Bandits' Grill & Bar has long been one of my go‑to spots for solid BBQ comfort. Over the years, I've happily worked my way through their Buffalo Burgers, Salmon Salad, sliders, potato skins, Tri‑Tip sandwiches, and more. If it once mooed, clucked, swam, or sprouted, chances are I've tried Bandits' version of it. But this visit came with a twist -- a Tri‑Tip Chili adventure. I ordered their weekend‑only Tri‑Tip Chili (served Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays), and the first bowl came out a bit watery. Not tragic, but definitely not the hearty chili Bandits is known for. Our server, Kirsten, checked in and asked how it tasted. I told her honestly. She didn't blink -- she marched straight to the kitchen, looped in the manager, and together they taste‑tested the giant vat of chili like two culinary detectives on a case. They agreed with me. They fixed it. And they fixed it for everyone, not just my bowl. A few minutes later, Kirsten returned with a fresh bowl, thicker, richer, and absolutely delicious. She even mentioned it probably needed a touch more cornmeal. That kind of honesty and teamwork is rare, and I appreciated it more than she knows. I also ordered an original margarita, which was smooth, refreshing, and exactly what a margarita should be. Bandits has a full bar, so if you're in the mood for something stronger, fruitier, or fancier, they likely have you covered. The bar area has several TVs for game‑watching, which means it can get loud. If you prefer actual conversation, the kind where you can hear the person sitting across from you, they offer quieter seating away from the bar. There's also a patio area where I've held group meetings in the past, and it works beautifully. Kirsten was a standout: caring, attentive, upbeat, and clearly someone who enjoys her job. Service like that elevates a meal from "good" to "memorable." Bandits' Grill & Bar is handicap accessible, family‑friendly, and equally comfortable for singles, couples, and groups. Do I recommend it? You bet. Especially when the staff listens, cares, and brings a little magic to the table. read more

The food: Ribs were too dry and over smoked, no Meat on the bones to carve off let alone pull with your own teeth. Saw other patrons say the meal with the ribs were also a "I didn't like it, please take this away" attitude. They did try to replace another rib but it too was awful. The Prime Rib was really good and the sides were meh at best. The fries were tiny little miniature sticks. The Cole Slaw was just generic like it was from every regular galley or cafeteria you get at college eateries. Onion Rings were fun and crunchy and great for bar food. We got there during happy hour and had their drinks and were good. Service was great and the staff were super friendly which makes me feel bad because the food wasn't good overall. The ambience was nice because they put us out in the patio during a nice cool afternoon. And the music was regular country bar music... No Military or 1st Responder Discounts read more

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We love BANDITS! It's always our go too. The aesthetic inside screams exactly what it should be. The employees are always super nice and helpful. Our server Oscar tonight was amazing! He did not bother and I mean that nicely. He car around at the right times brought our food out efficiently. One of the employees Hector has been working there since I was 16 years old. He was nice then and he is still nice and helpful always has a smile and never to busy to clear the brakes off, refill our drinks or bring us boxes. A plus THEY BROUGHT BACK THE REAL WEDGE SALAD!!!!! read more

Honestly, so many barbecue places, and this is by far my fave. Not only do I feel I get a great deal, but it is soooo good! Happy hour can get you some amazing things, but the regular menu has such good stuff. The baby back ribs are so meaty and pulls off the bone so easily. Their baked beans are my fave. The Tri tip was so tender I was able to cut it thinly with a butter knife. It's a happening place, with lots of energy. They have tvs to watch sports and the like. Plus? Amazing service! Kayla was so friendly, attentive, and helpful. Can't say enough good things about her. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Half order of nachos with the beans on the side - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

First thing, the service was wonderful, fast, courteous, and frequent, one could not ask for more. The food was okay. Not bad, just not what we remember from previous visits. My wife and I got ribeyes, and both were cooked as requested. The issue was in whom trimmed our steaks, they had so much fat that about a quarter of each steak was wasted. Considering the price point, we were less than pleased. Maybe Mr. Magoo was working in the kitchen tonight. Still, we've had worse, just a low point at Bandit's. Oh, and no rolls either, what was up with that one? Sad. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Sarsparilla - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

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I ordered the Cajun salmon spinach salad because I was starving at the office. I was so pleasantly surprised that I had to write a review. I normally eat the bbq at this place but honestly this is a fantastic salad. New favorite read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

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We had dinner here tonight and the service was extraordinary from when we entered, to being seated, and served our drinks and entrees. Our server, Larissa was marvelous. She checked to see if we needed anything several times. The food came out quickly and was delightful. Our entrees were: half rack baby back ribs with cole slaw and beans, beef ribs-3 bones with cole slaw and rice and prime rib dinner with mashed potatoes with gravy and beans. The atmosphere at Bandits' is great and excellent for families If you're ever in the area stop by and check them out. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Prime rib dinner. Half rack baby back ribs. Beef ribs-3 bones. - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

