Quick Dining Snapshot (Verified Accurate): The Matador provides an expansive happy hour experience across its popular Pacific Northwest and regional Tequila Bar locations. Operating twice daily from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and from 10:00 PM to close, the menu features heavily discounted artisanal tapas, street tacos, house-made guacamole, and signature $5 margaritas. For detailed location operating hours and seasonal updates, check out verified community postings and announcements via The Matador Charleston Guru and Instagram Feature Hub.
Matador Happy Hour Schedule & General Overview
Understanding the dual-window pricing model is vital for securing the best value during your visit. The Matador operates structured daily happy hours twice a day, giving guests access to deep discounts on both food and artisanal spirits during afternoon and late-night sessions.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afternoon Happy Hour Window | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Daily | N/A | $0.00 | ⭐ Best Value | Daily Special |
| Late-Night Happy Hour Window | 10:00 PM – Close Daily | N/A | $0.00 | ⭐ Night Owl | Late Special |
| Happy Hour Guacamole | Half Order (4 OZ) | 320 CAL | $8.00 | VG | GF | Popular Starter |
| Happy Hour Chips & Salsa | Shared Basket | 410 CAL | $4.00 | V | VG | GF | Value Pick |
| Happy Hour House Margarita | 12 OZ Glass | 210 CAL | $5.00 | ⭐ Signature Drink | Best Seller |
| Happy Hour Well Spirits | 1.5 OZ Pour | 100 CAL | $5.00 | Drink Special |
| Happy Hour Draft Beer | Pint (16 OZ) | 180 CAL | $4.50 | Drink Special |
| Happy Hour House Wine | 6 OZ Pour | 150 CAL | $6.00 | Drink Special |
| Happy Hour Black Bean Dip | 6 OZ Bowl | 380 CAL | $7.00 | V | GF | High Protein |
| Happy Hour Romaine Salad | Small Plate | 290 CAL | $7.00 | GF | Fresh Greens |
| Happy Hour Crispy Brussels Sprouts | Small Plate | 410 CAL | $7.00 | VG | GF | Fan Favorite |
| Happy Hour Street Taco | Single Taco | 210 CAL | $3.00 | Customizable Protein |
Happy Hour Pequenos & Small Plates
Designed for communal sharing or light snacking, the small plate tier features rustic Mexican techniques, charred vegetables, and bold house-made sauces. Each item is portioned perfectly to pair with a specialty tequila cocktail.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crispy Brussels Sprouts | Small Plate (6 OZ) | 410 CAL | $7.00 | VG | GF | Charred Finish |
| Romaine Salad | Small Plate (5 OZ) | 290 CAL | $7.00 | GF | Crisp Dressing |
| Black Bean Dip | Bowl with Chips (8 OZ) | 380 CAL | $7.00 | V | GF | Warm Artisanal Dip |
| Jalapeno Poppers | 4 Pieces | 450 CAL | $7.50 | VG | Stuffed & Fried |
| Mini Chicken Taquitos | 3 Pieces | 420 CAL | $7.50 | Crispy Corn Tortilla |
| Cheese Quesadilla Slice | Half Order (4 Slices) | 510 CAL | $6.50 | VG | Melted Oaxaca Blend |
| Pork Carnitas Slider | Single Slider | 310 CAL | $5.50 | Slow-Roasted Pork |
| Chipotle Chicken Slider | Single Slider | 290 CAL | $5.50 | Smoky Pepper Glaze |
| Street Corn Dip | 6 OZ Bowl | 390 CAL | $7.00 | VG | GF | Roasted Corn |
| Queso Blanco Cup | 4 OZ Cup | 440 CAL | $6.00 | VG | GF | Rich Cheese Sauce |
| Green Chile Meatballs | 3 Pieces | 380 CAL | $7.50 | Savory Broth |
| Avocado Toast Tostada | Single Piece | 270 CAL | $6.00 | V | Fresh Avocado Mash |
Happy Hour Specialties, Nachos & Tacos
These heavier happy hour plates provide substantial meals at fractional prices, ranging from stacked cast-iron nachos to house-marinated street tacos. Every dish utilizes scratch-made salsas and freshly pressed tortillas.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Happy Hour Nachos | Shared Plate (12 OZ) | 890 CAL | $8.00 | ⭐ Best Seller | Loaded Cheese |
| Happy Hour Guacamole & Chips | Full Bowl (8 OZ) | 540 CAL | $8.00 | VG | GF | Fresh Hass Avocado |
| Asada Street Taco | Single Taco | 240 CAL | $3.50 | Grilled Steak | Onions | Cilantro |
| Pollo Asado Taco | Single Taco | 210 CAL | $3.00 | Marinated Chicken |
| Carnitas Taco | Single Taco | 250 CAL | $3.00 | Braised Pork |
| Mushroom Vegan Taco | Single Taco | 190 CAL | $3.00 | V | VG | Sautéed Wild Mushrooms |
| Crispy Fish Taco | Single Taco | 280 CAL | $4.00 | Battered Cod | Cabbage Slaw |
| Happy Hour Burrito Bowl | Regular Bowl | 720 CAL | $8.50 | High Protein | Rice & Beans |
| Quesabirria Happy Hour Portion | 2 Tacos with Consome | 680 CAL | $8.50 | ⭐ Trending | Dipping Broth |
| Green Chile Quesadilla | Full Order | 790 CAL | $8.00 | VG | Roasted Green Chiles |
