Matador

“Very cool place. I was happy to get a bite to eat late at night. Bartenders did top notch job at serving food and beer. Nachos were great!”

“Stellar experience with creative modern Mexican food in an appropriately appointed space. Complementary chips & salsa brought immediately. Steak (medium rare perfect) fajitas (as pictured - does not capture how perfectly prepared) with extra (Gulf size) shrimp served with generous trimmings including flour tortillas, guacamole, black beans, lettuce. Excellent service.”

“The guac was too salty and didn’t taste great. The Brussels and the bacon wrapped jalapeños were solid. Good house Marg. Solid spot if you are ok without the guac.”

“Stopped in for happy hour at Matador and was impressed by the variety of options—both food and cocktails are included on the happy hour menu, which is a huge plus. We ordered tacos and margaritas, and both were flavorful and well-portioned. Prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity. We were seated right away with no wait, which was a nice surprise. The space has a fun, upbeat atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind. One note: we stayed for a bit after eating, and while the staff was attentive and courteous, we did feel slightly rushed at times—even though we asked and confirmed the table wasn’t needed. It wasn’t rude, just something to be aware of if you’re planning to linger. Overall, it’s a solid spot for happy hour in Charleston—great menu, strong drinks, and fast seating. Would definitely come back!”

“Matador was an interesting place, and a bit different than your average Mexican place! It was dimly lit, so it might be best for a low-key, or perhaps a romantic night out. It’s not my favorite type of Mexican restaurant, as it’s a little more upscale than I *personally* prefer, but if upscale Mexican is your vibe, then this’ll be the perfect restaurant for you! They had an alright selection of beers, to include a couple of IPAs, but my friends and I didn’t really enjoy their cocktails. They were expensive, but lacking in much flavor or zest. Besides looking cool, the taste didn’t really match the aesthetic. Furthermore, the food was solid, but not that much better than your basic Mexican restaurant. As for the service, our waiter was nice enough, but he always seemed to be in a hurry, and was walking away while we were still trying to give our order. All-in-all, I’m probably making Matador sound worse than it was, but it was merely a slightly above-average Mexican experience, not a transcendental dining experience that I’ll never forget. I’ll give it 3/5 stars, and would recommend it based on your personal preference.”