Your stand out employee yesterday was the hostess working on Saturday, 5/23 at 12 noon. She was so friendly and fun as we arrived and departed your establishment. She was a pleasure to speak with and a breath of fresh air. It is rare for someone to be so enthusiastic and truly energized to engage with customers and make them feel welcome in such a kind and generous manner. She gets 10 stars in this 5 star rating option. The ambiance, food and service is always excellent at Bandera and our visit yesterday was no exception. The cornbread bites, house salad and banana cream pie were exceptional. The filet mignon and martini were also excellent, as always. Our servers were professional, friendly and efficient. Very much appreciated. We will be back soon read more

Bandera - Banana Cream Pie was exceptional - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

After reading the poor reviews on Bandera, I feel I must opine. This place is a classic Hillstone restaurant (Houston's, R&D, Honor Bar). The waitstaff are impeccable and trained to please the customer. The chefs are some of the best in their industry. The food is consistently phenomenal and they are continually tinkering with the menu to get it perfect. The meats are top shelf. The vibe here is low key and elegant. They only serve small parties so large family dining is not a possibility. That is all by design. Bottom line: CDM is fortunate to have this restaurant and if you're looking for a place for big parties and cheap food, may I suggest Olive Garden. Bandera knows how to please and for that reason, they are 5 stars all the way. read more

Gf took me here for bday dinner, started with roasted artichoke and corn bread bites, and had the French dip and Hawaiian ribeye. I don't really understand the whole artichoke thing but it was good I think, cornbread was also solid. French dip was bomb especially with that horseradish, and the ribeye was great. The fries were also amazing. Got the key lime pie for dessert which was good but probably should have skipped because I was stuffed. Nice place and our server was very nice and helpful. read more

Phenomenal spot roasted chicken - probably the very best chicken I have ever had. This would include chicken at the Crillon in Paris that used to be the very best. Bandera's is California Hillstone a"la Texas barbecue! Love the corn bread bites in the chicken drippings! The cucumber salad was very refreshing to contrast the savory of the chicken! read more

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Bandera was our final Hillstone in the area we had yet to try, and we are sad we didn't stop in sooner! The inside is most similar to Houston's. We tried the artichoke, which they have not had in quite some time. It was excellent and the remoulade was perfect for dipping. We also ordered way too much food (always good for leftover), and enjoyed the macho salad, crispy chicken sandwich, and the dip duo. You absolutely need to try the pimento cheese dip, I'm dreaming about it still! read more

Bandera - Artichoke - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

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There is a key reason for the one star, but first the food and atmosphere were 5 star. Service was good but a bit too many check ins by the server (I feel it was because of managements direction) which gets me to my 1 star rating. We were eating dessert and coffee, and who I guess was the manger, came to the table and said that we need to wrap it up because they need the table for reservations (we had reservations). At that point we were there just about two hours, I don't think that's too long for spending $400. I've travelled all over the world, been in countless restaurants, and have never been asked that we need to wrap it up because they need the table. The fact that it happened in the area I live is unacceptable. Bandera, you have to do better. read more

I love this place - amongst all the hill stone properties in Orange County - this is still our favorite. My new favorite dish is their chicken green curry dish they brought back. Im so glad I listened to our servers praises of the dish - it was mild in spice for my taste and felt warm and cozy. I hope it stays! We also enjoyed their shrimp cocktail and as always their bbq grilled salmon (we always sub the cucumber salad for the fab kale one). As always they have amazing servers, managers and bartenders. lovely moody lighting with a pleasant noise level. A favorite date night spot for us. read more

Upon walking into the establishment you feel that it is an upscale vibe for sure. We ordered a drink and that priced at $18.00 each which was to be expected given the area. The waitress was nice and the food was brought quickly. I did have a few concerns. I was unaware to order white meat was an additional 10.00 upcharge as that should be an option. Also the sides should be included in the combo and not an additional $9-10 more.Once we asked for additional bbq sauce because the rib needed more,this was a 30-40 wait and we had to keep asking. When they did bring it out it was only enough for one of us so we had to wait again! So I had to give it 4 stars as a result of those concerns. read more

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Huge fan of this place! I've wanted to come for a little while and finally made it happen. First of all, the staff is insanely good. I've never been waited on by such an attentive and friendly group of people. Their rotisserie chicken and bbq ribs were very solid and the sides (especially the corn and potatoes) were top notch. Generous pour on the drinks too. It's a little bit of a price tag if you're getting sides and a drink, but definitely worth it for a date night or nice dinner with the family. Highly recommend. read more

