Reservations don't mean a damn thing still waiting 30 mins after reservations and rude host ignoring our party
(1)
Tramaine W.
Definitely a place I don't regret visiting. I went on a Saturday night and the place was packed and buzzing. The staff was very nice and helpful to this first time customer. I had a margarita first, it was a mix of the passion fruit and mango margarita, it was delicious. You have to get a margarita if you come here. I had the chicken poblano stew next which was tasty but a bit too spicy for me. For my entree I had the red pepper salmon, I cleaned every bit off my plate. I substituted the asparagus for the mashed potatoes too FYI. Lastly I had the pumpkin cheesecake which was fantastic; this should mean a lot coming from me since I'm not a big dessert fan. I felt let down by the chips and salsa, they weren't that memorable, I think the chips and salsa at Barberitos are far better than these and it's a way cheaper lower quality establishment. I wasn't really feeling the soup and the mashed potatoes I got with my entree were pretty boring and blah. I would definitely come back here despite my minor complaints, it's surely a must visit.
(4)
Bonnie B.
I went to Agave for the first time this weekend, I had previously heard how great it was and it was still beyond expectations. I will be back often and told all my friends they have to try it because it is nice to find a great new restaurant. Service was also excellent.
(5)
Addy C.
Really tried hard to love the food esp. after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews from my favorite Yelpers - but couldn't. However the service was top notch, and I loved the ambiance. We had a party of 5, and shared 2 apps and 5 entrees - just the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plates :) Yes we did family-style dining at a restaurant where the food isn't designed for that - we just said we're going to share our food, and next thing you know, they brought all 5 entrees to the center of our table, and set 5 empty plates for each of us. Extra bonus points for portioning out some of the dishes, plus adding a few extra corn on the cob to equal 5 :) That's service! I so wanted to give 5 stars b/c of the great service but the food didn't live up to the hype. Part of me wonders if I should blame the ok food b/c we came on a Monday. Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" said Mondays aren't a good day to eat out at restaurants. COMPLIMENTARY CHIPS & SALSA Love the blue chips and I liked that the salsa was spicy. GUACAMOLE & CHIPS - $7 (full order) Nothing special, and a full order is not really all that big ... good size for 5 people though. GUAJILLO MUSSELS - $10.50 Mussels were small & fishy, and while the red chili citrus wine broth was tasty, I wish it were thicker. The flour tortilla seemed random ... I guess crusty bread wouldn't fit the southwestern theme. CHILI SEARED JUMBO DIVER SEA SCALLOPS - $19.50 Menu description set too high expectations :( Pan seared scallops in signature herb & chili rub, served w/ fire roasted tomato & serrano stone ground grits (salty) and honey cider collard greens (good & sweet). Just ok. AGAVE FAMOUS CAYENNE FRIED CHICKEN - $15 Jumbo size boneless chicken breast but didn't get any cayenne flavor. Buttermilk marinated & fried (not crispy). Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were good, and grilled corn was too buttery for me and I couldn't taste the Poblano drizzle at all. STUFFED MOUNTAIN TROUT TOMATILLO - $17.50 Just ok. Liked the stuffing more than the actual trout. Idaho trout was stuffed w/ crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice w/ roasted tomatillo sauce and freshly cut cilantro (but I don't remember tasting any cilantro). SPICY TEQUILA ANEJO SHRIMP - $18.75 Biggest disappointment b/c this dish got the most positive reviews. Again menu description set very high expectations. Fresh gulf shrimp grilled & sauteed in fresh lime & tequila cream sauce (not spicy at all), and served a/ jalapeno & cheddar ground grits cake (good but mostly cheddar flavor and very salty), and grilled asparagus. The asparagus was probably my favorite item of the evening. TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS - $23 Meat was pretty tender and one of the better dishes. Tenderloin pan seared over roasted tomato, garlic, and chile tequila puree, and served w/ Yukon Gold mashed potatoes (yum), fried cayenne onion rings (not spicy), and grilled zucchini. Overall, I thought the sides were better than the entrees. Also, couldn't taste all the flavors described in the menu. Other than the salsa, nothing was spicy. However like I said before, service was outstanding ... and maybe we just came on a bad day. I definitely want to try their drinks next time - almost every table around us had margaritas :) FYI - complimentary valet parking is available but if you're lucky, you might be able to find nearby street parking on Carroll Street. Also join their VIP club to get 20% off your entire check Sun-Thur, or get $10 entrees if you come between 5-6pm any night of the week! Sign up now!
(3)
Michael L.
We came here last Monday with Addy, Enoch, and Heejin, and were definitely looking forward to trying this spot. First of all, kudos to the service as they took the pains to split up the entrees so that we could eat family style. That merits a star all by itself. The food...was a mix of good and so-so. If that's all you needed to know, then read no further. If you want the details, go on ahead.... Guajillo Mussels ... ($10.50) Eh...not so fresh- the wine broth was pretty tasty, but with a flour tortilla on the side...it just tasted kind of weird together. (2.5) Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp... ($18.75) I actually liked this dish, as the shrimp were large and tasted fresh. Although the flavor of the lime and tequila cream sauce doesn't jump out at you, it is bold enough, and the jalapeno cheddar stone ground grits cake was quite tasty- though very heavy. I'm glad we split that up among the five of us- if I had it to myself...I might be in the hospital. (4) Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken ... ($15.00) I was expecting a crispy layer surrounding the chicken- but it just wasn't there. Honestly, a bit of a disappointment, given the rave reviews of this dish. I was looking forward to this one. It wasn't bad, but the chicken didn't taste inspired- maybe it's because it was a chicken breast. Perhaps it would've been better using thigh/leg meat? The mashed potatoes were good, but not special. The grilled corn was pretty buttery, just alright. (3.25) Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops ($19.50) These pan-seared jumbo diver sea scallops were swimming in an herb & chile rub served with fire roasted tomato and serrano stone ground grits and honey cider collard greens. Not bad- but a week later, I can't really remember any of the flavors...so (3.5). Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo ($17.50) The trout itself was ok, and the stuffing (crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil ver spanish rice and roasted tomatillo sauce) was decently tasty. A bit on the salty side, but bearable. (3.5) Tenderloin Medallions ($23.00) The tenderloin seemed to be slightly overmarinated, if that's possible. Lots of flavor, but so much that it masked the flavor of the meat. Better balance between the two would be good. The garlic and chile tequila puree served only to further mask the flavor of the meat. They might as well have used a cheaper cut of meat. Mashed potatoes were fine, as they were with the fried chicken, and the onion rings were a nice touch to complement the textures of the other elements. (3) Overall, I think that I probably came here with overhyped expectations. The last time I looked through Agave's reviews, they rated a 4.5 overall. But I guess not so anymore. I think the flavors of the food here are done pretty well- but there wasn't any subtlety or extra complexity in the flavors despite utilizing lots of sauces and cool-sounding ingredients. I mentioned before that the service earns them an extra star, so I'll round up to a 4. This spot is good....but not great. Just IMHO.
(4)
Keith H.
Yeah - we might have a problem, we've been to Agave two more times since the last review and it continues to blow our palates away. The margarita's are predictably good. I've been steadily impressed by the weekend specials, my only gripe is that they remain weekend specials and don't make it onto the main menu. We've never had less than stellar service from all of the staff of Agave.
(5)
Laura N.
The ambience here is rustic and romantic with dark corners perfect for intimate dinners. Plus, the selection of non-alcoholic drinks at Agave is excellent. Every underage person should try the frozen strawberry drink, which is basically a virgin margarita. The complimentary salsa is great too, but you can't order a queso to complement your complimentary nachos at Agave. I came here with high expectations after hearing my boyfriend rave about this awesome Mexican restaurant. Perhaps I should not have ordered a dish that I can make from scratch at home; I ordered the chicken enchiladas, which disappointed me by failing to taste better than my homemade enchiladas (which, I should mention, are really decadent and delicious). I developed a slight case of dish envy after sampling my boyfriend's swordfish entree, which was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Notwithstanding my lackluster enchiladas, I had a great experience at Agave. Recommended for dates and groups. Bring cash for valet parking.
(3)
Tauheedah M.
Tried it again and again left disappointed. Ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and my sexy date ordered the Slow Cooked Short Ribs. $58.00 later we wish we could rewind the evening and try again somewhere else! The grit cake that accompanies my 6 shrimp was good. The shrimp were okay - overcooked and the sauce had a burnt aftertaste. Not memorable and my husband did not finish his food but it came out pretty!!...wait that is why we paid so much for 1 rib and 6 shrimp....right?? Won't be back :-(
(3)
Annie H.
So-so overpriced food
(3)
Jd H.
Great restaurant. Alittle pricey but it's somewhere you can take a date so it's reasonable especially with the atmosphere. Would definitely go again. Gave it 4 stars because the parking was a pain when the place was packed.
(4)
L L.
Had to downgrade after my second visit. Couldn't resist the fried chicken again. It was good, but not the knock-your-knees together good like last time. Oh well. ---- Best fried chicken I've ever had. It's been several months since I last ate there, and I still think about that chicken. My dinner companion took a sample bite of my dish, and the next day I received an email that said, "I can't stop thinking about that chicken!" The Cayenne Fried Chicken was 5-Star all the way. Everything else was good, too, though I would more likely give 4 stars.
(4)
Joshua R.
Phenomenal. One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have the absolute best margaritas in town - the herradura top shelf is unbelievably good. The food is pricey but well worth the investment. Parking is valet only, FYI.
(5)
Adam S.
I don't really associate Atlanta with southwestern food (for obvious enough reasons), but this place was pretty good. The chips and salsa were great and the guacamole was the highlight of the meal for me. A really nice flavor with just the right amount of spice. The shrimp taco appetizer was very nice as well. Very flavorful and surprisingly spicy. I got the beer braised pork shank with mashed potatoes as my entree. It was a pretty nice dish. Spicy and the pork was tender (although maybe a little too tender for my liking almost to the point of mushiness). I tried the trout dish as well and it was really wonderful. I would seriously recommend getting the trout should you go here. This is a nice relaxed setting for dinner. They have an unnecessary valet service for a small parking lot. After the meal I was closer to my car than the valet was, but I had to stand and wait for them to pull the car up 30 feet or so which seemed a little ridiculous to me. But the food is definitely good.
(4)
Erik R.
Nice decor, very romantic inside. Perfect for a dinner date. The restaurant is separated by the bar when you 1st enter. Although there is seating throughout. I would suggest the main dining area with it's real, open seating and fireplace. You eat by votive tea lights flickering away. The Southwestern influenced interior design and ambiance makes you want to cozy up together. You can sit outside on a covered patio with heating lamps overhead. My lady and I ate here for an early dinner. The service was attentive and the food was immaculate. I love the presentation of the dishes, appropriate serving sizes, proportions and seasoning. They can mix up their styles of the dish upon request and they have veg. options.
(4)
Tessa S.
Food was delicious, but as a person who can't handle very spicy food the menu was limited. Their food is quite expensive- join their mailing list to get great deals like $10 for a dinner entree.
(4)
Robert A.
I would give four stars for the service, but three for the food. It was definitely good, but the spicy shrimp were not anything to rave about.
(3)
Sie G.
Have been to Agave several times before, but this was my first time sitting at the bar. The bartender was friendly but not pushy. She knew the regulars, and remembered what they like to drink AND what they like to eat. I had a Jalapeno Margarita. Love spicy drinks so I had to try it. Amazing and the slice of fresh jalapeno took the drink to another level. Agave is a match made in heaven, good food and good drinks.
(4)
Shar W.
If I could give 6 stars I would. I ABSOLUTELY love Agave! A coworker introduced me to this restaurant and I have been hooked ever since. The food is great and the frozen daiquiris are amazing. The staff is very personable and professional. Probably one of the most consistent restaurants with respect to service in Atlanta that I have been too. As you would expect from a good restaurant the place is quite busy on the weekends and popular nights so call ahead and make a reservation to avoid the wait. In the event that you have to wait, try not to fill yourself up on the yummy salsa and chips ;)
(5)
Theodore L.
When I was ten, my parents dragged my stepbrother Ronny and I on a hellish trek through the southwest. What should have been a scenic journey through the eroded vistas of New Mexico and Texas turned into a personal Trail of Tears. I had a nasty case of the chicken pox, and rather than quarantine their sick child, my parents propped me in front of endless cacti, adobes and indigenous people, placing their skin in great peril. I remember The Alamo, but only because Ronny held me down in the courtyard. I hacked up dust the rest of the trip. The point is: Nightmarish flashbacks can detract from the dining experience (never ask me to Chuck E. Cheese's), hence I was reticent to check out Agave and its southwestern fare. But at the behest of a friend wielding a coupon from the Savvy Shopper, I gave them a shot. A brawny gent seated us by the fireplace, a splendid roost to survey the impeccable, rustic decor. I ordered the Don Eduardo Anejo Margarita, and after one sip wanted to put on swim trunks and dive right in! Where was THAT drink when I was a child? A basket of heated nachos battled valiantly against our raging hunger. They must have been laced with opiates given their hypnotic power. For our main meal, my friend received a towering lattice of pan seared Tuna and Asparagus over Mashed Potatoes - a keen melding of ocean and farm. I got the Chile rubbed Grouper served atop Spinach and in a bath of Corn Puree. Wondrous food! Our forks hopscotched from plate to plate as we savored the complex seasonings. We inhaled both dishes with abandon. After conducting my Finger Test, I asked and received more of the delectable corn nectar. I coated my face with it. Feeling haughty, we split a second margarita, The Pomorita, which adds pomegranate to the mix. Mexican firewater AND anti-oxidant goodness... which God did I please?! Thank you, Agave, for helping me overcome decades of shame for an exquisite meal. Better prepare extra nachos and corn juice, for I SHALL return!
(5)
R P.
Their drinks are great and strong enough. I usually get their blue corn chicken enchiladas, but always fill up on their delicious salsa. I've always been more than satisfied. My only issue thus far, after having eaten there over 5-6 times is that they put two tables together outside that made for an awkward seating arrangement which was ok, but it was also incredibly hot. Their fans were on and yet everyone didn't feel their effect. Excellent establishment and service provided. And just to emphasize, I'm totally serious about how good their salsa is.
(4)
Gene G.
The ambiance is presented well with nice decor and perfect amount of lighting. This would be a great restaurant for a date or for a dinner for an important client. The food dishes were unique and presented well. We tried everyone's dish and was equally satisfied with all. The Grit cake was the most unique and the most delicious. Our service was superb and very helpful. My only complaint is their useless and unnecessary valet parking where they basically move the car 8 feet for you.
(5)
Madeleine C.
Every time I think of Agave my mouth waters and my head gets close to exploding. This place is really good. I love their menu, their food, the drinks, and the ambiance. I know it can be loud and dark in there but I absolutely love it. This is the place that turned me on to grits. I came from Miami 8 years ago and was like "iew.. wat the erf is that" but voila! I eat grits at Agave and I'm a total grit eating Miami girl - put a bowl of grits from agave in front of me and I'll forget my own name. I took my sister when she came to visit and she absolutely HAS to go every time she visits. Everything I've had is delicious. Their seared tuna salad, ribs, lamb, scallops, and fish special (served over grits.. agh) have been really great. I think it's affordable, it offers nice portions, the menu is nice and very extensive, and their drinks are pretty good too. I would say this is in my top 10 for restaurants I've recommended for not-so-pricey and great food.
(5)
Whosbaad K.
Nice ambiance, fast service, and excellent food. They were quite aloof when it came to the yelp check in deal so I let it go. The short ribs were tender and well seasoned, and the mushrooms and mashed potatoes were delicious. My friends enjoyed their enchiladas and burrito/stew as well. The complementary salsa & chips were very good, and they keep 'em coming. I resisted stashing the bowl in my purse :/ Will definitely be a go-to the next time I'm in the ATL, especially since we had such terrible food experiences there.
(5)
Anthony G.
The wait was too long. Although we had a party of six, they kept saying that they were going to have something for us soon. I took QUITE some time. Once we were seated, I found the tables to be a bit cramped. The temperature was a bit cold for cool fall night. The short ribs were actually very bland and the sauce on them had little flavor. It actually tasted more like a dry pot roast than short ribs. I hated that most of the meals had asparagus as your main side. Although they did allow substitutions, they have printed on the menu that they "appreciate no substitutions". Definitely lacking in variety when it comes to vegetables (other than potatoes) Although it is a local trending spot, I would not recommend it to anyone. Although it is labeled as TEX-MEX, it really does not give you a true tex-mex menu.
(1)
Matt W.
I wouldn't exactly call this Southwestern or Tex-Mex; I'd call it more fusion cuisine. In any case, it's damn good. I had the diver scallops with grits and collard greens which were amazing and were a fusion of Southern and Southwestern. A chipotle wedge salad? Now that seemed just too good to be true (it was). There are a few more traditional items on the menu such as posole and veggie blue corn enchiladas but I think the fusion items are really what makes this place shine. Our server was very polite and attentive and the staff overall very friendly. The Texas margarita could use a little work though--way too much sour. Stick with the "Corzo Perfecto" margarita if you want good tequila, fresh lime juice, and no sour mix.
(4)
M H.
We have two small children and dining here is wonderful. They are very accommodating with seating and menu items for them. The food and margaritas are fabulous too!!
(5)
Rebecca K.
My boy and I made an impromptu Friday evening appearance at Agave for dinner last week, and as we walked in we both thought "we used to come here all the time...I wonder why we haven't been here in so long?" I'm guessing his thought process ended there. My brain, of course, tagged on "well, because we *used to* be dating and now we've been married for 3 years. meh." Anyway, surprisingly little has changed at Agave since the last time we ate there which is probably 3 years ago. The space is really lovely -- they do Southwestern decor without making me feel like I'm in the gift shop at the Alamo. The service is top-notch. They were busy, but not busy enough to scoff at our no-reservation-having selves. Our waiter was enthusiastic about the food and made great recommendations. I even heard him telling a woman at a table near us when she asked his opinion of her two top picks to steer clear of a dish that I sampled a couple years ago and didn't really enjoy (the enchiladas--the smoked chicken just doesn't work for me). I appreciate that. And, so the food. Their margaritas really are that good. We went for the traditional, and the boy added the optional $0.50 splash of Grand Marnier that the server offered. It was good both ways. Even their cheapest margaritas taste like well mixed cocktails -- no powdered limeade in these suckers, folks. And there is definitely tequila in there (another pet peeve of mine). Their chips and salsa are among the best in the city -- the chips, a mixture of white and blue corn, are fried fresh, but not too greasy, and the salsa is fresh and well balanced with a little spice (they could kick it up a notch to suit me, but I understand that I do live in Georgia). The boy had the burrito and stew, and I had the pork chop special -- both were good, and I felt that the blue cheese grits that came with my dish were exceptional. Apparently, they prepare these with different specials relatively frequently, so if you hear "blue cheese grits" come out of your server's mouth, order it. You won't be disappointed. From prior visits, I can also recommend their fried chicken and the shrimp and grits dish. I am a huge fan of Mexican food, but this isn't Mexican food. It is, however, good solid southwest-inspired American. Nothing terribly adventurous, but Agave will always be a really lovely dining experience. Oh, and get on their e-mail list. They send out a monthly message that always has really great discounts -- usually $10 entrees any evening when you are seated between 5 and 6 and 20% off your entire bill Sunday through Thursday. Definitely worth it!
(4)
Amanda D.
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta - I have never had a bad experience at Agave. Some rules for dining at Agave: Always try the special - it will never lead you astray. Always get the guacamole - its the best I've ever had. Always get a margarita (or 3) - they are perfectly tasty. Always save room for desert!
(5)
Chuck T.
Best Swordfish I've ever enjoyed. My wife had the Sea Scallops, and she loved them. The Ultimate Margarita was about $10, but it was worth it. Dined in the main downstairs seating area, and it was packed, but the service was prompt and helpful. The valet parking staff was very polite and fast. We are going back very soon.
(4)
Marina V.
Found this little bistro type place just outside downtown Atlanta , tucked in a neighborhood ...reminded me of Scorpion on Miami beach, with their 100 tequilas! So.. Had to make a decision on the appetizer over a repisado magarita!! The aroma in this place is appetizing enough. Decided on the shrimp and tuna ceviche ... For dinner had anejo shrimp with pablano sauce and cheddar corn bread ... If your mouth is watering it should; it was fantastic! The staff was great... Since I was torn between the shrimp and the scallops , the waitress brought over a sample of the scallops for me with the meal ... : ). Finished off the meal with the dessert sampler tray (too many goodies to list, but every one homemade) and basically rolled out the front door, too full to move too quickly !
(4)
Vicki K.
I was so excited to plan a celebration for my 50th birthday at Agave, especially with their vegetarian menu. Until I saw the veal items on the menu. Veal is a food borne of cruelty to baby cows and there is no reason to have it on the menu with all the other culinary choices available now. Too bad I won't ever eat there.
(1)
Stephie Z.
Sad news- this joint is just around the corner- when I say just, I mean the next street over- and I have only been here one time. AND that one time was a blind date so I didn't want to go all out and order multiple things:( So sad, as was the date. Despite the date sucking ass, it wasn't the restaurants fault. I sat at the bar for a short while before my date arrived and the bartender was very attentive. Beer selection is okay, but the tequila selection looked pretty durn good. I saw a pomegranate margarita that I really wanted, but forgot about during the evening. I made a promise to myself that I will go back to sample that deliciously beautiful drink. The salsa and chips were tasty and fresh as was my entree- tuna sashimi with some super crunchtastic spears of asparagus. I could have bathed in the mashed potatoes- they were that good. Then again who fucks up mashed potatoes??? I mean really? The server was great and catered to our every need, except making my date pay the bill in a timely manner- dude held on to it for 45 minutes before I finally could convince him that the restaurant was looking barren and it was time to go. I know I am an excellent conversationalist, but really (haha, just kidding). The night ended not with some dessert, which is what I would have preferred, but with my blind date trying to hold my hand at the dinner table and me jerking my hand away (hello- hug on the first date, no grimy hand holding). Maybe I'm a cold bitch or maybe I just really needed some more of the fresh southwestern food that Agave has to offer. Agave, I will be back!
(4)
Travis N.
I fear I'm going to become a broken record in these reviews...but this place could have been better if they had more spice! I went with a friend the other night, and this place has DAMN good margaritas. I had 2 and they were 2 of the best I've had in the last 4 years. Their ceviche was nice and tangy, and the mussels were very spicy I was slightly disappointed with the craw fish pasta, after being warned by the waiter that it was "hot and spicy". When it arrived, it was flavorful, but not really what I would call "spicy" Another big draw I could see to this place is the tequila selection, there are pages and pages of them. It's an interesting culinary escape from the typical humdrum, but it could really do a little more to live up to those expectations.
(3)
Andre S.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried Agave after I tried and raved for Nava, the more upscale, expensive version. Overall, I wasn't disappointed and neither did I leave highly enthused by the cuisine. It was simply "ok"- hence the 3 stars. My date and I ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and the dish they brought out was HUGE! I was somewhat taken a back from the size of the serving plate since we still had to fill up on the main course. Maybe I was too much into the conversation, but I found the calamari to be somewhat cold, bland, and lack luster *cue the Debby Downer 'wah-wah' bugle now*. My chicken enchilada plate was much better though. Oh yeah, the complimentary valet kinda sucks- they claimed they were extremely busy with all the reservations and backed up. There were only two valet attendants with a long line of backed up cars. Maybe Agave will grow on me if I go again.
(3)
Ryan S.
I was kind of underwhelmed by Agave. The drinks were good, but the food was so-so. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can tell it's kind of trending towards the hipster crowd with a Mexican flair. The choices on the menu are pretty good. Lots of fish, which I like, but when they came out, the dishes were kind of 'meh'. They were good, and Agave isn't super expensive, but I like my Tex-Mex a bit more exciting. I went with a big group and they have a GREAT group-sized table up on the balcony so you can chat and look down on the rest of the patrons. Fantastic spot for big groups.
(3)
Shonda K.
Like some of the other Yelpers, I too drive by Agave EVERYDAY taking my son to school but have never eaten here. I have a friend who loves it and a friend who hates it, so I thought I'd see for myself. This place was full of people, which normally is a good sign. We were seated right in front of the fireplace and this just made me smile from ear to ear considering it was a chilly evening. I sat with my red wine in front of the fire, happy even before I got my meal. There are so many things to choose from on the menu from chicken, beef, pork, seafood..not just the traditional Mexican food which I was expecting. Our food came out in a timely manner considering the restaurant was full of people. I had the grilled pork chop with honey & cider collard greens. It was really good, loved the taste of the collards. I sampled the lamb and the tequila shrimp which my friend's ordered. They both had a really good flavor. I really like Agave. There was a good energy, a mixed crowd (which is hard to find in Atlanta) and good food. So for me good food+good friends=good times. Like someone else noted the prices wouldn't make this an every Friday type of place for me but I will definitely make my way back when I am looking to have a nice dinner close to home.
(4)
Mack T.
Best margaritas in the city! The food is very good and if you sit in the bar area; the pour is fabulous:) I always visit this place when I am in the ATL.
(4)
Molly S.
I had my first Agave experience on Saturday night, and was really pleased with the whole experience. We did go early, 5:30pm, and didn't have reservations, but did not have to wait. The margaritas were awesome. Both of us enjoyed the margarita recommended to us by our server, and were very pleased. They tasted amazing, and had a pleasant amount of tequila. I have to admit I had two. Shared the calamari as an appetizer, and loved the jalapeno jelly it came with. I had the grilled shrimp that came with a grits cake and asparagus, and hubby had the grouper that came with spinach. Both entrees were delicious - perfect portions, excellent flavors. We both commented that the seasoning flavors weren't too strong, and you didn't lose the original flavor of the food. For dessert we had the key lime pie and spicy peanut butter pie - both were delish! They were very big though, and we ended up taking half of each home with us. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. I'm looking forward to trying different things on the menu!
(4)
Lisa K.
I found the dining experience here to be pretty enjoyable. My mango margarita was one of the best margaritas I've ever had, which you should expect from a place named Agave. The green chile stew is the real deal, which is nice. You can tell the chef has a good handle on southwestern cooking techniques and flavors and interprets them into pleasing dishes. I had the enchiladas and thought they were pretty decent, if a little lacking on spice. The collard greens were tasty. Nice waitstaff and nice atmosphere, too. Add the fact that you can get a 2 for 1 coupon in the mail and this is a good value!
(4)
Peyton S.
I've passed by Agave a million times and finally decided to stop in. Ecclectic Southwestern cuisine is what the sign said and I admit that my mind was ready to ENJOY because me likey ecclectic. Unfortunately I can only report that our meal was okay. My friend ordered the steak and it was really bland. A swordfish taco was as ecclectic as cardboard with a lil butter. I ordered the shrimp with grits which was better than everything else but wasn't something that would come to get again. Actually it was over seasoned rather than being tasty. I've given them three stars because my cadillac margarita was pretty good and the staff is pretty friendly.
(3)
DC W.
Had dinner there earlier this evening for the first time. Service was fantastic. The food was fabulous. The chocolate mouse was made with imported Belgian chocolate and was the creamiest, and best I've ever had. Yum.
(5)
Donnell H.
Throughly enjoyed my experience this past weekend. It is certainly becoming a favorite - consistent and delicious. Someone in my party had the meatloaf and the flavors were great - only one recommendation that it be a little firmer.
(5)
sheila l.
This was my second time dining here. The first time was fantastic. Enjoyed all of it. Second time dining here left me feeling blah about it. A friend and I dined on a week day and it was not that busy. We were seated upstairs where there are only 2 tables. (My friend arrived first and chose seating.) I would have like the patio area but I was OK with the upstairs area. The server never smiled. He was so serious that it made me a little uncomfortable. Maybe he could not hear due to the high altitude. :) Anyway,when I asked about what he liked(as I always do) he said he liked the fried chicken. Being at a southern eclectic cuisine rest I preferred a second rec. He said that was the best. ooooooook. I don't remember now what I finally decided on. I was a little let down by the service. Not memorable with the food. The dessert: we went with the chocolate chocolate chocolate death with a smile in my face cake or mousse thing. Now THAT was incredible! I suppose if you are server and having a bad day.... just go home. I'd rather have slow service than pissy service.
(3)
Scott C.
Outstanding! Definetly should try..
(5)
Kirkwood J.
Had the cayenne fried chicken, delicious. All the items we tried here had a little kick to 'em, really enjoyed it.
(4)
Patrick Q.
There's a special place in my heart for Agave. My wife and I held out rehearsal dinner there in '06, and as other reviewers have experienced, the staff did an amazing job with both the food and the service. We make it back to Agave at least once a year, and they consistently deliver from the chips and margaritas to the entrees and desserts. They can get a bit crowded, so make a reservation and be ready for loud and often hectic ambience... but it is more than worth it.
(4)
Richard S.
This is an excellent place to meet folks for a special occasion - parties of 6-12, no problem. It's also a nice roadhouse where a couple can have a nice quiet dinner. My favorite way to go Agave is just the two of us on a weeknight.
(4)
Andrew H.
Their margaritas are awesome. That's basically the only reason that I can justify giving them 3 stars. They may possibly have the worst service of any "nicer" restaurant I've been to in Atlanta. I honestly feel like the waiters I've had here are on par with TGI Fridays or the likes. They make me feel rushed. They are impersonal. The overall impression I get from them is that all they care about is rushing me out of there to turn the table over. My waitress last night started off by saying "I'll be right with you. I have 4 tables all to myself." Oh no,four tables?!?! Sound the fucking alarm! She was awful. She rushed everything she said, to the point where much of it was inaudible. She never cracked a smile and basically made us feel like we were a nuisance. Our entrees were brought out in the middle of our appetizer. A major no-no in my book. She also attempted to take our plates before we were done eating. The food was decent. I had the short ribs and the fiance had the enchiladas. They were good but nothing to write home about. Another thing that REALLY bothers me about this place is the forced valet parking in the large adjacent parking lot. I dont want to pay some schmo for what I am perfectly capable of doing. Its not even like the valet is next to the front door. Fuck that. I definitely wont be back.
(3)
Ryan F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I can't say a bad thing about it. Well maybe one, I hate valet parking (especially when the lot is on top of the restaurant). Other than that, Agave is impeccable. Nice ambiance inside and out and even better food. Chips and salsa - awesome. Margaritas - Awesome. Everything on the menu - AWESOME! The fried chicken is out of this world. The Salmon, Swordfish, and grouper are top notch. I've never heard a person complain about Agave and may never, it's that good. To top it off, It's extremely reasonable on the ole' wallet. This is GREAT food and many items on the menu, if not most, are under $20. If you live close in town, you probably get that coupon book with the buy one meal get the second free coupon also!
(5)
Jessica O.
The food is yummy, but not cheap. The margaritas are also good and fairly strong. Just be aware that it's a super LOUD place, so if you go with a group, you will have to yell across the table.
(4)
Sean S.
What's not to love? I've never had a bad meal here. The staff is uber-friendly. The parking is a breeze. Once upon a time, the wait could be a challenge, but that's rarely the case anymore. The margaritas are truly amazing. I must go back and ask, but the dessert with the chili powder in the chocolate glaze -- to die for. The ambiance is social and eclectic. Put this one on your must-do list. I insist.
(5)
Elicia W.
Now that I've decided to Yelp again, in a different city, I had to tell you that Agave is my all time favorite Atlanta restaurant. The only one that has stayed consistent over the years with service(low turnover, no attitude, and serve to please), delicious fresh tasty food (and margaritas), and a relaxing and sometime romantic atmosphere. A new entree they added this year is the most melt in your mouth swordfish I've ever had. The seared ahi tuna rocks! Please bring back a side of spinach :)
(5)
Chris B.
I love Agave. Great food and a pretty unique atmosphere. Tasty margaritas, yummy guacamole and great entrees. I've had the fried chicken, which was amazing, as well as the meatloaf, which was also good. Also, the raspberry margarita cheesecake was solid. Overall a hard to beat experience if you're around the Inman Park/Grant Park/Cabbagetown area.
(5)
F H.
Great margaritas, mediocre to bad food - haven't been impressed with any dishes there yet. They have a lot of new menu items, so things might have gotten better recently. Update: we're still hesitant to return because the food has not impressed us. My husband is from New Mexico, so he loves green chile enchiladas. The ones he ordered here were completely bland, even to me. The shrimp dish I ordered was nothing special and the shrimp were WAY overcooked. I really want to like this place, so we will give it another try.
(2)
Tori M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The food and the service are consistently outstanding. I love to take out of town guests here because I am comfortable knowing that everyone is going to love their meal. The spicy tequila shrimp is my favorite along with any of their chocolate desserts. They have the best margaritas that I have had anywhere.
(5)
Marie P.
I was sneaky. A friend of mine who lives walking distance from Agave said he'd been meaning to try this place. I found the menu and it's looked really good. So I got my boyfriend and a different friend to go! We didn't make reservations but got in right away. The host seated us on the upstairs balcony, which was very secluded and romantic. Kinda awkward when you're with your boyfriend AND your friend. But whatever. It's the perfect spot for a quiet date. But it was neat sitting up there. We had a view of the whole restaurant as well as the bar and the kitchen. Pretty sweet. I ordered a $10 Margarita. I think we were celebrating something but I don't really remember. But I didn't care. That was the best damn Margarita I've ever had. Sorry I can't remember what exactly it was though. I also ordered a bowl of white bean soup. This soup was nothing short of amazing. I was pretty close to tears and I thought my boyfriend was going to fall out of his chair it was so good. After he regained his composure he ordered himself a bowl. For my meal I had an arugula salad with trout. Simple but very flavorful. My man had the swordfish and we've never had swordfish that was this tasty. It was unbelievable. But I can't remember what my friend had! I think she had the taco appetizer. Our server was fantastic. My experience has been that if you are seated in a secluded area, the service usually sucks. Not the case here. We were very well taken care of. A few days later I told my other friend, who mentioned the place to me, that I went. "WHHHAAATTT? How was it?" Amazing. I'll be going back again soon. And I'll take him this time.
(5)
Dara F.
Agave is a wonderful restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The prices are a bit too high for it to be a regular thing, but for a special occasion (I recently went for my birthday), it's great. The atmosphere was okay - even though the tables are so close together that you can literally hear your neighbors' conversation without trying, its intimate and "hip." The food was great. I had the shrimp and grits. The grit cake that comes in that dish was pretty much the tastiest thing I've ever eaten. The sauce on the shrimp was a bit salty, but overall a good dish. My husband got the salmon and veggies, which he really liked. I got the basic marguerita and it was one of the best I've ever had (and I'm quite the marguerita snob). I do wish the parking situation was better, but considering it's on a tight cabbagetown street, it's understandable. You pretty much have to do valet, which is free, but on a busy Saturday night my husband and I ended up waiting in a line (in the rain) for 15 or 20 mins.
(4)
Shauna R.
Waiter and waitress were very nice. I had passionfruit martini....very yummy! I ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and was the first time I had stone ground grits....definitely a southern thing I think! The shrimp was well cooked although I must say peeling off the skin should have been a bit less work. ;)
(4)
Stephen E.
Best top shelf margaritas in Atlanta. The food is divine and the service is outstanding.
(5)
Ginny N.
Margaritas are yummy at AGAVE! Big surprise for a restaurant named after the plant that tequila is made from. =D Probably 10 different types of margaritas on the menu... I opted for the traditional. The food was excellent as well. The restaurant is in a cool location.. right across from Oakland Cemetery (where Margaret Mitchell is buried) agaverestaurant.com
(4)
William S.
We came in on a Sunday evening to a welcoming environment to celebrate with friends. The valet was very quick and efficient, and we were met with smiles (as we were in every aspect of Agave). Right away, we were greeted friendly at the door and taken to a table very quickly. Our server was wonderful, our food was delicious, the prices are very fair, and we were able to really enjoy ourselves. The most important fact of the night : they take food allergies very seriously! One of our friends has a dairy allergy, and every step possible was taken so that he could enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about getting sick. Thank you very much Agave! I do need to mention the margaritas are fantastic!
(5)
Kay T.
good drinks. good service, walking distance from auburn ave and grant park. So you can get your buzz n eat on and walk it off!!!.
(4)
Tac P.
Excellent food, good service and a value for a tasty, well presented meal.
(4)
Jim K.
We have been here several times, and almost all of them have been excellent. Great food, great service, knowledgeable on the menu. It can get loud, it can be dark in spots, but if you are with your own group, who cares! Especially after a couple of their great drinks!
(5)
Alice J.
Would like to thank Agave for hosting Bones and Beer for Oakland Cemetery - the food was FAB - I hope to get home in time one day for happy hour.
(5)
Jacquie T.
Wonderful meal & the atmosphere was energetic and fun. I had the grouper special on a bed of spinach...excellent!. Will definitely return.
(5)
iwiLetter.com ..
Agave does not dissapoint. It's a great place to go for a nice meal. It can be a little crowded and loud on the main dining area near the kitchen, but if you get the loft up top, or the side dining room you are golden. Very knowledgeable and friednly wait staff, we take most of our out of town guests to Agave for a nice meal and bottle of wine(s). I think they have 2 for 1 appetizers from 6-7pm, most nights I think.
(5)
Keith H.
Southwestern Food with Flair Yum Yum Yummy I got Agave food in my tummy. Agave is alright with me....a fresh, fun, upscale southwestern menu, if you go in the Winter be sure to sit by the warm and cozy fireplace, it's a sure winner. My favorite dish, Pan Seared Chilean Salmon over a roasted red pepper sauce...to die for! The wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. One of Atlanta's finest Southwestern restaurants. . Pros: Best Service, Attentive Staff . Overall user rating: Recommended
(3)
Victoria H.
We had a business meal here that was kind of last minute. Our client had been there before and he requested that we have a table in the upstairs, loft kind of area. This offered a great view of the restaurant and it kind of got us above the noise. Our table had the scallops and the lamb chops and both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection is very good and the tequila selection is the largest I've seen. They also have a good selection of beer....Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we needed her. The complimentary valet parking is a plus. Don't mind the neighborhood - apparently it's coming back.
(5)
K J.
Great service, good food, and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for. This was my first time eating here, and I will be back. I started with and order of seared Tuna, with serrano peppers and cucumbers. It was good, but I wish there had been more of it. For dinner I tried their famous Cayenne Pepper Chicken, which is a chicken breast sliced thin and put in a buttermilk dredge, with roasted corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was not spicy even a little bit. I could not even taste the cayenne, but it did have decent flavor. Next time I'm going to try the Mexican food.
(4)
Zach W.
WOW!!! We went to this place for Valentines Day in Atlanta and I was blown away! I thought it was gonna be decent, upscale 'tex mex'. Well I was wrong. This place is wonderful! We started off with fresh chips and salsa and a few margaritas. Both were fantastic. There were so many delicious options and I honestly didn't know what to get. Everything looked good. I settled (lol) for the VEAL AND CHORIZO MEATLOAF WITH MAC & CHEESE AND HONEY BACON COLLARDS! ....read that again.... I wanted another serving as soon as I was done. Might have been the best thing I've had in my life! So damn good. I tried a few other dishes that our group ordered and they were amazing. The fried chicken was great and the flat iron steak was way better than I originally thought. I'm going back here for sure. If you're in ATL and you're wanting something exciting and original, you NEED to go to Agave!
(5)
Cindy P.
Went back with my husband and mother-in-law. Enjoyed every bite! The guacamole & salsa is fresh and the chips are warm. Get the Top Shelf or Texas margarita and you won't be disappointed. We had the Mahi, Short Ribs, & Tenderloin Medallions. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. For dessert, we split the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake with cinnamon and mint whipped cream - so rich and scrumptious. Jonathan was our waiter and was Excellent - gave us great recommendations and was very attentive. Get on their mailing list and you'll receive e-mail updates. We received all entree's for $12 between 5-6 pm by showing the e-mail I had received.
(4)
Jillian M.
Came here for dinner with a friend on a Tuesday night around six. It wasn't too crowded but I would recommend a reservation, as it's a pretty small place. Been meaning to try it for quite some time, but haven't gotten around to it. Needless to say, I'm very glad I finally did! The margaritas were on point. I had the peachtree margarita, which was the perfect amount of sweet. The chips were fresh, warm, and delicious. We ordered the guacamole, and the small size was perfect and pretty good. Salsa was fresh and had a bit of a kick to it. Very good. I had the scallops with grits and Mac and cheese and it was so very great. My friend had the steak which was also a great choice. I will definitely be back. The waiter was great and very friendly. A little slow to bring the bill, but that's my only complaint.
(5)
Margaret H.
I can not say enough about this place. The first time I went, I had the diablo crawfish pasta and now it's all I ever want. It's spicy and FULL of crawfish. A well seasoned dish, great preparation. However - I came here for my birthday on Monday and I ventured off the beaten path. We started with the shrimp and pablano pepper spring rolls which were the best spring rolls I've ever had. I was torn between them and the fried lobster tail and our waiter did not disappoint. Moving on to the amazing guacamole. It's chunky and full of onions and tomatoes, just how I like it! My main feast: THE RIBS. I haven't had ribs in ages and it was my birthday. I told the waiter I was between them and my usual crawfish pasta and he said the ribs were worth it. YES! YES THEY WERE! The meat is tender and literally fell off the bone. It has a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce and smokey rub. Hands down, the best I've ever had. It came with some corn on the cob and some mac and cheese, made with very large chunky noodles. I've never had mac and cheese made like this and I didn't hate it, not one bit. Finally - the birthday dessert - Raspberry margarita cheesecake! WOW! I'm not big on sweets at all, but I practically liked the plate. Overall, what a great meal! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)
Donny F.
I absolutely love Agave once again. Exceptional flavor, kinetic atmosphere, and standout service are a given. This time I got the spicy Anejo Shrimp with tangy Mac n' Cheese and grilled asparagus--and it was perfect. Sweets got the scallops and they were totally tops as well. Agave is the kind of place that really makes me proud of my neighborhood and my city. Give them a try if you want to experience one of the all-around great restaurants in Atlanta.
Definitely great food - lots of flavors with fantastic combinations but the service was terribly slow.
(4)
Theresa S.
Yum yum! Used a groupon that was being offered (saved about $20). Have never been but have always heard about them! Was not disappointed at all. The salsa is fresh and has a nice kick to it. The guac -- fresh as well and very tasty. I had the shrimp and poblano spring rolls. While really crispy and a good portion, there wasnt a lot of any flavor of the ingredients coming through. The shrimp was in there but ... needs something more. Had the Mountain Trout with Tomatillo Sauce -- excellent. Had crawfish aplenty and really tasty meal. My friend had the veggie enchiladas and enjoyed them. We both agreed we would go back. Plenty of valet parking. The signage is a little odd though -- I was so frazzled with the traffic I thought it read 'Agave Electric Company' and drove right past. It is actually 'Agave Ecletic Mexican'....doh. Service was solid as well.
(4)
Megan B.
Another 5 star rating! Agave was just as amazing as the first time I went! I branched out and tried the jalapeno margarita; it had just the right amount of kick! We started with the chili lime fish tacos. I'm not a big fish person so when I could smell the fish I got nervous. After the first bite I was hooked! They were a little spicy but delicious! Unfortunately, I wasn't so adventurous with my entree, I got the fried chicken.. again... what can I say IT'S SO GOOD! Pair it with the mac & cheese and it's hard to try something different! The bf had the flat iron steak and it was cooked to perfection! Since it was cheat day we got the chocolate mousse for dessert. WOW. It was so light and fluffy and the creamy stuff on top was on point (it had the slightest touch of cinnamon)! I will definitely be back and I may or may not get the fried chicken...
(5)
Jeremy M.
This place is amazing, love the food! Made a reservation and walked straight in and got seated.
(5)
Kathryn D.
GET THE CHILE RELLENO OMG This place was amazing. Right away walking in you're greeted with a smile. The host that day was very kind (despite being treated poorly by other patrons, which we witnessed.) The atmosphere was nice too, it felt in between up scale and casual, and there was a lot to look at. We had a reservation for 2, and were seated promptly. They have an extensive margarita menu, but I got wine because tequila and I broke up a long time ago. My boyfriend enjoyed his New Mexico Mule. The food and service were great. We got guacamole, the tomato and avocado salad, and the chili relleno to start. I loved the chili relleno so much that I almost ordered 4 more, but I held back. For entrees we got the enchiladas and the beef medallions. The enchiladas were delicious, wonderfully seasoned. The medallions were not quite what we expected, they were a little thinner than we thought they'd be, so we were glad we ordered them medium rare. All in all, a great experience, I will be going back!
(5)
Cynthia N.
I have not visited Agave for a while, so it's past time for an update. I met friends for a b-day dinner last Saturday. I'll never visit Agave on a Saturday night again. EVER. This experience made me drop my rating by a star. It was so crowded that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the wall behind the bar and along the wall in the right side dining area. Valet parking was backed out into the road as far as Memorial Drive. Our reservation was at 6:30 and I barely made it. Two in our party were 20 minutes late trying to find parking with one of them finally giving up and coming inside and the other waiting in the valet line. I know that Agave is popular but I really wasn't expecting this crush until around 7:30-8:00. Our server was awful. He took 20 minutes to take our order and our water glasses ran dry twice. He had the two tables on either side of us as well and he didn't seem to be doing a bang up job with them either. This really surprised me because I've always had great table service at Agave, but last Saturday night was an exception. I've always loved the margaritas at Agave, but Saturday night they were what I expect from Tex-Mex chain restaurants. They didn't have the clean, fresh flavor I expect from Agave. It's possible that the margaritas were so awful because the bartenders were cranking out drinks like it was the end of the world. It's hard to make a good drink super fast, even for a well-trained bartender. The only good thing about this visit was the food. I ordered the veal/chorizo/green chile meatloaf with mac-n-cheese and collards (damn, I'm country.) I would not order the meatloaf again. The texture was really smooth, almost creamy like pate, and I was not a fan. But the mac-n-cheese and collards were delicious, and I'm so glad they were because the sides were the ONLY reason I ordered that meatloaf. I also had the key lime pie for dessert and it was as good as can be with just the right amount of citrus tart and sugar sweet. My friends had the rare tuna, tenderloins, strip steak, and shrimp. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the food. A part of being a popular restaurant is learning how to properly handle your popularity. If Saturday night is a busy night, consider not accepting reservations. (I'm a fan of reservations, but I'm not a fan of crowded foyers.) I still enjoy the food at Agave, and I would recommend that anyone who is a fan of tequila and southwestern food give them a try. Just not on a Saturday night. Yelp 2015 Update #4
(4)
Adam P.
One of the best meals I have had in a while. The tomato and avocado was nice. Nothing out of the ordinary but very good. The pork chop entree was the best pork chop I have ever had in life (considering I just started eating pork again, this may not mean much). Came with some delicious mashed potatoes. Some of the best corn I have ever had in my life also. The crawfish past was also very good. I really enjoyed this meal. The food I got was outstanding, and the food I saw looked just as good. The liquor selection is fantastic and the prices here are more than reasonable. Nice little bar, and I really like the setting of the place. I will without a doubt be back, and can't wait.
(5)
Maneesha A.
Ah Agave. Came here for Easter dinner at my mother's suggestion. Her margarita was out of this world, and I wish I hadn't driven so I could have had my own. Chips were easily among the best. Guacamole was good too. My dishes were good, and the flan was AWESOME!!! But the drawbacks: - valet parking for the lot literally right next door? Seemed very silly. Perhaps it's more necessary late night. - wait staff - Lady, I KNOW you were half-heartedly complementing my daughter at the end of the meal in hopes of a better tip. And I caught you rolling your eyes when I asked for a straw when they were literally less than 2 yards away from where you were standing. There was an attempt to be kid friendly given the hidden easter eggs around the restaurant. But that doesn't cover up ugly wait staff attitude towards kids/families. Everyone else seemed nice enough, but I was not blown away by the service. May try again in the future, because the food was really great.
(4)
Jacqueline V.
One of my favorite restaurants. Everytime we're heading to a show or event downtown, this is our go to dining spot. My husband who's not a fan of fried chicken loves their Cayenne Fried Chicken entree. Love the fresh complimentary tortilla chips and homemade salsa. The braised short ribs are my favorite. Drinks...fantastic! How can you go wrong with 101 tequila options. Service is always propmt and attentive, regardless how busy the restaurant.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Agave has some really amazing reviews, but I can't lie. Our experience was incredibly average. We were seated quickly which was a pleasant surprise. Chips and salsa w were complimentary and yummy but I swear we ate on them for ages before getting our actual food. The waitress was slow, unenthused, and forgetful. My husband had to request a totally separate menu because he is vegetarian and she kept forgetting it which pushed back our ability to order. When the food did come, it was good, but not the most amazing thing. I had the pork burrito and my husband had the veggie burrito while our friends had the chicken quesidilla and cocktails. I'm not trying to say the restaurant was terrible, it just wasn't as great as I had expected.
(3)
Zindzi A.
I started my meal off with a Mona Lisa Margarita. It's was soooo good. I believe it's passion fruit, crab and some other juices but it's so good. For my entree I ordered the New Mexico Rack of Lamb that came with Asparagus and the Yukon golden mash potatoes. The waitress mentioned that they were out of asparagus and then appeared with some as well the the side dishes we chose to replace them..yay lol... We chose the julienne vegetables. I can't name one thing on my plate that was out of place. I will be returning. Next time I'm going to try the cayenne fried chicken. I would recommend this restaurant to everyoooone.
(5)
Caroline P.
Very disappointed. I was here a year ago and remember being impressed. Tonight was date night and we decided to branch out from our favorites (Rathbuns, Sun in My Belly, Doc Cheys) and try something new. It was in the 70s outside and we specifically wanted to dine outside. I called ahead and asked if they had outside seating and was assured they did. The patio is closed in with a roof and high walls that were over 5ft tall. To add to the wall height were the wood blind that went down to the wall. The space was dark and the only way I could peek at the sky was to have my face against the seat back. If it hadn't been 7:30 we would have gone somewhere else. The salsa was good and their Mac and Cheese was very tasty. The meatloaf "tasted like pate (no accent option on my phone) and was spicy. The Barbacoa dish was horribly spicy and started to upset my stomach. Since our food took awhile to come out we were starving and my boyfriend was all the way through his dish before we were able to get the attention of the waitress for me to get sour cream to try and tone down the spice and cool the burn. Don't get me wrong, I like a good spice, I love adding siracha to things. Overall I was disappointed by the lack of follow-up so we could voice the issues in time to resolve. Unfortunately we've regretted our branching out. Till next time.
(2)
Claudia A.
This place continues to be where I take guests when I want to "wow" them. Now's it's a little pricier than other restaurants but you can find things within the drink menu and dinner menu if you're budget conscience. My date and I started with their traditional Margarita. It's was a little sweeter than what I'm used to but that' how house Margarita's usually are. We then got an Agave Margarita-perfect. A nice strong anejo tequila filled Margarita. We got the ahi tuna for appetizer, it was yummy but not my favorite so I will try something different next time. My entree was the rack of lamb which comes with asparagus and mashed potatoes, I see folks get it all the time and I just had to try it. It was pretty good. Also not my favorite but but that's just a personal preference. My date got the veal,chorizo,pepper meat loaf. Oh my lord, it was delicious. It came with collard greens (had a sweet taste) and macaroni which accompanied it perfectly. For dessert we got the spicy peanut butter cake, I am not a peanut butter fan but this hit the spot. Perfect blend of flavors in a mouse like consistency. Overall I will come back and bring back friends. Make sure you bring $ for the valet parking.
(4)
Scott M.
I have been coming to Agave' since 2001 and the place just keeps getting better. I have recently had the opportunity to introduce some people to this restaurant and all of them agree that it is hard to beat this place. I have had most items on the menu and without any hesitation, I could recommend anything. Last night I had the scollops and they were amazing. You can't leave this place until you have had the Lobster appetizer, Calamari or Shrimp Spring Rolls, all are simply great starters. Tim, the managing partner and his staff are all super friendly and accomodating. They get 5 stars for both service and the food quality. You will be leaving this place very impressed!
(5)
Lysa F.
Agave's ambiance is romantic and quaint. As soon as I walked in, I knew service would be fantastic. The host was prompt and helpful, and all servers were highly attentive and friendly. Now down to the food- Complementary chips and salsa- Awesome! The salsa was spicy, which I like (5 stars) Guacamole- a little too many tomatoes for my taste, but solid nonetheless (3 stars) Southwestern Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls- Very flavorful, a little greasy (4 stars) Slow Braised Beef Shortribs- Words fail me. So tender, packed with flavor, it fell apart with a fork... just absolutely amazing. Honestly, this might be the best meal I've ever eaten. I know that is a huge claim, and I am very serious. This is THE BEST dish. (4258473934 stars!) Taking everything besides the short rib entree into account, Agave might have gotten 4 stars from me. However, this amazing dish pushed Agave well over 5 stars!!! I will be back SOON with a hunger for some short ribs :)
(5)
Kellie T.
Agave is now my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I ate here for the first time last night with my family and everyone loved it - our waiter Michael Montoya was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and made the entire evening such a pleasure. The food was so, so delicious and perfectly prepared, as were the drinks. I can't give Agave enough praise and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know. Thanks for the great service Michael!!
(5)
Karla N.
AMAZING!!! thats all I live quite close to this fine restaurant and never tried it i just noticed that the parking lot is always packed until one saturday afternoon we decided to go for an early dinner. We made reservations for 5 pm and when we got there we got sited quite quickly right by the fireplace in the back. it was very romantic. we were the only ones in that dinning room for about 15 minutes then in a matter of 20 min the dining room was full. Now the food..... we started with drinks which i have to say were really good margaritas not sweet and you could really tell that the mix is made in house and use good quality tequila. Next we received the complimentary chips and salsa they were warm and fresh which made eat 2 baskets of them thats how good they were. the appetizers was a shared tortilla soup that was so good and satisfying i wish we didn't share it at all, and a small order or guacamole. for dinner I ordered the pork chop and my husband the meatloaf. omg i was in heaven my dinner was delicious however i was not able to finish my food and had it packed for later, portions are quite large. The service was really good they were organized and attentive even with a busy dinning room. Just make sure you make reservations because they get super busy. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Renee G.
Since this was our first time eating here, I looked at pics to get an idea off what the food looked like. There were a few things that caught my eye but the fried chicken kept calling my name. I NEVER order chicken when I go out to dinner but I was very happy that I ordered it; it was delicious! We started our meal with calamari - so good. It was lightly coated and fried to perfection. We ate every piece of calamari even after eating the complimentary chips & salsa! My husband & daughter both got ribs. I didn't taste the ribs, but I did taste the Mac 'n cheese; quite good. I was impressed with the food & will try to return to the restaurant when I'm in Atlanta again
(4)
Alvin P.
A Good Place To Have A Meal With Friends. The place has some parking, but mostly it's complimentary valet parking. I don't mind complimentary valet parking for places that don't have any parking, but this place has enough parking that you can park yourself. When we pulled in, there was a spot that opened up from a car, and they said it would block the road if I tried to park there, even though there was a car there when I initially pulled into the place. We ended up going with valet, but it feels horrible to not tip them then, so we did. However, I wish they would just let you park when you were able to. The staff was friendly, and the waiter was informative. However, it is ridiculously loud there. I could probably eavesdrop on 5 different conversations while having ear plugs in my ear. I almost felt like people were yelling at each other. However, I'm not sure if this is a one time instance, because when a couple groups of people left, the place returned to normal volume levels. The food was good, I believe I got a burrito and quesadilla and it was pretty good. I didn't think it was amazing though, but pretty good. I wish there were more options for vegetarians though. I pretty much ended up ordering from the entree section twice to have variety. We were too full to try the desserts. This would be rated a bit higher if it wasn't for the ridiculously loud atmosphere there, pretty much like going to a club or bar I guess. Not a good date night place, IMO. This is better if you are going with friends and are going to be loud anyway, so everything meshes.
(3)
Annie P.
I was surprisingly very pleased with this place! We went on the recommendation of Yelp. There is parking to the side of the restaurant but it gets packed pretty fast which is when they offer complimentary valet parking. I personally am not a fan of valet parking because I like to try to find my own parking. That being said, there was an empty space near the entrance/exit of the parking lot. While my friend was trying to park there, one of the valets ran up to us and told us it wasn't allowed because it's blocking the entrance. I call BS - it was a clearly defined space (with yellow lines and all) that symbolizes that it was, indeed, a parking space. Even if we were to park there, there was more than enough room for cars to exit or enter. Nonetheless, we handed the keys over to the valet and he parked the car for us. The restaurant itself was warm and cozy. We came in with no reservations but they still seated us immediately. We were seated directly in front of the fireplace which felt really nice. I got the grilled corn with garlic butter and the stuffed trout. I loved the corn - it was so perfect. I ate like a bulldog - not attractive. The trout was really good too with one exception - the skin was soggy, which made for an unattractive texture. So I had to do some extra work to remove the skin but once that was done, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I took my dessert, key lime pie, to go. When I ate it at the hotel, I really enjoyed it - especially the cinnamon flavored whipped cream. The service was excellent - our waiter was VERY attentive, friendly, and personable. I can tell he would be (or is already) a very popular guy there. The restaurant was decorated nicely but not so extravagant. My only complaint, in terms of the atmosphere, is that it gets so LOUD. My friend and I had to repeat what we were saying to each other at least 3-4 times. Otherwise, I would definitely come back here to see what else they have to offer.
(4)
A.J. C.
