Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Matador – San Francisco
Matador - San Francisco
Photo from Matador
Matador at a glance
San Francisco Lower Nob Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 117 of the guests
#1421 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#69 Mexican Restaurant out of 134 in San Francisco
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
678
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Vibrant Ambiance
- Flavorful Dishes
- Friendly Staff
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- Poor Value
- Environmental Concerns
The restaurant Matador, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Nob Hill, invites you to discover its unique charm. You’ll find a truly great beer selection here, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
This cozy, casual, and trendy spot offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Overview: Introducting Matador
Matador offers a vibrant dining experience, often highlighted by its lively atmosphere and generally well-received dishes. Many guests appreciate the friendly staff and the overall inviting vibe.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies in service and concerns regarding the overall value. While the culinary offerings frequently earn praise, the experience can sometimes be hampered by service hiccups.
The restaurant aims for a memorable visit, blending appealing surroundings with a menu that largely satisfies, though not without a few areas for improvement.
Good
7.3
out of 10
678
Reviews
72.3%
Satisfaction
155
negative
33
neutral
490
positive
Overall, Matador garners a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.3, indicating a good experience for many. This positive sentiment is echoed in a Customer Satisfaction rate of 72.3%, which also falls into the good category.
These insights are drawn from 678 customer observations, comprising 490 positive and 155 negative remarks. The Ambience (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, frequently praised for its enjoyable setting.
The Food (7.6) also receives good marks, with many finding the dishes flavorful. However, Service (6.7) appears to be a more mixed aspect, and Value (5.4) is an area where some guests felt the offering could be improved.
What people like
- Vibrant restaurant atmosphere
- Flavorful Mexican dishes
- Friendly, accommodating staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Questionable overall value
- Unpleasant environmental issues
Matador presents a generally appealing option, particularly if you prioritize a lively setting and flavorful Mexican cuisine. While the atmosphere and many dishes are quite enjoyable, be prepared for potential inconsistencies in service and consider the overall value proposition.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.5, it’s a place worth considering for its strengths. However, managing expectations regarding service consistency and pricing will likely lead to a more satisfying visit.
Similar Restaurants in San Francisco
- Mexican Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
689
97.5%
- $$
- Bernal Heights
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
292
90.8%
- $$
- Lower Nob Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
306
93.1%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.9
out of 10
out of 10
68
98.5%
- $$
- Silver Terrace
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.8
out of 10
out of 10
99
90.9%
- $$
- Mission District
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Mexican Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
115
84.3%
- $$
- South of Market
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Matador
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a 7.6 score and a 75.3% customer satisfaction rate, both indicating a good experience. Out of 384 total opinions, 289 were positive, often praising the delicious, authentic taste, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. It sounds like a flavorful journey awaits!
However, 71 critical comments suggest some areas for improvement. Guests occasionally noted concerns about poor meat quality, dishes that lacked flavor, or even bland salsas. There were also mentions of microwaved meat, pointing to inconsistencies that might disappoint some diners.
Food
384
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
71
negative
24
neutral
289
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
What people don't like
- Poor meat quality
- Lacked flavor
- Microwaved meat
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this lovely Mexican restaurant in San Francisco was fantastic. The lively atmosphere truly enhanced the dining experience, and the great food was a definite highlight. Coupled with excellent service, it made for a memorable dinner.
- tacosI enjoyed some really good Mexican food and drinks. We ordered a pitcher of Margaritas, which were excellent, along with some amazing tacos. I highly recommend this place.
- margaritasMy experience at this modern Mexican restaurant was fantastic, especially the food. After enjoying some very delicious margaritas, we started with chips and salsa. I was seriously impressed; Australia doesn't do corn chips and salsa like this place does – I've been ruined now!
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed some really good Mexican food and drinks. We ordered a pitcher of Margaritas, which were excellent, along with some amazing tacos.
- Mexican foodThe enchiladas with verde sauce were rich and comforting, and the quesadilla was perfectly cheesy and crisp. It's a great spot for delicious Mexican food in San Francisco!
- burritoMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic, particularly the food. I can honestly say it's the best burrito I've ever tasted. I would highly recommend having the sauce to go over the burrito.
