Interesting atmosphere, quite loud but that's to be expected Friday evening. Service was attentive and friendly. I love the chaos of the art-- to the right of me was this acrylic painting of a creepy teddy bear. I couldn't stop looking at it. Truly bizarre, I love that. The restaurant is dim and cozy and there's plenty to look at. The lamb in my meal was so juicy and flavorful, and the "kiss me through the foam" drink was a real treat. I love the watermelon mixed with the spice. Delicious. But my boyfriend's meal, the carne asada, was a bit bland, which was surprising because it cost a bit more than mine. The rice was very good, but the meat was a little plain we both thought. Nothing like the flavor explosion I got from the lamb. Besides that, an amazing Valentine's eve experience. Will be returning. read more

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Went there on a Thursday night. We enjoyed the live music during dinner. I had mushroom tacos and sweet potato tacos, with a side of yucca fries. Very good. My husband had the carne asada, which he said was ok. The guacamole and chips were good, as well as the margaritas. We tried a tequila flight, and appreciated the staff member who educated us about the tequilas. Would definitely eat here again. read more

Great food and even better staff. Everyone who works here is super kind and welcoming, and they really make the whole restaurant feel fun and comfortable. You can tell they care about the customers and creating a good atmosphere. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Charlottesville. read more

Review based on a round of drinks, no food. We got 2 drinks, a margarita and a mezcal & Thai tea cocktail. Service was attentive. We sat outside and people watched. A band was starting as we left. read more

The Bebedero - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I'm hoping my friends' and my experience was a one-off... After we ordered, they lost our food tickets and didn't notice...so after waiting for 45-60 minutes for our food, we asked where our food was and they couldn't find our tickets. We had to reorder and then they still charged us in full... On top of that, my food was just "okay" to me. We did enjoy our drinks, though - they were made well and were strong Sadly, we each agreed we would not return :( read more

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The food was ok. Portion sizes were a bit small for my liking. I went for happy hour and prices were ok. I think outside of happy hour I'd be a bit disappointed by the plate size. The margarita was ok. My one complaint is extremely specific but the glass they served the margarita is was wide and extremely smooth which made picking it up difficult. I had to use two hands to make sure it wouldn't slip. The flavors for the food were decent. Overall is a nice place but can't say I was blown away. read more

The Bebedero - Happy hour menu - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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5* for drinks and 4* for food. Drinks are always on point. Happy hour margs are strong and delicious. My personal favorite is the tongue thai'd (made traditionally with milk/cream if you ask) - which is an alcoholic Thai iced tea. Delightfully warm and refreshing. My husband loves "Donde Esta Mis Pantalones?" - another excellent drink that deserves all the praise. The bartenders know what they're doing, they're always friendly, and are very creative. Their food is pretty good and consistent. Pro tip - if you can't get in for food here, stop into Rockfish next door for a beer and a limited menu (but same kitchen!) read more

The Bebedero - Tongue Thai'd and Donde Esta Mis Pantalones? - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

wife and I arrived at 6 PM on Thursday. The waiter was inattentive. He brought our entrée and we ask about the appetizer we had ordered and he had forgotten it. The food was so so and would've been better if it had been hot margaritas were good though. read more

This location has moved but still at the mall. Love the vibe and decor when you enter. You can make reservations but even if online states that you cant make one, call the restaurant to verify. I showed up to see if they had tables available, and there many available, no reservation needed. The Camarones Quesa Tacos were very moist and outright the best shrimp tacos I have. Suadero tacos had some spice, mild to normal people and fire to sensitive taste buds. Food is full of flavor. Just the right amount alcohol in the margaritas. Limonada is straight from the squeeze. Would definitely go back. read more

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Greeted promptly, seated, promptly! Off to a good start! Given menus, allowed time to make choices, but not too much time. Food arrived quickly! Highly recommend the guacamole with warmed chips! Also recommend the pork belly carnitas platter. The pork was the star of the platter. Lightly seasoned to allow the natural flavors to shine. Meat was atop a smear of black refried beans. Service was friendly, a tad slow at the end of the meal, but we attributed it the fact that 4 tables walked in behind us on a Monday evening. It was no big deal. Restaurant was buzzing! Excellent experience! read more

We love coming to the Bebedero. The food and drinks are always phenomenal. They do a spicy margarita perfectly. Service is always swift and courteous. Recently, we attended one of River's (the owner) Mezcal classes, which I gifted to my husband for Christmas. It was PHENOMENAL. In two hours, we dove into the mythology, history, chemistry, botany, and anthropology of mezcal. We tasted 10 different mezcals and learned about each and every "evolution" and "tradition" of each bottle. River was knowledgeable and engaging without ever being pretentious. He doesn't simply know about mezcal, he is a passionate advocate for the art and the product. We had a wonderful time and stayed after to grab dinner (especially after the many tastings). read more

