Bandera Restaurant

About

Jazz & Blues, American (New)

Price Range : $11-30 ($$)

  • star
    Yelp rating
    4 stars

Location

Adress: 535 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 644-3524

Work Hours

Mon 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Tue 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Wed 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Thu 11:30 am-10:00 pm
Fri 11:30 am-11:00 pm
Sat 11:30 am-11:00 pm
Sun 11:30 am-10:00 pm

Business info

  • turned_in_not
    Health Score
    81 out of 100
  • turned_in_not
    Vegan Options
    Yes
  • list_alt
    Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • directions_car
    Delivery
    No
  • move_to_inbox
    Take-out
    Yes
  • credit_card
    Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • thumb_up
    Good For
    Dinner
  • local_parking
    Parking
    Garage
  • directions_bike
    Bike Parking
    Yes
  • accessibility
    Good for Kids
    No
  • group
    Good for Groups
    No
  • new_releases
    Attire
    Dressy
  • insert_emoticon
    Ambience
    Classy
  • volume_up
    Noise Level
    Average
  • music_note
    Good For Dancing
    No
  • local_bar
    Alcohol
    Full Bar
  • calendar_today
    Best Nights
    Thu, Fri, Sat
  • transit_enterexit
    Outdoor Seating
    No
  • wifi
    Wi-Fi
    No
  • tv
    Has TV
    Yes
  • fastfood
    Caters
    No

Reviews

  • Veronica S.

    star star star star star 26 October 2026

    We showed up with no reservation and they sat us at the chef's table where we could watch them cook food. It was incredible to watch their meticulous preparation. They were specific with every single dish they sent to the floor. Every person took pride in what they were serving.
    The waitress was amazing too. We had Silvia and she was attentive and nice without being overly aggressive.
    Now for the food. It was top notch. Like literally amazing. The shrimp on top of the cod filet was some of the best shrimp I have ever had. Like ever. And the cornbread appetizer was amazing. The dry aged beef was really great as well.
    Plus watching how every dish was made I can say this is a clean place that really takes pride in their food and presentation.
    Oh and one other thing- the music was amazing.

  • Scott G.

    star star star star star 19 October 2026

    I ate there the other night with my parents and, while the food was fantastic, what really left an impression was the staff.  Unlike any other restaurant I've ever been to, they have a sort of teamwork thing going on.
    Nick, our server was great and friendly, but in addition to all that he did, it seemed as though every other employee came by our table at some point. The second food was ready, or a drink was made, it was immediately brought to the table by whomever was nearby instead of leaving it sitting until our server took the orders of other tables.
    There was a young lady standing at the counter at all times and coordinating everything that came out. Even the hostesses were bringing food and drinks to various tables. I've never seen such efficiency and teamwork in the industry setting.
    I just booked another reservation there for tomorrow night.

  • Dee Dee H.

    star star star star star_border 10 October 2026

    My partner and I came here for his birthday and his rib eye steak was the best rib eye we had ever had, which is why it gets 5 stars.

    If I was to be a bit more technical though, my macho salad had way too little veggies and way too much toppings and dressing. The live jazz music was great, but it would have been better if the tables were arranged to provide better view of the musicians.

  • Monicka C.

    star star star star star_border 9 October 2026

    I was really craving a french dip and I saw that Bandera Restaurant was famous for it. I made reservation beforehand, so I was seated very quickly. The ambiance and serve was nice, and the menu had a lot of great options. The french dip came with fries and au jus.

    Order:
    - Famous French Dip (4/5)

    Pros:
    - Great ambiance ~ there was live jazz playing
    - Friendly service
    - A lot of options on the menu

    Cons:
    - It was a good french dip, but not really "famous" worthy. I thought the meat was good, but the bread could have been better

    Overall:
    - While they're famous for their french dip, I wouldn't say it's the greatest I've ever had. That being said, it was good and I'd recommend it if you were really craving a french dip (seeing that not many places have it)

  • Amanda B.

    star star star star star 7 October 2026

    Excellent excellent excellent! I had called ahead to make reservations, as they don't do larger parties, and don't book for over 5 people groups online; staff was courteous from the get-go. Our party of 6 arrived 15 minutes early and milled around the bar, we were seated within 5 minutes of reservation time, and greeted promptly by a waitress who took our drink order--old fashioned was excellent, espresso martinis good too!

    Our waitress Sylvia was through and attentive, making sure we knew the special, and offering to answer any questions, etc. The food arrived quickly and was delicious!! Our table enjoyed the lamb chop (sandwich), rotisserie chicken, among other things; my order was the pork chops served with mashed potatoes and braised cabbage--EXCELLENT!!

    Ambiance is lovely--low lights, live jazz, cozy as hell. We were celebrating my best friend's 50th, but look forward to coming here with my husband!!

    Make sure to check the dress code online, and highly recommend reservations! Thanks Sylvia and co.!!!

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