Taco Bandido in Courtenay

Really really good food but very expensive and small portions. Cant justify going back

This place is one of my absolute favourite places in the world! There isn t a thing I wouldn t recommend on the menu, and don t even get me started on the hot sauces

Excellent service with excellent food preparation.

This restaurant even has the same feel as a good taco place in a typical Mexican city. Biria tacos are excellent

Food is amazingly authentic with large portions, for a below average price! Always a delicious and satisfying choice when I eat out. Vegetarian options: Friend enjoyed it, I love meat. Parking: This area of fifth street almost always has ample space

We had a private function with about 30 people attending. The taco buffet, drinks and service were all top notch.

First time eating here, and it was great! Yum!

Great Mexican food. Eat here regularly and always such consistent quality and super friendly customer service. My go-to is the chicken burrito.

I had the chicken burrito. It was delicious, huge, and jam packed with chicken! So gooooooood!

Very tasty food. The pork is excellent

The food & margaritas were delicious & service was great. Well definitely be back!

Delicious! Will definitely be back!!

mind blowing flavour, great staff, nice vibe. the crema on the corn was incredible, the corn dish in its entirety was excellent. tried all the tacos. the house hot sauces are a MUST. cherry habanero sauce was unbelievable

Enchiladas are killer and the Verde sauce was exceptional imo! My other half got the bandito box and also enjoyed that, had a great portion size. The waitress was also very friendly. Thanks Taco Bandito for adding a great experience to our Vaca!

The food was incredible and Lindsay was the sweetest, kindest most knowledgeable person ever! Thank you for a great family meal.

The enchiladas were so good

I was a little list getting here as google maps directions had it one block too soon. Now to my visit, they were very busy (which I later learned is unusual for that time if day), when I day busy I mean more slammed. The kitchen staff were put up orders and ringing the bell consistently, I will add the two serving staff were swamped amd one had to literally run to the washroom and the kitchen staff just kept putting up food and ringing the bell. Given the level of service the front staff provided ot would have been nice to see the kitchen staff help out and run food, the two ladies were doing their best which was more than 110%. That being said the service was wonderful, it is one of those places where you order the food and they bring it to your seat of choice. The lady on cash was spectacular, letting mr choose my number for my order was a great touch. I said id be happy to buy a bottle of water as I like to support small businesses but she got me a free glass which was very kind. I order my food she asked if I knew I was getting three taco per choice which I thought it was one large taco, I said I essnt planning on it and she went and changed my order to single tacos but o decided to buy the total 6, at this point I wanted to spend money here whether or not I needed 6 tacos. The food was amazing, the kitchen staff did an excellent job, lots of complex flavors overtaking my taste buds. While eating the other front of house lady asked me what kinda hot sauce I wanted and I told her I like it to have good spice but to have flavour too, she brought me there mango something hot sauce. It was delicious but not it big globs. Overall I was so happy with everything I decided to put in some work and make this review. I still would have liked to see one of the three BOH employees help run food though that wont stop me from returning however. Wheelchair accessibility: I did not use the washroom but the tables appear to be friendly to people with mobility concerns. It should be said I do not have mobility issues.

Service was amazing. The food was good.

Hands down, best tacos I have ever had. So fresh and creative. Staff, atmosphere, and food are all the bomb. Go...now...run!

Love this place. Great local spot. Their food is seriously delicious! So much flavour.

Excellent food and friendly staff. A definite stop to satisfy your mexican craving.

Churros were great, would recommend. Ordered Tacos Birria, nothing but savoury and unexceptionally flavoured slow cooked beef, cheese, & fried onion. Even the dipping sauce was boring. Basically savoury mush in a tortilla. Not horrible, but nothing worth writing a recommendation about. Things that would add texture/contrast to it enough to make it tasty cost $2 each. Plus the menu doesn t tell you if those would be added as sides or ingredients. Garnished with cilantro, a couple of slices of lime, and 3 paper thin slices of radish. Perfect if your eating companion doesn t like spicy food. Drinks are incredibly over priced. I could have bought 2 bottles of Jarrito s soda at any grocery store for what I paid for 1 here. Vegetarian options: Exist. Parking: Is on a Main Street downtown. Find parking elsewhere and walk is your best bet.

