This place shouldn’t even be allowed to call itself a Mexican restaurant—honestly, not even So-Cal. It’s gentrified, uninspired, and just downright bad.
OK. — the carnitas taco. More like sad, stringy pulled pork straight out of a Super Bowl crockpot that’s been running for 12 hours. Overcooked, dry, and lifeless. The pico? It didn’t help. Bland, mushy, and as tired as I felt after the first bite. Calling this carnitas is blasphemy.
Then there was the pork belly taco—somehow even worse. It was basically small, well-done bacon bits. No richness, no tenderness, just a chewy, overcooked mess. Pork belly is supposed to be indulgent, but this? This was just sad. The moment these tacos arrived on one of those obligatory hipster trays without limes, I knew I had been sold up the river.
The salsa trio? Terrible. I’ve had better from a gas station. And for $11 a taco? Absolute highway robbery. But it’s Andover, so I guess no one’s keeping track.
The drinks? Meh. Weak and overpriced at $16 a pop. If you’re looking for actual good Mexican food, do yourself a favor and go somewhere—anywhere—else.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Wellington DeSouza
Staff very good job. Drink ok Food terrible ,my burrito cold plan no teste. I can give e -5 star If you want eat Mexican food go to real Mexican place.
Anon G
I think the review ballot box is stuff with paid reviews. I Live up the road , been here three times with friends and had similar experiences. I think the restaurant is slowing down. I brought my family of 4 here on Thursday night. Dinner took two hours and the place was empty from 7-9pm.
The vibe is cool but the actual process and value nay gate coming back for even a drink with a friend, which is a shame. My overall take is this place is a pretentious hipster nickel grabb, and we are paying for the pleasure of being there. I won't say stay away but here's what you'll get.
The mixed drinks are expensive at $14-$20 for served in small 8oz glasses, where ice takes up half the volume of the glass. Tequila, which I enjoy straight starts at $22 or so for well brands, don Julio was around $25. Mixed drinks are priced with low quality liquor which I think they cut, it's not like tequila I've ever had. You can pay an $3 upcharge upcharge for patron, bringing the price up to $17 for essentially a 4oz drink. It's not uncommon for us to spend $100+ on alcoholic drinks at more expensive places during a night out so it's not so much the cost vs we'd like a good drink. Who doesn't? Unfortunately drinks were disappointing.
I had base margs, wife had Rickey martains and a base. Our margs were noticeably weak. My wife felt the same way on hers. Were not lushes but $14 for 8oz glasses, where the drink it's really only about 4oz, You should get a good drink, these were not. I understand sometimes you can get a light pour from a bartender, no big deal it happens. While ordering a second drink I mentioned the first was a little weak. They said they'd make it stronger. They actually charged me $6 extra for a double shot and didn't tell me. I saw the charge on my email receipt the next morning. Had I known they'd change me a double I would have rathered straight tequila. I'm sure that would have been a tightly controlled pour too. The double shot brought out the flavor of the well tequila they used which wasn't particularly great. It's almost like the silver tequila was cut with water and the flavor was dulled. Or perhaps they shake the tequila first with ice watering it down. I didn't feel like I just had 3 shots worth of tequila within 45min so something is up with the drinks.
The wait staff was plentiful, attentive and friendly. No problem there. They seemed to be staffed for a crowd but when we left at 9 it was quite all night. The low star rating is for the kitchen speed.
This places makes burritos and tacos at $22 for two tacos or a burrito. No kids menus, no problem. The food was good. Not sure about $22 good but good, no authentic flavors or anything really strong in real flavor. Their homemade hot sauce was weak. Quality ingredients though, better than casa Blanca, however and id had to say this but compared to Chipotle in quality or in flavor, idk it's close. Chipotle has way more flavor and $13 burritos, add that to the tequila I have at home and the over all experience would be better. I will say the steak i had in the burrito was perfectly cooked med. rare and a great sirloin cut. If they had a $40 carne asada with flavor that didn't take an hour I maybe down. The issue is the kitchen speed.
