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Bandidas Taqueria
Categories: Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Mexican, Vegetarian, Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
2781 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4C5
Neighbourhood: Kensington-Cedar Cottage
(604) 568-8224
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 9 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 9 am - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
119 reviews for Bandidas Taqueria
Review Highlights
"I highly recommend the Ronny Russel tacos."
(in 15 reviews)
"Try the hibiscus lemonade, you won't regret it."
(in 6 reviews)
"I had a sampling of the tacos."
(in 44 reviews)
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119 reviews in English
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Review from Stacey D.
Surrey, BC
2/8/2012
I had heard alot of good things about Bandidas and living close to the neighbourhood i figured i'd give it a try.
Overall, a really cute place with a big menu filled with healthy options. Drinks were great, food was tasty, servers were adorable.
My boyfriend enjoyed his meal as well and he's a picky eater thus hard to please.
Food came out in a timely manner which we appreciated and service was prompt, friendly and never seemed false. Helpful suggestions for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks were a plus.
The only reason they aren't getting a five star is because the temperature was quite cold with both of us leaving all of our layers on during the duration of our stay. This may be due to the age of the building but heaters might be an option.
Will go back again. -
Review from Jhuri L.
Vancouver, BC
2/5/2012
There aren't very many vegetarian restaurants on the drive, and Bandidas fills that void. Their food is yummy, the quantity will stuff you, the atmosphere is relaxed and the prices are reasonable - what's not to like?
They serve breakfast all day (check out their menu online: http://bandidastaqueri...) which is a huge bonus for me as I don't usually eat breakfast, although I love breakfast food it and I know skipping breaky is bad, I try to get it whenever I can - even if it is mid-day... or even 8:00 p.m. at night.
The corn muffin is amazing and is always fluffy and moist - no matter what time of day you go!
The atmosphere at night is loud and crowded but romantic.
The service is sometimes a bit slow - but its worth it when your order hits your table. -
Review from Kat S.
1/31/2012
Wow. Really solid, wholesome yet tasty, vegetarian Mexican fare.
The staff were all very nice, and even though the place was very busy (weekend brunch rush), we were not forgotten and got moved to the bar to sit and order when there was space, and as soon as a table was ready we were switched over. Drinks (waters, coffees, etc.) were topped regularly and with a smile.
My dining partners and I split some mushroom caps. Tasty, however, they were on the small side. Larger mushrooms would have been better.
I had some homemade ginger beer, which appeared to be soda water, simple syrup and ginger... I think. Anyhow, they made it at the bar. It was not what I was expecting, but it was a nice refreshing drink. More of a soda than a ginger beer.
We all ordered an assortment of tacos. I had 4. I can be a bit of a glutton when in the presence of tacos. These tacos were piled high, and the ingredients were amazing and fresh. Even the kale was awesome. Not a hint of bitterness. The one with chopped walnut was very "meaty" and filling. The tortillas were good, but there was only one per taco and with all the fillings it made them a bit difficult to eat. Other than that, I was thoroughly impressed with the food and service.
We rolled out full, happy, and feeling healthy.Listed in: Vegetarian Friendly Options
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 1/24/2012
Ohhh... you know... still the best vegetarian spot in town... and now that my wife has taken on the veggie lifestyle we are both hanging out here a lot more.
We went in on Saturday afternoon, I'd definitely recommend 4pm as there is no lunch or dinner wait, and had the most wonderous and delicious meal I've eaten there yet!
My new faves: stuffed mushroom caps (new!) and the chili. Get the large cos you will definitely want more....Listed in: Alive on the Drive, Where you'll find me, Breakfast of CHAMPS!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/26/2010
Still one of the freshest meals I've had. Finally got to try some non-breaky items. I highly… Read more »
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Review from L J V.
Vancouver, BC
1/26/2012
For me, Bandidas is not the best vegetarian food in the city, nor is it the best Mexican food (see Organic Lives, The Foundation, or Gorilla Food for great veggies fare), but they do two things really well:
1. Nachos. They recently changed their nacho names, but The Hampton (which I usually get without the tofu but with extra cheese) is solid. The large is MASSIVE, enough for three average adults, or two if you have a skateboard that someone can roll you home on. The guac is good, it compliments the nachos well. I still don't get their salsa...it has no spice or flavour. It is, however, cruciferous and refreshing.
