*** UPDATE: Bandolero has closed as of July 2015. ***
Bandolero is the brother restaurant to
Graffiato, both new to the DC scene, but gaining rapid popularity thanks to the Top Chef contestant, owner, and chef,
Mike Isabella. While we have yet to enjoy a dining experience at Graffiato (it's on the ever-growing list), we have had a few visits to Bandolero, and anticipate going back again in the near future.
The restaurant boasts a trendy feel to the otherwise traditional Georgetown haunts. Whether you pop up to the bar or grab a seat at a table, start with one of the many refreshing cocktails offered on the menu. The El Dorado, or City of Gold, is their signature cocktail and I sometimes sip it down too easily. Also enjoyable is the House Margarita, which is - get this - on tap!
Mind you, it is a tapas restaurant, which means small plates, which also means a lot of sharing, so I would recommend going with people that share the same common interests in food and keeping it small. With tapas it can be tricky to follow the "more is merrier" motto.
While categorized as Mexican, the food takes on a fancy twist, rather than your typical Tex-Mex, so come with an open mind to compliment that empty stomach. Some favorites? Chicken tacos, blue crab tacos, nachos with goat cheese, and mole negro braised short rib.
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| Nachos with Goat cheese |
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| Enchilada Verde |
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| Queso Fundido with a soft cooked egg |