Nachos took 45min. another 45min for the entrees to arrive, again the place was less than half full and the inside of my burrito was warm going on cold. All of their dishes are simple and quick to make so something is broken in the Kitchen . This seems to be well known problem.
The two hours was painful, the drinks were disappointing sub par and we paid top tier pricing on everything. $260 including 20% tip and my $21 "double shot" marg. It's a cool vibe, the food is good but there is no draw to go back here with the pricing, speed or drink quality. Fixing two of
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Erica Sofia
Excellent drinks, highly recommend the queso and chips. The pork belly and carnitas tacos were very good and I look forward to returning
Vegetarian options: Vegan options clearly listed on menu, cauliflower tacos, brussel sprout tacos, and a burrito (i don't remember if the burrito was listed as vegan or vegetarian)
Dietary restrictions: The wait staff was knowledgeable about allergens and helpful
Parking: Lots of street parking and several paid parking lots nearby, when we arrived at 8pm parking was free
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
P
Bueno Malo is exceptional! We went there to meet family who live in Andover. The Staff were outstanding, the food was perfect (Kudos to the Chef), and the atmosphere was excellent! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish, Nachos, Carnitas, Fish Taco, Steak, Guacamole
Kelso Neal
Franco and Mike are awesome owners. The food is amazing as well as the drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chipotle Maple Chicken Wings, Chips & Salsa Trio, Fish Taco, Guacamole
Rick
We had an outstanding dinner experience. The atmosphere is laid back yet very modern with great lighting. Our server was attentive and very helpful in explaining some of the menu items. The food is quite special. We had pork belly, empanadas, tacos and burritos and all were perfect in every way. We look forward to going back again soon.
Paul Greaves
Great tacos
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Family
Third time here. Love our server. Drinks on point. Our favorite is the tuna app & street corn. Daughter and hubs got the burritos and I tried two tacos - shrimp & fried chicken. Loved all. Just very loud patrons. It's ok. The food made up for that.
Nick
Food was mediocre... expected more from the hype from phantom gourmet segment... waitress seemed lost in her service she was handling other tables outside but didn't pay much attention to or table... food was not as authentic as we had hoped it was disappointing
This is the best restaurant in the area. We've become regulars here and show up once a week at least. Im sitting at the bar right now writing this review. Staff is great, food and drinks are great and consistent, and the owners mike and franco are always welcoming and friendly. Best fish taco ive ever had, and the nachos are huge. The afternoon delight is my go to drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chipotle Maple Chicken Wings, Chicken Taco, Nachos, Fish Taco, Pork Belly Taco
We were celebrating my son‘s 30th birthday. The extra attention that was given to us was so appreciative.  The birthday card from the staff was such a special  gesture. Thanks for making our night awesome.
Unixgoose
Food and service were great. Prices are a bit high for what you get. $11 per taco. $20 for a Romaine and Arugula salad (no romaine in the bowl, though) with chicken. Drinks are also pricey (and not very strong)
Sharanya Sarkar
Had such a nice time here. This place is quite a vibe, and the service is exceptional. The owner of this place, Mike is so friendly and warm, and offered phenomenal hospitality. Our waters were refilled regularly, we were asked if we had any allergies before ordering anything. My bf liked his Paloma cocktail. I took the oh face cocktail, but felt like it could've been better. We also ended up taking neat mezcal on ice, and that was pretty good. Mike offered us some orange garnish, which was pretty refreshing for the mezcal. For apps we took the shrimp in chipotle shrimp, and it was very tasty. My entree (pork belly taco and shrimp taco) were equally good. We were also offered rice and beans on the house as well as some aged mezcal (thank you Mike)! Everything cost about ~$135 (4 drinks + 1 app + 2 entrees)
Easy Peasy101
The food was good and the servers were very nice. The restaurant was very pretty. Definitely a fun spot to check out!
