Banditos Tacos & Tequila

A google search for “Banditos” turned up an extensive online allergen menu, so yesterday I went to the Banditos restaurant in Fulton, MD for dinner. Weirdly, the in-store menu says NOTHING about allergens. The hostess didn’t have any allergen info, either, but she assured me that the waiter would help me order a safe meal. The waiter, however, knew only that I should order corn, not flour tortillas. He seemed confused by my questions about cross contamination. Eventually, the manager assured me that I’d be safe as long as I ordered from the list of GF items from their online allergens menu, and as long as I informed the waiter that I needed the kitchen to take allergen precautions. He told me that those precautions include changing gloves and using freshly cleaned utensils and cooking surfaces. That info made me feel comfortable enough to eat there that evening, despite my initial reservations about the place. Nevertheless, I ended up getting very sick later that night. As a celiac, I realize that not every gastrointestinal disorder I experience is necessarily the result of eating gluten, but, as a celiac, I also feel obligated to warn others that this is probably not be a safe place for celiacs to eat.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

I asked if there was a gluten free menu- I was told no. When I explained cross contamination and asked if it would be safe for me to eat here I was told no. The waitress was also extremely rude and did not care to even attempt to accommodate me. Definitely do not recommend

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

I had high hopes for this restaurant since they offer a "Gluten Free" menu (that is, for tacos, you can substitute corn tortillas in place of their standard flour tortilla offering). However, sending the waitress back multiple times to ask if they use a dedicated fryer for their tortilla chips or if their corn taco shells were gluten free, she returned both times reporting that they do not have a dedicated fryer for their corn chips and their corn taco shells have a high risk for cross contamination. Fortunately I was able to get a burrito bowl that was very tasty, but I was disappointed to see that my food options were still so limited.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

I called and was told the complete opposite of the previous reviewers. The chips are in the same fryer, and they have no way to use a separate surface for taco shells.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Pretty good tacos and fun vibes, not the best Mexican food but celiac safe.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Chips fried in dedicated fryer. Small chain and gluten free options are listed online to compare to the menu then confirm with staff. Not the best tacos ever but good portions and felt safe.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for lunch
• Good with other allergies