The Bebedero - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Updating since I was last here: Bebedero is still great. There are some dishes here I have tried subsequent to my first review with some I would highly recommend as well as some I would suggest passing on. The ambiance at Bebedero is fantastic. Decor is awesome floor to ceiling with really fun wall art, and colors and lighting to make a relaxed a more intimate atmosphere. Service has been great when I've been here. Staff are friendly and attentive. The good: two things I would highlight here are the queso fundido appetizer and the chicken tikka tacos. The queso is big- can easily feed 4-6 and is really amazing with big chunks of chorizo sausage in it. Tacos are the thing at Bobedero so lean that direction if you are unsure why to try. The chicken tinga are my favorite here. Well seasoned and savory with corn tortillas. A dish to pass on unfortunately is the Al pastor pork tacos. I love Al pastor seasoned and cooked meat and was excited to see it on the menu here. Unfortunately it was not quite the traditional pork Al pastor I was hoping for. It is seasoned well and includes some pineapple in the bite. What is missing is the char that to me puts the finish on any Al pastor cooked meat. Secondarily, the pork was very fatty- at least a third of the meat in the dish was actually fat. I personally do not like fat with on any meat and the amount here was a serious turn off for me. Would pass on the Al pastor. Both appetizers and dishes are prices in the high teens which is fair for the location and amount of food you get. Definitely give Bobedero a try. It's great food that I think is hands down better than chain Mexican restaurants and most small shops. read more

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Tacos and drinks were solid. We liked the tacos al pastor the best. Our son got a kids quesadilla that was huge and well worth the price! read more

The Bebedero - Taco 2 Ways (fried oyster & saudero) - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Not your typical Mexican restaurant but definitely a must try. We enjoyed a variety of choices and all of them tasty. The drink selection and taste were excellent. The owner was extraordinarily friendly and helpful. Easy location to find and plenty of table space. We enjoyed ourselves as a family and had fun. read more

Located in the Pedestrian Mall in Charlottesville, this "watering hole" - the English translation of Bebedero - has quite the libations menu. And if you like Tequila like yours truly, you can get a flight! I got the Salmon tacos and I can definitely recommend. Inside and outside dining offered. A little pricey in my book, but worth it if want to treat yourself or a fun date night (with a designated driver). Or walk it off in the mall! read more

The Bebedero - Queso Fundido - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Great food. Great service. Extraordinary decor and artwork. The best Margarita I have tasted since leaving California. An extensive menu. My sister ordered the salmon tacos. she declared them the best tacos she had ever tasted. read more

I dream about this food weekly. No place in town compares to the level of care, authenticity, and quality ingredients and preparation. Their burrito special always slaps and the tacos are amazing. I love the donde eats mis pantaloons drink but the margaritas are also top tier. Will not disappoint, treat yourself! read more

I was really impressed by Bebedero! I hadn't managed to make it down here, and I loved the interior space. The staff was also very friendly and managed to squeeze us in without a reservation, even on a busy night. The food and drinks alike were great. The margaritas are super fresh and have lots of interesting flavor combinations. The tacos pack a flavor punch, I recommend trying as many as you can! The chips and salsa are delicious too, and I'd go back even just for those. It is a bit of a pricey place, but the quality is very high (and the portions are large as well). Recommend checking it out if you are a taco or marg lover! read more

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We will start with the goods... tacos al pastor and birria tacos were excellent. Service was excellent too. Meanwhile, the margaritas were some of the worst I've ever had. No alcohol and all mix. We went with skinnys on the next round to eliminate some of the mix taste. Same result. Overall, 4 stars. read more

Nice inviting location, it is very loud in here. The waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. We were torn between the queso and the guacamole, but ended up going with the guacamole for an appetizer. It was freshly made and delicious. For the main course, my wife went with the chicken nachos and I ordered the carne asada. Both of them were very flavorful and I would definitely order it again. A couple we were with ordered the pork belly and tacos and those turned out great as well. The picante margarita (spicy) level 2 (butt on fire) was very good. The only negative, was the sound level. I think it was partly because this used to be a minimal seating, steak house, so the acoustics are not really conducive to being packed. Sound dampening panels? read more

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My steak tacos were decent, the margarita was very average. Service was slow and our waiter wasn't all that attentive. My wife's fish tacos were okay. Side of yucca fries were cold and hard. Overall it want one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in town. I was a little miffed to see a line item for a "processing fee" on the bill. Not sure what that was about. It's was only $1.95 but on top of Cville's high restaurant taxes , really? Fees are just a gouge nothing charge. We were stuck in the back room next to the bathroom. Overall it's a dirty bar and not that great. read more

