Around Town

A ‘taco temple’ is expected to open in Pentagon City next month

A new taco-and-tequila spot in Pentagon City is now looking to open in the middle of next month.

The Baltimore-based Banditos Bar & Kitchen is planning on a mid-May serving date at 1301 S. Joyce Street in the Westpost shopping center, formerly known at Pentagon Row, the restaurant announced.

The restaurant is known for its 20 different types of tacos as well as a wide selection of tequila and mezcal. It currently has two other open locations, both in the Baltimore area.

The self-described “taco temple” is moving into the former home of Thaiphoon, which shuttered in November after more than a decade. Banditos is taking over a 3,000 square foot space with outdoor seating and will be adding several other features.

“Our Arlington location will be an energetic gathering spot showcasing an open urban vibe with indoor and outdoor dining,” co-owner Sean White says in the press release. “Our 3,000 square-foot restaurant features folding garage doors, an indoor to outdoor bar that opens to Pentagon Row Plaza and a convenient exterior pick-up window.”

Last year, White told ARLnow that the layout and design of the Arlington location would be similar to the other Banditos locations in Maryland. He also noted that Amazon’s HQ2, located less than a mile from Banditos in Westpost, made the county a good fit for the restaurant’s expansion.

A second Virginia location for Banditos, in Fairfax, is expected to open in the fall.