Bandido Coffee's new location in Five Points South — The Bandido Coffee team, including owner + founder Raul Chavez (right). (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Over the past five months, Bandido Coffee owner Raul Chavez and his team have been building a brand-new, larger space for the coffee shop in Five Points South. With the new location set to open this weekend, we headed over for a sneak peek.

About Bandido Coffee, founded in 2024

Two years ago, self-proclaimed coffee addict Raul Chavez opened Bandido Coffee in the former Panache by Domestique Coffee space in Birmingham’s Five Points South. Opening his own coffee shop was a lifelong dream of Raul’s, who previously focused his entrepreneurial skills on growing his barber shop brand, Fade Parlor.

Since opening in the spring of 2024, Bandido Coffee has done well—so well, in fact, that Raul began looking for options to expand.

“We gained a lot of traction on TikTok over the summer, which really helped us blow up. But because of the limited space, people weren’t able to sit down with friends and enjoy their coffee in the shop. That’s when I started looking for somewhere bigger.”
Raul Chavez, Founder + Owner, Bandido Coffee

While touring the iconic Spanish Stores building for Bandido Coffee’s upcoming sister concept, Bandido Brunch & Social, Raul discovered that the adjoining space next door was available for rent.

“When we were handed the keys to this new space, I was a little daunted—it had been vacant for a long time. It was a lot of work, and at times I was a little discouraged, but getting to this point and opening Bandido’s new space has been a dream come true.

I’m super excited to see where this new location takes us; Bandido was already doing great in our old space, so I believe the exposure here in the heart of Five Points South is going to be a game changer for us.”
Raul Chavez, Founder + Owner, Bandido Coffee

Inside Bandido Coffee’s new location in Five Points South

Located at 1101 20th St S—previously home to beloved collectible shop What’s on 2nd—the new Bandido Coffee is bigger and better than ever.

“We loved Bandido’s first space, but it’s a little tucked away in that alley. Our new space is right in the heart of Five Points South and we get a lot more exposure here.”
Raul Chavez, Founder + Owner, Bandido Coffee

Seasoned Bandido buffs will be pleased to know that the café’s drinks menu, including the fan-favorite Horchata and Mazapán lattes, will remain unchanged.

Plus, the added space gives Bandido the flexibility to expand its food menu.

“We’re adding new menu items like breakfast burritos, egg and cheese bagels, quesadillas—dishes that would be very common to grab for a quick breakfast in any Latino household.”
Raul Chavez, Founder + Owner, Bandido Coffee

Bandido Coffee opens Saturday, February 7

The new Bandido Coffee will have a soft opening on Saturday, February 7, from 11AM to 3PM, and will resume normal operating hours starting next week. In addition, Raul plans to host a launch party for the new location on Valentine’s Day (Saturday, February 14) from noon to 3PM. Check Bandido Coffee’s social media for more information.