Tried this place out and was very happy with the service, but a group of people at the bar were openly vaping and that totally ruined the experience. read more

Food was good, salsa was Mid, guac was good and flavorful. Quesadilla was great, ceviche tasted awful, not fresh at all. Tacos were okay but staff was very nice read more

Here for a family event and tried Bebedro. The guacamole was very good. They make their own tortillas. We got carnitas, carne asada and a plate of tacos. All quite good but not amazing. Margaritas were delicious. read more

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Really really good. Really great tortillas with the tacos, sort of, almost reminded me of guisados' tortillas. I had the mushroom tacos, which were super flavorful. Also had a tilapia that might've had a touch too much sauce for me, but the sauce was good none-the-less. Kid really liked steak tacos. We also had the fried avocado appetizer chimichanga which was good. Different and good. Really good strawberry margarita, fresh strawberries, not too sweet. Chips and salsa were good, nice warm crisp chips. Good salsa. read more

Good atmosphere, fun cocktails, friendly helpful staff, and good food. What's not to like? The level 2 picante margarita is no joke. Have you tried the Hot Ones wing sauces? This would compare to maybe a level 8 or 9 in those. read more

Excellent food, drinks and service. The guacamole and steak tacos were fantastic, and the spicy margarita lived up to its name. There were lots of other things I wanted to try on the menu but portions are quite big and we filled up on these delicious things. Check this place out if you're in town! read more

My 2nd time to Bebedero, 1st to their relocated dining room. Service was slow at first, 4 servers walked by us standing at the host stand before acknowledging us. Once sat, our waiter was cool and attentive. I remember getting complimentary chips and salsa last time- they are $4 now. We got the chorizo nachos to share which was delicious (peep mom licking the plate as evidence). Then we wanted to do family style dishes and split the birria quesadillas, shrimp queso tacos, and asado pork ribs. The quesadillas and tacos were really tasty, however the ribs were incredibly disappointing. They were flavorless and the sauce was too salty. I feel like my 2 experienced have been similar- only half the dishes met expectations, but overall overpriced. Not to mention my margarita was $19 (double shot but still). read more

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Ten stars. This is the best place in Charlottesville. I have eaten half the menu and have never been disappointed. Stars of the show are anything with the queso or chicken tinga in them. Margaritas are the best I've had in my life and are worth the price and more. Staff are knowledgeable about tequila and mezcal and are happy to share their knowledge. You will not be disappointed. read more

Fun place to go that's on the strip in Charlottesville. I came here with a friend after work and our waitress was really friendly. We both got cocktails and started with chips and guac which were all to die for. There was live music too which was nice. Food was unreal, we did the tacos and they handmade the tortillas, so so good. I got the chicken and steak tacos. Would definitely come back! read more

The Bebedero - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

We visited during burger week and didn't have to wait at all since we came in a weekday for lunch and sat at the bar. We ordered a house margarita which was amazing and the burger along with a side of yucca fries. Our burger did take some time to come out but it was worth the wait!! Timbercreek ground beef, chipotle aioli, spring mix, fire roasted pablano & red peppers, chihuahua cheese. So yummy but they forgot our yucca fries so they took them off the bill when they finally came. They were really good too and the bartender was sweet and helpful. The ambiance is great as it always has been! read more

The Bebedero - Timbercreek ground beef, chipotle aioli, spring mix, fire roasted pablano & red peppers, chihuahua cheese - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Was really disappointed with the birria tacos. Did not taste good at all. Yucca fries were the best thing I ate here. Enchiladas were good but the meat was a bit dry. Chips and salsa costed $4. Any good Mexican restaurant gives complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was not great either. Would not come back to this restaurant. If you go, try the yucca fries. read more

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Came in and had the empanada, which was really delicious... Stewed chicken filling. It was served with aïoli and guacamole on the side. The margaritas were awesome as well. read more

The Bebedero - Mango margarita with tajin salt rim - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

We actually walked into the bar next door and the wait was long...so we decided to try the place next door The Bebedero! Michelle was all by herself (only bartender) and was rocking and rolling, bar was full as well as the restaurant. Then Ian stopped by and washed the dishes and Micah showed up and just got right to work! Then later CJ showed up and got eight to it as well! This kind of teamwork is what all business's should strive for! Really impressed with the service! The margaritas were the best I ever had! Silver lining...the service wasn't great next door...or we wouldn't have had such a great experience tonight at The Bebedero! Look forward to our next visit! Also we know their names because we asked;) read more

