Bandidos Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Woonsocket

Everyone in town is talking about Banditos new location in Woonie! We have dined in both of the other locations and have always been impressed by the quality and authenticity of the food. This new, large beautifully re-decorated location will take things to a new level. The tables, comfortable chairs and spacious booths are designed with the Banditos brand symbol, and warm earth tones accented with well placed vibrant art. We were warmly greeted by staff, and our wonderful server, Marleny, who introduced herself and even asked our names to personalize the experience. Early dinner is always our favorite time to dine at any restaurant as the staff is fresh and not rushed. Warm tortilla chips and the roasted house salsa, the most amazing in any restaurant we have dined and a signature of Banditos chain, arrived quickly and were devoured just as fast. My husband started with an outstanding Margarita Dorada topped with Grand Marnier. I stuck with my usual Grey Goose Martini, an unusual choice in a Mexican restaurant, but well shaken and smooth. I ordered the Burrito Roja, filled with rice and charro beans, tender, juicy Chile Colorado beef, topped with more of the decadently rich sauce, crisp, finely chopped white onions, fresh cilantro, and tomatoes with a scoop of Guacamole on the side. My other half ordered his favorite Enchiladas Banditos, filled with grilled shredded chicken, green chile sauce and traditional accompaniments. Everything was superb, well balanced and not overly salty. We enjoyed further conversation with Marleny about our previous dining in different incarnations of this particular restaurant space over the years. She generously took us on a tour of the entire restaurant before we left. Loving the front bar with big garage type windows that may possibly be opened during the summer. It's a work in progress, with potential for outdoor dining. We will no doubt we be regulars at this location, so close to home! Congratulations and success to all the owners and staff on this...

I’ve been to both the Cumberland & North Attleboro locations before and was satisfied but never overly impressed. I had higher hopes; especially with this larger location. (Have not eaten at any of the restaurants that filled the void, amongst “Plaza Mexico’s” vacancy).

Upon entry— it was so damn DARK. Inside the restaurant. I was relieved when we were sat in the better-lit bar area with windows.

I ordered a “Caldo de Sopa” aka— chicken soup. It was horrible. It was simply broth; with some pre-cooked shredded chicken added to it, in addition to….. RAW potatoes & carrots. (I sent it back and was not charged for the soup). My boyfriend ordered some sort of fajita; the veggies looked very unappealing and the shredded cheese was also extremely dry & hard.

My friend ordered the chicken enchiladas with the Mole sauce and was pleased.

I might also note that we arrived at around 4:40pm & parked in the parking spots right out-front, facing diamond hill. My party & I were still sitting in our car, with the windows rolled down and all of a sudden. A big landscaping-esque truck pulled in and started dropping rubble which sent all sorts of dust and debris flying EVERYWHERE. No warning. Blocking us; not that it mattered.. because we just arrived. But, they had no way of knowing and ignorantly pulled up right behind us and made his delivery. Seems like something that could’ve been done on off- hours.

Better luck next time Bandidos. And I assure you; I will not be returning to Woonsocket. 🙄 I am most diss appointed in the raw potatoes...

I have been a big fan of the Cumberland Bandidos and was pleased when the Woonsocket location opened, which is much closer to home.

My wife and I have ordered takeout a few times in Woonsocket since opening and the quality has been inconsistent but not awful, until yesterday.

Yesterday was the last straw.

We ordered takeout and it started when I picked up the order. I ordered a side guacamole and after I picked up the order, I checked the bag in the car and noted that there was no guacamole in it. I went back into the restaurant and the guy at the register went in back and came back out with a container and handed it to me. Unfortunately, when I arrived home I discovered that there was only a dollop of guacamole in the container - much less than I was usually given at takeout. Additionally, there were very few chips in the accompanying bag.

My wife ordered Enchiladas Locas and the enchiladas were much smaller than before and seemed a bit dry and over cooked. Believe it or not and I am not exaggerating, there was only about one tablespoon of refried beans in the dish.

I ordered Carne Asada, medium rare. The steak was overcooked but not dry and there was less of it than with earlier meals. I was "lucky" and received about a tablespoon and a half of refried beans.

So this was the last time at Bandidos Woonsocket. I'll give Bandidos Cumberland a try again and see if the issue is local or endemic to all...