Beautiful friendly service. Wonderful food, if you have and dietary restrictions they will work with you to find a conclusion. Dietary restrictions: Gluten free, deep fried free too, also not spicy.

Tacos are delish. Great hot sauces. Fun, funky atmosphere. Vegetarian options: Cauliflower tacos are very yummy. Kid-friendliness: We often take our daughter and see lots of other kids here. The kids quesadilla is a fave.

Portions were very small . Tasted ok 7.5 out of 10 . Bit too pricey and was still hungry when I left . Not my first choice of places to eat .

Food is amazing, staff are very friendly and the atmosphere is always nice!

This is an excellent find of a place where the staff are warm, the beer cold and the food delicious! The area used to suffer from a generic selection of plain offerings so it s great to see some more variety of cuisines.

I wouldnt say 100% authentic, but I would say 110% delicious. Perfect hot sauce spice range, excellent choice of Jarritos (I recommend the tamarind for an adventurous try!) Or of course a classic margarita!! Full on amazed with the Birria tacos they really were amazing, kids quesodilla was *perfect* as she said. Will return, and cant wait to see what kind of features your guys hold next !

mexican food was absolutely delicious the seasonings they use really bring out the flavor

I wanted to try out this place on Cinco de Mayo and was disappointed it was not even open. Huge missed opportunity.

A little pricey for the portions although the quality, flavour and atmosphere absolutely make up for it Great Mexican cuisine Great atmosphere Very accessible for being on 5th st The Birria tacos were amazing The churros are great if your not big on sweet things Would recommend

Love it! Awesome vibes and good food.

This place was fantastic!! Service was on point and Enchiladas Bandidas hit the spot!

Great food and service , authentic Mexican . Highly recommend.

This place has some of the most flavourful, freshest and tastiest food in the Comox Valley. The enchiladas are especially delicious - recommend the chicken over the beef as it pairs better with the rich sauce. 9.5/10 would recommend

Absolutely amazing place! All three meals were hits around the table. Our 10 months old even partook! Definitely recommend for anyone looking for great tacos and other Mexican dishes!

Amazing food, service and atmosphere!! The staff were sooooo nice and helpful!! Cant wait to go back!! The Birria tacos are surreal!! Thank you!!

Awesome music, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and super yummy tacos and margs. Be sure to ask for their made-in-house hot sauce Definitely recommend! Dietary restrictions: Lots of GF, DF, and vegetarian options

Consistently amazing! Super flavorful.

Best food in town! Love the vegan option. Amazing flavors.

Amazing food, tacos are world class.

Very authentic delish food and very friendly staff

I know the food is quite good here and I love the taste of Mexican food, but I have a pretty low tolerance for hot/spicy chilies. I couldn t get a straight answer from the person working the counter as to what would be the least spicy option, and what I ended up ordering was spicy. I wish there was a more clear option for people like me so that we can enjoy the flavours without the suffering :).

Best fish tacos (ahi tuna) i have eaten since Hawaii. Ahi perfectly quick seared, all ingredients super fresh tasting, tasty homemade salsa choices, fresh garnish. Friendly atmosphere, fast service. I have already reordered. Dietary restrictions: Vegan friendly, gluten free, fresh organic ingredients. Parking: Plenty of free street parking just outside. Steps to street facing entry. Full wall of windows. View of shops and Mount Washington. Wheelchair accessibility: Wide, street level entry. Generous space inside.

Great food. The portions are massive and you really get your moneys worth.

10/10 service. Not only was the food out WICKED fast, but the customer service was incredible. The food was delicious as well! The music was tasteful, and the atmosphere was so comfortable. This has easily become my favourite food joint.

Really, really good! Every aspect. Will be my go to place for tacos whenever I visit the Comox Valley.

