Bandita Brighton Debuts This Week

The new Mexican tapas concept is taking over the downstairs area of Article 24.

By Alex Wilking· 12/5/2016, 4:04 p.m.

Bandita Brighton. / Photo provided

Taco and tequila fans, take note: A a subterranean Mexican tapas bar debuts underneath a new Brighton restaurant this week.

Back in June, Article 24 landed with contemporary American fare like inventive burgers, and stiff cocktails. Now, the restaurant’s downstairs space is spinning off into its own concept. On Wednesday, December 7, a West Coast-style Mexican restaurant and tequila bar opens, called Bandita Brighton. It’s the newest venture from Good nU Hospitality Group (formally the Neighborhood Restaurant Group), which also oversees Local 149 in Southie and Biltmore & Main in Reading.

Leading the kitchen at Bandita is chef Wally Salguero, formally of Local 149. His new menu focuses on sharable plates like barbecue pork belly tacos, carne asada fries, rolled tacos, and lobster queso. The drink menu revolves heavily around tequila, so dinner is served alongside more than 100 different tequilas, including more premium options like Artenom 12-year, and a $150-a-glass Partida Elegante.

The space takes the form of a cozy lounge area, with a graffiti-style display near the entrance by local artist Jay West. Brightly painted skulls line the walls, alongside various works by artist Markus Sebastiano. As Eater Boston noted, Sebastiano’s work is also on display at local restaurants like Tavern Road and Local 149.

Bandita Brighton will be open from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and will soon debut a weekend brunch menu from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Bandita Brighton, 458 Western Ave., Brighton, 617-254-2424, Facebook page.