Matador

Awful. Marked GF stuff all over the menu but no clarity as to what was actually GF, what was prepared on shared grill space/fryers, etc. Mixed messages from wait staff, was told chips were and weren't fried within 10 mins. Do NOT go here if you're celiac or gluten sensitive.

Celiac friendly?

No

I have a husband who has celiac disease, and the kitchen here is not safe. They warned us multiple times that the kitchen will cause cross-contamination. DO NOT GO HERE IF YOU ARE CELIAC. The menu repeatedly says it's "GF," but please do not believe that as in their whole kitchen is contaminated. I can't believe they would falsely advertise that they have gluten free dishes. Also, the waitress we had was totally scattered-brained and didn't know what she was doing, and made us wait 33 mins for a simple margarita.

DO NOT GO HERE.

Celiac friendly?

No

Not safe for celiac. Waitstaff point blank told me not to order with true allergies. Gluten free options on menu if not celiac.

Celiac friendly?

No

Let me start by saying I have Hashimoto's, not Celiac, so staying away from gluten is important, but worrying about cross contamination is not as big of a worry for me. That said, they have one fryer that is used for everything. ( As a regular, I'm going to try to change that by being a squeaky wheel).

I have been a regular for 7 years and was only recently diagnosed, so I'm happy I can still hang out here. It is true their menu is limited, but it is labeled and can be easily customized to your liking. My favorite appetizer is the stuffed jalapeños, and right now ( it's summer) I am loving the Strawberry salad that I order with extra strawberry, and added shrimp and avocado! The wait staff and cooks are knowledgeable about the menu and can help you make safe choices. Might I also recommend their Margarita? 😉

Chips are not friendly cooked in same fryer as the calamari. West Seattle Matador uses a separate fryer. They only have one fryer in Tacoma, need to change the breading to gluten free on the calamari. Otherwise you have a few choices.

Celiac friendly?

No

Sicker than a dog. Don't chance it if you have celiac.

Gluten free menu sucks as you can get a gluten free chip. Their gf sandwiches don't have bread or any substitute (shar buns?). Also udi's gluten free tortillas are amazing.

Was very disappointed. This is not a gluten free friendly restaurant. Will be checking back for changes because the restaurant is very nice.

they are very knowledgeable about gluten sensitivity and their gluten free menu indicates items that are fried in shared oil

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Good food but ask questions. Waiter sad the tortilla chips are GF but cooked in fryer with breaded products—so not GF.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Looking online it looks like there are a lot of gf options which is great. But anything fried (even corn tortillas and chips) are not gf. So that limits the possibilities but it was still good. I got the matador bowl without tortilla strips and it was pretty good. Waitress knew what she was talking about.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Offers outdoor seating

The tortilla chips are NOT gluten free even though listed as gluten free. They are fried in a shared fryer. Food was just okay. Will not return. Service was horrible.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner

We have eaten here a dozen times with no adverse reactions. Happy hour cuts the food prices drastically. Recommend the Brussel sprouts and goat cheese jalapeños.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent