El Bandido Mex Mex Grill

Okay, this hurts a little to do since service was so outstanding. And the food was good. But when you put «Mex-​Mex» in your name, you’re changing my expectations for Mexican food. While my admittedly high expectations weren’t met, the good was still objectively good. I’ll certainly return albeit with tempered expectations.
I have crazy high standard for carnitas. The pork I received, while very tasty, was not carnitas. They were chucks of pork that had seemed to have been stewed with onions. Served alongside was avocado, pico de gallo (the jalapeños were nice and spicy), charro beans, and tortillas. Whew. I appreciated that our server, Christian, asked if I wanted corn or flour. I prefer the former. Anyway, everything was good with the exception of the charro beans. They had kind of an odd processed taste to them.
My SO ordered the steak burrito. I’m not a burrito person but it was pretty good. The steak was seasoned well. But it was the same price as my carnitas and only came with the burrito.
Finally, the tamal. I love tamales so much and am so often disappointed. The tamal I tried here was no exception. It came wrapped in a banana leaf as opposed to corn husks. Not my preferred vehicle. And again with the odd processed taste. This time in the masa. It wasn’t as bad as the charro beans so I powered through it. The pork inside was fine, although the ratio of masa to meat was a little off.
Oh, I should also mention that I’d originally been eyeing the enchiladas but their red enchilada sauce is made with tomatoes, which is a no-​no. Keep that in mind if you are someone who knows or cares about the intricacies of enchilada sauce.
Last on the food front, they do not have horchata.
I do want to rave about the service for a second. Christian was our server and he was super attentive. A woman who appeared to be the manager also checked on us a couple of times. Food and drink items were brought out in a timely manner.
Like I mentioned in the beginning, I’d definitely come back. Just not to satisfy an enchilada or tamal craving.
On a language-​related note, I wanted to include my response to the comment posted to my review from the business regarding the word «tamal,» as it was something I learned fairly recently myself despite being a Spanish speaker (the comment, now revised, originally read «I think you meant ‘tamale.’»):
Although «tamale» for the singular is often used in English and even sometimes in Spanish, it is actually a back-​formation of the plural. The correct singular in Spanish is, in fact, «tamal.»

This place exceeded my expectations by a mile ! Super tasty, large portions, super friendly staff, amazing taste and nice presentation. The prices are reasonable. We will be back for sure ! Atmosphere was super nice as well. We ordered the steak chimichanga and lobster enchilada !! I have nothing bad to say about this place At all.

This is a terrific restaurant. Really nice atmosphere. The staff is friendly and efficient. The food is to die for. Wonderful Super Flaca Margarita and very cold beer.

«That’s a date, Doctor. Just remember, Houston’s partial to margaritas» — Gravity (2013)
This is what I want in a Mexican sit-​down restaurant. After reading all the reviews, and friends wanting to take me out for my birthday to some where new, I knew this was the place. We came for an early dinner on Saturday and by the time we left the place was packed — not an empty table in the joint!
Parking is plentiful — the lot is well marked and right next to (someone surrounding) the restaurant. This is awesome considering how hard it is to find parking in Little Five Points. We parked and walked inside and at first glance it seems small — but that is just the bar and a couple of tables. We were walked to the second room, which is down a few stairs, and it is huge. Tons of tables and you aren’t too close to each other.
We were initially seated right by the stairs, but we asked to be seated away from the hustle of the stairway and they accommodated us. We ended up almost central in the dining area, which was fine. The noise level was almost silent since there were only 2 other tables when we got there. There is a TV (maybe 2) in the dining room, but the sound was off. The music was playing softly in the background and we could talk to one another at a normal volume. Perfect!
Immediately, we were presented with salsa (a bowl for each of us) and chips (not oily or salty). Shortly, our server came by to take our drink orders. My friend and I each ordered the skinny margaritas — I wanted salt, she did not — and her fiancé opted for a Coke. We also asked for waters and the table-​side guacamole. Very quickly, we had the waters and Coke and our server brought her tray to whip up the guac. It was delicious, but in serious need of salt — Adam (the fiancé) noted that none was put into the process of making it. So we added our own. That hit the spot.
We reviewed the menu and made our decisions and when our margaritas arrived, we ordered our meal. I opted for the Steak Fajita Grill with flour tortillas. Meagan chose the Molcajete Grill (everything you could ever want in a stone bowl), and Adam chose the Tacos Jalisco based on my recommendation from my fellow Unilocalers and the photos. Meagan also ordered the Mexican Corn as a side.
Food came out very quickly — so they are on the ball here. I could argue almost too fast as we had not quite finished the massive bowl of guac, but that probably had to do with our early dining time to beat the crowd. The fajitas were a large portion, but it seemed to work with the only 3 tortillas they gave me. Honestly, restaurants need to up this to 4 to make it match the amount of food they provide. The steak was a bit overcooked, but flavored perfectly. The veggies were also delicious. The charro beans were nice, but a bit filling for me. I enjoyed the rice and other accoutrements as well.
Adam insisted on giving me one of his tacos — seriously, order the Tacos Jalisco. You won’t be sorry! He ordered on corn tortillas (not my favorite as they fall apart), but omg these were so rich and spicy and flavorful — I’d have eaten 4 or 5 of them had I had the room in my belly.
Our server checked on us a couple of times and was quick to clear empty plates. We were offered additional cocktails, but decided we wanted dessert instead. We opted for churros — they asked if we wanted ice cream… uh, yeah! So they were delightful, but a little under done on the inside. That didn’t stop us, but frankly, I would not order them again. Churros that are wet on the inside is unappealing. The ice cream and strawberry sauce helped and made is very birthday-​like.
Overall, a great birthday dinner with great friends. Service was good, food was good. By the end it was pretty loud in the place and it was packed! Definitely go on slower days/​nights to avoid the noise.