Delicious, you get a good amount of food for the price! Lots of choice also!

small place, good food, friendly staff, fast serving, open to accomodate a toddlers specifics :)

Excellent food ! Only ordered take out... But the environment seemed fun and clean, and even though they were so unbelievably busy, they a handled it with grace and a smile .... Able to see the back kitchen team working so hard and efficiently. EDIT: 2ND VISIT - subpar experience. The waitress and lady at the till---- both fantastic once again! The food.. was not the best. My first experience, I had a 45 minute drive before I could eat- chimichunga-phenomenal ! Crispy and flavorful, heavenly. BUT this time, I had only a 20 min drive, and the 2 chimichungas and the vegetarian tacos were SO soggy.. like so soggy! My daughters couldnt even eat their tacos. It also took way longer and there was at least 50 percent less people I dont know... I prefer consistency

Best tacos in town!!! We try to go once a week

Food is fresh and delicious. Super nice people. Can t go wrong.

Dined in and had the Birria Tacos. WOW - it was incredible. Delicious and generous serving size. The person working the front was kind despite being slammed busy the whole time we were there. Highly recommend.

Great Burrito.

Taco Bandido is the real deal! Every menu item is unique and incredibly well spiced and prepared, and super satisfying. Today we shared the Birria Tacos and the Pescada (fish) tacos. Perfectly contrasting flavors, and their house-made hot Sauces are also quite good. 10/10 recommended Food

Not worth the money!! I ordered pollo salsa verde tacos and churros to go. What I got was half a head of cabbage that wasn t in the tacos, 2 out of 3 tortillas were stale and hard, even after sitting with the chicken on it for 15 minutes. The churros could not be eaten as after trying 2 and finding that they were raw in the middle, checked the rest and just tossed them. This isn t the first time I ve eaten here either, sad to say the quality went down hill after becoming a brick and mortar location. Was good as a food truck. Food was ordered in person around 5:30-6pm, told it would take 10-15 minutes, came out in about 8. Seemed fast as the phone was going off with orders and seemed pretty busy considering the 8 other people in the restaurant. When the waitress delivered my bagged food, I was sitting second table from the register against the wall. I couldn t hear her over the mariachi band music but she was Adam it on saying something before letting me take my food.

My husband and I just tried Taco Bandido today, it was so delicious! We will be back for sure to try much more of the menu! The server that help us was such a friendly lady as well! Also, delicious margaritas!

Subpar food that is brought to you less than 5 minutes of ordering which is a huge red flag to me as this shows it s not fresh. Food and drinks are very westernized and doesn t feel like authentic Mexican food.

Always consistently good. Love those chimichangas! Kid-friendliness: Clean high chair and no stairs Food : 5/5 |

Unbelievable! So tasteful! Fresh, authentic and the perfect amount of spice. This is where cravings are made! Wow

This place has the best authentic Mexican tacos I have tried. Top knotch service. Cancel your all-inclusive trip cancun and just eat here for a week straight.

A little on the expensive side for lunch, but the quality is there to back it up. I love their tacos. I recommend this to anyone tired of their lunch predominantly consisting of soggy burgers and french fries

The yummiest tacos Ive ever had in my entire life. Do yourself a flavor and stop by, you wont regret it. Absolutely delightful, delicious artisan tacos.

The tacos are really fresh and have lots of flavor. The tacos are the best I have had in the Comox Valley. The only thing I would improve is get limes that have juice the limes we got with the tacos had no juice. We will be back to try some other items on the menu.

Delicious! My 7-yr old vegetarian was very happy with his bean and cheese quesadilla. Thank you!

Delicious!

Delicious food. Most meals are about 16$ with the tax. You get three tacos with taco meals, so if youre really hungry I suggest the enchiladas as you get 4 tortillas loaded with protein and cheese as well as refried beans and rice. Dont sleep on this joint, its the best food in the area, only rivaled by Fluid and Atlas.

Yummmmm!

Great tasting food. Favorite place for Tacos in the valley

Delicious Mexican food!! Must eat here!

Delicious!

Literally best taco I ve ever had in my life

Real good pork and beef tacos. Highly recommended. Waiting for them to reopen in new location!

best tacos i ve ever had, eating their bandito bowl and it s so good. 10/10!

The best Mexican food I have ever had in Canada!

