Matador will open in Highland in mid-August

After a few delays, Matador Restaurant and Tequila Bar is finally slated to open in mid-August in the original home of Heidi's Deli, on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Lowell. This is a link in a Seattle-based chain, and owners Nate Opper and Zak Melang have completely redone the...

By Rachel Wertz

July 9, 2013

What happens on the ground matters — Your support makes it possible.

We’re aiming to raise $17,000 by August 10, so we can deepen our reporting on the critical stories unfolding right now: grassroots protests, immigration, politics and more.

Contribute Now

Progress to goal

$17,000

$3,700

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "23668565",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "23853568",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17242653",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "24956856",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25 
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18838239",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17676724",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

After a few delays, Matador Restaurant and Tequila Bar is finally slated to open in mid-August in the original home of Heidi's Deli, on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Lowell. This is a link in a Seattle-based chain, and owners Nate Opper and Zak Melang have completely redone the space with reclaimed barnwood, hand-crafted inlaid tables, vintage lighting, an interior fire pit and metalwork by artists Anna Sher and Nick Rhinehart. There's also a liquor license -- but getting that license was one of the reasons for the delay.

But the margaritas will flow alongside Matador's Mexican menu, which focuses on fresh produce and housemade marinades, rubs and sauces -- including a picante sauce with roasted habanero and serrano chiles and a touch of fresh orange juice. "Our signature picante sauce will please heat seekers and still allow the flavors of the dish to shine," says Steve Linder, executive chef.

The elaborate metal bar, surrounded by new windows, will offer a view of the hot Highland neighborhood and stock a curated collection of over 100 tequilas, which are featured in the specialty margaritas and tequila flights, as well as twists on classic cocktails like the Mexican Old-Fashioned with Espolon Reposado, Patron Citronge, bitters, cherry and orange.

In addition, there will be two happy hours a day -- from 4 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m -- with food and drink specials.

Follow @CafeWestword

Rachel Wertz

A message from Food & Drink Editor Molly Martin: If you value independent journalism, please consider making a contribution to support our continued coverage of Denver’s evolving dining scene and the latest culinary innovations our community offers.

Support Today