The Matador, Tacoma

The Matador is set inside a historic 1918 brick building, an 11,000-square-foot space linked to Tacoma’s old “Whiskey Row.” When it opened in 2006, the surrounding district was still quiet, with limited nightlife and many underused storefronts. Its success helped bring new evening energy to the area and made it part of downtown’s revival.

The interior is a major part of the experience. Co-founder Zak Melang, a woodworker and artist, led a months-long buildout that shaped much of the restaurant’s visual character. The heavy bar, custom tables, dark wood, ironwork, and gothic-style details give the room a handcrafted feel. Mounted bull skulls, many decorated by local artists, add a distinctive artistic touch to the walls.

The bar often carries more than 100 agave spirits, including tequila, mezcal, and sotol, with a focus on small-batch producers. The menu offers Mexican and Tex-Mex-inspired plates, from tacos and burritos to shareable dishes and cocktails. Strictly 21 and over, the location has a nightlife and date-night feel, while its heated patio with retractable screens makes outdoor seating practical in changing weather.