Okay so I used to frequent the Bandits in Camarillo back in the day and had fond memories there. From date nights with cute boys at the bar to family gatherings, it was always a solid spot. Since the Camarillo located closed my bestie put it on my radar that they had a Thousand Oaks location so we went to check them out. Bandits is country western bbq done right. I love the decor - antlers, dark & moody lighting, brick and wood layouts, with relaxed vibes. The perfect dimly lit restaurant for a solid meal. It's definitely a kid friendly spot but they also have a bar area for solo diners or non-child bringers. Staff were super lovely and friendly. Service was quick and efficient. It was easy to get in and out but also never felt rushed. The food was well paced and honestly a solid experience from start to finish. Here's what I had: Dirty Martini: no frills but got the job done. And boy was she strong, absolutely needed and loved that for me! Loaded Potato Soup: creamy, silky goodness. Who doesn't love a baked potato as a soup? I'm a soup connoisseur and this one was tasty. Sucker for bacon bits and fresh potatoes in the stew, it was solid. Blackend Salmon Cesar Salad: Okay before you come for me, I know that Bandits is known for their bbq dishes....BUT this is one of my top three Cesar Salads out there! I always crave this salad. The Cesar base and dressing are classic, simple but it's their blacked juicy salmon as a add on that is out of this world. I rarely crave cooked salmon but the blackened salmon here is elite! From the seasoning to the cook on the fish, it's an amazing entree salad and I have to get this everytime I come. A great local spot in Thousand Oaks that doesn't break the bank but that feels a little nicer than some other restaurants in the area. read more

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Such a solid meal!! This could easily be a 5 start based on the quality we received today and very pleasant and efficient service. Perfectly cooked prime rib. I'm a prime rib expert (in my own mind) and have had it across the globe, including House of Prime Rib, and let me assure you, this was outstanding!! BBQ ribs are meaty and very flavorful. We had the chicken wings and they were, out of bounds great!! Love the woodsy feel of the place and cozy atmosphere. Prices are super reasonable. Head and shoulders better than the competition within 15 mile radius. Cheers!! read more

Pretty good place to go to. I really like the prime rib and pulled pork sandwiches. There is also a nice salmon salad that fits the bill for a non-meat eater. The service was really good when we went there. The bartender was handling the bar and the whole restaurant on a Sunday at 3:00, and her service was spot on! The food is very consistent, and I like that you can see the TVs from the restaurant booths without sitting at the bar. Overall, a decent experience every time we go here. read more

quality of food is not consistent.. drinks overpriced... bartender, needs help, as she is overwhelmed with bar top and serving tables. read more

We're regular customers. Three and a half stars. Weak points: Steaks fatty and gristle. Avoid seafood. Strong points: Salads BBQ Sandwiches Sides. Good service, good parking, clean premises. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Tri Tip Salad very popular. - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

I found out about Bandits at the 23rd Annual Margarita Mix-Off, where they made an amazing margarita -- definitely one of the best at the event! That's what made me want to try their food at home. I ordered BBQ baby back ribs, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and corn for the family through Grubhub. The kids loved the mashed potatoes and mac and cheese -- both were creamy, flavorful, and comforting. The ribs, though, were unfortunately quite dry and tough overall. Some pieces were especially chewy, to the point where I couldn't really swallow them. That said, I ordered late in the evening, so it's possible the food sat on the porch a bit too long before we brought it in. I don't want to judge too harshly because I really want to support local businesses -- and after that amazing margarita, I know they've got talent in the kitchen and bar. I plan to give them another try soon and hope to catch them at their best next time! read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Baby Back Ribs... on the dryer/tough side - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

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It was around 4pm. Not many people but only 1 person who was taking orders from several tables , she happened to be the bartender too. Luckily, everyone is helping her with bringing out foods, drinks, etc. That explained why she was not looking happy at all. Poor girl. read more

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Went in for happy hour. The hostess greeted us immediately and sat us at a booth at the bar. We were able to watch the games on the tv. Our waitress was Nicole and she was amazing! She anticipated everything without us having to ask (plates, extra napkins, ranch, refills). My son had an IPA on the happy hour menu and we shared the potato skins and tri tip nachos. The potato skins have beans, cheese, salsa, and sour cream. The beans gave it a smoky sweet flavor. We both loved these. The nachos had large cubes of tri tip and delicious chips. Both were excellent! Great prices and amazing service! read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Tri Tip Nachos - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

