Myrtle Beach Restaurant Ideas: Banditos on the Boardwalk
Next time you visit Myrtle Beach, why not give Banditos Restaurant and Cantina a try? A relative newcomer to the Myrtle Beach dining scene, Banditos has been dressing up Mexican favorites to impress visitors and locals alike since August 2012, and it has exciting changes in store for the coming summer season.
The food at Banditos is unlike your typical Mexican restaurant.
Take this riff on the southern classic shrimp and grits: Executive chef Sean Christenson noticed the connection between corn grits and tamales, this version steams the tamales and serves them open-faced, in the husk. On top of the tamales, the chef ladles sautéed wild caught shrimp with Spanish onion and chorizo, sweet corn and tomato cream sauce. That’s shrimp and grits Banditos style.
Another signature Banditos dish is Mexican spaghetti with clams; South Carolina clams sautéed with Spanish chorizo, which is different than the soft Mexican variety with a drier, more salami-like texture, served with angel hair pasta with Mexican pesto and a garlic wine sauce. Hungry yet?
Banditos offers more than just adventurous food and some tried-and true favorites like chimichangas to fajitas, it’s also got a great oceanfront location with amazing ocean views from the inside, a street-front bar, a covered terrace and a large oceanfront deck with umbrella-topped tables. Plus, construction is underway on a beach-side bar, which is expected to be completed in May.
If you’re a fan of the liquor most identified with Mexico, tequila, Bandito’s has plenty to offer. Plenty as in more than 100 varieties of tequila to choose from, whether you’re a sipper, a shooter or a mixer. And that’s not the only drink specialty Banditos offers. Other signature drinks include the Latin Lover with blanco tequila, lemon, lime and pineapple juices, simple syrup, fresh mint and cachaca pitu. Or take the Mexican mojito for a spin with Cabo Wabo (compliments of Sammy Hagar!) blanco, mint, lime, simple syrup and club soda. And for a laugh, there are also souvenir half yard cups available.
Banditos is beach-casual, but with a fun and festive style with colorful ceramic tiles, dramatic high ceilings and warm rustic wood tables and chairs. It’s located right on the Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade, too, so after you fill up, you can head out for a walk on the best strolling zone on the Grand Strand.
If you go:
What: Banditos Restaurant & Cantina
Where: 1401 Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach
When: Sunday through Thursday noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to 1 a.m.
Contact: 843-808-9800
Posted 3/20/13
