The proliferation of Mexican and Tex-Mex fusion restaurants in the area should tell you one thing—we love our Mexican food. And we’re not afraid to enjoy it, along with top-shelf tequila, in an upscale, urban-friendly venue. The all-new Banditos Cantina, which opened in September on the oceanfront along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, fits this new model and does so with a flare and spicy splash.

As part of the three-story, multi-restaurant building aptly called “The Blvd,” Banditos has been enjoying its resurrection since the original restaurant was razed several years ago. The Blvd building also houses Tin Roof, Burger-Fi, Starbucks, The General Store and another restaurant, as of yet unnamed.

It features ample indoor/outdoor seating, a large and stylish bar and spectacular views of the ocean. Those who may remember the original will not recognize any of the “new” Banditos, save its name and its general manager, Danny Gorman, who was part of the first incarnation and is the only remaining face of the original. Gorman and the new owners have big plans for Banditos’ first summer in Myrtle Beach.

“We’re going to throw the beach’s biggest Cinco de Mayo party this year,” says Gorman. “We’ll have seating, activities and music in the restaurant, the walkway spaces outside the restaurant, and on the beach itself.”

As for the food, Banditos offers up classics with a twist. Short rib tacos, house-made guacamole, street corn and seven additional starters range from $3.50–$9. Taco salads with certified organic greens in six varieties ($5.50–$12), burgers, burritos, Bandito Bowls and full dinner entrees, including steak, seafood and chicken ($19– $36), round out the extensive menu. But where Banditos really shines is in its tequila selection.

“We carry the best tequilas available,” says Gorman, “and make sure they’re made with 100 percent agave. The ingredients in the cheaper stuff are where your hangovers come from.” From brands you already know and love to fine ultra premium three-plus-year aged tequila, there’s a sip, a shot or a margarita for every taste and budget. Banditos serves flights of tequila, three shots per flight, as a way to familiarize and compare the best ($15–$40).

“We hope to brand Banditos, franchise, and open multiple locations eventually,” says Gorman. “We actually just opened a smaller Banditos parcel in the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.”

Banditos Cantina
1410 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
(843) 712-2992
banditosmyrtle.com
Hours: Open daily from 11 a.m.–2 a.m.