Mexican restaurant chain The Matador opens in South End inside former firehouse
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At 1215 South Blvd, the location for The Matador once housed Charlotte's second-oldest fire station. Photo: McKenzie Rankin/Axios
The Matador, a Mexican restaurant chain in cities like Portland, Boise, Tacoma and Charleston, will open Friday, June 14, on South Boulevard in South End.
The vibe: Known for its wide collection of agave spirits and Mexican cuisine, The Matador will open in a building that once housed Charlotte's second-oldest fire station.
- The restaurant will have more than 4,300 square feet that can seat over 300 guests with both an indoor dining room and covered patio.
Dig in: Guests can expect a twice-daily food happy hour from 4-6pm, then from 10pm to last call. It'll feature "grande nachos, haba prawns, grilled stuffed jalapeños and street tacos," according to spokesperson Abigail Purvis.
Best bites: Menu highlights include appetizers like queso con chorizo and ahi tuna tostadas, along with lunch and dinner entrees such as enchiladas, tacos, braised carnitas, and an array of burritos with meat options like steak, verde chicken, plus a vegetarian Beyond Burrito.
Brunch will be served on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-2pm. Choose from dishes like horchata French toast and chorizo Benedict, along with boozy options like hibiscus mimosas, bloody Marys and espresso martinis.
Sip on this: The drink menu focuses on agave spirits and tequila, with a wide offering of margaritas, including flavors like blackberry-habanero, cucumber-jalapeno and tamarind-ginger.
- Plus, they'll offer non-alcoholic options and drink specials, like "Top Shelf Tuesday," with half-off any agave spirit over $16.
What they’re saying: Transplants familiar with the brand are excited to see the Charlotte expansion and took to our Instagram to share their thoughts.
- "I'm from Portland and this is one of my favorite spots. Super excited," Brandy said.
- "I live for those nachos and margs. VERY happy to have a piece of Tacoma out here!!" Kortney said.
Context: The property at South Boulevard and South Caldwell Street was built in 1958 to house Fire Station #2, Axios reported in 2021. In 1982, the city converted the building into a research and testing facility for the fire department. That’s how it operated until 2015, when the city sold the building to developer SLT Commercial Properties.
- The developer has been renovating the property for the last couple of years.
Stop by: Find The Matador at 1215 South Blvd.
- Open Monday-Thursday 11am-midnight, Friday 11am-2am, Saturday 10am-2am and Sunday 10am-midnight.
What's next: The Matador will open a location in Greenville, S.C. "in the coming months," per a press release.