Nightlife

After Dark

The Matador

★ 4.30 (486) Updated October 2026 Santa Fe, NM

About The Matador in Santa Fe

The Matador is a top-rated nightlife destination in Santa Fe, NM 87501, offering a classic dive bar experience in a funky, colorful setting filled with vibrant posters and loud music.

Located at 116 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe, NM 87501, United States, this casual and trendy bar is known for fast service, great beer selection, great cocktails, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

With a 4.30-star rating from 486 reviews, The Matador serves a full range of alcohol, including beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine, with table service, restroom access, wheelchair-accessible entrance, delivery, takeaway, and reservations available. Cash only.

For those searching for a nightlife bar, dive bar, cocktail bar, or beer bar in Santa Fe, NM 87501, The Matador delivers a memorable local nightlife experience in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, New Mexico.

To enjoy a classic dive bar, great cocktails, and a standout beer selection at a nightlife venue in Santa Fe, NM 87501, visit The Matador at 116 W San Francisco St today.

★★★★☆ 4.30 rating (486 reviews)
The Matador in Santa Fe
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Guest Reviews
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Real Reviews

Live Music

Top DJs and live acts

Craft Cocktails

Premium drink menu

VIP Service

Exclusive experiences

Events

Themed nights weekly

Your Night Awaits

Premium Bar

Craft cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and an extensive wine list crafted by expert mixologists.

Dance Floor

State-of-the-art sound system and lighting that transforms every night into magic.

VIP Lounge

Exclusive bottle service and private areas for those seeking a more intimate experience.

The Matador in Santa Fe

Where Nights Come Alive

Whether it's a night out with friends, a celebration, or simply letting loose, we're here to make it unforgettable.

World-Class DJs
Premium Sound
Signature Cocktails
VIP Experience

What People Say

Reviews from our guests

Jacob Garza

Jacob Garza

3 years ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Overnight stay in Santa Fe and find this little hole in the wall bar! Know your 80's rock and movies! We had a blast! Cold local beers and a great atmosphere!

Latin Live TV

Latin Live TV

year ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

In Santa Fe, NM and looking for an underground dive bar to unwind? Check out The Matador! 📢 First things first - bring CASH - it's a cash only place. Don't be intimidated once you walk down the steps and open the door - the staff is inviting and the crowd is great 🌟 I was in Santa Fe a couple years ago and went with clients and it was FUN. Most recently while in Santa Fe, went with colleagues and still FUN 🥳 Drinks are reasonably priced with an average of 35.00 to 40.00 each round for 4 people, so it was 8 to 10 each person for us (depending on orders) 🎶 Music is also GREAT 🎵 BTW - We went on a Thursday!

NM

NM

6 years ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Fun bar. Great staff. Reasonably priced drinks. Highly recommended.

Luis M (Lou M)

Luis M (Lou M)

7 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

As others have mentioned, perfect little dive bar, always enjoy stopping by for a couple of beers when I'm in town. If you enjoy a good dive bar then don't hesitate to stop in.

Steve M

Steve M

7 years ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Don't be scared, walk down the stairs and get ready for a fun experience. Music will be loud, the look might scare the middle class white bread, but put on your big boy pants and step in.....the rest will happen. Great selection of bottles to choose from. Cash only. This is a friendly place. I'll be back

A L

A L

5 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I am up to almost 8 tries now to visit and they keep opening much later than posted time. At least 90 minutes to 2 hours late every time. Who knows when they finally did open. If they ever open reliably again it’s still a great dive bar. I consider it a classic. Reasonable cash prices for beers and the usual hard liquids. But yeah, it’s not for everyone and to each their own. Go elsewhere if you want stuffy and overpriced.

Craig

Craig

3 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Basement dive bar. Awesome place if thats what you're about. Bring cash though.

Smevin Bravis

Smevin Bravis

8 years ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Gotta love a dingy, old fashioned metal head bar. Is it just me, or do the odds of a spot being great go up drastically when you gotta go down a flight of stairs first? Bartender was really cool and laid back. A woman asked him about the unattended turntables and he enthusiastically invited her to spin some stuff. Dartboard in the corner, which is always a plus. Movie playing on a TV in the opposite corner, and art all over the walls. Nothing to not like. Cash only though, so y'know, bring some money.

Stevey Colonna

Stevey Colonna

year ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The best dive ever! The music was amazing (punk and the like) and the atmosphere is perfect if you love a great dive bar!

Joel Mee

Joel Mee

8 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Stopped in for a pre dinner drink on a Tuesday night. Super friendly bar tender. Great vibe and strong drinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about The Matador

Business Features

Highlights & Amenities

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Service options

  • Delivery
  • Takeaway

Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails

Offerings

  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Spirits
  • Wine

Dining options

  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Trendy

Crowd

  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists

Planning

  • Accepts reservations

Payments

  • Cash only

Parking

  • Free street parking

Find Us

Ready to experience the best night out? We're waiting for you.

Location

116 W San Francisco St, Santa Fe
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Make a Reservation

VIP tables, group bookings, and private events. Get in touch.

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