Not a good day, 40min for 3 tacos and a marguerita that never came tacos without it s. A very Disappointing experience

Oh my goodness, what finger licking great tacos! Sorry, no pictures, I ate them too fast.

Okay fish tacos but no salsa or accompanying chips etc. Kind of pricey in my view given this. Understaffed and accompanying slow service. Not terrible but not also good. Maybe it was an off day. Hope so.

Service and food are authentic and delicious! 6 stars from my wife and I. LuLu is killing it out front

YESS!!!! 5/5 across the board. Best tacos we ve ever had, period. Tried the birria tacos mouthwatering flavour ! Cant ever go back to boxed taco mix. Incredibly fresh ingredients and it shows! Perfect portion size for a medium lunch, doesn t leave you feeling bloated and heavy. Wish I could go back but I live on the mainland .

One of my top two taco trucks on the island now has a street front restaurant and it is fabulous!!! The Birria is my fave but everything is really delicious including the margaritas and Palomas. I highly recommend!!!

Delicious. I was a little unsure about having a quesadilla with spicy mayo instead of sour cream, but it works, and honestly the quesadilla was so good you could eat it without any dips. They also have a few types of mezcal to try, on top of the margaritas :) Its slower than youd expect from a former food truck, but I think everyones short-staffed right now, and its worth the wait.

Food good but tacos are now half the size and I believe more expensive. I wish they would have stayed at Wayward. Truly no longer exceptional . But still ok.

Lyndsey D pours a good Margarita, good grub as well, do try...

Excellent, excellent food. Service wise, they could probably use an extra person on the floor during rush hour, but that didnt impact the experience for me.

Super delicious!

Been many times to the food truck. This was our first visit to the new store. The order taker was cheerful and attentive. The wait was within reason. However were were sitting waiting for our order and a lady dressed in black walked over and dropped the bag on our table. Never made eye contact. Didnt say a word to us. Just walked away. We looked at each other like... We I hope this our food and we walked out. Its crazy how bad of a taste that leaves in your mouth after you spend over 50 bucks for dinner. At least the food was still amazing.

Best birria tacos!

Super tasty food, substantial portions, friendly staff and a great atmosphere! Nothing not to like, I highly recommend. Looking forward to my next visit! Food

Had a casual date night here and the food was great. I had the burrito and my wife had the enchiladas. The burrito had a ton of shredded meat (which i loved!) and was super filling. The enchiladas were also super filling and the red sauce was nice and spicy with a ton of flavor. The best part of this place is the tequila selection!!

We had an unreal time checking out Taco Bandido. The fish tacos were so tasty and the service was great. Definitely would recommend checking this spot out if youre in town!

Biggest chimichanga in the comox valley, possibly Canada. They fried it to perfection, was crispy, surprised by the heat still decided to get hot sauce with it, also had a side of beans and rice which was honestly too much for what I paid but I enjoyed the meal.

Best fish tacos and Margaritas in town!!!! I am so so happy to have a awesome Mexican restaurant in Courtenay again!

Becoming my favorite weekly food, I highly recommend the Birria tacos or excellent slightly less filling option cauliflour tacos. Love it so much also love the tart margarita with extra salty rim yummy!

Just went to the new location on 5th street, my husband and I really enjoyed the food. The Bandido box was incredible and generous for those who like to eat!

Cheesy goodness

This place was a bit of a surprise, but completely blew us away. Food was incredible and the staff were so lovely we ended up going back for seconds. What a gem

Very friendly staff that greeted us as soon as we entered. Food was fantastic! Fun vibe with Mexican music playing.

So tasty! Great job and so friendly

Best Mexican food on Vancouver Island! My daughter and I spent one summer, looking for the best. We found so many great establishments! Taco Bandido scored in 1st place.

Good food, nice place, friendly staff. Vegetarian options: A handful of good vegetarian options. Food : 4/5 |

The staff are super friendly, the food is excellent and it has a fun super chill atmosphere. Everyone should trip this place!

Went a while back for tacos and forgot to give a review. I ve been visiting you guys for years. So glad you guys got a storefront. Still the same great product.

Great food...busy space with great atmosphere

Come for the Birria Stay for the cheese pull Food

Fantastic burrito and staff are excellent. Definitely give them a try when in town.

