Update: We came with three other couples this evening, a Friday. We had reservations for 4:30 and were sat right away. First off, Elena H was our server and she did a fantastic job. She was patient with our group of seniors and gave us great service. Water glasses filled at the halfway point, drinks, appetizers, and entrees brought out in a timely manner. Textbook excellent for a busy Friday evening. Everyone enjoyed their food. The chips were warm, crunchy, and flavorful. The salsa has some heat but not too much and was delicious. My wife had the carne asada and loved it. I had the Gaucho Bowl with shrimp; it was ample and very tasty. One of their happy hour specials was nachos and the plate was piled high and we could not finish it, such a great deal. I'm sure we'll be back. read more

After a productive shopping day at the nearby stores, we discovered a gem of a restaurant that exceeded our expectations! The waiter was exceptional, providing prompt and courteous service. The interior design was sleek and welcoming. We opted to share the steak nachos, and what a delightful choice! The generous portion was stunning, easily sufficient for four people. Although we couldn't finish it, every bite was delicious! parking is mall parking, so that was nice too! I will definitely be back! read more

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We used to love it here. They were one of the only places you can get vegetarian beans at a Mexican restaurant. They have changed to refried beans with lard, Manteca, aka animal fat. So now the vegetarian options are even more limited. We had birthday parties there anniversaries but I'm not sure we will continue. I mean maybe if they make the zucchini tacos a regular item and make it easier to switch out to vegetarian options but I'm not sure. read more

We recently dined upstairs at Matador in The Village of Meridian and had a fantastic experience. I didn't even know the mezzanine existed, despite having been there before. The space is stylish, moody, and comfortable with dark wood, artisan metal accents, and cozy seating. It feels upscale yet relaxed. The fire pit table downstairs by the bar adds to the edgy, intimate ambiance. The service was excellent. Our server was attentive without being overbearing, checking in at just the right moments. We started with complimentary chips and very fresh, nicely spicy salsa, and they brought more when ours ran out. For an appetizer, we got the stuffed bacon-wrapped jalapeños. They were outstanding and a must-try. I ordered the cucumber jalapeño margarita and really enjoyed it. It was cool, refreshing, and had a nice kick. For my entrée, I had the chicken habanero enchilada served with rice and beans, and it was very tasty. Overall, the meal delivered. In terms of atmosphere, service, and food, this place never disappoints. If you're looking for a great Mexican restaurant or upscale Tex-Mex spot in Meridian to take someone for a special evening out or just a fun night, I highly recommend Matador. read more

Matador Meridian - Chicken Habenero Enchiladas with rice and black beans, quacamole, pico de gallo, and ranch/sour cream sauce - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

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Came in with a larger group. Waited about 45 minutes for a table. Place was pretty busy for a weekday. It happens. But the food. No. Two people with us ordered the nachos and the chips were way over done and burnt the whole plate just tasted like charcoal. I ordered the carne asada sandwich it was Cold. Not room temperature Cold like it had just been sitting and the fries were overcooked and cold. Same with another person at my table. I chose to send mine back, they did not. Took about 10 minutes, I had asked for no onions and the first sandwich did not have them although when it came back re made it had onions so I didn't eat it because it wasn't worth complaining anymore. What I did do was pay 19$ for it. I barely got an apology but spent 54$ on me and my boyfriend for dinner that wasn't edible plus tip for a waitress who was less than mediocre at her job. Also she added the sandwich twice, Im assuming to account for food waste. So we had two sandwiches on our tab one was discounted off plus the nachos and two sodas. We paid FULL price for our meal NO discounts. Our bill reached 54$ but the card machine told us that 15$ was 20% when it was actually 10.50$ SO she added that extra sandwich and even though it was discounted it brought her tip gratuity up. She stood there and said nothing. That's honestly gross behavior. Maybe try it on a slow day. With no server. I would not come back. read more

The food was very bland almost as if they're scared to season the food I had the steak tacos and it was not great. Service was decent the ambiance is pretty good nice interior. But yeah just bland food nothing special I would go somewhere if you're looking for authentic Mexican food. read more

We have been to Matador a number of times and experienced good food and service. This visit I ordered something new. The Ribeye Tacos. The first few bites of one of the tacos was unpleasant. I picked out and tasted individual ingredients from the taco and when I tried the Ribeye meat it was terrible. It was sour tasting and I had to spit it out. I informed the server this taco is not good. The response was " sorry about that" and walked off. I reluctantly paid the bill and left. My bad, I shouldn't have paid for it. read more

Matador Meridian - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

What can I say about this place? The food quality was top notch, taste was on point and presentation was it absolute best. The staff was friendly, polite, and courteous. I will definitely recommend this place to anyone. I usually do not order the enchiladas in non- traditional Mexican restaurant, but this place definitely met my expectations. Let's not forget that the atmosphere there was calm but the same time was upbeat. read more