Agave is a very popular Southwestern restaurant located on Boulevard in Cabbagetown. I was looking forward to our dinner @ Agave with a large group of friends this weekend so I will break this review down step by step. PARKING: On this night they had "free" valet parking. Quick, easy, and no problems despite how busy it was. I imagine finding a parking spot without this would be next to impossible. 5/5 stars. RESERVATIONS: We had a group of 20 reserved for dinner @ 8:15pm. We were seated @ approximately 8:50pm. Which is fine. This place is obviously very popular and it was extremely crowded. When we opened the door to enter it was like looking @ a crowded elevator. In all fairness, a lot of the crowd @ the door was our group. Six of us waited outside because we just could not get in. Agave will tell you that one of their specialties is large groups, and they did have 3 very large tables set up on the right side of the dining area. All of which were full of very large groups. 3/5 stars. SETTING: It's very small inside considering the amount of business they have. Restrooms were located @ the furthest corner of the restaurant from where large groups are seated. This makes for an adventure trying to navigate the crowd to and from. You will have to pass through the dining area, the front door area, the bar, and the kitchen in order to relieve yourself. The mood lighting and decor are excellent which would normally make this place a prime choice for a date should you need a romantic setting. However, it is EXTREMELY loud in here and communication without yelling will prove difficult to accomplish. I'd bet on a less busy night though, it's perfect. As it got later, the bar opened up a little bit and looked like a place I would rather sit some time in the future for drink and food. It is also right next to the open kitchen, and on that side of the restaurant it smells awesome. 4/5 stars. FOOD/DRINK: The food is outstanding. In full disclosure, I had the Georgia Trout with a side of Bacon Collards. This was not my first choice though, as I had ordered the Red Pepper Salmon. But the waitress came back and told me they were out of Salmon. The Trout was her recommendation in place of it. Every one else seemed to enjoy their meal as well, and comments were made how flavorful everything was. The Scallops were a big hit, and apparently they are Agave's most popular seafood dish according to the waitress. No surprise though. If you look at the pictures and reviews on this very page you will see just how much people like the Scallops. The fried chicken was also very popular. Although I enjoyed my food, the portions are not very large so don't expect that, and I was still a little hungry upon completion of it. They have a vast drink menu which includes many wine choices, spirits, and cervezas. Whiskey on the rocks and a beer is what I settled on. Margaritas @ the table got high marks. 4/5 stars. SERVICE: The waitress we had was exceptional. It looks like she was in charge of all the big tables which can spread her time a little thin. But there were no mistakes made that I could tell, and she was knowledgeable of every thing on the menu. One person had to wait longer than every one else for her food to come out, but other than that it was all good. Checks were broken up by couples and singles at the end, and that went off with no problem. 4/5 stars. PRICE: Expect to spend some money here. It was not cheap, but probably on par with similar restaurants. Our split check for 3 people, each with a drink and entree, came to $100. So, $120 with a tip. 3/5 stars. OVERALL: I would like to visit this place again on a less busy night. I think I would enjoy dinner and drinks here @ the bar with one other person or a smaller group. Or even with a date @ a smaller table when it's not as loud and crowded. Average stars in this review come to 3.8, so I will give it a 4. I recommend you try it at least once for the food alone. We went on a Saturday night, so if you'd like to avoid the large crowd then pick another day.
(4)
Sonja L.
First of all, the Southern hospitality is apparent. We got a genuine greeting and that same feeling stayed throughout the meal. This was a meal shared with colleagues. The server made great recommendations and he was super laid back but not too cool. I ordered the sashimi grade seared tuna. It was excellent but I sort of wish I'd gotten the lamb. All 5 of us ordered something different and it all had beautiful presentation. The atmosphere was rustic and interesting. The restrooms were fairly clean. I have it 4/5 stars because it did feel a bit cluttered with too many seats for the space. I would go back though.
(4)
Trevor W.
Agave is an intimate spot for Tex-Mex just behind Oakland cemetery off Boulevard and Carroll. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and will certainly be back. Given the location, Agave does parking right. They have super quick and friendly valet staff that manage the massive empty lots beside the building down Boulevard. The entrance to the historic structure is right at the intersection of Boulevard and Carroll. You are greeted by the large wooden door that opens into a solid wood and brick dining room / bar. With the bar down the right side and tables to the left in the open space, expect sound to get a bit loud. It has that trendy loudness of a Manhattan eatery bustling with people and service. Wasn't deafening on our visit, but definitely something to take note as one side of our table of 10 couldn't easily communicate with the other. In the back corner is a private loft for small groups and outside an enclosed patio for outdoor dining. The kitchen is open and adds to the ambiance with wisps of steam and deliciousness floating through the air. The interior is dimly lit and quite intimate, dare I say romantic. The decorations and lighting make you feel as if you're dining in an upscale pueblo, if there is such a thing. Tables are four tops, but they easily handled our reservation of 10 by creating a row all for us. Agave is known for its 2-for-1 appetizer happy hour available at the bar from 5-7pm. If you're doing something around Cabbagetown or at Oakland Cemetery, makes for a wonderful start to the festivities! Agave considers the food gourmet Tex-Mex and with it comes a bit of the price tag. However, our party of 10 definitely enjoyed their dishes. We sampled: * Blue and white corn chips and salsa (nicely spicy with chunky tomato pieces) * Hatch Green Chile Stew (very spicy) * Grilled sweet corn (with that delicious queso) * Smoked Chicken & Hatch Green Chile Quesadillas * Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo * Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken (seriously, try it) * Lime & Garlic Marinated Flatiron Steak Not sure what took me so long to make it to Agave, but will certainly be back for more deliciousness!
(4)
Jeremy R.
Fried chicken was a rubbery, hard, inedible disappointment. Lamb was solid, drinks were good, but its hard to look past that one bad dish when you only ordered two things. Maybe they don't use the fryer very often? Atmosphere is nice and presentation was on point.
(3)
Tara S.
This is my favorite dinner in Atlanta in recent memory. The atmosphere is as described in other reviews. Try to sit in the big side room and not the area by the bar and bathrooms. The manager greeted us with champagne because we were celebrating our anniversary. Sweet touch. They have extensive tequila and mezcals. We had a Karma margarita ( amazing) and my boyfriend picked a favorite mezcal topped with simple lime and Cointreau. We split a Barbacoa quesadilla and hatch chile stew to start - both were amazing !!! The stew was fantastic. For entrees we had short ribs with poblano grits, and cayenne fried chicken with collards and Mac and cheese. Every single thing tasted incredible ! Nothing was mediocre. The short ribs fell apart and the chicken was juicy with delicious crust. I only wish we'd had room for dessert. Can't wait to hit this spot up again.
(5)
B C.
Never had a bad meal here. We love the shrimp, the tuna, the ceviche, and everything else we've tasted. Even the chips and salsa are deadly good. It's not usually a quite place, but I still think it makes a great overlooked date place.
(5)
Luckie D.
Agave remains creative, tasty and well left of the typical Americanized Mexican fare. A great space with good energy and friendly staff I look forward to continued patronage. I am a big fan and almost feel petty given the need for parking and their building configuration but an option for a rooftop alfresco would land them that elusive fifth star.
(4)
Michael O.
HOLY CRAP! This spot is AWESOME! Very diverse! Great open grilled food. Strong AF Margaritas with great choices. I like the seating arrangements that they have in there. Please make a RSVP on Fridays and Saturdays though because it was hella crowded when we went. I had the most expensive Margarita on the menu, I forgot the name but it was like $12 or $13 bucks I think. But it was hella worth it. We'll definitely be back! The spot is cool too. It's low-key and they have Valet parking...for 2 margaritas and my meal, it was about $40 + the Tip.
(5)
Jonathan F.
Agave... Is amaze..ing... It's a rare occurrence when one finds themself at a tex mex restaurant with an abundance of healthy options. That's the foundational reason that I gave this place 5 stars, but I digress. The setting was absolutely perfect. Tucked away off of boulevard you find this jem nestled in the turn and honestly you may drive right by it at night. It's a very cozy interior once you come inside. The dim lighting and fireplace that was lit on the "patio" area made for a perfect romantic dinner. The service was top notch. Our server Gary was amazing. He really helped accentuate or experience with his recommendations and friendly service. Finally, the food was perfect. I had the salmon that was served over zucchini, squash, and carrot slivers with a roasted red peppers sauce. This was one of the best tex mex dishes I have ever had and I didn't feel guilty about it afterwards! The food was fresh, the setting was perfect, and the wine list was well crafted. This place was the total package. Absolutely loved my experience and I have been raving about it to my friends!
(5)
Nilesh P.
The restaurant atmosphere was great. The service was exceptional. We bought a groupon and it included one appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. This was more than enough food. The steak was great and so were the rack of lambs. The only reason I took it down by one star was the temperature in the back. It was just way too hot and seemed like no ventilation. Overall great experience but I would sit towards the front!
(4)
Samantha M.
I loved this place. Found a groupon a few months ago & finally got in here the first week of September. The chips & salsa were great, but as appetizer lovers, that wasn't enough! So many delicious sounding apps to choose from, we went with the guacamole & ceviche. Both were superb! For entrees, we had the medallions & the rack of lamb, we were already stuffed at this point from the amazing appetizers, but so glad we forged on to entrees because they were awesome! We were having a bit of a sweet tooth, so we each took half our entree home & shared a dessert- chocolate mousse. I normally don't eat dessert & even I loved it. Don't miss the margaritas, strong, great flavor & none of the sugary crap going on here!
(5)
Kay H.
Impressive! Tons of great dishes, good service and wide margarita selection. As tasty as the drinks are I'd probably add a shot to make it perfect. Every dish was delicious and I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Great place! This was my first experience and I know much more to come!
(5)
Julie E.
Even though it's been in Atlanta 14 years, Agave is one of our favorite new finds! We "discovered" Agave through a Scoutmob deal and went last night for our 18th wedding anniversary. Our reservation was at 7:30 pm and we showed up on time and were seated immediately. When making the reservation, I noted it was our anniversary, and within minutes, a manager showed up with two complimentary glasses of champagne--a very nice surprise! For apps, we chose the guacamole and the ceviche martini. The martini was delicious, but I was a little disappointed in the guac (it was not super fresh tasting) but that was my only disappointment. For entrees, my hubs chose the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp over grits cakes which was great. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. I chose the Chile Grilled Swordfish served with serrano grits and a smoked avocado relish. It was wonderful too! Again, the fish was well cooked and the relish was what I would have liked to seen from the guac. The portion sizes were just right... not too large, not skimpy. For dessert, we had the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake which was divine, though we were pretty stuffed by that time. I also enjoyed the Mona Lisa and New Mexico Mule margaritas. While very different, both were very tasty! Another plus... Agave has valet parking. I have seen some people complain about the parking, but to me, it's a plus to not have to hunt for parking. On the way home, we both agreed that Agave is one of our top 5 restaurant "finds" in Atlanta and we would definitely return again without the benefit of a "deal."
(5)
Becky R.
Great for meeting up with friends and a good date night place.
(5)
Deb M.
Yes...it was as good as it gets! Visiting from Detroit for work there are some die-hard Mexican food fans in my group. So glad someone recommended this place for dinner. The chips and salsa were great. When I asked our waiter (who was absolutely fabulous) for a spicier salsa he said they didn't have one but he did go back and chop up a bunch of peppers - with the seeds still in them- to add to the salsa! I thought that was awesome and it definitely kicked the spice up a notch. We ordered drinks and guacamole and let the adventure begin! I started by splitting the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the springrolls, though I liked the red pepper jelly the best (was hoping for a bit more heat though). Two others in our group had the chicken quesadillas and loved them. The meal was paced perfectly, the atmosphere hipster and lively, the decor perfectly New Mexico. What a wonderfully charming place. I would love to tell you about all of the flavor profiles of the different dishes we shared but we all got the dish that came highly recommended....the scallops! The only variation is that I subbed the greens out for some grilled asparagus...I'm not a huge fan of greens. The scallops had a perfect sear on them and were nestled in the most heavenly grits I've ever had. The only downfall of the evening came shortly after we finished our meal....when I realized Atlanta is far from home and I don't know when I'll make it back to Agave.
(5)
MeMe F.
I've dined at Agave twice. More recently was last week on a spur-of-the-moment date night with a friend. It is an impressive, cozy spot with very flavorful cuisine. On a slow night, it's very romantic, warm and breezy with amber lighting and a low hum of dinner conversation. On a crowded night, it's very loud with the same lighting and lots of large parties. It's not very sexy when you're having to practically yell at the person across from you as you sit under a golden, soft light that makes almost any woman look like Halle Berry for a few hours. This establishment is more spacious upwardly than anything. It looks like an old, two-story colonial home renovated for a restaurant. Sometimes it can be a tight squeeze, so if you are claustrophobic, check Agave OFF your list. I don't mind being in close quarters for a short period, so it doesn't bother me. They have a myriad of wines and other spirit drinks to choose from. However, be warned that not all of their wine selections are sold by the glass. I mostly drink whites, blushes and rose's. I rarely drink sweet reds and never drink dry reds, except to marinate meats. Therefore, I never need to buy a whole bottle, so I always end up drinking soda or water here.Their margaritas are pretty good but not memorable for me. I will order one on my next visit for a more fair review. The scallops and short ribs are 4 star. My favorite item is their southwest macaroni and cheese. Agave adds up quickly on your tab, so be sure you have some dough on hand and don't forget cash to tip your valet. My service has always been pretty moderate to poor, mainly uninterested servers sweating bullets with a backed up kitchen while my drink glass sits empty for 30 minutes. I wish I could take Agave's ambiance and food without the service...if that makes sense. Bottom line, you should visit if you want a real taste of what Atlanta has to offer!
(3)
Summer W.
One of my favorite spots in Atlanta. They have the BEST margaritas! My favorite menu items are the Lime & Garlic Flatiron Steak and the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. Whatever you get, order the mashed potatoes!
(5)
Bill M.
No patio. No queso dip. They shouldn't be allowed to call themselves tex mex on here. No mex zone. Food actually tasted good though.
(2)
Sammi T.
Very delayed posting of a saved review from over a year ago. I really love this restaurant! I rarely repeat restaurants, but this one is one of the repeats. It never disappoints every time I go! The decor/atmosphere is pretty awesome. It is very Latin American style. On the weekends, this place is PACKED! It's even hard to order drinks at the bar while waiting b/c it is sooooo crowded. However, the bartender was extra nice! We were starving, and she gave us chips while we waited outside. Pretty awesomesauces :) I love the salmon here! and the chocolate mousse desert was delectable!
(4)
Danielle R.
Awesome food, great service, great atmosphere. This is my new favorite place. They have the best guacamole in Atlanta.
(5)
Cheryl R.
I decided to meet a friend this evening for dinner. This was my 3rd time dining at Agave. My waiter was really good. However, each time I go I am never impressed with my food selections. I had the scallops with grits and collard greens. The scallops were really good. My collard greens were not good at all. They were not seasoned well and had a burnt taste to them. I don't plan on giving this restaurant another chance. I was very disappointed.
(3)
Justin O.
Wow! Great drinks, food and service. We had the mussels and spring roll for an appetizer. I had the lamb and my buddy had the baby back ribs. Couldn't ask for anything better. Valet parking and they work off of tips.
(5)
Julie G.
This is a cool place! I like the decor. Lots of space inside. I think we were sitting in an enclosed patio. The servers were really friendly and attentive and I appreciated that they sat my party not directly next to another party. The restaurant wasn't super full and it made the dinner feel more intimate. The bench style seating with pillows and blanket, give the place a cozy feel. I really enjoyed the complementary chips and "trough" of salsa (mostly for its quantity). The Southwestern dishes we tried were both delicious. Some of the seafood items on the menu looked superb. The only downside to this place was the unnecessary "complementary valet" parking. It is not a location that needs a valet, it has a large parking lot right by the restaurant. It was rather frustrating to hand your keys over to the valet and watch him park the car in one of dozens of spots 3 feet away. It made the whole thing that much more of a hassle when we could have just parked our car and walked in, stress free.
(4)
Ms M.
Great food, great drinks, great neighborhood feel... Excellent for large parties or an intimate date...recommended
(4)
Renee O.
This place sucks. The food was way overrated and our waitress had all the personality of a potato. BUTTERLESS. The best thing it has going for it is the pixies album cover in the bathroom.
(2)
Mandi G.
My family and I went to Agave last Friday night for my birthday dinner (yay, 23!). I wanted an atmosphere that was fun, delicious, felt like a special occasion, but wasn't outrageously expensive. I also wanted an atmosphere my parents could enjoy (not too bar-ish). GREAT atmosphere. Super cozy, dim lighting, not too loud. We had a reservation for 5 at 6:30 and were seated immediately. It looked pretty crowded when we left, but not in a bad way. The margaritas were awesome. I had the chorizo taco thing and it was very good. My boyfriend had the meatloaf, which was AWESOME. My Dad got the stuffed trout (I think?) and it was really good too. The only negatives I had were that it was a LITTLE pricey, but it was worth it for the quality of the meal and drinks. The waiter was nice and had good knowledge of the menu, but my mom was asking a lot of questions about it and he seemed a little annoyed by it. (I know that's annoying for waiters sometimes, but at least fake a smile or something.) All in all, it was a good birthday experience! I'll be back for the margaritas.
(4)
Debo R.
This is starting to be one of my favorite places! Great food and drinks! Bartenders know there stuff! Highly recommend you come and experience!
(5)
Alara K.
Third visit to Agave and it remains one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I brought Lovey here on date night and we were seated on the open air patio (nice atmosphere with a nice breeze that night). We started with two margaritas and the calamari app. The margs were delicious and the calamari was a good start to the meal. I ordered the spicy tequila anejo shrimp and Lovey had the Cayenne fried chicken. We both practically licked the plates clean. To celebrate such a wonderful meal, we took a shot of tequila (I believe they were anejo-very good). I will continue to come back, as I have never been disappointed.
(5)
Dee B.
this is usually my go-to spot for a relaxing evening in a nice environment. I went here this weekend and the waiter wasn't the best. He turned my salad around because it had tomatoes and they just took the tomatoes off which left tomato juice and seeds on my salad. Yuck! very sloppy. He insisted that they didnt carry cucumber however they were on my boyfriends plate. I offered them. To top it all off my corn was ice cold! After they finally got it right he was still one of the worst. I should have just sat at the bar like I usually do where the bartender is AMAZING and funny. Mosquitos ate me alive in the back room. I learned a lesson. No wonder people stand in line to sit at the bar!
(3)
Jim J.
Agave remains my favorite place in the city. Best variety of margaritas to be found, and by far the most tasty. Superb list of appetizers (their calamari is way better than found at upscale seafood restaurants), a wide variety of entrees that includes chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. All are well prepared and perfectly presented. Top it off with the best key lime pie to be found, or the chocolate mousse. It doesn't get any better, and at very reasonable prices. Thursday night had the special pasta topped by sea bass, scallops, grilled shrimp, and mussels. First time I have seen that special there. I hope they bring it back again one day soon. This place continues to deliver, and we will return often.
(5)
Chloe E.
Food-5 stars. Drinks-3 stars. I have no idea how I have never eaten here. I will sadly admit I had never heard of it. It isn't close to where I have lived in Atlanta but that is no excuse. This Mexican food with a Southern twang is worth the drive. We used the valet to park. Had a short wait for a table and then our waiter immediately stopped by to get our drink order. The margaritas were ok. Very tart. Very light on tequila. Not the worst I have had but I will try another specialty drink next time. Or just get a beer. The food was great. It is different than tex mex. Not quite Mex Mex...just unique. And everything tasted very fresh. It was very loud due to some huge groups but it didn't matter to me because I didn't say a word from the moment the food was dropped off until I licked my plate clean. Can't wait to get back here and try some other items!
(4)
Reena T.
We went here for our weekly date night. There is usually a big party there every time we go there which makes it very loud, but they had the patio open which was very nice. the guac is always a must have and this time we had the strawberry and goat cheese salad...it was amazing!! I had the lamb, which was just ok, and my husband had the pork medallions which were also amazing!!! next time i go i will def be getting the pork!!!
(4)
Katie S.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. I don't live in Atlanta anymore, and this is one restaurant that I miss the most. Every time, it's fabulous! The scallops are the best I've ever had, and that beef chile relleno is like heaven in your mouth! Try those collard greens! They are so good. I don't think I've ever had anything that was just mediocre. Don't miss out!
(5)
Leigh C.
So delicious! Loud and busy so don't come here for an intimate dinner-come here to have fun! The guacamole and salsa were amazing. My husband and I had the seared tuna. Small portion but it was just enough! The key lime pie is good but the restaurant doesn't actually make it-they ship it in from a well-known bakery that I, of course, can't remember the name of!
(5)
Mai Tran L.
Lovely restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. The food here is mouth watering good. I won't give it a 5 stars rating because the price is so hard for the portion of food I'm getting. However, the food here is very good especially the ceviche.
(4)
Rick V.
Outstanding! The flavors of Mexican cuisine were well-represented and elevated in this un-stuffy but still classy restaurant. Perfect for a fun dinner date, especially for a medium-sized group. It was very crowded on our Saturday evening visit, but service was still decent and very friendly. Reservations mandatory, in my opinion - it's a relatively small place. Lamb Chops were well-spiced and perfectly cooked - delicious! We gobbled up our appetizers (chunky guacamole, calamari) like we'd never eaten food before. Others in our group ordered Salmon, and another fish dish - super tasty! Each of us loved our entree. Have you eaten at Agave yet? No? What's keeping you?
(4)
Juan M.
Hadn't been in YEARS. Forced valet parking notwithstanding, it was great. We did the ScoutMob special and came away packed, buzzed and happy. The traditional margarita really plays nicely with the chips and salsa - I was amazed at the amount of food we got for the price. We hope to come back again soon to try some of the other items that had been added since we last came (like the street corn on the cob - oh man).
(5)
Naima W.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I love the margaritas, mussels, fried lobster tail, and scallops. The food is wonderful and the service is great. I also participated in one of their quarterly tequila dinners and that was awesome too. It was a little pricey but I believe the experience, food, and drinks made it worth it. They served me so many drinks that I had to leave some of them on the table!!! I will gladly do the tequila dinner again!
(5)
Christian S.
Just went to Agave after probably a year of not going (for no reason other than forgetting it was a favorite!) and had yet another great experience. Food, drinks, chips are always consistently excellent. 5 stars because we've NEVER had a bad experience or meal there. Staff is great and owner always seems to be there making sure the place is running smoothly.
(5)
Jennifer N.
We really enjoyed dinner at Agave. We started with the mussels and finished with the pumpkin cheesecake. In between, we had strip steak and gulf shrimp. Everything was good and the staff was friendly and attentive. Try the grit cake: crispy on the outside soft and creamy on the inside. Overall, a great dining experience. Not a great place to take small active kids..the lighting is pretty dim and it is kind of tight and crowded on the weekends. But they do have high chairs so it is not out of the question. Enjoy.
(5)
Shaye B.
I have been a couple of times to Agave and had a blast each time! The food and margarites are both great. Both are creative and its worth exploring the menu a bit! Both times I got seafood - flounder once and shrimp the other - and was not disappointed at all. The jalapeno infused margaritas are a real treat! I really like the atmosphere and decor of the place too - it is a large restaurant, but it is done well inside and each area has its own vibe. I definetly recommend this place for groups and someone looking to try a "southern contemporary tex-mex" place - which is how I would best describe the food. I also think that Agave is less expensive than other fun dinner locations for big groups. Plus who doesn't like starting off a weekend night with good company, some margaritas and creative mexican food?!?
(4)
Nathan S.
Agave is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always fresh and oh so yummy. They really take pride in serving authentic, fresh, southwest flavors. My favorite dishes are the scallops and fried chicken. The peanut butter pie almost put me in a coma. I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Amazing! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)
Emily S.
Had an amazing experience at Agave! The salsa and guac were very fresh. The menu featured lots of Tex-Mex options with Southern flare -- seemed to be something for all palates. The chorizo and pork tacos were very tasty (and quite spicy by my Midwest standards). Will be eating here again soon!
(5)
Kelly M.
I really liked this place. This would be a great date night spot or good for happy hour. I've heard it's best to come early as it gets pretty crowded. It's very cozy inside. There is low lighting and a fireplace. We sat at the bar. The margaritas were excellent; not watered down at all. My friend and I dined in for happy hour. The chips were served fresh and hot just the way I like them. They have a happy hour special where the appetizers are 2 for the price of one or you can order any entree for $12. That's a sweet deal. We had the tuna and calamari for appetizers. Both were served to perfection. I order the braised short ribs with potatoes and grilled asparagus. The meat was very tender, but tasted more like pot roast than short rib, but still delicious. My friend enjoyed the pork chops and collards. I can't wait to go again.
(5)
Maxx M.
Chips and salsa rocked! Great service, good food, definitely will patronize next time I am in the ATL. For those of you going in a big group, I'm not sure what they called it but they had a special sampler family-style menu which worked great for our corporate group.
(4)
Ricky H.
The food and drink is good here. I never been here before today and heard of it before seeing it on yelp. The place is very romantic yet small. I enjoyed my time here and will definitely go back again. It across from the historic cemetery. You will have to make reservations before going.
(5)
Paige N.
I've been to Agave twice now - both with dates, and both times it was a pleasure as other Yelpers have said. It's a very cozy, romantic setting no matter where you are - although both times I've been on the patio, which is perfect. Generally, we began with wine or margaritas - both are excellent choices - and the server recommended good bottles. And of course chips with quacamole. I highly recommend the guac - fresh made and filled with tomato and onion and cilantro. Yum! And for dinner on my most recent experience there, I had the stuffed mountain trout and my date had the chile seared sea scallops. We shared and both dishes were fantastic. The trout was truly stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms and the scallops weren't too spicy or overcooked. And our waiter was very attentive refilling our wine and water glasses whenever they started to look a little low. It's definitely a place I will continue to suggest and visit in the future. One thing to be aware of is that parking is at a premium around there, so save yourself a headache and valet (it's complimentary) and they're very quick.
(4)
Chandrea R.
This was my first visit, the food and drinks were awesome. I got the calamari, lamb chops, and a Texas Margarita. I will be going back ASAP!!!!!! :-)
(5)
Grant M.
Consistent, quality, great atmosphere. Agave has been a favorite for the past 14 years!! The bartenders are always on point and the food is ALWAYS amazing. Never a disappointment.
(5)
Troy P.
Place was really nice and most of the food was way above average. The shocking part of the visit was the below average service. Not just really slow, which was not a complete deal breaker, but nothing conversational ever. We all had margaritas, but no offer for second round came. Never asked how meals were after delivered. By the time a dessert menu came, all of us had lost interest. To me, the service at a nice spot is almost as important as the food. Bummer.
(2)
Catrina W.
First time there last Saturday. It was amazing, but I think they close to early. 11. The Texas margarita I had was the best I had in my entire life. I still dream about it.
(5)
Bobby C.
This has been in my regular restaurant rotation for some years. Wonderful food and great service.
(4)
Jamarcus T.
When I began writing this review I had already clicked that fourth star, but as I think back to just a couple nights ago, I may end up taking a star away. We'll see. Two things that stand out immediately that Agave has a handle on is its really tasty salsa, free along with the 'on the house' chips, that has a really nice spicy kick to it (don't feel ashamed if you reach for that water), and their customer service. The waiter was extremely helpful, took care of any concerns/requests we had in a flash and with a party of 6, I definitely appreciate that. Agave could be a romantic place, considering the low light and general atmosphere, although the crowds, which , even on a thursday night, were enough for me to not notice any two person tables or couples tucked away in a corner. For whatever reason, people stand at the entrance, making it a little difficult to weave in or out, but it's more roomy than it looks from the outside, having an upstairs seating area as well as a couple of downstairs rooms for seating. It can be pretty loud at times, as one of our guests kept commenting that she couldn't hear half of the conversation due to the general noise. I had their Southwestern Burrito & Stew ($12) and the presentation is really great. The stew had a nice rich flavor, not at all heavy and vanished from my bowl fairly quick. The southwestern Burrito garnished with sliced tomato and corn, was just "okay" in terms of flavor (Much less so than the soup). I'd rather they have had an option to eat the burrito sans shell, which had a doughy taste that seemed to overpower everything else in the burrito, but sadly, not the case. Large portion size, very tender meat and it'll make you full for sure. Random notes: If you're not seeing what you want on the provided menu, go ahead and ask for their vegetarian menu just in case they forget to give it to you. Parking is valet (complimentary) and even if you don't "check in", go ahead and do so to unlock special deals, like a free appetizer, etc. So, 3 or 4 stars?? I think Agave does just enough to hit the 4 star mark and it's a restaurant i'd love to try again to either confirm or disprove my review.
(4)
Evan S.
Great spot for group dinners. Although the menu has many great Mexican options, there are also a few American varieties that grace the menu. Namely, the sweet collard greens I had were very good. I kept the meal light with the shrimp and poblano spring rolls and the greens. Washed it down with the Peachtree Margarita, one of the house specials.
(3)
Carrisa P.
We visited Agave on a Monday night. Sparse crowd, but I had been meaning to try it for months. We were seated promptly and our food came out almost too quickly. The scallops were as pictured. The tomato grits were tasty, but the collard greens had an odd crunch. My guest had the fried chicken and was relatively unimpressed. We were less so to find that our server had charged us for the complimentary chips. On top of mediocre food and service, I will not be back.
(2)
Gabriel N.
I am happy to add another 5 star rating to this fantastic restaurant. After having gone several times in the past 7 months I have yet to encounter a bad meal. That's a bold statement right there. I try something new each time and have yet to be disappointed. I've even taken a notoriously picky eater in our group and he rants and raves about the place. First off, you have a killer atmosphere. The place is divided up into three major sections each with their own flavor. The main bar area has a interesting rustic and intimate feel. The second room to the right is more of a classic Spanish style restaurant and the patio has a very relaxed atmosphere. Agave's claim to fame is that they don't have freezers or microwaves. Everything is cooked fresh and brought in fresh that very same day. I have to agree because you can taste the difference in all their dishes. On top of that they have some killer margaritas which aren't drowned in sour mix and instead livened up with fresh lime juice. If I started describing all the dishes I've had at Agave this review would turn into a rundown of almost the entire menu. There's a flavor for everyone here and a level of spice anyone can enjoy. Speaking of spice, you can ask for fresh habaneros to be brought to the table. If I could give them a sixth star just for that I would. They're only open for dinner and can get slammed on odd days so I highly recommend reservations.
(5)
Chris B.
You gotta love the vibe at Agave. Open kitchen, great smells, people drinking tequila and cerveza like it is their job. Came in on a Saturday night with a reservation for four, got a table overlooking the front dining room and the open grill. The food was good. Their guacamole is one of the best in the city, my appetizer of Tomato Avocado salad was average at best. The highlight of the burrito plate I had for dinner was the side of Hatch Green Chile Stew. It was like a mexican pot roast, really well seasoned and totally delicious. The burrito was good but it was overloaded w/ black beans. My gf had the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo which was probably the best dish at the table. Trout was perfectly cooked on a mountain of spanish rice and deliciously seasoned crawfish. Great dish and two days later tasted just as good reheated. Overall a great experience, the wait staff could have been better refilling drinks but Agave still deserves a 4 star on the experience as a whole plus the value. Sure its a little pricey but compared to other restaurants in the area, the prices aren't that insane.
(4)
Sir Jesse B.
I'm not a huge fan, but My wife is; she and I have been twice. On both occasions the wait staff was pleasant and attentive, the food has been inconsistent. The first time was o.k. I recall tasting the tuna and wishing I had ordered it rather than what I'd chosen. The second visit the food was not good and I didn't feel that I could report it due to the fact that a family friend, visiting from Germany, was paying for the meal. I ordered: Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna Sesame crusted tuna sliced rare over mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with a serrano-soy vinaigrette and a jalapeño wasabi drizzle The tuna was tough and mostly cold- very disappointing. The rest of the party enjoyed the food - and it was a scenic experience from the balcony/loft tables; you can watch the flames and such of the grill area. My wife loves the lamb, like no other place: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Fresh chile & herb rubbed lamb rack grilled over a New Mexico Guahillo red chile puree, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and garnished with a cool corn relish & cilantro leaves. For this reason, I will continue to go to Agave... though I'll probably stick to the wine & high dollar mac & cheeze.
(3)
Ian R.
A recent trip here left me asking "Why don't I come here more?" Oh yeah, I'm cheap. But on the rare occasion I do want to venture into that $18+ plate range Agave is a great place to come. Considering that tex-mex is a dime a dozen in Atlanta I tend towards ordering their pork and steak dishes and have not been disappointed with anything I've gotten. The key to agave is flavor. You know all those extra words restaurants add in their menu descriptions to make you think the meal is going to blow you away? That isn't just for show at Agave. And it honestly doesn't matter what sides come with your entree because you will like them. Though the portions aren't the typical American fat-ass size that I'm used to, I soon forget about size once I start basking flavor country. My biggest complaint is that the high ceilings make it pretty noisy, but that has to be accepted in a place this popular. Don't fill up on chips, you will want to enjoy your meal.
(4)
Karen R.
We went there for our 11 year anniversary and they treated us like royalty! I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoes and it was superb. Desert was a peanut butter pie that was out of this world! We will definitely be back!
(4)
D F.
Found on Yelp after an afternoon at the zoo. Great find. Sat on the patio; high walls (but not much to see outside) but provided a nice breeze and atmosphere. Salsa was fresh, not too runny or chunky, with a good cilantro flavor. Couldn't stop eating it. Had the flatiron steak, excellent flavor, good sized. Tasted the enchiladas...will have to have a whole portion next time. Didn't get a taste of the meatloaf but it looked good and was devoured quickly. We were a party of 9; the dessert sampler was perfect. Service was solid and friendly. Only misstep was we never were told the special; what we overheard sounded good (some type of pork chop).
(4)
Leah V.
I have had the pleasure of eating here twice, and if there were a money tree in my backyard, I'd be eating here everyday. It's so tasty. While I feel like the interior is pretty crammed, that just makes me more inclined to say that it's a more romantic, couple-y atmosphere than a group outing one. I had some kind of fried chicken dish that almost embarassed me in that I cam close to licking the last morsel off my plate. Not very ladylike of me... I also had a margarita, though I can't remember which one it was. I think it was mango or peach or some other flavor that looks orange. They were unfortunately out of the jalapeno liquor to make a spicy margarita. Maybe next time. I hope. This was also some of the best service I've had. Our waiter did not bug us to death, but he also didn't leave us wanting for anything. Perfect!
(5)
Claude L.
Byebye 2012. Stopped off here to get a quick happy hour dinner before moving it on to watchnight service. Kudos for the chips and salsa..........impressed by the chicken poblano soup...not so much by the smoked trout guacamole. Im off beer for a month due to self imposed new years restrictions, but when I come back again, I want this place to have at least one keg. Im a draft guy.....and the fourth ward needs more taps.
(3)
Breck P.
Agave is the best! I love this place and have gone regularly since it opened. Agave has only gotten better over the years. Start with some posole soup or the hatch green chile stew..perfect for the weather we've had lately. I also like that Agave has something for everyone, from short ribs and meat loaf to lighter fare like the delicious salmon or tuna. I've brought large groups here before and everyone finds something they love on the menu. And you get to kick it in Cabbagetown, one of Atlanta's coolest neighborhoods. If you haven't been, go. You'll be happy you did.
(5)
Tammi D.
I don't get out here much, but this restaurant is worth the drive. You want fresh food, here it is! I hear they have no microwaves or freezers, so if you want fresh, this is it. Their guacamole is really good. Open kitchen, which is always a nice plus...Check it out!
(4)
Luke L.
I had been wanting to try Agave for years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge after driving by it about a million times. One thing that made me decide to try Agave was finding out that they have a completely separate vegetarian menu. My wife is a vegetarian, so it's always hard to find something that works for both of us. I made reservations a couple of hours in advance, and my wife and I had a cocktail while we waited for our table to be ready. The staff really knows their stuff when it comes to tequilas and mezcals, and the cocktail my wife had was perfect. For dinner I had the cayenne fried chicken, while my wife had the vegetarian blue corn enchiladas. Both were great, though we felt they were just slightly under-seasoned for southwestern fare. The blue corn tortillas on my wife's enchiladas reminded me of tortillas you'd get from a street vendor in mexico, while they cayenne fried chicken was beautifully breaded and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I felt was lacking was the absence of heat in the breading on the chicken. The best part of the entire meal would be the guacamole appetizer, which was some of the bes guac I've had in Atlanta! Overall, I thought the food was prepared well, and the cocktails were phenomenal! I'll definitely be back. The staff is great, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is great!
(4)
Peto F.
The decorations, uniqueness of the menu, friendly waiters , complimentary ballet parking, and atmosphere are top notch. My wife and I love making the drive to Atlanta to go here.
(5)
Lauren A.
We came again last week and I ordered the pork special (app) as a meal. The portion looked tiny coming out but it turned out to be the PERFECT portion for a meal after our mussels. Speaking of the mussels, they were unusually large this week!
(4)
Leo C.
I'm not sure what happened, but we came back 2 months later and the flavors, dishes, and portions weren't the same. Maybe we came on an off night, regardless, it was enough to lose major points from me...
(3)
Yijing T.
After seeing the reviews of Agave, we went there tonight. It 'a definitely an awesome restaurant. The speed is very fast. We only wait around 15 mins for our food! If you are not a fan of Mexican food, you should be there and try, then you will change your mind immediately. I ordered a Rank of Lamb, a little overcooked with charcoal taste. Anything else is perfect!
(4)
Anita C.
This is my second time at Agave and the first time I honestly do not remember what I ordered, but I remember leaving very happy and impressed. My second visit, we ordered the beer braised pork and the trout. Both were extremely tasty!!! The beer braised pork is seriously making me salivate as I write this because the meat fell off the bone and it was just cooked perfectly! The trout was stuffed with something but I think I was inhaling it so quickly I didn't even look. I will obviously and most definitely come here again!
(5)
Ray L.
I really like the atmosphere of this place. It's a nice hybrid of semi-upscale and laid back, casual. The bar is a good place to wait if your friends are running a little late - friendly service and a wide variety of delicious margaritas. Boyfriend had the peachtree margarita, delicious. Birthday girl got the traditional margartia, which was so well balanced. Not too tart, not too sweet. I got the mango margarita, delicious because of the real, fresh mango - but it tasted nothing like a margarita. My meal was okay - satisfying. They don't offer the traditional Mexican dishes, but they have some unique takes on southwestern inspired dishes. I got the diablo crawfish pasta, and they gave me a lot more crawfish than I was expecting (good). Only reason it wasn't great is because none of the ingredients really sang out. It was sort of one level of flavor, and therefore a bit uninteresting. It was a birthday dinner so we got a nice chocolate mousse which was really good, especially with the hint of cinnamon at the bottom. So maybe my entree wasn't stellar, but the whole experience was really solid. Good for a sophisticated yet casual dinner. I'd go again.
(4)
Ryan M.
Good Southwestern Food and Margaritas My wife and I have dined at Agave several times, most recently with friends. - Good southwestern food; would recommend the shrimp & grits and the fired chicken - Great selection of Margaritas - They probably need to change the menu a bit. If you haven't been here before, the current menu is great; I'm just ready to see some new items. - Good service as well - The place can get somewhat noisy
(4)
Jessica W.
I took my husband and 7 week old daughter here to celebrate his 1st father's day. We were pleased to be seated at a table with a bench. (Perfect for the infant carrier) Our drinks and food were delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and gave us great suggestions. There were no diaper changing stations, so I went out to the car and the valet let me use his canvas chair!! How sweet. So, why only one star? Well, as soon as we got our entrees, a group of 7 was seated right next to us where 6 could barely fit. (Not including the spot where our baby was sitting) We moved my daughter to the other side and the person who sat the group (Seemed like the manager, not the host) put a chair on the 'end' of their table. So this means that there is now a person's back 3 inches from our table. For my husband to get up, he had to put our daughter and her carrier ON the table. (The carrier is almost as big as the entire table) and slide out on the only open side. I told the waiter that I thought it was absurd and the manager (same person who put the group & extra chair there) came over and said "Sorry, they were a larger party than we thought" and didn't offer to move us or any solution whatsoever. Within 10 minutes of the group being sat next to us, another huge group had left, and plenty of tables were cleared, reset, and empty. We were very uncomfortable and couldn't even hear each other over the large group. The only thing offered to us was a surprise dessert after my husband went outside to wait (where it was more comfortable) for me to pay the tab. I told our super nice waiter that we just wanted to leave because we were uncomfortable. It's too bad that the focus was on getting people crammed in like sardines and not on making people feel comfortable and taking responsibility for a mistake. I'm sure that the woman sitting in that chair didn't want to spend her entire visit hoping that her hair didn't catch on fire from the candle on our table. She was that close to us. What a shame....
(1)
Jin K.
Holy cow. Tomato avocado salad and cayenne fried chicken. I cleaned both plates. Along with a passion fruit margarita of course.
(5)
J P.
I have eaten here many times and it's always great. The service consistently exceeds my expectations. The Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops and Chicken Poblano Soup are two of my favorites. They have plenty tequila and margarita options.
(5)
Eric S.
We hit up Agave during our latest trip to ATL. Good Tex-Mex, great tequila selection. Prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is rustic and inviting.
(4)
Rob P.
Hadn't been back to Agave for awhile, was one of my favorite places when I first moved to Atlanta. This would be an interesting experiment to see if my opinion had changed since Atlanta has slowly evolved me into a bit of a food snob. Glad to say, Agave is still five stars. The margaritas are better than I remember, the traditional is probably the best I've had in town. For an appetizer, they had a bison short rib taco special. Hot damn it was tasty. For dinner, had to go with the favorite scallops and grits. I need to try other stuff on the menu, but this is so damn good I had to do it. And it was perfect. I think they added a little spice to the grits, brought out the flavor. Nice work Agave, you're still one of my favs.
(5)
Arthur Y.
A once-great restaurant that gets popular and sacrifices quality in its frenzy to cash in on its high volume--these are the saddest reviews to write. Agave was in my top 5 mid-range Atlanta dining spots in 2008. It was always crowded, but that was nothing a reservation couldn't take care of. I looked forward to the ahi tuna as much as nearly any dish in any eatery in the city. The food was fresh, exciting and flavorful, and the atmosphere was great. My then-girlfriend (now wife) and I went every chance we could. Flash forward to 2012. I had heard rumblings for a while now that the place had really taken a nosedive, but I wanted to see it for myself and hopefully be proven wrong. Sadly the criticisms were confirmed. I made a point to tell the host when I made the reservation that it was my wife's bday. When we arrived we were seated, no bday mention. Not a huge deal--but it does show a lack of standard professionalism. The server was friendly and attentive, but sadly the pluses ended there. Ordered glass of Rioja. It barely filled a third of a Bordeaux glass, and was clearly the last of a bottle they opened three or four days earlier and didn't refrigerate after opening. Shameful! Ordered the ahi tuna and specifically asked "cook it as rare as the chef will allow." The mussels app was actually fairly tasty and had a nice chile flavor. I didn't get long to enjoy it though, b/c we had our appetizers for about 5 minutes when they rushed out the entrees. And I noticed immediately the dry, gray tuna (AAAACK!!). It tasted even more melancholy than it looked--crumbly and devoid of flavor. The creamy white wasabi sauce that used to glisten beautifully against the deep backdrop of the tuna was this time a watery mess that had seeped into the fish. My wife had a side of black beans with her entree, but they were ice cold and even more flavorless than the tuna was. We sat down at 7:30 and were shuffled out the door by 8:20. Never a single mention of the birthday either. If you want a high quality meal from a professional spot in a much better atmosphere for the same price, head to Wahoo a few miles down DeKalb Ave. There just are too many good restaurants in Atlanta to justify returning and paying this much for such mediocre quality. I live right around the corner from Agave and I won't even be going back.
(2)
Matt B.
We've been to Agave ~15 times over the past few years. Love it - incredible southwest inspired food. I wouldn't call it tex-mex... don't come here expecting mexican, americanized or authentic. We've eaten everything on the menu (literally every single food item on the menu). Try the trout, short ribs or scallops. The chips and salsa are actually fresh and delicious. The margaritas are large, strong and tasty. They have a large tequila bar, so you can certainly find one you like. On top of all this, the 'savvy shopper' coupon magazine that gets mailed out around Atlanta frequently includes a 50% coupon. We must have saved $100 with these by now. Free street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding. Reservations a good idea for dinner.
(5)
Lauren M.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner on a weekday evening. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes or so, and with one of their margaritas in hand, I wasn't complaining. Dinner took a bit of time, but it was well worth it. Very fresh, delicious and worth the slightly overpriced tag. The service was great, and the atmosphere was charming and warm. I'd definitely come here again .
(4)
Adrian S.
A fantastic little gem of a spot.
(4)
Brian K.
Agave offers well executed, highly-flavorful Tex-Mex in a casual, trendy environment. Food: Agave specials in Tex-Mex with a modern flare. On my last visit, I started with one of their signature margaritas and guacamole, both of which were excellent. Our table also enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa, the latter of which had the most kick of any I've had in Atlanta. For an entree, I had the cayenne fried chicken, which was quite flavorful and a welcomed twist on the southern classic. In keeping with the southern theme, I ordered the spicy peanut butter pie, which had a unique, but welcomed flavor. Service: Our waitress was very personable, efficient, and both willing and able to make recommendations when requested. Atmosphere: Borderline upscale for a Tex-Mex restaurant. Clientele is mixed, but mostly 21+. Price: Food quality is commensurate with the price. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and appetizers are in the $6 to $10 range. Margaritas will run you around $8 each. Other: The only thing that turned me off about this place was the lack of self-parking. Only valet service is available, which proved awkward when we had to wait several minutes for a vehicle that was only parked 10 feet from the front entrance.
(4)
Lydia L.
Can I give it a 3.5? I really want to love this restaurant. I want some outstanding Southwestern food in Atlanta...a go-to place like most of these people. Cons: Loud, very loud, and dark. Pros: Friendly, eager service Good recommendations Let's talk food... Southwestern chopped salad with bacon- not bad, a little lacking in flavor Let me preface by saying our waiter was wonderful and without any prompting knew we might want to share food, so the kitchen prepped out plates with both entrees on one large plate. Lamb- well cooked, sides that complemented the dish well. Good, but not mind-blowing Trout- delicious, well-executed I'm trying to pinpoint my discontent with this restaurant. The food was good, the service was good, perhaps it's just that I didn't feel like it was a good value for the price. I'll definitely give it another chance though, and maybe I'll change my mind.
(3)
Pamm B.
Always AMAZING. Have never had a bad meal or service here. Had the rack of lamb tonight. Friends had everything from the scallops to the fried chicken. Everything got rave reviews.
(5)
Ben C.
Ambiance... Cool. Service... Great. Food... Eh!
(3)
Sharon B.
This restaurant was actually nicer than I thought. The food was great and the service was fun. The waiter was hilarious and very accommodating. I even used a Yelp gift certificate for a discount. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and we interacted with other guests and waiters with no problem. A good time was had by all.
(4)
Eli E.
I have loved this place for oh-so-many years. It's got great ambience and a wonderful menu. It says "tex mex", but it's much more interesting than that. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. And they make a fine, smooth margarita too. I would highly recommend a reservation though on busy nights, as they do pack 'em in.
(5)
Mikaela Z.
Happy birthday to me! After a really awkward valet parking experience (Seriously? Why do they have valet? I have no idea, it is a parking lot next to the restaurant and I could have parked 100 times more quickly on my own. They should at least take the cars in front of the restaurant instead of in the lot so it doesn't feel so unnecessary), we meandered into the restaurant. We had a reservation, but I don't think that it was necessary on Sunday night. My husband told them it was my birthday when he made the reservation, so I guess that part of the reservation process was helpful. The chips and salsa are so so so great. I was a HUGE fan. My husband and I both got the slow cooked short ribs. I got the mac and cheese with mine instead of the mashed potatoes. The picture that someone put on here of them is very deceptive. It makes the ribs look more like steak. The meat, however, reminded me more of a really spectacular pot roast. The meat just fell apart. The mac and cheese was amazing. Tasted sort of like au gratin potatoes but with pasta. Delish! The asparagus that comes with it (only two spears) was so nice. Tasted very smoked rather than steamed in butter. Nicely done, Agave! Nice touch! After our meal, our server brought over a free chocolate mousse. I had read in some reviews that this might happen...but I wasn't too excited because I don't generally like mousse. After trying this amazing birthday gift, I take it back. I LOVE MOUSSE!!! This was so so good. The perfect end to our meal. Paul, our server, was great. He was super sweet, very helpful and honest, and very on top of things. Best service we have had in a very long time. We presented him with an Entertainment Book coupon before ordering (generally a service buzz kill, even though we always tip very well), and he treated us the same as everyone else. Smart man, got an even better tip! Loved my experience at Agave. We will be going back. The Entertainment Book did its job, got us in there to try it, and then Agave did its job - sucked us in so that we will definitely be back!!
(4)
Lindsey R.
I live right down the street from this restaurant and the parking lot is always packed! The ambiance is great and the outside patio is wonderful when the night temp is nice. I've been a few times to this place, but can't seem to join the band wagon on this. (Just my personal opinion) They do have very good drinks, but maybe we have to buy the $30+ dishes to truly experience it right? My last dish that I got was so spicy I couldn't even finish it and had to sip water after every bit. I can't remember the spice used in it, but the waiter acted like there wasn't a lot of it in there. The waiter also had a strange attitude, but maybe it was an off night. I'd say the place is alright, the biggest complaint I'd have is how LOUD it is in there. It's really hard to have a conversation when everyone is talking over each other.
(3)
Bob B.
Really enjoyed Agave. Let me start with dessert! Spicy peanut butter pie was excellent. Cayenne was subtle, but appeared at the end of each bite. Key lime pie was also wonderful. Enjoyed the calamari starter very much, along with fresh-made guacamole. Pork shank melts in your mouth and is highly recommended. A seafood alternative is the wonderful scallops. And, of course, many excellent forms of margheritas!
(5)
Shacarra J.
Service is always great here. The food is really good and the drinks are strong! You MUST try the scallops!
(5)
Ivan S.
Agave has become somewhat of a cautionary tale for me, reminding me to do my research for all restaurants, no matter the occasion. The girl-I mean fiance-and I celebrated our newly minted engagement at Agave but for reasons other than the food. Or service. Or atmosphere. Or the location. Nope, it probably was the location. We chose Agave mostly because it was the site of our first "official" date and really, it was only the site of our first date because it was halfway between our two houses at the time and, since neither of us were sure it was going to work between us, we went there. Fastforward 2.5 years later and Agave's become the default for our special occasions even though neither of us are really too hot on the place. OK, the food isn't horrible per se. The ceviche we ordered was quite serviceable. My swordfish was pretty good too; it had a nice char that technically probably shouldn't have been there, but tasted good to my unsophisticated palate. I'm still not sure why, though, "swordfish" was in quotes when I finally got my bill. Maybe Agave is the equivalent to that one girl you know who uses air quotes "way too often" not to mention "inappropriately" and it's just kind of bizarre, but you've gotten used to her doing it. Similarly, the fiance's NY Strip (steak had good flavor, but the sauce placed on it didn't add much) had a mysterious exclamation point appended to it on the receipt. I don't know. Maybe it was a factorial representation of a steak. The service was good too and they even provided us with two complimentary glasses of champagne when they discovered why we were there. The biggest hitch with the service was that the server crossed the line from attentive to blatant upsell. Look dude, I know gas prices suck, but I was planning on tipping you anyway; besides, your Glenn Gary Glenn Ross upsell techniques are bush-league. So three and a half to four stars for Agave and an additional caveat to all of you for whom sentimentality supersedes actual taste in restaurants. I'm deducting a half star for our server's semi-aggressive service. No thank you, I think we're done. Just the check please. No, no dessert. Just the check. No thanks, I can't have another margarita, I'm driving. No, we won't be ordering coffee from you either. Coffee, after all, is for closers.
(3)
Jennifer I.
I thought this place was a little over priced, and the food was just ok. The service was good, but I don't think it's worth the price at all. Also, we made reservations for a romantic dinner, and they sat us in a crowded space with people on either side. I don't think I'll be chomping at the bit to return here.
(3)
Matthew S.
Agave has a unique environment with it's extensive tequila selection, fantastic service, and Tex-Mex menu that is slightly tilted towards "higher-end" dinning. I highly recommend this place if you tend to visit tex-mex food places that are more casual, have some friends or family in town but want to be comfortable. Note that on weekends a reservation might be good if you have more than 4 people. I have never experienced a wait longer than 15 minutes for two.
(4)
Jana H.
It's your indecisive boyfriend's birthday, his parents are in town for the weekend, and YOU have to pick a place to please everyone and hopefully make a special night - what's a girl to do? With the pressure building throughout the week, I decided to call Agave for reservations (since the BF mentioned he wanted to go back there), although I had never been, I thought I'd give it a shot. I mean, who doesn't love Mexican? The man I spoke to on the phone was very helpful with the reservation, and he said that they would bring out a complimentary chocolate mousse with a candle in it since it was a special occasion. I thought that would be a perfect little surprise for the birthday boy, so I didn't bring in any cupcakes or candles. We arrived at the restaurant, were greeted with a "Happy Birthday" and seated promptly. The chips were warm and crispy (and perfectly salty for me), and the salsa was fresh and delicious. The guacamole was creamy with chucks of tomatoes and onions, and it was seasoned perfectly! We were seated on the side of the restaurant with the bar (which was fine), until a VERY loud man and woman with the world's most annoying laugh sat down at a large table next to us. We couldn't hear each other talk without screaming ourselves. I know this isn't the restaurants fault, but seriously, can't you tone it down a little when you're in public people?!? For my entree, I ordered the Salmon and it was served over a bed of vegetables. It was really good, but not the best salmon I've ever tasted. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp over grits, which was spicy but not too hot. Overall a good meal - nothing to rave about. After finishing our entrees I expected to have the chocolate mouse brought over to the table, but when a few people at the table declined to see the dessert menu the ticket was immediately brought to the table. What happened to the birthday dessert with the candle? All in all, at this point we had only been at the restaurant about 40 minutes, and we were looking to have another round of drinks. We told our waiter to bring another round, but I still felt like they were ready to get people in and out as quick as possible. This is great when I'm at a quick restaurant, but not when I'm looking to enjoy a nice meal. Rating Breakdown: Chips/Salsa/Guacamole - 4.5 Entrees - 3 Service - 3 Atmosphere - 3 I'll probably come back here again (especially for the chips and guac), but think of a different place for the next special occasion.
(3)
Nidhi A.
We had a party of five on a Saturday night. Thankfully, we had a reservation because the place was packed! It was super busy and so loud that we couldn't even hear the waitress. As we were leaving we noticed some outside seating, maybe I'll ask for that next time. I think this would be a really nice play to go on a weeknight. The ambiance is great, eclectic sort of feel. But too busy, too noisy to enjoy dinner on a Saturday night.
(3)
Es E.
If I return, I can almost assure a five star rating. Just had apps, but they were awesome. Love the intimate ambiance, not so much the valet. They were nice, but do I need valet to park a foot away from the restaurant? Actually, maybe. It's a tricky sitch to park and would likely cause a crippling parking situation without them. I'm still bitter to break out my bills, though. Love sitting indoors and viewing the kitchen. The Chef (well, he wore the outfit?) saying hello, glad 'ya came, how's the grub...priceless. You care that I made the choice to walk in and customers appreciate you not resting on your laurels. Bravo.
(4)
Robert M.
Went on a Thursday night when I thought I could get in with no problem given that I did not make reservations. And it was not a problem. I had a couple of Sweetwater 420s at the bar before being seated. I don't think they serve draft beer here (only bottles) but not a problem. Plenty of bottled beer to choose from. I am not a huge margarita fan; however, it looks like that is the libation to get here. Did not see the frozen variation, but saw plenty of the normal/standard ones go out to other tables. I was not disappointed with the food; however, I was not overly impressed either. I am tempted to award three stars (or three and a half if possible), but maybe I merely ordered the wrong item on the menu. I ordered, from the entree list, the Georgia Mountain Trout with mushroom and crawfish southwestern rice. The rice and fish were a little on the dry/bland side. The dish could have perhaps benefitted from more of the tasty peppery sauce sparsely drizzled in small patches on the plate. My date ordered two starter items instead of an entree. She said one was great (Southwestern Stew) and the other (some kind of pita-like bread with hummus-like spread) was "alright." She also said the margarita was pretty good. Great people watching spot. Great ambience. Wish the food was better somehow but the prices are seemingly good for the overall quality of the food. Perhaps I will try some other menu items in a future visit and update my review accordingly.
(4)
Laura B.
On my trip visiting Atl I was treated here. We walked in and I immediately fell in love with the decor and ambiance and we were seated at a noce spot next to the fireplace :) It could be romantic if it werent so loud :) We visited before 6 on a Sunday and it was packed however, if you get on their mailing list you get gifted with a great deal of $10 for any entree on the menu between 5-6; highly recommend this as it was one of the highlights of our experience (the other being great conversation amongst friends :) I had the lamb and the favors were such a Lovely blend and the meat was tender however, I reiterated med rare and my lamb was brown so I was Disappointed by the lack of service By our waiter who didnt ask or notice that it was over-cooked; if he weren't so busy hustling around I would've made sure he knew however, i didn't want to make a fuss as a guest with my dinner party. I liked the grilled asparagus and corn that accompanied my lamb however, instead of mashed pots I tasted the Mac n cheese and it was good (not great) Guests got salmon and trout; I wasn't impressed with either. Friend loved the Salmon; I thought it tasted fishy. Trout is a fav there however, I guess I'm not a fan of trout b/c it didnt impress me :( We ended the night with sharing a chocolate flourless ganache torte Which was pretty tasty. If you need a chocolate fix, go for it however, not the best I've had Overall a nice experience especially for the special entree price however, be patient with the staff as they didn't seem equipped to attend to the capacity.
