Mike Isabella's Bandolero To Open Thursday!

by Sophie Pyle · May 22, 2012

    Top Chef and Top Chef Masters star Mike Isabella (and the man behind DC hot spot Graffiato) is finally opening his restaurant in Georgetown this Thursday after several weeks of rumors and excitement from the DC foodie community.

    The place will take over two stories of what was once Hook, and will serve "modern Mexican" food on a "taco-centric, margarita-laden menu."

    From the Bandolero Web site:

    The two-story, 5,000 square foot, high-energy space reflects a Day of the Dead motif, and plenty of bar space to imbibe. The menu showcases classic Mexican dishes with untraditional flavor profiles, including dips served with housemade chicharones and masa crisps, tacos, taquitos, enchiladas, empanadas, albondigas and carbons.

    The cocktail list is heavy on tequila and mezcal. In addition to margaritas of all flavors, frozen and on the rocks, head mixologist Sam Babcock remakes classic cocktails with these native-Mexican spirits.

    Bandolero opens at 4pm every day, and closes at 10pm Sun-Tuesday, 12am Wednesday and Thursday, and 2am Friday-Saturday.

    [photos via, via]