Bandido's Mexican Cafe

05/23/2008 Posted by CaptainTornado

Bandido's has long been one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. While they have a few locations in the area, they are family-owned and not a typical franchise. The menu is different from the standard Las Palmas/ Torero's kind of place. The salsa is excellent though I'd love to see an expansive salsa bar like some others. The San Antonio Burritos, as an example, with choice of steak or chicken, are huge and flavorful. Not crazy about their version of fried ice cream, because they basically take some ice cream and drop some cereal and honey on top. Here's the real problem though. In 2007, health inspectors found a goat being butchered (I don't think it was slaughtered there) in the Woodcroft Shopping Center location by an employee. There was a story run in the Durham Herald-Sun about this and it even made a national news outlet if I recall correctly. At the very least, it was in the Herald-Sun and verified by an employee at the neighboring West 94th St. Pub. Goat is traditional fare in Mexico and it might indeed be very delicious. I've seen foodies rave about goat as an excellent culinary aspect of real Mexican food. But nonetheless, we don't eat it here or expect it to be secretly prepared even for personal use in America in general. My guess is that it was probably nothing more than an employee using the kitchen to prepare the meat for his personal consumption. I doubt it would be served knowingly to customers so that's not an issue. The issue is deception. Health guidelines are in place for a reason. I've been to Bandido's before with high sanitation ratings on display, and had many a great meal there. But I've turned around and gone elsewhere on a couple of occasions when I noticed their sanitation ratings had dropped into Grade B range. When the goat thing made the news and conincided with the Woodcroft location's lower ratings, I decided to take an extended break from them. Everything's probably fine. Just can't get beyond the goat now.

Pros: Great food and seems fresher and more unique than many area chains.

Cons: THE GOAT!!!!

05/03/2008 Posted by MichJay1

This restaurant is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. The atmosphere is casual, the food is tasty, and the prices are affordable. Unlike other reviewers, I actually like the enchiladas much better than those found at other restaurants in the Triangle. This is a great spot for a quick and casual lunch or dinner.

Pros: Great food, Prices

Cons: The music isn't always spectacular

01/05/2008 Posted by destruktor

When we ordered queso, the waiter looked at us funny and said, "Oh you mean cheese dip." Any Mexican restaurant that calls queso cheese dip is NOT OK. I'm from Texas people- believe me this is NOT Mexican food. The margaritas also taste like they are made with Gatorade...very nasty. Don't go here.

Pros: None

Cons: Bad Food, NOT mexican food

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09/15/2006 Posted by landrumdh

The price is right, the food is excellent (try the shredded beef for a change!). The drinks are flavorful and strong but won't break the bank. The chips and salsa are excellent way to start the meal, be sure grab the few heavily seasoned ones in the basket for a nice surprise.

Pros: food, cost, drinks

Cons: atmosphere is on the cheap side

06/28/2006 Posted by imm

My husband and I went to Bandidos after reading the reviews expecting it to be our new hangout for Mexican food. Although the prices were right (both beer and food), the meals weren't very good at all. My enchiladas had an orange sauce which didn't taste like enchilada sauce at all. The beans and rice were very bland. His chimichanga was only lightly fried and not very tasty. However, the beer was cold and the chips and salsa were fantastic. With their outdoor seating, I recommend going there for a drink and chips, but not for dinner!

01/15/2006 Posted by mla2

After reading the bad reviews of Bandito's I was a little hesitant to try it, but we had a coupon, so we thought we'd give it a try. I'm from Los Angeles, and my husband is from New Mexico. We know Mexican food, and this food is perfectly fine. It's not the best I've ever had, but it was pretty good. The ambience was very good. They played Mexican music, which was nice. And the service was EXCELLENT. This is a restaurant that I would definitely not mind going to again.

Pros: ambience, price

02/12/2003 Posted by erb625

Graet traditional faire as well as good veggie dishes and house specialties. Great ambiance and service.

Pros: good parking

01/13/2003 Posted by leighaly

This is my favorite mexican restaurant in the area. Their menu selections incorporate more flavor than fat.

10/15/2002 Posted by iron_chef

I have been to Bandito's several time in the past few years and recently we, my co-workers and I, have been going at least once a week. We all agree that this is the best Mexican restaurant in the Triangle. Other places that have a "9+" rating on Citysearch are no match for Bandito's. They win the battle in kitchen stadium every time. I know that Chairman Kaga would agree.

Pros: food, staff, clean

Cons: off the beaten path

09/27/2002 Posted by crazyivan

eat here! it's goood! my wife and i have been here several times and have never been disappointed. it's better than most mexican restaurants in the area. it's not too fancy but it's no taco bell either. the menu offers a large variety of dishes, but not extensive as to cost you an hour to read it. if you eat here, you will get plenty to eat, you will enjoy it alot, and it won't bust your wallet. what more can you ask for?

Pros: good food, nice neighborhood