(3)
Steve T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. The margaritas are fantastic. The food is consistently very good but a little over priced. Our waiter was very pushy with upselling, which I found kind of annoying. Service was good other than that. I had the pork shank - huge portion, tender, flavorful. The calamari appetizer was slightly overcooked but fine. The fried chicken entree was proclaimed to be very good. Agave is a great restaurant for this part of town, probably the best in our area. But it would be only considered "good" further into town.
(4)
Rick F.
Heard great things about Agave, my first experience was just OK. But I can see why people like this place it has a great vibe, the bar was happening, everyone from the guests to the employees seemed to be having a great time. Our server was a little strange but happy. Recommended the Mahi Mahi special and was told he had the last one to sell, so I ordered it and then the manager came back and said its gone already. So I picked my 2nd choice the Shrimp with Grits Cake. Delicious! The appetizers left something to be desired, the Guacamole was a very small portion and was OK. I was very disappointed in the Ceviche not enough shrimp and way to many inexpensive tomato ingredients for the price. I am looking forward to going back for another round!
(3)
Emily N.
In years past, Agave was one of my standard nice-but-not-too-nice date spots. Good place to go for small celebrations, second dates, etc. The quality of the food and the attractive plating felt more expensive than the bill reflected, and the service was always good. I wasn't a huge fan of their margaritas, but other things I ordered from the bar were usually solid. After not going for a couple of years, I've returned to Agave twice in the last year, and I felt like it had lost a lot of its shine. Both times, my dishes (in one case salmon, in another the rare tuna) were very bland, and the sides were over-buttery. My date was similarly unimpressed. Additionally, while the service was good both of these times, it wasn't the tremendously-attentive-wonderful service I received a few years back. Not sure what caused the change, but while Agave isn't _bad_, it's not a place I'd return to unless there are some exciting menu developments. There are enough other tasty fusion places around for the same price, where the food is more exciting and flavorful. I love the space itself, and I'd be thrilled if they revamped their food. Looking at the other glowing reviews, I suppose it's possible I've just been on off-nights--both recent experiences have been during the work week.
(3)
Kim A.
Ate here on Friday night and would definitely recommend reservations, it was packed! I had been here one time before but wanted to give it another try. The chips and salsa are provided at each table and the salsa is very good! We also ordered a guacamole and a ceviche to start with and were not disappointed. The guacamole was very fresh and had pico de gallo mixed in with a lime flavor, it was great! The ceviche was fresh shrimp and tuna and I was very impressed with the quality of the fish, would definitely order again! For our meals we ordered the tenderloin medallions and the rack of lamb. The rack of lamb was outstanding, very tender meat with a crispy exterior. The tenderloin on the other hand, was pretty disgusting. I really didn't want to make fuss about it but I just couldn't eat it, it had this weird after taste. When I told our waitress she was so sweet and asked me what I wanted to have instead, and I ordered the anejo shrimp. Now that was a good dish! It came with grits but when I asked her to switch out for mashed potatoes she didn't mind at all. I was so happy with the shrimp and would definitely recommend it, stay away from the tenderloin though! For dessert we had a dark chocolate torta and it was also delicious! I would definitely go back to Agave and order the guacamole and ceviche. I would never even think about the tenderloin again but the shrimp was more than satisfying. I just have to give it 4 stars because the food and service were great, but I do think it's overpriced for what it is. Clearly they aren't having any issues though, all the tables were full!
(4)
Vaughn S.
I wish I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars. I would like to start off by saying if you go on a Fri or Sat night...make a reservation. We got to this restaurant around 4:30 pm last Sat and did not have a reservation. They were not open yet but they still welcomed us in and invited us to sit at the bar until they opened. I ordered a Pomegranate Margarita & my wife had the same. These were the BEST POMEGRANATE MARGARITAS I HAVE EVER HAD. They were able to seat us shortly after 5pm and our waiter (Robert) was AWESOME. I had the Burrito & Stew & my wife had the Quesadilla with a side of Rice & Pintos. The food was great and it reminded me of some of the foods my friends mother (who is from New Mexico) cooks. The Green & Red Chili Sauces were wonderful. Even the Chips & Salsa was great. I could have poured that Salsa over a piece of cardboard & it would have still been great. All in all we will definitely be going back again & again.
(5)
Keiristin H.
I went to this restaurant for dinner as a part of a bachelorette weekend celebration for one of my friends. Though the restaurant is small, it did accommodate our party of 7. The salsa was very good and FRESH! I could taste the fresh cilantro which really sets off the salsa nicely! The chips were also good. We mainly ordered drinks and appetizers. I ordered a Peachtree Margarita. It comes with a salt or sugar rim. I could definitely taste the alcohol! :-) I would order this margarita again. For an appetizer, I ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the spring rolls. Though it was a bit spicy, I could taste all of the flavors. I would order this again for sure. I only suggest that more spring rolls should be added to the appetizer. (It was served as 3 spring rolls cut in half.) I didn't share this with anyone! Overall, I would eat here again. Also, complimentary valet parking is offered!
(4)
Rob B.
I stopped at Agave while on a business trip. I sat at the bar and was served by a great bartender who mixed a great jalopeno margarita. I'm generally wary of gimmick drinks, but she assured me that it would be delicious, and it was. It was fresh, had a nice jalopeno flavour, and was not over-salted on the rim. The salsa with the chips tasted fresh and flavourful, but not especially hot. In any case, fresh-tasting salsa is an essential. For dinner I tried the Chile Rellenos as an appetizer. It was tasty, but not knock your sock off tasty. Similarly, I had the braised pork hock with red mole. It was large, well cooked (tender & juicy), but lacked some kick. All in all, everything was good, the service was great, but it wasn't mind-blowing. Still, you would not regret a trip.
(3)
Nina L.
Boy did I pick the right place to celebrate my brother's birthday (and a lil Cinco de Mayo while at it) on Saturday. It started off with the wildly good tasting guacamole. Our fantastic server Jacob recommended it--guac with trout & bacon. I was skeptical but one bite made me a believer! The seared Diver Scallops melted in my mouth. My brother raved about his Angus ribeye. And the top shelp margaritas were a delicious & refreshing cohort. Even though it was Cinco de Mayo, an understandably busy night at a Tex-Mex eatery, Jacob never once made us feel rushed. As we left we applauded the cooks... KUDOS AGAVE!!!!!
(5)
Julia N.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I had the tilapia, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I looked at the price --- very expensive. Then I convinced myself the price is directly related to the portion size. I was wrong of course. Even my friends I convinced in coming for my going-away party looked at their portion sizes. Come on, we're in Georgia. Our plates are bigger than this! Initial frustration, but once we all put the first forkful in our mouths, our table was radiating rainbow and ponies. What would have been two hours in discussion became an hour split in silence intermingled with "This is so good, this is amazing." The hour afterward filled itself with fanciful discussions about what to try next so should our wallets allow. The drinks? Fantastic margaritas. The group behind us ranged from all ages, and for some odd reason the elderly decided to strike up a conversation once they saw the (Mmm, I believe it was Peachtree?) margarita I ordered. She absolutely "looooooved it." It was "Faaaaaabulous," and despite her very fluid-I-am-now-drunk gestures, I turned around, cackled to myself and sipped it. It was like a blue smurf who met a Snork and sent Rocko some e-mail who then contacted Kel at Good Burger put heaven in my mouth. I quickly made my bill a bit higher trying all of the different kinds. I love this place. I ate there in September, so I don't know which dodo path it now follows. I wish I could teleport from Boston every time my loan check disperses each semester so I can overstuff my midsection with libations and good food with creamy sauces. Also. They have valet service. "LOL" to that, indeed. I *had* a Mercury Tracer before moving up here, who needed to be rolled, kickstarted and hiccuped while idling. I also drive bare foot. So here I am lookin' cute, they HAVE to valet you, I get out, he gets in, I do the "you gotta jiggle, kinda KNOCK ON IT HARD" discussion and he drives a bit until I say "MY SHOES ARE IN THE BACK SEAT." Funny at least. Whatever. Folks in Chargers and Jeeps, BMWs ain't the only ones who should be valeted.
(5)
Tressi J.
This place is running a tight competition with Georgia Grille for best Southwestern in the city. Chips, salsa and guacamole are so good, I was licking the bowl. I ordered the tequila shrimp, which was plated with a jalapeno cheese grit cake and grilled asparagus. Delicious. Entrees were beautifully presented, and tasted just as good as they looked. Atmosphere is warm and inviting, as well. My experience at Agave was very close to perfect! I can't wait to return.
(5)
Shanelle L.
Would of been very happy if I hadn't gotten food poisoning. Somehow I got food poisoning from the -cooked- crayfish dish I had and my boyfriend was just fine eating the -raw- tuna sashimi. Delicious food, but my stomach just didn't agree.
(1)
Ben B.
To the people say that its in a bad area... how much of an uncultured yuppie are you? This area is full of hipsters/creatives/artists/investors/bankers/etc probably a whole lot more wealthier than you know. Its called gentrification. How are you unexposed to the reality of this? Leave the suburbs once in a while. The food --- very good. A bit pricey for the quality, I think, though. I had the famous fried chicken and it was too close to American fried chicken for what I expected at Agave. I wanted something a little more creative. The ceviche was great.
(4)
Carrie F.
Holy. Mole! This place does not disappoint! I had heard a lot of good things about Agave, but am always skeptical when I hear a lot of good things about a place. However, starting with the complimentary valet to the delicious margaritas, I will definitely be back. To start, this place is packed. Always. Definitely make a reservation if you're going with a large group. You'll still wait 10 minutes or so for your table, but that's a lot better than the hour some people were waiting to get seated. The food is well worth the wait, however. From the yummy chips and salsa to the scrumptious soups and entrees, Agave kept me wanting more at every turn. I started with their chicken soup and, seriously ya'll, I was almost licking the bowl. It was insanely good! Like, I still dream about it and my mouth is salivating whilst I type, good. I like to scope out menus before I head to a restaurant online and was really glad I did. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I like to have to option sometimes and was really glad to see that they do have an entire vegetarian menu. Granted, a few of the options are your standard "Random Steamed Veggies and Whatever Other Non-Meat Items We Decide to Throw on Your Plate" that you find at most places, but they also had a lot of really solid veg choices. I went with the spicy veg pasta and it was outstanding. Very spicy and the veggies seemed really fresh. Most of the people I was with got the fried chicken (which I was leery to try do to this being a tex-mex establishment), but I will definitely give it a go next time I'm here. It looked absolutely incredible. It was a boneless, skinless breast fried to perfection atop a mountain of mashed potatoes and a crazy piece of corn standing straight up! I have to say, some people have noted that the prices were really high, which for "mexican food", yeah, they would be high. But, honestly, for the quality of food that you're getting, it's well worth the cost. It's not your standard dirty mexican food in a strip mall, folks, this is some serious culinary work with high quality ingredients, which is evident in the incredible flavor! Buck up Sally, and quit complaining because you get what you pay for here! Agave is going straight to the top of my list of places in Atlanta when I'm craving chips and salsa!
(4)
Stephen H.
My favorite restaurant in the city. The food is always on point and will savor anyone's taste buds. You can never go wrong with the calamari as appetizer as it is the best I've ever had from any restaurant in the city. I always sit at the bar as it is an event. You will never meet a stranger. The bartenders are very helpful and very generous with the alcohol. I am convinced that they have the best margaritas in town along with a great selection of tequilas. This is a great hang out, date spot, or just coming by for casual dining. I have coming here for almost three years and I don't have one complaint.
(5)
Amrita R.
I ordered the rio rancho tacos and they were so ehh, not even really worth mentioning here, except to say, don't get it! On the other hand, that was the best shrimp and grits I ever tried, and this girl does not touch grits.. It was like a fried block of cheesy goodness under the shrimps and it was pretty mind-blowing. The fried chicken was eh, and my other friends really loved the special of the night, a 6oz steak. My friend ordered from the veg menu and said it was amazing. Oh yeah, and the margaritas really are good. The prices are pretty good for the meal as well. The special was only $19 which is not bad at all. I'd go again just for the shrimp and grits, and maybe a margarita. :)
(4)
Katy M.
This place is nice! It's a reliable "nice night out," if that makes sense. I've never had a bad experience here, the wait staff is always on point, the food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the food always looks and tastes good. The parking is easy valet parking, so there's no room for frustration there. The food itself is just fine. I've had better (for cheaper), but it's good, consistent, upscale food. The decor is friendly, and the porch is lovely in the summer. I like the Ahi tuna, it's always cooked perfectly, which I really appreciate. It's a delicate dish. Tip- There's almost always a coupon for this place in the Saavy Shopper Intown or whatever that little flyer you always get in the mail is called. (if you live in ATL) It's usually buy one get one free entree, something like that, for a weekday night. With the coupon, the prices are really reasonable.
(4)
Tanisha L.
Went here to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was awesome. We had guacomole with smoked trout and applewood bacon, it was DELICIOUS!!! I recommend trying it. Our entrees were salmon with zuchinni and meatloaf and mac & cheese. The food was amazing, as were the drinks. Make sure you get the top shelf because you get your money's worth! Awesome, place will be back.
(5)
Laila S.
At first, i was unsure about this restaurant because of its appearance, but when i sat down with my friends and actually had the food here, it was amazing!! now, the food IS on the pricey side, and since my friends and i were on our way to the club, we just got a lil sumthin each. i had the calamari, which by far was the most amazing calamari i ever had =) best of all, since it was closing time, we saw the kitchen staff CLEANING their area. that is a big plus!! i mean they were CLEANING real well =) i will definately will be coming back here.
(5)
Matt C.
Excellent southwestern fare in an unassuming/almost sketchy part of town. However, the room is great, and the food is fantastic. The margaritas are good, though pricey, but I gladly pay the money for at least a couple each visit. Can't say they stand out to me as "the best in atlanta", but they're good, especially the jalapeno variety. Service is personable, knowledgeable, and laid back; all great attributes. Be sure to try the Guajillo mussels; the red chile/wine/citrus broth is unlike any other mussel broth I've ever tasted. An extremely welcome departure from the overabundance of white wine/garlic or butter/cream broths you find at most ATL restaurants that feature mussels on the menu. The accompaniment of a hot tortilla is also a great change from the typical grilled bread. Highest recommendation for entree is the cayenne fried chicken dish. Amazing flavor and consistency of crust on the boneless chicken breast, and the included sides of mashed potatoes and grilled corn are anything but ordinary. The corn is some of the most flavorful and delicious I've ever tasted. Try it!
(4)
Charley W.
I feel that classifying Agave as Tex Mex is somewhat of a misnomer as their fare fits the mold of Southwestern cuisine more so than Tex Mex. I'm no chef but having dined across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas I can tell you that there are some differences between the two styles and a restaurant like Agave would be a shoe-in on the narrow streets of Santa Fe. For those who know, that's no insult and I'd wager it's a culinary niche that Agave owns free and clear in the city of Atlanta. I found Agave to be solid across the board. I work in the service industry so sometimes I see things that other diners might miss. I could tell at the front door that they are pros and run a solid establishment. A woman whom I think may be one of the owners greeted me and her demeanor told me that she was completely on top of things and dialed in on the guest experience. My girlfriend was just a minute behind me so I sat at the bar to wait for her. I wasn't planning on ordering a drink because I knew we'd be seated shortly but the engaging bartender came over immediately and started working me into a margarita. It was a slow night and I have to say that I really appreciated her initiative to jump in and create a sale for herself. She did it in a very helpful and unassuming way but I knew what she was up to because it's exactly how I work, myself, so I appreciated it. Our server was very polite, well versed on the menu, and the vibe I got from him was one of complete appreciation and accommodation for the guest. I would wager that if a diner were to ask for a pickled octopus fritter with molasses remoulade, the staff at Agave would make it for them without batting an eye if they had the ingredients on hand. That's good business and it starts at the top but luckily we were far from being that difficult. We tried the guacamole appetizer as a starter. I, personally, wasn't blown away by it but that's just my opinion and my girlfriend loved it so we'll call that wash. She enjoyed the pan seared Tuna which was cooked perfectly and I had the NY Strip which scratched the itch quite nicely for me, thank you. Presentation was excellent and the ambiance and decor are genuine and complete the experience. Nice selection of Tequila too. The valet struck me as a bit unnecessary since Agave has ample parking and it's literally right next to the restaurant but again.. no need to split hairs over that. Agave is solid. I highly recommend it for your next, ahem.. Southwestern dining experience.
(4)
Sarah B.
Update: we came back here last Sunday for 2-for-1 appetizers and margaritas. We had a feast of appetizers, and Lisa, our bartender, was amazing (and generous with the pours!) She let us try a few of their margarita offerings in addition to the basic ones we were drinking - the mango one is very sweet, but not in a cloying way, and the jalapeno margarita was outstanding. As for the food, the calamari and the ceviche were both stand-out. I love this place.
(5)
Sunil G.
I went here shortly after moving to Atlanta upon a friend's strong recommendation. I was absolutely impressed -- the food here is like nothing I've had anywhere else. While food of the Mexican variety is often delicious comfort food, it's rarely what I'd call gourmet. The thing is, though, that Agave's food isn't Mexican. The closest thing I'd call it is a super fancy interpretation of Tex-Mex. Whatever it is, it's delicious. There's a huge vegetarian menu for people like me who don't eat meat, accompanied with an equally gigantic dessert menu. The key lime pie was some of the best I've ever had.
(5)
Treasure A.
My friend told me that Agave had better lamb than Fogo, so I told her to take me. I'll start this by saying I LOVE fogo lamb. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, but I digress. The lamb at Agave is probably as good or better than Fogo. As a college student, Fogo's wins by default simply because it is "unlimited". With the New Mexican Rack of Lamb, you get 4 lamb chops, a side of mash potatoes, and grilled asparagus. I switched my mash with the macaroni and cheese. It was very savory and tender. I split the Chile Seared Shrimp Tacos and the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring rolls with the rest of the table. The Shrimp tacos were gone in about one second. They were amazing. Add two of their margaritas and the chips and salsa. I was feeling very happy. Next time, I would probably just get my own order of the shrimp tacos and the margaritas. But, great date spot or group dinner.
(5)
Austin K.
Delicious food and a great atmosphere. A MUST when looking for good mexican food in Atlanta
(5)
Robert M.
It's hard to say that Agave is 'underrated' with over 150 reviews almost averaging out to 5 stars, but I'm going to say it anyway. The place has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta restaurant scene and with good reason. Consistently very good, and there are so many amazing selections on the menu. I say underrated because while all the new 'buzz' restaurants come and go, this place quietly chugs away in the background. Also, I wouldn't call this "Tex-Mex", that's an insult...this, to me, is your standard New Mexican...and moving here from the Southwest it is great to have Agave here to serve up some real Southwest food. I went with the Tenderloin Medallions which were cooked perfectly, very tender and bursting with flavor laying over a chili puree. The Yukon mash was one of the best I've had. The Key Lime Pie was very good although I prefer the traditional graham cracker crust over from what I remember was some type of ginger crust. It was interesting, I ate every last bite, I'd eat it again...just different. With so many great things on the menu, this will easily be a repeat visit for me.
(5)
Lee B.
After driving past Agave for years and years, I finally decided to try it last night. My husband and I went there around 8pm and were seated right away even though it was crowded. They immediately brought us some blue and yellow corn chips with some tasty salsa. I had the jalapeno margarita and my husband had a regular kind. Both were good and strong. We were both feeling it after just one. I'm not a huge fan of typical Mexican food. I don't like it when it's particular greasy or covered with cheese. Agave's entree choices were nothing like that. There was no Combo #1-#20 here, it was things like sea scallops and New York Strip Steak. They have a vegetarian menu with about five things on it but you have to ask for it. I got the veggie enchiladas and my husband got the beef and pepper enchiladas. I can only only speak for the ones that I had, but they were flavorful, fresh tasting and light. I didn't feel completely weighed down after eating them. Service was good, parking was easy since it's valet. I'm definitely a fan. Plus, if you check in on four square during the week, you can get a free appetizer. Reason enough to go back, I think.
(5)
Yesenia M.
The term tex-mex is really a misnomer, but I can see how it gets defaulted to that since modern Mexican or Mexican-Southern fusion aren't very big categories. But I digress. The tequila bar lived up to it's title, with an excellent selection and delicious cocktails, only one of which is made with lowly Cuervo. We started with the ceviche, so let's start the review with that as well. It was ASTOUNDING. It was spicy, even for me, so the faint of tongue need not apply. I had the veal and chorizo meatloaf, which was the lightest and most adult meatloaf I've ever had. The collards and Mac & cheese on the side were both tasty without being as heavy as typical soul food. My dinner mate had the blue corn chicken enchiladas which I got a taste of before she punished them, so I'm guessing they were good. We split the cheesecake with cinnamon whipped cream, a decadent dessert that beautifully topped off the meal. The service was a bit on the slow side, especially considering it wasn't very busy when we got there, but our server was pretty friendly. The price means this broke grad student can't make it a regular haunt, but once a month or two may have to be scheduled in.
(5)
Meredith P.
I've been eating at Agave since it opened (it's been years) and have never had a disappointing experience. The food is always good, the service is always friendly and the place is always clean. Plus, they've got a great selection of tequila for a truly tasty margarita. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Cara B.
I had a friend in town for the night so when deciding where a group of us should go on a Thursday night, I figured this was the perfect excuse to try Agave. It's literally been on my Atlanta Bucket List almost as long as I have lived here. Skip the valet and park up the road. Cabbagetown is a cool little neighborhood, so the walk will take you past some houses that clearly are occupied by people who are much cooler and much more creative than I will ever be. Maybe valet if you are by yourself, you are still in Atlanta. The atmosphere is perfect for a place like this, low lighting, loud but not too loud, upscale but still casual. Practically everything on the menu sounded amazing to us all, but being a table of graduate students, we stuck to the top half of the menu (the entrees are ordered by price starting at $12). Our group had the guac (a half order was plenty for 4), Burrito and Stew, Meatballs, and Fried Chicken. Everything was pretty delicious and all of the plates were 100% clean at the end of the meal! I do have a slight bone to pick with the "Famous Cheyenne Fried Chicken." It wasn't A) spicy and B) probably isn't famous. So while I thought it was actually some of the better friend chicken I've had around here, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. I saved the best for last: the margaritas! By far the best marg I've had in a really long time. While they are expensive and certainly not something you could drink regularly on a budget, the margs are perfectly made. I had the jalapeno marg. it didn't slap you in the face with heat, but it had a low burn that built as you drank it. Lovely.
(4)
J C.
Recently dined with a friend. She probably didn't communicate as clearly as she could have that she was allergic to tomatoes. Although a tomato based sauce was left off her entree, the rice also contained tomato. Once the mistake was realized, the cook flew out of the kitchen, was very apologetic, as was the server. The cook then prepared the entree with potatoes instead and made her a salad while she waited for the corrected entree. This was incredible customer service. I am a fan for life!
(5)
Dru M.
I've been to Agave a bunch of times, but this is my first review. A group of 6 of us went last night to try their Chef's Menu ($30/person - 9 courses). Below is why I will be back soon. 1 - Our service was fabulous. Server was attentive, knew his menu well and did everything in his power to make our experience incredible. 2 - The nine course meal was also fabulous. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the tuna (entree), BUT...it wasn't horrible. It was cooked a bit too much for me. The veal meatloaf, shrimp tacos and goat cheese/corn mashed potatoes were probably my top three things. 3 - Drinks were also good. Four of my friends ordered different margaritas and all of them had great things to say. I had some champagne and coffee/baileys. Great pours on both for the price. 4 - Price. We ended up sending $60/person, which included nine courses (a dessert sampler that probably cost $40 itself), drinks, tip and tax. That's two thumbs up for me. 5 - One person is glutton free and I have some crazy food allergies and the chef was able to give us other options and didn't charge extra. Overall...AWESOME! Check out their Chef's Menu...it'll make you smile.
(5)
Amanda B.
Love this little gem!! The area is somewhat sktech, but that's no different that other parts of this little city. The food is outstanding, the tequila is strong...can't get much better than that!
(4)
Ray D.
My wife says I can be picky (what does she know....) but this place never lets me down. I must caveat 'never' by saving I have only been here a couple of times, once to meet friends and twice for a business dinner. The lamb is out of this world, and the extensive drink menu will keep anyone happy.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
I returned to Agave this past Friday for date night with the boy... we had a reservation but still had to wait a few minutes for the table- so we headed to the bar! I had a "skinny" margarita, it was good, but not as skinny as I prefer (too much mix)... A few minutes later we were seated in the "patio" area of the restaurant- I guess they convert it over for the winter months- the setting was romantic with a huge fireplace in the middle of the dining room, but it was still kind of cold. Luckily our server, Spadoni, picked up on this and turned the heaters on, I was warm within seconds! To start, the date and I had a shot of tequila - silver tequila chilled - unfortunately mine still had an ice cube in it, so I almost choked when taking the shot! For dinner we shared the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and the meatloaf with southwestern mac & cheese- they were both DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere is lively, the service is great, and the food is amazing!
(4)
Rhonda M.
Agave is by far the favorite restaurant for my husband and I. It's close to home and consistently has great food. We love the salsa and blue chips served upon arrival. They have the best margaritas in Atlanta! Make sure you try the Texas margarita. What is SO wonderful about Agave is they have "Two for One Appetizers" when you sit at the bar from 5pm - 7pm nightly! My husband loves everything he eats here, but some of his favorites are the Beer Braised Pork Shank and the Sunburned Strip Steak. My favorites are the Salmon Filet and the Stuffed Trout. When I order the trout, I get the julienned veggies instead of spanish rice. I promise if you visit here, you'll love it. Everyone we've taken to this restaurant raves about it and can't wait to visit again. Try them out!
(5)
Katy S.
I feel very lucky to have this restaurant nearby. The food is always very, very good. I end up with a new favorite every few months. Favorites are smoked trout guac, chicken poblano soup (so good, have tried to pry the recipe out of them with no luck yet), salmon, fried chicken, and the margaritas! The main dining room is unbelievably loud so request a table in one of the back roomm for a more intimate experience. I've never been disappointed here. Solid joint.
(4)
Ryan S.
Love this place. Food has always been great and they do have a nice booze selection. Service is good once you are in, unfortunately my only failing is the work of the hostesses. Had reservations screwed up a couple of times, etc. Join their email list and they give out some awesome coupons for BOGO, happy hour, etc.
(4)
Brandon N.
This place ROCKS!!! We have dine here for several years now!!! We had went here for my birthday one year & fell in LOVE!!! The foods is consistantly GOOD, EXCELLENT service, FREINDLY & Great Atmosphere!!!! They have the BEST FOODS for the price!!! Great desserts platter!!! STEAK, SHRIMP & FRIED CHICKEN ARE THE BOMB!!!! All the sides are AMAZING!!!!! We make a regular trip there every week!!!!
(5)
Jeremy A.
We have been to Agave a few times and I wish I could tell you more about dishes that they serve, however the first time I went there I got the crawfish stuffed trout and its so good that I have never ordered anything else ;) A great place if you are a tequila fan, they have an extensive listing. If anyone wants to recommend another dish to me in open for it, otherwise the trout is so damn good Ill probably get that the next time I go, yet again!
(4)
Shaun R.
Visiting here in Atlanta with family. Just had the Sea scallops, honey cider/bacon collard greens, and tomato and Serrano grits! So yummy! Really nice waiter and they were very accommodating even though we were late for our reservation.
(4)
Vida D.
I was just at Agave about two weeks ago. I had the Peachtree Margarita. I am not usually a margarita drinker, but this has to be the best Margarita I have ever had. I had the Ranch Pork Shops, with the honey cidar greens. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. If it's a friday or saturday, make reservations. I saw friends there who had been waiting for 45 minutes when we arrived.
(5)
Michelle B.
I actually can't believe I haven't reviewed Agave yet. I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the drinks are excellent, and the service is top notch. I have loved everything I've eaten there. It's a must-go place in Atlanta.
(5)
Leonardo M.
Great food and service. A little on the loud side, so it's great for groups, not so great for a date. I love the ambiance.
(4)
Helena W.
Went there as a spur of the moment suggestion based on our location at the time. Let me say this, the other and I are sportin' a mega food baby right now. I had the special which was the baby back ribs and other had the medallions. We both enjoyed our meals. Robert was our server and was nice enough to suggest things for us to share. To be honest, next time I could be set with the honey&bacon greens with the Mac and cheese and be completely satisfied... They were that good. Love the salsa but the guacamole was not a fav. We will likely try something else in place of it. Oh! The price wasn't bad but more then we were expecting when we saw the menu. It's not a place we would be visiting often. It was a great choice in an effort to try something new.
(4)
Steven M.
Hands down one of our favorite restaurants! Margaritas are amazing, food is fantastic and I really like the Cabbagetown area. I normally get the Southwestern chicken and is always perfect. I have been 10+ times and it never disappoints!
(5)
Barbara S.
Agave is one of those places that i just keep going back to over and over again because the food and drinks never disappoint! House Margaritas are delicious and probably the best house marg in town, but I prefer to kick it up to something with a bit of a darker tequila. The chips and salsa are addictive with the right amount of salt on the chips and the salsa does remind me of Ortega (which reminds me of my childhood) but better. They offer an amazing, yet simple salad of mixed greens with avocado. Great flavors that just work well together. The Fried Chicken is the one thing that I must order every time i visit Agave. The accompanying mashed potatoes are so creamy and flavorful. For dessert, I love the Key Lime Pie if they have it on the menu. They also have great coffee if you are like me and enjoy a nice cup with your sweets. As someone else commented, the noise level is a bit high, but i feel that gives it the fun and festive atmosphere that comes along with drinking great margaritas and eating delicious southwestern food. Tip: Get on their mailing list for offers like $10 entrees.
(4)
Eleanor S.
In a bit of a bad area, but awesome! Cool eclectic southwestern decor and amazing food. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy, boneless, and not oily. It was a little dark/loud, but they do have a patio.
(5)
Shawny S.
I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The food was "okay". Nothing extraordinary! The portion size that I got when I ordered Tenderloin Medallions were very small. I can go to Longhorns steak house and get a better cut of steak with a better price than this place. Overpriced? Absolutely. However, the waiter was nice. The chips and salsa were good. The ambiance was nice too. Not a place I'll be going back to.
(3)
Brent H.
There's not a thing I don't like about this place. The service is always among the friendliest in the city, the food is top notch, the drinks are well made, and the atmosphere has a southwestern flare that avoids going too far into tacky Chili's territory. Foods I've tried: Cayenne fried Chicken - My first choice. Always good but I like to switch the sides up and get it with the grits. Tequila Anejo Shrimp - A bit on the spicy side but not too bad. Perfect if you like a bit of heat with your meal. Southwestern Burrito and Stew - The burrito is pretty massive with lots of flavor. To me the hatch green chile stew was really the standout part of this dish. When you go, I'd definitely recommend getting the Guacamole. All fresh ingredients, tastes great. If you like Tequila or margaritas, this is the place to go. Massive selection and the bartenders know what they're doing.
(5)
Claire S.
Chip-o's and guacamole= so so good. Like the atmosphere in this restaurant, cute spot for a date which is always good. We had shrimp tacos as an app and they were really good and really spicy. Service was nice, for my entree I had stuffed trout which I absolutely loved, stuffed with crawfish and rice and deliciousness, also very spicy and very very good. Also tried the beer braised pork shank which was nice but I would recommend the trout over it . Guacamole is amazing, make sure you get it. They also have a stupid valet which is pointless and causes you to freeze outside because the parking lot is so small we literally watched the valet pull our car up 4 ft to us which was totally unnecessary and stupid as we had to wait for some slow old people to drive away while freezing outside. But the food is fantastic and the ambiance is nice.
(4)
Jada G.
I was so excited to finally come here. I pass it almost everyday and it's been on my bookmark list forever and a day. It's always crowded and the menu is so diverse. They are rated best margaritas. So after a long, disappointing day at work I knew I needed some comfort in the form of food and a margarita. The service is nothing short of hospitality. We got a free appetizer for using the yelp app to check-in. Always awesome! I should have gotten the fried chicken. There has to be a reason why everyone raves about it. My table ordered the short ribs, a burrito and the chicken fingers off the kid's menu. For this place to be nuevo mexican, or tex mex, our dishes had no flavor or taste to them. My short ribs had this sauce on them and they were so tender. But after a couple of bites, the dish got boring and the meat was really greasy. The burrito had no taste to it, and nothing that set it apart from the burritos at moes, except the price (i say moes b/c I hate their burritos). I'm a frozen margarita gal, but the waiter said their frozen margaritas are watered down. Ok, whatever, give me on the rocks. Yeah...no. I'm just not a fan of margaritas on the rocks. They are too sweet and syrupy for my liking. I am, however, in love with the mango margarita at la parilla. That, my friends, should win some medals. Anywoo, I had him take my drink and make it into a frozen one and sure enough it was plain old water. so, i left it on my table, untouched. I can say, I enjoyed the service and the atmosphere. I will go back and taste the infamous chicken, but if i don't like that I'm not going back. The appetizer was good
(3)
Jonah K.
Amazing every time. Excellent drinks, tequilla selection and all of the food is amazing. The prices are reasonable and they do an amazing job all around. The short ribs are out of this world.
(5)
FlyTaurusChick W.
Great margaritas and the best Chile Relleno in Atlanta. I was unhappy with my Jalapeno margarita (a little too spicy b/c of the raw peppers) but when I sent it back they happily gave me another.
(5)
Sarah Z.
I'd first like to point out that Lisa is an awesome bartender! Accommodating, fun and thoughtful...everything you need your bartender to be on a crazy packed Cinco de Mayo. The chip & guac, calamari and chicken quesadilla were all d-lish appetizers...do not hesitate to order! For dinner I had the slow cooked short rib which was PERFECT. It was the free appetizer Yelp deal that got us in the door but deal or no deal..upon my next visit to Atlanta, I will definitely return!
(5)
Angela M.
I'd wanted Italian, and we were headed to Noni's, but the traffic from the Sweet Auburn festival was insane, so we headed to Agave instead, having just been reminded by Zack that it was worth trying. Luckily for us, the wait was only 45 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday night. It had started to get cold, and I wasn't properly dressed for the wind, but we waited on the patio anyway, since the air was blowing straight down as you entered and there were no spots at the bar. Fortunately, it didn't actually take 45 minutes. We got a table to the right, one row off the fire place. The service was prompt and friendly - the water glasses were already full, which was nice since the wind had really dried me out. I'd heard great things about the margaritas, but no drinking for me for the next few months... so Jimmy and Cam just got Bohemia's. We started with guacamole, which was really thick with nice chunks of chopped tomatoes. The blue corn chips had just enough salt and grease. The salsa was a little on the watery side, but tasted very fresh. I know this place is labeled as Tex-Mex, but I would describe it to a friend as Southern with Southwestern flavor. I had the scallops with grits and greens, Jimmy had the meatloaf with mac and cheese, Cam had the salmon. None of those dishes sound particularly Tex-Mex to me, until you read how they were all seasoned. My scallops had a ancho chile rub, the grits were roasted tomato and serrano chile, and the greens were smokey with honey and cider. The scallops were good, but the grits and greens were the highlight. The grits were creamy but still had good gritty texture, while the sweet smokiness of the greens was simply divine. I meant to save some to take with me, after all, I'm not the Most Interesting Man in the World, and I had filled up on chips, but those greens were too good to pass up. If I was going to eat them, I might as well eat the whole plate, though J and C did help me with the scallops. J's meatloaf tasted very strongly of cumin and was very moist. Cam's salmon and veggies were almost as good as my scallops. I'd wanted to try the key lime pie that I saw on the dessert tray that kept going by, but there was no room left! Next time...
(4)
Tiffane C.
After 5 days spent between Atlanta and Savannah, GA eating nothing but southern and seafood cuisines, my palette was begging for something different. I decided on Mexican at Agave, and boy, am I glad I did. The atmosphere is really nice. I've never been to Mexico, but the decor seems to make a good attempt at authenticity. The dim lighting also made for a romantic ambiance. I started with chips and guac as an appetizer. I've definitely had better guacamole, but I cleaned the bowl all the same. I also had a delicious strawberry margarita which was awesomely refreshing in light of the heat. My entree was the highlight of the meal. The slow cooked short ribs were amazing. They were extremely tender and well seasoned. Combined with the potatoes, they made for a hearty meal of manageable portions, so again, I cleaned my plate. My random escape from southern to mexican has now resulted in an ongoing love affair with Agave. I can't wait to return!
(5)
David B.
I enjoyed this restaurant. I would recommend. Cool scene, attentive waitstaff and B rated food with mexican twist. Mid to moderate price range.
(4)
Yeme T.
I'm a huge Agave fan. On my most recent visit I checked in using the Yelp app and automatically qualified for a free appetizer! I chose the smoked chicken & hatch green chile quesadillas. The crawfish pasta was my entree. Flan for dessert. As always, the service and my food was excellent.
(4)
Jill C.
We recently found this gem ...after raving reviews from several people. The 1st visit was amazing...We ordered the cayenne fried chicken and the steak medallions and sat at the bar (wait time was 1hr). The bartenders were fun and made the experience perfect. The 2nd time, we thought we'd be smart and make reservations. However, the service was terrible. I'm so thankful that this was the 2nd experience because if it had been our 1st, I would have had a hard time going back. On a completely positive note...The meatloaf is THAT good!
(4)
Oscar G.
We got a group to go in on the Chef's menu with us and we were very happy. Food was all very good with healthy portions. Our service was spectacular and our server worked with us on everything as well as recommending some great wine and being attentive the entire time. One experience made me a big fan.
(5)
Scott M.
It's all about the happy hour here. Between 5p-7pm every week day you can get buy 1 get 1 free appetizers. When I lived in the area, I would take care of this special as often as possible. The food here is tasty and a tad bit eccentric for a mexican spot. I love it though....the bartenders are pretty quick and really knowledgeable about their driniks. Additionally, the food comes out extremely quick here. The bar area isnt really that big, so make sure you get there early if you want to take advantage of the happy hour. It is sometimes hard as hell to get a seat!
(4)
Jennifer L.
Absolutely fabulous. The karma margarita is worth it alone!
(5)
Bobby B.
The chips and salsa are addictive - fresh tomatoes and cilantro = tasty. I tried the red pepper salmon - presented like artwork and tastes even better. The good food was matched with prompt and friendly service. A great value.
(5)
Tim F.
Good selection of appetizers and overall decent variety of beer and drinks. Chips and a spicy salsa are provided upon seating and this was very good. I would return to try other appetizers and possibly an entree. The only drawback I could see is that the margaritas seem to be a bit pricey. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive.
(3)
Scott L.
Best of the best. Service, food, ambience A+ . Favorite dish : green chile stew. Tip: get there early or you will wait.
(5)
Will T.
Every time I leave Agave I say, "That's the best meal I've ever had there." It happened again this weekend. Agave gets better and better, outdoing itself with every visit. Located in funky Cabbagetown, this eclectic Southwestern eatery hits on all cylinders - service, drinks and food. You'll be greeted at the door by a host or manager and seated promptly, unless you arrive during prime time on the weekend when reservations are recommended. Once seated service is attentive, friendly and relaxed and you won't be forgotten once your food arrives. You'd be remiss not to grab the best margarita in town. These are truly terrific margaritas, made with fresh squeezed lime juice, not some mix that arrives pre-bottled. When ordering you could close your eyes and point to the menu and land on any number of stellar entrees. Try their signature dish, Cayenne Fried Chicken, at least once. I've sampled about half the menu and everything I've tried is stellar. What currently has me singing their praises like a Baptist preacher on Sunday are Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops served over creamy fire roasted tomato and Serrano stone ground grits. That's a lot of flavor. And don't tell me you don't like collard greens until you've had their honey cider collards. It will make a believer out of you. This is upscale eclectic Southwestern food, not Tex-Mex as some reviews erroneously state. Discounts and specials abound if you sign up for their email newsletter.
(4)
Ron M.
Best happy hour deals, great food. Mary Lisa is a pleasure to see every time we walk in. Mussels are a must have.
(5)
Stacy S.
I have nothing bad to say about this place whatsoever. I can say it was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. I had the Veal, Chorizo & Green Chile Meatloaf with the sides and it was fantastic. Definitely 5 star material...at least on that night it was.
(5)
Laura R.
Agave has great gourmet southwest food! I highly recommend just about everything on the menu..
(5)
Chad W.
The Good...Food, I had the calamari for an app and meatloaf as my main The Bad....Noise! it was so loud I could not hear the waiter..and it was a Monday night The Ugly....Margaritas are weak ..Boo! Hiss!
(3)
Mariana R.
I just got around rating Agave, though I went there with a few people a couple of months ago. I had the Ceviche Martini that was shrimp & sashimi tuna over greens marinated in lime, oil, serrano peppers & cider vinegar and enjoyed it, definitely not traditional ceviche but it was good, and the pork shank was definitely awesome. The service was good even though it was a busy night and I had complimentary dessert because the server overheard that it was my anniversary which was not the reason we were there but was great. I chose the pumpkin cheesecake which was a season special and it was delish! I definitely enjoyed Agave.
(4)
Michelle S.
I have been meaning to review Agave for a while now because I really really love this place. I am a huge fan of any place that has chips, good guacamole and great margaritas and Agave has all three. On top of that they have a great atmosphere, terrific menu and wonderful staff. This review reminds me I need to go back. Love it.
(5)
G R.
Crowded. Reservation recommended.
(2)
Jay N.
1) Phenomenally good margarita -- I had the Herradura Top Shelf, and it was smooth, strong, well-mixed, and downright delicious. 2) Had two desserts that were also superlative: the Key lime pie, and the Belgian chocolate mousse. Oh My God level of incredible. Those were the 5-star-worthy standouts, but Agave's rating is brought back down a little by some misses. The two appetizers we tried (calamari, shrimp and poblano spring rolls) were both pretty ordinary, and would have been entirely forgettable if they had not come with a terrific jalapeno jelly dipping sauce. Seriously, I think I could eat my old gym shoes if I put a little of that jalapeno jelly on! My trout entree, stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms, was pretty decent--but not great enough to make me forget that trout just isn't the most delectable fish. Oh well. Great service, a cozy interior, and easy valet parking--plus the standouts above--make Agave worth a visit.
(4)
Jason M.
I'd give Agave a solid 3.5 stars which rounds up to four for these purposes. Pros- The margaritas are pretty good and the salsa is quite nice. The trout is delicious and the blue corn enchilades are also quite tasty. Cons- It's a bit dark and a bit loud inside which takes away from it's score. Also, it i s a bit expensive for "Not Mexican."
(4)
Marisa M.
Delicious, dependable and unpretentious. This is a regular place for me. My favorite dish is the Anejo Shrimp - I love everything about it especially the so, so yummy corn cake. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken is good and so are the salmon and the veggie plate. Good prices and service. No brainer when you want a good, no fuss meal.
(5)
M A.
Agave is one of those places I've been meaning to try but never got around to, but finally got a large group of interested folks together to try the place. I normally enjoy giving reviews based on food AND service for large groups, but in light of there being three other large groups besides ours and the cramped quarters from so many bodies, I'll just say that a Friday night is not a good night to bring a large group here. Max your group out at 6 and you're fine. Any more and you're pushing your luck. In light of that, I'll review the food only and return another time to really test out the service. I would like to mention, however, that this is a place that does have the "everyone must be present to order" policy. Our final person was walking in from the parking lot but the server refused to wait a minute to collect our orders (if he'd started, the last person could've shown up and had time to look the menu over anyway). The meal lasted until nearly 10pm - we all arrived at 7pm. Yikes. With that off my chest, it's time to review the food! I had a mojito which was delicious but will set you back $9, so beware! The margaritas taste delicious as well, but you get what you pay for. The $7.95 margarita doesn't taste as good as the $9.95 one! There are a variety of spirits, though, so kudos on the well-stocked bar. The food itself was very delicious, but I must admit I'm not sure what Agave aims to be. Tex-Mex? Asian? Southern? I tasted someone's quesadilla, which was rich and full of flavor. I was also able to snag a piece of the fried chicken and it was so juicy, moist, and tender (all good words to describe good chicken). Delicious! My meal of choice was the seared tuna over mashed potatoes and asparagus. The tuna was seared to perfection, and the mashed potatoes were definitely fresh and hand mashed, yum! My only qualm is that it said there was a wasabi-laden sauce over the top but I never got the hint of heat. I'd like to see a bit more flavor pop with the dish, but overall it did the job and I left happy. I would definitely love to come here again and try out the service without a large group (and not on a packed Friday evening either). Other than the service, food was spectacular and left my food baby happy and well-nourished. That mojito helped keep the rating up as well, so don't pass up the chance to try a drink here!
(4)
Stan R.
Wonderful cuisine and top notch service! Problem is (unbeknownst to me) I brought a bulimic date here and she pretty much ate her way through the entire restaurant on my dime. I have never in my life seen a woman (or large zoo animal ) shovel food into an esophagus with so much passion and intensity. I do believe she is a true inspiration for all the self-absorbed, entitled over eaters of America. I would love to be able to do nothing more than dine at Agave again, but alas I will have to let a few months pass by. The smell of the chipotle rubbed meat and braised short ribs will only remind me of the life size giraffe she most likely regurgitated after I took her home.
(4)
Missy B.
OK, I was able to get in contact with Agave and found out they did have my beloved scarf that i inadvertently left while dining. As per my previous review, my real issue was with the room we dined in. The food was really good and now that I have my scarf back I will definitely be dining here again.
(4)
Sweet T.
Just ate here for the first time and was pretty happy with it, though the 4 stars are more for potential than our actual experience. The building is interesting, the service was very good and the food was very well prepared. The menu is awesome and makes me want to come back everyday for a week to try everything. The slight hesitation in my review is because some of the dishes were not worth the price tag. (*Cheap Bastard Alert) We started with margaritas and they were Really Good, worth the $10, though I still cringe at any cocktail priced over $6. They've got a nice variety and obviously know what the heck is up. The chips and salsa were very solid and the guacamole ($6.75) was good, too. The ceviche "martini" was nothing special and pretty small for the $9. I'd skip it next time. Also, the beer-battered shrimp were tasty but 5 shrimp for $12=not worth it. My blue corn chicken enchiladas were exceptional and totally worth the $14. The smoked chicken flavor was definitely present and not drowned out by cheese or sauce. Everything was perfectly balanced and the portion was nice, too. My Partner in Food Crime ordered the Agave Salad ($6.50) but added grilled shrimp to it at the suggestion of our friendly server. Those grilled shrimp were awesome but we didn't realize it would add $12 to the cost of the salad. For $18 she probably would have ordered something different, you know? My brother ordered the beer-braised pork shank and was very happy with it. Let's just take his word for it. Too full for dessert. Dang! Even with our mixed reviews, I'd go back to Agave in a heartbeat. It is too obviously a great spot to pass up just because some of the plates might be overpriced. I'm sure once you worked your way around the menu a bit you'd find plenty of things to blow your mind and not your budget. Count me in.
(4)
Nikki K.
This is not a review, but a little FYI- they do have a vegetarian menu on request, and the menu is also posted on their website. Think I might try Agave now that I know that!
(5)
Natalie B.
Really good food!!! Margaritas are awesome!!! And service has been stellar every time i have gone, even with large parties. Definitely GO and get the lamb!!! My mouth waters thinking about them!
(4)
Rachel R.
Peachtree margarita, scallops, torte. Thank you, Agave! I've been a customer for years and will continue to dine at Agave. It's such a great little Cabbagetown gem. Agave has everything, including great food. It's romantic, yet good for groups. It's nice, but casual at the same time. I really like how the staff steps to the side to let you walk through. That may sound weird, but it's one of those little things that make people feel important, and we all know people love to feel important.
(5)
Tiffany R.
The sea diver scallops over grits was AMAZING and their Agave fried chicken was "punch your mom in the face good" ,nice atmosphere, friendly staff, great pricing and spectacular eats!
(5)
Melissa B.
Been a fan since the early days. Back in town after moving to Charlotte and it was my first stop! Love the new southwest/Italian meatball fusion dish. My friend Susan is a regular!
(5)
Sara W.
My first trip to Agave was a 4 star experience. My most recent trip to Agave was closer to a 2 star, so I'll average it to a 3 rating. First trip we sat at the bar and enjoyed some happy hour specials on apps, which were all excellent. And the margaritas were amazing. We went back a few weeks later, sat at a table and it was a totally different experience. We were placed in a corner, surrounded by huge tables of 10-15 people so of course, service was slow and our order got mixed up. They brought out a calamari appetizer we didn't order then said "oh, it's free" -- but didn't really explain why they delivered it to our table. It was kinda weird. The entrees were alright. Nothing really to write home about. Maybe we should stick with sitting at the bar??
(3)
Katie K.
I have been going to Agave for well over 10 years and the food and service have always been consistently good. I went there with a group of 8 girlfriends recently as one of my first 'girls' nights' since having a baby. When we sat down, the waiter asked if we were celebrating any special occasions. Since it had been my friend's birthday earlier in the week, I said it was her birthday and the rest of the group told him that they were also 'celebrating' me too. Throughout the meal (on a busy Saturday evening beginning at 8:30), the waiter was somewhat attentive but not excellent. Before we had even finished the meal (or been asked if we wanted dessert), they brought out two chocolate desserts for myself and my friend. We thought this was nice (although I normally like to order what I want for dessert and then have them bring it out with a candle, etc.)....BUT, when we got our checks we realized we'd been charged for the desserts. This is the first time this has ever happened to me, especially when we did not order dessert ourselves- It seems like if they bring it out automatically (especially without letting us choose), the restaurant would comp this. We thought this was strange and I promised myself I'd write a review about this.
(4)
Tammy C.
Agave offers some of the best choices and one of the finest dining experiences in Atlanta. They offer vegetarian dishes that are unparralled in Atlanta with variety and taste. As a non-vegetarian I crave their seared Ahi in between visits. Call and make a reservation as they are always busy but I promise you will not be dissappointed unless you are impossible to please!
(5)
Martha S.
Wonderful! Went here for an awesome birthday dinner -- I had the scallops, which came with amazing iterations of cheesy grits and collard greens. They also comped my dessert because they'd asked if it was a special occasion when we made the reservation. WTG, guys! Ask to see the vegetarian menu -- the options on there were significantly cheaper than the regular menu, and the dish my boyfriend ordered off there was great.
This place must be good for me to drive from Buckhead on my way to Decatur. And the other night was great! My BF and I popped in fairly early (5ish) and quickly snagged the last two seats at the bar. It is a small bar - seats about 10 people max. But the the bartenders are pleasant and friendly. It seemed that most of the other patrons were regulars. We came for the "half-price appetizers at the bar" special and walked out fuller and fatter with the $10 entree celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Agave! Jack, the owner, and I agreed that 6 months in the Atlanta restaurant business is a long time so 10 years is awesome! Jack comes to Atlanta from Albuquerque, NM via Auburn, AL. We are glad he did. We shared the guacamole which was good but not great. It needed a little zip so we added the zippy salsa. Better!!!! We never felt rushed and the bartender made some great suggestions on meals. Hmmmm - do I go for the fried chicken (at a tex-mex restaurant?) or how about the steak special? First off, everything here is delicious so making that decision is hard. Ultimately, my BF had the red-chile rubbed scallops that were wonderful with cheese grits and honey collard greens. I chose the bistro steak special which was good but I could have had that at any restaurant in Atlanta. Next time, the short ribs will call out to me! And I'm thinking I will save a little room for dessert. Yummy!
(4)
Scott S.
Just got home from another awesome time at agave. They were hoppin as usual on a Saturday night, but as always the staff was on point. From the door to the drinks (was recommended the new George Clooney Casamigos! Was good in my margarita and in a snifter with dessert!) to the food. Surprised actually at how quickly the food came! We had a table right in front of the kitchen line and I noticed for the first time the massive amount of food those guys get out, and I didn't see any heating lamps! So its up and gone and hot!Those cooks are rock stars! I didn't have my usual stuffed trout, ventured to the scallops again per recommendation and the server did not steer me wrong, the grits and collards were awesome accompaniments! Took some grits to go for breakfast! Props to my server as I was feeling experimental and he didn't disappoint, Sam was our server and he was kind, helpful, obviously knowledgeable and unintrusive. We'll be seeing him again soon I hope thanks agave as always, impressive!
(5)
Rachel M.
I was a bit wary considering there were some not so great reviews, however, several friends raved about it so I decided to give it a go. As was the general consensus, the service was exceptional. Both me and my date got the short ribs which were also excellent. Though the place was a bit loud, I didn't think it was too overwhelming for a date. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Pamela G.
Agave is an amazing restaurant! all of their food is fresh and never frozen. The tequila bar is exceptional, they also have the most delicious Chile & Herb Rub of which they created. The rub is also for sale. The service and staff are hands down top notch! I have never had a bad meal. Lisa, the head mixologist makes the best margarita in Atlanta. This is my cheers, if you are in Atlanta, you must dine here.
(5)
Katie C.
The restaurant is really pretty inside and everyone who works there looks like they like it. The food is really great. I would recommend any of their seafood dishes. Come during happy hour for some great deals. The reason they aren't getting five stars is because of their parking situation. They technically don't "make" you use the valet but there's only a half dozen spots available to the immediate left.
(3)
D L.
Ordered-... uh, I just heard someone in my office farting, haha!- we ordered... Entrees: - fried chicken - diablo pasta - duck (the most delicious duck I've ever tasted and I don't even like duck!) - something else What I remember most about Agave is their guacamole. Delicious. Heavenly. If you opened up a dictionary and looked up "guacamole", you'd find directions to Agave. That was lame. Anyway... the guacamole. Wow. But the serving was so tiny... So, so tiny... *sigh
(4)
Amrita J.
So this was a big birthday year for me....I turned 25 on the 25th !!! Woohoo!!!! Little did I know it was going to cause me SO many problems as far as my plans went for the evening, b/c of the wonderful high school proms going on in Atlanta the SAME night. So what does dinner plans + prom=?!?! BOOKED BOOKED BOOKED restaurants!!! :( I was desperate for a place to go to that would accomodate my large group of friends, and finally came across Agave. I want to start by giving HUGE props to the owner/partner Tim for coming to my rescue. I called him, he told me "No problem", and was ready to give us a table for 15+ people, but then when I called him back and told him it'd be closer to 10-12 ppl, he told me once again "No problem", we'll make sure that the table is ready for ya'll.......and that he did. So the big day came, and I met my friends at Agave, not quite sure what to expect from the place, the food, the service, any of the above. But who cares....it was my freaking BIRTHDAY!!!!! Well let's just say I had a fabulous time, and was so greatful for all of the things listed above: Atmosphere: A Food: A+ Service: A++ Drinks: A+ Laughs from our awesome waiter: Spadoni A++++ So our waiter, ROCKED...(as listed above)....he handled our table with such ease, anything we wanted, he was there at our beck and call, with a huge smile on his face!!!! He even decorated the cake that was brought in by adding strawberries surrounding it, and chocolate sauce saying "Happy Birthday". I had the Rio Rancho tacos, which were YUMMY!!! Plus, we got the calamari appetizer, and can't forget the libations to go along with it all......I had the Frozen Strawberry Reposado.....mmmmmm mmmmmmm GOOD! I had a fabulous 25th birthday, and it all started off right here at Agave....Thanks Agave for accomodating me in my time of need !!!
(5)
Heather S.
1) The drink I has was really good. I had a Texas margarita. It was perfect. 2) The chips are made fresh on site and the salsa was amazing. 3) I had the tequila shrimp and it was amazing. 4) Our server was named Spadoni and other people have mentioned him as being great. If given the option, I would wait for an hour if it meant he would be my server. He was honestly the best server I have ever had in my life anywhere. 5) The staff really wants you to enjoy yourself here and have a great experience and go out of their way to make sure everything is great. 6) Did I mention that the food was awesome?? It's not really tex mex but upscale southwestern. It's a little on the pricey side so I won't go here a lot, but I really should go there more than I have in the past.
(5)
Debbie R.
Hands down the best margarita I have ever had! Love the chips & salsa too! A little pricey but the food is amazing and worth it. Wish we had a place like Agave on the southside of Atlanta!
(4)
Hanh C.
oh dear. food would have tasted better if there wasn't a bug in my water. the tortilla soup was great before the incident. the people with me enjoyed their food. portions were good. Margaritas were great. fried chicken was delicious, and boneless for the people who are picky with bones. seating was a bit crowded, not much room between tables. not the best for kids and high chairs. our waiter was nice. the "make up" dessert did not rid the horrible bug from our memories. unfortunately will not be back and risk it.
(2)
Andrew N.
Its not Tex-Mex, its New Mexican! So, what does that mean? Well, no BBQ sauce and plenty of green chiles! Moving from New Mexico, it took some time for me to get used to this place, because it is not entirely New Mexican, it is more Modern-Metro-Southern-inspired New Mexican. There are grits and seared Ahi on the menu. Well, I've come around and now this is my favorite nearby haunt for those times when I want to drop a bit of cash. I very much enjoy the large and rico Santa Fe enchiladas, and my wife the fresh and firm seared Ahi Tuna. The New Mexico rack or lamb is nothing to sneeze at either. Drinks... well, this is one of the few places that I would actually recommend both the food and the Rita's. There are over 100 tequilas so there are plenty of ways to make em. I prefer the Herradura Top-Shelf, and my wife the Agave Don Eduardo Añejo. Tasty, but at near $10 a pop, I would pace myself. This place is a must for anyone who wants a unique and flavorful Atlanta culinary experience. Be sure to make reservations on almost any night. Also, keep an eye out for BOGO coupons in the Savvy Shopper, it will make your experience much cheaper, but no less tasty. (edit: I should add that the folks: Host, server, and managers go out of their way to make sure you are happy) My one request is that they start asking the official question of New Mexico: "Red or Green?"