- cocktailspartner seemed to also enjoy the cocktails
- guacamoleassaggiato per la prima volta fuori dall' Europa il guacamole
- churrosUpon seeing the place, I felt like I was in Mexico. The food is very delicious, and the churros are a delicacy for the palate, highly recommended. The service is also unparalleled, thanks for the service from our friend Mario Tuyub.
- nachosPedimos los nachos y unos tacos y estaban muy ricos
Frequently criticized
- foodIt's a cute neighborhood restaurant with a great atmosphere, so I wanted to love it. However, the food is genuinely overpriced and not good. I've been here before the pandemic, and it used to be extremely crowded and lively.
- salsala salsa con los chips.. … en realidad era muy raro
- chipsadditional chips came out cold and stale
- salsasowners or chefs are afraid to add jalapeño or serrano peppers to their salsas
- tacospaid $18 while there were $3 tacos on the happy hour menu available
- burritoburrito that came out way too fast. It came out a couple seconds after our chips and salsa with no taste
- drinksthe drinks were very small and were pure ice
- food qualityThe meat was clearly microwaved, and I couldn’t eat any of it. The food quality was so poor that it ruined the meal.
- pitcher of margaritaspitcher of margaritas and you would think it would be cheaper this way, however it is not
- tortillasMy experience with the birria tacos was extremely disappointing. The tortillas were burnt, and there was an excessive amount of cheese, which is saying a lot since I love cheese. The birria broth tasted like chicken stock, and the salsas were bland.
Overall, the food here seems to be a good bet for many, offering delicious and authentic flavors. While there are some reports of inconsistencies, its generally worth trying if youre looking for a satisfying Mexican meal.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
It looks like service here is a bit of a mixed bag, but generally leans positive! With an overall score of 6.7, it's considered good, and based on 145 comments, 94 of them praise the friendly service, quick service, and attentive staff who make guests feel welcome and well-cared for. Many appreciate the promptness and hospitality.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 64.8%. About 49 comments highlight areas for improvement, mentioning waiting time, feeling ignored by bartender, rude server experiences, and a general lack of attention from staff. It seems consistency can be an issue.
Service
145
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
49
negative
2
neutral
94
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Quick, prompt service
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Inattentive, rude staff
- Ignored by bartender
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I visited twice and was consistently impressed with the friendly and fast service. The food was good, and the margaritas were excellent.
- staffAlthough we are from Fresno, we got married at the San Francisco city hall and found Matador while searching for a place to eat. From start to finish, the team was incredibly professional, friendly, and accommodating. The food was absolutely delicious—authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented.
- ServiceI had the BEST Mexican food I’ve ever tasted. The prices were reasonable, the service was fabulous, and the food was authentic and incredibly tasty. I highly recommend anything with carnitas or guacamole.
- waiterOur waiter made sure to get our orders placed in time
- bartenderThe bartender was super nice and friendly
- customer servicehis good customer service sealed the deal
- foodThe server, who we believe is named Pinky, was very accommodating. Everything was well-prepared, and we received our food relatively quickly. We highly recommend visiting this place.
- seatingwere seated quickly which was nice
- EduardoWe had to wait 10 minutes outside for a table to become available, and we didn't regret it. The fajitas, chili, and burritos were all delicious and pleasantly served by Eduardo. The sound level was a bit high, but it created a wonderfully lively atmosphere.
- Mario Tuyubservice of the friend Mario Tuyub
Frequently criticized
- serviceterrible service and she was very disrespectful
- serverI ordered three tacos from the regular menu and paid $18, only to discover that $3 tacos were available on the happy hour menu. Our server never mentioned the happy hour menu, which I found strange considering I was ordering tacos at the regular price. This was super disappointing.
- waiterthe waiter did not know what kind of salsa it was
- waiting timeMy experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the terrible service. We waited forever for our drinks and for any service attention. When I inquired about a plate with onions, asking which one had no onions, the response was dismissive: “how should I know”.
- waitressWe had to flag down the waitress whenever we needed her
- attentionIgnored all attempts to get their attention
- clearing our own tableI started bussing our done dishes to a dirty table next to us
- customer servicedo better with your customer service
- discriminationfeel like I was being discriminated against because I’m Asian
- doing things rightI ended up throwing away everything I ordered. They should be more understanding and do things right. I don't recommend it unless you have money to spare and want to throw it away.