Absolutely delicious food!! And fast! Easy for a quick lunch. I had the Enchiladas Bandidas. Lovely corn tortillas . Great bang for your buck. Could easily be shared. Food

Amazing food!! Had the Atun tacos and tried the enchiladas. So much flavour, quality excellent and service was excellent. Highly recommend!!

Had the tacos from the truck a couple of years ago and they were amazing. Had them today from the new location and somehow they were even better. These are some of the best tacos Ive ever had, deserves seven stars!

Busy but was expected as the street was closed for Christmas fun night. Food was good.

Wow! Has the Comox Valley ever needed this!! Found out about this food truck last week, parked at Wayward Distillery. Reviews looked good! I went big on my first visit and ordered the Bandido box. With choice of protein it was $21.00. Huge portion of Mexican rice topped with Mexican cheese. 4 maybe 5 mini corn tortillas grilled, guacamole, house pickled onions, pulled south of the border pork, slaw, grilled half hot pepper, cilantro...hope I didnt miss anything. Tell you what! I never missed the taste and the happy dance. Thank you Taco Bandido!!..

3 visits now consistently great Mexican Food.

Great value for the money Menu is small but all the basics are covered. Food

Gone quite a few times over the past couple of weeks. Super tasty, fresh, and 100% delicious Great staff fun atmosphere Definitely will return over and over again

Birria tacos were amazingly tasty. My one criticism is the napkins that are barely better than one ply toilet paper. Had to use so many to clean my hands. But the food was delicious.

Literally amazing food every time. It s my go-to lunch spot for a hearty meal. The mango hot sauce is unreal! Such a treat to have this place in the valley.

Loved it. Best Mexican food this side is the border.

Delicioso! Very very good food, it s nice if you re looking for some real Mexican tasting tacos. My partner is Mexican and was very happy with these! Would definitely recommend

Always my favourite place to go. Amazing food and super nice staff.. highly recommended

That was an amazing find! Visiting Courtenay for the day and craving tacos, we looked it up on Google and were surprised to be led to this unassuming food truck in an industrial area. Outstanding authentic Mexican food. We are very happy, bellies full and tongues burning!

Amazing food, quick service, the staff isnt very friendly though.

Might be the best tacos around but when your phone message says we are open and people drive to find a paper sign saying closed for 2 days it s a big nope .

Authentic Mexican deliciousness. I eat here 4 times a week...dont tell my wife

OK food. Super expensive and smaller portions.

I love Mexico and I really love Mexican street food. Yesterday my wife and I shared a Bandido Box and were transported back to Mexico. Delicious, I cant really say I have had better.

SO GOOOOOD! Fresh, clean, great flavours... 10/10 would recommend

Best tacos you will find on Van Isle hands down.

Simply Delicious! Worth stopping by if you would like some great tasting food, even if its not take out youre looking for!

Had the burrito & enchiladas. Super delicious, very filling. Often leave a hip taco joint with my hunger not completely satisfied, this was not the case at Taco Bandido! Friendly, efficient service & top-notch eats at a reasonable price.

So so so good! We ordered a burrito and a bandido box, and both were phenomenal.

Such a hidden gem! Delicious food! Definitely recommend!

Not really impressed when I grab take out and then find the rice was so over cooked (or reheated?) that it was basically spicy porridge.

Best Mexican food I ve had in Canada. And I eat Mexican anywhere I can find it. Large quantities and authentic and spicy, so freakin good. My new go to fave place to eat in Comox valley.

Super delicious tacos. Had the birria and conchinita de pibil. Both were amazingly well-marinated with very complimentary toppings. Some of the very best Mexican tacos that Ive had in BC.

Best tacos I ve ever had, and it s not even close.

Absolutely amazing food! I highly recommend giving the tacos birria a try :)

Im eating a chicken enchilada right now and its amazing! Why havent I come before? Great flavor profile

Tasty!!!! You can pre order if you know what you want.

Had the chicken burrito. Relatively tasteless. Nothing special. Took one bite and liquid dripped all over my clothes.

Good, tasty!

