the Nachos with steak, which were HUGE and Delicious! I would definitely come back for their nachos. Also got a peak at the happy hour menu, which also looks worthy of another visit. Service was okay. The service was a little slow but friendly. The low lighting and the fire made for a very nice ambiance. 4 Stars for the Margaritas and Nachos. 3 1/2 for Service

    (4)

  • Richard J.

    Trying the Al Pastor tacos. We will see

    (4)

  • Peter G.

    This is a pretty good little place for mexican food or just a drink. Cool atmosphere and pretty good prices. I most;y go for their happy hour but it's a great place anytime in my opinion.

    (4)

  • Nichole K.

    Came here last night for happy hour and was very disappointed. The tacos I ordered were bad and took forever to come out from the kitchen, the waitress was rude and not helpful at all! I have been here several times but don't know if I will be back after tonight's expierence!

    (1)

  • Katey H.

    Braised Carnitas...that is all. Ok ok....I guess I should say a little bit more. First of all I've only gone here for lunch, I have yet to venture for the late night food which I hear is great! There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in Portland but I think the chips and salsa here are at the top of my list! Warm chips...always a win. Also, the flour tortillas are much better than I have had at most other places.

    (4)

  • Dan P.

    While I have been to Casa Del Matador before this review is for their great HH and the superb wait staff. I stopped in on a Wednesday afternoon to inquire about reserving tables during their HH for a birthday celebration. Unfortunately they typically don't allow RSVP for HH but the hostess Tami told me if I arrived early she could help accommodate my group for the celebration. Feeling appreciative but not wanting them to reorganize the restaurant for me she said I could opt to reserve their party room. The room located in the back includes enough space for maybe 40 people, has its own TV, sound system, roll up garage door and privacy curtain. I was totally stoked she allowed me this option on such short notice! The condition of holding this room is your party must spend at least $75 or have an 18% gratuity added automatically for the difference. Considering I was hosting 25 people around their fantastic HH menu with beer, tequila and margaritas flowing I didn't foresee this as a problem. Casa Del Matadors HH offers a host of Tex-Mex fan favorites all for only $5 so it's easy to get carried away or carted away if you abuse the tequila menu. Oh yeah if you're a fan or rather an aficionado of blue agave this place has it all. They stock something like 75 different tequilas ranging from silver, gold, or aged, $5 shots all the way up to $95! If you can't find it here you might as well go to Mexico. Our group horded the menu ordering just about everything that was available, from wings to quesadillas, tacos to carnitas and an insane plate of $5 nachos. My faves were the nachos, braised pork tacos, habanero prawns and the chipotle wings which pulled right off the bone. The servers were great and catered to our every need always with a smile. They were happy to give us recommendations or put up with our indecisiveness as the inebriation set in. Tami also allowed me to use their refrigerator for our cake and made sure when I was ready to serve it. I commend her for working with me on such short notice and applaud the whole Matador crew for making this celebration one to remember.

    (5)

  • Ace E.

    I love Casa Del Matador! They never disappoint, it's my go to place for late night happy hour and dark torch lit ambiance. Bring a date, or someone you love and cozy up next to the fire pit or slide into a spacious in-laid wood booth. There is plenty of gorgeous wood work and metal sculpture to look at and the service is swift, drinks are tasty and food is always done just right with a smile. You won't be disappointed if you love Tex-Mex cuisine and tequila! 21 and over only throughout the restaurant, sorry kiddos!

    (4)

  • Lydia H.

    I have been here countless times, usually for happy hour with the girls. I actually came last night for a "regular" meal. My friend and I split the nachos and the avocado and citrus salad. She had the house margarita and I had a glass of their petite sirah. In general I think Matador's food is nothing special; calamari blah, romaine salad blah, but those nachos, holy cow, I love their nachos. Chips piled high, beans, lots of cheese, guac mmmmmm I am salivating. The salad I had last night was also one of the better items I have had. It had radish, mandarin oranges, avocado, jicama, and a chipotle vinaigrette that wasn't too spicy, which is a bonus for me. I love the dark decor of the place, the glass light fixtures, and service has always been decent. Overall, Matador is a good spot to get together with your friends for happy hour, enjoy some drinks, and definitely have some nachos, but not much else.

    (4)

  • Douglas C.

    Walking into Casa Del Matador is like a Georgia O'Keeffe - Salvador Dali acid trip with hints of bayou mojo. I suppose It's someone's idea of a border-town cantina, but the result is more like a misunderstanding than a vision. The big open windows are nice, but the view is of cars navigating the parking lot. The service was friendly, but amateurish and perhaps a little lazy. The beer selection was thin, and our server shook her head sadly as I progressed through a list of beers. I finally settled on whatever red ale she could find. The fish tacos were served on flour tortillas and topped with lettuce and sour cream. It is exactly the taco you might expect from an amusement park vendor- in Minnesota. Why not jello and fruit tacos too - perhaps sprinkled with gummy bears? If they used any hot peppers at all, they must be using peppers that were genetically engineered to remove any trace of heat or taste. I wouldn't refuse to go back if I were with a group of folks and they wanted to go, but Casa Del Matador is not on my personal short list.

    (2)

  • Brennan D.

    Come here for the margaritas and the happy hour. From 4-6 everyday all appetizers are 5.00 and they dont try to pull a happy hour price on you and give you half portions they actually give you a full appetizer. Ummmmm yes im down for that. Thanks and i will be back.

    (5)

  • Sueli C.

    I come here like everyother week because I work so close to it...I love their habanero shrimp, pretty much one of my favorite HH items ever...for those of you that love spicy you've come to the right place. Also...even though some people say their Sangria is a bit on the sweet side, I love it! I kind of have a sweet tooth when it comes to my drinks. Only thing I recommend they improve on: Reservational Services - I tried to make a reservation for a large party once...basically the message I received from the waitress/hostess was: If you want to make a reservation for a large party you have to spend a large sum of $...the prerequisites are a barrier to fun for those of you wanting to bring a large group there. Although, we have done it by just showing up without making a reservation - they just have to piece togethered tables for us so we didn't have to pay any money to reserve space.

    (3)

  • Trixie M.

    Not a bad place to hang out, particularly late-night. Cheap eats during happy hour and tasty drinks. Plus, the bar tables near the fires are cozy.

    (3)

  • Pough K.

    Nachos were great Carnitas were dry Drinks were weak + inconsistent Service was good

    (3)

  • Valerie L.

    I love this restaurant so much that I bring my family here when they come into town. The prices are extremely reasonable for the portion sizes and you can get a "surf and turf" entree for around $22. The Mahi Mahi is unbelievable! I am a tequila drinker and they have a decent selection and the prices are still pretty moderate. They offer flights of tequila if you would like to do a tasting. The servicers are very professional and I have never had an issue or been left to fend for myself. The atmosphere and decor is pretty awesome, you feel like you are in a bar from the movie "From Dusk 'til Dawn".

    (4)

  • Jerrod P.

    Loved it. Best birthday special in town.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner, Late Night
    Parking : Street, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : Yes
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Categories

Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.

Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.

Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.

Casa Del Matador

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