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My husband and I really wanted to go to a restaurant that had a western feel, especially coming from Texas! I really liked this restaurant for the vibe and the solid food!! The staff was also so kind and attentive, and the food came out super quickly! We were happy - and would love to come here again! read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Salmon Salad - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

This past Friday night, my dad and I had another incredible dining experience at Bandits. The service, the management, the ambience, the atmosphere, the great cuisine, etc. All top notch and we enjoy sitting in the bar so we can enjoy whatever sports game is on. Our favorites are Kiersten and Dominique and when she's in town, Shay. Our favorite managers are Dinni and Shannon. As soon as we are finished with our drink order, it's there very fast and then our salad and our entrees, which is delicious and cooked very well. All I can say are pleasant things about Bandits and we're there at least 2 x a month. I give it 5 stars and highly recommend it. read more

I ordered a 35 dollar salad for delivery and they forgot the bbq sauce. It was super dry and im so mad. Nothing like a super stressful shift as a nurse and getting missing things on a 35 dollar salad. read more

I don't understand why this place is rated so low because my family and I had an absolute wonderful experience here. Shoutout to Emma who was a great waitress and recommended really great items to order. I will definitely be coming back many times for that delicious prime rib. read more

The food is outstanding! The presentation of the food was beautifully done! The service was spectacular! Our waitress was Shannon. She was cheerful and friendly and made us think of her as a friend. The atmosphere was just as nice with singles at the bar and families in the dining room. They have 4 chairs set up around the fireplace. It's very cozy and the fireplace reminds you of a hunting cabin. The entire restaurant is beautiful! Craig recalled us with the story of the restaurant and the people that worked there. It was nice to have someone tell you the story and be proud of their place of business. The bathrooms were clean and nice. I have never felt so at home in any restaurant but my daughter and I feel that way here. Shannon was a delightful person. We said to each other that we will be back many times. They play country music which we love. If you go here you'll be back over and over again. read more

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Last night I went to bandits for the first time and it was great!! Service was a 10/10 Drinks were very tasty! 9/10 Environment- it was very full for a Monday night but it's understandable because they were showing a sports game. Regardless it was a 9/10 Food- I got the bbq 2 special. You choose 2 proteins and 2 sides. Probably the most worth it for your money. It was all tasty. Food is more pricey but the plates are big so it's definitely worth the money!! We had a great time and I would recommend it! read more

I was so glad they brought back the peppercorn bourbon sauce for steak and tri tip that the closed Camarillo store had ( theirs was peppercorn whiskey but basically the same) both the steak and tri tip were flavorful and great while the amazing peppercorn sauce makes this a perfect ten. Service is always good and you just gotta try this sauce. read more

Good service (Thank you Summer!) Average cocktails, mediocre food, except the mac 'n cheese, which is just god-awful. Oh, and the manager is a dingbat. They lost $100 in dinner service because we dared ask for more chips with our famous tri-tip nachos appetizer. I guess it is famous because it had way too many jalapeños and not even enough chips. The manager wanted to charge us for more chips. We spent $32 on meh cocktails and $23 for insulting nachos. I did wonder what the prime rib and the ribeye steak might have been. But we won't ever be back to find out. read more

This place has been here for years and years and years. It has always been a family favorite. They serve up some excellent BBQ and are made to order sides. Chicken, ribs. Tri Tip. You name it, they have it. Everything is affordable. There is a full service bar and outside patio. On my last visit, I ordered BBQ chicken with Mac and cheese and a ginormous order of onion rings. There was enough food for two meals. The chicken breast was grilled to perfection while maintaining a juicy center. My mac and cheese was very creamy. But those rings. Those were amazing. I was expecting maybe 3 or 4 at most. Instead, I got enough to share. The service was friendly. Food came out in a timely manner. I definitely recommend it. read more

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We absolutely love it. We were in Petes in the afternoon and made a reservation. Take out so busy Friday night at 5:30. The ambience is so full of light and energy to service. It was amazing. I got a friggin salad with corn. They gave me more corn didn't charge me my husband got a bison burger great beers great people watching absolutely loved. It will be back next week. read more

Prime rib was delicious. The onion rings were horrible. Tuff onion skin w batter and little onion flesh. For the price they should have been outstanding! I've had better rings from the Habit for far less money. I will not recommend the onion rings! read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Example of all the rings I received. - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

Cool western ambiance. Definitely thought it was on the pricy side for $14 margaritas. Had the full rack of ribs which was good. The macaroni and cheese side was too watery, but they let me replace it with rice which was good. I thought the skinny fries were too skinny. I'd try the sandwiches next time which looked good. I also made a reservation for Saturday night at 6:30 which cut down on the wait. Place seemed to clear out about 7:30 FYI. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Full rack of ribs, skinny fries, and Mac & Cheese - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

