I was really looking forward to eating here after reading the reviews. Unfortunately, I cannot rate this restaurant highly. I ate here on Thursday with my husband, sister, and four kids (two teens and two kids). Three of us got burritos and two of us got tacos. The kids ate kids meals. Right off the bat, we were asked what kind of salsa we wanted for the table (they have four kinds) but were told that only the first salsa was "free". If you wanted additional salsas, you were charged $1.99/salsa. That would have been fine except that they served salsa in individual portions--not nearly enough for a seven top. I had two tacos: shrimp and pork barbacoa. While the pork was tasty, the shrimp had an overly fish-y taste and smell (I did not finish my taco). While the rest of our group ranged from delicious to meh, overall we were not impressed. For my money, I would eat at Chipolte over here. read more

We went there with a group of 9 and they were very accommodating. The food is absolutely delicious and tastes very fresh. Our server was very helpful. I will definitely return read more

I love Mexican food and this place was really good, very affordable (esp. compared to some of the over-priced places in OBX), and easy to get into! We went here twice during our week long stay in OBX the end of June 2013, I personally could have eaten here more. Let's start with the food, after all that's what you're looking for right?! The chips and salsa were delicious! The salsa was freshly made and they had several different blends. My only gripe was that you had to pay if you wanted more salsa or chips after the first round. I guess that keeps down the free-loaders. I had three tacos: a fish (Mahi Mahi) taco, a shrimp taco, and a steak taco. All three were delicious and perfectly cooked. Each had their own garnishments that were perfectly paired with the proteins. It was like heaven on a plate. I was with a party of 8, not a complaint among them... I heard great reviews about the tortilla wrapped burger and basil garlic fries, the shrimp burrito, the steak burrito (reminiscent of Chipotle or Moe's size), and the pork belly tacos. WOW! It really was amazing. To top it off... it was sooo affordable! I have paid 3 or 4 times the costs at OBX and been much less satisfied. Thumbs up to Chef! The service was excellent! Both of the servers we had were very attentive, knowledgeable about the menu, and able to make adjustments for the kids in our group. The meals came out relatively quick, besides you had delicious salsa and chips to enjoy. The glasses were kept filled and everything flowed smoothly. The second time we were there we hit the regular dinner timeframe and were seated in about 15 minutes for a party of 4. That was a whole lot better than the humungous line around Black Pelican and I was certainly happy with the change. Yeah it's in a strip shopping center, but I didn't come here to look out the window... I came here to eat! Once you're inside you find yourself in the typical cantina style restaurant. It was clean and comfortable. I'd be happy if it was a little bigger, but that's only for my selfish desire to make sure they always have room for me. All in all, I hope to eat here for many years to come when I'm in the outer banks. They also have a Chipotle style version in the Tim Buck II shopping center where I friends ate. Yum! read more

Only serves tacos and burritos for main lunch. No entrees. Overhyped in my opinion and rather average food and service.

This place was amazing!! To come to the beach and find a good mexican food joint is awesome!! The Albondigas were awesome and cooked perfect!! very moist and very flavorful, the Cali burritos were very filling and packed full of Meat and not just beans and rice. I will be back and encourage you to try!!! read more

Walked in and my wife commented that her shoes were sticking to the floor. Needed a good moping. Anyway, the salsa and chips that are usually free are not. $4 or so. I had the pork burrito which was large, heavy and good. My wife enjoyed her meal as well- shrimp burrito. Left with a small dent in the wallet. Probably wouldn't go back as there was nothing that special...but a good basic southwestern restaurant with a limited selection. read more

Delish! Complimentary chips and salsa. We had the medium salsa, which had a lot of spice and wonderful flavor. I had the mahi fish taco, they were absolutely delicious. read more

My favortie lunch spot to hit while on vacation. As was mentioned, the pork belly tacos are awesome as is the Guac. Eaten her 4 times and never had a bad meal. A strip mall jewel. read more

Fabulous. Literally so good, best guac and queso I've ever had 10/10 please treat yourself

Great tacos and the queso dip is stellar! Make sure to order extra though! Would definitely go back!

