Bandera, Chicago

The food is always good and the wait people are great, but the seating policy at Bandera makes me think twice about taking clients to this restaurant. They don't take reservations and they won't seat an incomplete party, so if you have someone who's flight is delayed or in a bit late, the whole party has to stand at the podium until all are accounted for. Why 4 of the 5 of us can't be at our table enjoying appetizers and drinks is beyond me. If they make you wait too long, they apply the tip to your bill...possibly afraid the loooong stand at the front will be taken out on the servers.

I loved this place! The view is great and the ambiance is excellent. If you're ever in Chicago, stop by. This restuarant is part of the chain that Houston Restaurants are a part of . . . so you know the food is off the hook!

Bandera happily took my reservation for eight and the night was set for a good meal with great friends. However, they neglected to inform me that there are no eight-top tables. My longtime friends were visiting Chicago from Europe and we had decided to rendezvous at Bandera. Four of us arrived prior to the other four and we ordered drinks. Once the other four arrived, we asked to have two tables pulled together. This is when we learned that we were expected to eat at two different tables. This was obviously unacceptable, so we decided to leave. Simple enough right? Wrong. After we decided to leave and began walking out, the drinks arrived. We refused to pay and all but one of us proceeded to leave. The manager decided to hold my friends hostage and demanded that he pay for the over-priced drinks or else the police would be called. He paid the $40 for the drinks that we never got to enjoy. I felt that this was totally inappropriate and unacceptable. Simple courtesies were never extended. I paid my friend back and spent the night apologizing.

The Macho salad at Bandera is the best salad I have ever tasted. From the goat cheese, to the nuts and dates, to the avocado, and the cornbread croutons...each taste is as good as the next. And don't forget the pieces of moist rotisserie chicken...this salad is in a class all its own!

This place rocks! I love the atmosphere and the food was awe-freakin-some! Their garlic mashed potatoes were heavenly and the drinks are plentiful. I was really taken back by the entrees, they looked too pretty to eat, but they gave you plenty. Highly recommend this place if you just wanna go n the Mag Mile, have a nice dinner and stroll down Michigan Ave.

Tucked upsairs, you might just walk by Bandera and never know it's there. When you walk though the doors, it is ceratinly not what you expect. Dark and cozy..private if you want, and great for socailzing if preferred. There are seats by the windows which provide a great view of Michigan Ave. and additional light. Make reservations...especially on the weekend! The food is fantastic and well worth the price (range: $7-$28). Their menu is limited, because the items they concentrate on, are made to perfection. I suggest the chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn bread (which they are known for) and the trout is wonderful. Some advice - order the side corn bread, it's cheaper than the appetizer and enough for 2, maybe 3 people. The fish is brought in fresh daily and the rubs and marinades they utilize are perfection! Your mouth will do the happy dance. Their portions are large and well worth the price. The service was great and the the servers are very helpful, attentive, and patient. Don't miss this gem!

My girlfriend treated me to lunch at Bandera's and I plan on going back as soon as possible. The BBQ Grilled Salmon, mashed potatoes, and cornbread was to die for. Can't wait to return.

I have been here several times and always had a great experience. The food is very good and always served just right. No matter how many people are in your party they sure take care of you. We go at least once a year when we are in Chicago and are never disappointed. I can't wait to go next year because this is such a fun place with really good food!

I took my fiance to Banderas for his birthday. Luckily I made reservations because it was very busy! We sat in a booth near the jazz band. The food was great! Lots of it at a decent price. I love Banderas and I'd go again and again!

Reasonable price, great atmosphere, nice portions. They always have fresh fish that varies with each visit. The staff was very helpful, and as an added bonus, there were many beautiful female servers. Best cornbread I've ever had. Love the jazz and warm ambiance.