2. Tortilla Soup. This stuff is a hangover GODSEND. It's spicy but not ridiculous, has good texture (not too thick but not runny), a nice little bit of acidity and is generously portioned. I sometimes get one, and then order another one for later. It's that good.
From my experience (I've gone there quite a bit), Bandidas has a smart business plan and has cashed in on an untapped market (Lower Commercial Drive Mexican Veggie Fusion Served By Cute And Friendly Hipsters). Their breakfasts are unique (bennies served on a corn muffin), but nothing to write home about. The burritos are alright, so are the tacos. I think they make their own soft corn tortillas. Everything sort of lacks an element of spice, not only in terms of heat but just basic flavour.
BUENO !: Things are always fresh, the service is good, and you usually don't have to wait too long for a table even though it's always packed. You can lock your bike or dog right outside. Plenty of dating potential for single young hipsters. They have Daiya cheese, which my vegan friends tell me is amazing to them. I've been told they try to buy local as much as possible. They're always really courteous about me ordering nachos to go right as they're closing.
NO BUENO: The prices are a bit steep for what they're serving. I try to explain this away with the buying local//free range eggs thing. I'm sure the rent ain't cheap, either. The beer selection is kinda pitiful considering the clientele. A few bottles of decent craft beer could go a long way. They also don't have their drink menu online.
****P.S. GET THE VEGAN BROWNIES**** -
Review from Allyson C.
Vancouver, BC
2/4/2012
These guys make the best drinks in town! And the taco's are so yummy. Gluten free heaven... all fillings are vegetarian but you wouldn't know it with all the flavour packed into tiny corn shells! I highly recommend Bandidas as a go to for anything mexican!
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Review from Tessa B.
Knowing I don't care for Mexican food, my boyfriend suggested we go here because he said it may change my opinion of burritos. So tonight we had a fun little dinner date!
I quite enjoyed my meal, oh yes I did! They have a really nice, modern, vegetarian take on classic Mexican foods. I ordered the Dave's Enchilada, as it had the least onions (and other things my taste buds do not agree with) and the smoked tofu sounded deliiiiightful. I am sad to say I was disappointed. The menu looked AMAZING and I was so excited, but the taste didn't live up to the description. The tofu, quite honestly, just tasted burnt. Other than that, I really enjoyed it. The sauce, cheese and tortilla were all portioned perfectly, creating a perfect flavour sensation with every bite! I got rice and beans on the side, which was, well, rice and beans.
We also got a pitcher of sangria (like you do!), and I'd say I prefer it over Foundation! All though they only had apples! And the green kind! Grrr, what's up with that?
At first I thought $12 for a burrito was ridiculous, but it is quite large and comes with a side, so y'know. I was definitely filled to the brim.
All in all, I'd totally go back. I want to try the tempeh! -
Review from lucinda k.
Vancouver, BC
12/17/2011
YumYumYumYUm YUM!
I've been to Bandida's three times, and loved each one (and looking forward to going back, probably tomorrow:) )...
REALLY good food, great vegan options including vegan cheese (yummmmm...)
Great service, Great Atmosphere, decent prices, and licensed-- I'd be surprised if it could get better than this:) -
Review from Lex B.
11/14/2011
This is a very favorite of mine for unimaginably delicious, healthy, and even vegetarian! And for anyone put off by the vegetarian thing - this food has no need for meat. It's fucking good. And vegans - anything can be made vegan, so you're taken care of as well.
The tacos are ALL good choices, and you can order them in two for a small meal or more all at -very- reasonable prices. If you're really hungry any one of them can be put into baked burrito form, which just makes it even better! They're all really creative, flavorful and different from any other Mexican-inspired restaurant. (Don't expect LA Mexican here.)
I've ordered drinks here before and they have all been really good - tequila sunrises, boozy lemonade, sangria, and some soy-milky cinnimony drink I wish I could reference from their website - but they don't list their drinks on it so you'll just have to believe me that some other delicious drink exists and it will blow your mind. If you can find it.
Favorite: Ronny Russel taco with yams, onions, guacamole, black beans, salsa, purple cabbage & toasted pumpkin seeds.
Although I had heard great things about their nachos, alas, they are not my favorite. I tried some of a friend's "Hampton" nachos and they were a little under-melted with not a lot of cheese at all (lots of naked chips) and very small bowls of salsa and sour cream. A giant pile of tofu and beans though, if that's what you're after. (For me it's always about the cheese!)
