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Matador
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Matador
8.4
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar slinging daily happy hour with $3.50 street tacos and strong margaritas. Go for barbacoa or carnitas on house tortillas and settle into a lively after-work scene near Union Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa street taco, Carnitas street taco, Potato flautas
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: All-day daily happy hour with legit street-taco pricing downtown.
Who should go: After-work crews and margarita lovers
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for peak deals
What to order: Barbacoa tacos; carnitas tacos; flautas
Insider tip: Grab bar seats for fastest service during happy hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking after 5pm; best bet is the Sutter-Stockton Garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit the lively happy hour vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak happy hour; conversational early evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes for larger groups after 6pm.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; opens mid-afternoon for happy hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie tacos and guacamole available.
Vegan options: Limited – can modify veggie tacos to be vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are gluten-free; avoid fried items due to shared fryer.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you're aiming for a casual, energetic vibe with tequila and tacos rather than fine dining. Ideal for relaxed conversation and people-watching.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – most seating is walk-in; arrive before 5pm to snag a bar seat or high-top before crowds build.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids; primarily a bar environment with loud music and limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Stronger margaritas and livelier happy hour scene than nearby casual taquerias.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet dining, table service formality, or extensive vegan options.
Matador
8.2
Modern taco bar near Union Square with a full cocktail program and a late Friday–Saturday close. Tacos lean polished—think shrimp and carnitas—with enough bar energy for a low-key night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-closing cocktail-driven taco bar steps from Union Square.
Who should go: Friends meeting for tacos and drinks
When to visit: Fri–Sat after 9:30pm for late service
What to order: Carnitas tacos; shrimp tacos; house margarita
Insider tip: Slide in at the bar for faster late-night ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited metered street parking nearby, best to use a Union Square garage within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual, jeans fine but most lean dressy given the cocktail focus and downtown location.
Noise level: Lively and moderately loud—easy for group chatter but not ideal for intimate conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; note they focus on dinner and late-night service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie taco options and shareable starters available.
Vegan options: Limited – usually 1–2 tacos can be customized vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas available, but cross-contact is possible at the bar.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual or second date; the lively bar scene makes it fun but not very intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits on weekends. The bar area is your best bet for quicker seating late-night.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really—this is more of a bar-focused venue best for adults, especially at night.
Best For
Better for: More polished tacos and cocktails compared to casual taquerias in the area—great for groups and nightlife energy.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, family seating, or strictly traditional tacos without the bar vibe.
Matador
8.1
Lower Nob Hill tequila bar with a full menu where battered fish and steak tacos pair with affordable happy-hour margaritas. A lively pre-Union Square option with quick, friendly service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos (modelo-battered tilapia), Bistec ranchero taco, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Tequila-focused bar serving solid tacos near Union Square.
Who should go: Friends meeting for margs and tacos
When to visit: Happy hour 12–5:30pm for deals
What to order: Fish tacos; bistec ranchero; house margarita
Insider tip: Use Sutter-Stockton Garage nearby for easiest parking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Closest option is the Sutter-Stockton Garage ($4–$6/hr); limited metered street parking after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean a bit dressy for Union Square nights.
Noise level: Loud during happy hour and weekends; moderate on weekday lunches when conversation is easier.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating turns faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie tacos, queso, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—options like guacamole and a modified veggie taco (ask to hold cheese/cream).
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are gluten-free, though fried items share fryers; ask staff for safest picks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, lively dates than quiet romance. The upbeat bar vibe works for fun meetups but may be too loud for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—tables often available at lunch and early evenings, but reservations recommended on weekends. Bar seats are easier to snag last minute.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The bar-centric setting and noise level make it better for adults. Families with older teens may be fine during daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour margaritas, group taco outings, and lively pre-theater gatherings.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, kid-focused meal, or upscale date-night ambiance—try Robin or Kiln instead.