DO NOT GO HERE. Forget the star rating. If you enjoy Mexican food choose somewhere else.
Where to begin with Banditos? We should have known something was up when we walked in and the waiter/host/manager looked at our party of 6 (4 adults 2 kids) and said ‘yeah the six top back there’. Not ‘hello’ or let me show you to your seat. Just motioned to the back and then went to do something else.
When we came to our table he didn’t ask how we were doing. Showed absolutely no personality other than curtly asking what we wanted to drink. He seemed impatient and bothered by his role.
After a brief wait for drinks he came back to take our food order. Again, no hello, no friendliness, just methodically taking orders. Informed that they were ‘out of fajitas’ at 8pm on a weekend? Ok. Whatever.
40 minutes later we received our food. Only 4 other groups of patrons in the restaurant. He never once told us what the delay was, or why there was a delay. Never apologized for the delay. A young man did ask us if we needed any refills. But even he seemed agitated or something. Maybe someone called in - we heard them apologize to another table for the wait but not ours.
The food - in a word: horrible. How this place has 4 stars is beyond me. There’s a Taco Bell a mile away and you’d be much better off eating there. I’m not exaggerating when I say it tasted like people who’ve never had good Mexican food made it. Bland, seasonless, and no flair or unique touches. And their menu is limited compared to traditional Mexican restaurants. The only good item is the salsa, which you also have to pay for (pay for chips and salsa?) and the queso dip tasted like concession stand cheese.
The final straw? The bill. No comped drinks or discount for the meal. Our table of 6 with two kids (no kids menu) cost $124 BEFORE tip. Which, our discourteous server automatically added. Maybe he knew how awful he was, and figured that was the only way he’d get a few extra bucks out of us.
I asked him as we left if there was an issue. If someone called in sick. He said no and asked why. I said ‘a little courtesy would go a long way’ and he proceeded to thank me for my thoughts and told me to not come back. Don’t worry brother, I won’t. And I’ll let everyone know to never eat here, unless they want to overpay for awful ‘Mexican’ food and even...
Read moreI cannot say enough great things about Banditos! From the moment I walked in, I was met with the warm and inviting ambiance that is perfect for a fun night out. The decor and music set the perfect mood for a Mexican dining experience.
The staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating, and their knowledge of the menu helped me discover some amazing dishes. The service was prompt and attentive throughout the entire evening, and the staff's passion for the food and hospitality truly shines through.
Now, let's talk about the food. The menu boasts a wide variety of authentic and delicious Mexican dishes that cater to every palate. I had the pleasure of trying their famous enchiladas, and they were bursting with flavor and freshness. The combination of savory meats, vibrant salsas, and fresh toppings made each bite a delight. The guacamole was the best I've ever tasted, and their homemade chips were the perfect accompaniment.
The drink selection is equally impressive. Their margaritas are top-notch and are crafted with high-quality ingredients, and their tequila selection is extensive. I also appreciated the option to try some of their specialty cocktails, and I was not disappointed. The balance of flavors and quality of the ingredients made each sip a delightful experience.
The management of Banditos has clearly put a lot of effort into creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere. The attention to detail is evident in everything from the food to the decor, and it truly adds to the dining experience. Banditos has become my go-to spot when I visit Ann Arbor for an authentic Mexican meal and a fantastic time out with friends.
Whether you're a local resident or just passing through Ann Arbor, Banditos is a must-visit. I wholeheartedly recommend Banditos to anyone looking for a fantastic Mexican dining experience, and I can't wait to return to try more of their delicious offerings. This place is an...
Read moreFollowing the great reviews of this restaurant, my spouse and I decided to give this place a try. We were thoroughly disappointed. The young kid at the front directed us to seat ourselves, and took our drink order. We noticed the $8 chips and salsa, and decided to not order as we felt that was a little much. Our drinks came, and we still needed a minute to figure out our orders. Upon the 3rd time he came by, he brought us chips and salsa that we didn't order. We were both surprised and didn't think to ask why (Maybe it was an outdated menu or something?) When he brought the chips and salsa, he asked if we wanted any queso, and we did end up ordering some. It was pretty vile, and was 100% microwaved so we politely sent it back. Minutes after, we're visited by the cook asking about the queso. Really not trying to offend, we just said it wasn't our style and it was a bit too watery. That was putting it nicely. She left the table without much to say. Our entree's came shortly thereafter, and it was pretty good. Nothing special but it was acceptable. Real kicker comes when we get our check, and we see that the chips and salsa (which we didn't order!) was on our bill. We summed it up to a mix-up or something and mentioned it when we brought our bill up to the counter. This is where the young man at the counter decided to gaslight my girlfriend and I into trying to say that we ordered the chips, and justified it by saying that "You ordered queso. So I brought chips." We didn't order the chips, and our order of queso was not taken until the chips we didn't ask for was placed on our table. I was told there was nothing he could do about it. I told him to run my card, as I'm not going to start a screaming match over $8. But this is no way to run a business or...
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