The deciding factor as to whether you're going to like this place or hate it is your tolerance for the vibe that it promotes. The first point is that it is one of these places that allows smoking and relegates non smokers to a glassed-off section away from the main bar. If you're a smoker, this might feel just right to you. The crowd in the main section is consistently that gravely voiced crowd that are more commonly found outside the city. This place would probably go over well in a different location. It, and the jacked up pickups in the parking lot, just seem really misplaced in the heart of the Museum District.

Really nothing special. Basic bar. Sometimes they have really great music, but I've seen the doormen get overly aggressive. I managed a bar for 6 years and know a good door staff when I see it. This isn't it. Also, the bar openly ignores the no smoking rules so if you smoke, this place is for you. If you don't, forget it. Anyone who wants to smoke in Banditos just smokes in all sections with no consequences. Tries to be a biker bar or Mexican restaurant, and fails at both. Look, if you are in RVA visiting, there are about 500 places with better food. If you are looking for a good dive bar, there are also plenty of other places. With the exception of one bartender (I'm sorry I don't know her name, but she rocks!), there is literally no reason to ever go here with the small exception that every 6 months a good band plays on Sunday night.

Don't understand some of the hate by the food snobs. Really solid gringo Mexican. Interesting atmosphere at least. Thought my beef enchiladas were really good.

Bandito's best Mexi-Cali in Richmond. The food is delicious. Prices are good and the happy hour 3 to 7. One dollar Tacos during that time. The owner provides live music every Sunday Night - NO COVER! Download their app, very sharp!

Wish there were different labels. Who cares about decor? I personally hate sports blaring on huge screens all around you, but who cares. Went there for the first time last night, 21/18+, cards at the door. First thing I noticed was there was smoking indoors?! Awesome. We had a fairly obnoxious party of six- arrived ordered and left at different times, but our waitress took it in stride. They had cheap PBRs, but the menu looked kind of expensive for what I was expecting, so I got a cheaper vegetarian option: the black bean florentine. And oh my god, it was HUGE, freaking delicious, and was out in a minute (with complimentary chips and salsa in the meantime). Filling for 2, could easily feed 3. Nothing but good things to say so far.