Bandita Brighton

There's a new spot in Brighton and you need to make it the top spot on your 'where to go next' list. The main restaurant, Article 24, opened this summer bringing craft cocktails and new twists on classic American eats in a garage style environment, this week they unveiled Bandita Brighton. Located at 458 Western Ave right by the Harvard Stadium, there's a lot in that area on the way to being developed and restaurant selections are scarce. Now, guests can have a traditional style dining experience upstairs then head down stairs to be transported to a San Diego style taco and tequila bar without having to put on a coat - which is key as we head into December.

Sugar skulls and custom artwork line the walls at Bandita Brighton

The only time I've ever been to California was on our 'baby moon' vacation. It was amazing. Warm weather, beautiful beaches, Jamba Juice readily accessible - that all sounds nice, but the most amazing part? Carne. Asada. Burritos. Oh man, I stuffed my 5-mo preggo face with so many burritos. If you've never had a San Diego style burrito, you just can't understand how inferior an East Coast burrito is. You just can't get Mexican food in New England like you can in San Diego...until now.

Carne Asada Fries - image courtesy of Bandita Brighton

Rolled Chicken Tacos - image courtesy of Bandita Brighton

At the risk of sounding a little Guy Feiri, the food at Bandita Brighton is the real deal. Deliciously marinated carne asada, crispy rolled tacos filled with tender and flavorful pulled chicken, and let's not forget about the guac and chips. Three of us crushed an order in about 2 minutes, taking a break about every fourth chip or so to repeat the amazingness of seasoning on the chips and the awesomeness of the guacamole. Clearly, I'm a sucker of anything carne asada but the winning dish of last night was hands down the towering pile of crispy shoestring fries topped with carne asada, melty cheese, guacamole, and spicy aioli. Even after sitting on the bar top for a good half hour, the fries were still crispy and the cheese was still gooey and all of us were guiltily still snacking - and now I am currently planning which spin class to take to burn it off, ugh.

Coco Loco

El Flor

Beyond the food, let's talk about the drink....oh tequila, my long lost friend. (Okay, perhaps not that lost.)  The Bandita cocktail menu is stacked with 10 expertly made  creations, each different in flavors there is something for everyone. For the classic margarita lover, they've got you covered. If you prefer to heat things up with a spicy habanero or jalapeño, they have one of each for your choosing. The Coco Loco is an intriguing and palate pleasing combination of sweet coconut, spicy horchata and smooth tequila. For those who prefer something of the more fruity persuasion, try the Señor Rojo or El Flor. No matter your flavor preference, you are sure to get smooth tequila, fresh ingredient, and well balanced flavors.

Bandita Brighton is another concept from the Good n U Hospitality group. Though you may think I'm biased for knowing quite a few fine individuals working for that company, I truly cannot wait for another trip to Bandita Brighton and encourage everyone to get their West Coast fix as soon as possible! You can find more information about Bandita Brighton on their Facebook page.