It seems like Graffiato chef-owner Mike Isabella is anxious to get his new Mexican concept, Bandolero, open as soon as possible. First there was the Bandolero pop-up, and now we hear he’s taking over Tackle Box in Cleveland Park for a Bandolero “preview” while construction wraps up at the ultimate destination in Georgetown. Tackle Box owner Jonathan Umbel, who’s also the proprietor of the erstwhile Hook space on M Street that Isabella is transforming into Bandolero, will temporarily close the seafood shack while the toque re-debuts his eatery.
If you’re thinking of dropping in for a bite and a prickly pear margarita, not so fast. Likely in order to keep things (i.e., crowds, quality) under control, Isabella is offering a five-course dinner tasting menu exclusively, starting April 19 (see reservation dates below). It’s $65 per person, including tax and gratuity, which is gentler than that of the Living Social pop-up, but you may see some similar dishes in the lineup of Mexican dips, enchiladas, tacos, and other small plates (take a look at some of the dishes here). Head bartender Sam Babcock will offer a cocktail pairing as well as drinks à la carte. Things get more casual–and probably pretty loco–on Cinco de Mayo, when the restaurant will be open from noon to 1 AM offering an à-la-carte menu and gratis margarita tastings from 5 to 7 PM.
The bar will also be open for walk-ins to drink and dine on the dates below. For those seeking a table, race to the reservations!
Reservations are available starting at 6 PM on the following dates:
Thursday, April 19, through Saturday, April 21
Tuesday, April 24, through Saturday, April 28
Tuesday, May 1, through Friday, May 4