(5)
Alain L.
So I talk my good friend Nichole into going to Agave with me, she initially suggested pizza, so I politely overruled her. It's a Friday evening and something like pizza just wasn't going to cut it. I got there first, it gave me a good opportunity to check out the bar area and the seating layout. The walkways were narrow and not the best to hold a conversation as foot traffic is constantly interrupting the flow. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance, feels like I've walked into a Spanish villa. Perhaps the narrowness was intentional. Nichole arrives and we get our table after a brief wait. We got seated in the covered patio, which was perfect. Lots of sun still left in the day and I had a few margaritas with my name on them. Our server was a doll, she was fun and made great recommendations like the Spicy Southwestern Crab & Shrimp Spring Rolls. These were truly fantastic and I would devour an entree portion if one was available. Nic went with the Cayenne Fried Chicken as her main course and I went with the night's special of scallops with tomatillo grits and pineapple. I tried a little bit of the chicken and it was very tasty. I was a little disappointed in the scallops, but the grits were very good. Agave is a great restaurant and I see it being part of my regular rotation.
(4)
Susan L.
Noise level was unbearable, making it impossible to carry on a conversation at our table. We were tempted to get up and leave, but the service was EXCELLENT, FANTASTIC!!! Fish tacos left lots to be desired. Instead of chunks of fish, everything was finely chopped and rolled into a huge white flour tortilla. No garnish or accompanying sauce other than a piece of cilantro. We resorted to using the table salsa, which was delicious but did not compliment the "tacos." For $9, we expected better. Excellent wines and decent beers. Because of the great service and wines, we will return on a slower evening and sample some other menu items. But no more tacos for us.
(3)
Kelly S.
Agave gets 4 stars, and a couple of itty bitty tweaks would make it 5. Well, ok, so the first "tweak" is more of a complete overhaul of their parking system: the world's most unnecessary and inconvenient valet. AT LEAST put a covered waiting area out there or something. For Pete's sake, my man and I had to stand IN THE RAIN for a good 5-10 minutes while the valet went to get my car, which was within eyesight. Talk about ending an awesome meal on a shitty note. The other thing is that the calamari was "meh". Nice and tender, so no issues of chewiness. I just thought it was lacking flavor - but my boyfriend disagreed, so take my review of it with a grain of salt (or just add some). The guacamole seemed a little oddly sweet, but it was still very good. But now that all the negatives are out of the way . . . everything else was OH MY GOD good. I had the tequila anejo shrimp and . . . *heehee* 3 Texas margaritas. My boyfriend had the trout and a Texas margarita as well. We were so stuffed from the chips and salsa (delicious!), guacamole, and calamari that by the time the entrees came, you KNOW it had to be good for us to kill it like we did. Oh, and the hospitality is overwhelmingly good, especially coming from the perspective of someone who usually eats at places that are cheap as possible. Our reservation was for 7:30, and we got there on time and were seated immediately. Every employee we passed greeted us in a manner that at least SEEMED sincere, unlike the forced greetings you get at so many other places. I also love the decor. Warm, dark-ish, rustic - it kinda gave me a Catholic-church-in-Mexico feel (but beware, I've never even been to Mexico). If it weren't for the valet parking, this would be a 5-star review.
(4)
Dave A.
Always enjoyable. It's a touch too dark in there for my old 25 year old eyes. I love the 2 for 1 entree coupons in the Savvy Shopper magazine, too! Try the trout! Great food and excellent drinks. Enjoy!
(4)
Brooks S.
I'm a big fan of Agave - except for a few minor glitches in my last visit, which included a long initial wait and a long wait for the food, I have never had a negative experience. I've introduced a lot of people to it and they have always loved the food. My mom, mom's friend, brother and his girlfriend are a few of the out-of-town guests that really enjoy the fresh, crispy chips and tasty, fresh salsa brought out at the beginning of the meal. The food offers a nice southwestern experience with many great flavors - my favorites include the Tequila Shrimp, the halibut, and the swordfish special I had last time I went. I have had a couple special events there, like valentines day and really enjoyed the personable service and friendliness of the staff. The guacamole is quite good as well as the margaritas, my favorite being the Texas. One of the places I love to go when I know I want a flavorful dish and I have a couple extra dollars to spend. Thanks Agave for the great atmosphere and food.
(4)
Laura R.
Not your standard Mexican joint.... you should know that going in. You should also be prepared to pay for parking. The food is decent and well priced. There is a vegetarian menu that has lots of tasty options. The margaritas are great! But, there is no queso? The food also seemed somewhat bland. This place has a nice vibe overall.
(3)
Megan S.
SOUTHEAST GOES SOUTHWEST AT AGAVE Need a flavor fix, go to the former Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill's General Store where Agave resides- you'll find the best southwest food in ATL. Jack Sobel, Chef- Owner opened this gem in 2000 fulfilling his dream to create delectable New Mexican-style foods. The central theme in all his heavenly creations is the tantalizing chile pepper. To truly master the chile, the freshest ingredients must be used and to help accomplish this Agave uses no microwaves or freezers and receives its meats and produce daily. True to its namesake, Agave has over 100 tequilas, which makes for some outrageous margaritas. The creators of these heavenly beverages are Lisa Metzger and Melissa Agee. These goddesses of the bar surely know how to make tequila sing. The Corzo Perfecto is a perfect blend of Corzo Super Premium Reposado, limejuice and Agave Nectar. I thought I had tasted some great margaritas, but these are too awesome. The housemade chips, salsa, and freshly made guacamole helps prevent the glasses from emptying too quickly. To jump-start the journey to the Land of Enchantment, Thomas, a most knowledgeable waiter, presented Agave's signature soups. The traditional earthy Posole with braised pulled pork, hominy, guajillo red chile, and lime honors the celebration of life. The hearty Hatch Green Chile Stew with chunks of beef tenderloin, corn, and onions was decadently spicy, but not hot. The Grilled Shrimp and Sashimi Tuna Ceviche marinated with lime, serrano peppers and a splash of cider vinegar is a seafood lover's dream. Wrapped in rice paper, the crispy Spicy Spring Rolls consisted of a perfect blend of chopped shrimp, lump crab, Napa cabbage, and of course serrano peppers. The outrageous guajillo chile, limejuice and white wine sauce made the plump, delicate Guajillo Mussels so tasty. If the chile is the soul of Southwestern cooking, then Agave brings it to life. Perfectly spiced Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken served with poblano habanera and jalapeno jellies is otherworldly. If this dish doesn't make you your taste buds rumba, I don't know what will. To kick it up the spice chart, the grilled Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno and cheddar grits cakes is unbelievable. For meat and potato lovers that need a little spice in their life, the ground veal, chorizo, and Hatch Green chilies meatloaf is like no other- yummy! If Elvis had the pan seared beef tenderloin medallions in a garlic-chile tequila puree, he would have broke into a chorus of "Love me Tender". The parade doesn't stop here, The Southwestern twist on a key lime pie is a delight, the raspberry margarita cheesecake is sinful, for chocolate lovers there is the Belgian Chocolate mousse and the Torta de Sabrosa, and the most different dessert ever is the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie which lives up to its name, OK I'm ready for another Margarita. In addition to this outstanding award-winning restaurant, Jack Sobel other life is his band, Black Swan Lane. Their relaxing melodic lyrics reminds me of Roger Waters meets Brian Eno, good stuff, check out their website myspace.com/blackswanlane . LGBTG FRIENDLY ***** (Great Staff) FOOD ***** (Chile Lover's Paradise) PRICE ***** (Parties of 6 or more get the Chef Sampler) AMBIENCE ***** (Patio Dining/ Great Bar) DRINKS ***** (Best Margaritas in Town) agaverestaurant.com ADDRESS: 242 Boulevard SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312 Tel: (404) 588-0006
(5)
Betty R.
Can't believe it took us so long to go to Agave, especially since we used to live right down the road. Our friends had a 20% off VIP email thingy, so we decided to give it a go - it was a tasty evening. I love that they are not scared of the spice at Agave! Jalapeno margarita was great, salsa had a good kick to it, and the meatballs were really yummy (the other app we ordered, the calamari, was just fine - good, but nothing to write home about). Hubby's fried chicken entree was definitely the favorite - I will order it next time for sure. My trout was also quite good, and a HUGE portion. Service was good - the waiter was friendly, but he got that we were chatting with our friends and didn't bug us unless he saw that we needed something. I thought the prices were pretty darn reasonable, and the setting was nice - we were at a table in the back by the fire, which was cozy on a cold night. I hope to be back soon!
(4)
Angela B.
I would not return to Agave!! *wouldn't seat us *watered down Martini *bad order
(1)
Joe C.
Decent Fancy-Mexican Place: Margarita's were tasty. Environment is good. They had a vegetarian menu for those that don't eat meat. Strange their was no queso on the menu. Pretty good place for some Mexican food. A little spendy for what you get, as they play upon the attempted 'upscale' ambiance. But a pretty good place overall.
(3)
Kassandra M.
Fun environment, delicious food. Vegan friendly. Wonderful margaritas. Could I ask for more? Make sure you have a reservation on Fridays and weekends.
(4)
Phin S.
I kind of knew I would end up giving this place five stars after reading the reviews. It's not too often that about halfway into a meal, I say aloud, "this might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta." That was the case with Agave. This place just has everything going for it. The atmosphere is perfect-- very comforting, warm, cool, and friendly. The staff is very attentive and helpful. The food is original and excellent. We sat at the bar, where you get BOGO appetizers EVERY night from 5-7, so we got 4 apps. They were all wonderful, particularly the shrimp and tenderloin-- the steak was just amazing. It was cooked rare and was up there with the best steak I have ever had (weird for an app). The drinks were phenomenal. We tried four margs, and they were all outstanding. They are pricey, but they are quality drinks. I can't really suggest a particular one, but you should be able to ask the staff for help, and you really can't go wrong. You probably can't afford to come here regularly, but this place makes sense as a regular place for special occasions (if that makes sense). I'd imagine I'll be coming back here at least annually. Thanks for existing, Agave! Note-- we got there around 4:50, so we got to park in the lot ourselves instead of using valet. Then we were there for the entire buy one get one free appetizer at the bar deal. Also, it was not crowded yet on a Saturday at that hour, so our service was great. I couldn't think of a better time to go to Agave than 4:50-7:00 sitting at the bar on a Friday or Saturday.] On the update, have to lower it to four stars for a bad service experience. Still a good place, but service must be consistent.
(4)
Ben H.
*Wow - Afghan, Burmese, Hot Dogs, Ukrainian, and Fish & Chips tags but no Southwestern tag?! Agave really isn't "Tex-Mex" but whatever - I'm nitpicking.* I really like Agave. The atmosphere is casual, but not too casual - it's not stuffy or pretentious. The restaurant is very attractive as well. The service is attentive, refined, and yet down to earth. All the food I've had there is very good - it is fresh, well prepared, and spicy. I love the crawfish pasta, but it IS seriously intense so be warned (and I love spicy food). If yours wasn't very spicy then they must have just sized you up for a wussy, bland eater and toned it down. Both the trout and fried chicken are very good as well. Of course, the margaritas are excellent - I would recommend the Herradura one (I get it every time and have since been able to replicate a pretty good version). Prices here are really reasonable and they tend to have good deals here as well. I really enjoy going to Agave and it is one of my go-to restaurants now as it is consistently great. My only complaint would be that the absolutely idiotic valet parking system next to the restaurant. It should just not be valet period. The first time I was there I had to get out and walk a bit to the front of the restaurant which is facing the street, not the lot. There is no element of convenience here which should be the purpose of valet. When leaving, I then had to walk PAST my car to get to the valet where my keys were. I just took my keys from the valet and walked back to my car and left. Valet parking can be quite nice and convenient, but in this instance it just wastes your time and is incredibly inconvenient and annoying. It just does not make any sense to have valet here - just make it self-parking. I have since avoided this problem by parking on Carroll Street though. /rant 4.5
(5)
Sabrina T.
I've been having a special love affair with Agave for some time now. Agave has mastered the art of making every visit, every menu selection and every drink feel and taste just like the very first time. The quality and taste of their food and drinks remains consistent, right along with their service. Their tender divers scallops seduce me over and over and over again. Must haves: divers scallops, grit cake, agave chop salad, spring rolls, peachtree margarita and pomerita. This is my neighborhood "Cheers", you should definitely make it yours too. This restaurant should not be categorized as Tex-Mex... To continue to do so is an insult to say the least. This is southwestern cuisine at its best. Do this restaurant justice and remove Tex-Mex as the restaurant descriptor.
(5)
Erik B.
Not sure how I waited so long to try this place. I'm going to try to keep this short. Margaritas = WOW, way better than I had expected. Great taste, and lots of it. None of this little baby glass that's mostly lice. They make them BIG so that one lasted my entire meal. Food = I had the steak medallions and I have to say that they were one of the best plates I've had all year. I couldn't believe how damn good this place was and I felt stupid for waiting so long to try it.
(5)
Christine K.
While I, like the hundreds of other Yelpers, immensely enjoyed my dinner here a few nights ago, I have mixed feelings about it. But, my issue isn't really Agave's fault, so I can't really penalize them for it. The issue? Well, first, I need to tell you what I ate. After slurping up my delicious passion fruit margarita (very, very sweet) like water, munching on a zillion chips dipped in the most AWESOMELY flavorful salsa served in a restaurant, and finishing off my crunchy caesar salad, I happily dug into my stuffed mountain trout. The trout, needless to say, was yum yum yum yum (well, maybe a little salty) and I went straight to foodie heaven. My sister had some sort of pasta with crawfish along with a side of mac n cheese (not creamy enough in the least, in my opinion) and a mango margarita (strong and yummy); my mom had the fish special (I think it was the corvina??), which she found to be divine; and my dad ordered the tuna sashimi along with possibly the most delectable onion rings and a jalapeno margarita (of which he was sadly not a fan, but maybe it's because he's not crazy about on the rocks...). Our happy family of four ended our $150-ish food extravaganza with raspberry cheesecake, which at $7, wasn't exactly the most exciting cheesecake I've ever had and, I felt, fell a bit short of the scrumptious entrees. Service was excellent and as we were seated up in the loft-ish area overlooking the entire restaurant and kitchen, my dad proclaimed it the best seat in the house. The restaurant is pretty small actually and was extremely crowded, bustling with families, prom groups, dudes chilling, girlfriends chilling, and dates. Okay. Back to the issue. After such a wonderful evening, what went wrong? Much later that evening, I discovered that I broke out into the MOST attractive rash all over, proving that I am now apparently allergic to crawfish. Ah! While I am very unhappy about the allergic aftermath (and still having to deal with it after 3 days), I guess I wouldn't have found out had I not dined at Agave... Maybe. So. Agave, thank you for the food and I guess thank you for letting me know of yet another item I need to avoid. Ha! Don't worry, I don't hold this against you; it's just an unfortunate turn of events!
(5)
Richard K.
Based on other similar restaurants around the area I'm going to base my review mostly on cost. I just can't seem to justify the value when comparing to other restaurants nearby. Food was great, everything was fresh and service was decent. But nearly $20 for about 8 pieces of shrimp seems high, unless you have the BOGO coupon it's probably your best bet to forgo this place unless you don't care what the cost is. Check out La Hacienda instead! There Ceviche is way better than Agave!
(3)
Rolly O.
I LOVE this restaurant! Hands don THE BEST margaritas in town! They are so tasty! I've been here a few times and my favorite waiter is Amir. He is very friendly and just all around a great waiter. The food is great! Always well done, the right seasonings , excellent flavor , presented well. This restaurant is everything, great dining experience and CLEAN bathrooms , which is ALWAYS a plus.
(5)
Faryal F.
My husband and I had such a wonderful time at the restaurant. The food is DELICIOUS! We loved it and need an excuse to go back just for this place!!! The owner is also wonderful, very hospitable and we received excellent service. Try the fried chicken and the stuffed chile appetizer! Sooo good!! :))
(5)
Krystal M.
It's okay, go ahead and believe the hype about this place. I was on a quest to find a new restaurant to try for my birthday [preferably one with a southwestern flair and known for their margaritas), and this is my new fave Atlanta restaurant. So, I'm sure you're asking yourself why I'm saying this restaurant is my new favorite. . . well a restaurant must pass the following categories with flying colors for me to say it's my favorite: - Attentive and Friendly Service from the host/hostess to the wait staff. Our waiter (Bobby, who was excellent), was on POINT! My glass was always refilled with water and he brought us out fresh salsa for our chips when he saw we were getting low. He also asked if we were there for a special occasion, in which I informed him it was my birthday. I was pleasantly surprised with a delicious chocolate mousse with a candle in it, in addition to the very flavorful raspberry cheesecake that we ordered (also with a candle in it). Also, the manager stopped by our table to see how we liked our food. I thought it was a very nice gesture. - A solid variety of good, flavorful food. Although the restaurant has a Tex Mex feel to it, anyone can find something to satisfy their palette at Agave. I had the fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and corn. My husband had the short ribs with the southwestern macaroni. Both of our entrees were DEE-LISH!! I must say, being a macaroni and cheese lover, I really loved their take on this dish. -Flavorful, inventive drinks. All I have to say is their margaritas are EXCELLENT. I thought that I wouldn't find a good margarita until I went back to Cabo San Lucas, but Agave knows how to make a mean margarita, but be careful, they do sneak up on you! I had the Peachtree Margarita and a Strawberry Margarita (what can I say, it was my birthday, so I splurged more than I normally would). Both margaritas were well balanced and very flavorful. Agave also has an extensive tequila menu. -Warm, Inviting Ambiance. The decor feels like home -- very cozy and comfortable. All in all, I had a great experience at Agave. I will definitely be back again soon. Also as a side note, the food is very reasonably priced for what you get!
(5)
Blair H.
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. Awesome prices, great service, and a thoughful and ever-changing menu (that keeps the fan faves but constantly introduces new ones). Oh, did I also mention that they have the best margarita's in the city. YES, the best margaritas in the city.
(5)
Cricket B.
Fabulous...friendly service, very fresh, warm chips...dinner was so yummy...love love the crawfish pasta that I had...omg delish! The chopped salad is a favorite as well. Definitely will be back again....Just go, it's all yummy.
(4)
Nicole C.
I give this 3.5 stars. The food was a little better than 'ok' but it really didn't wow me. I ordered the short rib w/ mashed potatoes. It was tasty. The meat was pretty tender, although it was cool when I got it. Not warm like most freshly cooked meals. My friends ordered the albondigas and penne pasta, and the vegetarian burrito. The pasta had good flavor from the bite I took. The vegetarian burrito was kinda 'eh' although I did like that they put in zuccini.
(3)
Bobbin W.
Agave has knocked my taste buds off on several occasions, so it's time I sing its praises. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this Tex-Mex establishment is the consistently outstanding service. I've rushed into this place 15 minutes before closing time, and the hostess sat my date and me with a smile. And my most recent waiter, Spadoni, was so seriously keeping it real. I am totally watching my dollars and only ordered an entree that time. I know this budget-alert behavior is disappointing to waitstaff who need to make tips and survive, but Spadoni maintained his amazingly pleasant demeanor, even after I shunned opportunities to sample an appetizer or order one of the many tequilas off the drink menu. My favorite entree that Agave offers is the spicy tequila shrimp, which also happens to be the best-selling dish on the menu: jumbo shrimp grilled and sauteed in a spicy (I'm talking pretty effing spicy) lime and tequila cream sauce, seductively arranged around a cheese grit cake (I'm usually not a grit kind of girl, but I was down with these gritty grits), topped with a few asparagus spears. The entree was rather small, I thought, but since complementary chips and salsa were brought to the table, I was pretty full by the end of this eating endeavor. I've had the key lime pie before, too, and it spun me into a graham cracker-meringue state of bliss. SPADONI is the man! I need to check his serving schedule, so I can eat at Agave when I have a chance of him waiting on my table.
(4)
Caesar M.
Yum! I came here with a friend once and I was very impressed. The restaurant itself looks like a pub but serves like a 5 star. The atmosphere was serene and the servers were always nearby to handle any request. They have a plethora of margaritas I could not even begin to remember how many but I am an original kind of guy....with salt please! I ordered the scallops for like $19 and they were well worth it! scallops are my favorite and in their version of the dish worked quite well. Like any typical mexicanesque (even a word?) establishment they try to fill you up with tortilla chips and salsa before the food even comes out.
(4)
Jim T.
Be patient with the parking. It can be slow if you come right at dinner hour. But it is complimentary! It's been a few years since I've been here and it is better than I remember. The decor is really great and particularly inviting on a cold evening. If the fireplace doesn't warm you up, the yummy drinks will. The service is outstanding. Servers are engaging, attentive and friendly. It really makes you want to settle in for a cozy and enjoyable dinner. As for the food--Tex-Mex is not a great description. Think rustic Mexican... and eclectic is a good modifier. It's all good. Definitely save room for Belgian chocolate mousse.
(4)
Kristen M.
Went with a group of 5 on 11/12/11 -- food/service/ambience were all great. Made reservations and table was ready when we got there. Salsa was perfectly spicy and appeared to be freshly made. Good vegetarian menu -- everyone loved their food (chicken quesadilla, swordfish, trout w/ crawfish, vegtrn enchiladas, vegtrn salad). Drinks were also great -- Herradura margarita was the best! Will def go back! *Mon-Wed get a free app w/ Yelp check-in*
(5)
Fred M.
Awesome food and great service. The cayenne chicken is the "BEST" if you like fried chicken.
(5)
Julie Y.
After searching yelp for a restaurant, I settled on Agave. I had a great dinner so thanks fellow yelpers! My fellow diners were slow to arrive, but luckily the staff was really nice and accommodating. The space is rather small, so I know they were doing me a great favor by holding my table. Started off with one of their margaritas, which are definitely deserving of the awards. Ordered the shrimp and grits which I had been dying to try, and they were utterly delicious. The grits were formed into a cube that was crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Currently my fave grits dish. The fried chicken dish was good but I prefer the moistness of dark meat. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a serving of their chocolate mousse, which was a great way to end the meal.
(5)
Vincent V.
I have a hard time ordering anything other than the fried chicken. It's some of the best I've had outside of a soul food place that specializes in that kind of thing. It's a little spicier than Southern fried chicken, but what else would you expect from southwestern cuisine? You'll see a lot of local luminaries at Agave, it had a real neighborhood following. The food is great, and the tequila selection is excellent. Great place for a drink or for upscale southwestern food in a great atmosphere. Every year on their anniversary, Agave hosts a blow-out party that is not to be missed. There's a buffet of some of their best dishes and the margaritas are flowing like waterfalls at the bar. Pay a one time fee at the door, prepare for a huge crowd, and enjoy.
(5)
Joel C.
Whenever someone says lets go to Agave, I am pretty much game since I like the place! I'm surprised that I only come here about twice a year since its pretty close to where I live. David, Maria, Kim and I decided to have dinner after pre-drinking at Noni's. It wasn't too busy and we were quickly seated. I love the chips and salsa and only wished they had cheese dip! We opted for the guacamole and it was equally as good. The menu has changed quite a bit from the last time I came here. Plenty of new additions filled the menu, but I was happy to see that they still have their never ending list of Tequila and abundance of Margarita choices! We all went for the special Mango Margaritas and started with the Fried Calamari. The margarita was ok (should have stuck with the Texas) and the calamari was so crispy and flavorful! I love that they served it with the Jalapeno Jelly to give it a sweet and spicy punch. For entrees, David ordered the Fried Chicken (my favorite entree and probably the best entree here), Kim just wanted dessert and ordered the Flan, Maria got the Burrito and Soup Combo, and as always I had to try the burger and ordered the new Green Chiles Cheddar Burger. Everyone really enjoyed their entrees! The burger was meh, a bit different with the chiles. Looks like I'll stick with the usual and will stay with the fried chicken! It's good to know that from the first time I ate here about 6 years ago till today, the food and service is fantastic and consistent.
(3)
Will P.
Agave does not get the amount of press in Atlanta I think it deserves. Both times I have been there for dinner I have said to my girlfriend that we need to come back more often. I have been both during the week and on the weekend and love the atmosphere. The ambiance is great, there are several fireplaces in the two rear dining rooms, and everyone in the restaurant greets you with a smile. I would recommend getting a reservation for weeknights and weekends as this restaurant gets busy quickly. The first thing I love about Agave, they serve FREE chips and salsa on your table before your water comes for your drink order. Unfortunately diners in Atlanta cannot take free chips and salsa for granted at Mexican restaurants. Agave's salsa is the perfect amount of spicy and its chips are made completely in-house. Near the bar and plating area you can see hand-cut blue corn and flour tortillas waiting to be tossed in a deep fryer before they are served fresh to your table. These tortillas are great with a serving of Agave's guacamole which can be bought in a half order for only $3.75 if you're worried about filling up on chips before your meal. The second thing I love about Agave is its margaritas. I had a great Avion Anejo margarita and my girlfriend had the "Peachtree" peach flavored margarita. I should mention that we are usually disappointed by flavored margaritas. They sometimes come in strange colors and are too sugary to finish. Not the Peachtree margarita at Agave. It was the right amount of sweet with a good tequila flavor. I highly recommend this particular flavored margarita. After we had a couple of drinks and too many chips we finally had dinner. My girlfriend had the chicken quesadilla as her entree and loved it. It was stuffed with plenty of chicken, oozed with cheese, and came with guacamole and sour cream on the side. Our waiter Rob was extremely helpful throughout the evening. He steered me towards the veal, chorizo, and green chile meatloaf. It was... Incredible! The flavor was great. The dish had a sweetness as well as a spicy finish. The southwestern mac and cheese was perfectly paired with the meatloaf. It didn't really taste "southwestern" in my opinion, but it was very tasty. The dish also comes with honey cider collard greens. Unfortunately, as much as I love the South I am not a collard greens fan. They were easy to brush aside. I should mention that the first time I came here I had the cayenne fried chicken and loved it. It definitely belongs on any list of best fried chicken in Atlanta. It is also a very unique spin on the dish. I have also tried the spicy peanut butter moose pie. I love spicy foods, but it just didn't work for my taste buds combined with a peanut butter flavored dessert. Overall, Agave is a great Mexican restaurant in a city where that is hard to find. I will definitely be back here soon!
(5)
Hannah C.
This place is our date night go-to. The food is delicious even if you don't like southwestern (which I don't). I highly recommend the tenderloin medallions. The servers all seem to have a working knowledge of the wines they carry so we usually get a bottle to split and have never been mislead. We have had a different server every time and the service is always great. We love to sit in the loft area and people watch. It is romantic and removed from the bustle of downstairs. The real star of this place is the flourless chocolate tort. I maintain this is the best dessert I've had in Atlanta. Love this place.
(5)
Shannon C.
I'm a fan. Really good. I had the chicken enchiladas and my date had the short ribs. Both fantastic. Service is awesome. Try the banana plantain cheesecake!
(5)
Allison Z.
I ate at Agave on Monday night; I met a friend for dinner that I hadn't seen in a really long time. I was starving when I sat down, so I was glad that the blue chips and salsa hit the table at the same time my butt hit the chair. Our server was SUPER friendly, and even told us that the food comes with a gaurantee--if you dont like it, send it back and Agave will give you another dish. I was so shocked by this gaurantee (I mean, I could feasibly eat half my dinner, claim I don't like it and not have to pay?! Crazy!) that I didn't get into the nitty gritty with the guy, but at any rate, that's a cool gaurantee. I had the grouper with fried yuca and spicy spinach. The grouper was really good, not light (then again it's not a light fish) and the spinach paired with the fish in a forkful was quite tasty. The yuca was a hit. It came served in small strings, they almost looked like onion straws, and my friend was eagerly picking them off my plate and raving. I would give this entree 3 stars, it was good but not the best thing I've ever eaten. My pal got the trout which was much better and lighter. We both had the same glass of house red wine, a really good compliment to somewhat spicy fish dishes. Overall I'm happy with my experience at Agave. It's pricey (be prepared, entrees are between $15-20) but the Savy Saver has a buy-one-get-one-free entree coupon in this week's edition. Hey, the economy is rough and I still like good food--no judgement.
(3)
Amy G.
Probably one of my favorite restaurants to go to just for the location. Directly across from Oakland Cemetery and convenient from the highway, Agave is tucked away from hustle and bustle. And once you're inside, the decor and atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. The cayenne chicken is good. I have yet to go when I'm in a place to try a margarita, but it's surely in due time according to you other yelpers out there in Agave land. Unfortunately, they've removed the collard greens from the pork shank - which really made the dish - and replaced it with boring mashed potatoes. This is very upsetting. Otherwise, the service has always been great to me. At every visit we know we can expect a visit from a chef or manager of some sort, which is nice. Do go expecting to shovel some spicy fare into your trap. Just about everything gets at least 3 out of 5 "flames" for heat. I've also heard rumors that the diablo crawfish pasta will make you sweat. Literally. So maybe you'll want to order a glass of milk with your margarita.
(4)
Elbee M.
The food was good, not remarkable, though it was a fun meal. Being a place that specializes in margaritas and has pages of them to choose from can contribute to that. A-OK!
(3)
Dai T.
Yummy! Try the scallops, grits, and greens!
(5)
Yuki M.
We went to the restaurant last week. It was quiet busy and arrived earlier than reservation. My friends haven't arrived yet so staff didn't gave us table. Bar area is very small and couldn't get seat... The food was ok ;) No bad ! But the inside restaurant was smokey!! Doesn't much work fan ?! So you may get food smell on your cloths!!
(3)
Erin W.
Let me start by saying that Agave has been and still is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta for about 4 years now, but I hope they read yelp reviews so that the things from my latest visit will not go un-noticed. I am reducing to four stars because on my most recent visit during Labor Day weekend, the margaritas tasted very different and not like the one that's been voted "best margarita in Atlanta" for the last few years. It had way too much sweet/sour going, and friends at my table agreed. For a place that has prided itself on its margaritas, this last one was just not up to par. Our waiter was a bit more aloof than past waiters, I'm not sure if that was due to the fact that our party of eight was using a $10/entree Labor Day special coupon that I had printed out or not. I felt that as soon as I mentioned the coupon, our table was an after-thought. On the upside, after four years of dancing all over Agave's menu and never having tried their signature dish--the fried chicken--I finally tried it during this visit. I ate every morsel of spicy, lightly-fried goodness. The roasted corn that came with it was plentiful and a great compliment to the chicken. Mashed potatoes were thick and creamy. Overall my party of eight said the food was outstanding, which is why this is still my favorite.
(4)
Jeff M.
The debates of the best Southwestern food in Atlanta certainly should involve Agave. This place is right adjacent to Oakland Cemetery. Ample parking. Great atmosphere. Attentive service. Great drink menu. The appetizers were delicious. The Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls and Cayenne Fried Calamari are my favorites. The Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken is the best southwestern dish I've ever eaten and actually has me yearning to go hunting for fried chicken in the Southwest. Only praise from me!
(4)
M.A. J.
The food warrants a rating of 4-5. BUT. The wait staff needs serious remedial training. Constant, aggressive interruptions of our conversation, and worse ~ they kept grabbing food on the table to unnecessarily move it around, even at one point sticking a thumb in a dish. When one waiter grabbed my salad, I told him "No, leave it" twice, then had to say "DROP IT" to make him let go of it. He claimed he was only moving it, when there was no reason to move it nor did I want it moved. I don't go to restaurants to have my dinner continually interrupted by unneeded questions and conversation interruptions, while my already-served food is fondled and snatched and rearranged by the wait staff on the table for no reason. It's rude to begin with, and to repeat the behavior as the diners' irritation is clearly escalating is inexcusable.
(3)
Pam S.
It was my first meal in Atlanta, and I had the best fried chicken breast in my life. Served over sweet corn cut off the cob, and delicious mashed potatoes. That dish alone is enough to give this joint a special place in my heart.
(5)
Adam P.
I'm so glad that I live next door to this place. The food is amazing as everyone says, and I can enjoy their amazing margaritas and immediately go nap afterwards. Get on their VIP email list so you can get $12 entrees! It's a crazy deal that I will keep me coming back.
(5)
Chocolate C.
OMG I don't know why I never visited Agave sooner! The food is AMAZING! I came here for the first time as part of a birthday dinner. Birthday dinners....gotta love them....they usually can be a hit or miss but this one was definitely a hit. When you enter the parking lot you're greeted by complimentary valet...which I absolutely love. I'm going to skip over everything else and get straight to the reason why you go to a restaurant....FOOD. Don't let the name fool you, this is not your standard tex-mex place with fancy tacos drowned in mayo based sauces, weak margaritas or salsa that's been in your pantry forever. Agave is a true fusion restaurant. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips anyone?? They're sprinkled in with the regular ones and served alongside a flavorful salsa. For the entree I ordered the Veal, Chorizo Meatloaf served with Southwestern Mac and Cheese and Collards. The meatloaf was so tender! I wish I could bottle up the sauce. The sides were delish...the collards had a sweet and smoky taste and the mac and cheese was creamy and had a nice spin to them. I tasted several of the other orders such as Rack of Lamb, Crawfish Pasta, Hatch Quesadilla and Chocolate Mouse which were all equally tasty. Agave left me impressed. If you haven't been make plans to go!!
(5)
Lindsey E.
I have to say I was disappointed in Agave. This spot had been on my list for quite sometime so maybe I built it up too much? I have heard a lot of good things about Agave so I am just going to assume this was an "off night"... I purchased a Groupon for Agave and took my partner here for her Bday dinner. If I had not already purchased the Groupon, we would have walked out before we were seated. We entered the restaurant and stood by the host stand for about 1 minute before anybody spoke to us. The host was standing there on the phone- dialing and then hanging up. He was visibly frustrated and later explained to us that he was trying to call a cab for another customer. Great, I don't care. I dont want to walk in to a restaurant and be ignored and then absorb your negative energy afterward. Our service was pretty good once we were seated- no real complaints there. The server was helpful in suggesting vegan options for us. We had a salad as an appetizer as well as guacamole. Our guacamole came out with a hair in it, so that was gross but they made us another one. I ordered blue corn enchiladas. They were mushy. My partner ordered a grilled veggie plate. It was actually delicious. If i ever return, I will order this. We also had margaritas. The margaritas almost made up for the whole experience. A good drink goes a long way! Overall, I was underwhelmed and wished I would have picked a different spot to celebrate my partner's birthday.
(2)
Kate J.
We were staying near the convention center and our team arranged a dinner at agave. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The service was phenomenal, the food was delicious and they really went way above and way beyond to take care of our huge party (40 people). We made a reservation ahead of time and they truly took great care of us. I will definitely visit agave next time we're in Atlanta and highly recommend if you're looking for a great evening out, that you check them out! WOW it was a HIGHLIGHT of our trip! THANK YOU to the staff for a wonderful experience!
(5)
Patti C.
First off let me say, I don't like giving places bad reviews, but I have to in this case. I live in the neighborhood close by to Agave, and always wanted to try it, especially because I've read great reviews and always see the parking lot full when I drive by. I took some friends from out of town here Friday night. We had a reservation and we're given the option to sit on the covered patio, which we chose since it was such a nice night. Our server Amanda took our cocktail order within a few minutes and then a busboy brought them over a few minutes later. I will say the Texas Margaritas are fabulous, if you do go, get one. Five minutes or so after that she came back to take our order. Now, for the Catholics out there, it was a Friday during Lent, and I have a seafood allergy, so I asked to see their vegetarian menu, which they mention they have available on their main one. It took her 25 minutes to WALK BY US, and then I had to go over to her to ask "hey can I get that menu?" So she brings it over and finally takes our order. I had about a minute to decide on mine. Then our appetizers come out 5-10 minutes later. The guy who is refilling our water glasses sees that we are done with those plates and kindly clears them. I guess Amanda saw him do that so a few minutes later she comes over AND THROWS DOWN A DESSERT MENU AND STARTS CLEARING OUR SILVERWARE. And we were like, "Umm we haven't even gotten out dinner yet." Way to not even know the status of your table because you are too busy to come check in us. Our dinner finally came out about 15 minutes later, again delivered by another server or busboy who was kind enough to ask if we needed another drink, and then by the time Amanda brought those to us we were done with our dinner almost. Now about the food. Between the four of us we shared a "large" guacamole which could have served 2 people NOT 4, then my friend got the ceviche and the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno. Both had almost no meat in them, just full of filler. Ceviche is supposed to just be shrimp and tuna, but this was mostly tomatoes, so it would look like tuna. And there was maybe three tiny pieces of beef in the peppers. My other friend got the salmon for dinner, tiny piece compared to the other dishes of it we saw go by, definitely not $20 worth. I got the Guajillo Vegetable Pasta which is supposed to be "Grilled Zucchini, Squash & Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Red Peppers & Spinach tossed with Semolina Linguini in a Spicy Guajillo Red Chile Broth" but I didn't see a single asparagus, and the zucchini and squash were julienned and steamed, not grilled. There was no seasoning in the dish. I had to load it up with salt and pepper just to eat it. Overall just really bad service and disappointing food. I don't think Agave will get a second chance from me.
(1)
Belinda B.
On the pricier side but absolutely delicious. I got the cayenne fried chicken which was not spicy (I'd prefer it to be spicier). Chicken didn't have any bones so it was super easy to eat. Lighting dim. Seating on the tighter side. Our service was pretty slow but maybe it was our misfortune. Waiter was super cool about switching cash for extra tip (so that we could tip valet). Parking: valet. So I have a short story about the valet guys. My car's battery didn't start--the guys found jumper cables from a restaurant worker and jumped my car. (Of course I gave them a much bigger tip than usual.)
(4)
Sakeena M.
Nice place good dishes the spicy shrimp and grit cake are really good! Nice wine selection free valet parking is a PLUS! And they are on groupon!
(3)
JJ G.
We raced in here one evening before a dessert event and needed sustenance FAST. When we walked in, however, we realized that this isn't a quick in-and-out affair. Nevertheless, we tried the chips and guacamole and were impressed with the flavor and execution of the green stuff. Honestly, I'm a guacamole snob, and I'd love to steal Agave's recipe/strategy for my own repertoire. The Mr ordered the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleño and really, really enjoyed it. I went with the Agave Salad and could not believe how delicious it was! The marinated vegetables played nicely with the nuts, and the dressing complemented everything else perfectly. And at a sub-$7 price, it's DEFINITELY worth ordering. I also asked for a side of the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, since that appeared to be a popular option. And as mashed potatoes go, they were really nice. We were in and out in about 35 minutes, due to our excellent server and the kitchen's hard work. I can't wait to come back and experience the highly touted margaritas and enjoy some more guacamole...at a more leisurely pace.
(4)
Jeremy H.
We walked over here from a friend's place in the Stacks - conveniently located off of Boulevard and the strip of bars/restaurants/shops on Caroll St. The setting was dark and cozy. It was a little crowded on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected. The service was a little slow at first - took a while to get our drink and food orders in, but it was friendly and not a big deal. The food was awesome. The chips and salsa were good - tasted very fresh. I had the pork shank, which was fall off the bone tender and flavorful - served over garlic mashed potatoes. My wife had the soup and burrito. The soup was a bit boring, but the burrito was tasty! I also had a margarita, which was excellent! It is a little pricey for Tex Mex. Most entrees were $14-20. But the quality was a notch above too, so I wouldn't say it is overpriced. Definitely a great place to get quality tex mex. I'm sure I'll be going back!
(4)
Tai B.
Had dinner tonight at Agave. Getting straight to the point, the food is good but nothing special. I'd eat there again if someone else wanted to go but otherwise I might not. Agave was having a special where if you are seated between 5 and 6 your entree is $12. This seems like a great deal, and may be depending on what you order but for me it was a $3 discount. I had the cayenne friend chicken which came with corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was good, but nothing special and I didn't get the cayenne reference- couldn't taste it at all. I also had a mango margarita, a bit overpriced at about $9 but it did the trick (had a long week, needed a bit of a buzz). The restaurant brought out my friends appetizer with the meal, which was pointless. Realizing they messed up, the staff didn't charge my friend for her food (fish tacos) and let her take them home in a to go box. This quick remedy in and of itself got them the 4th star.
(4)
Aaron P.
Excellent fresh mex flavors are used in dishes that are just the right portions. The atmosphere on a Monday was quite, intimate and relaxing. One of my coworkers is a tequila connoisseur and insisted I check this place out. I was not disappointed, I tried the top shelf margarita and I can say it is the best I have had, not to mention you only need one. I am told it gets very busy Thursday-Saturday so this seems like a great week day date spot. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Abhi K.
I don't want anyone to think that I had a bad experience here. A 3 is pretty good in my book. I enjoyed my meal, but I only go to places that have a high probability of being good in the first place. There was just nothing here that warranted a 4 or 5. Let me explain. Drinks first: My margarita was weak. I got the mango nectar one. I thought it would still taste like a margarita but with some mango flavoring. It tasted like pure mango juice. Which is, you know, tasty and all, but I paid $9 for a margarita, not fruit juice. Also, the waitress looked at me quizzically when I asked for sugar around the rim, instead of salt. The meals themselves were decent, but the flavors could use a little work. I had the short rib taco. It was a gigantic taco, and the right size for one complete meal. The taco was spicy, so I can't say it was flavorless, but other than the spiciness, I don't think I could pick out what else went into the dish. The rice and beans were standard. Dessert was probably the best part of the meal. We had the dessert sampler so got to try a little bit of everything. I recommend either the chocolate mousse or the pumpkin cheesecake. Chocolate mousse has a little nutmeg or cinammon in it that makes it irresistible. And pumpkin cheesecake is pumpkin cheesecake. I'd stay away from the key lime pie. Parking is complimentary valet. They have a big lot so not really an issue.
(3)
Carl-Frederick F.
Food done right....flavors are never lacking ,always packed but that's a good sign.only complaint is the portion.I understand its eccletic but danm.I feel like a 8 year kid being served and the price is not for kid.still a mist try though
(4)
Dustin H.
I was really on the fence about a 3 or 4 star review here, but decided to be generous and go with a 4. This was a group of 10 for my birthday. The plan was for about half of us to get there at 730 and for the rest to gradually file in by 800 (we had reservations for 730). We were seated at 730, that was great...but the server kept asking if we were still expecting all 12. I told her we were never expecting 12, only 10 (and if she knew how to look at the table, she would know it was set for 10). Then she kept asking and asking about if all 10 would be there, and if not she would like to pull the last small table on the end away. After a few minutes, I finally confirmed, that yes we were going to have the planned 10, so she finally dropped her obnoxious inquisitions regarding our party size and pulling a table away. Anyways, I found it very odd that a "tex-mex" place does not have queso. They have salsa & guacamole....but no queso??? Whatever. That was a little irritating. Also, a good selection of margaritas, but for the price...I would expect them to be sprinkled with gold dust. $11.50 for an "award-winning" margarita that simply contains tequila, nectar, & lime juice is a bit much given their small size. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the food. I had the flat-iron steak, It was good, but nothing to really write home about. We may return here, and we may not...who knows.
(4)
Lisha P.
Awesome food! Amazing margaritas and very cozy ambiance...totally worth it!!
(5)
Lauren P.
You guys, this place is incredible! I came here in a group of 6 and we stayed for about 3 hours.... pretty sure we totally annoyed every surrounding patron with our noise and enthusiasm. ;-) For drinks -- I had the New Mexico Mule, which was quite delicious. Others drank multiple strawberry margaritas, so I think those were also well-liked. We shared a starter of guacamole as we waited for a couple late arrivals to our group. The guac was good, although there were some larger chunks of cucumber (I think) mixed in, which I wasn't as big of a fan of. The mixed tortilla chips and salsa were also pretty good. For our meals, I ordered the Navajo Flounder. It was very delicious, although the spinach below was a bit too salty for my liking. I also ordered several sides to share -- mac&cheese, the grits, and zucchini. The zucchini was grilled and fresh-tasting. Very good. I REALLY loved the grits, though... I almost wish I'd gotten the scallops entree like the person next to me, as they're served on a bed of grits. Others at the table ordered the lamb, the chicken enchiladas, the tuna, and the trout. Everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. We also ordered the chocolate torta and the peanut butter pie for dessert... yum. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to folks coming to Atlanta! Even better--they offered complimentary valet, so I didn't have to worry about where my car was going to go.
(5)
Tameka L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! My favorite is the Spicy Tequila Anejo shrimp!! And you have to try the Peachtree margarita! I have never ordered a meal that wasn't tasty here. The ambiance is nice and there's a beautiful patio. The host is always pleasant and the service is always top notch. This place is always a hit!!
(5)
B M.
We've been going to Agave for, at least, the past 15 years and have never been disappointed with the food, bar service (Thanks to Lisa & Staff), and especially the ambiance thanks to Tim who does a great job in managing the guest flow. On average, we probably dine at Agave twice a month driving from East Cobb and have always enjoyed this restaurant. I think I've tried everything on their menu and have enjoyed each serving and haven't been let down yet. Suggestion, make reservations either through their website or Open Table. They get very busy after 7PM.
(5)
Sandy S.
Amazing food and service. I would recommend, went twice great experience.
(5)
Chris S.
Very rarely does a restaurant stick with me as well as Agave did. After arriving in Atlanta for vacation, we were struck with the task of finding a good place to eat. We found Agave a few miles away from our hotel, and was instantly impressed with the decor and friendly staff. The important part about this review is that the stuffed trout entree gets the recognition it deserves. I don't know what they do to that fish, but it was so amazing that not only did I eat it all in about four minutes, we ordered another one to take back to the hotel. I could not wait to have it again, so I ate it cold.... for breakfast.... It was still amazing, even at 7:30 AM. As weird as that sounds, it really was that good. Apart from the food the chef was on scene and was super friendly, like the rest of his staff. Highly recommended.
(5)
Regina P.
Overpriced and a strange menu selection. I ordered a taco dish off the menu and was given what appeared to be a burrito.
(3)
K E.
Agave has become one of my restaurant favs when visiting the ATL. My auntie and unc decided to treat me here for my birthday back in March. Now, I love a good meal and the relaxed, adult atmosphere was a nice bonus. Unc and I had the salmon and asparagus, and needless to say it didn't disappoint. Auntie had the scallops with collards and tomato grits. I'm a South Carolinian and this gal loves her grits, so decided to give it a try. Ummm, yea, so that resulted in a side order of my own and I paired it with that scrumptious salmon - it was a magical medley in my mouth! Immediately, I fell in love and I make sure to incorporate Agave into my Atlanta trips. Try it...I promise your palate won't be slighted!!!
(4)
Pamela S.
Absolutely delicious. Sat fireside for an excellent dinner that included seared tuna and fried chicken, and delicious margaritas. We had a couple vegetarians in our group who appreciated their special vegetarian menu. Very good service too -- my friend dropped a piece of his corn on the floor (I can't take him anywhere)! and they were kind enough to bring him a plate with more. Beautiful interior.
(5)
brock h.
We went in search of a good mexican restaurant and stumbled onto this place. It is a santa fe style mexican restaurant that is absolutely incredible. I had the green hatch chille soup that was again incredible. We then had the braised short ribs and spicy tequila shrimp entrees. They both had great flavor. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Anthony O.
Excellent food and atmosphere. I had their award-winning Margarito which was very good. I also had the enchiladas which were fantastic. The place can be a little noisy and the service could be improved but overall it was a very good find in Atlanta!
(4)
Kristin L.
It's a lovely evening at agave. Hubs and I decided to do an all-app night, which turned out great. Our server was happy to "course it out" for us. (His term.) We started with the guacamole and the ceviche martini. Both were very fresh tasting and had unexpected spices. Not just the usual. Strangely, Hubs really liked the corn kernel garnish they sprinkle around. Next was the Hatch Green Chile stew, which had wonderful complex flavors. Very rich and beefy. The taste of those chiles really shines. I could have done with a tad less potato in the stew. But it was still my favorite of the night. Went really well with the fresh tortilla. I SAID it was my favorite but what was the REAL favorite was the smoked tomato grits. My lawdy, those were delicious! They used to have something like them at Nava and I wondered if it was the same recipe. Do NOT -- do NOT -- miss those grits. Then -- chiles relleno and chicken quesadilla. These were both fine but nothing to wax rhapsodic about. I didn't like the taste of the coating on the relleno. Spanish rice was meh. Service was spot on. Although our guy seemed a bit stressy. We enjoyed it overall, very much.
(4)
Danielle A.
This is one of me and my hubby's favorite go to spots. The fried lobster appetizer melts in your mouth. You must try the tequila shrimp and the fall off the bone short ribs. The drinks are pretty good. We usually sit in the loft area but this time we got a seat on the other side in front of the fireplace which was pretty sexy. Felt like we were in another restaurant but with the same delicious food that we love.
(5)
Nikki F.
Soooo.. AGAVE! Best tex mex I have ever had! The ambience in the back of the resturant was sexy and romantic. My honey and I sat by the fire place the first time we went and after that dinner we went home and we were both happy people! Lol The food was amazing! I had the lamb shake which was cooked perfectly and my honey had the fried chicken with pablano sauce which was awesome as well. Wish I could give them 10 stars!
(5)
Deb B.
The food and service were amazing! I had the sunburned NY strip and my lady friend had the lamb chops! Pure heaven in my mouth! Hats off the our server, who was the best ever!
(5)
Lauren H.
We enjoyed our recent dinner at Agave. It was fairly short, as we were rushing to another event, but it was very tasty. Their chips and salsa are very fresh and yummy - not too spicy, but very delicious. For dinner we all had various menu items that were very good. I had the Southwestern Burrito & Stew. I really liked the burrito, but wish the stew was a little more interesting. My husband had the Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Shank which was amazing. Very tasty meal, only complaint was it wasn't quite as inexpensive as we had hoped. 1 drink + 2 entrees + tip was over $50. Oh well, at least it was tasty.
(3)
Ward S.
Excellent!!! The Cayenne fried chicken and the Diablo crawfish pasta are fantastic. Service was stellar.
(5)
Therealladyof L.
Was a fantastic dinner. We ordered the ceviche martini, the daily special as well as the medallion steak. All were fantastic. Our server was very attentive. Unfortunately we didn't have room for dessert. We'll make space at our next visit.
(5)
Lori B.
Came right after work with a group of friends. While waiting for our table we sat at the bar and had drinks. The bartender and drinks were excellent, wish she was our waitress. She was very personable and happy to serve our drinks and conversation. Once we got our table in the room with the exposed kitchen, we realized that although it may be cool to see the chef the smoke from the cooking was quite overbearing. Our waiter was nonchalant and not very helpful with choosing menu options. One appetizer came after wee received our food, but the manager quickly rectified the situation by removing it from her bill and boxing the plate up so she could take it home. Everyone enjoyed their food so no complaints there. I recommend the street corn, it was excellent!
(4)
Ali S.
Delicious plain and simple. Always consistent! Get the stuffed trout and chile rellano!! My favorite Mexican fusion in Atlanta!
(5)
Wale I.
My wife suggested we come here and I must say, was thoroughly impressed. It's a bustling restaurant so make sure you call to reserve. Valet is complimentary but their attitude was so pleasant, it was a pleasant surprise. Now the food?! Top notch. From the salsa to the main dish ( can't remember what I had now), I was totally satisfied with looks and taste. It's also a nice place to hang out with their small but friendly bar. The atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(5)
Daniel B.
Agave is a nice Tex-Mex restaurant located in Cabbagetown. The restaurant sits in the old Cotton Mill general store next to Oakland Cemetery. It's got a rustic look and feel, but the atmosphere inside is buzzing and full of energy. It gets loud in here. The bar always seems busy. There's an open kitchen, two main dining areas, and a small private dining area upstairs. I've tried many items off the menu. Here's the rundown: Appetizers: Fresh Homemade Guacamole & Chips Guajillo Mussels Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno Smoked Chicken Quesadilla New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew Cayenne Fried Calamari Entrees: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops Beer Braised Pork Shank Slow Cooked Short Ribs Both the guac and chips are made in-house and are fresh. The guac has a delicious consistency and includes chopped vine ripe tomatoes and cilantro. The mussels are very good. They are steamed in a red chile citrus wine broth. After finishing the mussels, the broth is great for dipping tortillas. Warning: I have run into bad (dead) mussels with this dish. The chile relleno and chicken quesadillas are also good. Both are quite flavorful. I especially like the steak and cheese combination in the chile relleno. While these are labeled as starters, you can definitely make a meal out of these two dishes alone. I'm not a big fan of the Hatch green chile stew. It's a restaurant specialty, but perhaps not for me. It's a hearty dish with beef tips, potatoes, and corn. The flavoring of the stew is OK, but didn't have me craving more. If you've never had it before, try it just for the experience. You may like it -- some of my tablesmates did. The calamari is light and crispy. It's not too greasy and this dish sets itself apart from other fried calamari dishes thanks to its dipping sauces: poblano habanero aioli and jalepeno jelly. The spicy jelly is also very sweet. As the mains go, my favorites are the lamb and scallops. The lamb is fresh, extra savory, and tender. It has great flavor. The scallops are a little salty, but also fresh and flavorful. I love the grits and collard greens that are served with this entree. The pork shank is tough, but the restaurant makes up for it by giving you a generous portion. It's a lot of meat. The short rib dish is OK. It's just not very memorable and I probably would not order it again. Service is very good. Despite what the menu says (one check per table), some servers are willing to separate checks. Thanks Jacob. Also, the host (partner Tim Pinkham) is very polite and friendly. So overall, the staff is great. Complimentary valet parking is available next to the restaurant.
(3)
Troy M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I love Southwestern cusine and Agave has many wonderful dishes. The staff here is very friendly as well. This is a great spot for a "dinner for two" or a birthday dinner with friends.
(5)
Keith K.
Most excellent. We came here after a day in the city. Everything we had was very tasty, from the guacamole to the entrees, and the desserts were a perfect end. We would highly recommend it. They were busy Sunday night but took good care of us. The wait staff was working hard but always pleasant.
(5)
Diedre R.
If Agave wasn't already one of my faves, last nite visit would have ranked it a 2.5 star. I expect service at a place to be just a well if its near closing time as I do when I am there at 6 in the evening. We called about 9:40pm just to see if the place was packed and would we need reservations, when the person that answered the phone said no, of course not, but we close at 11. That's cool, we were there 15 minutes later. As promised, the place was not packed, one large party was still celebrating a birthday dinner, two ladies eating together, and one couple that spent the entire time I was there smooching with each other. We were showed to a small table for two, that was in a cramped space, so I requested another. We were given a larger table, but I have to admit that it was STICKY. like someone had taken a dry rag and rubbed over it. Our waiter showed up and advised us that someone would be by shortly with chips and salsa. They were. They also showed up with warm glasses upon which they poured in water, but no ice. We asked for straws and was told someone would bring them. Well, the waiter comes back gets our order and again we ask for straws for the water glasses. Shortly after-wards he comes back with our margaritas, and we ask for the straws again. I had the steak, and my dinner mate had the enchiladas. No complaints with the food. The margaritas were strong and good and full of ice. Finally someone came and asked if we wanted something else before last call, i replied no, and she said yes another passion fruit margarita. LOL. Its funny because when she left she said she was feeling passionate. Overall, not a complaint, its just the entire meal I felt like we were being silently reminded that they were closing at 11, and that's no way to treat me, if I there at least 40 minutes before you close.
(3)
Benjamin G.
Whoa. Just whoa. I am in. Whatever Agave wants to do, I'm in. From the parking lot, all the way to the bill, it was a grand experience. First of all, comp valet. That was a huge plus. The dudes were hustling, too, as everyone was piling in for a work function happening inside. Really happy they do this. It was even a Thursday night and not completely packed. Talk about a nice perk. The setting is super cozy. Being off of Boulevard, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but I really dig it. We were in such a hurry and tried to make our meal happen in about 35 minutes. Happy to say that it worked out rather nicely. Started with guac, which is amazing. Super perky and they sure aren't afraid of throwing in the lime. My wife had the mashed potatoes and flavorful salad. She seemed to really enjoy both. I had the chile relleno, which was fantastic. Packed with steak, cheese, and other peppers. It was covered in other cheeses and baked nice and crispy on the outside. So awesome. I really wanted to try some more menu items, but our hurried needs but a quick stop to our eating. Excited to try more upon our next visit. Our server was so nice. She even helped us get out in a hurry, too. No complaints at all. Will I be back to Agave? Oh, hell yes!
(5)
Jonathan M.
I love this place and eat here at least once a week. Best margaritas around.
(5)
Andrew Z.
Chef Bradley is the man! I live around the corner from Agave and always wondered why their parking lot was packed with cars. I told myself "that place must be awesome". I had never been to Agave until last weekend, though. Let me tell ya.. It was REALLY good. They deserve every bit of a 5 star review. The valet service was quick, we didn't have to wait for our table since we had made reservations (you've got to make reservations folks, or you'd better expect to wait for a long time). Our server was spot on, our food was incredible. What more could you ask for? I won't bore you with the details of the meal, but I will say that there is something amazing for almost anyone. I was thinking it was going to be all south western type food, but they had that and more! We ordered about a million thing's off the menu and everything was really good. Mucho props to Chef Bradley and the rest of the kitchen staff. Those folks are dishin' 5 star food from start to finish. Even the desserts were over the top delicious; Whatever yall are doing - keep doin' it. We'll be back!