This place shouldn’t even be allowed to call itself a Mexican restaurant—honestly, not even So-Cal. It’s gentrified, uninspired, and just downright bad.
OK. — the carnitas taco. More like sad, stringy pulled pork straight out of a Super Bowl crockpot that’s been running for 12 hours. Overcooked, dry, and lifeless. The pico? It didn’t help. Bland, mushy, and as tired as I felt after the first bite. Calling this carnitas is blasphemy.
Then there was the pork belly taco—somehow even worse. It was basically small, well-done bacon bits. No richness, no tenderness, just a chewy, overcooked mess. Pork belly is supposed to be indulgent, but this? This was just sad. The moment these tacos arrived on one of those obligatory hipster trays without limes, I knew I had been sold up the river.
The salsa trio? Terrible. I’ve had better from a gas station. And for $11 a taco? Absolute highway robbery. But it’s Andover, so I guess no one’s keeping track.
The drinks? Meh. Weak and overpriced at $16 a pop. If you’re looking for actual good Mexican food, do yourself a favor and go somewhere—anywhere—else.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 3
Staff very good job.
Drink ok
Food terrible ,my burrito cold plan no teste.
I can give e -5 star
If you want eat Mexican food go to real Mexican place.
I think the review ballot box is stuff with paid reviews. I Live up the road , been here three times with friends and had similar experiences. I think the restaurant is slowing down. I brought my family of 4 here on Thursday night. Dinner took two hours and the place was empty from 7-9pm.
The vibe is cool but the actual process and value nay gate coming back for even a drink with a friend, which is a shame. My overall take is this place is a pretentious hipster nickel grabb, and we are paying for the pleasure of being there. I won't say stay away but here's what you'll get.
The mixed drinks are expensive at $14-$20 for served in small 8oz glasses, where ice takes up half the volume of the glass. Tequila, which I enjoy straight starts at $22 or so for well brands, don Julio was around $25. Mixed drinks are priced with low quality liquor which I think they cut, it's not like tequila I've ever had. You can pay an $3 upcharge upcharge for patron, bringing the price up to $17 for essentially a 4oz drink. It's not uncommon for us to spend $100+ on alcoholic drinks at more expensive places during a night out so it's not so much the cost vs we'd like a good drink. Who doesn't? Unfortunately drinks were disappointing.
I had base margs, wife had Rickey martains and a base. Our margs were noticeably weak. My wife felt the same way on hers. Were not lushes but $14 for 8oz glasses, where the drink it's really only about 4oz, You should get a good drink, these were not. I understand sometimes you can get a light pour from a bartender, no big deal it happens. While ordering a second drink I mentioned the first was a little weak. They said they'd make it stronger. They actually charged me $6 extra for a double shot and didn't tell me. I saw the charge on my email receipt the next morning. Had I known they'd change me a double I would have rathered straight tequila. I'm sure that would have been a tightly controlled pour too. The double shot brought out the flavor of the well tequila they used which wasn't particularly great. It's almost like the silver tequila was cut with water and the flavor was dulled. Or perhaps they shake the tequila first with ice watering it down. I didn't feel like I just had 3 shots worth of tequila within 45min so something is up with the drinks.
The wait staff was plentiful, attentive and friendly. No problem there. They seemed to be staffed for a crowd but when we left at 9 it was quite all night. The low star rating is for the kitchen speed.
This places makes burritos and tacos at $22 for two tacos or a burrito. No kids menus, no problem. The food was good. Not sure about $22 good but good, no authentic flavors or anything really strong in real flavor. Their homemade hot sauce was weak. Quality ingredients though, better than casa Blanca, however and id had to say this but compared to Chipotle in quality or in flavor, idk it's close. Chipotle has way more flavor and $13 burritos, add that to the tequila I have at home and the over all experience would be better. I will say the steak i had in the burrito was perfectly cooked med. rare and a great sirloin cut. If they had a $40 carne asada with flavor that didn't take an hour I maybe down. The issue is the kitchen speed.