Coming from Colorado, we have a pretty good taste of Mexican food and man this place delivers.

Best fish tacos between here and Santa Cruz ! This is a special place and is highly recommended.

That's the place near here. Order once the monthly. Order the giant burritos then eat this burrito completed. Another the day order a taco dish look not bad but neat food. But it is killing my mouth with these the firestorm nacho. Cough few time. read more

Yum. Go there to eat, not talk. It's a little noisy. Service is weirdly sketchy. Everyone is friendly, but it seems like you're always waiting for the staff. Order the PORK BELLY TACOS! They are alacarte - which is great cuz you don't get served that typical beans and rice you get with the average mexican restaurant. I got one pork belly taco and 1 fish taco. 2 was enough for me. The Classic Mojito was kinda strong. But it was fresh! I wasn't sure what kind of rum they use (No one on the staff got around to answering my question). They really should know that off the bat anyway. Regardless of their shortcomings, I still would make everyone go there just for the delicious food! read more

Awesome food. We shared the chip sampler with salsa and guacamole. My wife got pork belly tacos which were awesome. I got the Mole burrito which was very good, but if I went back again I would get an order of the pork belly taco's for myself. now I am hungry again.... read more

Staff was super friendly and accommodating. Tacos were delicious. Salsa was great. Tried the verde and the medium. Great find.

This place rocks. Their ingredients are super fresh and everything is made in house. They're one of the only places on the beach that offers vegetarian options- I loved their goat cheese, mushroom quesadilla! If you like meat -you gotta try the beef brisket. I rarely eat meat... But even I can't help but have a bite or two because its so well prepared. Great daily specials, incredible homemade salsa (watch out for the hot, it'll tear you up) friendly staff and I'm excited about going for tapas night. read more

Best tacos EVER. We tried the fish, chicken, pork and beef. Loved all of them, but the pork and beef were my favorites. The guacamole was fresh and flavorful with just the right amount of salt. Watermelon margaritas were perfect summertime drink. Will definitely be back! read more

To go experience was bad...Failed to provide salsa with chips, one of our burritos and extra salsa we requested. These were charged to the bill so I called to communicate the mix-up and spoke with Helen and her manager, Eric about the service break however both had a dismissive attitude. Food tasted fine but experience left a poor taste. read more

I can't believe I've been to the Outer Banks for the last 7 years and just now tried it! I had a burrito with black beans and tofu...it was the BEST burrito I've ever had! All of my friends were equally as impressed by their choices. I also highly recommend the guacamole...we ordered a second bowl! Give them a try, you won't be disappointed! read more

The Bad Bean serves excellent Mexican food at very reasonable prices. The place is not fancy, but the service is friendly and prompt. I had the Taco Salad with shredded pork, which was the waitress' favorite, and definitely one I would have again, too! read more

WOW, this place was fantastic! Calorie dense but a great reward after kiteboarding in the Outer Banks. Unique and interesting combinations. The pork belly jalapeño popper egg rolls were superbly decadent! A culinary genius who decided to wrap these ingredients together and deep fry it. The chipotle meatball quesadilla had bold flavor and oozing with cheese. And you must have the garlic cilantro fries too, and wash it down with a margarita! read more

Best place in the world. The mole burrito is to die for. If you do not eat here your not living life.

Such a great way to modernize Mexican food. So many great options and some seriously potent but tasty margaritas. Our server was absolutely great, extremely friendly and very attentive to our table. read more

We had the mahi mahi taco and the baja burger. Both were excellent! We went at an off-time, so they were not extremely busy. Service was excellent and we couldn't beat the prices! Very pleased with the entire visit and would definately go back if we visit Outer Banks again! read more

I've been coming to the OBX for 31 years and always eat at the "big name restaurants" on the beach and usually leave disappointed due to the lack of options as a non seafood eater. Bad bean did not disappoint!!! It is a little hidden gem in a strip center that I am so glad I decided to try out! The food was fresh and delicious! And the queso... So good!! Wish I could've taken some back to ohio with me. The staff were all super friendly and efficient! Looking forward to my next trip to the OBX so we can come here again! Yummmm!! read more

Great food, drinks, and service! I highly recommend the grilled mahi tacos. The hottest salsa is really really hot, but good. Their speciality margaritas are truly good! We had a strawberry basil margarita the first night and then a few days later the honey dew one. They weren't too sugary, which we greatly appreciated! Keep making amazing food! read more

Good beers, decent food and no surprises. If you're in the Kitty Hawk area and dig both, give it a shot.