Such a great place for dinner! Went on a Friday night after a movie so the wait time was long. I used the time to look through the menu to narrow it down to what I wanted to order. Since we came from the movies we skipped on ordering any appetizers. We ordered two bowls of chicken tortilla soup, poblano burrito, and habanero burrito. All the items were delicious. The chef accidentally put sour cream on the poblano burrito when it was ordered without out so that came out a little later than the rest of the food but not by much. I was worried it was going to take awhile but it didn't. The habanero burrito was sooo good. I was expecting it to be spicy but it wasn't overly spicy. Burritos are big so took left overs for lunch the next day. Service was really good and the ambiance is nice but can be a little loud with the music. read more

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Where do i begin, the unfriendly greeting by host, the long wait time to order once we were sat, the poor service by the staff, the small (tiny) portions, the over priced food that doesn't give you options, the disengaged server, the rude unprofessional staff, starting with the Sunday Manager arguing with me for my underwhelmed portions and lack of satisfactory explanations., impersonal wait staff. No veteran discount or adjustment on price for average tasting food, filling the plate with means and rice with tiny main portions of dish. Terrible experience will Notbe returning and i recommend that you don't consider this wanna be Mexican restaurant for any meal plans!! Very disorganized and unprofessionally ran place ive been to, i hope it get replaced by an authentic Mexican restaurant because at this rate its just a waste of space aling with the rude woman who is the sunday manger! TERRIBLE! read more

Matador Meridian - Restaurant - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

My wife, daughter, and I went to the movies then tried the restaurant for the first time. The chips and salsa were great. Fresh, and some kick. I had the chicken taco salad. It was incredible and fresh. The lettuce was crisp, beans were fresh and warm, and the chicken was cooked and juicy. Our server was incredible as well. read more

Matador Meridian - The chips and salsa. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

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Wait was reasonable, busy but staff managed well. Wait service was timely and friendly. Food was quick and very good. Ambience was a tad noisy, but tolerable. read more

Arrived at Matador and greated by a friendly hostess. We had 5 adults, 1 child, and an infant. We were seated in a booth that was rather small, but it was somewhat busy so we understood. Our server, who was also curtious and friendly came buy, took our drink order and we asked her where we could put the babies stroller and she showed us. As we were trying to detach the seat portion from the stroller a man approaches who works at the restaurant, we assume a manger, and in a very unfriendly tone told us we could not leave the stroller there. We explained that we are just trying to get the baby out and into the cramped booth. He then leaves when another approached right after he left, also assuming a manager, who was even more unfriendly then the first guy and he told us to move the stroller. Great managerial skills for both of these rude individuals. As far as the drinks were concerned all were very good. The food then came out and it was average at best. We were hoping that we would have an enjoyable evening, but between some less than friendly staff and very average food we will not be back. read more

We love this place. Have gone dozens of times and today was no exception on greatness. One of the best Happy Hour menus in town as well with excellent food, portions, and prices. Chips and salsa is just bomb! Great service, cool atmosphere. Love this place! read more

I am only give this place a 3 star for the chips and salsa as well as our service...like any Mexican joint I rage 1st by the chips and salsa these were very solid with great homemade salsa. Wish I would've just filled up on these. Plus the service was excellent but the food was blah blah.... My fajitas were so bland and the chicken tater like the chicken was precooked. Plus for $25 the portion was pretty skimpy. My wife ordered the pastor seasonal tacos and to be honest they were not good at all. If you have ever had traditional pastor this was a huge disappointment. Plus while eating my wife found a long piece of hair in her food. So with the fact these weren't very good and the hair she was very dissatisfied. Inside the restaurant is very modern and cool and it's too bad because the 90's grunge music playing with the inside decor vibe this was very hopeful. This is now our 2nd attempt at this restaurant while the 1st attempt was at their downtown location. Both experiences have left me disappointed and it's too bad. For overpriced Mexican this wasn't worth it at all. I would've much rather drove up to Nampa to Mesa Taco or Amano in Caldwell. read more

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I'm new to this restaurant and stopped for an early dinner while I was in the area. I ordered the Matador bowl with carnitas, which was very delicious. The chips and salsa were also great. read more

Matador Meridian - Matador Bowl - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Food is awful, service is horrible. Waste of money. Overpriced Mexican food that isn't even good. They just mask everything with spice.

