The Matador - Seattle

I was debating between a 3 vs 4 for the overall rating because the food was really good (5 star on the food . It was fresh and well prepared, lots of flavors going on, and really enjoyable. That being said, this had to have been one of the worst service experiences I've had in a very long time. We sat at the table for about 15 20 minutes after being seated (and they were really busy, so I was surprised because most restaurants want to turn tables and serve the most numbers of customers . After looking through the menu multiple times, we flagged down a server who told us we were not her table, but she'd let our server know we were looking to order. About 5 10 minutes later, the hostess swings by with water glasses and tells us the server will be with us momentarily. Not sure if we were forgotten or what was going on, but finally our server approached the table asking if she could take our drink orders, but we let her know that we were ready to order everything, which we did (bottle of wine, a few beers, some appetizers, and entrees . Normally, the drinks would be out shortly, followed by appetizers, and then entrees, but not on our evening. We got the appetizers and entrees pretty much at the same time (3 5 minutes in between them , and then it took our server another 25 35 minutes to get the drinks (bottle of wine, etc... . Most mixed up meal we've ever had. Ended up sitting at the table well after we finished eating just to try to finish the bottle of wine. It was not a good experience. Next time I go we will be very traditional and only order drinks at first. Then when the server brings the drinks, we'll move on to ordering appetizers. After they get served, we can refresh drinks and order entrees. This way, we won't experience what we did the other evening. Really a shame because the food was excellent.

UPDATED REVIEW 10/17/23: After a less than stellar 1st impression MATADOR BALLARD has come to the table and have rectified our experience. “Will” the bartender took great care of us. Our food was well prepared, hot, flavourful and reasonably priced. It goes to show that ROBIN team are committed to both great service and great food. We look forward to visiting Matador in the future, time and time again!!!! “Original Review”: Beautiful interior. Waited 20 minutes the bar, two in the afternoon, not one person (customers) the bar, no service, we left. They obviously need more staff!

Every time I eat here it blows my mind. Get the Pork or Chicken mole and a mescal margarita.

Paisley is a awesome bartender and made Matador a place that I want to come back to again and again.

Delicious food and drinks, if you can get there on a not Friday/Saturday it’s more enjoyable. It gets crazy busy on those nights and you’ll likely be waiting 45 minutes bare minimum.