| Taquito Plate | 4 Pieces with Rice | 650 CAL | $8.00 | Rolled Corn Tortillas |
| Pork Verde Slider Trio | 3 Sliders | 740 CAL | $8.50 | Slow-Cooked Tomatillo Sauce |
Signature Beverages & Margaritas
The beverage program centers on 100-percent blue agave tequilas, fresh citrus juices, and house-infused syrups. The $5 margarita stands as the cornerstone of the happy hour drink menu across all locations.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matador House Margarita | 12 OZ Glass | 210 CAL | $5.00 | ⭐ Signature Drink | Best Value |
| Cadillac Margarita Upgrade | 12 OZ Glass | 260 CAL | $9.00 | Grand Marnier Float |
| Spicy Jalapeno Margarita | 12 OZ Glass | 230 CAL | $6.50 | Infused Tequila | Agave |
| Prickly Pear Margarita | 12 OZ Glass | 250 CAL | $7.00 | Fruit Infusion |
| Paloma Cocktail | 12 OZ Glass | 190 CAL | $6.00 | Grapefruit Soda | Tequila |
| Mexican Mule | Copper Mug (12 OZ) | 200 CAL | $6.50 | Ginger Beer | Lime |
| Cantarito Special | Clay Cup (16 OZ) | 280 CAL | $8.00 | Citrus Juices | Tequila |
| Draft Tecate Pint | 16 OZ Pint | 150 CAL | $4.50 | Mexican Lager |
| Dos Equis Amber | 16 OZ Pint | 165 CAL | $4.50 | Draft Beer |
| House Red Wine | 6 OZ Pour | 150 CAL | $6.00 | Tempranillo Blend |
| House White Wine | 6 OZ Pour | 140 CAL | $6.00 | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Agave Shot Flight | Three 0.75 OZ Pours | 190 CAL | $12.00 | Curated Tequila Tasting |
A La Carte Appetizers & Shareables
When dining outside happy hour windows, standard menu items provide full-sized portions built for sharing around the table. These selections emphasize robust ingredients, multi-layered dips, and house-fried tortilla chips.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table-Side Guacamole | Full Bowl (12 OZ) | 680 CAL | $13.50 | VG | GF | Prepared Fresh |
| Chips & House Salsa | Large Basket | 480 CAL | $5.50 | V | VG | GF | Unlimited Refills |
| Queso Dip with Chorizo | 10 OZ Bowl | 820 CAL | $12.00 | GF | Spicy Sausage Blend |
| Matador Loaded Nachos | Large Platter (24 OZ) | 1450 CAL | $16.50 | ⭐ Shareable | Feeds 2-3 |
| Ceviche de Camaron | 8 OZ Platter | 390 CAL | $15.00 | GF | Citrus Cured Shrimp |
| Taquitos Rancheros | 5 Pieces | 780 CAL | $11.00 | Shredded Beef | Crema |
| Quesadilla con Pollo | Full Size (8 Slices) | 980 CAL | $13.50 | Grilled Chicken | Melted Cheese |
| Green Chile Pork Stew | Bowl with Tortillas | 620 CAL | $12.50 | Warm Comfort Food |
| Chicken Wings (Agave Habanero) | 8 Pieces | 890 CAL | $14.50 | Spicy Glaze |
| Stuffed Jalapeno Rellenos | 3 Pieces | 640 CAL | $11.50 | VG | Cheese Stuffed |
| Black Bean & Corn Fritters | 6 Pieces | 510 CAL | $10.50 | V | VG | Cilantro Lime Crema |
| Shrimp & Crab Quesadilla | Full Size | 1040 CAL | $16.00 | Seafood Specialty |
Entrees, Enchiladas & Specialty Plates
Main dinner plates showcase slow-roasted proteins, traditional enchilada sauces simmered for hours, and hearty Mexican grains. These dishes anchor the evening dining experience with complex, authentic regional flavor profiles.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verde Carnitas Enchiladas | 3 Enchiladas with Rice | 950 CAL | $19.50 | ⭐ House Specialty | Slow-Roasted Pork |
| Quesabirria Platter | 3 Tacos with Consome | 980 CAL | $17.00 | Melted Cheese | Braised Beef |
| Carne Asada Plate | 10 OZ Steak with Sides | 1120 CAL | $24.50 | High Protein | Grilled Skirt Steak |
| Pollo con Mole | Half Chicken Plate | 1050 CAL | $18.50 | Complex Chocolate Chili Sauce |
| Camaron a la Diabla | Shrimp with Rice & Beans | 820 CAL | $21.00 | Spicy Red Chile Sauce |
| Tres Enchiladas Suizas | Chicken with Cream Sauce | 910 CAL | $18.00 | Rich Tomatillo Cream |
| Vegetarian Burrito Supreme | Large Burrito | 860 CAL | $15.50 | V | VG | Beans | Rice | Veggies |
| Matador Fajitas (Steak) | Sizzling Skillet | 1190 CAL | $22.50 | Peppers | Onions | Tortillas |
| Matador Fajitas (Chicken) | Sizzling Skillet | 1020 CAL | $20.50 | Peppers | Onions | Tortillas |
| Matador Fajitas (Combo) | Sizzling Skillet | 1110 CAL | $23.50 | Steak | Chicken | Shrimp |
| Pork Chile Verde Entree | Bowl with Rice & Beans | 890 CAL | $17.50 | Tender Pork Chunks |
| Fajita Bowl (Vegan) | Bowl Format | 690 CAL | $16.00 | V | VG | GF | Plant-Based |
Lunch Combos & Midday Specials
Weekday lunch offerings provide streamlined, fast-paced plating without sacrificing portion size or authentic preparation. Available Monday through Friday, these combinations pair classic tacos and enchiladas with house sides.