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If you're looking for the best dinner and service of your life, look no further. This is hands down my favorite hillstone and favorite restaurant. Get the corn bread and a "crush" cocktail. read more

Two of us had drinks and appetizer at a 2-top in the bar area before our dinner reservation with a group friends. The service was excellent along with the drinks and appetizer. After the rest of our group arrived, we moved to a table for dinner. The service was good, but it felt more like a rushed service. It was obviously they wanted to turn the table quickly. The check was dropped off just as we finished eating the entrees and no mention of desert options. I'm not really a desert person so o didn't really care, but a couple others said they would have ordered something more. 3/4 of our group had the roasted chicken which was fantastic. Others had the steak, which they said was good but they felt the outer searing was done too long and the meat felt a bit too tough when cutting through it. Overall, a good experience for our entire group. But a couple of service tweaks could make it even better. read more

I went here years ago and always got the Rutherford Ribeye, charred, smoky and cherries. I heard they sou vide it. Lovely with a side of blu cheese, campari tomoatoes, and basil. The artichoke side is always yummy! With a glass of red Mi Sueno wine. read more

Plenty of parking. Reservations accepted but not required. Good for groups. Ok for kids. Menu has something for everyone. Our server was Tony, he went over the menu with us. He made some great suggestions. Mud try spot if in the area. I has the chicken and ribs, while my wife had the French dip. Both great. read more

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Where Do I Start? I'll start with Sara or Sarah, the Hostess with the Mostess...Friendly Greeting, Good Sense of Humor, Great Reservation Handler! Then our server...Kenzie...Short for McKenzie, but not short on COOLNESS or Genuine Smiles! Great Recommendations too!!! We've been coming here for over 5 years, which is not a long time, in the larger scheme of things, but long enough to make it a frequent destination! Amazing, Unique Food! Perfect Atmosphere! Spotlessly Clean, with ample restrooms! The Perfect Vibe in CDM! No Happy Hour, but Every Hour is Happy Hour! read more

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Beginning to end our experience was excellent. We got seated the time of our reservation. Service was excellent. Food piping hot and everything we ordered was delicious!!! The little corn bread cubes rock, we ordered another . The appetizer shrimp cocktail off the hook. Filet was outstanding! Cesar salad so yummy. I also liked the Mojito. The drinks were small for the price. The only thing I did not like was NO like mixed cocktail's. They have NO blender at the bar? You smell a camp fire BBQ smell the entire time even in parking lot. If you don't care for that smell I wouldn't go there. Overall can't wait to go back! read more

We came in here just for drinks! It's Saturday night 7pm and the place is packed! We asked the hostess if we can just have cocktails. She directed us to two tops back by the open kitchen. They have a limited tables for just cocktails/wine and 3 food menu items. It was perfect! My husband ordered a Manhattan $18 which sadly, was just okay. I had the Schramsberg sparkling wine $16 which was perfect! Great ambiance, had the dark woodsy look that many Hillstone restaurants have. read more

One of my favorite restaurants. Any restaurant that belongs to Hillstone restaurant group has always been consistent, good food, and the best service. I'm always amazed with the service that Hillstone restaurant group delivered. They trained their servers well. All the servers are always smiling and deliver such an exceptional service. I can't remember the last time at other restaurants the server would replace my warm glass of wine with a new cold glass without me asking, and I have been to many fine dining restaurants including many Michelin restaurants over the years. This is an outstanding attention to detail and exceptional table service. The restaurant is cozy and warm. The menu is simple but everything is fantastic.The portion is definitely smaller than it used to.There are so many restaurants to try but I always like to come back to Bandera, Gulfstream, R & D, Hillstone etc.. The server, Ms. Kalani was attentive , engaging and friendly. She made my dining experience much more enjoyable. Can't wait to go back when I'm in the area again. read more

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I had the best dinner at Bandera! I had been to other Hillstone restaurants before and was very happy with my experience at this CDM location and love that it's 2 blocks from the beach. The service was great, servers were super attentive. I love how they change out martini glasses so your drink is always chilled. I ordered the filet and it was cooked perfectly. Perfect spot for a date night or quick dinner. I would definitely recommend. read more

Bandera - Dirty Titos Martini - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

Passed by here for over 30 years and finally decided to give it a go. Why did I wait so long!? Great food and service was even better! A must try to have a cocktail, appetizer or dinner if you're in the neck of the woods! read more