This tops my list as a place to bring out-of-towners, vegans, or when I'm on a budget and still want to eat well. -
Review from Diana L.
Vancouver, BC
12/6/2011
I LOVED this place.
They serve their water from mason jars=COOL! (That's reason enough for me)
It has such a lovely unpretentious, casual, welcoming vibe.
Food's good too. My friend is a vegetarian, gluten-free type of gal and they cater to that. Also, we split a meal and were allowed the option of having it served on separate dishes.
So nice, no? -
Review from Ellen L.
11/27/2011
There is a whole bookshelf of National Geographics in the washroom. Um, awesome much? (Not that I'm encouraging you to be a toilet hog)
Their tacos have way more stuff on them than La Taqueria, and are also wayyyyy better than the veggie tacos at La Taqueria. Ronny Russell was interesting - yam tacos, wah?!?! But to be honest, the flavour is too subtle for me. Leona Gayle was my favourite of the two (but bf disagrees) because of the sweet tofu. It was good messy fun eating these.
I also got the Bud's Enchilada ($10.75). It was like a Mexican lasagne (excuse my Mexican food ignorance)! Didn't know it would be so watery, but I suppose is expected due to the fresh salsa. Personally I think it would work better if they used the salsa as a topping instead of baking it into the tortillas. But overall it was alright - salsa had a strong cilantro flavour, which I enjoyed.
I feel kind of bad giving them only 3 stars, cuz they can be totally 4 star worthy, but I'm just too much of a carnivore! After eating here, I developed the biggest craving for chicken! *hang head in shame* -
Review from Realtor Darius D.
Vancouver, BC
1/10/2012
I grew up eating Mexican food and have tried many of the Mexican restaurants in town, none of which I would recommend other than this one (although I consider it a mexican-fusion meets vegetarian). One of the best places on the drive to eat! They've recently put a few new things on the menu and I can't get enough! Always packed so prepare for a wait (but well worth it). Also great service and a great place to grab a beer and hang with friends!
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Review from Tai V.
Vancouver, BC
11/30/2011
I like it quite a bit, one of my girlfriends and I visit there once in a while and the service has always been great.
Last time we went we ordered the nachos (the small one was just perfect) I can't remember the flavor but I remember they had corn and that made them a winner for me!
The guacamole is wonderful, and I make a lot at my place so have high expectations.
Then we ate the apple crisp with ice cream mmm...
I always leave in good spirits and well fed, enough said? -
Review from Adina D.
Vancouver, BC
10/24/2011
This place is awesome! Gotta admit Vegetarian + Mexican didn't sound like it would make a good combo (although individually they are prob my two favourite food genres), and I was a little reluctant to go there when my friend asked. I was so wrong. This place rocks my boat! The food is fresh, hearty and super tasty!!
I absolutely love it (in case the 5 stars & my use of punctuation hasn't already let you to believe that). I honestly try to go there almost weekly, and every person I've taken there (except one...b/c there's always one who ruins it j/k) has loved it and asks me to go back. -
Review from Bronwyn G.
North Vancouver, BC
11/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a hipster magnet, but a good place for a unique meal after an afternoon browsing Commercial Drive or after an event at the Croatian Cultural Centre.
I had a sampling of the tacos. Since it's vegetarian, they were definitely lighter than any other taco place I've tried.
Basically a good place for healthy-but-interesting-and-tasty meal. -
Review from Megan S.
Vancouver, BC
11/4/2011
My husband and I have eaten here a ton of times since it first opened; as much as I would love to give it a higher rating (and I know my husband would, he's obsessed with the baked Wolf & Goat burrito), I'm just not in love with the food.
I do have to give them props for offering a ton of vegan-friendly options - although I'm not vegan, I'm highly sensitive to dairy and recently had to abstain from eating eggs for over a year for the same reason. Going out for breakfast became a huge pain in the ass, but we were still able to enjoy Sunday brunches here. The vegan french toast is pretty good, as are the bennies with roasted yams instead of eggs (the cornbread muffins are especially yummy).
For dinner, my usual order is 3 Ronny Russel tacos with a side salad. I've tried most other menu items, but haven't been that impressed. The chipotle tofu lacks flavour (my main complaint in general with their menu), and as much as I adore their mole sauce, the enchiladas underneath the mole left much to be desired - especially when they're dairy-free. I find their choice of vegan cheese kind of gross, and prefer to order everything without it.
