Happy Hour at Bandolero

Last week  I popped in to Mike Isabella’s new-ish place on M St. in Georgetown called Bandolero.  This two-story location opened in May of 2012 after completing renovations, as the previous restaurant (called Hook) had a fire in the summer of 2011.  I would describe the interior of Bandolero as having a dark saloon feel with a twist of modern or as they describe it a “Day of the Dead motif.”  So I hopped up on the corner seat at the bar and was greeted by some jovial bartenders.  I asked what was good on the Bandido Happy Hour menu and was told that the ‘el bandolero margarita’ is a go-to for a drink and that the tacos are a good taste treat.

So I ordered up the ‘el bandolero margarita’ which is a pre-made mix with espolon blanco tequila, lime, patron citronage, and blood orange.  Even though it is pre-made it is potent!  Don’t let the bartender talk you in to more than one =)  I also tried the mushroom tacos.  They were two five inch corn tortillas with a butternut squash spread, and topped with pickled onions and crispy pepitas.  Even though the tacos were not that big, the flavors were full and something to be savored. Both the margarita and tacos were a great taste treat!  If you are looking for a classier happy hour definitely make a date to stop in Bandolero for their Bandido Hour!

Details:

Bandolero
3241 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
202.625.4488
Serve: Happy Hour, Dinner, Brunch
Price Range:  Happy Hour $4.00-$6.00

 

Lunch or Dinner at Tacklebox

I’ve already bragged about the happy hour at Crackle Bar, but the Tacklebox’s food is really great too!  I have found that good seafood is hard to find up here, I guess that could be because I spent my summers growing up just feet from the Atlantic and surrounded by seafood restaurants, but Tacklebox has become our go-to for seafood up here.  The downstairs area is reminiscent of as seafood shack in Maine with communal seating and order at the counter.  The upstairs feels more like a beach bar and is full-service, plus it has a fabulous view of Georgetown’s M Street.  Grab one of the  menus and look over all the options, but we always order the Maine Meal, Tacklebox Meal,  or the fish tacos.

I can’t order anything else besides the crispy shrimp because that’s my favorite.   The portobella mushroom is also my new found favorite, but the corn, the grilled veggies, and the sweet potato fries are all really great sides too.  If you like pesto, go with the basil walnut pesto sauce, it’s delicious with the shrimp and portobella, but the spicy marinara is a great one too.  Enjoy!!

Details:

Tacklebox
3245 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007
202.337.8269
Serve: Lunch & Dinner
Price Range:  $6.00-$39.00