(5)
Ashleigh P.
I really like Agave. Great food and Margaritas to die for. It's a little strangely set up and can get crowded and sardine like, but that's ok... I had the top shelf rita and the mango rita... om nom nom For the food, I had the guac and the shrimp dinner. Both were fantastic and full of flavor. Service was great and all of the staff was friendly. Great place to hang out and a great place to eat. good go to place semi fancy occasions or for a drink with friends... all are welcome. Oh, and I like the salsa. #45/100
(4)
Richard T.
I've been so many times! The lamb, steaks...scallops! Each notable...the spicy grits and greens...service is excellent. Only a short ride from the downtown hotels in a cab....gets you out of the city and into a great part of town Stroll down Carroll street after dinner for more fun
(5)
Jennifer A.
Just wanted to update...yep, still my favorite restaurant! I like to try new places to eat, but, Agave is so good it ends up being my first choice. Ask for Bobby! He is a superb server!
(5)
Lisa S.
Agave is one of the most consistently wonderful restaurants in Atlanta. The chips and salsa are the best I've ever had, as are the Margheritas, and the guacamole is creamy and delicious. The only problem is that every item they have on their menu is so good that it's often hard to decide what to get. The crawfish diablo is always spot-on and because we don't visit this restaurant as much as I'd like I almost always end up getting it. But then I taste everyone else's entrees and they're always absolutely incredible, as well. I guess I'll have to start going more often so I can branch out and order other dishes. The service at Agave is top-notch! Every single person helping us was friendly and welcoming. We were there on New Year's Eve this year and were spoiled by the same terrific staff as always. I highly recommend Agave for a dependably delicious experience.
(5)
Tracey L.
Always and I mean ALWAYS good! We went there last weekend, and I tried the ceviche for the first time...seriously, where have I been? Was an excellent appetizer. We tried the Anejo Shrimp and tenderloin medallions...Both excellent dishes. Excellent wine list, and service is solid. We have lived in the Southwest, and for a craving of original southwest flavor...we come here.
(5)
Pam D.
Food was good, service wasn't great, but company was fantastic! Makes for 3 stars I suppose? When we arrived for our 8pm reservation, we were asked to wait in the crammed, tiny area up front next to the bar. This area was at capacity, and I was nervous that we may have to wait 30+ minutes for our reserved table. Thankfully, Agave is a larger restaurant than it appears from the entrance area, and they promptly seated us. Chips, salsa, and water arrived quickly, but things slowed down after that. It took a while for a server to come around for drink orders. We also tagged on an order of guacamole. And this is where things go downhill. See, we all ordered a flight of tequilas, and when we realized the second tequila was 110 proof, we started getting a little antsy about our guac that hadn't arrived yet. It was probably 30 minutes in before we had to remind the server out of guac- again, more out of necessity to ease the pain of the tequila. The guac came quick after the second request, but probably 5 minutes into our guacamole, a second one arrived at the table, and we had to explain the debacle to the guy delivering the food to the table. I ordered an entree that was on special for Cinco de Mayo...a lime grilled flatiron steak with creamed corn. It was delivered to the table as I ordered it - medium rare - but with no steak knife. Our server came to the rescue a few minutes later, but the "How am I supposed to eat this?" damage had already been done. Besides the service- my meal was incredible. I finished every last bite of steak and corn. Highly recommend this entree if you can get it. The last of our tequila flight came after our meals, which was a nice touch from the bartender to think the flight through like that. So, shoutout to whoever concocted our tequila tasting! I'm glad I finally tried Agave, but it feels more like a check off the list... I don't see myself rushing back anytime soon.
(3)
Michelle A.
Excellent food. It was a little on the pricy side, but the quality of the food and experience make it worth it.
(4)
Michelle T.
A great place for groups atmosphere-wise (service is a little slow), excellent margaritas and decent food (though i can't honestly say it was very memorable for the most part). I would have given it a 4 star review if the food were more memorable because we had a great time! Our party of about 30 people took over their entire back room (where the awesome fire place is) where our dinner menu was pre-set, family-style. I started off with the passion fruit frozen margarita while everyone else mostly went with the waitress recommended peach margarita. The frozen margarita was a winner in my book - HUGE, sweet, fruity and delicious. The peach one was on ice and more on the sour side. Not too much peach flavor, but a good contrast from the passion fruit. I distinctly remember the appetizers being really delicious. The bbq quesadillas (but of course, who messes that up!?!?!) and salad were spot on, as well as the spring rolls. The entrees were not too memorable and I hear the beef short ribs were pretty bad. The salmon entree was overcooked though seasoned well. Mac and Cheese was really rich, creamy and to-die-for. So I guess, bottom line - come here for the fun laid back atmosphere, excellent margaritas and hit-or-miss food, but then you won't notice after a few margaritas anyways. The service is SLOW for any larger groups, but if you're with a smaller party, it might all work out great for ya!
(3)
Sally P.
Came here with a coupon that was 30% of the final check or something- food only. Let the host know before he seated us about it and he was fine with it. Despite there being only two of us, we got a four seater right behind the bar. It was fine, but the restaurant has a cozy ambience overall so I would have preferred something more secluded/romantic. Chips and salsa were really good and I ate my fill. But honestly, you get great chips at your regular El Toro or El Chupacabra kind of place. We ordered one margarita each- a Fresh Fruit Mango and a Agave Partida Anejo. They came in big mason jars. Both good but not great. I'm not a big tequila person so I got a pretty decent buzz halfway through. I ordered the shrimp entree, my compadre the lamb. The portions are small, but arranged artfully on huge plates. Is anyone impressed by that still? The shrimp were standard; they came with a corn cake thing that was pretty cool, and went nice with the tart cream sauce. The entire lamb dish was pretty underwhelming and not enough to be filling. Service was fine. The food was mediocre. For what it was it should cost $8-10 less on account of the portion sizes and menu descriptions that exaggerate its appeal. Overall I don't really like this place, and am really questioning the tastes of the people who said it was "awwwwwwwesome" but I didn't have a terrible experience so I give it 3 stars.
(3)
Ricky T.
When I first walked in, I felt like I just entered a indigenous Latin American Indian house. The decor was definitely elegant and unique. I ended up sitting on the open balcony in the back. The sun was out but the balcony was pretty cool since it was shaded. So it was very nice. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and the burrito and stew as my entree. The food was mediocre. Nothing spectacular. But the prices were pretty reasonable. The salsa and chips were fantastic! However, one major issue during the experience was the service. Our waiter was terrible. He rarely came back to ask us if we needed anything else. We had to get his attention every time we needed something. He was nice but given the aesthetic quality of the environment, his service was probably comparable to a Waffle House. But aside from the service, the food was OK, prices reasonable, decor very nice.
(3)
laura p.
My husband and I have been revisiting some old favorites that we have neglected to enjoy the last few years. Agave was one of them. OH MY GOD it was good! They have such and interesting menu with just the right amount of heat in the dishes. My seared scallops on grits with braised greens was one of the best plates of food I have enjoyed in a while. My husband was equally happy with his flat iron steak, and the beet and arugula salad - yum. We splurged and each got dessert, the peanut butter pie with a hint of heat in the crunch topping and dark belgium chocolate mousse recommended by our very helpful server, Paul. Everything was spectacular. We will not wait years to return!
(5)
Jenn N.
All I can say is WOW! Great atmosphere, margaritas, service and food! I had the Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna which was amazing. My husband had a special that came with Brussels sprouts. He was not very excited about the side until he tasted them. I have never had Brussels sprouts taste so good! Great place for a date night. Make sure you have a reservation.
(5)
jeff m.
This review probably won't make me very popular given the love that Atlantans have for Agave, but I have to be honest. It took us a long time to try it because the lines were always so long. When we finally went for an early dinner, we got a table right away without a reservation, which was great. Then the food came. I can only describe it as insipid. We started with some appetizers, the corn on the cob, the southwest egg rolls, and the tuna crudo. The corn was was the highlight, but a little messy. The egg rolls were on par with Chile's, but no better. The tuna had an odd taste. Try as we might, we couldn't identify it. Then came the entrees. We split the "famous" fried chicken and the stuffed trout. While both were disappointing, but the fish was especially bland. We took home leftovers which have been in our fridge a couple of days. I think we are both secretly hoping to forget about them until the next trash day. I don't see what the hype is....and I never will.
(2)
Jess B.
Prices are fairly reasonable, especially for the hidden vegetarian menu (which you have to ask for). The chips and salsa were delicious, and guac even more so (and they are not shy of the lime, which I enjoyed). I ordered the vegetarian burrito and thought it was delicious! It was a very good sized portion of food, and came with a side of rice, which, sadly, was very boring. Margaritas are quite large, and tasted great. I took off one star for the restaurant being "boujie." The host seemed a bit insulted that we came in without a reservation, and the server was very pushy with his addons.
(4)
Cristy S.
We were looking for a New Mexican joint - not the typical, "I'll take a D10" sort of place. Boy did we find a good one!! This place is AMAZING! You've gotta try the grits, the shrimp (says hubby), and the spicy peanut butter pie! I was very pleased with the vegetarian menu and ultimately decided on the blue corn veggie enchiladas. The traditional margarita is good and I hear the peach is amazing too - beware - they don't skimp on the alcohol!
(5)
tisha M.
A friend brought me here before I left back to Texas... absolutely delicious. .. We share the pablano relleno, can I day yummm... And a tuna that was spicy but just made you want more. .. And the bartender recommended the key lime pie...I am so glad she did. .. The best I have had in a long time.
(5)
Mark C.
Our first visit - we will be going back! Bar is kinda small, but the place isn't that big and has great character. Food and service were tremendous...
(5)
Carla D.
I ate here so long ago that I don't remember what I had.... still its stand out in my mind as being delicious! I know we got the guacamole and some pizzole soup. I want to say I had the chilli rellano. Excellent fancy Mexican food. Great drinks! Strong enough to pack a punch but doesn't taste like it. Long wait, but it was the weekend of valentines day and they had specials for that.
(4)
Eowyn C.
Let me start off by saying that this is a nice restaurant with pretty great margaritas. But I have to say, of all the times I've been, the food leaves something to be desired. The times I've been I've had the following: -Calamari: this is actually a pretty good appetizer and the sauces it comes with were both delicious. I could see myself coming back just for this and the margaritas. -Salmon: Salmon itself was alright, but it felt like this dish had no seasoning whatsoever. Very bland. Needed salt. The red pepper puree was just that: mushy red pepper. No cream or spice to kick up the flavor. -Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas: Once again, very bland. The pulled chicken was dry and had no seasoning. The sauce on top of the enchiladas was generic and the black beans tasted like they came from a can. Great atmosphere, good service, food was just not up to par with the prices ($15+). I'm not a connoisseur of Tex Mex by any means so if that is your thing, then feel free to take this review with a grain of salt...and maybe some lime...and tequila.
(3)
Nik P.
Food is good. We used a Groupon. Well worth it. Only reason I took off a point is because it was very hot. Someone asked about the air and they turned it down. I've been here twice. Will go back. Great place for dates.
(4)
John C.
Love the bartenders and the food. Really a great place. Belly up and have a Rita. Nothing bad to say about this place! 2 for 1 apps. And great salsa. Mmmmm
(5)
Sean M.
The meatloaf is perfectly spicy, the scallops were well seasoned, and the margaritas (jalapeno, mango, and peachtree) were on point. The fried chicken reads better on the menu, but I'm biased because I was expecting more than a breast (in the south...). The sides can be a little small by local standards, but the meal was filling. The crust on the key lime pie is ginger. Need I say more? Definitely returning.
(4)
R W.
Recently tried Agave after picking up a pretty fair deal via Groupon. Had hopes the food and atmosphere of this place lived up to my expectation. Can gladly say yes it did. Tried the fresh guac and calamari for appetizers, the southwest fried chicken adn strip steak for entrees. All were spot on and would defintely recommend you try them out. More than anything I have to say, while the food was great, the service was Excellent. Not one thing was missed and the host, service, and bar staff were all top notch.
(5)
Heather D.
Great food, great service. This place beats Nava any day. I've been to Agave a dozen times and I've never had a bad meal here. In fact, every meal has been DELICIOUS! The shrimp and grits have a unique twist that ends up yummy. The trout is fabulous and you can't go wrong with the stew. Not to mention they have tons of great margaritas, Includung the pomegranite margarita that's more tart than sweet. TIP: check the savvy shopper for buy one get one free coupons every month.
(4)
Jay P.
In town for business and a co-worker and I went here based on the Yelp recommendation. We were not disappointed! Both our meals were well prepared and the services was good. Despite what someone else posted parking was free and readily available though the venue was mostly full that evening.
(4)
Michael K.
Yummmmmmmmm we really loved the food here! Quality ingredients, and good service. We ordered four appetizers and four entrees for four people (we eat a lot). Appetizers Smoked Trout, Green Chile & Bacon Guacamole: It was pretty tasty, but this was our least favorite appetizer. It came with a few chips scattered around it for aesthetics...but they already give a huge bowl of chips with salsa. Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas: The beef was very tender and we each took a small bite (cut each enchilada in half; there were four halves total). Pretty yummy, but not extraordinary. Ceviche Martini: Yes. Yes. Yes. Very delicious ceviche. The sashimi was perfect and the martini sauce on the dot. Homemade Veal & Chorizo Meatballs: Very yummy. Super soft-tender meatballs, and great with the cheese on top. Entrees: Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken: Wow. Amazing chicken. This came with two halves of corn that were deliciously grilled. The presentation was great, being a chicken dish. Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo: This is the dish I ordered and it exceeded my expectations! The trout was juicy and was complemented perfectly by the shrimp n rice. Grilled Chile & Lime Swordfish: The steak of the sea! The outside of the swordfish steak was crispy, yet the inside was soft and tender. Delicioso! Grilled Niman Ranch Bone-In Pork Chop: The pork chops were super tasty! It is served over a lobster puree and mashed potatoes :)
(5)
Julia P.
The food here is absolutely wonderful. Try the scallops! The service is always extremely quick.
(5)
Kristin B.
I still don't love Agave for dinner, but I'm a complete fan for happy hour! Monday through Friday, appetizers, salads, and soups are two for the price of one at the bar. Even on a Friday around 6:30, we were able to score three seats with relative ease, and we enjoyed not only the food and libations, but the attentive and funny service provided by the two bartenders and the eccentric company of the fellow patrons. I sampled two varieties of margaritas (though the traditional is larger and cheaper, the fresh mango was tastier and stronger), the calamari (huge and good for sharing), and the hatch chile stew (a GIANT bowl with tender tenderloin, grilled corn, and a thick green broth), and my total with tax and tip came right around $30. Not too shabby for a night out on the town.
(4)
Preeti M.
Food was OK. Ambiance was great. Neighborhood questionable. Service was "eh"...started off well then he got fiesty as we asked where our drinks were and said "he got busy". Okkkk....not a fan of rude service. No need to return.
(3)
Michelle S.
My husband and I dined here for dinner. The complimentary salsa was so fresh! A bite of spice, which was perfect. We shared the chicken quesadilla and the short rib & chorizo taco with rice & beans. The quesadilla was good, but the taco which was rolled up like a burrito was dry which I was shocked. The skinny margarita was delicious which it better be for $11.50! Our server was very personable and the atmosphere was more upscale than your typical Tex Mex place. Even though I wasn't blown away, we will give it another chance and possibly order some of the main dishes that contain the popular chili flavors, which is what the restaurant is know for.
(3)
Kimberley B.
Very nice atmosphere. Romantic setting beautiful people. Best place for a romantic night or girls night out fun fun! !
(4)
Chels B.
We enjoyed a rare child-free weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary and decided to check out Agave for our evening out. I couldn't be more pleased. I noted that we were celebrating an anniversary when I made our reservation and our table was tucked away, quieter than most, which was very appreciated whether coincidental or not, and a manager brought us two complimentary glasses of champagne soon after we were seated! It was a lovely gesture that we won't forget. We skipped appetizers since we weren't starving and are both big fans of the chips and salsa. I ordered the cayenne fried chicken while my husband ordered the flank steak. Mine was amazing. The chicken was so tender and flavorful and the grilled corn was perfect. The mashed potatoes (that accompanied both of our dishes) didn't have a lot of flavor alone, but were smooth and nicely complemented the other items on the plate. I also had a house margarita, which was delicious. My husband thought the sauce on the steak needed slightly more flavor and/or heat, but overall he was pleased as well. He is already talking about coming back to try the porkchop and the crawfish pasta. Thanks for a hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration, Agave! We'll be back soon.
(5)
Michael F.
Start with some excellent chips and salsa (nicely priced at free) while drinking a well made tequila drink of your choice. Move on to well prepared main course while enjoying top notch service. Considering my weekend visit to Atlanta was filled with great food and good service, it was tough to decent on a four or five star rating. I guess I landed on a four and a half!
(4)
Lola F.
I love it here. Great food (I always get the crawfish Diablo or the scallops and grits), drinks are excellent and awesome service! Must try if you're ever on this side!
(5)
Sam D.
The food was good, but the restaurant was so noisy that it diminished the enjoyment of the food. The noise level was louder than some Tech football games I've been to. VERY NOISY.
(2)
Ivan A.
This restaurant is a romantic win and a delectability win. We were seated next to the fireplace with only an hour heads up reservation. Although you really should reserve a few days ahead of time as I always see it packed to the brim nowadays. Last I went there probably over a year ago...my woman and I had a delicious fish and spaghetti meal. My memory is hazy though, so I can't really go into detail. Anyways, try it out and you'll be pleased.
(5)
Greg C.
The food as described in the menu was interesting and inventive, and the drink menu had an extensive selection of tequilas, margaritas, and other drinks. The food we received was competent, but barely matched the menu descriptions. No one in my party was wild about their dish, and the entrees were somewhat expensive considering the portions/quality. The desserts we ordered were also pretty pathetic, and service was really slow and inattentive. After eating at Agave, I was diagnosed with food poisoning. It is impossible guarantee that my illness was caused by their food, and their owner claims they have had no previous incidents. Nevertheless, it is something to keep in mind.
(1)
Gillian R.
Agave is in Cabbagetown and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the boyfriend's abode. I hadn't been and he'd only been once, so when we saw a Groupon, we jumped on it! The Groupon was $40 for a shared appetizer, full order of chips and guacamole, two entrees, and a shared dessert. We made reservations for a Saturday night, but on our way over, realized that the Groupon wasn't valid for Saturdays. We had an OH CRAP moment, then decided we'd see if they would let us use it anyway. When we arrived, my boyfriend politely explained to the host our issue. He discreetly spoke with the manager, who approved our voucher for the evening, and we were led to a candlelit table in the back room. They were so polite, so accommodating, and so classy from minute one. Our server, Gary, was friendly and accessible. He brought us our chips and salsa, then headed back to get the order of guacamole while we decided on an appetizer and entrees. We chose the mussels as an appetizer, I had the Anejo Shrimp, and he had the Rack of Lamb. For dessert, we chose the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie. I tried the jalapeno margarita, but it wasn't spicy--just had the flavor of jalapeno, which was surprisingly not great--so I ended up with a traditional margarita later in the evening, which was much better. We cleared our salsa bowl, which is pretty unheard of for us. We like salsa, sure, but for us, the guacamole is usually where it's at. The guac at Agave was amazing...thick, creamy, and flavorful! But we still ate our salsa, it was just that good. The mussels were tasty. I think I expected them to be more spicy, but they weren't. My favorite part was the tortilla that came on the side to enjoy the sauce when the mussels were gone! I enjoyed this dish, but also had somewhat higher expectations. My shrimp were good, but the star of my dish were the grits. Jalapeno and cheese grits, formed into a little square patty, beneath the biggest shrimp I've ever seen. They were creamy, cheesy, and firm...absolutely delicious! He had the rack of lamb, which he seemed to be fairly happy with. I think we were both expecting slightly more from our entrees, somehow. I'm not quite sure exactly what was missing for us. Perhaps we just made the wrong choices for us, somehow. The peanut butter pie was incredible. Spicy, peanutty, sweet, with an awesome graham cracker crumb crust. Although we were both incredibly full, we still managed to polish this pie off! Overall, we were really impressed with Agave. The ambience is spot-on, perfect for romantic couples and friends alike. The staff was friendly and professional. The food, for the most part, was killer. I definitely think we'll make our way back sometime and perhaps try different entrees to round out the experience.
(4)
JoVonn G.
I met friends here on a week night and had a great experience. We sat up in the loft so we could people watch. Our margaritas were great and so was the food. I especially liked the southwest mac & cheese. The complimentary valet was a plus.
(4)
Jodie B.
I went to Agave last night with one of my girlfriends, and it was pretty good! I had: -Ginger Soy Tuna Tacos: great flavor, fresh ginger, but the tuna inside was really cold! -Roasted Tomato & Serrano Stone Ground Grits: the grits TASTED AMAZING but the presentation looked kinda nasty... I'm not going to be as descriptive as I could be... but... maybe they should consider replacing the shallow bowl and going for a tall bowl & maybe having less quantity.... Anyway, wish I could tell you more about their (famous?) margaritas, maybe that'll be for the next trip!
(3)
Devan J.
Went here yesterday for a business dinner. My GPS told me way too late when to turn into the driveway..so I had to circle the block. If you do not know where this restaurant is and you're going at night, good luck trying to find the entrance. Agave is located in a very random spot right off 20 West. Not an ideal location for such a high class restaurant if you ask me. The service was average and the food was decent. I am a very picky eater, and they fixed me food exactly how I wanted it, which was great. The complimentary valet was great as well. However, I woke up with a major stomachache..and since this was the last thing I ate, I can't help but wonder if their food made me sick.
(3)
Nicole V.
It was great ... love their food and margaritas! !!!!!!! I'll be there again!
(5)
Jackie H.
I finally got the opportunity to get to Agave for dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant got very loud. It was a fun place to have dinner. I'll start by saying that the fried chicken breast did live up to all its hype. It truly was delicious. Seasoned nicely, moist, fabulous. I'm a fan and it will probably be the one thing that gets me back to Agave. Also, the drinks were superb. I had the Peachtree Margarita and it was perfect. I also have to give it to them on the salsa that comes with the chips. It was some of the best I've had. I loved the blue chips too. Loved the corn on the cob too. It was grilled and I tore it the hell up. On the flip side, the other items that I ate did not impress me. The short ribs were very bland tasting, although very tender. They failed to live up to what I was looking for and I was mad at them. Also, I had some spring rolls that were so incredibly spicy until I couldn't taste anything else. It was obvious that too much of something was put in those. The quesadillas were pretty good, but not anything special. I'm going to have to add that I felt that the entrees were overpriced. Just saying. The service was outstanding. Everything flowed like clockwork. A+ for service here. Parking here is plentiful with free valet.
(3)
Sean Y.
As shown this place is Tex-Mex restaurant. I had the swordfish and my date had the steak (i think), but both were very good. We each had a margarita (they boast a variety of drinks) which we downed by the time dinner was done. My total bill for two entrees, two margaritas, and calamari appetizer (comes with two different sauce) was $70 (not including tip). Valet is also provided, the parking lot is pretty small. Service was quick (our food came pretty fast) and attentive. The atmosphere was great, a little dim and cozy.
(4)
Lorie D.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. The food, service, and atmosphere are all great and consistent. The inside tends to be crowded and noisy so I do prefer the outside seating. My favorite dish is the seared scallops with grits and collards YUM! I have tried a few other things on the menu and they were good but I usually stick with the scallops. I just love the combination of the roasted tomato serrano grits, it just all comes together well with the honey apple cider spiced collards, (which are great by themselves). I reccommend this place to everyone I know, love it!
(4)
Kathryn F.
This is a great place to go for tex-mex....but it's not the tex-mex you're thinking of. I would absolutely recommend this place. It's solid. Service was out of this world. Food tasted amazing. But would I come all the way here from Smyrna? Probably not. It was a bucket list restaurant. Fabulous. Absolutely recommend it. But probably wouldn't come back. I am afraid I am in love with Bonegarden Cantina & Escorpion a little more. Guacamole dip: very good. It's not chunky so if you like chunky dip, you might want to opt for something different. They do have a guacamole dip with smoked trout and bacon. Unfortunately, we didn't see this until we'd put the order in. Swordfish: fabulous. Rubbed in chili and grilled. Served over a bed of chili mashed potatoes, which were equally fabulous. The serving was a little smaller than I expected but that's okay because I had room for dessert. :) Chocolate Torto: Oh. My. Goodness. Just order it. Save room and order it. Really. Order it!
(3)
Bri B.
This was my first time here and the food looked delicious online so I decided to take a friend here for his bday dinner and to out surprise the food exceeded our expectations. Excellent customer service upon walking in the door and going out. I will most definitely be coming back ASAP
(4)
Jin M.
Agave is nice. Valet parking, so you don't have to worry about getting your car towed while you're eating. Service is great, the host/hostess greets you when you walk in, and immediately seats you, and you're then greeted by your server, who is also nice and enthusiastic. Restaurant atmosphere is pretty nice. Not too big, dim lights, calm music. Everything is fine, but I don't think the food is worth all the hype. I also don't think food is worth the price. I got the beef enchilada, while my friend got the chicken enchilada. It wasn't amazing, it was just okay. It didn't taste authentic at all. Almost tasted like La Fonda's enchiladas. Wow, I'm really not too excited right now writing this review, can you tell? I also didn't have anything to drink, because I was driving. Maybe that's why my rating isn't as high. Maybe if I was drinking, I would think everything tasted amazing. Kind of like when you go to Waffle House when you're wasted as crap, and you think their grits are just as good as Flying Biscuits' grits. Anyways, I guess my only tip for this restaurant is--- either have a lot of money and order something expensive. Or start drinking, my friend.
(3)
Shawn W.
Agave is a solid restaurant. The food and service are always dependable. Go lamb shank or short rib all day. If you don't eat meat the shrimp and tuna are very good. They do a half off appetizer at the bar m-f 5-7. Its a good deal. Don't forget the flan.
(4)
Kin N.
Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We have been here many many times and we have not had anything we don't like. It's the place we bring out of town guest to and all of them love the food. My favorite is the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. It's always cooked perfetly with just the right amount of char and always tender. The scallop and fried chicken are good too. My favorite appetizer is the spring roll. Note: Yelp categorize this restaurant as Tex-Mex, that's incorrect. It should be Southwestern, which is a very different kind of food.
(5)
Alayne H.
Finally, I made it to Agave. Not sure what took me so long as I drive by here everyday and have only heard good things about this place. It was a Saturday afternoon (Valentine's eve) and Agave popped into my head as a place to meet my friend for dinner. I asked for a reservation at 9p and they said they could take us at 9:15 - not a problem. When I arrived, my friend was sitting at the bar holding the last open stool for me. It was pretty crowded, but the bar service was efficient. The drink menu is extensive - several margarita choices, lots of tequilas as you would expect, good beer selection and very nice wine offerings. Agave is noted for their excellent margaritas but I opted for a beer. Upon being seated at our table, a bowl of fresh, warm, lightly salted chips and excellent fresh salsa were brought to us. We ordered the spicy shrimp & poblano spring rolls and also wanted some calamari. Our server suggested a half order of the calamari as he said the portion is big. I appreciated his suggestion on two levels - one it was nice that he wasn't concerned about knocking a few bucks off our bill and two, the calamari was just okay. However, the spring rolls were tasty especially when dipped in the red pepper jelly. I ordered the slow cooked short ribs marinated in ancho chiles & honey and topped with a chile glaze. They were served on top of goat cheese & roasted yellow corn mashed potatoes. EXCELLENT! The short ribs were very tender and the flavor was mouthwatering. The mashed potatoes were rich, but that didn't stop me from eating every last bite. They were too delicious to leave. Of course, I had to have dessert and ordered the banana plantain dark chocolate cheesecake. This dessert was also nothing short of excellent. The service was great, not rushed at all and they were very busy. I am definitely a fan and Agave will be on my regular rotation of fave restaurants.
(4)
Obadiah S.
My companion and I had a go at Agave recently. This would be my second trip. We visited on a weekday evening. I did make reservations, but there was more than enough room to seat us anyway. The high point of the evening was definitely the margarita. It was fresh and tasty. Their drink offerings really show that even beverages, when made well, can really shine on their own. For my meal, I ordered the New York strip, cooked medium. The steak was just slightly underdone, hardly a huge screw up. I was a little put off by the crust on the steak though. The steak is treated with an herb and chile marinade. Unfortunately, one of the components in the marinade burnt as the steak cooked, imparting a burnt flavor on the surface of the meat. Again, not a huge sin, but I might expect a bit more finesse for the price. The steak was accompanied by mashed potatoes with corn. The corn added a nice sweetness and crunch to an otherwise ordinary side dish. While I give Agave three stars, I would certainly visit the restaurant again. There are a number of dishes on the menu that look interesting, and I would like to try some of them. To recap: the food is decent, fresh ingredients paired in unique ways. The few issues in execution are certainly forgivable. If you like tequila and margaritas, this place warrants a visit. All of the sour mixes are prepared in house, and it shows.
(3)
Valerie N.
Came for a Saturday night reunion with a long lost friend! We thoughtfully called ahead with a reservation as Agave was slammed when we got there. Hooray! I always prefer the outdoor room (which can get LOUD) or the room with the fireplace than the room with the bar when you first walk in. Our wish was granted and we sat outside. Our waiter, who honestly looked like one of the actors from "Why Did I Get Married?" (seriously - I about died from starstruck awe...), was so cheerful and respectful of our reunion, he good-naturedly took a picture when we asked. Our meal was delicious and not rushed at all. The waiter graciously accepted my Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer (calamari! heavenly!). I love it when restaurants are flexible! My albondigas, as always, were delicious, especially when paired with a glass of malbec and a side order of grilled squash. My friend got the stuffed trout, which, I gotta say, was amazing. I will definitely consider getting it next time. This was my first time trying the Mexican coffee and I must say, yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!!!! Arrrrriba! It was delicious, but definitely needed to be split between me and my friend. It was tasty with the key lime pie and fresh cream. I love Agave. It never lets me down, thanks to delicious food and amazing staff. Well done!
(5)
Giulio G.
This place is definitely a hidden gem. We have been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and they are always ready to accommodate your needs even with last minute requests. In our case we made a reservation on Saturday night for 6 PM for 3 people. Right before dinner we realized that 6 was not going to work. We needed an extra 30 minutes and 2 more people added to the party. Not an issue. The food as always was very tasty and well prepared. I had the special which consisted of a monk fish fillet topped with shrimps with brussel sprouts and shallots on top of a parsnip puree. It was absolutely wonderful. Other people in our party had the Shrimps anejo and the trout. Everybody was happy and satisfied with their meals.
(4)
Sami A.
There was a lot of hype about this place on Yelp and I decided to check it out when I saw the free appetizer upon check-in via Yelp. Overall, friendly staff, good service and decent decor. Otherwise, the food was merely average--nothing that I couldn't get at a chain restaurant. We ordered the calamari to start and I ordered the trout for myself. The calamari was slightly above average, but the trout was nothing special (though it was quite large). I'm not sure if it was the very high expectations that Yelp had built up for us, but I would be lying if I didn't reveal that it was a little bit of a let-down.
(3)
Bobbi L.
Excellent from apps to dessert. Great service. Killa margaritas!
(5)
Lauren M.
Ok, so the best thing about Agave is without a doubt the margaritas. Best in Atlanta hands down. I have been to Agave only twice, as it is quite pricey, but I love it every time. I keep telling myself the next time I have about $100 to blow, that's where I'm gonna spend it. Great food, good atmosphere. The only complaint I have is the pricing. Other than that, this place gets an A+ in my book.
(4)
Eric B.
Good service. Eclectic menu with fresh ingredients.
(5)
Jang C.
I should've known to not believe the hype. Like other Yelpers, I tried to love this place, but it's just an A-OK place. Yes, it's a cool, trendy place inside. It looks like a great place to take your date and have a nice drink. You feel so attractive, hip, cool, and trendy just going inside it. However, If your date is a food geek, don't expect to get lucky. The food is mediocre and overpriced. For example, their ceviche has no protein. Okay, I'm exaggerating; it has some seafood. However, it felt like they only added 2-3 pieces though. It consisted mostly of vegetables. If they reversed the ratio of vegetables and seafood, it would've been perfect. I love ceviche, but it disappointed me. I love short ribs too. But once again, this dish disappointed me. The ribs seemed to be cooked well. And it fell apart like butter when I touched it with my fork. The only problem: it was tasteless. I don't think they gave me enough sauce for the short ribs. Otherwise, it would have tasted good. They need to add a bit more sauce to this dish. The sides for the short ribs tasted good though. Who cares though? The short ribs should be the star, not the sides. I also tried the serrano stone grits. It looked like puke, but it tasted good. I think this was one of the better dishes of the night. How was the service? Pretty slow. Because it was a busy Friday night, it took the servers a long time to do anything for us. Sometimes, he disappeared to some unknown place for a long time. Maybe if we came during non-busy times, the services would've been better. Overall, it's an overhyped, overrated, and overpriced place. I don't drink, so I can't comment on their drinks. Their food is average but has potential. Unfortunately, their best dishes seemed to be the sides and the chips and salsa. I'll be nice and round this 2.5 place to 3 stars.
(3)
Heidi S.
Went on a Monday and were greeted & seated quickly. Service was on point. I enjoyed a regular margarita and then chose the Pomegranate one for my 2nd drink (too sweet for me, should have stuck with the excellent first one!). Food was excellent and well thought out - love when I can ask a server for a recommendation for food/drink, get something great and not feel like they're up-selling me! Check it out on the "non-weekend" nights to avoid the crowds/lots of noise. Free valet parking if you pull up by the restaurant, but enter the parking lot closer to Memorial to park on your own.
(5)
Asma A.
This is a very cute restaurant. The first time I went there, I loved the ambiance. In that sense, I guess you could say that It's definitely a nice date-spot. Portions are nice. We ordered one appetizer and ended up sharing an entree. I love it when restaurants know that you are sharing the food, they end up splitting it for you evenly. Food was great. One of the better Tex-mex places in town. I have overall been here a few times and I have enjoyed the food every time I have been there. Definitely a place worth to try out if you are in the mood for some Mexican!
(4)
Guron H.
I decided to go after seeing all the good reviews. I was not happy with the peach margarita.....waitress said no problem, took it back and would take off bill but never did. I ordered a margarita which was good. I had the guacamole appetizer and it had a dark/rotten piece of avocado in it. For the main course I had the salmon. I was surprised to receive one of the whitest pieces of overly farm raised salmon I have ever had...bland and absent of spices/pepper as described on the menu. All in all I would pass on this place. I left hungry and wound up picking up a pizza for my family of 3. We are seriously not big eaters but for 100.00 dollars you should be able to feed 2 adults and a child on a Monday night.
(1)
R B.
Very attentive staff. Everyone was courteous. Dined in after 9 on a Saturday evening. They were several groups, but our party of two received adequate attention. We ordered the trout and southwest egg roll appetizer. My favorite was the dessert: chocolate mousse. We also had strawberry flan, which was so so. The liquor was too watery, IMHO. I will definitely return and recommend to friends.
(5)
Tracie J.
Oh me'Lord! I love this place. Awesome food. Great service. Cool atmosphere. That's all I need. I've been a number of times and have never ever had a bad meal. Some of my entree faves are the lamb chops, strip steak and cayenne chicken breast. I want to try more dishes, but those are my go-to choices.
(4)
Frenchtoast S.
Food was prepared to perfection. Everything in the menu was delicious. I would definitely recommend getting a drink while your waiting for your food since it can take a while for it to come out and they have a long list of cocktails and drinks available.
(5)
Sean M.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I've been a total of 7 or 8 times, and it's never let me down. The food is great, the service is great, the wine list has a nice selection of reasonably priced South American stuff (my favorite when I'm eating spicy food), and this is one of the few places around town where I'll ever order a margarita. The meatloaf is my favorite. That's what I usually get, and I also like that it comes with their amazing mac n cheese. It also comes with collards, which I'm indifferent towards, but I'm not from the south, so I can't criticize. I've also had the fried chicken, the scallops, the enchilada, and a few other dishes. You really can't go wrong with any of it. In this price range, I don't think there is a better place in Atlanta.
(5)
Kyle T.
Make a reservation. Went on a Friday night around 8PM and the bar was packed. We had reservations so we were seated immediately. Cool vibe. Perfect for a dinner date or to just get some points for a romantic dinner. It is a little tight in there but not too noisy. Had the Cayenne chicken and the wife had the strip steak. The food was great and not over seasoned. When we left there were a lot of people waiting and the you could barely get to the bar. So arrive early unless you're just there for the bar scene (which was looking quite lively).
(4)
True F.
Went with the Ladies Dinner Club of ATL, so we share apps and often share entrees so that we get to experience a lot of dishes. Chips and salsa were good. I was not impressed with my margarita at all, but didn't send it back either. Apps: meatballs, shrimp spring rolls, calamari Entrees: lobster pasta special, sea scallops, stuffed trout, lamb Dessert: key lime pie, peanut butter pie, dark chocolate torte, chocolate mousse Everything that I tasted was very good and everyone enjoyed their main dish. The collards and grits were stand out sides. Even with a discount, this place is pretty price for the portions. Nice lively atmosphere. Service was average. This wasn't a 1st visit and I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Cherparadise B.
Took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day . Very nice restaurant. My/Her food was great ! Loved it! The waiter was very attentive. Will be back !!
(5)
Tieren S.
Maaaaaaaaan..... I don't even think an extensive, detailed account of the food and experience will give it justice. Let's just say I had the ultimate "mouthgasm" of my life. No lie. Waiter was cool and attentive and I think I gained like 5 lbs. but it was worth it.... Oh it was worth it. The chips and salsa were excellent. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. The guac tastes just like mine. (I'm a pro) I had the burrito and stew. Was a lot for $12 and delish. My man had the meatloaf and a couple sides which he enjoyed thoroughly... Oh and to wash it down, it was only right to get a peach margarita.... You know being in ATL and all. Bottom Line: If you like tex mex... Make this joint a priority. Ps. Free valet parking ;)
(5)
Peachy J.
I am truly a fan! Went last night for the second time, and I swear I can't seem to find anything bad on the menu. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. The dishes are very creative and nothing you can get anywhere else, so not sure why its classified as Tex-Mex. It's more like upscale modern Mexican. So far my husband and I have had the flounder, trout, pork shank, and pork chops and they have all been cooked to perfection. The portions are just right, and to end the meal we had some very tasty margaritas that where heavy on the tequila (Just the way I like them!) If you haven't been you must add them to the list to check out.
(4)
Heddy K.
Agave is one of my very favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have super margaritas, very tasty food, subdued atmostphere. They are always full, which is a good sign. They have good chicken fingers for kids too. We always take family and friends here when we have a full house. Also they are great supports of the neighborhood, always sponsoring our preschool.
(5)
Micaela G.
My second visit to Agave was as delicious as my first visit. I love that Agave has consistent good food, and awesome service. My meal started with the Agave Salad, which is a yummy concoction of field greens, artichokes, corn, and zucchini. I had the chile rubbed seared scallops with grits and honey cider collard greens as my main course. The scallops were amazing! I loved the spicy flavor of the scallops with the sweet and savory collard greens. The flavors balanced out nicely. My whole dinner was perfection, and my husband loved his meal too! Agave will be my first choice when i'm in the mood for Southwestern food. This restaurant beats Nava, hands down!
(5)
Jenna B.
My friends and I go out to eat, and this is a place we had been meaning to go for a while. About two weeks ago, we finally made it in after doing some reserach on places that would accept reservations for large parties. We ended up having about 11 people in total. The food itself was overpriced but decent, the service, however, was subpar. Maybe it was an off night, but I have seen a couple of other reviews thinking the same thing...so I am not sure what that means. The waiter seemed very uninterested in helping us, and took way too long to get our drinks and appetizers. At one point we even tried to cancel our appetizer since it wasn't worth it anymore, but they still ended up bringing it about 20 minutes later (and charging us of course_. I understand with a large party it is not always pleasant to have to split checks, and that it can get confusing. The drinks put on the checks were for all of the wrong people, but no one really complained. We handed the waiter our credit cards, and I guess he realized some of his errors and ended up changing what was on the checks and charging us different prices than we had seen on the original checks...which were all still incorrect and of course more expensive. In short, if you do plan on trying this restaurant, I highly recommend NOT going in a large group.
(2)
Kristin T.
I love Agave and will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who visits Atlanta and likes Southwest food with a little bit of a creative Southern twist. As an avid reviewer of salmon entrees- Agave's dish is pretty delicious. And if you like tequila, Agave will have something for you, (I think they offer about 100 different varieties.)
(4)
Katie D.
One of the best meals I've ever had. Wish it were closer, but its definitely worth a try.
(5)
Shannon H.
I've been to agave many times, with diverse sets of friends, and I don't know anyone yet who doesn't find something they love here. There margaritas are outstanding and there's an impressive wine list. For food, the choices are diverse. I recommend the diablo crawfish pasta, pork chop, anejo shrimp, sashimi tuna, grouper, trout, tenderloin medallions, or the lamb. Best plan yet is to go with a crowd who doesn't mind sharing bites and order several of these, so you get to try more than one! Make reservations on weekend nights, though, as how good they are is no secret.
(4)
Julie J.
Long waits, but getting a margarita bar helps the time pass right away. The food here is delicious. It's not your typical Mexican food, but rather, it has all sorts of "comfort"-type dishes with a Tex-Mex flair. At the table, we had the halibut, the enchiladas, the diablo pasta, and the meatloaf. If you're in the mood for something specifically Mex, definitely try the enchiladas. All in all, a fantastic meal and service was great. Definitely going back soon.
(4)
Lisa A.
Thanks Yelp! My husband thinks I'm the best wife ever, as I found Agave. Ever since I met him, every time someone asks him what his favorite food is, he always says New Mexico/Mexican. While I was looking at reviews, I noticed one for Agave. I saw the words "Hatch Chilies" and a little light went off in my head. When he came home that night, he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner and I said "I don't know, maybe try this place that uses Hatch Green Chilies?" Needless to say, we arrived at Agave in like 15 Min's. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy, who quickly showed us to our table. Our waiter was very prompt and brought us a nice basket of warm chips. The salsa was a little bland, but when my husband asked if they had a hotter sauce, he quickly brought us a sliced jalapeno chili, to mix into our salsa. My husband had the green chili stew and burrito, he was very happy. I had the fried chicken and it was excellent. So flavorful and juicy. This is no regular fried chicken, it has a kick! If my husband had his way, I think we would eat here everyday. So, thanks Yelp, you made my husbands day!
(5)
Shaun M.
Agave is now my favorite place. The guacamole is a must as an appetizer. Their famous fried chicken is a can't miss if this is your first time going. Add some sides like mac and cheese or collard greens, and you'll be instantly hooked. If drinkings your game, take a look at the huge selection of tequila and wine. And the best part is their staff. They are very friendly, helpful with recommeding good choices, and are just as enthusiastic about the food as you will be.
(5)
Bruce B.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. The Cayenne Fried Chicken and the Beef Medallions are my favorites; Service is great, but the place can get fairly packed on a weekend (or even some weeknights!). Prices are expected for the quality of food. This is a great place to take a date/partner for a good meal.
(5)
live to nibble d.
When size matters, Agave simply cannot be ignored. This neighborhood favorite of many in and around Cabbagetown serves up some well-loaded plates every night of the week. The margaritas are always excellent, blended with great selections from a long list of tequilas, and are always of more than sufficient strength. When comfort is the goal, the beer braised pork shank should hit the spot. Just looking at the hefty hunk of meat should have a grounding effect on the stomach (photos of the food may be found at livetonibble.blogspot.co… ). There is nothing fancy here, just tender long cooked meat with simple seasoning that is savory, but not overpowering. The braised greens provided the much needed fiber for a bit of balance. Not everything on the menu exemplify simplicity, however. My mountain trout stuffed with crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice with a roasted tomatillo sauce and cilantro complicated things a bit, but somehow still managed to come off looking and tasting rather rustic. There was a nice kick of acidity from the tomatillo sauce. But it was not pronounced enough to make one take notice with every bite. One thing remained consistent throughout all the dishes - the size never got smaller. Nothing at Agave is earth shatteringly good. Yet, it's a place I want to go back to, if only because it feels good to lean back into the chair.
(4)
David S.
Last night was my first trip to Agave, and it exceeded all of my expectations. My girlfriend and I arrived before the couple with whom we would be dining, so we took a seat at the bar and had to try the "best margaritas in Atlanta". I got the Texan, she got the traditional, both were great. Nothing is more dissappointing than a weak margarita and Agave's are anything but. Great flavor, too. Later our friends arrived and we were seated and greeted with a bowl of chips and salsa. This was no run-of-the-mill salsa either, you could tell it was very fresh which made it taste even better. A nice heat, and not very salty at all. Since all entres were $8 (yes, even the $24 rack of lamb), we decided to try a bowl of the Green Hatch Chilli Stew as an appetizer. It was fantastic. I ordered the Tequila Spicy Anejo Shrimp, my girlfriend ordered the Southwestern Burrito and Stew...our friends had the Rack of Lamb and Tenderloin Medallions. We all shared...the meat was tender, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, the cheese grits cake that came with my dish was mouth-watering, everything was just so delicious. And spicy, I loved that the chef wasn't afraid to make a dish spicy. Nothing was tame or bland at all. Awesome. We didn't have dessert because we were all so stuffed. The experience was great, this is definitely on my list of places I can't visit often enough.
(5)
Jeannine G.
Agave is great! I have been about 6 times now and they never fail me on service or great food! consistency is the key and they have it! Love it!
(4)
Crystal W.
My first experience was on My 30th B-Day... Woohoo! I am totally a fan! First I ordered the Mango and Passion Fruit Margarita (You have to ask for it, not on the menu) ... Soooo good, I had to have 2! Then I ordered the Diablo Crawfish Pasta... wow! It was not too spicy it was just right! I also tasted my husband's Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno grits... it was sooo tasty! My party also enjoyed their meals... the hubby and I will be back soon!
(4)
Joi M.
I tend to frequent the same restaurants in Atlanta because I know I can expect great food, exceptional service, and just a fun time in general. If it were not for Yelp I would have never thought of trying this place. The first time I went was on a Friday night last fall and even though it was only 9, the parking lot and restaurant was packed (I always go early now). I sat at the bar. The bartender Lisa is always so nice. The chips and salsa were great, the margaritas were good and the chicken enchilada entree was delicious. I've returned twice since then (once for National Margarita day when drinks were half price) and I love the 2-for-1 appetizers at the bar from 5-7 (the bar only sits about 12 people). Plus, you can see the chefs preparing and cooking the food from the far end of the bar which I always enjoy. My favorite appetizer is the mussels. The best mussels in Atlanta I think. The broth is really good. Even though it is tomato based it does not taste like tomato. The mussels are seasoned as well as the broth and it comes with a hot tortilla. I also like the chicken quesadilla, calamari, and they are all big enough to share. I went on Monday for my birthday and had the scallops! So good! With grits and I love that they serve greens with it! Eating out at so many restaurants in Atlanta I noticed they charge between $20 & $30 for a dinner entree yet fail to serve any vegetables! Lisa lit a candle and brought out the birthday mousse which was chocolate and was really good even though I am not much of a mousse fan. This is the only restaurant I can think of where I usually get more than 1 drink. I've always been too full to try their desserts though. I will be returning just so I can try more of their delicious dishes.
(5)
Jason E.
Since moving less than a block away I've visited Agave at least once a week. I even chose it as the venue for my 24th Birthday celebration. As with all of my visits, my last was AMAZING. I always go, with exception of my Birthday, between 5 and 7pm for the 2/4/1 appetizers special at the bar. The Calamari and Mussels are always SPOT on. I can't help but finish the Mussels off by slurping up the broth all by itself. AMAZING flavor and just the right amount of heat. I love that the kitchen is so open to the bar. Along with that, the atmosphere is just right. Always nice and dim, but not dark. Great music to accent the always wonderful conversation. The staff is truly amazing also. James was out server for my Birthday and flew solo for our 12 top table. He never missed a beat and just has the most genuinely amazing personality and a smile to kill! I'll keep going back as long as those Texas Margaritas are flowing and they let me in the door. ALWAYS a sure bet. ENJOY!
(5)
Michael B.
Good food and generally interesting. Good service. We often forget abt this gem but are always glad we went. The salsa is great.
(4)
Sandra J.
Best Margarita!!! Great Tequila!
(4)
Lucy L.
I always receive excellent service and the food and drinks are fantastic! One of the best margaritas in town. The bar is very small however they have a great happy hour during the week and the bartenders are fabulous!
(5)
Herman N.
I now understand why everyone calls Agave bland/just OK. It's not that the food is bad (it's actually pretty great); it's just that it's not very spicy, and I would wager many who try out this Cabbagetown joint expect a certain fiery Southwestern flair. That being said, I'm not a big spice guy and I thought the food was quite tasty. I had swordfish and my lady had a vegetable plate (which I'll admit won of the two entrees on this particular evening). The guac was also rich and creamy. Unfortunately, my margarita was really sweet (almost too much so to drink), and our server, Lucas, after initially impressing us with his vast knowledge of the restaurant and its menu, decided to never check back and make it a true pain to even leave the place. That said, I'll certainly give it another try, if only for the food.
(3)
Ryan D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We became regulars at this establishment (definitely put a hurting on our wallet). Food always amazing, best margaritas, educated staff, friendly management. Go!
(5)
Suzy D.
Great fried chicken & mashed potatoes.....good service with yummy chips and salsa and killer margaritas...yummmm
(4)
Yvette J.
Agave is proof that it is a small world... Several years ago, I was reading a review of Agave and Hatch green chile was mentioned as part of the food enjoyed. Hatch green chile is special chile. It is grown in Hatch, NM and few people outside of the state of New Mexico are even familiar with it. I grew up in Albuquerque and know Hatch green chile well. My interested in Agave was piqued. I visited the web site and was surprised when I read the owner was from Albuquerque, too. Then, when I saw the owner's photo, I laughed because I knew him in high school! We went to different high schools but hung out in the same social circle. Small world. So, my husband made a visit and it instantly went on our list of favorite restaurants. We have taken my parents (visiting from NM) there several times and they love it, too. The cayenne fried chicken is the best fried chicken I've had (although I've never got to try Scott Peacock's at Watershed). I've, also, tried and enjoyed the blue corn enchiladas, the pan seared tuna, the tequila anejo shrimp and, the tenderloin medallions. My favorite starter is choosing a yummy margarita from their extensive margarita list. This place knows how to make a fantastic margarita. My new favorite is the Pommarita - pomegranate margarita. The service is friendly and attentive. Drink and food recommendations are always offered. They have a small valet lot or you can park off street. Their valet hustles and earns every tip. And, they are kid friendly! We took our almost 1 year old there back in May. They had a clean high chair for her to use and gave us a great, roomy table on the patio. Our server was kid friendly, too. At the end of the meal, he told us he had nephews and has been around a lot of kids and wanted to let us know that our daughter was one of the most well behaved toddlers he has ever seen. I thought that was a nice compliment and was proud of my young daughter (my biggest fear in public is being "that parent" with "that child."). Aces Agave!
(5)
Nik G.
I had dinner at Agave for the first time for my husband's birthday. It has gotten stellar reviews, so we were really excited to finally go, especially since we live 5 minutes away. First off, I have to admit that the interior is not as great as I was expecting. Now saying this, I'm not really sure what I was expecting exactly being that it is a Tex-Mex spot, but nevertheless, it was less than what I expected. It has your typical "cantina"-esque interior. Anyway, we started out with the chips & salsa with an order of guac (of course) and it was great. Since we were being piggies that night, we also ordered the calamari as an additional appetizer. It was fantastic. For dinner, I had the "famous" cayenne fried chicken. It was delicious. I forgot what the chicken came with. Mash potatoes maybe, and also corn on the cob. It complemented the chicken well. All in all, I give Agave the thumbs up--I just would like anyone else reading this to not get totally blinded by all the awesome reviews and expect more than what it really is. It is a Tex-Mex CANTINA. haha I have to admit, I think Holy Taco is better.
(3)
Lorne C.
One of the best Neuvo Mexican in the city. We have gone there for both company dinners (which do a family-style dinner), for a friend's birthday or just when I want some great food, great drinks, in a wonderful setting. Some of my favorites are the Chile-crusted Grouper, and the Agave Cayenne Fried Chicken. Place gets very busy and crowded, but fun none-the-less. One of my Top 5!
(5)
josie p.
It speaks volumes to me when I dine out & the entire evening exceeds expectations... That's exactly how you'll feel after eating at Agave. I haven't tried anything on the menu that's been a loser, but speaking from experience, the nightly specials offered here are so superb, you'll hope they become a regular fixture on the menu. I tried the spicy seared Halibut once & still salivate over it to this day. As many have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Fried Chicken or Shrimp & Grits... both entrees are slightly different variations from the norm, but hit the spot nevertheless. They have a plethora of side dishes to choose from that I could have as a meal in & of themselves (I'm partial to the honey cider collards) & they have no problem subbing out various veggies if you'd rather have one over the other. I think the servers here are excellent & are quick to offer up suggestions if you're torn between certain dishes. If you go here, you MUST sample a margarita. I don't care if you aren't a fan of them (to be honest, I'm not partial to sweet & sour, lemon lime drinks myself), they will have some sort of fabulous drink concoction to suit your needs. Trust me, they pack a deceptive punch! I adore the mango & pomegranate margarita, but they have numerous variations for everybody's taste buds. I so wish I could afford to eat at Agave on the regular... Sighhhh.
(5)
David J.
Excellent... All around excellent from the food to the best margaritas in town hands down (and I have tried A LOT of them :)) This is New Mexican food not Mexican so for those of you that don't know... They are two different places. One is part of the United States and the other is a whole other country... Not the same. The service here is impeccable and friendly. The decor is about as close as you can get to authentic in Atlanta as possible... I think in almost all of my time in New Mexico I never saw a booth... lol
(5)
Francis M.
I took my girlfriend to Agave for a long promised steak dinner and we were definitely not disappointed. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Mango Margaritas were fantastic. Even the service was good. Our waiter was very polite, knowledgeable, and attentive. The only complaint I have is that Agave isn't really an intimate place to dine. The tables are kind of close together due to the small dining room... but I would still go back again.... And again. :0)
(4)
Three M.
Very friendly staff, but our waiter was definitely going for the upsell a bit too much. You can tell the design is supposed to be all southwestern adobe-chic, but it felt a little stuffy and uncomfortable. Which is too bad, because if they had some comfy booths or banquettes, it would be really nice with the fireplace and all. I ordered the special swordfish, which came with some super yummy sweet potato concoction that did not go with the rest of the dish at all. Seemed kind of thrown together. And the fried chicken is definitely breaded with cheez-its. For real. Bottom line is, go once just for the sake of going, but you probably wont go again.
(3)
Elle R.
My favourite restaurant in Atlanta. I have never taken a guest there who did not love it as well. Consistent, every single time. The fried chicken is awesome, desserts great and margaritas out of this world. It is a must go to in my book!
(5)
Emma C.
I love this restaurant. I've come here for at least two of my birthdays, and various other special occasions. I've tasted almost everything on the menu and I can say that I love it all! The seared sesame tuna is a favorite of mine, and the margaritas are divine. The amiance is chill and pleasant, service is usually pretty good, but the food and drinks are above average in my book. Definitely one of my long-time Atlanta favorites.
(5)
Andrea R.
Love the spicy shrimp and poblano spring rolls. I think the bar should be enlarged, but that's just me.
(4)
greg g.
I work in food and bev my store closed at nine at night. I was looking around for a later evening place w/ a fun delicious atmosphere. By the time i get out and want to take my girl out for a fun date most good restaurants give you the we are closing in an hour look. Y'all know that look lol. Well i live near agave i always pass by thought I'd finally check it out. The valet was great the guys were really nice. As soon as my date and i walked in i was captured by the south western vibe and loved all the different types of old crosses on the wall. oh and we did not have a reservation. We were sat in less than five min around 9:30pm and the place is packed I'm already impressed. They sat us next to kitchen line which is cool right in the middle of the place. So i was engulfed in a radiance of scents that made my mouth just water. My date was also impressed by the quality of service thus far. Quickly i looked over the apps and saw the spring rolls had to have them. Our waiter was super n ice but didn't hoard the table for his tip if you know what i mean he was very professional. She got the shrimp w/ grits and i ordered the seared tuna. Our apps arrive in a very timely manner and were delicious. Then came our entree's both of ours were fantastic. By the end of the meal we are both stuffed. But i had to try somthin sweet to take home. Asked our waiter he said key lime pie. so we got it boxed up paid the tab and we were in and out of this delightful place. i'll deff be returning for round 2.
(4)
Jillian M.
Came here for dinner with a friend on a Tuesday night around six. It wasn't too crowded but I would recommend a reservation, as it's a pretty small place. Been meaning to try it for quite some time, but haven't gotten around to it. Needless to say, I'm very glad I finally did! The margaritas were on point. I had the peachtree margarita, which was the perfect amount of sweet. The chips were fresh, warm, and delicious. We ordered the guacamole, and the small size was perfect and pretty good. Salsa was fresh and had a bit of a kick to it. Very good. I had the scallops with grits and Mac and cheese and it was so very great. My friend had the steak which was also a great choice. I will definitely be back. The waiter was great and very friendly. A little slow to bring the bill, but that's my only complaint.
(5)
Margaret H.
