El Bandido Cantina & Restaurant

San Elizario Historic District was the turnaround point for me on this long-​anticipated bike tour; the primary factor was how long would my injured knee/​body hold up? I carried doctor-​prescribed meloxicam and OTC ibuprofen, but that was last resort – no need for me to get hooked on drugs (other than caffeine (am), or Mountain Dew (pm; only ingested when bike touring). Anyway, I made it down to this fine community by noon with few physical problems, but it was time to recharge my body once again with a meal! And the hard tacos+refried beans+rice+a huge cup of unsweetened iced tea was perfect! Perhaps better was that I didn’t have to move too much from the pleasant, original growth Cottonwood tree shaded patio; Ana took my order, served me up, and handled my VISA credit card without problem.
Manager Harvey groused that the historic Cottonwood tree – one limb bearing the likeness of the most infamous break-​in guest in the adjacent jailhouse, Billy the Kid, may have to be removed because the roots were distending the floor tiles. I sure hope not; few of these trees remain after we invaded the area in 1598 (Don Juan de Onate), drastically altered the entire Rio Bravo/​Rio Grande flood plain by clearcutting/​burning, then planting the invasive, unbelievably thirsty Pecan tree/​cotton shrubs/​beans/​chiles!
Anyway, I was glad to have made it this far without problem (I made it home a few hours later, also without problem other than exhaustion) and thoroughly enjoyed a nutritious and needed meal. I always look forward to coming here, especially mid-​day on the weekend as that is when this historic artists community is «open». Early weekdays little is awake, but weekends are always a winner. I particularly felt like a winner – no physical problems, no drugs other than caffeine, no high heat and no headwinds!

Food was OK, but service was way slow on a Saturday afternoon with only one other table there.

Rode the bike down with a few friends. They had live music and good food. A great place to have a few beers with lunch and enjoy the afternoon! Food was good
The menu is small and simple. The service was good too. We plan on going back.

El Bandido is a cute little Mexican restaurant in San Elizario. The nachos were just OK but my husband’s beef brisket tacos were delicious with a nice smoky character. On Sunday afternoon they had live Mexican music and a little show with some guys dressed up as cowboys on horses and a mock gunfight. Most of the patrons seemed like friendly locals who knew each other just hanging out and having a good time. Overall it was entertaining and enjoyable, worth a stop if you are in San Elizario.

I would go back. Had the beef brisket enchiladas and they where fantastic! The place is small but it has lots of character. Surprised the place was not packed when I went.