Food- par - by the way par is not good or bad it's what's expected. Ambiance- lip out birdie, fun - almost made it. Service. (Only the Meridian location on Monday, slow evening, I get it) Bar tender and wait person are eating their dinner at end of bar. I needed service but their hunger came first was my perception. cool, no worries only two people at bar. Service was a bogey. Do better. Strike one, everyone gets three strikes. So I will try again. Management always needs to strive for excellence. This is not fast food. Location should not allow you take your foot off the pedal. Take out the driver and let the big dog eat. read more

Went to Matador after seeing a show Saturday night. We were greeted by the hostess and seated immediately. Our server was friendly and attentive. The carnitas street tacos were pretty good and we've always enjoyed the atmosphere. Why the three stars? I mentioned the good but there was one big surprise with the bill and the restaurant's policy for using coins as change. Matador doesn't give coins for change to cash paying customers. We presented our cash payment to our server with cash bills and the change. She asked if we needed change back and I said yes. I used a larger denomination bill than the actual check amount and the coins and expected to receive a twenty dollar bill in return. Upon returning our server gave us nineteen dollars and returned our change. She said Matador rounds up the bill and doesn't give or take coin change. I was stunned. She told us it was restaurant policy. I did some research and found out that this practice is totally legal. A bit surprising and seems unethical especially since we were not informed of this policy when presenting our payment type. We found out after she closed out our check. Too bad, it spoiled what was a pleasant experience in Matador. read more

The food is always good and I have never ran into any issues with service. You can always sit at the bar anytime.

Food, service, and outdoor patio are all awesome. Really enjoyed my time here. I appreciate the portion sizes as I was full after one taco and few bites of rice and beans. read more

Matador Meridian - Baja Fish Tacos Mango Margarita - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

I love the atmosphere in matador, it's such a great vibe. The food is pretty good as well and always comes out super fresh and tasty. I love the drinks here a lot and how many options they have for tequila mixed drinks. read more

Matador Meridian - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Matador bowl with Carnitas was phenomenal! Highly recommend you sit at the fireplace table. You never know who you're gonna meet across from you a.k.a. cigar lounge Owner Josh very cool couple. read more

We went on a Friday night. Hostess said it would be about 45 minute wait so we ponied up to the bar. We ordered our drinks, took a few sips and our table was ready. I had the Baja tacos which were really good. The black beans and rice that came with them were bland. Just want ala carte tacos next time. Wife had pork belly tacos and they had a kick. super spicy. she loved them, but would order something different next time. Overall, dinner and experience was good. read more

Matador never disappoints us. Went there for happy hour. Ordered a few frozen Margaritas. Wrong ones showed up but the order was quickly corrected. Got the street tacos, Brussel sprouts and habanero shrimp. Each was perfect. The shrimp was mega spicy and certainly not for all palates. Totally recommend this location. Easier parking than at the 8th street location in Boise. Attentive service. read more

It was a Tuesday night. Movie Night at the Village and normally we run not walk to the Yard House for their awesome Happy Hour specials but this night we decided to do something different. We wandered into the Matador. It was our first visit and the star of the evening goes to M'lissa R. M'lissa was so cheerful and friendly. She directed us to the Happy Hour menu where we found the Tuesday Taco deals as well as Guacamole, and spirits. She was super-understanding of me being a Vegan and let me know that the Beyond Picadillo Tacos did have cheese on them. I had a feeling but I was not sure. STORYTIME If you are in Mexico, and you get street tacos, they will never get cheese on them. Putting cheese on street tacos is a very GRINGO thing to do and that sums up Matador. BACK TO THE REViEW But, let's get back to M'lissa because she was is fully deserving of 5 stars. My companion had the Cucumber and Jalapeno Margarita. It's stunning to look at and packs a wallop. I'm not sure how the bar manager makes his statement because there is some overpouring going on if you know what I mean. We entertained the Chips and Salsa. Both were very gringo but okay. My wife had to add a little salt to the salsa to enhance the flavors. The Guacamole came out with Chicharrones and Pico De Gallo. Beautifully presented. { See my pics } but the Guacamole was lacking in flavor. It tasted as if it came out of a bag. I do appreciate that M'lissa made sure that the cheese on the Guacamole was on the side. Another A Plus for her service. Our tacos arrived shortly thereafter. Look, it's a super good deal. 5 Tacos for $8. but even my Beyond Picadillo Tacos were lacking in flavor. I did eat all my tacos and I do appreciate that there was a plant-based offering but there are just some subtle changes that the kitchen can do to enhance the flavors of their menu offerings. They were missing garlic, salt. and just a dash of cumin. Matador does not offer any spicy salsas. Cholula is the extent of the spicy. #gringomexicanfood The Matador was packed with patrons but no one looked like a Matador. It's unfortunate as M'lissa's service was one of the best I have had in Meridian, but the food quality is simply made for patrons who prefer no seasonings and bland representations of classic Mexican dishes. #gringomexicanfood Will I come back? I would like to and I hope I can sit in M'lissa's section while I have some chips and salsa and a beer or two while I keep my expectations in check. Here's my Star breakdown M'lissa's Service - 5 Stars Vegan Options - 4 Stars Atmosphere - 3 Stars Food Quality - 2 Stars Price of the Food - 4 Stars Price of the Drinks- 2 Stars read more