Their drink selection is good, and beer is reasonably-priced. And even if I don't leave Bandidas thinking, "Man, that was a great meal!" at least I leave feeling good about what I just ate - lots of fresh veggies and best of all for me, no dairy! -
Review from Lesley B.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2011 2 photos
This place is fantastic! The boys loved the French Toast & my hubby & I shared 6 Ronnie Russell tacos..delicious!
The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is b/c I felt a little crowded & it could have been a little cleaner. Then again, with a packed house, it's kinda hard to keep it squeaky clean!
We went Saturday morning around noon. We waited about 20min to be seated. -
Review from Amanda H.
Vancouver, BC
12/18/2011
We have only eaten here once and it wasn't that memorable of an experience. The staff was nice but the food for the price wasn't that great a value. I would like to go back some time though and try something different. Their sweet tea in the nice mason jar was a nice touch and it was pretty good.
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Review from Elizabeth T.
10/19/2011
Take my review with this grain of salt: I'm from East L.A. area and we've got authentic Mexican food aplenty here.
T'was our first night in Vancouver and we were looking for a restaurant. We walked down The Drive and most of the businesses were closed... I noticed this place was packed and that's usually a good sign so we had a seat at the bar and ordered. I didn't notice at first, but after taking a look at the menu, this is apparently a vegetarian place. I've never had a great impression of veg food, and esp. not veg-Mexican food, but no matter, we gave it a go.
Orders:
Me: Stuffed Pablano Pepper
Her: Chips & salsa, and Apple Crisp w/vanilla ice cream.
Unfortunately, the food didn't taste as good as it looked.
Salsa: Weak: NOT SPICY AT ALL. More like pico de gallo (free of all seasonings). The waitress brought a second "hotter" salsa upon request. It was not really spicier, but tasted like... peanuts, I think? We added the table hot sauce to spice it up. It brought heat, but still, no flavor. A little salt woulda gone a long way with any of the salsas. One of the workers (owners?) asked how the table hot sauce was since she hadn't tried it. I was a bit confused. Why would you put a condiment on the table if you haven't even tried it? What if it blows?
Chips: were chips. I think they were just store bought chips which is fine. If they were made in-house, then there's a problem.
Apple Crisp: well, she didn't finish it; that's all I'll say. She did, however, finish the ice cream! =) but i don't think you come here for the ice cream...
Pablano: stuffed with black beans & corn, covered with homemade enchilada sauce and melted cheese, rice, pickled red cabbage (wtf?) and refried beans on the side. The cheese "saved" the dish (and maybe that's just cuz I like cheese) but the rest was pretty bland. The dish was in no way "authentic"; more like fusion and sadly, the items didn't mesh well. The rice was Indian rice - too light., too fluffy, and not seasoned. Besides that, I didn't think the pickled red cabbage complemented the dish at all. The tortillas were sitting out or just hard. Refried beans were alright, but again, no flavor. Just beans.
Prices were okay, but be mindful that Canadian prices are just higher than those in CA. Service was decent; Ambiance boisterous (which was nice!) and yes, as mentioned in other reviews "hipstery" (but that doesn't matter too much to me.). Food just wasn't something that would bring me back. And that's usually the key to a good restaurant, I think.
All in all, this does not improve my opinion of vegetarian food...Listed in: I'm not a Local here, O Canadia!!!
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Review from Hootie J.
Vancouver, BC
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I will say right from the start that I am not the kind of guy who would normally go to a Mexican Vegetarian Hipster joint, But I did and I survived, the place was hopping and full by the time we left so they must be doing ok
Just don't ask for Bacon with your eggs (or sausage or any other meatasuarus menu item)
Not my cup a tea but give it a try -
Review from Kathleen L.
Vancouver, BC
12/7/2011
You just can't beat this place if you're looking for good casual vegetarian Mexican food. This place is fast, cheap, delicious, beautiful, friendly and I could go on and on with compliments. One strong point is that the place is community minded and keeps prices affordable for the working people. This I can very much appreciate. I love the Estelle tacos (roasted pineapple ftw!) and the ronny russells burrito best. Try the hibiscus lemonade, you won't regret it. The desserts could be worked on but other wise spot on menu.
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Review from Waverly B.