I can not say enough about this place. The first time I went, I had the diablo crawfish pasta and now it's all I ever want. It's spicy and FULL of crawfish. A well seasoned dish, great preparation. However - I came here for my birthday on Monday and I ventured off the beaten path. We started with the shrimp and pablano pepper spring rolls which were the best spring rolls I've ever had. I was torn between them and the fried lobster tail and our waiter did not disappoint. Moving on to the amazing guacamole. It's chunky and full of onions and tomatoes, just how I like it! My main feast: THE RIBS. I haven't had ribs in ages and it was my birthday. I told the waiter I was between them and my usual crawfish pasta and he said the ribs were worth it. YES! YES THEY WERE! The meat is tender and literally fell off the bone. It has a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce and smokey rub. Hands down, the best I've ever had. It came with some corn on the cob and some mac and cheese, made with very large chunky noodles. I've never had mac and cheese made like this and I didn't hate it, not one bit. Finally - the birthday dessert - Raspberry margarita cheesecake! WOW! I'm not big on sweets at all, but I practically liked the plate. Overall, what a great meal! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)
Donny F.
I absolutely love Agave once again. Exceptional flavor, kinetic atmosphere, and standout service are a given. This time I got the spicy Anejo Shrimp with tangy Mac n' Cheese and grilled asparagus--and it was perfect. Sweets got the scallops and they were totally tops as well. Agave is the kind of place that really makes me proud of my neighborhood and my city. Give them a try if you want to experience one of the all-around great restaurants in Atlanta.
Definitely great food - lots of flavors with fantastic combinations but the service was terribly slow.
(4)
Cindy P.
Went back with my husband and mother-in-law. Enjoyed every bite! The guacamole & salsa is fresh and the chips are warm. Get the Top Shelf or Texas margarita and you won't be disappointed. We had the Mahi, Short Ribs, & Tenderloin Medallions. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. For dessert, we split the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake with cinnamon and mint whipped cream - so rich and scrumptious. Jonathan was our waiter and was Excellent - gave us great recommendations and was very attentive. Get on their mailing list and you'll receive e-mail updates. We received all entree's for $12 between 5-6 pm by showing the e-mail I had received.
(4)
Theresa S.
Yum yum! Used a groupon that was being offered (saved about $20). Have never been but have always heard about them! Was not disappointed at all. The salsa is fresh and has a nice kick to it. The guac -- fresh as well and very tasty. I had the shrimp and poblano spring rolls. While really crispy and a good portion, there wasnt a lot of any flavor of the ingredients coming through. The shrimp was in there but ... needs something more. Had the Mountain Trout with Tomatillo Sauce -- excellent. Had crawfish aplenty and really tasty meal. My friend had the veggie enchiladas and enjoyed them. We both agreed we would go back. Plenty of valet parking. The signage is a little odd though -- I was so frazzled with the traffic I thought it read 'Agave Electric Company' and drove right past. It is actually 'Agave Ecletic Mexican'....doh. Service was solid as well.
(4)
Megan B.
Another 5 star rating! Agave was just as amazing as the first time I went! I branched out and tried the jalapeno margarita; it had just the right amount of kick! We started with the chili lime fish tacos. I'm not a big fish person so when I could smell the fish I got nervous. After the first bite I was hooked! They were a little spicy but delicious! Unfortunately, I wasn't so adventurous with my entree, I got the fried chicken.. again... what can I say IT'S SO GOOD! Pair it with the mac & cheese and it's hard to try something different! The bf had the flat iron steak and it was cooked to perfection! Since it was cheat day we got the chocolate mousse for dessert. WOW. It was so light and fluffy and the creamy stuff on top was on point (it had the slightest touch of cinnamon)! I will definitely be back and I may or may not get the fried chicken...
(5)
Jeremy M.
This place is amazing, love the food! Made a reservation and walked straight in and got seated.
(5)
Kathryn D.
GET THE CHILE RELLENO OMG This place was amazing. Right away walking in you're greeted with a smile. The host that day was very kind (despite being treated poorly by other patrons, which we witnessed.) The atmosphere was nice too, it felt in between up scale and casual, and there was a lot to look at. We had a reservation for 2, and were seated promptly. They have an extensive margarita menu, but I got wine because tequila and I broke up a long time ago. My boyfriend enjoyed his New Mexico Mule. The food and service were great. We got guacamole, the tomato and avocado salad, and the chili relleno to start. I loved the chili relleno so much that I almost ordered 4 more, but I held back. For entrees we got the enchiladas and the beef medallions. The enchiladas were delicious, wonderfully seasoned. The medallions were not quite what we expected, they were a little thinner than we thought they'd be, so we were glad we ordered them medium rare. All in all, a great experience, I will be going back!
(5)
Cynthia N.
I have not visited Agave for a while, so it's past time for an update. I met friends for a b-day dinner last Saturday. I'll never visit Agave on a Saturday night again. EVER. This experience made me drop my rating by a star. It was so crowded that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the wall behind the bar and along the wall in the right side dining area. Valet parking was backed out into the road as far as Memorial Drive. Our reservation was at 6:30 and I barely made it. Two in our party were 20 minutes late trying to find parking with one of them finally giving up and coming inside and the other waiting in the valet line. I know that Agave is popular but I really wasn't expecting this crush until around 7:30-8:00. Our server was awful. He took 20 minutes to take our order and our water glasses ran dry twice. He had the two tables on either side of us as well and he didn't seem to be doing a bang up job with them either. This really surprised me because I've always had great table service at Agave, but last Saturday night was an exception. I've always loved the margaritas at Agave, but Saturday night they were what I expect from Tex-Mex chain restaurants. They didn't have the clean, fresh flavor I expect from Agave. It's possible that the margaritas were so awful because the bartenders were cranking out drinks like it was the end of the world. It's hard to make a good drink super fast, even for a well-trained bartender. The only good thing about this visit was the food. I ordered the veal/chorizo/green chile meatloaf with mac-n-cheese and collards (damn, I'm country.) I would not order the meatloaf again. The texture was really smooth, almost creamy like pate, and I was not a fan. But the mac-n-cheese and collards were delicious, and I'm so glad they were because the sides were the ONLY reason I ordered that meatloaf. I also had the key lime pie for dessert and it was as good as can be with just the right amount of citrus tart and sugar sweet. My friends had the rare tuna, tenderloins, strip steak, and shrimp. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the food. A part of being a popular restaurant is learning how to properly handle your popularity. If Saturday night is a busy night, consider not accepting reservations. (I'm a fan of reservations, but I'm not a fan of crowded foyers.) I still enjoy the food at Agave, and I would recommend that anyone who is a fan of tequila and southwestern food give them a try. Just not on a Saturday night. Yelp 2015 Update #4
(4)
Adam P.
One of the best meals I have had in a while. The tomato and avocado was nice. Nothing out of the ordinary but very good. The pork chop entree was the best pork chop I have ever had in life (considering I just started eating pork again, this may not mean much). Came with some delicious mashed potatoes. Some of the best corn I have ever had in my life also. The crawfish past was also very good. I really enjoyed this meal. The food I got was outstanding, and the food I saw looked just as good. The liquor selection is fantastic and the prices here are more than reasonable. Nice little bar, and I really like the setting of the place. I will without a doubt be back, and can't wait.
(5)
Victoria H.
We had a business meal here that was kind of last minute. Our client had been there before and he requested that we have a table in the upstairs, loft kind of area. This offered a great view of the restaurant and it kind of got us above the noise. Our table had the scallops and the lamb chops and both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection is very good and the tequila selection is the largest I've seen. They also have a good selection of beer....Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we needed her. The complimentary valet parking is a plus. Don't mind the neighborhood - apparently it's coming back.
(5)
Maneesha A.
Ah Agave. Came here for Easter dinner at my mother's suggestion. Her margarita was out of this world, and I wish I hadn't driven so I could have had my own. Chips were easily among the best. Guacamole was good too. My dishes were good, and the flan was AWESOME!!! But the drawbacks: - valet parking for the lot literally right next door? Seemed very silly. Perhaps it's more necessary late night. - wait staff - Lady, I KNOW you were half-heartedly complementing my daughter at the end of the meal in hopes of a better tip. And I caught you rolling your eyes when I asked for a straw when they were literally less than 2 yards away from where you were standing. There was an attempt to be kid friendly given the hidden easter eggs around the restaurant. But that doesn't cover up ugly wait staff attitude towards kids/families. Everyone else seemed nice enough, but I was not blown away by the service. May try again in the future, because the food was really great.
(4)
Jacqueline V.
One of my favorite restaurants. Everytime we're heading to a show or event downtown, this is our go to dining spot. My husband who's not a fan of fried chicken loves their Cayenne Fried Chicken entree. Love the fresh complimentary tortilla chips and homemade salsa. The braised short ribs are my favorite. Drinks...fantastic! How can you go wrong with 101 tequila options. Service is always propmt and attentive, regardless how busy the restaurant.
(5)
Stephanie C.
Agave has some really amazing reviews, but I can't lie. Our experience was incredibly average. We were seated quickly which was a pleasant surprise. Chips and salsa w were complimentary and yummy but I swear we ate on them for ages before getting our actual food. The waitress was slow, unenthused, and forgetful. My husband had to request a totally separate menu because he is vegetarian and she kept forgetting it which pushed back our ability to order. When the food did come, it was good, but not the most amazing thing. I had the pork burrito and my husband had the veggie burrito while our friends had the chicken quesidilla and cocktails. I'm not trying to say the restaurant was terrible, it just wasn't as great as I had expected.
(3)
Zindzi A.
I started my meal off with a Mona Lisa Margarita. It's was soooo good. I believe it's passion fruit, crab and some other juices but it's so good. For my entree I ordered the New Mexico Rack of Lamb that came with Asparagus and the Yukon golden mash potatoes. The waitress mentioned that they were out of asparagus and then appeared with some as well the the side dishes we chose to replace them..yay lol... We chose the julienne vegetables. I can't name one thing on my plate that was out of place. I will be returning. Next time I'm going to try the cayenne fried chicken. I would recommend this restaurant to everyoooone.
(5)
Caroline P.
Very disappointed. I was here a year ago and remember being impressed. Tonight was date night and we decided to branch out from our favorites (Rathbuns, Sun in My Belly, Doc Cheys) and try something new. It was in the 70s outside and we specifically wanted to dine outside. I called ahead and asked if they had outside seating and was assured they did. The patio is closed in with a roof and high walls that were over 5ft tall. To add to the wall height were the wood blind that went down to the wall. The space was dark and the only way I could peek at the sky was to have my face against the seat back. If it hadn't been 7:30 we would have gone somewhere else. The salsa was good and their Mac and Cheese was very tasty. The meatloaf "tasted like pate (no accent option on my phone) and was spicy. The Barbacoa dish was horribly spicy and started to upset my stomach. Since our food took awhile to come out we were starving and my boyfriend was all the way through his dish before we were able to get the attention of the waitress for me to get sour cream to try and tone down the spice and cool the burn. Don't get me wrong, I like a good spice, I love adding siracha to things. Overall I was disappointed by the lack of follow-up so we could voice the issues in time to resolve. Unfortunately we've regretted our branching out. Till next time.
(2)
Claudia A.
This place continues to be where I take guests when I want to "wow" them. Now's it's a little pricier than other restaurants but you can find things within the drink menu and dinner menu if you're budget conscience. My date and I started with their traditional Margarita. It's was a little sweeter than what I'm used to but that' how house Margarita's usually are. We then got an Agave Margarita-perfect. A nice strong anejo tequila filled Margarita. We got the ahi tuna for appetizer, it was yummy but not my favorite so I will try something different next time. My entree was the rack of lamb which comes with asparagus and mashed potatoes, I see folks get it all the time and I just had to try it. It was pretty good. Also not my favorite but but that's just a personal preference. My date got the veal,chorizo,pepper meat loaf. Oh my lord, it was delicious. It came with collard greens (had a sweet taste) and macaroni which accompanied it perfectly. For dessert we got the spicy peanut butter cake, I am not a peanut butter fan but this hit the spot. Perfect blend of flavors in a mouse like consistency. Overall I will come back and bring back friends. Make sure you bring $ for the valet parking.
(4)
Scott M.
I have been coming to Agave' since 2001 and the place just keeps getting better. I have recently had the opportunity to introduce some people to this restaurant and all of them agree that it is hard to beat this place. I have had most items on the menu and without any hesitation, I could recommend anything. Last night I had the scollops and they were amazing. You can't leave this place until you have had the Lobster appetizer, Calamari or Shrimp Spring Rolls, all are simply great starters. Tim, the managing partner and his staff are all super friendly and accomodating. They get 5 stars for both service and the food quality. You will be leaving this place very impressed!
(5)
Lysa F.
Agave's ambiance is romantic and quaint. As soon as I walked in, I knew service would be fantastic. The host was prompt and helpful, and all servers were highly attentive and friendly. Now down to the food- Complementary chips and salsa- Awesome! The salsa was spicy, which I like (5 stars) Guacamole- a little too many tomatoes for my taste, but solid nonetheless (3 stars) Southwestern Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls- Very flavorful, a little greasy (4 stars) Slow Braised Beef Shortribs- Words fail me. So tender, packed with flavor, it fell apart with a fork... just absolutely amazing. Honestly, this might be the best meal I've ever eaten. I know that is a huge claim, and I am very serious. This is THE BEST dish. (4258473934 stars!) Taking everything besides the short rib entree into account, Agave might have gotten 4 stars from me. However, this amazing dish pushed Agave well over 5 stars!!! I will be back SOON with a hunger for some short ribs :)
(5)
Kellie T.
Agave is now my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I ate here for the first time last night with my family and everyone loved it - our waiter Michael Montoya was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and made the entire evening such a pleasure. The food was so, so delicious and perfectly prepared, as were the drinks. I can't give Agave enough praise and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know. Thanks for the great service Michael!!
(5)
Karla N.
AMAZING!!! thats all I live quite close to this fine restaurant and never tried it i just noticed that the parking lot is always packed until one saturday afternoon we decided to go for an early dinner. We made reservations for 5 pm and when we got there we got sited quite quickly right by the fireplace in the back. it was very romantic. we were the only ones in that dinning room for about 15 minutes then in a matter of 20 min the dining room was full. Now the food..... we started with drinks which i have to say were really good margaritas not sweet and you could really tell that the mix is made in house and use good quality tequila. Next we received the complimentary chips and salsa they were warm and fresh which made eat 2 baskets of them thats how good they were. the appetizers was a shared tortilla soup that was so good and satisfying i wish we didn't share it at all, and a small order or guacamole. for dinner I ordered the pork chop and my husband the meatloaf. omg i was in heaven my dinner was delicious however i was not able to finish my food and had it packed for later, portions are quite large. The service was really good they were organized and attentive even with a busy dinning room. Just make sure you make reservations because they get super busy. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Renee G.
Since this was our first time eating here, I looked at pics to get an idea off what the food looked like. There were a few things that caught my eye but the fried chicken kept calling my name. I NEVER order chicken when I go out to dinner but I was very happy that I ordered it; it was delicious! We started our meal with calamari - so good. It was lightly coated and fried to perfection. We ate every piece of calamari even after eating the complimentary chips & salsa! My husband & daughter both got ribs. I didn't taste the ribs, but I did taste the Mac 'n cheese; quite good. I was impressed with the food & will try to return to the restaurant when I'm in Atlanta again
(4)
K J.
Great service, good food, and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for. This was my first time eating here, and I will be back. I started with and order of seared Tuna, with serrano peppers and cucumbers. It was good, but I wish there had been more of it. For dinner I tried their famous Cayenne Pepper Chicken, which is a chicken breast sliced thin and put in a buttermilk dredge, with roasted corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was not spicy even a little bit. I could not even taste the cayenne, but it did have decent flavor. Next time I'm going to try the Mexican food.
(4)
Zach W.
WOW!!! We went to this place for Valentines Day in Atlanta and I was blown away! I thought it was gonna be decent, upscale 'tex mex'. Well I was wrong. This place is wonderful! We started off with fresh chips and salsa and a few margaritas. Both were fantastic. There were so many delicious options and I honestly didn't know what to get. Everything looked good. I settled (lol) for the VEAL AND CHORIZO MEATLOAF WITH MAC & CHEESE AND HONEY BACON COLLARDS! ....read that again.... I wanted another serving as soon as I was done. Might have been the best thing I've had in my life! So damn good. I tried a few other dishes that our group ordered and they were amazing. The fried chicken was great and the flat iron steak was way better than I originally thought. I'm going back here for sure. If you're in ATL and you're wanting something exciting and original, you NEED to go to Agave!
(5)
Alvin P.
A Good Place To Have A Meal With Friends. The place has some parking, but mostly it's complimentary valet parking. I don't mind complimentary valet parking for places that don't have any parking, but this place has enough parking that you can park yourself. When we pulled in, there was a spot that opened up from a car, and they said it would block the road if I tried to park there, even though there was a car there when I initially pulled into the place. We ended up going with valet, but it feels horrible to not tip them then, so we did. However, I wish they would just let you park when you were able to. The staff was friendly, and the waiter was informative. However, it is ridiculously loud there. I could probably eavesdrop on 5 different conversations while having ear plugs in my ear. I almost felt like people were yelling at each other. However, I'm not sure if this is a one time instance, because when a couple groups of people left, the place returned to normal volume levels. The food was good, I believe I got a burrito and quesadilla and it was pretty good. I didn't think it was amazing though, but pretty good. I wish there were more options for vegetarians though. I pretty much ended up ordering from the entree section twice to have variety. We were too full to try the desserts. This would be rated a bit higher if it wasn't for the ridiculously loud atmosphere there, pretty much like going to a club or bar I guess. Not a good date night place, IMO. This is better if you are going with friends and are going to be loud anyway, so everything meshes.
(3)
Annie P.
I was surprisingly very pleased with this place! We went on the recommendation of Yelp. There is parking to the side of the restaurant but it gets packed pretty fast which is when they offer complimentary valet parking. I personally am not a fan of valet parking because I like to try to find my own parking. That being said, there was an empty space near the entrance/exit of the parking lot. While my friend was trying to park there, one of the valets ran up to us and told us it wasn't allowed because it's blocking the entrance. I call BS - it was a clearly defined space (with yellow lines and all) that symbolizes that it was, indeed, a parking space. Even if we were to park there, there was more than enough room for cars to exit or enter. Nonetheless, we handed the keys over to the valet and he parked the car for us. The restaurant itself was warm and cozy. We came in with no reservations but they still seated us immediately. We were seated directly in front of the fireplace which felt really nice. I got the grilled corn with garlic butter and the stuffed trout. I loved the corn - it was so perfect. I ate like a bulldog - not attractive. The trout was really good too with one exception - the skin was soggy, which made for an unattractive texture. So I had to do some extra work to remove the skin but once that was done, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I took my dessert, key lime pie, to go. When I ate it at the hotel, I really enjoyed it - especially the cinnamon flavored whipped cream. The service was excellent - our waiter was VERY attentive, friendly, and personable. I can tell he would be (or is already) a very popular guy there. The restaurant was decorated nicely but not so extravagant. My only complaint, in terms of the atmosphere, is that it gets so LOUD. My friend and I had to repeat what we were saying to each other at least 3-4 times. Otherwise, I would definitely come back here to see what else they have to offer.
(4)
Sonja L.
First of all, the Southern hospitality is apparent. We got a genuine greeting and that same feeling stayed throughout the meal. This was a meal shared with colleagues. The server made great recommendations and he was super laid back but not too cool. I ordered the sashimi grade seared tuna. It was excellent but I sort of wish I'd gotten the lamb. All 5 of us ordered something different and it all had beautiful presentation. The atmosphere was rustic and interesting. The restrooms were fairly clean. I have it 4/5 stars because it did feel a bit cluttered with too many seats for the space. I would go back though.
(4)
Trevor W.
Agave is an intimate spot for Tex-Mex just behind Oakland cemetery off Boulevard and Carroll. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and will certainly be back. Given the location, Agave does parking right. They have super quick and friendly valet staff that manage the massive empty lots beside the building down Boulevard. The entrance to the historic structure is right at the intersection of Boulevard and Carroll. You are greeted by the large wooden door that opens into a solid wood and brick dining room / bar. With the bar down the right side and tables to the left in the open space, expect sound to get a bit loud. It has that trendy loudness of a Manhattan eatery bustling with people and service. Wasn't deafening on our visit, but definitely something to take note as one side of our table of 10 couldn't easily communicate with the other. In the back corner is a private loft for small groups and outside an enclosed patio for outdoor dining. The kitchen is open and adds to the ambiance with wisps of steam and deliciousness floating through the air. The interior is dimly lit and quite intimate, dare I say romantic. The decorations and lighting make you feel as if you're dining in an upscale pueblo, if there is such a thing. Tables are four tops, but they easily handled our reservation of 10 by creating a row all for us. Agave is known for its 2-for-1 appetizer happy hour available at the bar from 5-7pm. If you're doing something around Cabbagetown or at Oakland Cemetery, makes for a wonderful start to the festivities! Agave considers the food gourmet Tex-Mex and with it comes a bit of the price tag. However, our party of 10 definitely enjoyed their dishes. We sampled: * Blue and white corn chips and salsa (nicely spicy with chunky tomato pieces) * Hatch Green Chile Stew (very spicy) * Grilled sweet corn (with that delicious queso) * Smoked Chicken & Hatch Green Chile Quesadillas * Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo * Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken (seriously, try it) * Lime & Garlic Marinated Flatiron Steak Not sure what took me so long to make it to Agave, but will certainly be back for more deliciousness!
(4)
Jeremy R.
Fried chicken was a rubbery, hard, inedible disappointment. Lamb was solid, drinks were good, but its hard to look past that one bad dish when you only ordered two things. Maybe they don't use the fryer very often? Atmosphere is nice and presentation was on point.
(3)
Tara S.
This is my favorite dinner in Atlanta in recent memory. The atmosphere is as described in other reviews. Try to sit in the big side room and not the area by the bar and bathrooms. The manager greeted us with champagne because we were celebrating our anniversary. Sweet touch. They have extensive tequila and mezcals. We had a Karma margarita ( amazing) and my boyfriend picked a favorite mezcal topped with simple lime and Cointreau. We split a Barbacoa quesadilla and hatch chile stew to start - both were amazing !!! The stew was fantastic. For entrees we had short ribs with poblano grits, and cayenne fried chicken with collards and Mac and cheese. Every single thing tasted incredible ! Nothing was mediocre. The short ribs fell apart and the chicken was juicy with delicious crust. I only wish we'd had room for dessert. Can't wait to hit this spot up again.
(5)
B C.
Never had a bad meal here. We love the shrimp, the tuna, the ceviche, and everything else we've tasted. Even the chips and salsa are deadly good. It's not usually a quite place, but I still think it makes a great overlooked date place.
(5)
Luckie D.
Agave remains creative, tasty and well left of the typical Americanized Mexican fare. A great space with good energy and friendly staff I look forward to continued patronage. I am a big fan and almost feel petty given the need for parking and their building configuration but an option for a rooftop alfresco would land them that elusive fifth star.
(4)
Michael O.
HOLY CRAP! This spot is AWESOME! Very diverse! Great open grilled food. Strong AF Margaritas with great choices. I like the seating arrangements that they have in there. Please make a RSVP on Fridays and Saturdays though because it was hella crowded when we went. I had the most expensive Margarita on the menu, I forgot the name but it was like $12 or $13 bucks I think. But it was hella worth it. We'll definitely be back! The spot is cool too. It's low-key and they have Valet parking...for 2 margaritas and my meal, it was about $40 + the Tip.
(5)
Jonathan F.
Agave... Is amaze..ing... It's a rare occurrence when one finds themself at a tex mex restaurant with an abundance of healthy options. That's the foundational reason that I gave this place 5 stars, but I digress. The setting was absolutely perfect. Tucked away off of boulevard you find this jem nestled in the turn and honestly you may drive right by it at night. It's a very cozy interior once you come inside. The dim lighting and fireplace that was lit on the "patio" area made for a perfect romantic dinner. The service was top notch. Our server Gary was amazing. He really helped accentuate or experience with his recommendations and friendly service. Finally, the food was perfect. I had the salmon that was served over zucchini, squash, and carrot slivers with a roasted red peppers sauce. This was one of the best tex mex dishes I have ever had and I didn't feel guilty about it afterwards! The food was fresh, the setting was perfect, and the wine list was well crafted. This place was the total package. Absolutely loved my experience and I have been raving about it to my friends!
(5)
Nilesh P.
The restaurant atmosphere was great. The service was exceptional. We bought a groupon and it included one appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. This was more than enough food. The steak was great and so were the rack of lambs. The only reason I took it down by one star was the temperature in the back. It was just way too hot and seemed like no ventilation. Overall great experience but I would sit towards the front!
(4)
Samantha M.
I loved this place. Found a groupon a few months ago & finally got in here the first week of September. The chips & salsa were great, but as appetizer lovers, that wasn't enough! So many delicious sounding apps to choose from, we went with the guacamole & ceviche. Both were superb! For entrees, we had the medallions & the rack of lamb, we were already stuffed at this point from the amazing appetizers, but so glad we forged on to entrees because they were awesome! We were having a bit of a sweet tooth, so we each took half our entree home & shared a dessert- chocolate mousse. I normally don't eat dessert & even I loved it. Don't miss the margaritas, strong, great flavor & none of the sugary crap going on here!
(5)
Kay H.
Impressive! Tons of great dishes, good service and wide margarita selection. As tasty as the drinks are I'd probably add a shot to make it perfect. Every dish was delicious and I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Great place! This was my first experience and I know much more to come!
(5)
Julie E.
Even though it's been in Atlanta 14 years, Agave is one of our favorite new finds! We "discovered" Agave through a Scoutmob deal and went last night for our 18th wedding anniversary. Our reservation was at 7:30 pm and we showed up on time and were seated immediately. When making the reservation, I noted it was our anniversary, and within minutes, a manager showed up with two complimentary glasses of champagne--a very nice surprise! For apps, we chose the guacamole and the ceviche martini. The martini was delicious, but I was a little disappointed in the guac (it was not super fresh tasting) but that was my only disappointment. For entrees, my hubs chose the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp over grits cakes which was great. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. I chose the Chile Grilled Swordfish served with serrano grits and a smoked avocado relish. It was wonderful too! Again, the fish was well cooked and the relish was what I would have liked to seen from the guac. The portion sizes were just right... not too large, not skimpy. For dessert, we had the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake which was divine, though we were pretty stuffed by that time. I also enjoyed the Mona Lisa and New Mexico Mule margaritas. While very different, both were very tasty! Another plus... Agave has valet parking. I have seen some people complain about the parking, but to me, it's a plus to not have to hunt for parking. On the way home, we both agreed that Agave is one of our top 5 restaurant "finds" in Atlanta and we would definitely return again without the benefit of a "deal."
(5)
Becky R.
Great for meeting up with friends and a good date night place.
(5)
Deb M.
Yes...it was as good as it gets! Visiting from Detroit for work there are some die-hard Mexican food fans in my group. So glad someone recommended this place for dinner. The chips and salsa were great. When I asked our waiter (who was absolutely fabulous) for a spicier salsa he said they didn't have one but he did go back and chop up a bunch of peppers - with the seeds still in them- to add to the salsa! I thought that was awesome and it definitely kicked the spice up a notch. We ordered drinks and guacamole and let the adventure begin! I started by splitting the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the springrolls, though I liked the red pepper jelly the best (was hoping for a bit more heat though). Two others in our group had the chicken quesadillas and loved them. The meal was paced perfectly, the atmosphere hipster and lively, the decor perfectly New Mexico. What a wonderfully charming place. I would love to tell you about all of the flavor profiles of the different dishes we shared but we all got the dish that came highly recommended....the scallops! The only variation is that I subbed the greens out for some grilled asparagus...I'm not a huge fan of greens. The scallops had a perfect sear on them and were nestled in the most heavenly grits I've ever had. The only downfall of the evening came shortly after we finished our meal....when I realized Atlanta is far from home and I don't know when I'll make it back to Agave.
(5)
MeMe F.
I've dined at Agave twice. More recently was last week on a spur-of-the-moment date night with a friend. It is an impressive, cozy spot with very flavorful cuisine. On a slow night, it's very romantic, warm and breezy with amber lighting and a low hum of dinner conversation. On a crowded night, it's very loud with the same lighting and lots of large parties. It's not very sexy when you're having to practically yell at the person across from you as you sit under a golden, soft light that makes almost any woman look like Halle Berry for a few hours. This establishment is more spacious upwardly than anything. It looks like an old, two-story colonial home renovated for a restaurant. Sometimes it can be a tight squeeze, so if you are claustrophobic, check Agave OFF your list. I don't mind being in close quarters for a short period, so it doesn't bother me. They have a myriad of wines and other spirit drinks to choose from. However, be warned that not all of their wine selections are sold by the glass. I mostly drink whites, blushes and rose's. I rarely drink sweet reds and never drink dry reds, except to marinate meats. Therefore, I never need to buy a whole bottle, so I always end up drinking soda or water here.Their margaritas are pretty good but not memorable for me. I will order one on my next visit for a more fair review. The scallops and short ribs are 4 star. My favorite item is their southwest macaroni and cheese. Agave adds up quickly on your tab, so be sure you have some dough on hand and don't forget cash to tip your valet. My service has always been pretty moderate to poor, mainly uninterested servers sweating bullets with a backed up kitchen while my drink glass sits empty for 30 minutes. I wish I could take Agave's ambiance and food without the service...if that makes sense. Bottom line, you should visit if you want a real taste of what Atlanta has to offer!
(3)
Summer W.
One of my favorite spots in Atlanta. They have the BEST margaritas! My favorite menu items are the Lime & Garlic Flatiron Steak and the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. Whatever you get, order the mashed potatoes!
(5)
A.J. C.
Agave is a very popular Southwestern restaurant located on Boulevard in Cabbagetown. I was looking forward to our dinner @ Agave with a large group of friends this weekend so I will break this review down step by step. PARKING: On this night they had "free" valet parking. Quick, easy, and no problems despite how busy it was. I imagine finding a parking spot without this would be next to impossible. 5/5 stars. RESERVATIONS: We had a group of 20 reserved for dinner @ 8:15pm. We were seated @ approximately 8:50pm. Which is fine. This place is obviously very popular and it was extremely crowded. When we opened the door to enter it was like looking @ a crowded elevator. In all fairness, a lot of the crowd @ the door was our group. Six of us waited outside because we just could not get in. Agave will tell you that one of their specialties is large groups, and they did have 3 very large tables set up on the right side of the dining area. All of which were full of very large groups. 3/5 stars. SETTING: It's very small inside considering the amount of business they have. Restrooms were located @ the furthest corner of the restaurant from where large groups are seated. This makes for an adventure trying to navigate the crowd to and from. You will have to pass through the dining area, the front door area, the bar, and the kitchen in order to relieve yourself. The mood lighting and decor are excellent which would normally make this place a prime choice for a date should you need a romantic setting. However, it is EXTREMELY loud in here and communication without yelling will prove difficult to accomplish. I'd bet on a less busy night though, it's perfect. As it got later, the bar opened up a little bit and looked like a place I would rather sit some time in the future for drink and food. It is also right next to the open kitchen, and on that side of the restaurant it smells awesome. 4/5 stars. FOOD/DRINK: The food is outstanding. In full disclosure, I had the Georgia Trout with a side of Bacon Collards. This was not my first choice though, as I had ordered the Red Pepper Salmon. But the waitress came back and told me they were out of Salmon. The Trout was her recommendation in place of it. Every one else seemed to enjoy their meal as well, and comments were made how flavorful everything was. The Scallops were a big hit, and apparently they are Agave's most popular seafood dish according to the waitress. No surprise though. If you look at the pictures and reviews on this very page you will see just how much people like the Scallops. The fried chicken was also very popular. Although I enjoyed my food, the portions are not very large so don't expect that, and I was still a little hungry upon completion of it. They have a vast drink menu which includes many wine choices, spirits, and cervezas. Whiskey on the rocks and a beer is what I settled on. Margaritas @ the table got high marks. 4/5 stars. SERVICE: The waitress we had was exceptional. It looks like she was in charge of all the big tables which can spread her time a little thin. But there were no mistakes made that I could tell, and she was knowledgeable of every thing on the menu. One person had to wait longer than every one else for her food to come out, but other than that it was all good. Checks were broken up by couples and singles at the end, and that went off with no problem. 4/5 stars. PRICE: Expect to spend some money here. It was not cheap, but probably on par with similar restaurants. Our split check for 3 people, each with a drink and entree, came to $100. So, $120 with a tip. 3/5 stars. OVERALL: I would like to visit this place again on a less busy night. I think I would enjoy dinner and drinks here @ the bar with one other person or a smaller group. Or even with a date @ a smaller table when it's not as loud and crowded. Average stars in this review come to 3.8, so I will give it a 4. I recommend you try it at least once for the food alone. We went on a Saturday night, so if you'd like to avoid the large crowd then pick another day.
(4)
Bill M.
No patio. No queso dip. They shouldn't be allowed to call themselves tex mex on here. No mex zone. Food actually tasted good though.
(2)
Sammi T.
Very delayed posting of a saved review from over a year ago. I really love this restaurant! I rarely repeat restaurants, but this one is one of the repeats. It never disappoints every time I go! The decor/atmosphere is pretty awesome. It is very Latin American style. On the weekends, this place is PACKED! It's even hard to order drinks at the bar while waiting b/c it is sooooo crowded. However, the bartender was extra nice! We were starving, and she gave us chips while we waited outside. Pretty awesomesauces :) I love the salmon here! and the chocolate mousse desert was delectable!
(4)
Danielle R.
Awesome food, great service, great atmosphere. This is my new favorite place. They have the best guacamole in Atlanta.
(5)
Cheryl R.
I decided to meet a friend this evening for dinner. This was my 3rd time dining at Agave. My waiter was really good. However, each time I go I am never impressed with my food selections. I had the scallops with grits and collard greens. The scallops were really good. My collard greens were not good at all. They were not seasoned well and had a burnt taste to them. I don't plan on giving this restaurant another chance. I was very disappointed.
(3)
Justin O.
Wow! Great drinks, food and service. We had the mussels and spring roll for an appetizer. I had the lamb and my buddy had the baby back ribs. Couldn't ask for anything better. Valet parking and they work off of tips.
(5)
Julie G.
This is a cool place! I like the decor. Lots of space inside. I think we were sitting in an enclosed patio. The servers were really friendly and attentive and I appreciated that they sat my party not directly next to another party. The restaurant wasn't super full and it made the dinner feel more intimate. The bench style seating with pillows and blanket, give the place a cozy feel. I really enjoyed the complementary chips and "trough" of salsa (mostly for its quantity). The Southwestern dishes we tried were both delicious. Some of the seafood items on the menu looked superb. The only downside to this place was the unnecessary "complementary valet" parking. It is not a location that needs a valet, it has a large parking lot right by the restaurant. It was rather frustrating to hand your keys over to the valet and watch him park the car in one of dozens of spots 3 feet away. It made the whole thing that much more of a hassle when we could have just parked our car and walked in, stress free.
(4)
Ms M.
Great food, great drinks, great neighborhood feel... Excellent for large parties or an intimate date...recommended
(4)
Renee O.
This place sucks. The food was way overrated and our waitress had all the personality of a potato. BUTTERLESS. The best thing it has going for it is the pixies album cover in the bathroom.
(2)
Mandi G.
My family and I went to Agave last Friday night for my birthday dinner (yay, 23!). I wanted an atmosphere that was fun, delicious, felt like a special occasion, but wasn't outrageously expensive. I also wanted an atmosphere my parents could enjoy (not too bar-ish). GREAT atmosphere. Super cozy, dim lighting, not too loud. We had a reservation for 5 at 6:30 and were seated immediately. It looked pretty crowded when we left, but not in a bad way. The margaritas were awesome. I had the chorizo taco thing and it was very good. My boyfriend had the meatloaf, which was AWESOME. My Dad got the stuffed trout (I think?) and it was really good too. The only negatives I had were that it was a LITTLE pricey, but it was worth it for the quality of the meal and drinks. The waiter was nice and had good knowledge of the menu, but my mom was asking a lot of questions about it and he seemed a little annoyed by it. (I know that's annoying for waiters sometimes, but at least fake a smile or something.) All in all, it was a good birthday experience! I'll be back for the margaritas.
(4)
Debo R.
This is starting to be one of my favorite places! Great food and drinks! Bartenders know there stuff! Highly recommend you come and experience!
(5)
Alara K.
Third visit to Agave and it remains one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I brought Lovey here on date night and we were seated on the open air patio (nice atmosphere with a nice breeze that night). We started with two margaritas and the calamari app. The margs were delicious and the calamari was a good start to the meal. I ordered the spicy tequila anejo shrimp and Lovey had the Cayenne fried chicken. We both practically licked the plates clean. To celebrate such a wonderful meal, we took a shot of tequila (I believe they were anejo-very good). I will continue to come back, as I have never been disappointed.
(5)
Dee B.
this is usually my go-to spot for a relaxing evening in a nice environment. I went here this weekend and the waiter wasn't the best. He turned my salad around because it had tomatoes and they just took the tomatoes off which left tomato juice and seeds on my salad. Yuck! very sloppy. He insisted that they didnt carry cucumber however they were on my boyfriends plate. I offered them. To top it all off my corn was ice cold! After they finally got it right he was still one of the worst. I should have just sat at the bar like I usually do where the bartender is AMAZING and funny. Mosquitos ate me alive in the back room. I learned a lesson. No wonder people stand in line to sit at the bar!
(3)
Jim J.
Agave remains my favorite place in the city. Best variety of margaritas to be found, and by far the most tasty. Superb list of appetizers (their calamari is way better than found at upscale seafood restaurants), a wide variety of entrees that includes chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. All are well prepared and perfectly presented. Top it off with the best key lime pie to be found, or the chocolate mousse. It doesn't get any better, and at very reasonable prices. Thursday night had the special pasta topped by sea bass, scallops, grilled shrimp, and mussels. First time I have seen that special there. I hope they bring it back again one day soon. This place continues to deliver, and we will return often.
(5)
Chloe E.
Food-5 stars. Drinks-3 stars. I have no idea how I have never eaten here. I will sadly admit I had never heard of it. It isn't close to where I have lived in Atlanta but that is no excuse. This Mexican food with a Southern twang is worth the drive. We used the valet to park. Had a short wait for a table and then our waiter immediately stopped by to get our drink order. The margaritas were ok. Very tart. Very light on tequila. Not the worst I have had but I will try another specialty drink next time. Or just get a beer. The food was great. It is different than tex mex. Not quite Mex Mex...just unique. And everything tasted very fresh. It was very loud due to some huge groups but it didn't matter to me because I didn't say a word from the moment the food was dropped off until I licked my plate clean. Can't wait to get back here and try some other items!
(4)
Reena T.
We went here for our weekly date night. There is usually a big party there every time we go there which makes it very loud, but they had the patio open which was very nice. the guac is always a must have and this time we had the strawberry and goat cheese salad...it was amazing!! I had the lamb, which was just ok, and my husband had the pork medallions which were also amazing!!! next time i go i will def be getting the pork!!!
(4)
Katie S.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. I don't live in Atlanta anymore, and this is one restaurant that I miss the most. Every time, it's fabulous! The scallops are the best I've ever had, and that beef chile relleno is like heaven in your mouth! Try those collard greens! They are so good. I don't think I've ever had anything that was just mediocre. Don't miss out!
(5)
Leigh C.
So delicious! Loud and busy so don't come here for an intimate dinner-come here to have fun! The guacamole and salsa were amazing. My husband and I had the seared tuna. Small portion but it was just enough! The key lime pie is good but the restaurant doesn't actually make it-they ship it in from a well-known bakery that I, of course, can't remember the name of!
(5)
Mai Tran L.
Lovely restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. The food here is mouth watering good. I won't give it a 5 stars rating because the price is so hard for the portion of food I'm getting. However, the food here is very good especially the ceviche.
(4)
Rick V.
Outstanding! The flavors of Mexican cuisine were well-represented and elevated in this un-stuffy but still classy restaurant. Perfect for a fun dinner date, especially for a medium-sized group. It was very crowded on our Saturday evening visit, but service was still decent and very friendly. Reservations mandatory, in my opinion - it's a relatively small place. Lamb Chops were well-spiced and perfectly cooked - delicious! We gobbled up our appetizers (chunky guacamole, calamari) like we'd never eaten food before. Others in our group ordered Salmon, and another fish dish - super tasty! Each of us loved our entree. Have you eaten at Agave yet? No? What's keeping you?
(4)
Juan M.
Hadn't been in YEARS. Forced valet parking notwithstanding, it was great. We did the ScoutMob special and came away packed, buzzed and happy. The traditional margarita really plays nicely with the chips and salsa - I was amazed at the amount of food we got for the price. We hope to come back again soon to try some of the other items that had been added since we last came (like the street corn on the cob - oh man).
(5)
Meredith P.
I've been eating at Agave since it opened (it's been years) and have never had a disappointing experience. The food is always good, the service is always friendly and the place is always clean. Plus, they've got a great selection of tequila for a truly tasty margarita. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Cara B.
I had a friend in town for the night so when deciding where a group of us should go on a Thursday night, I figured this was the perfect excuse to try Agave. It's literally been on my Atlanta Bucket List almost as long as I have lived here. Skip the valet and park up the road. Cabbagetown is a cool little neighborhood, so the walk will take you past some houses that clearly are occupied by people who are much cooler and much more creative than I will ever be. Maybe valet if you are by yourself, you are still in Atlanta. The atmosphere is perfect for a place like this, low lighting, loud but not too loud, upscale but still casual. Practically everything on the menu sounded amazing to us all, but being a table of graduate students, we stuck to the top half of the menu (the entrees are ordered by price starting at $12). Our group had the guac (a half order was plenty for 4), Burrito and Stew, Meatballs, and Fried Chicken. Everything was pretty delicious and all of the plates were 100% clean at the end of the meal! I do have a slight bone to pick with the "Famous Cheyenne Fried Chicken." It wasn't A) spicy and B) probably isn't famous. So while I thought it was actually some of the better friend chicken I've had around here, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. I saved the best for last: the margaritas! By far the best marg I've had in a really long time. While they are expensive and certainly not something you could drink regularly on a budget, the margs are perfectly made. I had the jalapeno marg. it didn't slap you in the face with heat, but it had a low burn that built as you drank it. Lovely.
(4)
Sunil G.
I went here shortly after moving to Atlanta upon a friend's strong recommendation. I was absolutely impressed -- the food here is like nothing I've had anywhere else. While food of the Mexican variety is often delicious comfort food, it's rarely what I'd call gourmet. The thing is, though, that Agave's food isn't Mexican. The closest thing I'd call it is a super fancy interpretation of Tex-Mex. Whatever it is, it's delicious. There's a huge vegetarian menu for people like me who don't eat meat, accompanied with an equally gigantic dessert menu. The key lime pie was some of the best I've ever had.
(5)
Ben B.
To the people say that its in a bad area... how much of an uncultured yuppie are you? This area is full of hipsters/creatives/artists/investors/bankers/etc probably a whole lot more wealthier than you know. Its called gentrification. How are you unexposed to the reality of this? Leave the suburbs once in a while. The food --- very good. A bit pricey for the quality, I think, though. I had the famous fried chicken and it was too close to American fried chicken for what I expected at Agave. I wanted something a little more creative. The ceviche was great.
(4)
J C.
Recently dined with a friend. She probably didn't communicate as clearly as she could have that she was allergic to tomatoes. Although a tomato based sauce was left off her entree, the rice also contained tomato. Once the mistake was realized, the cook flew out of the kitchen, was very apologetic, as was the server. The cook then prepared the entree with potatoes instead and made her a salad while she waited for the corrected entree. This was incredible customer service. I am a fan for life!
(5)
Dru M.
I've been to Agave a bunch of times, but this is my first review. A group of 6 of us went last night to try their Chef's Menu ($30/person - 9 courses). Below is why I will be back soon. 1 - Our service was fabulous. Server was attentive, knew his menu well and did everything in his power to make our experience incredible. 2 - The nine course meal was also fabulous. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the tuna (entree), BUT...it wasn't horrible. It was cooked a bit too much for me. The veal meatloaf, shrimp tacos and goat cheese/corn mashed potatoes were probably my top three things. 3 - Drinks were also good. Four of my friends ordered different margaritas and all of them had great things to say. I had some champagne and coffee/baileys. Great pours on both for the price. 4 - Price. We ended up sending $60/person, which included nine courses (a dessert sampler that probably cost $40 itself), drinks, tip and tax. That's two thumbs up for me. 5 - One person is glutton free and I have some crazy food allergies and the chef was able to give us other options and didn't charge extra. Overall...AWESOME! Check out their Chef's Menu...it'll make you smile.
(5)
Amanda B.
Love this little gem!! The area is somewhat sktech, but that's no different that other parts of this little city. The food is outstanding, the tequila is strong...can't get much better than that!
(4)
Ray D.
My wife says I can be picky (what does she know....) but this place never lets me down. I must caveat 'never' by saving I have only been here a couple of times, once to meet friends and twice for a business dinner. The lamb is out of this world, and the extensive drink menu will keep anyone happy.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
I returned to Agave this past Friday for date night with the boy... we had a reservation but still had to wait a few minutes for the table- so we headed to the bar! I had a "skinny" margarita, it was good, but not as skinny as I prefer (too much mix)... A few minutes later we were seated in the "patio" area of the restaurant- I guess they convert it over for the winter months- the setting was romantic with a huge fireplace in the middle of the dining room, but it was still kind of cold. Luckily our server, Spadoni, picked up on this and turned the heaters on, I was warm within seconds! To start, the date and I had a shot of tequila - silver tequila chilled - unfortunately mine still had an ice cube in it, so I almost choked when taking the shot! For dinner we shared the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and the meatloaf with southwestern mac & cheese- they were both DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere is lively, the service is great, and the food is amazing!
(4)
Rhonda M.
Agave is by far the favorite restaurant for my husband and I. It's close to home and consistently has great food. We love the salsa and blue chips served upon arrival. They have the best margaritas in Atlanta! Make sure you try the Texas margarita. What is SO wonderful about Agave is they have "Two for One Appetizers" when you sit at the bar from 5pm - 7pm nightly! My husband loves everything he eats here, but some of his favorites are the Beer Braised Pork Shank and the Sunburned Strip Steak. My favorites are the Salmon Filet and the Stuffed Trout. When I order the trout, I get the julienned veggies instead of spanish rice. I promise if you visit here, you'll love it. Everyone we've taken to this restaurant raves about it and can't wait to visit again. Try them out!
(5)
Katy S.
I feel very lucky to have this restaurant nearby. The food is always very, very good. I end up with a new favorite every few months. Favorites are smoked trout guac, chicken poblano soup (so good, have tried to pry the recipe out of them with no luck yet), salmon, fried chicken, and the margaritas! The main dining room is unbelievably loud so request a table in one of the back roomm for a more intimate experience. I've never been disappointed here. Solid joint.
(4)
Ryan S.
Love this place. Food has always been great and they do have a nice booze selection. Service is good once you are in, unfortunately my only failing is the work of the hostesses. Had reservations screwed up a couple of times, etc. Join their email list and they give out some awesome coupons for BOGO, happy hour, etc.
(4)
Brandon N.
This place ROCKS!!! We have dine here for several years now!!! We had went here for my birthday one year & fell in LOVE!!! The foods is consistantly GOOD, EXCELLENT service, FREINDLY & Great Atmosphere!!!! They have the BEST FOODS for the price!!! Great desserts platter!!! STEAK, SHRIMP & FRIED CHICKEN ARE THE BOMB!!!! All the sides are AMAZING!!!!! We make a regular trip there every week!!!!
(5)
Jeremy A.
We have been to Agave a few times and I wish I could tell you more about dishes that they serve, however the first time I went there I got the crawfish stuffed trout and its so good that I have never ordered anything else ;) A great place if you are a tequila fan, they have an extensive listing. If anyone wants to recommend another dish to me in open for it, otherwise the trout is so damn good Ill probably get that the next time I go, yet again!
(4)
Shaun R.
Visiting here in Atlanta with family. Just had the Sea scallops, honey cider/bacon collard greens, and tomato and Serrano grits! So yummy! Really nice waiter and they were very accommodating even though we were late for our reservation.
(4)
Vida D.
I was just at Agave about two weeks ago. I had the Peachtree Margarita. I am not usually a margarita drinker, but this has to be the best Margarita I have ever had. I had the Ranch Pork Shops, with the honey cidar greens. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. If it's a friday or saturday, make reservations. I saw friends there who had been waiting for 45 minutes when we arrived.
(5)
Michelle B.
I actually can't believe I haven't reviewed Agave yet. I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the drinks are excellent, and the service is top notch. I have loved everything I've eaten there. It's a must-go place in Atlanta.
(5)
Leonardo M.
Great food and service. A little on the loud side, so it's great for groups, not so great for a date. I love the ambiance.
(4)
Helena W.
Went there as a spur of the moment suggestion based on our location at the time. Let me say this, the other and I are sportin' a mega food baby right now. I had the special which was the baby back ribs and other had the medallions. We both enjoyed our meals. Robert was our server and was nice enough to suggest things for us to share. To be honest, next time I could be set with the honey&bacon greens with the Mac and cheese and be completely satisfied... They were that good. Love the salsa but the guacamole was not a fav. We will likely try something else in place of it. Oh! The price wasn't bad but more then we were expecting when we saw the menu. It's not a place we would be visiting often. It was a great choice in an effort to try something new.
(4)
Steven M.
Hands down one of our favorite restaurants! Margaritas are amazing, food is fantastic and I really like the Cabbagetown area. I normally get the Southwestern chicken and is always perfect. I have been 10+ times and it never disappoints!
(5)
Barbara S.
Agave is one of those places that i just keep going back to over and over again because the food and drinks never disappoint! House Margaritas are delicious and probably the best house marg in town, but I prefer to kick it up to something with a bit of a darker tequila. The chips and salsa are addictive with the right amount of salt on the chips and the salsa does remind me of Ortega (which reminds me of my childhood) but better. They offer an amazing, yet simple salad of mixed greens with avocado. Great flavors that just work well together. The Fried Chicken is the one thing that I must order every time i visit Agave. The accompanying mashed potatoes are so creamy and flavorful. For dessert, I love the Key Lime Pie if they have it on the menu. They also have great coffee if you are like me and enjoy a nice cup with your sweets. As someone else commented, the noise level is a bit high, but i feel that gives it the fun and festive atmosphere that comes along with drinking great margaritas and eating delicious southwestern food. Tip: Get on their mailing list for offers like $10 entrees.
(4)
Eleanor S.
In a bit of a bad area, but awesome! Cool eclectic southwestern decor and amazing food. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy, boneless, and not oily. It was a little dark/loud, but they do have a patio.
(5)
Shawny S.
I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The food was "okay". Nothing extraordinary! The portion size that I got when I ordered Tenderloin Medallions were very small. I can go to Longhorns steak house and get a better cut of steak with a better price than this place. Overpriced? Absolutely. However, the waiter was nice. The chips and salsa were good. The ambiance was nice too. Not a place I'll be going back to.
(3)
Brent H.
There's not a thing I don't like about this place. The service is always among the friendliest in the city, the food is top notch, the drinks are well made, and the atmosphere has a southwestern flare that avoids going too far into tacky Chili's territory. Foods I've tried: Cayenne fried Chicken - My first choice. Always good but I like to switch the sides up and get it with the grits. Tequila Anejo Shrimp - A bit on the spicy side but not too bad. Perfect if you like a bit of heat with your meal. Southwestern Burrito and Stew - The burrito is pretty massive with lots of flavor. To me the hatch green chile stew was really the standout part of this dish. When you go, I'd definitely recommend getting the Guacamole. All fresh ingredients, tastes great. If you like Tequila or margaritas, this is the place to go. Massive selection and the bartenders know what they're doing.
(5)
Claire S.
Chip-o's and guacamole= so so good. Like the atmosphere in this restaurant, cute spot for a date which is always good. We had shrimp tacos as an app and they were really good and really spicy. Service was nice, for my entree I had stuffed trout which I absolutely loved, stuffed with crawfish and rice and deliciousness, also very spicy and very very good. Also tried the beer braised pork shank which was nice but I would recommend the trout over it . Guacamole is amazing, make sure you get it. They also have a stupid valet which is pointless and causes you to freeze outside because the parking lot is so small we literally watched the valet pull our car up 4 ft to us which was totally unnecessary and stupid as we had to wait for some slow old people to drive away while freezing outside. But the food is fantastic and the ambiance is nice.
(4)
Jada G.
I was so excited to finally come here. I pass it almost everyday and it's been on my bookmark list forever and a day. It's always crowded and the menu is so diverse. They are rated best margaritas. So after a long, disappointing day at work I knew I needed some comfort in the form of food and a margarita. The service is nothing short of hospitality. We got a free appetizer for using the yelp app to check-in. Always awesome! I should have gotten the fried chicken. There has to be a reason why everyone raves about it. My table ordered the short ribs, a burrito and the chicken fingers off the kid's menu. For this place to be nuevo mexican, or tex mex, our dishes had no flavor or taste to them. My short ribs had this sauce on them and they were so tender. But after a couple of bites, the dish got boring and the meat was really greasy. The burrito had no taste to it, and nothing that set it apart from the burritos at moes, except the price (i say moes b/c I hate their burritos). I'm a frozen margarita gal, but the waiter said their frozen margaritas are watered down. Ok, whatever, give me on the rocks. Yeah...no. I'm just not a fan of margaritas on the rocks. They are too sweet and syrupy for my liking. I am, however, in love with the mango margarita at la parilla. That, my friends, should win some medals. Anywoo, I had him take my drink and make it into a frozen one and sure enough it was plain old water. so, i left it on my table, untouched. I can say, I enjoyed the service and the atmosphere. I will go back and taste the infamous chicken, but if i don't like that I'm not going back. The appetizer was good
(3)
Jonah K.
Amazing every time. Excellent drinks, tequilla selection and all of the food is amazing. The prices are reasonable and they do an amazing job all around. The short ribs are out of this world.
(5)
FlyTaurusChick W.
Great margaritas and the best Chile Relleno in Atlanta. I was unhappy with my Jalapeno margarita (a little too spicy b/c of the raw peppers) but when I sent it back they happily gave me another.
(5)
Sarah Z.
I'd first like to point out that Lisa is an awesome bartender! Accommodating, fun and thoughtful...everything you need your bartender to be on a crazy packed Cinco de Mayo. The chip & guac, calamari and chicken quesadilla were all d-lish appetizers...do not hesitate to order! For dinner I had the slow cooked short rib which was PERFECT. It was the free appetizer Yelp deal that got us in the door but deal or no deal..upon my next visit to Atlanta, I will definitely return!
(5)
Angela M.
I'd wanted Italian, and we were headed to Noni's, but the traffic from the Sweet Auburn festival was insane, so we headed to Agave instead, having just been reminded by Zack that it was worth trying. Luckily for us, the wait was only 45 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday night. It had started to get cold, and I wasn't properly dressed for the wind, but we waited on the patio anyway, since the air was blowing straight down as you entered and there were no spots at the bar. Fortunately, it didn't actually take 45 minutes. We got a table to the right, one row off the fire place. The service was prompt and friendly - the water glasses were already full, which was nice since the wind had really dried me out. I'd heard great things about the margaritas, but no drinking for me for the next few months... so Jimmy and Cam just got Bohemia's. We started with guacamole, which was really thick with nice chunks of chopped tomatoes. The blue corn chips had just enough salt and grease. The salsa was a little on the watery side, but tasted very fresh. I know this place is labeled as Tex-Mex, but I would describe it to a friend as Southern with Southwestern flavor. I had the scallops with grits and greens, Jimmy had the meatloaf with mac and cheese, Cam had the salmon. None of those dishes sound particularly Tex-Mex to me, until you read how they were all seasoned. My scallops had a ancho chile rub, the grits were roasted tomato and serrano chile, and the greens were smokey with honey and cider. The scallops were good, but the grits and greens were the highlight. The grits were creamy but still had good gritty texture, while the sweet smokiness of the greens was simply divine. I meant to save some to take with me, after all, I'm not the Most Interesting Man in the World, and I had filled up on chips, but those greens were too good to pass up. If I was going to eat them, I might as well eat the whole plate, though J and C did help me with the scallops. J's meatloaf tasted very strongly of cumin and was very moist. Cam's salmon and veggies were almost as good as my scallops. I'd wanted to try the key lime pie that I saw on the dessert tray that kept going by, but there was no room left! Next time...
(4)
Tiffane C.
After 5 days spent between Atlanta and Savannah, GA eating nothing but southern and seafood cuisines, my palette was begging for something different. I decided on Mexican at Agave, and boy, am I glad I did. The atmosphere is really nice. I've never been to Mexico, but the decor seems to make a good attempt at authenticity. The dim lighting also made for a romantic ambiance. I started with chips and guac as an appetizer. I've definitely had better guacamole, but I cleaned the bowl all the same. I also had a delicious strawberry margarita which was awesomely refreshing in light of the heat. My entree was the highlight of the meal. The slow cooked short ribs were amazing. They were extremely tender and well seasoned. Combined with the potatoes, they made for a hearty meal of manageable portions, so again, I cleaned my plate. My random escape from southern to mexican has now resulted in an ongoing love affair with Agave. I can't wait to return!
(5)
David B.
I enjoyed this restaurant. I would recommend. Cool scene, attentive waitstaff and B rated food with mexican twist. Mid to moderate price range.
(4)
Yeme T.