I had great memories of this restaurant from 10 years ago so when we were trying to figure out where to eat, I thought of Bandits. My husband had not been and loves BBQ. We walked in and was told 5-10 minute wait, which was fine. About 5+ minutes later after seating waiting guest's & reservation guests (didn't know they took reservations), we were seated. They took us in the main entrance area and sat us at a booth by the kitchen. I asked to be moved and the hostess snapped " this is the only table available, it'll be another 5-10 minute wait for another table". Mind you the entire area was empty except for a table that employees were eating at, and a table where the employees were wrapping silverware in napkins. Watched as couple after couple were seated in the main dining room. The entire hour we were there, no one else was sat anywhere near us. The service was lacking except for the food runner who was outstanding and accommodating when we asked for bread. The food was so good, but the ambience and atmosphere were very disappointing. Don't think we'll go back, and we will not recommend to friends or family. Super disappointed as my memory of this restaurant was very positive. read more

I don't love leaving a review based on one dish, but that was all I was able to sample on this visit. I had the "unbeatable sandwich" and do not agree with the title! The tritip was okay, the garlic bread of the sandwich was too charred, and the fries were not my favored style, and I thought we're not very good. There may very well be some better options to try. read more

We have not been to Bandits' for a very long time. It is not in our current "rotation." Hard to find a good oak wood grilled hamburger anywhere today. Most places just have a flattop grill, probably due to a smoke ordinance or a tasteless smashburger. We do not eat a lot of beef, so when we do, we want it to be good. The menu is very extensive with a wide variety of entrees; we will be back to try some of the fish and salad items. Our server, Kiersten, was very personable, greeted us with a warm smile, and she was very professional and efficient, making us feel welcome. When we left, I complimented Kiersten to the manager, who was gracious and appreciative of our comments. read more

Great trip tip sandwich. Full of meat, very tender and right amount of spicy with pepper jack cheese. They put it on the wrong bread though

Went with my wife and her brother on Saturday, 3/7 for lunch. I had a prime rib sandwich which was great as usual, my wife had a BBQ chicken sandwich and my BIL had an Unbeatable sandwich. All were very good and Kayla (sp?) took great care of us. read more

One of the best local hang outs in Thousand Oaks. Be sure to sit at the bar and enjoy A great meal! Great BBQ food and good prices!! Check out the Monday All Day Special. My husband loves prime rib, and their prime rib is amazing. Don't order it too late because they run out. MY ribeye steak was juicy and tender!! HAPPY regular customers. #TO805local read more

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Amazing food & service every time. We always stop by before we go to Reign of Terror haunted house.

the best prime rib sandwich. reason to liv. this is a must when you eat at bandits. its lime being in the midwest read more

I often order the barbecue chopped salad with tri tip, to go, when I am late coming home. It's great, but I ask for regular ranch dressing and skip the onion and corn strips. The workers who take the orders and I pick up the order from are always friendly, and helpful. I also enjoy the baby back ribs meal and have a hard time deciding on the sides because they are all good, as is the garlic rolls. read more

I was once going to be an investor in Wood Ranch BBQ, and have to say that Bandits food quality, ingredients, taste, presentation is superior, which took me by surprise in the VERY best of ways. The service is another pleasant surprise, from Craig the friendly manager, to helpful servers, Enrique, Salon, Cristina and outstanding hostess, Summer, and Shannon, bar/server...I could not feel more welcomed and attended. Lastly, the ambience is very inviting, with comfy chairs by the fire, to a tidy/clean surroundings with western decor charm. read more

Very disappointing as my husband and I usually eat at the restaurant. We decided to order and bring it home this time. Disappointed they didn't have the baby back ribs and beef rib combo anymore so we ended up getting two orders of baby back ribs, and one order of beef ribs. They told me it will be ready in about 10 minutes which should've given me a clue right there. I picked it up and they were very nice, but when I got home, the ribs weren't anything like I remember when eating at the restaurant. The baby back ribs hardly had any meat on them and both were overcooked, with the beef ribs being very dry and tough. The barbecue sauce, which I loved so much didn't taste the same either. Needless to say, I will not be returning. read more

This was my first time at Bandits and I was not disappointed. We were waited on immediately and our server was very nice. I ordered the Tri Tip plate with Veggies as sides. The meat was cooked to perfection and very flavorful. The veggies were also cooked perfectly. Overall this was a great experience and I will be back soon to try some different menu offerings. read more

Bandits' Grill & Bar - Tri - tip Plate - Barbeque Near Me - Thousand Oaks, California

My husband ordered the prime rib sandwich and absolutely loved it! I had the riblets with a teriyaki aïoli glaze on them, which in flavor was Amazing ! The mac & cheese was ok. Atmosphere and employees very friendly would definitely come back ! read more