Originally, Bandits was a Garret Group’s “70s diner fused to a real-deal cocktail bar” concept carried to a logical conclusion. The place has since streamlined, paring its diner-y trappings down to decor and theme. But any misgivings about the place’s raison d'etre fall away with just a little push by an excellent smash burger and well-crafted cocktail.
Aesthetically, the room is wonderfully realized: checkered floors, diner-style bar stools, knick-knacks, illuminated signage, lacquered wood–the effect is somewhere between theme restaurant and genuine nostalgia. There are booths and banquettes for elbow-leaning and fry sharing. The disco ball and a patch of mirror-tiled ceiling give the place a buttery warmth during the day and sparkly flash at night. Weekends are packed–no surprise there. But the skilled staff still crank out the cocktails and burgers and keep things humming. And, weather permitting, you can always duck into one of the well-realized booths outside.
Drinks are where The Garret’s signature discipline and imagination exerts itself. The menu tends divier than its sister bar but the mixological creativity still emanates. You can snag a beer+shot combo or a pickleback, yes. But you can also treat yourself to The Not So Tini (martini), crafted with precision and grounded by a goat cheese-stuffed olive. If you’re in the market, on Mondays, you can get $10 martinis, or make it a full “happy meal” with a smashburger and fries for $25.
Speaking of smash burgers, Bandits has a great one. The double smash is a proper two-hander, salty, oozy, and stacked on a Martin’s roll. The Lemon Pepper sandwich is a winner, too–fried, crunchy, but still juicy. If you need a green thing, the chopped Caesar wedge is cold, crunchy and generously dressed. The point is not reinvention. The point is execution, and the kitchen hits its marks late into the night. But you may want to make a reservation if you plan on having dinner before drinks—there are only so many places to sit.
Bandits is not a novelty or generic dive bar. It’s its own thing–a very specific bar with a very specific focus and a lot of character. It keeps its eye on target seven nights a week, but it’s too compact to get comfortable on weekend evenings. But if you’re searching for an excellent martini with a side of tasty burger in a fun setting for not a lot of money, Bandits is the place.