Welcome to Matador Boise
Matador Boise, nestled in the heart of downtown Boise, embodies the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine paired with a trendy cocktail bar atmosphere. Our story is rooted in a passion for bold flavors and unforgettable dining experiences. We offer an extensive menu full of delicious shareables, signature dishes, and family-style meals that celebrate both traditional and contemporary Mexican fare. Highlights include our crispy Brussels sprouts, flavorful quesabirria, and the indulgent ribeye tacos. Whether you're dining in or enjoying takeout, Matador Boise is a welcoming space for groups, families, and anyone seeking a lively night out filled with good food and good vibes.
- 215 North 8th St Boise, ID 83702 United States Hotline: (208) 342-9988
Welcome to the vibrant world of Matador Boise, an extraordinary cocktail bar steeped in the lively traditions of Mexican gastronomic culture. Nestled in the heart of downtown Boise at 215 North 8th St, this trendy establishment offers a delightful fusion of rich flavors and modern vibes, making it the quintessential spot for dining, late-night gatherings, or simply unwinding with friends over expertly crafted cocktails.
As you step into Matador, the energetic atmosphere permeates the air, inviting both walk-ins and reservations alike. The restaurant boasts an impressive range of utilities that cater to every kind of diner, from families to groups of friends. Picture yourself savoring a bucket of crispy Brussels sprouts or indulging in a creamy queso con chorizo as the moderate noise level sets the perfect backdrop for laughter and conversation.
- Highlight Dishes:
- Quesobirria: Three corn tortillas filled with jack cheese and slow-braised beef birria, served with a side of rich braising jus—a true must-try!
- Familia Fajitas: A communal feast, everything you need for a memorable dining experience. Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to bring people together.
- Baja Fish Tacos: Lightly dipped mahi-mahi in a crisp batter, perfectly complemented by fresh guacamole and a zesty chipotle mayo.
Matador Boise is more than just a restaurant. It’s a social hub. The full bar, happy hour specials, and festive ambience offer endless opportunities for enjoyment. Whether you prefer to eat outdoors, take advantage of their delivery service, or simply enjoy a drink while playing a game of pool, this place has it all. Vegan and vegetarian options ensure that everyone can find something to love at the table.
As night falls, consider indulging in their fabulous signature dishes, such as the Enchiladas Divorciadas, which present a rich medley of flavors that dance across your palate with each bite. Pair it with one of their expertly mixed cocktails for a complete experience that delights the senses.
Ultimately, whether you’re a local or just passing through Boise, a visit to Matador is essential. Discover the layers of flavor, the vibrant dishes, and the captivating atmosphere that set this restaurant apart. Make sure to mark your calendars for their best nights—Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday—for harmony between food, drink, and good company that will leave you coming back for more.
For more information or to place a reservation, contact them at (208) 342-9988. So why wait? Dive into the magic of Matador Boise today!

Super cute & cozy, great food - presentation and flavor, very knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive staff from the moment we walked in.

Great food with large portions. Atmosphere is cool. A little pricy for the whole family but still worth it.

This is my favorite place for a weekend evening. Great staff and food! Not sure what the negative reviews are all about, we've always had a great experience

I'm visiting the area and we needed a place to eat mid shopping spree and stumbled on this spot. The front entry way was intriguing to us immediately. One thing I personally wasn't fond of was how dark the lighting was inside. For a date night it would be perfect. I tried the verde chicken burrito and it was absolutely delicious. We also had the queso con chorizo which was a 5 out of 10, nothing terrible but it wasn't amazing either. I would return and try more of their menu if I'm ever in the area again.

I tried this 8th Street location and it seems much better than the one in Meridian. It was late after the BSU football evening game and happy hour (food only) had just started. They close at 1:00 AM in this vibrant section of downtown Boise, which is a huge positive for the area. I was astounded at the tequila menu; there were probably 200 different labels offered so if you are an aficionado this is your place! But I'm not so we just settled for some food. The nachos are a great value during happy hour but you will be charged more for anything other than ground beef. They are still a good value and they were delicious! I ordered the Roasted Squash & Black Bean Soup, a fall special and wow was it delicious as well; a very hearty soup with some shredded beef in it as well and it really hit the spot on a chilly night. The wait staff was fairly attentive although the waiter seemed like he did not want to be working that shift. I felt sorry for him; who knows what was going on in his personal life. But check them out sometime. Its a little loud but that was expected during happy hour. And some will not like the hard bench seating. We enjoyed our experience here, however.

Was excited to go to the Funky Taco to grab some vegan Mex food during our recent long weekend in Boise. Sadly, they had to close early due to a plumbing issue so we went with Plan B: Matador. Easy to find a seat inside and we were able to find some Beyond picadillo-based vegan options. Started with some tasty margaritas -- it was happy hour! -- and placed our orders. My wife had nachos -- huge portion and my wife loved them -- and I had the Beyond picadillo tacos. Fast and friendly service and good drinks and food -- turned out to be a solid Plan B!

This place is beautiful. Great service. Beautiful restaurant. Service is great. And surprisingly probably some of the best Mexican food that I have found at least. I would definitely give it a five star rating. The bartender she was amazing. She was also our server Drinks are amazing.

Our first time here and we enjoyed it. I had the surf and turf and it was really good. The habanero shrimp made me sweat, it a good way. The atmosphere and vibe was cool. The service was good, our waiter was very friendly.