👋 Hi, it's Madalyn! La Bandida, the new two-story cocktail bar on North Alamo Street, quickly landed on my list of places to check out.
The vibe: I was sold by the Instagram posts showing the spacious yet intimate interior, anchored by a massive chandelier that catches the light beautifully during golden hour.
The candlelit space has plenty of cozy corners to settle into for conversation.
What to try: The namesake cocktail, La Bandida ($16 or $7 during happy hour).
Tart hibiscus and lime balance smooth reposado tequila, while the ancho liqueur adds just enough smoky spice.
Six-word review: Refreshingly bright without being overly sweet.
The intrigue: Upstairs, a 40-seat loft opens nightly at 10pm with a smaller cocktail menu, including drinks you can't order downstairs.
Required reservations are released in two-week windows, and once the loft reaches capacity, the doors close for the night. Parties are capped at six guests.