Vancouver, BC
1/19/2012
I had the tomato soup, and it was okay. A little too salty for my taste. However, my friends got some really delicious looking burritos! So I will definitely be back to try something new!
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Review from Jena J.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2011
On a Saturday morning at 10ish am.
Food was great, service was fast and polite. I really love the inside its all cute/hipster/Mexico. My friend and i shared breakfast everything was really really yummy.
loved it! -
Review from Jennifer L.
Vancouver, BC
10/1/2011
I am NOT a vegetarian but this place makes vegetarian food taste GOOD!!
The nachos are amazing and I loved the Estelle and Ronny Russell taco! All ingredients were very fresh! I would definitely come back and try the soup! -
Review from Rheanna F.
Vancouver, BC
7/10/2011
I am not sure how i have not reviewed this place yet, seeing as how i probably end up here at least once every two weeks!
It's gotten to the point now that i order the same thing every single time i go, and the few times i have tried deviating from the norm i feel a fierce, burning self loathing for denying myself my favorite meals. My breakfast of choice is their egg muffins. Everything is always perfect perfect perfect, and i think i could probably eat their corn muffins until i puke. They are so good. Seriously. Go try them. I've tried their bennys and like them, but not as much as the egg muffin dish!
The dinner of choice is the Leona Gayle burrito (baked of course!) although lately i have been hitting up the enchilada portion of the menu since... well, i like the Leona Gayle so much that i have started making a bastardized version of it at home. You KNOW something is good when you crave it enough to figure out how to make it!!
The servers are always friendly, and even when they're busy (which they often are!) they never forget about you or pull a Foundation (where the servers refuse to make eye contact with you and then deny that they forgot to put in your order even though you've been waiting 45 minutes for a salad. Go to Foundation and you will understand.)
Now, i did give this place five stars, but that is in the content of going out to eat... Luckily this isn't a place i go to for drinks, because every time i've tried having an alcoholic beverage here, i've been disappointed. The sangria doesn't knock my socks off and their bloody mary is... well, sorry Bandidas, i love you, but the word 'gross' comes to mind. It kinda tasted like the vinegar from pickled carrots and i was unable to finish it. I've heard their tequila lemonade is good, but i'm perfectly happy to come here and drink water or tea!Listed in: Below the poverty line and…
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Review from Emily-Anne P.
Vancouver, BC
6/25/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I adore Bandidas. In fact I don't have a single bad thing to say about them and wouldn't ever dare. It's close to my house, vegetarian with vegan options, lovely, friendly, fast, affordable, and fabulous.
My friend and I stopped in for brunch and both had tacos. I had the Estelle, Leona Gale and Ronny Russell. Oh yeah, Good choices. I had them vegan and they use daiya cheese which I quite enjoy so I was happy. The Estelle has roasted pineapple which is amazing. So fabulous. The Ronny Russell with the yams was amazing.
Our server was awesome, there wasn't much of a wait and everything was really fresh and good. -
Review from Jayne K.
Vancouver, BC
8/7/2011
I love Bandidas. I love the tablecloths, the drinks, the food, the nice people. I do still wish Vancouver had a really good Mexican restaurant, but I am happy to eat these delicious vegetarian tacos in the meantime. The prices are also very reasonable.
My favorite things are ALL THE TACOS and the tequila hibiscus lemonade. -
Review from Garth C.
4/3/2011 4 Check-ins Here
There are a couple of things you must know about me before you read this review.
First: I'm not a fan of vegetarian , not at all. People have claimed their mock chicken tastes just like chicken but you know what else tastes like chicken? Chicken!
Next: I'm not a fan of Mexican, well most Mexican establishments in the lower mainland that is. There is only so many cheese beans and tortilla combinations I can take.
This place already had two strikes against it.
Well when we first showed up it was pretty busy, good sign. Before sitting down I took a quick look on the menu for amazing deals like "5 tacos for $2" that would attract this size crowd, thankfully nothing, they must be doing something right.
We started with the Amos Dips, tortilla chips served with a single dish of beans, salsa, guacamole, sour cream and cheese. The dish of dips were devoured in seconds. Ok Bandidas Taqueria, you now have my full attention.
I ordered the Ronny Russell and to cut to the chase it was fantastic! Gone was some bland tasting shredded meat, in it's place some very tasty roasted yams, I was eating vegetarian food and loving it!
