Bandoleros Tacos and Tequila Garden — Restaurant in Oakland Park

Came in for their all you can eat taco special on a Taco Tuesday around 8 pm with a group of 4 adults and 3, 3 year olds. The place was buzzing with the DJ spinning tunes and lots of conversations. The outside patio was about 1/2 full and the same for inside.

So once seated inside it took a bit before the hostess, who also ended up being our server came and took our drink orders. We had come in specifically for the specials, so I was adamant about ordering the classic margarita because it was $6 lol she kept trying to push the flavored margaritas which were 2 for 1, making them at least $7 a piece. This will matter more at the end of our dinner. Two of the adults ended up going for the flavored margs. They liked the flavor but felt they weren’t strong. The classic was watered down but I drank it because hey she told me to get the flavored one and I stubbornly said I’m here for the special haha!

One of the adults ordered the chicken birria tacos and said they were just ok. Nothing more, nothing less. I ordered the all you can eat and started with the beef tacos. The birria tacos came within 10 min, I waited at least 20 min for my gringo beef tacos. Those beef tacos were seasoned to PERFECTION! Sooooo good! The romaine lettuce was a great touch too. I did ask what was taking so long because the birria came out fast as well as the appetizers…speaking of. The corn ribs were good and a nice spin on the typical corn served at Mexican restaurants. The traditional salsa….poor. Like very poor. Tasted like marinara with a tablespoon of pico de gallo thrown in. Would NOT recommend.

The others ordered the carnitas tacos and they took a bit to come out but the restaurant was clearly filling up. They were yummy and fullOf flavor. Before they came out the other person ordered an order of beef tacos, not the all you can eat. It was as explained that the all you can eat takes longer because everyone orders that. Keep in mind, the tacos available on all you can eat are BEEF, chicken, CARNITAS, and veggie. But we ended up waiting OVER AN HOUR for the other order of beef tacos. When asked why, the server said this was because we had changed it to all you can eat and that bumped it to the bottom of the list. Our server was clearly overwhelmed with the business.

We then asked for the manager. Nino came over and was EXTREMELY pleasant and apologetic. Honestly turned the entire dinner around with his positive attitude. He expressed the challenge with keeping up with the busy nature of the evening and even brought me to the kitchen to see how backed up they were. He kept apologizing and rushed our beef tacos out.

After the conversation with the manager, we waited and she never brought the ticket. So we again went to Nino for follow up and our check. He was willing to rush our last orders but we ended up deciding against it. When the server was finally sent over with the check, Nino continued to profusely apologize and offered to comp the food. We didn’t ask for this but his offer was appreciated. He did an excellent job at service recovery and was very honest about the situation.

His calm demeanor and patience went a long way. He had no idea that he was serving another restaurant manager and impressed him. Nino is a gem that should be praised for his excellent handling of customers! Give that guy a raise!!

Now the margs…my classic marg was supposed to be $6 a piece and on the check they were ringing up at $6.50. When addressed with the server she told me, “They’re buy one get one free.” I said no mam, we discussed this on the front end and that’s why I got the SPECIAL! She reluctantly removed the extra $1 for the 2 margs. But they did sneak in a 20% service charge for a large party, that’s charged once you have over 6 guests in your party. Our party of 7 had 3, 3 year olds in it…seemed scammy but we obliged.

All in all, the flavor of the food won me over! I will be back because it was delicious. Maybe not on Taco Tuesday because they’re overwhelmed but...

I first heard about this spot through friends and saw it all over social media — it looked like a fun vibe. Let me start with the good: the food? You cannot go wrong. We had the corn ribs and wow… delicious. The sauce it comes with? Also delicious. The tacos were punchy and flavorful. Margaritas were decent — you get what you pay for, and for $6 on Taco Tuesday, I wasn’t expecting Don Julio perfection, but they did the job.

Now… here’s where things took a turn. Apparently, they allow smoking inside at a place where families bring their kids. Great if you like your tacos with a side of secondhand smoke. For someone like me who cannot stand the smell, that was a big nope. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re sensitive to smoke.

And then there’s the DJ. Oh, the DJ. I don’t know who broke his heart, but apparently, we were all going to feel it with him. Taco Tuesday is supposed to be fun and light — instead, we got two straight hours of live breakup ballads. Then he switched it up… to Spanish breakup ballads. Sir, please go cry in private, not over my tacos. With four margaritas in, depressing music is the last thing I want to hear.

On the bright side, the hostess and waitress were absolute gems (even though they were understaff) super hospitable and attentive. Chefs, you’re killing it in the back. The food is top-notch. But whoever’s in charge of music… maybe give him a playlist that doesn’t make guests want to text their ex at 2 a.m.

In short: amazing food, stellar service, but the vibe was way off. If you’re going through a breakup and want to wallow, this might just be your happy place. For the rest of us, Come for the food, stay if you’re heartbroken and need a soundtrack for crying into your queso. Everyone else? To-go box it. Maybe just order takeout.

PS sorry I didn’t even...

Went with three others for an intimate birthday party on Saturday evening and it was great. The weather was beautiful, so we took advantage and sat on the outdoor patio. It was quiet considering the time and day, but it looks like this location is new, so it's only a matter of time until word gets out and then it'll be packed.

Our server (I'm sorry, I didn't get his name) was cheerful and had great recommendations. He helped with us narrowing down which signature cocktails fit certain people's preferences, and since it was St. Patrick's Day weekend, immediately told us the specialty drink offerings, which two in our party took advantage of.

For signature cocktails, I had the Dulce Sueno and then the Aqua Bendita. Both were really good, just enough sweetness without being overly sweet. I would probably order a shot of Remy to add as a floater on top of the Dulce Sueno. The Aqua Bendita was so refreshing - give me a round of that poolside. The birthday girl had the La Bruja first, which was excellent. Her follow-up cocktail was the La Patrona, and that was her favorite of the two, but she thoroughly enjoyed both!

Food, we ordered appetizers: pork belly bites (crispy and an addictive chipotle agave sauce), chicken croquetas (piping hot and so good with the cilantro garlic sauce), queso fries (tastes like Miami Subs to almost all of us lol, but I'm a good way!), and chicken taquitos (soft but crispy!). Entrees, we all had bowls: buffalo chicken, carnitas, steak, and short rib. The birthday girl asked for cilantro crema to go with her steak bowl and immediately raved about the crema. The bowls were a substantial size and very filling - we all took him half of our bowls. Next time I'm back, I'll either order 2-3 appetizers and no entree, or...