When it comes to happy hour, we consider ourselves true connoisseurs of it. We're not fans of late night, so anytime you can get a killer deal on food and drinks and be in bed by 8 p.m, count us in! And when the votes started pouring in for "Best Happy Hour" in Tacoma, it came as no surprise to us that Matador Tacoma took the number one spot. 

Located in the classic Landmark building, just a few minutes from the Tacoma Dome on Pacific Ave., Matador has been a staple in the Tacoma happy hour scene since opening in 2006. Their happy hour is daily from 4-6 p.m., and for all our late night lovers, resumes again from 10 p.m. to midnight, Sunday to Thursday, and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

This 21+ establishment has a vibe to it that goes beyond just the menu items. When you walk into the dimly lit restaurant you automatically feel ready to consume a massive amount of Mexican-inspired food and maybe accompany it with a margarita. Patrons can belly up to the half circle bar that offers plenty of space, or a personal favorite of ours is to grab a seat at the half round table with the fire burning in the middle. Plenty of other larger seating options are available throughout the restaurant for larger parties as well. 

Once you've chosen a seat the next mission is to decide what to order off the happy hour menu. There are two price options on the menu - $6 options and $7 options - plus their street tacos which start at three for $7 and five for $10. The even greater perk of their happy hour menu is that they don't skimp on the portion size just because it's happy hour. For instance the $7 Nachos Grande, truly are GRANDE. They are loaded with all the good stuff you want on nachos and are just simply damn good. Meat choices can be added for an additional cost.

Other $7 happy hour options include the Habanero Shrimp, which we will warn you are very spicy. So if you like spice, dive in, but if not, you've been warned. Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos, stuffed with goat cheese and hickory smoked bacon and served with ranch dressing is another go-to option of ours. 

Some favorite $6 options are the Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Fried Tacos, Black Bean Dip and Matador Quesadilla.

If you choose to accompany your food with a drink an extensive margarita and tequila menu is waiting. Their Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita featuring exotic Blanco, cucumber, triple sec, jalapeno, lemon, lime, agave, and a chipotle salt rim is always a great accompaniment to the Nachos Grande. If you make it in while they feature their summer seasonal drinks the Watermelon Margarita is also a great go-to. Or if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, we recommend the Charred Pineapple Lemonade. All drink offerings can rotate, so no guarantee, but if you see it on the menu, definitely order one. 

Any day of the week you have happy hour on your mind, we recommend swinging into Matador Tacoma, you won't regret it. 

MATADOR TACOMA, open 11 a.m. to midnight, Sunday-Thursday; 11 to 1 a.m., Friday-Saturday; 721 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.627.7100, https://www.matadorrestaurants.com/menus/tacoma.