I actually enjoyed the food so much I insisted we again the next day. After this experience I've now loosened my stance on both Mexican and Vegetarian. -
Review from Gina I.
4/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Bandidas, I really wanted to like you, and I do, but I think I'll only come here when dining with my veg friends. Otherwise, dude, I need some meat, alright?
I had the stuffed poblano, which was GOOD and had crispy cheese baked onto it, but the boring insides are what got me. I would think it would be a little more creative than your standard rice & beans, ya know? Also, the side was.. RICE & BEANS. And me being the puritan I am, didn't want to pay extra for a salad. Really?
The flavours were good, but I think they need more inspiring stuffings for their meals is all. If I go again, I wouldn't mind trying something with the roasted yams as tofu is boring and also I can't have soy, so..
Their corn tortillas were handmade and thick, I loved them so much.
The tequila lemonade was so tasty I had 2. And at $4 a pop, it was awesome.
Service was off - in fact it SUCKED. The bartender was the best person there. She was nice and personable and had a personality. Maybe the others were tired? I don't know, but she was super nice and accommodating and I loved her. -
Review from Alicyn C.
Oh my goodness.. finally a Mexican restaurant comparable to other great Mexican restaurants acoss the border.
I have been here twice now and am falling in love. Yep, my new love is for Estelle. The first time I was there I had the Estelle tacos and then went back and had the Estelle burrito. Oh my, how I love pineapple.. you just can't go wrong with pineapple in a taco or burrito.
Besides for the delish Estelle their drinks are pretty good. I've now experienced the Sangria White which oddly enough also has pineapple in it and is pretty tasty. It is a sweeter version of the Sangria Red. Also, the Ella's Lemonade is quite refreshing and enjoyable when you are looking for a non-alcoholic bevy which I was the other night since I had to drive home.
Lastly the dessert, the apple crisp is scrumptious and makes for a great sharing dish. -
Review from Whitney L.
Vancouver, BC
2/17/2011
Have you ever heard of a vegetarian Mexican? No but thank you Vancouver for finally being creative!! Loved this place!
Went for brunch which was absolutely fantastic: think hipster healthy vegetarian meets generously portioned Mexican brunch-- if that's even possible...(don't worry, they use real eggs but no bacon, sausage, etc.)
The place was packed with a line up that moved quickly. Food and atmosphere were fantastic.
So refreshing to know that restaurants like this exist in the city- I can only hope for more.Listed in: My favourite places to eat....
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Review from Dina D.
Vancouver, BC
5/2/2011
The selection of tasty options is vast. Breakfast, like eggs and veg with corn muffins, (what more does one need?) Is as delicious as the Wolf & Goat burrito with soft beans, red cabbage, fresh guacamole. Also, homemade tortillas. Really. This is what people want. I almost kicked a store bought tortilla the next day because it was so inferior. Also, fine women run this joint. So, the only thing I have to complain about is that is isn't down the street from me.
Keep on being awesome, Bandidas. Vegetarians need more places like you in this so -called hippie town. Because there's a lot of meat round these parts. Thanks, yuppies. -
Review from Erin U.
10/13/2011
I find this place terribly overrated. Just because all the cool hipster kids are doing it, doesnt mean you should. haha the food is good enough but service sucks and their are way better eats on the drive. Also there is an amazingly deliscious family run place right next door that will melt your tastebuds. Its sad when ppl believe the hype and I think banditas is one of those places.
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Review from Rhea D.
Vancouver, BC
5/17/2011
Awesome food, I was addicted at first bite! I think the best thing is that you can get one of each taco and try them all! I've never had the burritos but the tacos full on blow my mind :-)
Im also really happy that they offer Daiya cheese and make homemade soy sour cream, and soft taco shells.
The drink list is pretty substantial and the prices for both food and drink are very reasonable. It's definitely a good deal for the quality of food. I've had several non-veg friends come with me and they have all been really impressed. I definitely have to recommend trying the Camillo taco, it's so good! It has spicy breaded walnuts, pinto beans, cheese, purple cabbage, fresh red salsa & sour cream. I love unique combinations and the walnuts are definitely a creative idea for a taco :-) -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
1/1/2011 3 photos
My cousin brought me here the next day I landed in Vancouver because he knows I absolutely love brunch! And what a great way to kick off the holiday!