I'm a huge Agave fan. On my most recent visit I checked in using the Yelp app and automatically qualified for a free appetizer! I chose the smoked chicken & hatch green chile quesadillas. The crawfish pasta was my entree. Flan for dessert. As always, the service and my food was excellent.
(4)
Jill C.
We recently found this gem ...after raving reviews from several people. The 1st visit was amazing...We ordered the cayenne fried chicken and the steak medallions and sat at the bar (wait time was 1hr). The bartenders were fun and made the experience perfect. The 2nd time, we thought we'd be smart and make reservations. However, the service was terrible. I'm so thankful that this was the 2nd experience because if it had been our 1st, I would have had a hard time going back. On a completely positive note...The meatloaf is THAT good!
(4)
Oscar G.
We got a group to go in on the Chef's menu with us and we were very happy. Food was all very good with healthy portions. Our service was spectacular and our server worked with us on everything as well as recommending some great wine and being attentive the entire time. One experience made me a big fan.
(5)
Scott M.
It's all about the happy hour here. Between 5p-7pm every week day you can get buy 1 get 1 free appetizers. When I lived in the area, I would take care of this special as often as possible. The food here is tasty and a tad bit eccentric for a mexican spot. I love it though....the bartenders are pretty quick and really knowledgeable about their driniks. Additionally, the food comes out extremely quick here. The bar area isnt really that big, so make sure you get there early if you want to take advantage of the happy hour. It is sometimes hard as hell to get a seat!
(4)
Jennifer L.
Absolutely fabulous. The karma margarita is worth it alone!
(5)
Bobby B.
The chips and salsa are addictive - fresh tomatoes and cilantro = tasty. I tried the red pepper salmon - presented like artwork and tastes even better. The good food was matched with prompt and friendly service. A great value.
(5)
Tim F.
Good selection of appetizers and overall decent variety of beer and drinks. Chips and a spicy salsa are provided upon seating and this was very good. I would return to try other appetizers and possibly an entree. The only drawback I could see is that the margaritas seem to be a bit pricey. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive.
(3)
Scott L.
Best of the best. Service, food, ambience A+ . Favorite dish : green chile stew. Tip: get there early or you will wait.
(5)
Will T.
Every time I leave Agave I say, "That's the best meal I've ever had there." It happened again this weekend. Agave gets better and better, outdoing itself with every visit. Located in funky Cabbagetown, this eclectic Southwestern eatery hits on all cylinders - service, drinks and food. You'll be greeted at the door by a host or manager and seated promptly, unless you arrive during prime time on the weekend when reservations are recommended. Once seated service is attentive, friendly and relaxed and you won't be forgotten once your food arrives. You'd be remiss not to grab the best margarita in town. These are truly terrific margaritas, made with fresh squeezed lime juice, not some mix that arrives pre-bottled. When ordering you could close your eyes and point to the menu and land on any number of stellar entrees. Try their signature dish, Cayenne Fried Chicken, at least once. I've sampled about half the menu and everything I've tried is stellar. What currently has me singing their praises like a Baptist preacher on Sunday are Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops served over creamy fire roasted tomato and Serrano stone ground grits. That's a lot of flavor. And don't tell me you don't like collard greens until you've had their honey cider collards. It will make a believer out of you. This is upscale eclectic Southwestern food, not Tex-Mex as some reviews erroneously state. Discounts and specials abound if you sign up for their email newsletter.
(4)
Ron M.
Best happy hour deals, great food. Mary Lisa is a pleasure to see every time we walk in. Mussels are a must have.
(5)
Stacy S.
I have nothing bad to say about this place whatsoever. I can say it was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. I had the Veal, Chorizo & Green Chile Meatloaf with the sides and it was fantastic. Definitely 5 star material...at least on that night it was.
(5)
Laura R.
Agave has great gourmet southwest food! I highly recommend just about everything on the menu..
(5)
Chad W.
The Good...Food, I had the calamari for an app and meatloaf as my main The Bad....Noise! it was so loud I could not hear the waiter..and it was a Monday night The Ugly....Margaritas are weak ..Boo! Hiss!
(3)
Mariana R.
I just got around rating Agave, though I went there with a few people a couple of months ago. I had the Ceviche Martini that was shrimp & sashimi tuna over greens marinated in lime, oil, serrano peppers & cider vinegar and enjoyed it, definitely not traditional ceviche but it was good, and the pork shank was definitely awesome. The service was good even though it was a busy night and I had complimentary dessert because the server overheard that it was my anniversary which was not the reason we were there but was great. I chose the pumpkin cheesecake which was a season special and it was delish! I definitely enjoyed Agave.
(4)
Michelle S.
I have been meaning to review Agave for a while now because I really really love this place. I am a huge fan of any place that has chips, good guacamole and great margaritas and Agave has all three. On top of that they have a great atmosphere, terrific menu and wonderful staff. This review reminds me I need to go back. Love it.
(5)
G R.
Crowded. Reservation recommended.
(2)
Jay N.
1) Phenomenally good margarita -- I had the Herradura Top Shelf, and it was smooth, strong, well-mixed, and downright delicious. 2) Had two desserts that were also superlative: the Key lime pie, and the Belgian chocolate mousse. Oh My God level of incredible. Those were the 5-star-worthy standouts, but Agave's rating is brought back down a little by some misses. The two appetizers we tried (calamari, shrimp and poblano spring rolls) were both pretty ordinary, and would have been entirely forgettable if they had not come with a terrific jalapeno jelly dipping sauce. Seriously, I think I could eat my old gym shoes if I put a little of that jalapeno jelly on! My trout entree, stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms, was pretty decent--but not great enough to make me forget that trout just isn't the most delectable fish. Oh well. Great service, a cozy interior, and easy valet parking--plus the standouts above--make Agave worth a visit.
(4)
M A.
Agave is one of those places I've been meaning to try but never got around to, but finally got a large group of interested folks together to try the place. I normally enjoy giving reviews based on food AND service for large groups, but in light of there being three other large groups besides ours and the cramped quarters from so many bodies, I'll just say that a Friday night is not a good night to bring a large group here. Max your group out at 6 and you're fine. Any more and you're pushing your luck. In light of that, I'll review the food only and return another time to really test out the service. I would like to mention, however, that this is a place that does have the "everyone must be present to order" policy. Our final person was walking in from the parking lot but the server refused to wait a minute to collect our orders (if he'd started, the last person could've shown up and had time to look the menu over anyway). The meal lasted until nearly 10pm - we all arrived at 7pm. Yikes. With that off my chest, it's time to review the food! I had a mojito which was delicious but will set you back $9, so beware! The margaritas taste delicious as well, but you get what you pay for. The $7.95 margarita doesn't taste as good as the $9.95 one! There are a variety of spirits, though, so kudos on the well-stocked bar. The food itself was very delicious, but I must admit I'm not sure what Agave aims to be. Tex-Mex? Asian? Southern? I tasted someone's quesadilla, which was rich and full of flavor. I was also able to snag a piece of the fried chicken and it was so juicy, moist, and tender (all good words to describe good chicken). Delicious! My meal of choice was the seared tuna over mashed potatoes and asparagus. The tuna was seared to perfection, and the mashed potatoes were definitely fresh and hand mashed, yum! My only qualm is that it said there was a wasabi-laden sauce over the top but I never got the hint of heat. I'd like to see a bit more flavor pop with the dish, but overall it did the job and I left happy. I would definitely love to come here again and try out the service without a large group (and not on a packed Friday evening either). Other than the service, food was spectacular and left my food baby happy and well-nourished. That mojito helped keep the rating up as well, so don't pass up the chance to try a drink here!
(4)
Sweet T.
Just ate here for the first time and was pretty happy with it, though the 4 stars are more for potential than our actual experience. The building is interesting, the service was very good and the food was very well prepared. The menu is awesome and makes me want to come back everyday for a week to try everything. The slight hesitation in my review is because some of the dishes were not worth the price tag. (*Cheap Bastard Alert) We started with margaritas and they were Really Good, worth the $10, though I still cringe at any cocktail priced over $6. They've got a nice variety and obviously know what the heck is up. The chips and salsa were very solid and the guacamole ($6.75) was good, too. The ceviche "martini" was nothing special and pretty small for the $9. I'd skip it next time. Also, the beer-battered shrimp were tasty but 5 shrimp for $12=not worth it. My blue corn chicken enchiladas were exceptional and totally worth the $14. The smoked chicken flavor was definitely present and not drowned out by cheese or sauce. Everything was perfectly balanced and the portion was nice, too. My Partner in Food Crime ordered the Agave Salad ($6.50) but added grilled shrimp to it at the suggestion of our friendly server. Those grilled shrimp were awesome but we didn't realize it would add $12 to the cost of the salad. For $18 she probably would have ordered something different, you know? My brother ordered the beer-braised pork shank and was very happy with it. Let's just take his word for it. Too full for dessert. Dang! Even with our mixed reviews, I'd go back to Agave in a heartbeat. It is too obviously a great spot to pass up just because some of the plates might be overpriced. I'm sure once you worked your way around the menu a bit you'd find plenty of things to blow your mind and not your budget. Count me in.
(4)
Nikki K.
This is not a review, but a little FYI- they do have a vegetarian menu on request, and the menu is also posted on their website. Think I might try Agave now that I know that!
(5)
Natalie B.
Really good food!!! Margaritas are awesome!!! And service has been stellar every time i have gone, even with large parties. Definitely GO and get the lamb!!! My mouth waters thinking about them!
(4)
Rachel R.
Peachtree margarita, scallops, torte. Thank you, Agave! I've been a customer for years and will continue to dine at Agave. It's such a great little Cabbagetown gem. Agave has everything, including great food. It's romantic, yet good for groups. It's nice, but casual at the same time. I really like how the staff steps to the side to let you walk through. That may sound weird, but it's one of those little things that make people feel important, and we all know people love to feel important.
(5)
Tiffany R.
The sea diver scallops over grits was AMAZING and their Agave fried chicken was "punch your mom in the face good" ,nice atmosphere, friendly staff, great pricing and spectacular eats!
(5)
Melissa B.
Been a fan since the early days. Back in town after moving to Charlotte and it was my first stop! Love the new southwest/Italian meatball fusion dish. My friend Susan is a regular!
(5)
Sara W.
My first trip to Agave was a 4 star experience. My most recent trip to Agave was closer to a 2 star, so I'll average it to a 3 rating. First trip we sat at the bar and enjoyed some happy hour specials on apps, which were all excellent. And the margaritas were amazing. We went back a few weeks later, sat at a table and it was a totally different experience. We were placed in a corner, surrounded by huge tables of 10-15 people so of course, service was slow and our order got mixed up. They brought out a calamari appetizer we didn't order then said "oh, it's free" -- but didn't really explain why they delivered it to our table. It was kinda weird. The entrees were alright. Nothing really to write home about. Maybe we should stick with sitting at the bar??
(3)
Katie K.
I have been going to Agave for well over 10 years and the food and service have always been consistently good. I went there with a group of 8 girlfriends recently as one of my first 'girls' nights' since having a baby. When we sat down, the waiter asked if we were celebrating any special occasions. Since it had been my friend's birthday earlier in the week, I said it was her birthday and the rest of the group told him that they were also 'celebrating' me too. Throughout the meal (on a busy Saturday evening beginning at 8:30), the waiter was somewhat attentive but not excellent. Before we had even finished the meal (or been asked if we wanted dessert), they brought out two chocolate desserts for myself and my friend. We thought this was nice (although I normally like to order what I want for dessert and then have them bring it out with a candle, etc.)....BUT, when we got our checks we realized we'd been charged for the desserts. This is the first time this has ever happened to me, especially when we did not order dessert ourselves- It seems like if they bring it out automatically (especially without letting us choose), the restaurant would comp this. We thought this was strange and I promised myself I'd write a review about this.
(4)
Tammy C.
Agave offers some of the best choices and one of the finest dining experiences in Atlanta. They offer vegetarian dishes that are unparralled in Atlanta with variety and taste. As a non-vegetarian I crave their seared Ahi in between visits. Call and make a reservation as they are always busy but I promise you will not be dissappointed unless you are impossible to please!
(5)
Martha S.
Wonderful! Went here for an awesome birthday dinner -- I had the scallops, which came with amazing iterations of cheesy grits and collard greens. They also comped my dessert because they'd asked if it was a special occasion when we made the reservation. WTG, guys! Ask to see the vegetarian menu -- the options on there were significantly cheaper than the regular menu, and the dish my boyfriend ordered off there was great.
This place must be good for me to drive from Buckhead on my way to Decatur. And the other night was great! My BF and I popped in fairly early (5ish) and quickly snagged the last two seats at the bar. It is a small bar - seats about 10 people max. But the the bartenders are pleasant and friendly. It seemed that most of the other patrons were regulars. We came for the "half-price appetizers at the bar" special and walked out fuller and fatter with the $10 entree celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Agave! Jack, the owner, and I agreed that 6 months in the Atlanta restaurant business is a long time so 10 years is awesome! Jack comes to Atlanta from Albuquerque, NM via Auburn, AL. We are glad he did. We shared the guacamole which was good but not great. It needed a little zip so we added the zippy salsa. Better!!!! We never felt rushed and the bartender made some great suggestions on meals. Hmmmm - do I go for the fried chicken (at a tex-mex restaurant?) or how about the steak special? First off, everything here is delicious so making that decision is hard. Ultimately, my BF had the red-chile rubbed scallops that were wonderful with cheese grits and honey collard greens. I chose the bistro steak special which was good but I could have had that at any restaurant in Atlanta. Next time, the short ribs will call out to me! And I'm thinking I will save a little room for dessert. Yummy!
(4)
Scott S.
Just got home from another awesome time at agave. They were hoppin as usual on a Saturday night, but as always the staff was on point. From the door to the drinks (was recommended the new George Clooney Casamigos! Was good in my margarita and in a snifter with dessert!) to the food. Surprised actually at how quickly the food came! We had a table right in front of the kitchen line and I noticed for the first time the massive amount of food those guys get out, and I didn't see any heating lamps! So its up and gone and hot!Those cooks are rock stars! I didn't have my usual stuffed trout, ventured to the scallops again per recommendation and the server did not steer me wrong, the grits and collards were awesome accompaniments! Took some grits to go for breakfast! Props to my server as I was feeling experimental and he didn't disappoint, Sam was our server and he was kind, helpful, obviously knowledgeable and unintrusive. We'll be seeing him again soon I hope thanks agave as always, impressive!
(5)
Rachel M.
I was a bit wary considering there were some not so great reviews, however, several friends raved about it so I decided to give it a go. As was the general consensus, the service was exceptional. Both me and my date got the short ribs which were also excellent. Though the place was a bit loud, I didn't think it was too overwhelming for a date. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Pamela G.
Agave is an amazing restaurant! all of their food is fresh and never frozen. The tequila bar is exceptional, they also have the most delicious Chile & Herb Rub of which they created. The rub is also for sale. The service and staff are hands down top notch! I have never had a bad meal. Lisa, the head mixologist makes the best margarita in Atlanta. This is my cheers, if you are in Atlanta, you must dine here.
(5)
Katie C.
The restaurant is really pretty inside and everyone who works there looks like they like it. The food is really great. I would recommend any of their seafood dishes. Come during happy hour for some great deals. The reason they aren't getting five stars is because of their parking situation. They technically don't "make" you use the valet but there's only a half dozen spots available to the immediate left.
(3)
Amrita J.
So this was a big birthday year for me....I turned 25 on the 25th !!! Woohoo!!!! Little did I know it was going to cause me SO many problems as far as my plans went for the evening, b/c of the wonderful high school proms going on in Atlanta the SAME night. So what does dinner plans + prom=?!?! BOOKED BOOKED BOOKED restaurants!!! :( I was desperate for a place to go to that would accomodate my large group of friends, and finally came across Agave. I want to start by giving HUGE props to the owner/partner Tim for coming to my rescue. I called him, he told me "No problem", and was ready to give us a table for 15+ people, but then when I called him back and told him it'd be closer to 10-12 ppl, he told me once again "No problem", we'll make sure that the table is ready for ya'll.......and that he did. So the big day came, and I met my friends at Agave, not quite sure what to expect from the place, the food, the service, any of the above. But who cares....it was my freaking BIRTHDAY!!!!! Well let's just say I had a fabulous time, and was so greatful for all of the things listed above: Atmosphere: A Food: A+ Service: A++ Drinks: A+ Laughs from our awesome waiter: Spadoni A++++ So our waiter, ROCKED...(as listed above)....he handled our table with such ease, anything we wanted, he was there at our beck and call, with a huge smile on his face!!!! He even decorated the cake that was brought in by adding strawberries surrounding it, and chocolate sauce saying "Happy Birthday". I had the Rio Rancho tacos, which were YUMMY!!! Plus, we got the calamari appetizer, and can't forget the libations to go along with it all......I had the Frozen Strawberry Reposado.....mmmmmm mmmmmmm GOOD! I had a fabulous 25th birthday, and it all started off right here at Agave....Thanks Agave for accomodating me in my time of need !!!
(5)
Heather S.
1) The drink I has was really good. I had a Texas margarita. It was perfect. 2) The chips are made fresh on site and the salsa was amazing. 3) I had the tequila shrimp and it was amazing. 4) Our server was named Spadoni and other people have mentioned him as being great. If given the option, I would wait for an hour if it meant he would be my server. He was honestly the best server I have ever had in my life anywhere. 5) The staff really wants you to enjoy yourself here and have a great experience and go out of their way to make sure everything is great. 6) Did I mention that the food was awesome?? It's not really tex mex but upscale southwestern. It's a little on the pricey side so I won't go here a lot, but I really should go there more than I have in the past.
(5)
Andrew N.
Its not Tex-Mex, its New Mexican! So, what does that mean? Well, no BBQ sauce and plenty of green chiles! Moving from New Mexico, it took some time for me to get used to this place, because it is not entirely New Mexican, it is more Modern-Metro-Southern-inspired New Mexican. There are grits and seared Ahi on the menu. Well, I've come around and now this is my favorite nearby haunt for those times when I want to drop a bit of cash. I very much enjoy the large and rico Santa Fe enchiladas, and my wife the fresh and firm seared Ahi Tuna. The New Mexico rack or lamb is nothing to sneeze at either. Drinks... well, this is one of the few places that I would actually recommend both the food and the Rita's. There are over 100 tequilas so there are plenty of ways to make em. I prefer the Herradura Top-Shelf, and my wife the Agave Don Eduardo Añejo. Tasty, but at near $10 a pop, I would pace myself. This place is a must for anyone who wants a unique and flavorful Atlanta culinary experience. Be sure to make reservations on almost any night. Also, keep an eye out for BOGO coupons in the Savvy Shopper, it will make your experience much cheaper, but no less tasty. (edit: I should add that the folks: Host, server, and managers go out of their way to make sure you are happy) My one request is that they start asking the official question of New Mexico: "Red or Green?"
(5)
Alain L.
So I talk my good friend Nichole into going to Agave with me, she initially suggested pizza, so I politely overruled her. It's a Friday evening and something like pizza just wasn't going to cut it. I got there first, it gave me a good opportunity to check out the bar area and the seating layout. The walkways were narrow and not the best to hold a conversation as foot traffic is constantly interrupting the flow. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance, feels like I've walked into a Spanish villa. Perhaps the narrowness was intentional. Nichole arrives and we get our table after a brief wait. We got seated in the covered patio, which was perfect. Lots of sun still left in the day and I had a few margaritas with my name on them. Our server was a doll, she was fun and made great recommendations like the Spicy Southwestern Crab & Shrimp Spring Rolls. These were truly fantastic and I would devour an entree portion if one was available. Nic went with the Cayenne Fried Chicken as her main course and I went with the night's special of scallops with tomatillo grits and pineapple. I tried a little bit of the chicken and it was very tasty. I was a little disappointed in the scallops, but the grits were very good. Agave is a great restaurant and I see it being part of my regular rotation.
(4)
Kelly S.
Agave gets 4 stars, and a couple of itty bitty tweaks would make it 5. Well, ok, so the first "tweak" is more of a complete overhaul of their parking system: the world's most unnecessary and inconvenient valet. AT LEAST put a covered waiting area out there or something. For Pete's sake, my man and I had to stand IN THE RAIN for a good 5-10 minutes while the valet went to get my car, which was within eyesight. Talk about ending an awesome meal on a shitty note. The other thing is that the calamari was "meh". Nice and tender, so no issues of chewiness. I just thought it was lacking flavor - but my boyfriend disagreed, so take my review of it with a grain of salt (or just add some). The guacamole seemed a little oddly sweet, but it was still very good. But now that all the negatives are out of the way . . . everything else was OH MY GOD good. I had the tequila anejo shrimp and . . . *heehee* 3 Texas margaritas. My boyfriend had the trout and a Texas margarita as well. We were so stuffed from the chips and salsa (delicious!), guacamole, and calamari that by the time the entrees came, you KNOW it had to be good for us to kill it like we did. Oh, and the hospitality is overwhelmingly good, especially coming from the perspective of someone who usually eats at places that are cheap as possible. Our reservation was for 7:30, and we got there on time and were seated immediately. Every employee we passed greeted us in a manner that at least SEEMED sincere, unlike the forced greetings you get at so many other places. I also love the decor. Warm, dark-ish, rustic - it kinda gave me a Catholic-church-in-Mexico feel (but beware, I've never even been to Mexico). If it weren't for the valet parking, this would be a 5-star review.
(4)
Dave A.
Always enjoyable. It's a touch too dark in there for my old 25 year old eyes. I love the 2 for 1 entree coupons in the Savvy Shopper magazine, too! Try the trout! Great food and excellent drinks. Enjoy!
(4)
Brooks S.
I'm a big fan of Agave - except for a few minor glitches in my last visit, which included a long initial wait and a long wait for the food, I have never had a negative experience. I've introduced a lot of people to it and they have always loved the food. My mom, mom's friend, brother and his girlfriend are a few of the out-of-town guests that really enjoy the fresh, crispy chips and tasty, fresh salsa brought out at the beginning of the meal. The food offers a nice southwestern experience with many great flavors - my favorites include the Tequila Shrimp, the halibut, and the swordfish special I had last time I went. I have had a couple special events there, like valentines day and really enjoyed the personable service and friendliness of the staff. The guacamole is quite good as well as the margaritas, my favorite being the Texas. One of the places I love to go when I know I want a flavorful dish and I have a couple extra dollars to spend. Thanks Agave for the great atmosphere and food.
(4)
Laura R.
Not your standard Mexican joint.... you should know that going in. You should also be prepared to pay for parking. The food is decent and well priced. There is a vegetarian menu that has lots of tasty options. The margaritas are great! But, there is no queso? The food also seemed somewhat bland. This place has a nice vibe overall.
(3)
Jason M.
I'd give Agave a solid 3.5 stars which rounds up to four for these purposes. Pros- The margaritas are pretty good and the salsa is quite nice. The trout is delicious and the blue corn enchilades are also quite tasty. Cons- It's a bit dark and a bit loud inside which takes away from it's score. Also, it i s a bit expensive for "Not Mexican."
(4)
Megan S.
SOUTHEAST GOES SOUTHWEST AT AGAVE Need a flavor fix, go to the former Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill's General Store where Agave resides- you'll find the best southwest food in ATL. Jack Sobel, Chef- Owner opened this gem in 2000 fulfilling his dream to create delectable New Mexican-style foods. The central theme in all his heavenly creations is the tantalizing chile pepper. To truly master the chile, the freshest ingredients must be used and to help accomplish this Agave uses no microwaves or freezers and receives its meats and produce daily. True to its namesake, Agave has over 100 tequilas, which makes for some outrageous margaritas. The creators of these heavenly beverages are Lisa Metzger and Melissa Agee. These goddesses of the bar surely know how to make tequila sing. The Corzo Perfecto is a perfect blend of Corzo Super Premium Reposado, limejuice and Agave Nectar. I thought I had tasted some great margaritas, but these are too awesome. The housemade chips, salsa, and freshly made guacamole helps prevent the glasses from emptying too quickly. To jump-start the journey to the Land of Enchantment, Thomas, a most knowledgeable waiter, presented Agave's signature soups. The traditional earthy Posole with braised pulled pork, hominy, guajillo red chile, and lime honors the celebration of life. The hearty Hatch Green Chile Stew with chunks of beef tenderloin, corn, and onions was decadently spicy, but not hot. The Grilled Shrimp and Sashimi Tuna Ceviche marinated with lime, serrano peppers and a splash of cider vinegar is a seafood lover's dream. Wrapped in rice paper, the crispy Spicy Spring Rolls consisted of a perfect blend of chopped shrimp, lump crab, Napa cabbage, and of course serrano peppers. The outrageous guajillo chile, limejuice and white wine sauce made the plump, delicate Guajillo Mussels so tasty. If the chile is the soul of Southwestern cooking, then Agave brings it to life. Perfectly spiced Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken served with poblano habanera and jalapeno jellies is otherworldly. If this dish doesn't make you your taste buds rumba, I don't know what will. To kick it up the spice chart, the grilled Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno and cheddar grits cakes is unbelievable. For meat and potato lovers that need a little spice in their life, the ground veal, chorizo, and Hatch Green chilies meatloaf is like no other- yummy! If Elvis had the pan seared beef tenderloin medallions in a garlic-chile tequila puree, he would have broke into a chorus of "Love me Tender". The parade doesn't stop here, The Southwestern twist on a key lime pie is a delight, the raspberry margarita cheesecake is sinful, for chocolate lovers there is the Belgian Chocolate mousse and the Torta de Sabrosa, and the most different dessert ever is the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie which lives up to its name, OK I'm ready for another Margarita. In addition to this outstanding award-winning restaurant, Jack Sobel other life is his band, Black Swan Lane. Their relaxing melodic lyrics reminds me of Roger Waters meets Brian Eno, good stuff, check out their website myspace.com/blackswanlane . LGBTG FRIENDLY ***** (Great Staff) FOOD ***** (Chile Lover's Paradise) PRICE ***** (Parties of 6 or more get the Chef Sampler) AMBIENCE ***** (Patio Dining/ Great Bar) DRINKS ***** (Best Margaritas in Town) agaverestaurant.com ADDRESS: 242 Boulevard SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312 Tel: (404) 588-0006
(5)
Betty R.
Can't believe it took us so long to go to Agave, especially since we used to live right down the road. Our friends had a 20% off VIP email thingy, so we decided to give it a go - it was a tasty evening. I love that they are not scared of the spice at Agave! Jalapeno margarita was great, salsa had a good kick to it, and the meatballs were really yummy (the other app we ordered, the calamari, was just fine - good, but nothing to write home about). Hubby's fried chicken entree was definitely the favorite - I will order it next time for sure. My trout was also quite good, and a HUGE portion. Service was good - the waiter was friendly, but he got that we were chatting with our friends and didn't bug us unless he saw that we needed something. I thought the prices were pretty darn reasonable, and the setting was nice - we were at a table in the back by the fire, which was cozy on a cold night. I hope to be back soon!
(4)
Angela B.
I would not return to Agave!! *wouldn't seat us *watered down Martini *bad order
(1)
Joe C.
Decent Fancy-Mexican Place: Margarita's were tasty. Environment is good. They had a vegetarian menu for those that don't eat meat. Strange their was no queso on the menu. Pretty good place for some Mexican food. A little spendy for what you get, as they play upon the attempted 'upscale' ambiance. But a pretty good place overall.
(3)
Kassandra M.
Fun environment, delicious food. Vegan friendly. Wonderful margaritas. Could I ask for more? Make sure you have a reservation on Fridays and weekends.
(4)
Phin S.
I kind of knew I would end up giving this place five stars after reading the reviews. It's not too often that about halfway into a meal, I say aloud, "this might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta." That was the case with Agave. This place just has everything going for it. The atmosphere is perfect-- very comforting, warm, cool, and friendly. The staff is very attentive and helpful. The food is original and excellent. We sat at the bar, where you get BOGO appetizers EVERY night from 5-7, so we got 4 apps. They were all wonderful, particularly the shrimp and tenderloin-- the steak was just amazing. It was cooked rare and was up there with the best steak I have ever had (weird for an app). The drinks were phenomenal. We tried four margs, and they were all outstanding. They are pricey, but they are quality drinks. I can't really suggest a particular one, but you should be able to ask the staff for help, and you really can't go wrong. You probably can't afford to come here regularly, but this place makes sense as a regular place for special occasions (if that makes sense). I'd imagine I'll be coming back here at least annually. Thanks for existing, Agave! Note-- we got there around 4:50, so we got to park in the lot ourselves instead of using valet. Then we were there for the entire buy one get one free appetizer at the bar deal. Also, it was not crowded yet on a Saturday at that hour, so our service was great. I couldn't think of a better time to go to Agave than 4:50-7:00 sitting at the bar on a Friday or Saturday.] On the update, have to lower it to four stars for a bad service experience. Still a good place, but service must be consistent.
(4)
Marisa M.
Delicious, dependable and unpretentious. This is a regular place for me. My favorite dish is the Anejo Shrimp - I love everything about it especially the so, so yummy corn cake. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken is good and so are the salmon and the veggie plate. Good prices and service. No brainer when you want a good, no fuss meal.
(5)
Ben H.
*Wow - Afghan, Burmese, Hot Dogs, Ukrainian, and Fish & Chips tags but no Southwestern tag?! Agave really isn't "Tex-Mex" but whatever - I'm nitpicking.* I really like Agave. The atmosphere is casual, but not too casual - it's not stuffy or pretentious. The restaurant is very attractive as well. The service is attentive, refined, and yet down to earth. All the food I've had there is very good - it is fresh, well prepared, and spicy. I love the crawfish pasta, but it IS seriously intense so be warned (and I love spicy food). If yours wasn't very spicy then they must have just sized you up for a wussy, bland eater and toned it down. Both the trout and fried chicken are very good as well. Of course, the margaritas are excellent - I would recommend the Herradura one (I get it every time and have since been able to replicate a pretty good version). Prices here are really reasonable and they tend to have good deals here as well. I really enjoy going to Agave and it is one of my go-to restaurants now as it is consistently great. My only complaint would be that the absolutely idiotic valet parking system next to the restaurant. It should just not be valet period. The first time I was there I had to get out and walk a bit to the front of the restaurant which is facing the street, not the lot. There is no element of convenience here which should be the purpose of valet. When leaving, I then had to walk PAST my car to get to the valet where my keys were. I just took my keys from the valet and walked back to my car and left. Valet parking can be quite nice and convenient, but in this instance it just wastes your time and is incredibly inconvenient and annoying. It just does not make any sense to have valet here - just make it self-parking. I have since avoided this problem by parking on Carroll Street though. /rant 4.5
(5)
Sabrina T.
I've been having a special love affair with Agave for some time now. Agave has mastered the art of making every visit, every menu selection and every drink feel and taste just like the very first time. The quality and taste of their food and drinks remains consistent, right along with their service. Their tender divers scallops seduce me over and over and over again. Must haves: divers scallops, grit cake, agave chop salad, spring rolls, peachtree margarita and pomerita. This is my neighborhood "Cheers", you should definitely make it yours too. This restaurant should not be categorized as Tex-Mex... To continue to do so is an insult to say the least. This is southwestern cuisine at its best. Do this restaurant justice and remove Tex-Mex as the restaurant descriptor.
(5)
Christine K.
While I, like the hundreds of other Yelpers, immensely enjoyed my dinner here a few nights ago, I have mixed feelings about it. But, my issue isn't really Agave's fault, so I can't really penalize them for it. The issue? Well, first, I need to tell you what I ate. After slurping up my delicious passion fruit margarita (very, very sweet) like water, munching on a zillion chips dipped in the most AWESOMELY flavorful salsa served in a restaurant, and finishing off my crunchy caesar salad, I happily dug into my stuffed mountain trout. The trout, needless to say, was yum yum yum yum (well, maybe a little salty) and I went straight to foodie heaven. My sister had some sort of pasta with crawfish along with a side of mac n cheese (not creamy enough in the least, in my opinion) and a mango margarita (strong and yummy); my mom had the fish special (I think it was the corvina??), which she found to be divine; and my dad ordered the tuna sashimi along with possibly the most delectable onion rings and a jalapeno margarita (of which he was sadly not a fan, but maybe it's because he's not crazy about on the rocks...). Our happy family of four ended our $150-ish food extravaganza with raspberry cheesecake, which at $7, wasn't exactly the most exciting cheesecake I've ever had and, I felt, fell a bit short of the scrumptious entrees. Service was excellent and as we were seated up in the loft-ish area overlooking the entire restaurant and kitchen, my dad proclaimed it the best seat in the house. The restaurant is pretty small actually and was extremely crowded, bustling with families, prom groups, dudes chilling, girlfriends chilling, and dates. Okay. Back to the issue. After such a wonderful evening, what went wrong? Much later that evening, I discovered that I broke out into the MOST attractive rash all over, proving that I am now apparently allergic to crawfish. Ah! While I am very unhappy about the allergic aftermath (and still having to deal with it after 3 days), I guess I wouldn't have found out had I not dined at Agave... Maybe. So. Agave, thank you for the food and I guess thank you for letting me know of yet another item I need to avoid. Ha! Don't worry, I don't hold this against you; it's just an unfortunate turn of events!
(5)
Krystal M.
It's okay, go ahead and believe the hype about this place. I was on a quest to find a new restaurant to try for my birthday [preferably one with a southwestern flair and known for their margaritas), and this is my new fave Atlanta restaurant. So, I'm sure you're asking yourself why I'm saying this restaurant is my new favorite. . . well a restaurant must pass the following categories with flying colors for me to say it's my favorite: - Attentive and Friendly Service from the host/hostess to the wait staff. Our waiter (Bobby, who was excellent), was on POINT! My glass was always refilled with water and he brought us out fresh salsa for our chips when he saw we were getting low. He also asked if we were there for a special occasion, in which I informed him it was my birthday. I was pleasantly surprised with a delicious chocolate mousse with a candle in it, in addition to the very flavorful raspberry cheesecake that we ordered (also with a candle in it). Also, the manager stopped by our table to see how we liked our food. I thought it was a very nice gesture. - A solid variety of good, flavorful food. Although the restaurant has a Tex Mex feel to it, anyone can find something to satisfy their palette at Agave. I had the fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and corn. My husband had the short ribs with the southwestern macaroni. Both of our entrees were DEE-LISH!! I must say, being a macaroni and cheese lover, I really loved their take on this dish. -Flavorful, inventive drinks. All I have to say is their margaritas are EXCELLENT. I thought that I wouldn't find a good margarita until I went back to Cabo San Lucas, but Agave knows how to make a mean margarita, but be careful, they do sneak up on you! I had the Peachtree Margarita and a Strawberry Margarita (what can I say, it was my birthday, so I splurged more than I normally would). Both margaritas were well balanced and very flavorful. Agave also has an extensive tequila menu. -Warm, Inviting Ambiance. The decor feels like home -- very cozy and comfortable. All in all, I had a great experience at Agave. I will definitely be back again soon. Also as a side note, the food is very reasonably priced for what you get!
(5)
Blair H.
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. Awesome prices, great service, and a thoughful and ever-changing menu (that keeps the fan faves but constantly introduces new ones). Oh, did I also mention that they have the best margarita's in the city. YES, the best margaritas in the city.
(5)
Cricket B.
Fabulous...friendly service, very fresh, warm chips...dinner was so yummy...love love the crawfish pasta that I had...omg delish! The chopped salad is a favorite as well. Definitely will be back again....Just go, it's all yummy.
(4)
Bobbin W.
Agave has knocked my taste buds off on several occasions, so it's time I sing its praises. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this Tex-Mex establishment is the consistently outstanding service. I've rushed into this place 15 minutes before closing time, and the hostess sat my date and me with a smile. And my most recent waiter, Spadoni, was so seriously keeping it real. I am totally watching my dollars and only ordered an entree that time. I know this budget-alert behavior is disappointing to waitstaff who need to make tips and survive, but Spadoni maintained his amazingly pleasant demeanor, even after I shunned opportunities to sample an appetizer or order one of the many tequilas off the drink menu. My favorite entree that Agave offers is the spicy tequila shrimp, which also happens to be the best-selling dish on the menu: jumbo shrimp grilled and sauteed in a spicy (I'm talking pretty effing spicy) lime and tequila cream sauce, seductively arranged around a cheese grit cake (I'm usually not a grit kind of girl, but I was down with these gritty grits), topped with a few asparagus spears. The entree was rather small, I thought, but since complementary chips and salsa were brought to the table, I was pretty full by the end of this eating endeavor. I've had the key lime pie before, too, and it spun me into a graham cracker-meringue state of bliss. SPADONI is the man! I need to check his serving schedule, so I can eat at Agave when I have a chance of him waiting on my table.
(4)
Caesar M.
Yum! I came here with a friend once and I was very impressed. The restaurant itself looks like a pub but serves like a 5 star. The atmosphere was serene and the servers were always nearby to handle any request. They have a plethora of margaritas I could not even begin to remember how many but I am an original kind of guy....with salt please! I ordered the scallops for like $19 and they were well worth it! scallops are my favorite and in their version of the dish worked quite well. Like any typical mexicanesque (even a word?) establishment they try to fill you up with tortilla chips and salsa before the food even comes out.
(4)
Jim T.
Be patient with the parking. It can be slow if you come right at dinner hour. But it is complimentary! It's been a few years since I've been here and it is better than I remember. The decor is really great and particularly inviting on a cold evening. If the fireplace doesn't warm you up, the yummy drinks will. The service is outstanding. Servers are engaging, attentive and friendly. It really makes you want to settle in for a cozy and enjoyable dinner. As for the food--Tex-Mex is not a great description. Think rustic Mexican... and eclectic is a good modifier. It's all good. Definitely save room for Belgian chocolate mousse.
(4)
Kristen M.
Went with a group of 5 on 11/12/11 -- food/service/ambience were all great. Made reservations and table was ready when we got there. Salsa was perfectly spicy and appeared to be freshly made. Good vegetarian menu -- everyone loved their food (chicken quesadilla, swordfish, trout w/ crawfish, vegtrn enchiladas, vegtrn salad). Drinks were also great -- Herradura margarita was the best! Will def go back! *Mon-Wed get a free app w/ Yelp check-in*
(5)
Fred M.
Awesome food and great service. The cayenne chicken is the "BEST" if you like fried chicken.
(5)
D L.
Ordered-... uh, I just heard someone in my office farting, haha!- we ordered... Entrees: - fried chicken - diablo pasta - duck (the most delicious duck I've ever tasted and I don't even like duck!) - something else What I remember most about Agave is their guacamole. Delicious. Heavenly. If you opened up a dictionary and looked up "guacamole", you'd find directions to Agave. That was lame. Anyway... the guacamole. Wow. But the serving was so tiny... So, so tiny... *sigh
(4)
Julie Y.
After searching yelp for a restaurant, I settled on Agave. I had a great dinner so thanks fellow yelpers! My fellow diners were slow to arrive, but luckily the staff was really nice and accommodating. The space is rather small, so I know they were doing me a great favor by holding my table. Started off with one of their margaritas, which are definitely deserving of the awards. Ordered the shrimp and grits which I had been dying to try, and they were utterly delicious. The grits were formed into a cube that was crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Currently my fave grits dish. The fried chicken dish was good but I prefer the moistness of dark meat. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a serving of their chocolate mousse, which was a great way to end the meal.
(5)
Vincent V.
I have a hard time ordering anything other than the fried chicken. It's some of the best I've had outside of a soul food place that specializes in that kind of thing. It's a little spicier than Southern fried chicken, but what else would you expect from southwestern cuisine? You'll see a lot of local luminaries at Agave, it had a real neighborhood following. The food is great, and the tequila selection is excellent. Great place for a drink or for upscale southwestern food in a great atmosphere. Every year on their anniversary, Agave hosts a blow-out party that is not to be missed. There's a buffet of some of their best dishes and the margaritas are flowing like waterfalls at the bar. Pay a one time fee at the door, prepare for a huge crowd, and enjoy.
(5)
Will P.
Agave does not get the amount of press in Atlanta I think it deserves. Both times I have been there for dinner I have said to my girlfriend that we need to come back more often. I have been both during the week and on the weekend and love the atmosphere. The ambiance is great, there are several fireplaces in the two rear dining rooms, and everyone in the restaurant greets you with a smile. I would recommend getting a reservation for weeknights and weekends as this restaurant gets busy quickly. The first thing I love about Agave, they serve FREE chips and salsa on your table before your water comes for your drink order. Unfortunately diners in Atlanta cannot take free chips and salsa for granted at Mexican restaurants. Agave's salsa is the perfect amount of spicy and its chips are made completely in-house. Near the bar and plating area you can see hand-cut blue corn and flour tortillas waiting to be tossed in a deep fryer before they are served fresh to your table. These tortillas are great with a serving of Agave's guacamole which can be bought in a half order for only $3.75 if you're worried about filling up on chips before your meal. The second thing I love about Agave is its margaritas. I had a great Avion Anejo margarita and my girlfriend had the "Peachtree" peach flavored margarita. I should mention that we are usually disappointed by flavored margaritas. They sometimes come in strange colors and are too sugary to finish. Not the Peachtree margarita at Agave. It was the right amount of sweet with a good tequila flavor. I highly recommend this particular flavored margarita. After we had a couple of drinks and too many chips we finally had dinner. My girlfriend had the chicken quesadilla as her entree and loved it. It was stuffed with plenty of chicken, oozed with cheese, and came with guacamole and sour cream on the side. Our waiter Rob was extremely helpful throughout the evening. He steered me towards the veal, chorizo, and green chile meatloaf. It was... Incredible! The flavor was great. The dish had a sweetness as well as a spicy finish. The southwestern mac and cheese was perfectly paired with the meatloaf. It didn't really taste "southwestern" in my opinion, but it was very tasty. The dish also comes with honey cider collard greens. Unfortunately, as much as I love the South I am not a collard greens fan. They were easy to brush aside. I should mention that the first time I came here I had the cayenne fried chicken and loved it. It definitely belongs on any list of best fried chicken in Atlanta. It is also a very unique spin on the dish. I have also tried the spicy peanut butter moose pie. I love spicy foods, but it just didn't work for my taste buds combined with a peanut butter flavored dessert. Overall, Agave is a great Mexican restaurant in a city where that is hard to find. I will definitely be back here soon!
(5)
Joel C.
Whenever someone says lets go to Agave, I am pretty much game since I like the place! I'm surprised that I only come here about twice a year since its pretty close to where I live. David, Maria, Kim and I decided to have dinner after pre-drinking at Noni's. It wasn't too busy and we were quickly seated. I love the chips and salsa and only wished they had cheese dip! We opted for the guacamole and it was equally as good. The menu has changed quite a bit from the last time I came here. Plenty of new additions filled the menu, but I was happy to see that they still have their never ending list of Tequila and abundance of Margarita choices! We all went for the special Mango Margaritas and started with the Fried Calamari. The margarita was ok (should have stuck with the Texas) and the calamari was so crispy and flavorful! I love that they served it with the Jalapeno Jelly to give it a sweet and spicy punch. For entrees, David ordered the Fried Chicken (my favorite entree and probably the best entree here), Kim just wanted dessert and ordered the Flan, Maria got the Burrito and Soup Combo, and as always I had to try the burger and ordered the new Green Chiles Cheddar Burger. Everyone really enjoyed their entrees! The burger was meh, a bit different with the chiles. Looks like I'll stick with the usual and will stay with the fried chicken! It's good to know that from the first time I ate here about 6 years ago till today, the food and service is fantastic and consistent.
(3)
Hannah C.
This place is our date night go-to. The food is delicious even if you don't like southwestern (which I don't). I highly recommend the tenderloin medallions. The servers all seem to have a working knowledge of the wines they carry so we usually get a bottle to split and have never been mislead. We have had a different server every time and the service is always great. We love to sit in the loft area and people watch. It is romantic and removed from the bustle of downstairs. The real star of this place is the flourless chocolate tort. I maintain this is the best dessert I've had in Atlanta. Love this place.
(5)
Shannon C.
I'm a fan. Really good. I had the chicken enchiladas and my date had the short ribs. Both fantastic. Service is awesome. Try the banana plantain cheesecake!
(5)
Nicole C.
I give this 3.5 stars. The food was a little better than 'ok' but it really didn't wow me. I ordered the short rib w/ mashed potatoes. It was tasty. The meat was pretty tender, although it was cool when I got it. Not warm like most freshly cooked meals. My friends ordered the albondigas and penne pasta, and the vegetarian burrito. The pasta had good flavor from the bite I took. The vegetarian burrito was kinda 'eh' although I did like that they put in zuccini.
(3)
Allison Z.
I ate at Agave on Monday night; I met a friend for dinner that I hadn't seen in a really long time. I was starving when I sat down, so I was glad that the blue chips and salsa hit the table at the same time my butt hit the chair. Our server was SUPER friendly, and even told us that the food comes with a gaurantee--if you dont like it, send it back and Agave will give you another dish. I was so shocked by this gaurantee (I mean, I could feasibly eat half my dinner, claim I don't like it and not have to pay?! Crazy!) that I didn't get into the nitty gritty with the guy, but at any rate, that's a cool gaurantee. I had the grouper with fried yuca and spicy spinach. The grouper was really good, not light (then again it's not a light fish) and the spinach paired with the fish in a forkful was quite tasty. The yuca was a hit. It came served in small strings, they almost looked like onion straws, and my friend was eagerly picking them off my plate and raving. I would give this entree 3 stars, it was good but not the best thing I've ever eaten. My pal got the trout which was much better and lighter. We both had the same glass of house red wine, a really good compliment to somewhat spicy fish dishes. Overall I'm happy with my experience at Agave. It's pricey (be prepared, entrees are between $15-20) but the Savy Saver has a buy-one-get-one-free entree coupon in this week's edition. Hey, the economy is rough and I still like good food--no judgement.
(3)
Amy G.
Probably one of my favorite restaurants to go to just for the location. Directly across from Oakland Cemetery and convenient from the highway, Agave is tucked away from hustle and bustle. And once you're inside, the decor and atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. The cayenne chicken is good. I have yet to go when I'm in a place to try a margarita, but it's surely in due time according to you other yelpers out there in Agave land. Unfortunately, they've removed the collard greens from the pork shank - which really made the dish - and replaced it with boring mashed potatoes. This is very upsetting. Otherwise, the service has always been great to me. At every visit we know we can expect a visit from a chef or manager of some sort, which is nice. Do go expecting to shovel some spicy fare into your trap. Just about everything gets at least 3 out of 5 "flames" for heat. I've also heard rumors that the diablo crawfish pasta will make you sweat. Literally. So maybe you'll want to order a glass of milk with your margarita.
(4)
Elbee M.
The food was good, not remarkable, though it was a fun meal. Being a place that specializes in margaritas and has pages of them to choose from can contribute to that. A-OK!
(3)
Dai T.
Yummy! Try the scallops, grits, and greens!
(5)
Erin W.
Let me start by saying that Agave has been and still is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta for about 4 years now, but I hope they read yelp reviews so that the things from my latest visit will not go un-noticed. I am reducing to four stars because on my most recent visit during Labor Day weekend, the margaritas tasted very different and not like the one that's been voted "best margarita in Atlanta" for the last few years. It had way too much sweet/sour going, and friends at my table agreed. For a place that has prided itself on its margaritas, this last one was just not up to par. Our waiter was a bit more aloof than past waiters, I'm not sure if that was due to the fact that our party of eight was using a $10/entree Labor Day special coupon that I had printed out or not. I felt that as soon as I mentioned the coupon, our table was an after-thought. On the upside, after four years of dancing all over Agave's menu and never having tried their signature dish--the fried chicken--I finally tried it during this visit. I ate every morsel of spicy, lightly-fried goodness. The roasted corn that came with it was plentiful and a great compliment to the chicken. Mashed potatoes were thick and creamy. Overall my party of eight said the food was outstanding, which is why this is still my favorite.
(4)
Jeff M.
The debates of the best Southwestern food in Atlanta certainly should involve Agave. This place is right adjacent to Oakland Cemetery. Ample parking. Great atmosphere. Attentive service. Great drink menu. The appetizers were delicious. The Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls and Cayenne Fried Calamari are my favorites. The Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken is the best southwestern dish I've ever eaten and actually has me yearning to go hunting for fried chicken in the Southwest. Only praise from me!
(4)
M.A. J.
The food warrants a rating of 4-5. BUT. The wait staff needs serious remedial training. Constant, aggressive interruptions of our conversation, and worse ~ they kept grabbing food on the table to unnecessarily move it around, even at one point sticking a thumb in a dish. When one waiter grabbed my salad, I told him "No, leave it" twice, then had to say "DROP IT" to make him let go of it. He claimed he was only moving it, when there was no reason to move it nor did I want it moved. I don't go to restaurants to have my dinner continually interrupted by unneeded questions and conversation interruptions, while my already-served food is fondled and snatched and rearranged by the wait staff on the table for no reason. It's rude to begin with, and to repeat the behavior as the diners' irritation is clearly escalating is inexcusable.
(3)
Pam S.
It was my first meal in Atlanta, and I had the best fried chicken breast in my life. Served over sweet corn cut off the cob, and delicious mashed potatoes. That dish alone is enough to give this joint a special place in my heart.
(5)
Adam P.
I'm so glad that I live next door to this place. The food is amazing as everyone says, and I can enjoy their amazing margaritas and immediately go nap afterwards. Get on their VIP email list so you can get $12 entrees! It's a crazy deal that I will keep me coming back.
(5)
Yuki M.
We went to the restaurant last week. It was quiet busy and arrived earlier than reservation. My friends haven't arrived yet so staff didn't gave us table. Bar area is very small and couldn't get seat... The food was ok ;) No bad ! But the inside restaurant was smokey!! Doesn't much work fan ?! So you may get food smell on your cloths!!
(3)
Chocolate C.
OMG I don't know why I never visited Agave sooner! The food is AMAZING! I came here for the first time as part of a birthday dinner. Birthday dinners....gotta love them....they usually can be a hit or miss but this one was definitely a hit. When you enter the parking lot you're greeted by complimentary valet...which I absolutely love. I'm going to skip over everything else and get straight to the reason why you go to a restaurant....FOOD. Don't let the name fool you, this is not your standard tex-mex place with fancy tacos drowned in mayo based sauces, weak margaritas or salsa that's been in your pantry forever. Agave is a true fusion restaurant. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips anyone?? They're sprinkled in with the regular ones and served alongside a flavorful salsa. For the entree I ordered the Veal, Chorizo Meatloaf served with Southwestern Mac and Cheese and Collards. The meatloaf was so tender! I wish I could bottle up the sauce. The sides were delish...the collards had a sweet and smoky taste and the mac and cheese was creamy and had a nice spin to them. I tasted several of the other orders such as Rack of Lamb, Crawfish Pasta, Hatch Quesadilla and Chocolate Mouse which were all equally tasty. Agave left me impressed. If you haven't been make plans to go!!
(5)
Lindsey E.
I have to say I was disappointed in Agave. This spot had been on my list for quite sometime so maybe I built it up too much? I have heard a lot of good things about Agave so I am just going to assume this was an "off night"... I purchased a Groupon for Agave and took my partner here for her Bday dinner. If I had not already purchased the Groupon, we would have walked out before we were seated. We entered the restaurant and stood by the host stand for about 1 minute before anybody spoke to us. The host was standing there on the phone- dialing and then hanging up. He was visibly frustrated and later explained to us that he was trying to call a cab for another customer. Great, I don't care. I dont want to walk in to a restaurant and be ignored and then absorb your negative energy afterward. Our service was pretty good once we were seated- no real complaints there. The server was helpful in suggesting vegan options for us. We had a salad as an appetizer as well as guacamole. Our guacamole came out with a hair in it, so that was gross but they made us another one. I ordered blue corn enchiladas. They were mushy. My partner ordered a grilled veggie plate. It was actually delicious. If i ever return, I will order this. We also had margaritas. The margaritas almost made up for the whole experience. A good drink goes a long way! Overall, I was underwhelmed and wished I would have picked a different spot to celebrate my partner's birthday.
(2)
Kate J.
We were staying near the convention center and our team arranged a dinner at agave. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The service was phenomenal, the food was delicious and they really went way above and way beyond to take care of our huge party (40 people). We made a reservation ahead of time and they truly took great care of us. I will definitely visit agave next time we're in Atlanta and highly recommend if you're looking for a great evening out, that you check them out! WOW it was a HIGHLIGHT of our trip! THANK YOU to the staff for a wonderful experience!
(5)
Richard K.
Based on other similar restaurants around the area I'm going to base my review mostly on cost. I just can't seem to justify the value when comparing to other restaurants nearby. Food was great, everything was fresh and service was decent. But nearly $20 for about 8 pieces of shrimp seems high, unless you have the BOGO coupon it's probably your best bet to forgo this place unless you don't care what the cost is. Check out La Hacienda instead! There Ceviche is way better than Agave!
(3)
Rolly O.
I LOVE this restaurant! Hands don THE BEST margaritas in town! They are so tasty! I've been here a few times and my favorite waiter is Amir. He is very friendly and just all around a great waiter. The food is great! Always well done, the right seasonings , excellent flavor , presented well. This restaurant is everything, great dining experience and CLEAN bathrooms , which is ALWAYS a plus.
(5)
Faryal F.
My husband and I had such a wonderful time at the restaurant. The food is DELICIOUS! We loved it and need an excuse to go back just for this place!!! The owner is also wonderful, very hospitable and we received excellent service. Try the fried chicken and the stuffed chile appetizer! Sooo good!! :))
(5)
Susan L.
Noise level was unbearable, making it impossible to carry on a conversation at our table. We were tempted to get up and leave, but the service was EXCELLENT, FANTASTIC!!! Fish tacos left lots to be desired. Instead of chunks of fish, everything was finely chopped and rolled into a huge white flour tortilla. No garnish or accompanying sauce other than a piece of cilantro. We resorted to using the table salsa, which was delicious but did not compliment the "tacos." For $9, we expected better. Excellent wines and decent beers. Because of the great service and wines, we will return on a slower evening and sample some other menu items. But no more tacos for us.
(3)
Patti C.
First off let me say, I don't like giving places bad reviews, but I have to in this case. I live in the neighborhood close by to Agave, and always wanted to try it, especially because I've read great reviews and always see the parking lot full when I drive by. I took some friends from out of town here Friday night. We had a reservation and we're given the option to sit on the covered patio, which we chose since it was such a nice night. Our server Amanda took our cocktail order within a few minutes and then a busboy brought them over a few minutes later. I will say the Texas Margaritas are fabulous, if you do go, get one. Five minutes or so after that she came back to take our order. Now, for the Catholics out there, it was a Friday during Lent, and I have a seafood allergy, so I asked to see their vegetarian menu, which they mention they have available on their main one. It took her 25 minutes to WALK BY US, and then I had to go over to her to ask "hey can I get that menu?" So she brings it over and finally takes our order. I had about a minute to decide on mine. Then our appetizers come out 5-10 minutes later. The guy who is refilling our water glasses sees that we are done with those plates and kindly clears them. I guess Amanda saw him do that so a few minutes later she comes over AND THROWS DOWN A DESSERT MENU AND STARTS CLEARING OUR SILVERWARE. And we were like, "Umm we haven't even gotten out dinner yet." Way to not even know the status of your table because you are too busy to come check in us. Our dinner finally came out about 15 minutes later, again delivered by another server or busboy who was kind enough to ask if we needed another drink, and then by the time Amanda brought those to us we were done with our dinner almost. Now about the food. Between the four of us we shared a "large" guacamole which could have served 2 people NOT 4, then my friend got the ceviche and the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno. Both had almost no meat in them, just full of filler. Ceviche is supposed to just be shrimp and tuna, but this was mostly tomatoes, so it would look like tuna. And there was maybe three tiny pieces of beef in the peppers. My other friend got the salmon for dinner, tiny piece compared to the other dishes of it we saw go by, definitely not $20 worth. I got the Guajillo Vegetable Pasta which is supposed to be "Grilled Zucchini, Squash & Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Red Peppers & Spinach tossed with Semolina Linguini in a Spicy Guajillo Red Chile Broth" but I didn't see a single asparagus, and the zucchini and squash were julienned and steamed, not grilled. There was no seasoning in the dish. I had to load it up with salt and pepper just to eat it. Overall just really bad service and disappointing food. I don't think Agave will get a second chance from me.
(1)
JJ G.
We raced in here one evening before a dessert event and needed sustenance FAST. When we walked in, however, we realized that this isn't a quick in-and-out affair. Nevertheless, we tried the chips and guacamole and were impressed with the flavor and execution of the green stuff. Honestly, I'm a guacamole snob, and I'd love to steal Agave's recipe/strategy for my own repertoire. The Mr ordered the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleño and really, really enjoyed it. I went with the Agave Salad and could not believe how delicious it was! The marinated vegetables played nicely with the nuts, and the dressing complemented everything else perfectly. And at a sub-$7 price, it's DEFINITELY worth ordering. I also asked for a side of the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, since that appeared to be a popular option. And as mashed potatoes go, they were really nice. We were in and out in about 35 minutes, due to our excellent server and the kitchen's hard work. I can't wait to come back and experience the highly touted margaritas and enjoy some more guacamole...at a more leisurely pace.
(4)
Jeremy H.
We walked over here from a friend's place in the Stacks - conveniently located off of Boulevard and the strip of bars/restaurants/shops on Caroll St. The setting was dark and cozy. It was a little crowded on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected. The service was a little slow at first - took a while to get our drink and food orders in, but it was friendly and not a big deal. The food was awesome. The chips and salsa were good - tasted very fresh. I had the pork shank, which was fall off the bone tender and flavorful - served over garlic mashed potatoes. My wife had the soup and burrito. The soup was a bit boring, but the burrito was tasty! I also had a margarita, which was excellent! It is a little pricey for Tex Mex. Most entrees were $14-20. But the quality was a notch above too, so I wouldn't say it is overpriced. Definitely a great place to get quality tex mex. I'm sure I'll be going back!