| Item Name | Portion / Size | Calories | Estimated Price ($) | Dietary & Value Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two Taco Lunch Combo | 2 Tacos with Rice & Beans | 680 CAL | $14.50 | ⭐ Midday Value | Choice of Protein |
| Single Enchilada & Taco Combo | Plate with Sides | 740 CAL | $15.00 | Balanced Lunch Portion |
| Lunch Burrito Special | Medium Burrito with Chips | 820 CAL | $13.50 | Quick Service Meal |
| Torta Cubana Lunch | Mexican Sandwich with Fries | 910 CAL | $15.50 | Pork | Ham | Cheese |
| Lunch Taco Salad | Large Crispy Shell | 690 CAL | $13.00 | Fresh Greens | Ground Beef or Chicken |
| Soup and Salad Combo | Bowl & Small Green Salad | 480 CAL | $11.50 | Lighter Midday Meal |
| Chicken Fajita Lunch Skillet | Individual Portion | 810 CAL | $16.50 | Sizzling Onions & Peppers |
| Quesadilla Lunch Half | Half Quesadilla with Soup | 710 CAL | $12.50 | VG | Cheese or Veggie |
| Green Chile Pork Bowl | Medium Bowl with Tortillas | 650 CAL | $14.00 | Hearty Stew |
| Vegan Bowl Lunch | Rice, Beans, Avocado | 540 CAL | $12.50 | V | VG | GF | Plant-Based |
| Carne Asada Lunch Tacos | 2 Steak Tacos with Sides | 720 CAL | $16.00 | High Protein |
| Lunch Chimichanga | Deep-Fried Burrito | 950 CAL | $15.50 | Topped with Queso |
Money-Saving Hacks & Secret Custom Orders
1. Double Up on Happy Hour Windows
The Matador features two distinct daily happy hour blocks: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM to close. If you miss the early afternoon window, you can catch the identical food and drink discounts during the late-night session starting at 10:00 PM.
2. Combine $3 Street Tacos with Happy Hour Drinks
Instead of ordering full-priced dinner entrees, mix and match three $3 street tacos with a $5 house margarita. This combination gives you a filling, artisanal meal for under $15 before tax and tip.
3. Order Happy Hour Nachos for the Table
The happy hour nachos are priced at $8.00 and offer a substantial portion loaded with cheese, beans, and fresh toppings. Splitting this plate among two people makes it one of the most cost-effective shareable options on the menu.
4. Leverage Weekday Lunch Combos
If you visit Monday through Friday between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, choose from the dedicated lunch combo menu priced around $14.50. These meals include sides of rice and beans that would cost significantly more if ordered a la carte during dinner hours.
5. Customize Vegan and Vegetarian Substitutions
Many of the happy hour items, such as street tacos and bowls, can be customized with wild mushrooms or black beans at no additional charge. Be sure to ask your server for plant-based modifications to tailor your meal to dietary preferences without paying extra.
Regional Pricing & Delivery Platform Markup Breakdown
Restaurant pricing at The Matador varies depending on the geographic market and the ordering method you choose. Standard suburban locations maintain baseline menu prices, while metropolitan outlets in high-cost areas like Seattle, Portland, or urban California hubs typically apply a 10% to 15% regional adjustment to cover higher operating costs and commercial lease rates.
When ordering through third-party delivery services such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, expect an additional menu item markup of approximately 15% to 20% compared to dine-in prices. Furthermore, delivery apps add service fees, delivery fees, and driver tips that can increase your total bill by an extra $5 to $10 per order. To secure the lowest possible pricing, dine in during happy hour windows or place direct takeout orders through the restaurant’s official ordering channels.