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Bandidos Mexican Restaurant - Pflugerville - CLOSED

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Written by Ann Calvert Friday, 07 September 2007

Bandidos takes authentic flavor from Chihuahua, Mexico

Ask 40 Central Texans, “What’s your favorite Mexican restaurant?” and you are likely to receive 40 different answers. True, we do take pride in our small, out-of-the-way neighborhood favorites.

One such restaurant that is sure to stand out is Bandidos, an authentic, bright and cheery little family-run place on Pecan Street, Pflugerville’s historic drag.

As I entered to strains of “La Bamba,” I scanned the room for actual bandidos, but had to settle for a lovely old black-and-white print of Pancho Villa on the wall. Great care has been taken with the art work, the colorful decor and the diner-friendly atmosphere. This place sparkles.

All you have to do is eat here once and taste the sauces to know this Mexican food is different. Owner Carmen Lara is in the kitchen and oversees preparation and cooking of her many specialties. Eight years ago, she moved her family and her recipes from Chihuahua, Mexico and began cooking in Central Texas. She says it’s “el autentico sabor Mexicano.”

The two-year-old restaurant moved to its present location three months ago from a smaller spot farther east on Pecan Street. Carmen, along with her husband, three sons and a helpful, friendly staff, assure the quality of this outstanding little eatery, so even if you think you have found your favorite Mexican restaurant, Bandidos is worth a try.

Enchiladas Rojas ($6.75) were covered with an incredible homemade red sauce, a tangy blend of cheese and pepper flavors. The homemade sauce covering the Cheese Chili Relleno ($7.25) was a darker red, just as delicious, but not quite as spicy. Other sauces on the menu include an authentic Chihuahuan mole, also homemade by Carmen.

Charro beans accompanied these dishes and were spiced with floating peppers on the top. The rice was an unusual color of soft yellow, with a fresh, light flavor and seasoned with peas, carrots and onions.

Also delicious was Paradilla Pancho Villa ($12.99), a large skillet of beef, chicken, pork and grilled fresh vegetables served sizzling, tender and generous enough for two.

Fresh Guacamole, ($0.99) not the grocery store variety, is a true test for any Mexican restaurant. Ours tasted as if the avocado had just been mashed into the bowl, spices added and rushed to our table. Soup varieties included Menudo, Caldo de Res, Tortilla and Pozole (all $6.50 a bowl).

If you want to try authentic Mexican food, make sure to stop by Bandidos.

Treat Yourself

Bandidos offers homemade Aguas Frescas, 100 percent natural on the menu.

These fresh drinks are a favorite in Mexico.

Flavors include:

Limonada (a wonderfully tart lemon flavor similar to homemade lemonade)
Tamarindo (made of water and tamarind fruit)
Horchata (a tasty rice water with added cinnamon and Mexican vanilla -- wonderful)
Jamaica (a soft pink drink made from the petals of a red Mexican flower -- mild and tasty)

Small ($1.29) Large ($2)