Restaurant
Unclaimed profileBandits Grill & Bar
Thousand Oaks, CA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Bandits Grill & Bar pairs a broad specialty cocktail list with a strong draft lineup of California breweries. Eight margaritas and martinis hover around $12-$14, while the wine list covers sparkling to cabernet with a Wednesday discount. Happy hour cuts draft prices, and local IPAs from Madewest and Topa Topa anchor the beer program. Non-alcoholic options extend to a sarsaparilla float.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Bandito Margarita, a tequila, triple sec, and fresh citrus mix at $12. For a stiffer pour, the Desperado Cadillac Margarita upgrades to El Jimador, Citronage, and Grand Marnier for $14. Beer drinkers should consider the Madewest Hazy IPA from Ventura.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Drinkers who like a wide cocktail menu with margarita variations and those seeking local California craft beer will find familiar ground. Wine enthusiasts on a budget can take advantage of Wine Wednesday's 33% discount.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour brings discounted featured cocktails, draft beers, well drinks, and house wine. Wine Wednesday offers 33% off all wine by bottle and glass.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Specialty cocktails run $12-$14. Draft beers range from $7.50 to $12 for regular pours; happy hour drops select drafts to $5.95-$7.95. Wine by the glass costs $10-$16, bottles $29-$55.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar features a wide range of margarita styles, from the jalapeño-infused version with a cajun spice salt rim to a blood orange iteration. Local draft representation includes Madewest and Topa Topa, both from Ventura, and Firestone 805 from Paso Robles.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Eight specialty cocktails are listed, spanning margaritas, martinis, mules, and old fashioneds. Happy hour highlights several, including the Bandito Margarita and Cool Cucumber Martini. The menu shows range with a jalapeño-infused margarita and an espresso martini using house cold-brew.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive cocktail menu with a variety of styles, from margaritas to espresso martinis.
- — Happy hour features discounted featured cocktails, including the Bandito Margarita and Moscow Mule.
- — Fresh citrus components appear in several recipes, such as the Coyote Lemon Drop and Bandito Margarita.
Standout selections
- — Bandito Margarita — $12 — Tequila, triple sec, fresh citrus mix.
- — Desperado Cadillac Margarita — $14 — El Jimador, Citronage, Grand Marnier, fresh citrus.
- — Jalapeño Margarita — $13 — Jalapeño-infused tequila, pineapple, cajun spice salt rim.
Pricing: $12-$14
Wine
The wine list spans white, red, rosé, and sparkling by glass and bottle. Choices include Antinori Pinot Grigio, Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay, Meiomi Pinot Noir, and Justin Cabernet. Wine Wednesday takes 33% off all bottles and glasses.
Menu strengths
- — Wine by the glass and bottle covers multiple styles and price points.
- — Wine Wednesday offers 33% off all wine by bottle and glass.
- — Monday All Day special includes a bottle of house wine with two entrées.
Standout selections
- — Justin Cabernet Sauvignon — $16 glass / $55 bottle — Full-bodied with black cherry.
- — Meiomi Pinot Noir — $16 glass / $48 bottle — Berry, oak, earth, spice.
- — Antinori Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio — $13 glass / $38 bottle — Crisp with citrus zest.
Pricing: $10-$16 glass, $29-$55 bottle
Beer
Draft and bottled lists include local and national craft and domestic options. California breweries appear: Madewest Hazy IPA, Topa Topa Chief Peak IPA, and Firestone 805. Happy hour discounts drafts to $5.95-$7.95.
Menu strengths
- — Draft list includes local California breweries such as Madewest and Topa Topa.
- — Happy hour offers discounted draft beers, including $5.95 Coors Light and Michelob Ultra.
- — Range of styles from hazy IPA to blonde ale and stout, plus a non-alcoholic option.
Standout selections
- — Madewest Hazy IPA — $11 / $13 — Hazy IPA from Ventura, California.
- — Topa Topa Chief Peak IPA — $11 / $13 — IPA from Ventura, CA.
- — Firestone 805 Blonde Ale — $9 / $11 — Blonde ale from Paso Robles.
Pricing: $7.50-$12 regular; $5.95-$7.95 happy hour
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options include fresh squeezed lemonade, a blackberry spritzer with ginger beer, and a sarsaparilla float. Heineken 0.0 covers the NA beer slot. Prices run from $5.50 to $9.
Menu strengths
- — Several non-alcoholic options including mocktails and NA beer.
- — Fresh Squeezed Lemonade includes refills.; Sarsaparilla Float offers a soda-shop style non-alcoholic treat.
Standout selections
- — Blackberry Spritzer — $8.95 — Blackberries, lime, non-alcoholic ginger beer, club soda.
- — Sarsaparilla Float — $9 — Sarsaparilla soda with vanilla ice cream.
- — Fresh Squeezed Lemonade — $5.50 — With refills available.
Pricing: $4.50-$9
Spirits
The bar pours well drinks with vodka, gin, rum, tequila, bourbon, and scotch. A Shot + Beer special pairs any 14oz draft with standard shot options including Jagermeister, Fireball, and Evan Williams Bourbon. Premium shot options add $4.50.
Menu strengths
- — Shot + Beer special offers a range of standard shot choices with any 14oz draft.
- — Well drinks are available at $7.95 during happy hour.
- — Spirit range covers six categories for well drinks.
Standout selections
- — Shot + Beer — $11.95 — Any 14oz draft with Jagermeister, Fireball, Evan Williams Bourbon, Bandero Tequila, or Skyy Citrus Vodka.
Pricing: $7.95 well drinks happy hour; $11.95 Shot + Beer
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