Dear Reader, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go to 1435 N. Main St. in Springville. This mission will involve entering Joe Banditos Fiestaurant, ordering Steak Fajitas, eating them, and then giving your best effort to deny they are extremely delicious and highly affordable. You will see why this mission is….impossible. Should you break into joyous dancing and singing upon eating said fajitas, http://www.whatscookinutah.com/ will disavow any knowledge of your existence ( but secretly feel great for you!) This review will self destruct in 5, 4, 3, 2……

Does anyone want an alternative to Los Hermanos? Here it is. Not that I’m saying Los Hermanos is bad (though I will have some complaints when I review them) but who wants to eat at the same place every week?! I was introduced by my friend and fellow review’er (is that a word?) Cameron. He told me one day “Matt, I ate the best Fajitas I’ve ever had last night”. I of course was skeptical, but thought it was worth looking into.
After 3 visits, I agree with him…to an extent. So let’s get to the review.

Joe Banditos is on North Main in Springville next to Brand X burger. As far as I know it was a bar for years, and that would make sense, as you can catch a light smell of smoke in the restaurant. Joe Banditos is not a high class joint, from the outside it isn’t impressive, and to be honest the inside isnt a whole lot better, though it is nice enough. There is plenty of seating and even on a packed night you usually won’t wait to be seated. I love that as I’m going to sit down someone is following me with my chips and salsa! I thought the kid was trying to get around me to another table but as soon as I sat down he placed the chips and salsa in front of me and took my drink order (I had my pepsi within 2 minutes). Since you always end up eating a ton of chips and salsa at most Mexican restaurants, I put a lot of stock in that part of the meal, and Joe’s doesn’t disappoint. The chips are great and the salsa is a perfect mix of your Los Hermanos style salsa with no veggies and thick pico de gallo. The menu is not online yet and I don’t have time to type it out, but I will say that they have all your traditional items and some extras like stuffed Jalapeños.

The burritos are good and the nachos are good. My wife likes their chimichangas. They are not the “meat only on the inside” chimis. You’ll get chunks of chicken or beef mixed with a green salsa and some light veggies. Everything I have tried is good and affordable. But, …. There is one main reason to go to Joe’s, The Steak Fajitas. How much would you expect to pay for a big filling steak fajita? My low guess would be 10.99 high guess 15.99 around here. Imagine my surprise when I was informed Joe’s were 8.99! I just assumed that that was the price for veggie fajitas, or if it was for steak fajitas, they must be small. Lucky for me and you, I was wrong. For 8.99 you get a generous portion of steak, onions and red peppers. A second plate holds large amounts of Guac, sour cream, cheese and beans. And if you’re tired of asking for a fourth tortilla, this is your place, they just assume you want it. These are not the best fajitas I have ever had, those were in Puerto Vallarta, but they may be the best around here. If you take into account the price, they are the best hands down.

I’ve enjoyed every visit to Joe Banditos and anticipate enjoying many more. I hope you join me in supporting this wonderful place.

Pros: Fast friendly service, Great prices, No long waits, Great chips & salsa, Wonderful steak fajitas.

Cons: I can’t help but smell cigarette smoke(could be in my mind, tell me what you think), lacks the atmosphere of a “los hermanos” and… and…. I think I’m out of Cons!

Final Verdict: If you like Mexican food you need to try this place at least once. Make sure you try the steak fajitas, and enjoy the friendly service. Joe’s wont “blow your mind” but it may become the first place you think of when you want good Mexican food. Enjoy!

1435 N. Main St. in Springville