The Bebedero - Amazing food and drinks!!! - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

I really had high hopes for this place when I looked it up on Yelp before going. I live a bit far out and come to Charlottesville every once in a while... usually to find good food, and Costco haha. Unfortunately this place missed the mark for many reasons. I will preface this with saying, in originally from southern California which means my Mexican food standards are HIGH. I know this. Pros: Portion size. Tacos come in 3 or 4 which most places 2 is standard and they pile a ton of meat in them. Good variety on the menu so something for everyone including vegan. Cool vibe/ambiance and tons of space. The staff was pleasant. In a cute popular area with a huge public parking lot a block away. Cons: The tortillas from my tacos were completely soggy and lost all decent texture from the amount of meat and juice piled on. The meat itself was tender but didn't resemble any of the normal Mexican spice or flare I'd expect. It was very "stew" like. The chicken tinga, tasted like shredded salsa chicken I make in a crockpot at home. No chips and salsa at the beginning which is a staple. Overpriced for some of the items, like the quesadilla. The horchata really tastes like whole milk with a dash of cinnamon and too much sugar. Overall the food was not anything to write home about. I didn't really eat much of the tacos, I picked at them with a fork cause they were too mushy to even hold. I can't honestly say I'd recommend it. read more

The Bebedero is a beautiful Mexican restaurant located in the downtown mall, it's on the lower end near the Paramount. Bebedero doesn't disappoint as far as the cuisine or interior decor - I stated to my husband, "if I was a restaurant owner this exactly what I want to have." You can see the owners passion throughout the restaurant by many things that are pleasing to the senses such as the delicious food, personal and beautiful touches to decor and rustic chic theme!! The mezcal flight is out of this world and the owner is world class trained in the Mezcal's, I'm craving one now!! The sell merch off their website and hope they add replicas of menus to purchase, the individuality of each menu is so cool. read more

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The food is delicious. The nachos with the brisket, OMG!!!! I've gone back several times just for the nachos because they are a whole meal! The drinks are delicious, get a margarita, you'll thank me later. Very accommodating staff as well. read more

The Bebedero - Drinks! - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

the quesadilla-tacos were amazing and some drinks that were pretty good too! The ambiance was soo cozy and fun and the bartender really made it a great experience! definitely worth stopping in read more

The Bebedero - margarita - Mexican Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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I came here in 2019 before it got renovated, and the restaurant is much bigger and is so nice inside now! The sangria is good, but not really worth the price I'm paying. The lamb birria is pretty good (4/5, just very salty if you're into that). Had the grilled octopus/pulpo with roasted fingerling potatoes another time I was here (5/5, delicious). Would come back here again and try different things! read more

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While most restaurants on the Downtown Mall tend to fall into the similar, somewhat mundane "New American" category, the Bebedero stands out with flavorful Mexican cuisine. My wife and I chose this spot for dinner due to its enticing menu of mezcal based cocktails and diverse food offerings. We arrived a little before 7 on a Friday night and the wait clocked in at 45 minutes. The Bebedero does not take reservations for parties less than 8, so expect a wait during prime hours. The bar seemed too crowded to enjoy a drink before our dinner, so my wife and I killed the time with some solid brews at Rockfish next door. Once our table was ready, we were seated in the lively front dining room. The Bebedero feels energetic and bright, with a space characterized by exposed brick, quirky Mexican art, and pops of color. The restaurant does get very loud, so it may not be the best place for an intimate evening. We started off with two fresh yet smoky mezcal based cocktails that ranked among the best margarita style drinks we've had in town. We also received complimentary chips and salsa. The chips themselves didn't taste super fresh and the salsa had a somewhat watery texture, but these made for pleasant if not absentminded munching. We ordered two appetizers (tuna tostadas and chorizo nachos) and split the lamb birria tacos, which ended up being the perfect amount of food for two. The nachos were solid, anchored by zesty homemade chorizo and a rich queso. The tostadas offered plenty of flavor with decent quality fish and fresh veggies seasoned with plenty of lime. Our tacos offered a rich indulgence with melty Oaxaca cheese, tender lamb, and a heartily seasoned consommé. Overall, we found the food a bit salty, but the kitchen generally nailed the flavors and cooked everything well. Our service was fine. Our server was nice enough but was juggling one too many tables, and our wait to order food and for the check felt long. Despite minor service woes, we enjoyed our experience and the food met the mark. Options for a non Southern or American, sit down experience on the downtown mall are frustratingly limited, so the Bebedero fills a welcome and much needed niche for a night out for us. We will gladly return to sample more of the creative Mexican fare and killer cocktails. read more