For a place that was packed, the food and service was lackluster. First our server was super out of it, it was like her eyes were two seconds away from glazing over. Whatever maybe she was having a bad day. So we ordered the appetizer nachos that were an incredible ELEVEN DOLLARS for a small plate of unseasoned toppings. The black beans were horrendous, seasoned with too much... cumin? I guess. For our entrees we got build your own burritos which were again filled to the brim with the gross black beans, unseasoned rice, and 3 pieces of sad lettuce. I got queso on mine that was supposed to be an extra 2 but they charged 3.50. Oh yeah and the restaurant was FREEZING. Only reason Im giving this place 2 stars is that it party satisfied my quest for Mexican food in OBX read more

Great food! Rude service!!! Fish tacos are excellent but received 2 soapy cups of water. Manager was rude when I finally asked for some water in a styrofoam kids cup which did not taste like soap by the way. She slammed it on the table and walked away. Never apologized or came back to make sure everything was ok. I usually don't complain but she was extremely rude. read more

The food is very flavorful and fresh! Definitely worth going to for lunch or dinner, especially if you like tacos. Highly recommend the mahi tacos! read more

Mehh... tacos are blah and the guacamole was definitely store bought. Margarita was very sweet.

One of our favorite stops every time we come to the OBX. These fish tacos are out of this world amazing, as are every other taco on the menu. I'm not sure how the get the amazing flavor into that fish, but it will blow your mind. The tortillas are incredibly flavorful, add to the deliciousness of the taco. Something that's not always on the menu are the pork belly tacos...if it is on the menu buy as many as you can carry...these are AMAZING. The tenderness of the pork belly combined with the full flavor if the tortilla and sauce makes this a must buy if it is offered. Overall, this place should be in your top 3 stops in the OBX!! read more

Great service, followed by great food, equals 5stars!! Our server was very knowledgeable about the entire menu. Recommended great drinks! I know Latino food is hard to Eff up with the cheese, dressings and sauces but this place did it right. From the home made fire roasted salsas, to the pork belly tacos everything was 5star! My only suggestion would to make the Christmas or Fresh fruit margarita year round...#shedrunk!! read more

The brisket tacos were awesome and the quesadillas are too. Make sure to get the queso, it was great!

Just had some takeout from Bad Bean tonight.... quesadillas and burritos were insanely good. I've eaten here several times and my favorites are the fish tacos, ceviche and the meatballs. Also, party packs are the bomb if you are trying to satisfy a large group. read more

Amazing, Amazing, Amazing food!!! Best fish tacos ive ever had!!! Great atmosphere, full bar. Love this place.

Had a Stone IPA draft beer and a pork Cali burrito. Burrito was big and very tasty. They offer a round of complimentary chips and salsa and the salsa was very good. And they have a good beer selection. Wish I had discovered the place sooner. read more

Ok let me start by saying this was the most amazing Mexican-inspired cuisine I've had in a long time. The salsa Verde and chips were a great start then the chicken nacho appetizer really got me excited about what was to come. The "Shredder" burrito was off the chain good filled with skirt steak and garlic cilantro fries and cheese curds on top. My son had a meatball quesadilla which sounds weird but was outstanding. My girlfriend and my daughter had a create your own burrito which was pretty damn special too. All around a great meal my only complaint is our waitress disappeared for a very long time and didn't refill our drinks but I let it slide as everything else was so great. A must go for Yelpers everywhere. read more

Great service, friendly staff, delicious food, generous portions. Will definitely put this place on the goto list.