If youre looking for a place with generally friendly and prompt service, its definitely worth a try, as many have had great experiences. Just be aware that some guests have encountered longer waits or less attentive staff, so be prepared for a potentially mixed experience.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 49% of the guests
Based on 88 customer remarks, the ambience here really shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.4%. Many guests rave about the inviting atmosphere and good vibe, often highlighting the charming decor and appealing outdoor seating. Its clear this spot knows how to set a pleasant mood.
However, not every aspect is perfect. A few of the 8 negative comments mention issues like challenging parking and concerns about space feeling cramped. There were also isolated mentions of fruit flies and uncomfortable seating', suggesting some minor areas for improvement.
Ambience
88
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
8
negative
4
neutral
76
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Inviting atmosphere
- Charming decor
- Outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Limited space
- Fruit flies
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this lovely Mexican restaurant in San Francisco was fantastic. The lively atmosphere truly enhanced the dining experience, and the great food was a definite highlight. Coupled with excellent service, it made for a memorable dinner.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- ambianceambiance was so enjoyable
- outdoor seatingget seating outside for our party of 7 which worked great for us
- placeThe place is pleasant
- spaceThe decor was so quaint and retro, adding so much charm to the experience. The space is versatile, accommodating intimate tables for two (like ours) as well as large groups. This place is a true gem, and we’ll definitely be back when in San Fran!
- venue" I found the prices to be quite reasonable. The venue is very cool, and the food is incredibly good. I highly recommend the Enchiladas.
- vibeThe vibe of the place was inviting
- Mexican flareAfter searching for a decent happy hour menu downtown San Francisco, we stumbled across Matador. It’s quaintly decorated inside with Mexican flare. We had make-your-own chorizo and cheese fundidos, tacos, and tostadas with a choice of toppings.
- Mexican spotStopped by this lovely, wonderful mexican spot
Frequently criticized
- cross contaminationother cross contamination without washing hands / changing gloves
- empty dirty disheseventually filling the table with empty dirty dishes
- fruit fliesfruit flys buzzing in your ear
- health practicescall you out on health practices
- homelessdamn homeless kept wondering in and around
- parkingParking is a mess
- seatingmakeshift seating on the sidewalk, with buses passing right next to the table
- spaceestaba muy lleno no hay suficiente espacio
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere and a lively vibe, this spot is definitely worth checking out. While a few minor issues like parking or occasional fruit flies might pop up, the overall experience promises to be very enjoyable.
Value (5.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.4 and 50.8% customer satisfaction. Many guests, accounting for 31 positive remarks out of 61 total, rave about the happy hour deals, finding prices reasonably priced and offering good value. It seems like a smart move to visit during those times!
However, not everyone leaves feeling like they got a great deal. There are 27 negative sentiments pointing to concerns about being overpriced or facing unexpected charge issues. Some even mentioned a cost of living fee that made the final bill higher than anticipated, leading to feelings of being overcharged.
Value
61
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
27
negative
3
neutral
31
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent happy hour
- Reasonable prices
- Good value
What people don't like
- Unexpected charges
- Overpriced items
- Hidden fees
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the chicken fajitas, which were incredibly delicious and offered a generous portion for the price. The servers were consistently kind and welcoming, and our waiter even spoke Spanish, which was a nice touch.
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was surprisingly positive, especially considering some comments described it as "upscale. " I found the prices to be quite reasonable. The venue is very cool, and the food is incredibly good.
- happy houryou can take advantage of the happy hour, and the prices for the dishes are much cheaper
- happy hour pricesThe staff was friendly, and my classic margarita was perfect. The food was good, and the happy hour prices were on point. We enjoyed the ground beef, grilled chicken, and carnitas tacos, with the carnitas being our favorite.
- Price per person$20 for roughly 4.5 drinks
- PricesPrices were reasonable
- beerCerveza asequible para ser San Francisco
- cheapcheap and atmospheric place
- good valueI found the food to be tasty, and I particularly recommend the stew and chicken soup, which were heartwarming. The Michelada was also great, and the overall experience offered good value. The atmosphere and service were both rated highly.