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Haven't had such a poor experience dinning on a long time. Everything that I ordered was not made per the menus description. My drink a strawberry magonada, was supposed to come with tajin and chamoy dressings. All I got was a glass with some kind or strawberry syrup and a lime. No biggie maybe the forgot..... second one exactly the same. Then or ordered the carne asada plat with garlic chili shrimp. What I got was plain barley cooked shrimp and 2 chunks of flavorless steak. When I told the waitress her response was would you like some sauce... and proceeded to bring me the most awful sauce on earth. No apologies or offer to correct it. The money spent was not worth it at all and we will no longer bee going back. read more

Food is good just not what I would say is authentic Mexican food. This place is definitely for those who want to feel like it's Mexican but don't actually want Mexican food but Mexican American. read more

Go for happy hour. The Haba Prawns and jalapeno poppers are a favorite for my wife and I.

Popped in here for a quick bite and drinks on a Friday evening before going to the movies and it was great! We ordered the brussels sprouts and they were fantastic! And if you sit at the bar, make sure you meet Mayra. She's the sweetest, she's funny, she works her butt off and we would come back just to hang with her again! Love this place and will be back! read more

We had the best server! M'lisaa was so sweet and gave EXCELLENT recommendations. I had the chicken flautas and my SO had the Baja fish tacos. Both were huge dishes that came with rice and beans so plenty to eat. Go hungry. Our drinks were also super tasty. Strawberry tequila lemonade. Excellent summer drink. Our water was refilled. Our chips were refilled too. Plenty to eat, excellent wait staff. Highly recommend sitting in M'lisaa's section! read more

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Bad service, long wait times and then they seat people who came in after you and cancel your table request without telling you. The waitress charged us twice and argued with us. Rude staff, mediocre food. Overpriced Will never return. read more

Seated right away. Server was nice and brought waters, chips and salsa quick. We had to wait a while for our food to come, but the food was worth the wait! Everything was so good! Definitely going back soon. read more

Although it can get busy I really did enjoy their food and drinks. We have been on the hunt for good Mexican food and this place hits the spot for sure. The drinks are on point too. read more

The skinny blonde girl with long hair that has worked here for several years is a manager I believe. She is horrible she really should not be a manager or even a server. This place seems like no one comes here in the evening because these servers are rude , lazy and rather socialize then serve their customers including the manager laying on the counters giggling. read more

The food was okay, waited to order for a long time. It was a good environment and provided all essentials but wouldn't go there again. read more

Matador Meridian - Coconut shrimp tacos - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

Matador has always done a great job for us, either at The Village or downtown. From the delicious chips and homemade salsa with lots of garlic, to the house made cocktails including some amazing margaritas. Never understood any of the negative review. I normally order either the habanero burrito, carne asada surf and turf, or enchiladas. You can not go wrong with any of those. This most recent visit I asked our waiter for his favorite item on the menu, to which he responded enthusiastically the "Braised Carnitas!". I love pork carnitas so no idea why I had not noticed and tried this before. Well let me just say I've been day dreaming about this plate every since this visit. The portion was HUGE and I ended up taking it home and eating two meals on it. read more

Matador Meridian - Braised Carnitas, HIGHLY recommended! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Meridian, Idaho

We usually go for happy hour as there is always a nice variety on the happy hour menu. And Matador has one of my favorite salsas that will stick to a chip and not run off like water. read more

The Matador Meridian sits right on a busy corner of the beautiful outdoor mall with lots of outdoor seating, as well as indoor seating for groups at bigger tables. We arrived before Happy Hour as a group of five, and were seated right away and allowed to sit for 15 minutes until Happy Hour started at 4. Our group started with Frozen Lime and Mango Margaritas and the House Sangria-all lacked any flavor. We ordered Crispy Brussel Sprouts (Excellent) and Grande Nachos (Huge portion for sharing-lots of yummy toppings) to share. The Street Tacos in an assortment of flavors for sharing were a great price (5 for $10) but lacked flavor and seasonings. We ended our shared meal with Haba Prawns (Excellent) and the Matador Guacamole (Watery and flavorless). At one point we had to flag down our server to refill the chips. When new bowls of chips were brought to the table they were dripping with oil (???), which is not pleasant. Overall it is a great value at Happy Hour and we had a very pleasant time visiting with our group as we never felt rushed. read more

One of my go to places when in town. Good service and friendly. Margaritas were delicious BUT the real reason I come here is for the tequila flights! The flights are not listed on the main menu so you need to ask for that menu. Great chips and salsa is a bonus! read more