Unilocal reviews don’t lie — this place is good!
We live in Inman park and love some «combination #9» Mexican food. Saw this place on Unilocal one day and were curious because of all the good reviews. Finally were able to stop by tonight and we loved it. Space was much bigger than we expected and was full around 7:30 on a Saturday.
Drinks were good although a touch pricier than we hoped for a Mexican restaurant. Didn’t appear to be an option for the giant beer mugs like some other places… my favorite. We got the tableside guac and while it was great, it would be nice if they had a smaller portion available. Chips were good and salsa was really tasty. We got the fajitas for two and it was awesome. Steak, chicken, shrimp, carnitas, chorizo was all delicious and we took home enough for another meal easily.
Welcome addition to the neighborhood and we will be back!

Really enjoyed the meal here. No wait for 2 on a Saturday night, but it was crowded. I enjoyed the atmosphere. They have cool, split level space that is more upscale and industrial than your typical Mexican place. Music is good, but maybe too loud. Great service. Everyone was enthusiastic and attentive. We started off with the chipotle queso and the complimentary salsa. Both were great. I got the el bandido burrito with steak and thought it was delicious. Classic margarita was good too. Great place to go before a show at variety playhouse. I’d go back if in the neighborhood.

The atmosphere is great! Food is even better and the waitstaff is amazing. When I worked in the area, I ate there everyday. Free parking and the best chips and salsa I have ever tasted. The portions are huge so order your doggie bag!

Very close to my home so i thought i’d give it a try. While the outside of the restaurant isn’t shabby, it appears small; however, inside is a different story. Very clean, well decorated, and HUGE…
Over the last few weeks i’ve tried all the staples and haven’t been disappointed yet. Prices are reasonable. The staff is wonderful. Very friendly and fast. Would definitely recommend.

Excellent food and service. A new treasure for the neighborhood.

This place was everything we hoped for. We started with margaritas which were strong and delicious. We got cheese dip with jalapeños which was very good! If you don’t like jalapeños you’ll want to ask for them on the side, they were plentiful! Lastly we shared the chicken fajitas (for one) which was more than enough for the two of us. These might be the best fajitas I’ve had in Atlanta. The flavor was so good! They included zucchini which was different but good! I will definitely be back!

We are here for the first time last night and had a wonderful time. The staff was extremely friendly and attentive, the salsa was deliciously smoky, and the tacos and margaritas were tasty. We have been waiting for this restaurant to open for a very long time, and we weren’t disappointed. Evidently the neighbors agree with us, because the dining room was PACKED. We’ll be back.

I was blown away. This place is fabulous!!! My fiancé and I went for a date night tonight and we were both VERY pleased. For starters they have a HUGE FREE parking lot which is rare to find around this area! We were greeted by a very friendly hostess and seated promptly! Our waitress, Karola was OUTSTANDING– very attentive and friendly! We ordered the chicken and steak fajitas for two & they were out of this world! We also ordered the guacamole which is made fresh in front of you! Best guac I’ve ever had! Overall our experience here was flawless and we will be returning! Oh yea– for the men… They have a large projector tv screen in the dining area visible from ALL tables and tvs by the bar! Can’t wait to go back! Thanks for a great evening!

