El Bandito

First, if this is all you read get the Mezcal smoke margarita. This establishment is run by an excellent chef, who serves all handmade food. Tortillas, chips, guac, salsa all handmade there of the freshest ingredients. We had 2 in our party that were GF, so Mexican always makes sense. I had the creamy green sauce enchilada with just the right amount of rice and beans on the side. The rest had rib eye tacos. All were excellent! And nobody else on the Durango Silverton train made it to the restaurant, so we were seated directly and served quickly.

When we reached they were out of couple of options from the menu. We were feeling sort of disappointed. But we ordered anyway as we were hungry. To our surprise whatever we ordered was very nicely presented and delicious and so much refreshing. Forgot to take pictures of all food we ordered and we were busy enjoying the great flavours. Will definitely recommend it.

Tasty and authentic Mexican food has finally come to Silverton! Corn tortillas are made in house and all salsas are delicious. My favorite dishes are the Ribeye Tacos, Carne Asada Bowl, Queso Dip, and the Shrimp Tacos. Ashley and Nick at the bar always make me tasty mocktails like this Palisade Peach Seltzer and Louise, Krista, and Blanca are awesome servers!

Somewhere between the dust-kissed alleys of Silverton and the ghost of the old frontier, there’s a place where the law of the land is flavor, and the sheriff wears an apron. El Bandito doesn’t serve food. It deals experiences. Outlaws, wanderers, and weekend gunslingers—like us—walk in hungry and walk out believers. No menus shouted. No neon signs blinking for attention. Just the scent of something bold—the kind of scent that'd stop a bounty hunter in his tracks. We settled in, eyes scanning the saloon-style woodwork, music low and gritty in the background, the hum of stories long gone still echoing from the walls. Then the magic hit. Ajillo Mushroom Tacos—not your typical ride through town. These were loaded like a six-shooter, smoky and seared just right, dripping with garlicky attitude and kissed by something that felt downright spiritual. You don’t eat these tacos—you surrender to them. The Burrito came in next. Not rolled, but coiled like a sleeping rattler—dangerous, heavy, and full of fire. It didn’t just have flavor, it had character. Each bite was a chapter, unfolding with layers of spice, slow-cooked soul, and swagger. And the Bowl? That was the finale. Like watching the last 10 minutes of Goodfellas—chaotic, rich, and unforgettable. Everything was in its place: rice like a bed of gold, charred veggies with that outlaw bite, sauce that lingered like a whispered threat. El Bandito doesn’t just feed you. It pulls you into a western tale where every dish is a showdown and every bite, a standoff. So if you’re ever rolling through Silverton, forget the map. Follow the scent of rebellion. Step through those doors like you’re walking into the last scene of a classic Western. Because El Bandito ain’t just a restaurant. It’s the damn legend.

Don't fall for the people that pay for traffic. These guys make everything from scratch including the adobo for the taco al pastor which are awesome. Salsa is first rate. If you are on the train...choose this place. You're welcome.

The menu is limited, but the food is great. Just like being in Mexico. Simple, but fresh and delicious. Their salsa is amazing. We also got to say "Hi" to the owner and he explained a little bit about the food and ingredients and where he was from. It was a great experience all around. We will be eating here every time we go to Silverton

Everything about this place is awesome! Mario has truly created something special in Silverton. The food is incredible and the people are so friendly. We went back-to-back nights while in town for some skiing and will definitely be back!

Best tacos in not only Silverton but in all the Southwest. Live music, good beer, and good service. Can’t beat it!!