Tito Bandito's — Restaurant in Town of Shandaken

Tito’s is one of the very few places to get any type of great cocktail in this Catskills area!!! The margaritas a AMAZING 💯. Krista the bartender is friendly and explains the specials in detail no matter how busy. She is TRULY a great bartender and server. The margarita flavors change often and they use fresh and local ingredients in the cocktails AND specials. I’ve frequented here often… it’s a very nice atmosphere and setting and the staff is always so friendly and giving great service. The drinks and bar are truly top notch, especially compared to the alternatives. I’ve had all drink flavors and they are excellent, not syrupy or watered down, exactly what you would want from A FRESH margarita. Tonight I’m having the steak taco special with flank steak. I eat red meat about 4 times a year… this taco special was INCREDIBLE. The steak melts in your mouth… thin sliced flank steak so tender that you get an even bite of everything and not huge chunks of steak you can’t bite through in the taco. Also EXCELLENT corn tortillas. I love this place so much and I am so glad it’s here!!!! They also do Togo, which I do frequently but there is always space at the bar and usually space to sit outside too. Given the pandemic and the struggles restaurant face with price increases, closing, short staff leading to slow or disgruntled service (I’m also a server it’s a nightmare working during short staff covid), and food item shortages or delivery issues, this place has been consistent. Everyone who works here clearly works very hard and continues to offer the same service as they have from the start. Josh, a server and bartender (at times) is friendly and accompanying always. I am so lucky to have a great place to frequent for excellent drinks, atmosphere, and specials. Definitely don’t stop here without getting one of the daily margarita flavor specials. Laurie the new chef, really takes into consideration fresh ingredients and how customers would enjoy their food. She is fantastic at what she is doing!!! Tito’s banditos is truly a hidden gem among the places along the Catskill scenic trail. Whether you’re in the area for a beverage, a scenic hike, Skiing, or just passing through you will do not want to miss...

My daughter and I decided to try it after a day skiing. We were turned away because no reservation (I get that). We asked for takeout and they said no takeout with a full house (also, can make sense - despite not written anywhere). So we tried again the following weekend with a reservation. Upon arrival at 5:15 pm, we were told our reservation wasn't for another hour, so they had to see if they could accommodate us. Three tables taken in the whole place, i.e. it was mostly empty, but we were almost turned away nevertheless. We sat down for a meal. The margarita was quite tasty. They have no kids menu, despite the local area being so kid friendly. As far as food - one of our daughters had food allergies so we asked if we could make any accommodations for cheese/milk, and the waitress practically berated my husband, stating 3 times they could not do anything. The kid sat there picking at some rice, while the 3 other family members hastily ate our food so we could go home and feed the kid. Crowning glory - I tipped 15% which is the lowest I could go to convey the message of poor service. When I checked my credit card bill, the waitress decided to give herself 20%. Will definitely not ...

Food was tasty and the house margaritas were delicious! We had a special (ribs- really good!), chips and guacamole (bland), and the birria quesatacos (not authentic, but flavorful) with rice and beans (not authentic tasting but good flavor- really spicy! I actually think the rice tasted just like Nigerian jollof rice, which I like.). The tres leches cake was absolutely delicious- like really impressed by it! One star removed for service bc they wouldn’t put in any orders to go (wanted to take my dessert to go)- said the kitchen wouldn’t do it, which I found weird bc I saw two people pick up orders while there and I also got a to-go box for my entree that I didn’t finish. If I were a server, to give better service and make the customer happy when the kitchen says no, I would have just given the customer the option of getting the cake and then giving a to-go box. Another tip- make a reservation bc the place is small and seems to be popular...