Had a wonderful time at El Banditos last night! Ordered the martini margarita and it was great! Rosy, our server, was amazingly on point despite being busy. We also ordered table-​side guacamole that was phenomenal. Please be considerate as to not order the table-​side guacamole if the servers are slammed.
I loved this place! Service was so good, a rarity in L5pts on a Saturday night. Quick, good food, free parking, nice clean interior. So glad this place finally opened! My only complaint is that they should consider staying open until 12 on weekends for this neighborhood.

My boyfriend and I were on our way to a different mexican restaurant when we passed El Bandido. We decided to try it out since we have never been before and there was free parking. We first ordered their side-​table guacamole (when they prepare in front if you) and a pitcher of classic margarita. The guac was really really good! And the classic marg was strong and delicious! We then order the Fajita Mex Mex For Two and let me tell you, even with my boyfriend being one who eats A LOT, there was still soooo much to take home. Our server, Ani, or Annie, or I don’t know how to spell it, was so sweet and nice. She also made sure to check up on us frequently and I feel like it’s hard to come by that in Atlanta these days. I loved my experience and I’ll definitely be back!

So, so, so good. This is the Mexican food I’ve been craving since moving to Atlanta. The margarita selection is great, the table made guacamole to die for, and the staff very friendly and attentive. Convenient and great!

Really like this place. So cute and the food is tasty. Drinks were ok but the customer service was awesome. Table side guacamole. I had the lobster enchiladas. Really tasty! I would definitely come back.

This place is awesome! I was very close to giving it a 5 star rating. Visited on a Wednesday around 545pm. We were immediately seated and welcomed. Chips and salsa are at your table before you can blink. Ordered guacamole too. The waitress made the guacamole right next to our table. The guac was fantastic.
Ordered two beef tacos, rice, and beans. The food was excellent. It’s healthy tasting and not greasy. The beans are prob the best beans I’ve tasted in Atlanta compared to other Mexican restaurants. The rice is also good but be careful for hot and spicy included in the rice.
Asked waitress for chips and guac to go and she obliged no Questions asked. Our waitress even asked us where we from and if we lived near by. She spoke little English but it was nice to see the effort. It gave me an opportunity to speak Spanish.
There’s a big tv as well if you want to watch futbol as well. Love it.
Only beef I had was that the sauce for the chips was way too hot for me and I love hot/​spicy. Be careful.
They’re so nice here and the price is very reasonable. A great find in Little 5.

Long awaited opening of El Bandido results in a solid addition to L5P’s restaurant scene.
They have free parking in the lot surrounding (mostly) the restaurant. It’s pay-​to-​park only if you’re not going to El Bandido, according to the lot attendant we spoke to.
El Bandido is surprising spacious given it’s small façade. There’s a small bar just off the front door, another dining area next to the bar and a larger main dining room towards the back. Small patio in front. Nice setup with the tables, mostly four-​tops with a row of banquet seating to accommodate a group. The bar area has a large high table.
TVs in the bar area and one large screen in the main room, all with the sound off and all showing football on a Sunday. Mexican music playing, not real loud but above background.
Quick, friendly service.
Standard Mexican fare plus some restaurant specialties on the menu, which is a high-​gloss affair that’s easy to read.
Many margarita choices, plus beer, wine and booze. ‘La Clasica’ margarita a little weak and a little uninteresting. Probably why it’s relatively inexpensive. I upgraded to an El Bandido for the second round — much better.
The tables have huge guacamole stone bowls on them — you can get guacamole made at the table. We did not do so.
Chips & salsa are complementary. Thin chips, not oily. Salsa is tasty with a fire-​roasted accent but not very picante.
Chicken fajitas — large portion, very well prepared. I liked it. Opted for corn tortillas but they fell apart a minute or two after being filled. Still, corn might be a better choice than flour, which tends to be too heavy for me.
Cheese and spinach enchiladas are delicious but not very large. Wife ordered a crispy corn tortilla bean taco as well. If you’re a light eater, that might be enough for you.
El Bandido offers limited vegetarian choices, which might be a mistake given the locale. The tamale is not vegetarian. None of the three beans offered as sides are vegetarian, we were told — apparently they use a fourth variety for the vegetarian bean taco.
Food came out without too much delay and our server checked up on us a couple of times.
Prices are reasonable.
Recommended. Welcome to the neighborhood, El Bandido.
2016 #1

Decided to check this place out for the New Year. Will definitely come back…
Service was excellent, drinks were great and you get a LOT of food!

Best food ive had since going home to venezuela! Nice, new restaurant with good service and better drinks… we’re already regulars and i think they’ve been open for one week!

Dining room is open and spacious. Two levels with outdoor seating. Tamales are made to order and banana leaf wrapped vs. corn husk. Very good. Tuesday is margarita special. Very walk-​able area in little five points.
We will be back!