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Great team dinner at Bandera! Ordered the chicken and rib combo, excellent choices as well as a bottle of Duckhorn, our server Grace was fantastic, booth was comfortable and lighting was dim but welcoming read more

Bandera - Rib and chicken with fries - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

On take-out check what you receive - I order the chicken and they did not put in the extras or the salad. I guess the idea is to have a comfortable price (for them) and short you on food. Be careful! Don Segretti read more

Amazing dinner tonight! Our server Brenda was so warm and welcoming with a great personality that made our night. Food was 5 stars from the grilled artichoke, shrimp cocktail, macho salad and filet mignon. All the food had so much flavor. Love how they refresh the martinis in a new cold martini glass. Thank you Bandera for a wonderful evening that was much needed. read more

Service was good but management always lacks hospitality here. Cold and even sometimes rude. They always have an attitude of they are busy enough and don't mind losing some clientele. read more

Upon arriving we were told the wait would be over an hour for starters. When we looked online a reservation was available literally at the time we arrived once booked we were sat right away. I was then told I wasn't allowed to dine as I was in overalls with a cut off sleeve tshirt. So I put my girlfriend's jacket on which wasn't fun. While walking to the table my girlfriend pointed out a woman sitting at the bar in a literal sports bra looking insanely disheveled. Now I've never experienced discrimination in my life. Till now. Not only do I work in entertainment. Feel free to google my name at any time. But my father is also the vice president of chase (yes that chase) corporation. But all ego aside I'd implore you to practice better judgement when discriminating in the future. Sincerely yours read more

The bbq salmon lunch was amazing, house salad great! Sat down, server took our drink order, we were talking and she came back over and interrupted our conversation and asked my friend to take off his hat. Now looking across the bar, there was a lady with a baseball cap on, the whole time we were there, along with her workout attire. Our server was not friendly at all, very corporate taught for sure. They need to practice better judgement when discriminating against individuals. read more

We had such a good experience at Bandera. In the past it has been a little bit hit and miss. Our waitress was great and we were seated in a nice private little alcove booth. One complaint I have had in the past is the lighting. We have sometimes sat at tables that have had a really bright spotlight angled really obnoxiously. Not this visit. Sometimes, we have experienced snobby hostesses. Not this time! It was a great experience all around and we will be back. read more

Wtf... why would they remove the absolute most popular item on the menu??? Please bring back the jalapeño cornbread skillet. The cornbread bites look lame and based on the feedback they are an inferior replacement. Bangers, hope you're listening to all of the people WHO WANT THE CORNBREAD SKILLET BACK!!! read more

The rotisserie chicken and bbq beef rib combo is an excellent choice for a tender juicy chicken with a wonderful smoky flavor and tender fall off the bone beef ribs with a tangy and lightly sweet bbq sauce. Service is always consistent across the Hillstone family of restaurants which means excellent attention from start to conclusion. I recommend the Oreo ice cream sandwich for a light sweet finish. read more

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I used to love this place. They used to sell you an entire chicken for like 28 bucks now you get half a chicken for $26. It was Wednesday and it was packed to the rafters so I guess they're doing well read more

Food: -Grilled artichoke: so well done, delicious sauce -Emerald kale salad: the side order was huge! Was very good and well dressed. -beef back ribs: so tender and very yummy. The coleslaw was also very good. A good combination of creamy and vinegary versions -prime rib sandwich: just as good as R+D, pillowy soft bread and tender thin slices of meat. Love that they offer a side, R+D doesn't. Fries were great, just the way I like them. -no mocktails but the waitress offered a n/a spritzer with fresh grapefruit juice, sparkling water and mint which was great. Service: overall good, very attentive. No negative notes Vibe: busy on a Friday night. Well lit and great space. Overall very happy with our dinner and will come back! read more

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Amazing service,excellent food and always a great time! One of my favorite go to restaurants. They limit the parties to 4 or less which I love as it makes for a much more enjoyable experience. read more

I recently dined at Bandera, and unfortunately, the experience missed the mark. From the moment we sat down, it felt like there was a constant rotation of staff coming to the table--so much so that it was nearly impossible to have a private conversation. Every few minutes, someone new was checking in, clearing something, or asking a question. While attentiveness is usually appreciated, this felt excessive and intrusive. It also gave the impression that there's an unspoken timer the second you're seated, as if the goal is to move guests in and out as quickly as possible rather than let them enjoy the experience. Dining out should feel relaxed and social, not rushed and monitored. Additionally, the decision to make the restaurant smaller seems to have backfired. The tighter space only amplifies the constant activity and lack of privacy, making the overall atmosphere feel crowded and less comfortable. What makes this especially disappointing is that I've been visiting this restaurant for over 22 years. It used to be a go-to spot, which makes this shift in experience even more noticeable. Sadly, based on this visit, I don't think I'll be returning. read more

