Bandera, Chicago

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!

On Saturday night December 29th we decided at the last minute to try out your restaurant. We didn't have any reservations, but that didn't matter since the bar area looked relaxing. As a overall experience this was Amazing, Great food, Best service, and great views of downtown. Did I mention the Great service!! Serena V took care of us with a smile and I will plan to request her in the future. Thanks Serena for making this first experience worth returning. The menu was fine and everything was excellent. The cornbread skillet was simply amazing. I decided to go with the chicken after seeing it cooking at the entrance. All of our portions were filling. The others in my party had the cheese burger, fish and ribs. This will be a great place for a romantic evening. I definetly plan on returning. We sat in a booth with the view of Michigan Avenue. Next time I would like to sit by the windows facing Michigan ave and I will most likely ask for Serena. Thanks again and Happy New Year!!

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.

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!

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.

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.

Bandera boasts an upscale eclectic twist on the bar and grill. With hearty offerings of BBQ beef ribs that fall off the bone, grilled salmon that ensures a return trip, and decadent banana cream dessert, as well as a live Jazz Band Banderas is certainly the perfect mix of atmosphere and culinary delight.

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!

The food is tasty and artfully prepared and the ambiance - let me put it this way: get a nice bottle of wine and somebody is going to to be physically exhausted at three in the morning (wink)

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!