Mexican chain to open first East Coast restaurant in downtown Charleston

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Ahead of Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican restaurant is set to open in downtown Charleston in late April — representing the brand's first location on the East Coast.

Seattle-born The Matador, known for its Mexican cuisine and innovative selection of agave spirits, will occupy over 4,500 square feet of space at 235 Meeting St.

Owner Zak Melang, a native of Charlotte, is bringing The Matador experience east after years of business in the Pacific Northwest, according to a news release. In the heart of downtown, the opening of Matador Charleston represents the brand’s first location on the East Coast and in South Carolina, as well as the brand’s 10th location overall, the release stated.

At the adult-focused restaurant, which welcomes guests over 21, The Matador expects to offer one of the largest selections of agave spirits in Charleston, as well as a variety of weekly specials including a twice-daily happy hour and “Top Shelf Tuesday” offering half-off any agave spirit over $16 on Tuesdays, the release stated.

Complementing the curated collection of tequilas, mezcals and other authentic agave spirits are dishes from The Matador’s scratch-made kitchen, ranging from nachos to salads and sandwiches, to burritos, enchiladas, tacos and more, the release stated.

Matador Charleston will be open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Born in Seattle, the Matador family of restaurants was founded in January 2004 by restauranteurs Zak Melang and Nate Opper.