Matador   

Longhorn skulls loom from above but red capes and men clad in short, tight pants are nowhere in evidence. In this triangular corner room the atmosphere is moody and very cool, rather like a set off a campy horror flick. Booths are plentiful, but for an extra dose of coziness, head for the semicircular bar near the big round fire pit. The menu is Tex-Mex-inspired: goat cheese stuffed jalapenos wrapped with bacon make a fine starter, and the Matador romaine salad with cotija cheese is a tasty twist on a classic Caesar. Ancho-chipotle baby back ribs are accompanied by roasted garlic and onion mashed potatoes and sauteed corn and leeks. For variety, go for a taco plate, where you can select two different tacos from five choices to accompany rice and black beans. If it's available, finish with creamy coconut flan. Matador offers happy hour bargains both early and late, making it the perfect place to drop by for cheap snacks after hitting the music venues along Ballard. Service is terrific, and the bar -- with its collection of 40-odd tequilas -- is a magnet for hip folks in the food and beverage biz.