Hi Tops co-owners Jesse Woodward and Dana Gleim are fast approaching the opening of their second venture, Bandidos. And we're pretty excited, too.
Practically across the street from their popular LGBT sports bar, Bandidos—the Castro's first sit down Mexican restaurant—is going in at the corner of Marker and 15th (formerly Leticia's restaurant). The menu will feature a fresh take on Mexican classics including unique taco dishes influenced by Woodward and Gleim's world travels and help from consulting chef Jamie Lauren (Top Chef Season 5 and 8). A sneak peek reveals tasty options like crispy kale sprouts with morita chilies, sweet plantain tacos with jicama and picchu, and picadillo tacos with pickles and shredded cheese.
Plus, Bandidos will also have an extensive bar program (of course) of rare mezcals and tequilas, rare Mexican craft beers, and a rotating batch of seasonal, homemade Agua Fresca – available with or without booze.
Sounds delicious, right?
The space is set to open the first week of August and the plan is to serve dinner during the week from 4 to 11 pm and be open on weekends for brunch, lunch, and dinner from 10 am to 11 pm.
In honor of their new restaurant, we caught up with Jesse and Dana and asked them seven essential questions about their lives in San Francisco:
1. What neighborhood do you currently call home? Would you ever move or are you happy in your 'hood?
JW: I have lived in the Castro for almost 15 years now and love it. SF has a ton of great neighborhoods, but I really can’t imagine being far away from Dolores Park.
DG: I have lived dirI have lived directly on Dolores Park for 13 years. I guess it's considered Mission Dolores. Although it's gone through many changes over the years I still love it and call it home.
2. What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat in SF?
Burritos – all the time.
Currently my favorite thing is the spicy tuna sandwich from Dinosaur.
3. What's your perfect night on the town?
JW: Starting off at Hi Tops to see all my friends and great co-workers. Spaghetti with bacon and jalepenos from Starbelly, a bike ride to a dance party somewhere that I’ve never been, then back to Hi Tops for a nightcap.
DG: Perfect night would be drinks at Hi Tops followed by sharing a crab caesar and the pasta of the day at Anchor Oyster with my fiance, Sara.
4. When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time.
JW: Kabuki spa, or a bike ride over the bridge.
DG: Best down time place for me is home with my dog. I love being home.
5. What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?
JW: The tourist club on Mt. Tam or Scribe Winery in Sonoma.
DG: Anywhere with water and SUN. Russian River, Yuba River
6. Quick-fire round
Burrito or Burger:
JW: BURRITO
DG: NOT FAIR. I love both
Presidio or Golden Gate Park:
JW: Golden Gate Park
DG: Golden Gate
BiRite or Mitchell's:
JW: BiRite
DG: Mitchells
Bike or MUNI:
JW: Hands down, bike
DG: Neither - It's all about walking.
Fort Mason or Dolores Park:
JW: Dolores Park
DG: Dolores
The Independent or the Fillmore:
JW: Independent
DG: Fillmore
Baker Beach or Ocean Beach:
JW: Baker – the very end of it.
DG: Baker
7. Three words that describe your life in SF?
JW: Adventurous, Blurry, Gay
DG: Hungry, Grateful, GAY
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