Nachos took 45min. another 45min for the entrees to arrive, again the place was less than half full and the inside of my burrito was warm going on cold. All of their dishes are simple and quick to make so something is broken in the Kitchen . This seems to be well known problem.
The two hours was painful, the drinks were disappointing sub par and we paid top tier pricing on everything. $260 including 20% tip and my $21 "double shot" marg. It's a cool vibe, the food is good but there is no draw to go back here with the pricing, speed or drink quality. Fixing two of
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Excellent drinks, highly recommend the queso and chips. The pork belly and carnitas tacos were very good and I look forward to returning
Vegetarian options: Vegan options clearly listed on menu, cauliflower tacos, brussel sprout tacos, and a burrito (i don't remember if the burrito was listed as vegan or vegetarian)
Dietary restrictions: The wait staff was knowledgeable about allergens and helpful
Parking: Lots of street parking and several paid parking lots nearby, when we arrived at 8pm parking was free
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Bueno Malo is exceptional! We went there to meet family who live in Andover. The Staff were outstanding, the food was perfect (Kudos to the Chef), and the atmosphere was excellent! Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fish, Nachos, Carnitas, Fish Taco, Steak, Guacamole
Franco and Mike are awesome owners. The food is amazing as well as the drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chipotle Maple Chicken Wings, Chips & Salsa Trio, Fish Taco, Guacamole
We had an outstanding dinner experience. The atmosphere is laid back yet very modern with great lighting. Our server was attentive and very helpful in explaining some of the menu items. The food is quite special. We had pork belly, empanadas, tacos and burritos and all were perfect in every way. We look forward to going back again soon.
Great tacos
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Third time here. Love our server. Drinks on point. Our favorite is the tuna app & street corn. Daughter and hubs got the burritos and I tried two tacos - shrimp & fried chicken. Loved all. Just very loud patrons. It's ok. The food made up for that.
Food was mediocre... expected more from the hype from phantom gourmet segment... waitress seemed lost in her service she was handling other tables outside but didn't pay much attention to or table... food was not as authentic as we had hoped it was disappointing
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the best restaurant in the area. We've become regulars here and show up once a week at least. Im sitting at the bar right now writing this review. Staff is great, food and drinks are great and consistent, and the owners mike and franco are always welcoming and friendly. Best fish taco ive ever had, and the nachos are huge. The afternoon delight is my go to drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chipotle Maple Chicken Wings, Chicken Taco, Nachos, Fish Taco, Pork Belly Taco
We were celebrating my son‘s 30th birthday. The extra attention that was given to us was so appreciative.  The birthday card from the staff was such a special  gesture. Thanks for making our night awesome.
Food and service were great. Prices are a bit high for what you get. $11 per taco. $20 for a Romaine and Arugula salad (no romaine in the bowl, though) with chicken. Drinks are also pricey (and not very strong)
Had such a nice time here. This place is quite a vibe, and the service is exceptional. The owner of this place, Mike is so friendly and warm, and offered phenomenal hospitality. Our waters were refilled regularly, we were asked if we had any allergies before ordering anything. My bf liked his Paloma cocktail. I took the oh face cocktail, but felt like it could've been better. We also ended up taking neat mezcal on ice, and that was pretty good. Mike offered us some orange garnish, which was pretty refreshing for the mezcal. For apps we took the shrimp in chipotle shrimp, and it was very tasty. My entree (pork belly taco and shrimp taco) were equally good. We were also offered rice and beans on the house as well as some aged mezcal (thank you Mike)! Everything cost about ~$135 (4 drinks + 1 app + 2 entrees)
The food was good and the servers were very nice. The restaurant was very pretty. Definitely a fun spot to check out!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Fish Taco
Loading...