The food: the chicken and beef ribs were nicely cooked, cucumber salad was fresh. The "standout cocktails": my raspberry lemon drop was very good. My husband ordered a Jack Daniel's and 7up. We were later told they don't carry Jack Daniel's!!! What kind of bar/restaurant does not have Jack Daniel's?! The ambiance: it was VERY noisy when we were first seated but as the evening went on, the noise level came down to a normal level. We had a great dinner; but as the meal was finalizing, I totally felt like we should hurry up and leave; servers cleared things off our table, which clearly gave us the signal that we should leave the table for someone else. Maybe it's me, but if I spend $200 on dinner for 3, I should be able to give my dinner a few minutes to settle before leaving the restaurant. And as our server put down the bill, she asked if we wanted dessert.....no dessert menu?? I guess I don't want dessert. Next visit to CDM, we will try another place. read more

we went here on sunday 6/14/2026 at 4:46pm for a late lunch early dinner with a party of 5 not busy at all. i was greeted with a host by the name of nazime she told me we don't sit a party of 5 we only sit parties of 4. i asked for a manager a gentleman by the name of darren came to speak to me. i asked him several times so i can't be seated with a party of 5, 2 adults and 3 small childern he said no " i asked again he said no ' i told him i will be contacting cooperate office, he said thats fine. i believe this establishment is very racist towards hispanics and maybe others.i live in the santa monica area and dined at the banderas there several times with no issues unfortunately it has closed down now for several years now.we were looking forward to dinning at this locations bandera resturant. read more

The service was extraordinary Lauren the service was pleasant, polite and attentive. The Chicken and Ribs are tender and delicious and the coleslaw was the best that I have eaten in my life. The banana cream pie is uniquely delicious made in-house. The ambiance is comfortable and peaceful. We are awaiting to return soon. read more

With childlike enthusiasm I ordered the grilled artichokes. However, the adult reality guy punch was delivered once the dish arrived. I drew a blank. How does one tackle this artichoke?...I had forgotten. To help, my husband looks at me with bleep as the charred vegetable is foreign and menacing. Finely victorious, the artichoke was conquered. Should really come with a manual. Dip duo does it. It hits. Fresh chips served with guacamole and jalapeño cheese dip. The double-cut pork chops served with red cabbage and goat cheese had me pleasantly surprised. The colcannon potatoes delish. The Pettit filet cooked to excellence and even had a great crust. read more

Bandera - Macho salad - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

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It's been a couple of years since I've been. Use to be my go to in town. The bbq salmon dish was phenomenal. All of it. The veggie and cheese enchilada was recommended and good. Loved the side salad with it. Great vibe, people watching place, ambience is sexy and yet casual. Great service as always. Expect a wait on weekends. Not a bad thing with fireplace on and excellent bar. read more

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the drinks were amazing, the service was outstanding, then the food was also so yummy

It's a hillstone so it's consistent. Menu isn't as big as other hillstones but if you want something hearty , it's def the place read more

Bandera - Cucumber salad side - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California

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Fantastic service with dark/moody ambiance. Appetizer: kale salad, always a hit at any Hillstone branch. Entrees were disappointing. We got the chicken and ribs plates along with coleslaw and side of fries. Fries was not hot and it had a strong oil flavor which we didn't like at all. 1 star! The bbq ribs were cooked fine but the sauce was way too sweet. If you dine at Gulfsteam (sister restaurant couple of blocks away) their ribs and the sauce is far superior and balanced. The chicken was more disappointing. Mine was not cooked enough for the chicken to separate easily from the bones and I had to wrestle with it. it was also red in some parts of the leg so I stopped eating it. Also, the chicken really lacked any flavor. Overall I was not happy with my dish at all. For dessert, banana pie... we thought the banana would be also incorporated with the pie filling, only to find out it was plain filling with banana slices on the side. Again it lacked flavor. Out of all our dining experiences at different Hillstone sister restaurants this Bandera visit was by far our least favorite. read more

Bandera - Chicken and ribs - ribs are too sweet and chicken no flavor whatsoever and undercooked - American Near Me - Corona Del Mar, California