Worst service ever! Do not expect the classic Mexican service with a smile and helpful attitude. Rude cashier young lady soulless and with a horrible attitude.never again! It s a zero star too bad I need to give 1 !

So yum I live close by and this is definitely one of my favourite places. I have not had a meal that wasn t delicious on top of great food I ve never had a bad customer service experience they are always happy friendly and fun to chat with. Will be here many many more time. 10/10 would recommend

Exceptionally good.

Youve got to try the tacos at Taco Bandido they are amazing. Best tacos anywhere and weve spent a fair amount of time in Mexico. Check them out you wont be disappointed.

Best tacos in town

Got a burrito and the 4 enchiladas. They were really good. Order was quickly made. We will definitely be eating there again.

Taco Bandido is so good. How is it so good? How do they make magic tacos in a taco truck? How do they make tacos that both of my kids - the literal pickiest children I ve ever met - love, and ask for all the time? I don t know how they do it. All I can tell you is that they do it. Go get some tacos.

Great tacos, fast service

Great authentic Mexican food. Pricey but delicious.

Fresh fast and ever so tasty. Only complaint is I could eat 12 of these tacos

Cheapest trip to Todos Santos I ve ever had. Well done boys!

First time here, had chicken enchiladas. Possibly the best enchiladas I have ever eaten, even the rice and beans were outstanding. Wish I lived in Courtenay

Amazing tacos! Our family of 5 had: tacos pollo, tacos vegetarian, and tacos pescado, plus a vegetarian burrito. Everyone was thrilled and decided they were some of the best we d ever had. Worth driving to Courtney for the tacos!

This place is a great spot for a meal. And def the best tacos in the valley, no contest. Will def be making more stops to have some lunch here. If you arent sure what to try, the tuna tacos are amazeballs!

Absolutely worth the wait. Fresh & flavourful. Staff was professional & friendly. Hard to imagine who people are complaining about in other reviews. There was an a-hole heavy set customer in a white Tesla when I was there. Too bad Bandido can t write a review on him lol. They were patient with him, I would ve told him about himself

Delicious enchiladas!

Flippin. Good. Tacos.

Delicious and friendly service

Waited 30 minutes for a single order of cold congealed pork. Also the pickled onions were trash. Not Mexican style at all. You can hardly taste the zest. No lime at all? Been a chef a long time and this place is just the worst

Awesome service Best tacos you cant beat anywhere else

Delicious tacos!! Each ingredient tasted so fresh. Fast service and nice staff at the truck when I visited. A great spot to stop on your way into Courtenay. Definitely recommended. Parking: Free parking on small lot and on road.

5 mega stars to Taco Bandido and their catering/mobile taco bar service. If you want to be to become a hero amongst friends, family, or coworkers, make the call and get Taco Bandido to come to your next event. I dont even think Ill have to buy Christmas gifts this year. Dietary restrictions: Celiac friendly.

The menu items are your staple choices, beautiful colour to the presentation, the pulled pork was a tad salty for my liking, but overall it was quite tasty. The eating area could use some sort of roof, or cover, the picnic table was also covered in something Im not entirely sure black specks, though I would eat here again. The atmosphere has music playing, it depends on the weather, and staff is friendly and fast at service.

Your pickled onions are to die for!

Always busy, always delicious!

Our first visit. ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. We will certainly make this one of our favourite places for authentic Mexican food.

Amazing food, best Mexican food Ive had in canada so far.

Excellent tacos. Great distillery too

Sooo delicious! Was impressed with variety and flavors, definitely going back!

Very good food very good customer service go about once a week

Delicious tacos full of flavour

Every week I make my pilgrimage to Taco Bandito, these are the best tacos I have ever had, the chicken tacos with extra guac on top is my favourite!

Amazing. Had the fish tacos with grilled Serrano pepper on top. 10/10

Great flavours and quick service!

Amazing food, would recommend to anyone. Definitely will be coming back.

Delicious and quick!

Best tacos/ Mexican in the valley by far!! An absolute must eat. I frequent this place often, the staff are lovely and the food is divine.

The best Mexican Food. I had Bandido box it was Out the world. And the veggie burrito