It was a Thursday but these guys serve 'til 2 on weekdays (I think). And wow for a Thursday it was crowded. The thing I hate most about brunch is the slow service. They seriously take their time cleaning tables and this place was no exception. However, after long awaiting for our table and anticipating for our food, it finally arrived.
It was definately different from any brunch I've usually eaten. It definately had a mexican touch to it. (Definately 'cause of the beans) But I had eggs benedict. I forgot the name but it had pineapple in it, which was different in a good way. The pineapple wasn't sour and the sweet yams were seasoned and cooked PERFECTLY. The dish was HUGE and I could not finish everything. Suprisingly the cornbread that everyone was raving about wasn't that good. I guess the texture wasn't cutting it for me. It didn't absorb the egg yolk and other juices as good as an english muffin.
Overall: I'd love to try their other dishes.Listed in: What's up, westside?
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Review from Nicole F.
I had dinner here this evening with Tabatha Y. and it was pretty damn decent! I'll definitely be going back, I'd love to try their brunch and raise my 4 stars to 5.
I loved pretty much everything about Bandidas. It was deserted which meant quiet (or awful perhaps, but I'd already read the reviews and know that isn't the case!), the table tops were covered in a delightful purple and black design that I wanted to rip off and wear as a dress, and it is all vegetarian!
I decided to start with a Bourbon Berry Fizz (or was it Fuzz?) which was AMAZING! The bourbon was not overpowering in the slightest. I totally recommend this!
And now for the food... I went with a baked burrito. The Leona Gayle, specifically. The only part of this burrito I didn't like was the way the tofu was done. I guess I'm not really a chipotle kinda girl. It was also quite sweet, and I prefer my salts and my sweets to be kept separate. This wasn't really a problem though as the flavour of the tofu didn't seem to affect the rest of the burrito fillings.. which were awesome by the way. Lots of cheese! Aw yeah!
We decided to splurge and be naughty with some of the brownies that are made from scratch! This was a good idea, just so you all know. GET THIS GODDAMN BROWNIE. It's delightfully fudge-y and littered with chocolate chips all the way through. It looks small, but it is one deceptively filling little piece of heaven.
Sidenote: I didn't get this, but they carry DAIYA cheese! You can sub it on anything or $1. Badass.Listed in: Veggie Spots
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Review from Alex G.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2011
This has been my favourite restaurant in Vancouver since I moved here. I do not like authentic Mexican restaurants; I don't really eat meat. I love their logo typeface.
I have only ordered one dish in the twenty or so times that I have visited this restaurant, because it is perfect. Despite this, a friend who was recently trying to order takeout was as glad as I was to realize that I had inadvertently memorized the menu. -
Review from Kate H.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Banditas is THE BEST. We go all the time and the place has never ever failed me. Amazing, relatively healthy, locally sourced, ethical, delicious food. And ohhhh the cornbread! And the guac!! Mmmmmmmm. I'm going to go right now.
They should be more obvious about being vegetarian, it seems like other reviewers have been surprised and perhaps annoyed by this. However, my husband who is a total and complete carnivore, loves this restaurant too. So really, meat-eaters should still leave very full and happy.
Great for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yummy drinks. My man and I go here for dinner alone, with friends, and even with my very picky parents.
The only suggestion I have for Banditas is to get a couple more salads.
Hurray! -
Review from Dave M.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 9/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I used to think of Bandidas as a 4 or 5 star place in terms of quality, ambiance and personality. On my last few visits, though, the service has been barely passable. While the food's still good, I think going back to Bandidas is going to be only about the company I go with rather than expecting a great experience out.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/14/2011
One of my favourite spots in the city. The food is good, the atmosphere is great and the price… Read more »
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Review from vanessa G.
Vancouver, BC
2/5/2011
Sometimes i think i am a picky eater, other days i just think i a vegetarian who LOVES tex mex. This place is an answer to my prayers. I opted for brunch because i was craving beans, and the online menu made everything look scrumptious.
I had "The breakfast" with scrambled eggs, yams & potatoes, cabbage, beans, salsa, added guacamole for $1, and the best part of the whole meal really corn cakes with honey butter.
I kissed my boyfriend after this meal and he had honey butter still on his lips and i seriously could take a bath in that stuff.
The whole meal altogether was really good. Service was great, my boys sunny side eggs were a little to runny for his liking (more his fault for not specifying) and they made him a new one and discounted his breakfast.
I am totally going back for some more.
