Bandera

Bandera Restaurant Review:

Be prepared to wait at this dark, popular chain (part of the Hillstone Group that owns Houston’s and Gulfstream) where young dating couples enjoy comfort food at the tables and singles ogle each other between bites of grilled jumbo artichoke at the large, crowded bar. The neighborhood grill menu consists of American cuisine and centers around rotisserie meats, which are cooked over a hardwood fire in the custom stone oven. Top offerings include the classic Caesar salad with roasted chicken, Reggiano and cornbread croutons; pan fried true Dover sole; and aged prime rib slow roasted on the bone and served with mashed potatoes. For dessert, try the banana cream pie with caramel and crushed chocolate. Steak prices are high for a formula-driven chain concept, but the rotisserie chicken, big salads and French dip sandwich represent good value. The restaurant has a small variety of beers and cocktails, and a respectable selection of mostly California wines.