I was working in north Phoenix when one of the java developers asked if I wanted to try Chino Bandido.
At first I thought this was just another bad mexican resturaunt, but when I heard it was asian/mexican fusion, I was in for the ride.

We arrived in a small strip mall that didn’t look like much. I should have noticed that the parking lot was full, but I was too preoccupied with curiosity. We walked in the door and were greeted with a 20 person line.

Before I knew what was going on my work buddies handed me a tax form and a red pen.
“Here, fill this out.”

I looked down at the form. At first glance I really thought it was a tax form. I read a recognizable word. Quesadilla. “It’s not a tax form”, I thought. “Maybe some kinda contest form?”, White Rice, “nope.”

Two seconds after I had first looked at the form and I realized it was a menu. Those 2 seconds made me feel like
I was the 3rd grade idiot who had just spent 2 hours trying to solve a simple equation.

Now to figure out how to fill out the damn thing. Peering over a friend’s shoulder, I reverted back to my 3rd grade self and cheated.

I got into the slower line for debit/credit and paid. All the people in the kitchen and behind the counter where friendly, and had cool attitudes. They informed me that they would deliver the food to the name on our form. I walked into the main dining area and got kinda freaked out.

Rows upon rows of “church tables” (cheap tables, plastic/wood, used for church social gatherings). The place was packed. Traditional tables wouldn’t have been able to seat this many people.

I sat down and soon our food came. I didn’t like it. The End.

Wait a second Grampa! How can you end it like that? Your review gives it 5 stars?!!

Much to my luck, I got suckered into going again. This time I asked for help with the menu (They can explain their forms much better than accountants with 1040ez forms), tried a few samples (they were ok), and subsequently had my first custom meal at Chino.

2 & 1Q BLK JFR
$6.25

Chile Relleno, Carnitas Quesadilla, Black Beans (even these are spicy), Jerk Fried Rice.

My first bite was great. And every bite afterwords was better. My favorite meal is a little more mexican than most but it still has some asian spices in it.
I fell in love with the resturaunt right then and there. The sugar cookies after the meal compliments the asian/mexican spicy goodness.

The decor deserves 5 stars for it’s functionality, and because I love the owner’s family pictures on every wall, and the Mascot. Their mascot is a Bandito Panda bear. Chollo mustache, pistolleros, rounds of ammo strapped across his fat panda belly Pancho-Villa style, topped with a sumbrero. The statue is a both locations. Don’t forget to rub his belly on the way out.

Both locations are equally as good, but since I’m in Mesa, I’ve given the Chandler location.

I can’t say I’ve met a person that’s been to Chino that didn’t like the food. Ordering the right custom meal makes all the difference. I’m sure glad I gave it a second chance.