- happy hour dealsYou can’t beat the happy hour deals here!
Frequently criticized
- priceIt's a cute neighborhood restaurant with a great atmosphere, so I wanted to love it. However, the food is genuinely overpriced and not good. I've been here before the pandemic, and it used to be extremely crowded and lively.
- billdidn’t bother printing the bill, so I didn’t see it
- bargainTaco bell is a better bargain
- chargethey charged me $2 for it
- chips and salsa$3 for a little tin of chips and salsa is over the top
- cost of living feeCharges a "cost of living" fee which results in listed menu prices being different
- discountpromised a 10% discount which wasn’t applied
- dishonest behaviorDo to their dishonest behavior, 1 star
- drink pricesBought a Tito’s soda $12 for Tito’s $2 bucks for Soda water.
- ginger alea can of ginger ale was $4
If you're looking for a bargain, definitely check out their happy hour for some great deals and reasonably priced options. Otherwise, be mindful of potential extra charges and overpriced items that could make your experience less satisfying.
How are the prices at Matador?
On average, you’ll spend around 32 per person – from 117 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average sits at 32, we see that most guests actually spend a bit less, with prices clustering strongly in the $21–$30 range, and a good number also in the $11–$20 bracket. So, it’s a solid mid-range spot with options that lean a little higher.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 117 reviews.
Comparing this restaurant’s value for money against similar spots in San Francisco.
Overall, for a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Matador
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Cocktails and Happy Hour
My experience at this restaurant was great! I enjoyed the great cocktails and a good happy hour. The friendly bar staff were attentive, and it was nice to have sports on the TV.
It's definitely worth a visit!
- cocktails9
- happy hour8
- bar staff9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Team Dinner at Matador
I recently had a team dinner at Matador and was really happy with the experience! I ordered a classic margarita and tacos, and everyone in our group loved what they ordered. The service was impressively fast for our large group.
- classic margarita8
- tacos8
- service9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Salsa and Quick Bite!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic for a quick bite of fusion Mexican food. The salsa was truly the best I’ve ever had. The food, service, and atmosphere were all rated a perfect 5, making it a highly enjoyable visit.
- salsa10
- food10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Quesa Birria!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I tried their Quesa Birria, and it was super good. The beef was really tender, and it was loaded with cheese.
The consume was flavorful as well. I also enjoyed the Guacamole and Chips.
- Quesa Birria9
- beef9
- cheese8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Disappointing Birria Tacos
My experience with the birria tacos was extremely disappointing. The tortillas were burnt, and there was an excessive amount of cheese, which is saying a lot since I love cheese. The birria broth tasted like chicken stock, and the salsas were bland.
The guacamole had such large chunks that it was difficult to scoop. I definitely won’t come back.
- tortillas1
- cheese3
- birria broth1
What Matador offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining experience can you expect at Matador?
At Matador, you’ll step into a cozy, casual, and trendy environment perfect for any occasion. You can enjoy a variety of dining options, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and even late-night food. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal with table service, Matador has you covered.
Is Matador accessible and suitable for families or pet owners?
Absolutely! Matador is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring comfort for all guests. If you’re dining with children, you’ll appreciate that it’s good for kids and offers high chairs. Plus, your furry friends are welcome too, as dogs are allowed outside.
What is the overall dining experience like at Matador?
Matador offers a good dining experience, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.3 and Customer Satisfaction at 72.3%. Guests particularly enjoy the Ambience (8.2) and Food (7.6), though Service (6.7) can be inconsistent and Value (5.4) is perceived as average.
What do customers appreciate most about Matador's atmosphere?
Customers frequently praise Matador’s atmosphere, describing it as lively, inviting, and having a charming, quaint, and retro decor with a distinct Mexican flare. Many find the vibe enjoyable and conducive to a memorable dining experience.
Are there any common complaints about Matador?
Some common complaints at Matador revolve around inconsistent or slow service, with reports of long waits and dismissive staff. Additionally, some guests feel the overall value is lacking, citing high prices and unexpected fees, and a few mention environmental issues like fruit flies.