(4)
Tai B.
Had dinner tonight at Agave. Getting straight to the point, the food is good but nothing special. I'd eat there again if someone else wanted to go but otherwise I might not. Agave was having a special where if you are seated between 5 and 6 your entree is $12. This seems like a great deal, and may be depending on what you order but for me it was a $3 discount. I had the cayenne friend chicken which came with corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was good, but nothing special and I didn't get the cayenne reference- couldn't taste it at all. I also had a mango margarita, a bit overpriced at about $9 but it did the trick (had a long week, needed a bit of a buzz). The restaurant brought out my friends appetizer with the meal, which was pointless. Realizing they messed up, the staff didn't charge my friend for her food (fish tacos) and let her take them home in a to go box. This quick remedy in and of itself got them the 4th star.
(4)
Aaron P.
Excellent fresh mex flavors are used in dishes that are just the right portions. The atmosphere on a Monday was quite, intimate and relaxing. One of my coworkers is a tequila connoisseur and insisted I check this place out. I was not disappointed, I tried the top shelf margarita and I can say it is the best I have had, not to mention you only need one. I am told it gets very busy Thursday-Saturday so this seems like a great week day date spot. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for.
(5)
Belinda B.
On the pricier side but absolutely delicious. I got the cayenne fried chicken which was not spicy (I'd prefer it to be spicier). Chicken didn't have any bones so it was super easy to eat. Lighting dim. Seating on the tighter side. Our service was pretty slow but maybe it was our misfortune. Waiter was super cool about switching cash for extra tip (so that we could tip valet). Parking: valet. So I have a short story about the valet guys. My car's battery didn't start--the guys found jumper cables from a restaurant worker and jumped my car. (Of course I gave them a much bigger tip than usual.)
(4)
Sakeena M.
Nice place good dishes the spicy shrimp and grit cake are really good! Nice wine selection free valet parking is a PLUS! And they are on groupon!
(3)
Debbie R.
Hands down the best margarita I have ever had! Love the chips & salsa too! A little pricey but the food is amazing and worth it. Wish we had a place like Agave on the southside of Atlanta!
(4)
Hanh C.
oh dear. food would have tasted better if there wasn't a bug in my water. the tortilla soup was great before the incident. the people with me enjoyed their food. portions were good. Margaritas were great. fried chicken was delicious, and boneless for the people who are picky with bones. seating was a bit crowded, not much room between tables. not the best for kids and high chairs. our waiter was nice. the "make up" dessert did not rid the horrible bug from our memories. unfortunately will not be back and risk it.
(2)
Abhi K.
I don't want anyone to think that I had a bad experience here. A 3 is pretty good in my book. I enjoyed my meal, but I only go to places that have a high probability of being good in the first place. There was just nothing here that warranted a 4 or 5. Let me explain. Drinks first: My margarita was weak. I got the mango nectar one. I thought it would still taste like a margarita but with some mango flavoring. It tasted like pure mango juice. Which is, you know, tasty and all, but I paid $9 for a margarita, not fruit juice. Also, the waitress looked at me quizzically when I asked for sugar around the rim, instead of salt. The meals themselves were decent, but the flavors could use a little work. I had the short rib taco. It was a gigantic taco, and the right size for one complete meal. The taco was spicy, so I can't say it was flavorless, but other than the spiciness, I don't think I could pick out what else went into the dish. The rice and beans were standard. Dessert was probably the best part of the meal. We had the dessert sampler so got to try a little bit of everything. I recommend either the chocolate mousse or the pumpkin cheesecake. Chocolate mousse has a little nutmeg or cinammon in it that makes it irresistible. And pumpkin cheesecake is pumpkin cheesecake. I'd stay away from the key lime pie. Parking is complimentary valet. They have a big lot so not really an issue.
(3)
Carl-Frederick F.
Food done right....flavors are never lacking ,always packed but that's a good sign.only complaint is the portion.I understand its eccletic but danm.I feel like a 8 year kid being served and the price is not for kid.still a mist try though
(4)
Dustin H.
I was really on the fence about a 3 or 4 star review here, but decided to be generous and go with a 4. This was a group of 10 for my birthday. The plan was for about half of us to get there at 730 and for the rest to gradually file in by 800 (we had reservations for 730). We were seated at 730, that was great...but the server kept asking if we were still expecting all 12. I told her we were never expecting 12, only 10 (and if she knew how to look at the table, she would know it was set for 10). Then she kept asking and asking about if all 10 would be there, and if not she would like to pull the last small table on the end away. After a few minutes, I finally confirmed, that yes we were going to have the planned 10, so she finally dropped her obnoxious inquisitions regarding our party size and pulling a table away. Anyways, I found it very odd that a "tex-mex" place does not have queso. They have salsa & guacamole....but no queso??? Whatever. That was a little irritating. Also, a good selection of margaritas, but for the price...I would expect them to be sprinkled with gold dust. $11.50 for an "award-winning" margarita that simply contains tequila, nectar, & lime juice is a bit much given their small size. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the food. I had the flat-iron steak, It was good, but nothing to really write home about. We may return here, and we may not...who knows.
(4)
Lisha P.
Awesome food! Amazing margaritas and very cozy ambiance...totally worth it!!
(5)
Erik B.
Not sure how I waited so long to try this place. I'm going to try to keep this short. Margaritas = WOW, way better than I had expected. Great taste, and lots of it. None of this little baby glass that's mostly lice. They make them BIG so that one lasted my entire meal. Food = I had the steak medallions and I have to say that they were one of the best plates I've had all year. I couldn't believe how damn good this place was and I felt stupid for waiting so long to try it.
(5)
Stan R.
Wonderful cuisine and top notch service! Problem is (unbeknownst to me) I brought a bulimic date here and she pretty much ate her way through the entire restaurant on my dime. I have never in my life seen a woman (or large zoo animal ) shovel food into an esophagus with so much passion and intensity. I do believe she is a true inspiration for all the self-absorbed, entitled over eaters of America. I would love to be able to do nothing more than dine at Agave again, but alas I will have to let a few months pass by. The smell of the chipotle rubbed meat and braised short ribs will only remind me of the life size giraffe she most likely regurgitated after I took her home.
(4)
Missy B.
OK, I was able to get in contact with Agave and found out they did have my beloved scarf that i inadvertently left while dining. As per my previous review, my real issue was with the room we dined in. The food was really good and now that I have my scarf back I will definitely be dining here again.
(4)
Lauren P.
You guys, this place is incredible! I came here in a group of 6 and we stayed for about 3 hours.... pretty sure we totally annoyed every surrounding patron with our noise and enthusiasm. ;-) For drinks -- I had the New Mexico Mule, which was quite delicious. Others drank multiple strawberry margaritas, so I think those were also well-liked. We shared a starter of guacamole as we waited for a couple late arrivals to our group. The guac was good, although there were some larger chunks of cucumber (I think) mixed in, which I wasn't as big of a fan of. The mixed tortilla chips and salsa were also pretty good. For our meals, I ordered the Navajo Flounder. It was very delicious, although the spinach below was a bit too salty for my liking. I also ordered several sides to share -- mac&cheese, the grits, and zucchini. The zucchini was grilled and fresh-tasting. Very good. I REALLY loved the grits, though... I almost wish I'd gotten the scallops entree like the person next to me, as they're served on a bed of grits. Others at the table ordered the lamb, the chicken enchiladas, the tuna, and the trout. Everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. We also ordered the chocolate torta and the peanut butter pie for dessert... yum. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to folks coming to Atlanta! Even better--they offered complimentary valet, so I didn't have to worry about where my car was going to go.
(5)
Tameka L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! My favorite is the Spicy Tequila Anejo shrimp!! And you have to try the Peachtree margarita! I have never ordered a meal that wasn't tasty here. The ambiance is nice and there's a beautiful patio. The host is always pleasant and the service is always top notch. This place is always a hit!!
(5)
B M.
We've been going to Agave for, at least, the past 15 years and have never been disappointed with the food, bar service (Thanks to Lisa & Staff), and especially the ambiance thanks to Tim who does a great job in managing the guest flow. On average, we probably dine at Agave twice a month driving from East Cobb and have always enjoyed this restaurant. I think I've tried everything on their menu and have enjoyed each serving and haven't been let down yet. Suggestion, make reservations either through their website or Open Table. They get very busy after 7PM.
(5)
Sandy S.
Amazing food and service. I would recommend, went twice great experience.
(5)
Chris S.
Very rarely does a restaurant stick with me as well as Agave did. After arriving in Atlanta for vacation, we were struck with the task of finding a good place to eat. We found Agave a few miles away from our hotel, and was instantly impressed with the decor and friendly staff. The important part about this review is that the stuffed trout entree gets the recognition it deserves. I don't know what they do to that fish, but it was so amazing that not only did I eat it all in about four minutes, we ordered another one to take back to the hotel. I could not wait to have it again, so I ate it cold.... for breakfast.... It was still amazing, even at 7:30 AM. As weird as that sounds, it really was that good. Apart from the food the chef was on scene and was super friendly, like the rest of his staff. Highly recommended.
(5)
Regina P.
Overpriced and a strange menu selection. I ordered a taco dish off the menu and was given what appeared to be a burrito.
(3)
K E.
Agave has become one of my restaurant favs when visiting the ATL. My auntie and unc decided to treat me here for my birthday back in March. Now, I love a good meal and the relaxed, adult atmosphere was a nice bonus. Unc and I had the salmon and asparagus, and needless to say it didn't disappoint. Auntie had the scallops with collards and tomato grits. I'm a South Carolinian and this gal loves her grits, so decided to give it a try. Ummm, yea, so that resulted in a side order of my own and I paired it with that scrumptious salmon - it was a magical medley in my mouth! Immediately, I fell in love and I make sure to incorporate Agave into my Atlanta trips. Try it...I promise your palate won't be slighted!!!
(4)
Pamela S.
Absolutely delicious. Sat fireside for an excellent dinner that included seared tuna and fried chicken, and delicious margaritas. We had a couple vegetarians in our group who appreciated their special vegetarian menu. Very good service too -- my friend dropped a piece of his corn on the floor (I can't take him anywhere)! and they were kind enough to bring him a plate with more. Beautiful interior.
(5)
brock h.
We went in search of a good mexican restaurant and stumbled onto this place. It is a santa fe style mexican restaurant that is absolutely incredible. I had the green hatch chille soup that was again incredible. We then had the braised short ribs and spicy tequila shrimp entrees. They both had great flavor. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)
Anthony O.
Excellent food and atmosphere. I had their award-winning Margarito which was very good. I also had the enchiladas which were fantastic. The place can be a little noisy and the service could be improved but overall it was a very good find in Atlanta!
(4)
Kristin L.
It's a lovely evening at agave. Hubs and I decided to do an all-app night, which turned out great. Our server was happy to "course it out" for us. (His term.) We started with the guacamole and the ceviche martini. Both were very fresh tasting and had unexpected spices. Not just the usual. Strangely, Hubs really liked the corn kernel garnish they sprinkle around. Next was the Hatch Green Chile stew, which had wonderful complex flavors. Very rich and beefy. The taste of those chiles really shines. I could have done with a tad less potato in the stew. But it was still my favorite of the night. Went really well with the fresh tortilla. I SAID it was my favorite but what was the REAL favorite was the smoked tomato grits. My lawdy, those were delicious! They used to have something like them at Nava and I wondered if it was the same recipe. Do NOT -- do NOT -- miss those grits. Then -- chiles relleno and chicken quesadilla. These were both fine but nothing to wax rhapsodic about. I didn't like the taste of the coating on the relleno. Spanish rice was meh. Service was spot on. Although our guy seemed a bit stressy. We enjoyed it overall, very much.
(4)
Danielle A.
This is one of me and my hubby's favorite go to spots. The fried lobster appetizer melts in your mouth. You must try the tequila shrimp and the fall off the bone short ribs. The drinks are pretty good. We usually sit in the loft area but this time we got a seat on the other side in front of the fireplace which was pretty sexy. Felt like we were in another restaurant but with the same delicious food that we love.
(5)
Nikki F.
Soooo.. AGAVE! Best tex mex I have ever had! The ambience in the back of the resturant was sexy and romantic. My honey and I sat by the fire place the first time we went and after that dinner we went home and we were both happy people! Lol The food was amazing! I had the lamb shake which was cooked perfectly and my honey had the fried chicken with pablano sauce which was awesome as well. Wish I could give them 10 stars!
(5)
Deb B.
The food and service were amazing! I had the sunburned NY strip and my lady friend had the lamb chops! Pure heaven in my mouth! Hats off the our server, who was the best ever!
(5)
Lauren H.
We enjoyed our recent dinner at Agave. It was fairly short, as we were rushing to another event, but it was very tasty. Their chips and salsa are very fresh and yummy - not too spicy, but very delicious. For dinner we all had various menu items that were very good. I had the Southwestern Burrito & Stew. I really liked the burrito, but wish the stew was a little more interesting. My husband had the Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Shank which was amazing. Very tasty meal, only complaint was it wasn't quite as inexpensive as we had hoped. 1 drink + 2 entrees + tip was over $50. Oh well, at least it was tasty.
(3)
Ward S.
Excellent!!! The Cayenne fried chicken and the Diablo crawfish pasta are fantastic. Service was stellar.
(5)
Therealladyof L.
Was a fantastic dinner. We ordered the ceviche martini, the daily special as well as the medallion steak. All were fantastic. Our server was very attentive. Unfortunately we didn't have room for dessert. We'll make space at our next visit.
(5)
Lori B.
Came right after work with a group of friends. While waiting for our table we sat at the bar and had drinks. The bartender and drinks were excellent, wish she was our waitress. She was very personable and happy to serve our drinks and conversation. Once we got our table in the room with the exposed kitchen, we realized that although it may be cool to see the chef the smoke from the cooking was quite overbearing. Our waiter was nonchalant and not very helpful with choosing menu options. One appetizer came after wee received our food, but the manager quickly rectified the situation by removing it from her bill and boxing the plate up so she could take it home. Everyone enjoyed their food so no complaints there. I recommend the street corn, it was excellent!
(4)
Daniel B.
Agave is a nice Tex-Mex restaurant located in Cabbagetown. The restaurant sits in the old Cotton Mill general store next to Oakland Cemetery. It's got a rustic look and feel, but the atmosphere inside is buzzing and full of energy. It gets loud in here. The bar always seems busy. There's an open kitchen, two main dining areas, and a small private dining area upstairs. I've tried many items off the menu. Here's the rundown: Appetizers: Fresh Homemade Guacamole & Chips Guajillo Mussels Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno Smoked Chicken Quesadilla New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew Cayenne Fried Calamari Entrees: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops Beer Braised Pork Shank Slow Cooked Short Ribs Both the guac and chips are made in-house and are fresh. The guac has a delicious consistency and includes chopped vine ripe tomatoes and cilantro. The mussels are very good. They are steamed in a red chile citrus wine broth. After finishing the mussels, the broth is great for dipping tortillas. Warning: I have run into bad (dead) mussels with this dish. The chile relleno and chicken quesadillas are also good. Both are quite flavorful. I especially like the steak and cheese combination in the chile relleno. While these are labeled as starters, you can definitely make a meal out of these two dishes alone. I'm not a big fan of the Hatch green chile stew. It's a restaurant specialty, but perhaps not for me. It's a hearty dish with beef tips, potatoes, and corn. The flavoring of the stew is OK, but didn't have me craving more. If you've never had it before, try it just for the experience. You may like it -- some of my tablesmates did. The calamari is light and crispy. It's not too greasy and this dish sets itself apart from other fried calamari dishes thanks to its dipping sauces: poblano habanero aioli and jalepeno jelly. The spicy jelly is also very sweet. As the mains go, my favorites are the lamb and scallops. The lamb is fresh, extra savory, and tender. It has great flavor. The scallops are a little salty, but also fresh and flavorful. I love the grits and collard greens that are served with this entree. The pork shank is tough, but the restaurant makes up for it by giving you a generous portion. It's a lot of meat. The short rib dish is OK. It's just not very memorable and I probably would not order it again. Service is very good. Despite what the menu says (one check per table), some servers are willing to separate checks. Thanks Jacob. Also, the host (partner Tim Pinkham) is very polite and friendly. So overall, the staff is great. Complimentary valet parking is available next to the restaurant.
(3)
Troy M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I love Southwestern cusine and Agave has many wonderful dishes. The staff here is very friendly as well. This is a great spot for a "dinner for two" or a birthday dinner with friends.
(5)
Diedre R.
If Agave wasn't already one of my faves, last nite visit would have ranked it a 2.5 star. I expect service at a place to be just a well if its near closing time as I do when I am there at 6 in the evening. We called about 9:40pm just to see if the place was packed and would we need reservations, when the person that answered the phone said no, of course not, but we close at 11. That's cool, we were there 15 minutes later. As promised, the place was not packed, one large party was still celebrating a birthday dinner, two ladies eating together, and one couple that spent the entire time I was there smooching with each other. We were showed to a small table for two, that was in a cramped space, so I requested another. We were given a larger table, but I have to admit that it was STICKY. like someone had taken a dry rag and rubbed over it. Our waiter showed up and advised us that someone would be by shortly with chips and salsa. They were. They also showed up with warm glasses upon which they poured in water, but no ice. We asked for straws and was told someone would bring them. Well, the waiter comes back gets our order and again we ask for straws for the water glasses. Shortly after-wards he comes back with our margaritas, and we ask for the straws again. I had the steak, and my dinner mate had the enchiladas. No complaints with the food. The margaritas were strong and good and full of ice. Finally someone came and asked if we wanted something else before last call, i replied no, and she said yes another passion fruit margarita. LOL. Its funny because when she left she said she was feeling passionate. Overall, not a complaint, its just the entire meal I felt like we were being silently reminded that they were closing at 11, and that's no way to treat me, if I there at least 40 minutes before you close.
(3)
Benjamin G.
Whoa. Just whoa. I am in. Whatever Agave wants to do, I'm in. From the parking lot, all the way to the bill, it was a grand experience. First of all, comp valet. That was a huge plus. The dudes were hustling, too, as everyone was piling in for a work function happening inside. Really happy they do this. It was even a Thursday night and not completely packed. Talk about a nice perk. The setting is super cozy. Being off of Boulevard, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but I really dig it. We were in such a hurry and tried to make our meal happen in about 35 minutes. Happy to say that it worked out rather nicely. Started with guac, which is amazing. Super perky and they sure aren't afraid of throwing in the lime. My wife had the mashed potatoes and flavorful salad. She seemed to really enjoy both. I had the chile relleno, which was fantastic. Packed with steak, cheese, and other peppers. It was covered in other cheeses and baked nice and crispy on the outside. So awesome. I really wanted to try some more menu items, but our hurried needs but a quick stop to our eating. Excited to try more upon our next visit. Our server was so nice. She even helped us get out in a hurry, too. No complaints at all. Will I be back to Agave? Oh, hell yes!
(5)
Jonathan M.
I love this place and eat here at least once a week. Best margaritas around.
(5)
Andrew Z.
Chef Bradley is the man! I live around the corner from Agave and always wondered why their parking lot was packed with cars. I told myself "that place must be awesome". I had never been to Agave until last weekend, though. Let me tell ya.. It was REALLY good. They deserve every bit of a 5 star review. The valet service was quick, we didn't have to wait for our table since we had made reservations (you've got to make reservations folks, or you'd better expect to wait for a long time). Our server was spot on, our food was incredible. What more could you ask for? I won't bore you with the details of the meal, but I will say that there is something amazing for almost anyone. I was thinking it was going to be all south western type food, but they had that and more! We ordered about a million thing's off the menu and everything was really good. Mucho props to Chef Bradley and the rest of the kitchen staff. Those folks are dishin' 5 star food from start to finish. Even the desserts were over the top delicious; Whatever yall are doing - keep doin' it. We'll be back!
(5)
Ashleigh P.
I really like Agave. Great food and Margaritas to die for. It's a little strangely set up and can get crowded and sardine like, but that's ok... I had the top shelf rita and the mango rita... om nom nom For the food, I had the guac and the shrimp dinner. Both were fantastic and full of flavor. Service was great and all of the staff was friendly. Great place to hang out and a great place to eat. good go to place semi fancy occasions or for a drink with friends... all are welcome. Oh, and I like the salsa. #45/100
(4)
Richard T.
I've been so many times! The lamb, steaks...scallops! Each notable...the spicy grits and greens...service is excellent. Only a short ride from the downtown hotels in a cab....gets you out of the city and into a great part of town Stroll down Carroll street after dinner for more fun
(5)
Pam D.
Food was good, service wasn't great, but company was fantastic! Makes for 3 stars I suppose? When we arrived for our 8pm reservation, we were asked to wait in the crammed, tiny area up front next to the bar. This area was at capacity, and I was nervous that we may have to wait 30+ minutes for our reserved table. Thankfully, Agave is a larger restaurant than it appears from the entrance area, and they promptly seated us. Chips, salsa, and water arrived quickly, but things slowed down after that. It took a while for a server to come around for drink orders. We also tagged on an order of guacamole. And this is where things go downhill. See, we all ordered a flight of tequilas, and when we realized the second tequila was 110 proof, we started getting a little antsy about our guac that hadn't arrived yet. It was probably 30 minutes in before we had to remind the server out of guac- again, more out of necessity to ease the pain of the tequila. The guac came quick after the second request, but probably 5 minutes into our guacamole, a second one arrived at the table, and we had to explain the debacle to the guy delivering the food to the table. I ordered an entree that was on special for Cinco de Mayo...a lime grilled flatiron steak with creamed corn. It was delivered to the table as I ordered it - medium rare - but with no steak knife. Our server came to the rescue a few minutes later, but the "How am I supposed to eat this?" damage had already been done. Besides the service- my meal was incredible. I finished every last bite of steak and corn. Highly recommend this entree if you can get it. The last of our tequila flight came after our meals, which was a nice touch from the bartender to think the flight through like that. So, shoutout to whoever concocted our tequila tasting! I'm glad I finally tried Agave, but it feels more like a check off the list... I don't see myself rushing back anytime soon.
(3)
Michelle A.
Excellent food. It was a little on the pricy side, but the quality of the food and experience make it worth it.
(4)
Michelle T.
A great place for groups atmosphere-wise (service is a little slow), excellent margaritas and decent food (though i can't honestly say it was very memorable for the most part). I would have given it a 4 star review if the food were more memorable because we had a great time! Our party of about 30 people took over their entire back room (where the awesome fire place is) where our dinner menu was pre-set, family-style. I started off with the passion fruit frozen margarita while everyone else mostly went with the waitress recommended peach margarita. The frozen margarita was a winner in my book - HUGE, sweet, fruity and delicious. The peach one was on ice and more on the sour side. Not too much peach flavor, but a good contrast from the passion fruit. I distinctly remember the appetizers being really delicious. The bbq quesadillas (but of course, who messes that up!?!?!) and salad were spot on, as well as the spring rolls. The entrees were not too memorable and I hear the beef short ribs were pretty bad. The salmon entree was overcooked though seasoned well. Mac and Cheese was really rich, creamy and to-die-for. So I guess, bottom line - come here for the fun laid back atmosphere, excellent margaritas and hit-or-miss food, but then you won't notice after a few margaritas anyways. The service is SLOW for any larger groups, but if you're with a smaller party, it might all work out great for ya!
(3)
Sally P.
Came here with a coupon that was 30% of the final check or something- food only. Let the host know before he seated us about it and he was fine with it. Despite there being only two of us, we got a four seater right behind the bar. It was fine, but the restaurant has a cozy ambience overall so I would have preferred something more secluded/romantic. Chips and salsa were really good and I ate my fill. But honestly, you get great chips at your regular El Toro or El Chupacabra kind of place. We ordered one margarita each- a Fresh Fruit Mango and a Agave Partida Anejo. They came in big mason jars. Both good but not great. I'm not a big tequila person so I got a pretty decent buzz halfway through. I ordered the shrimp entree, my compadre the lamb. The portions are small, but arranged artfully on huge plates. Is anyone impressed by that still? The shrimp were standard; they came with a corn cake thing that was pretty cool, and went nice with the tart cream sauce. The entire lamb dish was pretty underwhelming and not enough to be filling. Service was fine. The food was mediocre. For what it was it should cost $8-10 less on account of the portion sizes and menu descriptions that exaggerate its appeal. Overall I don't really like this place, and am really questioning the tastes of the people who said it was "awwwwwwwesome" but I didn't have a terrible experience so I give it 3 stars.
(3)
Ricky T.
When I first walked in, I felt like I just entered a indigenous Latin American Indian house. The decor was definitely elegant and unique. I ended up sitting on the open balcony in the back. The sun was out but the balcony was pretty cool since it was shaded. So it was very nice. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and the burrito and stew as my entree. The food was mediocre. Nothing spectacular. But the prices were pretty reasonable. The salsa and chips were fantastic! However, one major issue during the experience was the service. Our waiter was terrible. He rarely came back to ask us if we needed anything else. We had to get his attention every time we needed something. He was nice but given the aesthetic quality of the environment, his service was probably comparable to a Waffle House. But aside from the service, the food was OK, prices reasonable, decor very nice.
(3)
laura p.
My husband and I have been revisiting some old favorites that we have neglected to enjoy the last few years. Agave was one of them. OH MY GOD it was good! They have such and interesting menu with just the right amount of heat in the dishes. My seared scallops on grits with braised greens was one of the best plates of food I have enjoyed in a while. My husband was equally happy with his flat iron steak, and the beet and arugula salad - yum. We splurged and each got dessert, the peanut butter pie with a hint of heat in the crunch topping and dark belgium chocolate mousse recommended by our very helpful server, Paul. Everything was spectacular. We will not wait years to return!
(5)
Jenn N.
All I can say is WOW! Great atmosphere, margaritas, service and food! I had the Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna which was amazing. My husband had a special that came with Brussels sprouts. He was not very excited about the side until he tasted them. I have never had Brussels sprouts taste so good! Great place for a date night. Make sure you have a reservation.
(5)
Keith K.
Most excellent. We came here after a day in the city. Everything we had was very tasty, from the guacamole to the entrees, and the desserts were a perfect end. We would highly recommend it. They were busy Sunday night but took good care of us. The wait staff was working hard but always pleasant.
(5)
jeff m.
This review probably won't make me very popular given the love that Atlantans have for Agave, but I have to be honest. It took us a long time to try it because the lines were always so long. When we finally went for an early dinner, we got a table right away without a reservation, which was great. Then the food came. I can only describe it as insipid. We started with some appetizers, the corn on the cob, the southwest egg rolls, and the tuna crudo. The corn was was the highlight, but a little messy. The egg rolls were on par with Chile's, but no better. The tuna had an odd taste. Try as we might, we couldn't identify it. Then came the entrees. We split the "famous" fried chicken and the stuffed trout. While both were disappointing, but the fish was especially bland. We took home leftovers which have been in our fridge a couple of days. I think we are both secretly hoping to forget about them until the next trash day. I don't see what the hype is....and I never will.
(2)
Jess B.
Prices are fairly reasonable, especially for the hidden vegetarian menu (which you have to ask for). The chips and salsa were delicious, and guac even more so (and they are not shy of the lime, which I enjoyed). I ordered the vegetarian burrito and thought it was delicious! It was a very good sized portion of food, and came with a side of rice, which, sadly, was very boring. Margaritas are quite large, and tasted great. I took off one star for the restaurant being "boujie." The host seemed a bit insulted that we came in without a reservation, and the server was very pushy with his addons.
(4)
Cristy S.
We were looking for a New Mexican joint - not the typical, "I'll take a D10" sort of place. Boy did we find a good one!! This place is AMAZING! You've gotta try the grits, the shrimp (says hubby), and the spicy peanut butter pie! I was very pleased with the vegetarian menu and ultimately decided on the blue corn veggie enchiladas. The traditional margarita is good and I hear the peach is amazing too - beware - they don't skimp on the alcohol!
(5)
tisha M.
A friend brought me here before I left back to Texas... absolutely delicious. .. We share the pablano relleno, can I day yummm... And a tuna that was spicy but just made you want more. .. And the bartender recommended the key lime pie...I am so glad she did. .. The best I have had in a long time.
(5)
Mark C.
Our first visit - we will be going back! Bar is kinda small, but the place isn't that big and has great character. Food and service were tremendous...
(5)
Eowyn C.
Let me start off by saying that this is a nice restaurant with pretty great margaritas. But I have to say, of all the times I've been, the food leaves something to be desired. The times I've been I've had the following: -Calamari: this is actually a pretty good appetizer and the sauces it comes with were both delicious. I could see myself coming back just for this and the margaritas. -Salmon: Salmon itself was alright, but it felt like this dish had no seasoning whatsoever. Very bland. Needed salt. The red pepper puree was just that: mushy red pepper. No cream or spice to kick up the flavor. -Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas: Once again, very bland. The pulled chicken was dry and had no seasoning. The sauce on top of the enchiladas was generic and the black beans tasted like they came from a can. Great atmosphere, good service, food was just not up to par with the prices ($15+). I'm not a connoisseur of Tex Mex by any means so if that is your thing, then feel free to take this review with a grain of salt...and maybe some lime...and tequila.
(3)
Nik P.
Food is good. We used a Groupon. Well worth it. Only reason I took off a point is because it was very hot. Someone asked about the air and they turned it down. I've been here twice. Will go back. Great place for dates.
(4)
John C.
Love the bartenders and the food. Really a great place. Belly up and have a Rita. Nothing bad to say about this place! 2 for 1 apps. And great salsa. Mmmmm
(5)
Sean M.
The meatloaf is perfectly spicy, the scallops were well seasoned, and the margaritas (jalapeno, mango, and peachtree) were on point. The fried chicken reads better on the menu, but I'm biased because I was expecting more than a breast (in the south...). The sides can be a little small by local standards, but the meal was filling. The crust on the key lime pie is ginger. Need I say more? Definitely returning.
(4)
R W.
Recently tried Agave after picking up a pretty fair deal via Groupon. Had hopes the food and atmosphere of this place lived up to my expectation. Can gladly say yes it did. Tried the fresh guac and calamari for appetizers, the southwest fried chicken adn strip steak for entrees. All were spot on and would defintely recommend you try them out. More than anything I have to say, while the food was great, the service was Excellent. Not one thing was missed and the host, service, and bar staff were all top notch.
(5)
Michael K.
Yummmmmmmmm we really loved the food here! Quality ingredients, and good service. We ordered four appetizers and four entrees for four people (we eat a lot). Appetizers Smoked Trout, Green Chile & Bacon Guacamole: It was pretty tasty, but this was our least favorite appetizer. It came with a few chips scattered around it for aesthetics...but they already give a huge bowl of chips with salsa. Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas: The beef was very tender and we each took a small bite (cut each enchilada in half; there were four halves total). Pretty yummy, but not extraordinary. Ceviche Martini: Yes. Yes. Yes. Very delicious ceviche. The sashimi was perfect and the martini sauce on the dot. Homemade Veal & Chorizo Meatballs: Very yummy. Super soft-tender meatballs, and great with the cheese on top. Entrees: Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken: Wow. Amazing chicken. This came with two halves of corn that were deliciously grilled. The presentation was great, being a chicken dish. Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo: This is the dish I ordered and it exceeded my expectations! The trout was juicy and was complemented perfectly by the shrimp n rice. Grilled Chile & Lime Swordfish: The steak of the sea! The outside of the swordfish steak was crispy, yet the inside was soft and tender. Delicioso! Grilled Niman Ranch Bone-In Pork Chop: The pork chops were super tasty! It is served over a lobster puree and mashed potatoes :)
(5)
Julia P.
The food here is absolutely wonderful. Try the scallops! The service is always extremely quick.
(5)
Kristin B.
I still don't love Agave for dinner, but I'm a complete fan for happy hour! Monday through Friday, appetizers, salads, and soups are two for the price of one at the bar. Even on a Friday around 6:30, we were able to score three seats with relative ease, and we enjoyed not only the food and libations, but the attentive and funny service provided by the two bartenders and the eccentric company of the fellow patrons. I sampled two varieties of margaritas (though the traditional is larger and cheaper, the fresh mango was tastier and stronger), the calamari (huge and good for sharing), and the hatch chile stew (a GIANT bowl with tender tenderloin, grilled corn, and a thick green broth), and my total with tax and tip came right around $30. Not too shabby for a night out on the town.
(4)
Preeti M.
Food was OK. Ambiance was great. Neighborhood questionable. Service was "eh"...started off well then he got fiesty as we asked where our drinks were and said "he got busy". Okkkk....not a fan of rude service. No need to return.
(3)
Michelle S.
My husband and I dined here for dinner. The complimentary salsa was so fresh! A bite of spice, which was perfect. We shared the chicken quesadilla and the short rib & chorizo taco with rice & beans. The quesadilla was good, but the taco which was rolled up like a burrito was dry which I was shocked. The skinny margarita was delicious which it better be for $11.50! Our server was very personable and the atmosphere was more upscale than your typical Tex Mex place. Even though I wasn't blown away, we will give it another chance and possibly order some of the main dishes that contain the popular chili flavors, which is what the restaurant is know for.
(3)
Kimberley B.
Very nice atmosphere. Romantic setting beautiful people. Best place for a romantic night or girls night out fun fun! !
(4)
Ali S.
Delicious plain and simple. Always consistent! Get the stuffed trout and chile rellano!! My favorite Mexican fusion in Atlanta!
(5)
Wale I.
My wife suggested we come here and I must say, was thoroughly impressed. It's a bustling restaurant so make sure you call to reserve. Valet is complimentary but their attitude was so pleasant, it was a pleasant surprise. Now the food?! Top notch. From the salsa to the main dish ( can't remember what I had now), I was totally satisfied with looks and taste. It's also a nice place to hang out with their small but friendly bar. The atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(5)
Jennifer A.
Just wanted to update...yep, still my favorite restaurant! I like to try new places to eat, but, Agave is so good it ends up being my first choice. Ask for Bobby! He is a superb server!
(5)
Lisa S.
Agave is one of the most consistently wonderful restaurants in Atlanta. The chips and salsa are the best I've ever had, as are the Margheritas, and the guacamole is creamy and delicious. The only problem is that every item they have on their menu is so good that it's often hard to decide what to get. The crawfish diablo is always spot-on and because we don't visit this restaurant as much as I'd like I almost always end up getting it. But then I taste everyone else's entrees and they're always absolutely incredible, as well. I guess I'll have to start going more often so I can branch out and order other dishes. The service at Agave is top-notch! Every single person helping us was friendly and welcoming. We were there on New Year's Eve this year and were spoiled by the same terrific staff as always. I highly recommend Agave for a dependably delicious experience.
(5)
Tracey L.
Always and I mean ALWAYS good! We went there last weekend, and I tried the ceviche for the first time...seriously, where have I been? Was an excellent appetizer. We tried the Anejo Shrimp and tenderloin medallions...Both excellent dishes. Excellent wine list, and service is solid. We have lived in the Southwest, and for a craving of original southwest flavor...we come here.
(5)
Chels B.
We enjoyed a rare child-free weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary and decided to check out Agave for our evening out. I couldn't be more pleased. I noted that we were celebrating an anniversary when I made our reservation and our table was tucked away, quieter than most, which was very appreciated whether coincidental or not, and a manager brought us two complimentary glasses of champagne soon after we were seated! It was a lovely gesture that we won't forget. We skipped appetizers since we weren't starving and are both big fans of the chips and salsa. I ordered the cayenne fried chicken while my husband ordered the flank steak. Mine was amazing. The chicken was so tender and flavorful and the grilled corn was perfect. The mashed potatoes (that accompanied both of our dishes) didn't have a lot of flavor alone, but were smooth and nicely complemented the other items on the plate. I also had a house margarita, which was delicious. My husband thought the sauce on the steak needed slightly more flavor and/or heat, but overall he was pleased as well. He is already talking about coming back to try the porkchop and the crawfish pasta. Thanks for a hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration, Agave! We'll be back soon.
(5)
Michael F.
Start with some excellent chips and salsa (nicely priced at free) while drinking a well made tequila drink of your choice. Move on to well prepared main course while enjoying top notch service. Considering my weekend visit to Atlanta was filled with great food and good service, it was tough to decent on a four or five star rating. I guess I landed on a four and a half!
(4)
Lola F.
I love it here. Great food (I always get the crawfish Diablo or the scallops and grits), drinks are excellent and awesome service! Must try if you're ever on this side!
(5)
Sam D.
The food was good, but the restaurant was so noisy that it diminished the enjoyment of the food. The noise level was louder than some Tech football games I've been to. VERY NOISY.
(2)
Ivan A.
This restaurant is a romantic win and a delectability win. We were seated next to the fireplace with only an hour heads up reservation. Although you really should reserve a few days ahead of time as I always see it packed to the brim nowadays. Last I went there probably over a year ago...my woman and I had a delicious fish and spaghetti meal. My memory is hazy though, so I can't really go into detail. Anyways, try it out and you'll be pleased.
(5)
Gillian R.
Agave is in Cabbagetown and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the boyfriend's abode. I hadn't been and he'd only been once, so when we saw a Groupon, we jumped on it! The Groupon was $40 for a shared appetizer, full order of chips and guacamole, two entrees, and a shared dessert. We made reservations for a Saturday night, but on our way over, realized that the Groupon wasn't valid for Saturdays. We had an OH CRAP moment, then decided we'd see if they would let us use it anyway. When we arrived, my boyfriend politely explained to the host our issue. He discreetly spoke with the manager, who approved our voucher for the evening, and we were led to a candlelit table in the back room. They were so polite, so accommodating, and so classy from minute one. Our server, Gary, was friendly and accessible. He brought us our chips and salsa, then headed back to get the order of guacamole while we decided on an appetizer and entrees. We chose the mussels as an appetizer, I had the Anejo Shrimp, and he had the Rack of Lamb. For dessert, we chose the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie. I tried the jalapeno margarita, but it wasn't spicy--just had the flavor of jalapeno, which was surprisingly not great--so I ended up with a traditional margarita later in the evening, which was much better. We cleared our salsa bowl, which is pretty unheard of for us. We like salsa, sure, but for us, the guacamole is usually where it's at. The guac at Agave was amazing...thick, creamy, and flavorful! But we still ate our salsa, it was just that good. The mussels were tasty. I think I expected them to be more spicy, but they weren't. My favorite part was the tortilla that came on the side to enjoy the sauce when the mussels were gone! I enjoyed this dish, but also had somewhat higher expectations. My shrimp were good, but the star of my dish were the grits. Jalapeno and cheese grits, formed into a little square patty, beneath the biggest shrimp I've ever seen. They were creamy, cheesy, and firm...absolutely delicious! He had the rack of lamb, which he seemed to be fairly happy with. I think we were both expecting slightly more from our entrees, somehow. I'm not quite sure exactly what was missing for us. Perhaps we just made the wrong choices for us, somehow. The peanut butter pie was incredible. Spicy, peanutty, sweet, with an awesome graham cracker crumb crust. Although we were both incredibly full, we still managed to polish this pie off! Overall, we were really impressed with Agave. The ambience is spot-on, perfect for romantic couples and friends alike. The staff was friendly and professional. The food, for the most part, was killer. I definitely think we'll make our way back sometime and perhaps try different entrees to round out the experience.
(4)
JoVonn G.
I met friends here on a week night and had a great experience. We sat up in the loft so we could people watch. Our margaritas were great and so was the food. I especially liked the southwest mac & cheese. The complimentary valet was a plus.
(4)
Jodie B.
I went to Agave last night with one of my girlfriends, and it was pretty good! I had: -Ginger Soy Tuna Tacos: great flavor, fresh ginger, but the tuna inside was really cold! -Roasted Tomato & Serrano Stone Ground Grits: the grits TASTED AMAZING but the presentation looked kinda nasty... I'm not going to be as descriptive as I could be... but... maybe they should consider replacing the shallow bowl and going for a tall bowl & maybe having less quantity.... Anyway, wish I could tell you more about their (famous?) margaritas, maybe that'll be for the next trip!
(3)
Greg C.
The food as described in the menu was interesting and inventive, and the drink menu had an extensive selection of tequilas, margaritas, and other drinks. The food we received was competent, but barely matched the menu descriptions. No one in my party was wild about their dish, and the entrees were somewhat expensive considering the portions/quality. The desserts we ordered were also pretty pathetic, and service was really slow and inattentive. After eating at Agave, I was diagnosed with food poisoning. It is impossible guarantee that my illness was caused by their food, and their owner claims they have had no previous incidents. Nevertheless, it is something to keep in mind.
(1)
Devan J.
Went here yesterday for a business dinner. My GPS told me way too late when to turn into the driveway..so I had to circle the block. If you do not know where this restaurant is and you're going at night, good luck trying to find the entrance. Agave is located in a very random spot right off 20 West. Not an ideal location for such a high class restaurant if you ask me. The service was average and the food was decent. I am a very picky eater, and they fixed me food exactly how I wanted it, which was great. The complimentary valet was great as well. However, I woke up with a major stomachache..and since this was the last thing I ate, I can't help but wonder if their food made me sick.
(3)
Nicole V.
It was great ... love their food and margaritas! !!!!!!! I'll be there again!
(5)
Jackie H.
I finally got the opportunity to get to Agave for dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant got very loud. It was a fun place to have dinner. I'll start by saying that the fried chicken breast did live up to all its hype. It truly was delicious. Seasoned nicely, moist, fabulous. I'm a fan and it will probably be the one thing that gets me back to Agave. Also, the drinks were superb. I had the Peachtree Margarita and it was perfect. I also have to give it to them on the salsa that comes with the chips. It was some of the best I've had. I loved the blue chips too. Loved the corn on the cob too. It was grilled and I tore it the hell up. On the flip side, the other items that I ate did not impress me. The short ribs were very bland tasting, although very tender. They failed to live up to what I was looking for and I was mad at them. Also, I had some spring rolls that were so incredibly spicy until I couldn't taste anything else. It was obvious that too much of something was put in those. The quesadillas were pretty good, but not anything special. I'm going to have to add that I felt that the entrees were overpriced. Just saying. The service was outstanding. Everything flowed like clockwork. A+ for service here. Parking here is plentiful with free valet.
(3)
Sean Y.
As shown this place is Tex-Mex restaurant. I had the swordfish and my date had the steak (i think), but both were very good. We each had a margarita (they boast a variety of drinks) which we downed by the time dinner was done. My total bill for two entrees, two margaritas, and calamari appetizer (comes with two different sauce) was $70 (not including tip). Valet is also provided, the parking lot is pretty small. Service was quick (our food came pretty fast) and attentive. The atmosphere was great, a little dim and cozy.
(4)
Kathryn F.
This is a great place to go for tex-mex....but it's not the tex-mex you're thinking of. I would absolutely recommend this place. It's solid. Service was out of this world. Food tasted amazing. But would I come all the way here from Smyrna? Probably not. It was a bucket list restaurant. Fabulous. Absolutely recommend it. But probably wouldn't come back. I am afraid I am in love with Bonegarden Cantina & Escorpion a little more. Guacamole dip: very good. It's not chunky so if you like chunky dip, you might want to opt for something different. They do have a guacamole dip with smoked trout and bacon. Unfortunately, we didn't see this until we'd put the order in. Swordfish: fabulous. Rubbed in chili and grilled. Served over a bed of chili mashed potatoes, which were equally fabulous. The serving was a little smaller than I expected but that's okay because I had room for dessert. :) Chocolate Torto: Oh. My. Goodness. Just order it. Save room and order it. Really. Order it!
(3)
Bri B.
This was my first time here and the food looked delicious online so I decided to take a friend here for his bday dinner and to out surprise the food exceeded our expectations. Excellent customer service upon walking in the door and going out. I will most definitely be coming back ASAP
(4)
Jin M.
Agave is nice. Valet parking, so you don't have to worry about getting your car towed while you're eating. Service is great, the host/hostess greets you when you walk in, and immediately seats you, and you're then greeted by your server, who is also nice and enthusiastic. Restaurant atmosphere is pretty nice. Not too big, dim lights, calm music. Everything is fine, but I don't think the food is worth all the hype. I also don't think food is worth the price. I got the beef enchilada, while my friend got the chicken enchilada. It wasn't amazing, it was just okay. It didn't taste authentic at all. Almost tasted like La Fonda's enchiladas. Wow, I'm really not too excited right now writing this review, can you tell? I also didn't have anything to drink, because I was driving. Maybe that's why my rating isn't as high. Maybe if I was drinking, I would think everything tasted amazing. Kind of like when you go to Waffle House when you're wasted as crap, and you think their grits are just as good as Flying Biscuits' grits. Anyways, I guess my only tip for this restaurant is--- either have a lot of money and order something expensive. Or start drinking, my friend.
(3)
Shawn W.
Agave is a solid restaurant. The food and service are always dependable. Go lamb shank or short rib all day. If you don't eat meat the shrimp and tuna are very good. They do a half off appetizer at the bar m-f 5-7. Its a good deal. Don't forget the flan.
(4)
Alayne H.
Finally, I made it to Agave. Not sure what took me so long as I drive by here everyday and have only heard good things about this place. It was a Saturday afternoon (Valentine's eve) and Agave popped into my head as a place to meet my friend for dinner. I asked for a reservation at 9p and they said they could take us at 9:15 - not a problem. When I arrived, my friend was sitting at the bar holding the last open stool for me. It was pretty crowded, but the bar service was efficient. The drink menu is extensive - several margarita choices, lots of tequilas as you would expect, good beer selection and very nice wine offerings. Agave is noted for their excellent margaritas but I opted for a beer. Upon being seated at our table, a bowl of fresh, warm, lightly salted chips and excellent fresh salsa were brought to us. We ordered the spicy shrimp & poblano spring rolls and also wanted some calamari. Our server suggested a half order of the calamari as he said the portion is big. I appreciated his suggestion on two levels - one it was nice that he wasn't concerned about knocking a few bucks off our bill and two, the calamari was just okay. However, the spring rolls were tasty especially when dipped in the red pepper jelly. I ordered the slow cooked short ribs marinated in ancho chiles & honey and topped with a chile glaze. They were served on top of goat cheese & roasted yellow corn mashed potatoes. EXCELLENT! The short ribs were very tender and the flavor was mouthwatering. The mashed potatoes were rich, but that didn't stop me from eating every last bite. They were too delicious to leave. Of course, I had to have dessert and ordered the banana plantain dark chocolate cheesecake. This dessert was also nothing short of excellent. The service was great, not rushed at all and they were very busy. I am definitely a fan and Agave will be on my regular rotation of fave restaurants.
(4)
Obadiah S.
My companion and I had a go at Agave recently. This would be my second trip. We visited on a weekday evening. I did make reservations, but there was more than enough room to seat us anyway. The high point of the evening was definitely the margarita. It was fresh and tasty. Their drink offerings really show that even beverages, when made well, can really shine on their own. For my meal, I ordered the New York strip, cooked medium. The steak was just slightly underdone, hardly a huge screw up. I was a little put off by the crust on the steak though. The steak is treated with an herb and chile marinade. Unfortunately, one of the components in the marinade burnt as the steak cooked, imparting a burnt flavor on the surface of the meat. Again, not a huge sin, but I might expect a bit more finesse for the price. The steak was accompanied by mashed potatoes with corn. The corn added a nice sweetness and crunch to an otherwise ordinary side dish. While I give Agave three stars, I would certainly visit the restaurant again. There are a number of dishes on the menu that look interesting, and I would like to try some of them. To recap: the food is decent, fresh ingredients paired in unique ways. The few issues in execution are certainly forgivable. If you like tequila and margaritas, this place warrants a visit. All of the sour mixes are prepared in house, and it shows.
(3)
Lorie D.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. The food, service, and atmosphere are all great and consistent. The inside tends to be crowded and noisy so I do prefer the outside seating. My favorite dish is the seared scallops with grits and collards YUM! I have tried a few other things on the menu and they were good but I usually stick with the scallops. I just love the combination of the roasted tomato serrano grits, it just all comes together well with the honey apple cider spiced collards, (which are great by themselves). I reccommend this place to everyone I know, love it!
(4)
Kin N.
Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We have been here many many times and we have not had anything we don't like. It's the place we bring out of town guest to and all of them love the food. My favorite is the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. It's always cooked perfetly with just the right amount of char and always tender. The scallop and fried chicken are good too. My favorite appetizer is the spring roll. Note: Yelp categorize this restaurant as Tex-Mex, that's incorrect. It should be Southwestern, which is a very different kind of food.
(5)
Carla D.
I ate here so long ago that I don't remember what I had.... still its stand out in my mind as being delicious! I know we got the guacamole and some pizzole soup. I want to say I had the chilli rellano. Excellent fancy Mexican food. Great drinks! Strong enough to pack a punch but doesn't taste like it. Long wait, but it was the weekend of valentines day and they had specials for that.
(4)
Valerie N.
Came for a Saturday night reunion with a long lost friend! We thoughtfully called ahead with a reservation as Agave was slammed when we got there. Hooray! I always prefer the outdoor room (which can get LOUD) or the room with the fireplace than the room with the bar when you first walk in. Our wish was granted and we sat outside. Our waiter, who honestly looked like one of the actors from "Why Did I Get Married?" (seriously - I about died from starstruck awe...), was so cheerful and respectful of our reunion, he good-naturedly took a picture when we asked. Our meal was delicious and not rushed at all. The waiter graciously accepted my Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer (calamari! heavenly!). I love it when restaurants are flexible! My albondigas, as always, were delicious, especially when paired with a glass of malbec and a side order of grilled squash. My friend got the stuffed trout, which, I gotta say, was amazing. I will definitely consider getting it next time. This was my first time trying the Mexican coffee and I must say, yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!!!! Arrrrriba! It was delicious, but definitely needed to be split between me and my friend. It was tasty with the key lime pie and fresh cream. I love Agave. It never lets me down, thanks to delicious food and amazing staff. Well done!
(5)
Giulio G.
This place is definitely a hidden gem. We have been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and they are always ready to accommodate your needs even with last minute requests. In our case we made a reservation on Saturday night for 6 PM for 3 people. Right before dinner we realized that 6 was not going to work. We needed an extra 30 minutes and 2 more people added to the party. Not an issue. The food as always was very tasty and well prepared. I had the special which consisted of a monk fish fillet topped with shrimps with brussel sprouts and shallots on top of a parsnip puree. It was absolutely wonderful. Other people in our party had the Shrimps anejo and the trout. Everybody was happy and satisfied with their meals.
(4)
Jang C.
I should've known to not believe the hype. Like other Yelpers, I tried to love this place, but it's just an A-OK place. Yes, it's a cool, trendy place inside. It looks like a great place to take your date and have a nice drink. You feel so attractive, hip, cool, and trendy just going inside it. However, If your date is a food geek, don't expect to get lucky. The food is mediocre and overpriced. For example, their ceviche has no protein. Okay, I'm exaggerating; it has some seafood. However, it felt like they only added 2-3 pieces though. It consisted mostly of vegetables. If they reversed the ratio of vegetables and seafood, it would've been perfect. I love ceviche, but it disappointed me. I love short ribs too. But once again, this dish disappointed me. The ribs seemed to be cooked well. And it fell apart like butter when I touched it with my fork. The only problem: it was tasteless. I don't think they gave me enough sauce for the short ribs. Otherwise, it would have tasted good. They need to add a bit more sauce to this dish. The sides for the short ribs tasted good though. Who cares though? The short ribs should be the star, not the sides. I also tried the serrano stone grits. It looked like puke, but it tasted good. I think this was one of the better dishes of the night. How was the service? Pretty slow. Because it was a busy Friday night, it took the servers a long time to do anything for us. Sometimes, he disappeared to some unknown place for a long time. Maybe if we came during non-busy times, the services would've been better. Overall, it's an overhyped, overrated, and overpriced place. I don't drink, so I can't comment on their drinks. Their food is average but has potential. Unfortunately, their best dishes seemed to be the sides and the chips and salsa. I'll be nice and round this 2.5 place to 3 stars.
(3)
Heidi S.
Went on a Monday and were greeted & seated quickly. Service was on point. I enjoyed a regular margarita and then chose the Pomegranate one for my 2nd drink (too sweet for me, should have stuck with the excellent first one!). Food was excellent and well thought out - love when I can ask a server for a recommendation for food/drink, get something great and not feel like they're up-selling me! Check it out on the "non-weekend" nights to avoid the crowds/lots of noise. Free valet parking if you pull up by the restaurant, but enter the parking lot closer to Memorial to park on your own.
(5)
Asma A.
This is a very cute restaurant. The first time I went there, I loved the ambiance. In that sense, I guess you could say that It's definitely a nice date-spot. Portions are nice. We ordered one appetizer and ended up sharing an entree. I love it when restaurants know that you are sharing the food, they end up splitting it for you evenly. Food was great. One of the better Tex-mex places in town. I have overall been here a few times and I have enjoyed the food every time I have been there. Definitely a place worth to try out if you are in the mood for some Mexican!
(4)
Guron H.
I decided to go after seeing all the good reviews. I was not happy with the peach margarita.....waitress said no problem, took it back and would take off bill but never did. I ordered a margarita which was good. I had the guacamole appetizer and it had a dark/rotten piece of avocado in it. For the main course I had the salmon. I was surprised to receive one of the whitest pieces of overly farm raised salmon I have ever had...bland and absent of spices/pepper as described on the menu. All in all I would pass on this place. I left hungry and wound up picking up a pizza for my family of 3. We are seriously not big eaters but for 100.00 dollars you should be able to feed 2 adults and a child on a Monday night.
(1)
R B.
Very attentive staff. Everyone was courteous. Dined in after 9 on a Saturday evening. They were several groups, but our party of two received adequate attention. We ordered the trout and southwest egg roll appetizer. My favorite was the dessert: chocolate mousse. We also had strawberry flan, which was so so. The liquor was too watery, IMHO. I will definitely return and recommend to friends.
(5)
Tracie J.
Oh me'Lord! I love this place. Awesome food. Great service. Cool atmosphere. That's all I need. I've been a number of times and have never ever had a bad meal. Some of my entree faves are the lamb chops, strip steak and cayenne chicken breast. I want to try more dishes, but those are my go-to choices.
(4)
Frenchtoast S.
Food was prepared to perfection. Everything in the menu was delicious. I would definitely recommend getting a drink while your waiting for your food since it can take a while for it to come out and they have a long list of cocktails and drinks available.
(5)
Sean M.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I've been a total of 7 or 8 times, and it's never let me down. The food is great, the service is great, the wine list has a nice selection of reasonably priced South American stuff (my favorite when I'm eating spicy food), and this is one of the few places around town where I'll ever order a margarita. The meatloaf is my favorite. That's what I usually get, and I also like that it comes with their amazing mac n cheese. It also comes with collards, which I'm indifferent towards, but I'm not from the south, so I can't criticize. I've also had the fried chicken, the scallops, the enchilada, and a few other dishes. You really can't go wrong with any of it. In this price range, I don't think there is a better place in Atlanta.
(5)
Kyle T.
Make a reservation. Went on a Friday night around 8PM and the bar was packed. We had reservations so we were seated immediately. Cool vibe. Perfect for a dinner date or to just get some points for a romantic dinner. It is a little tight in there but not too noisy. Had the Cayenne chicken and the wife had the strip steak. The food was great and not over seasoned. When we left there were a lot of people waiting and the you could barely get to the bar. So arrive early unless you're just there for the bar scene (which was looking quite lively).
(4)
True F.
Went with the Ladies Dinner Club of ATL, so we share apps and often share entrees so that we get to experience a lot of dishes. Chips and salsa were good. I was not impressed with my margarita at all, but didn't send it back either. Apps: meatballs, shrimp spring rolls, calamari Entrees: lobster pasta special, sea scallops, stuffed trout, lamb Dessert: key lime pie, peanut butter pie, dark chocolate torte, chocolate mousse Everything that I tasted was very good and everyone enjoyed their main dish. The collards and grits were stand out sides. Even with a discount, this place is pretty price for the portions. Nice lively atmosphere. Service was average. This wasn't a 1st visit and I'd definitely go back.
(4)
Cherparadise B.
Took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day . Very nice restaurant. My/Her food was great ! Loved it! The waiter was very attentive. Will be back !!
(5)
Tieren S.
Maaaaaaaaan..... I don't even think an extensive, detailed account of the food and experience will give it justice. Let's just say I had the ultimate "mouthgasm" of my life. No lie. Waiter was cool and attentive and I think I gained like 5 lbs. but it was worth it.... Oh it was worth it. The chips and salsa were excellent. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. The guac tastes just like mine. (I'm a pro) I had the burrito and stew. Was a lot for $12 and delish. My man had the meatloaf and a couple sides which he enjoyed thoroughly... Oh and to wash it down, it was only right to get a peach margarita.... You know being in ATL and all. Bottom Line: If you like tex mex... Make this joint a priority. Ps. Free valet parking ;)
(5)
Peachy J.
I am truly a fan! Went last night for the second time, and I swear I can't seem to find anything bad on the menu. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. The dishes are very creative and nothing you can get anywhere else, so not sure why its classified as Tex-Mex. It's more like upscale modern Mexican. So far my husband and I have had the flounder, trout, pork shank, and pork chops and they have all been cooked to perfection. The portions are just right, and to end the meal we had some very tasty margaritas that where heavy on the tequila (Just the way I like them!) If you haven't been you must add them to the list to check out.
(4)
Jenna B.
My friends and I go out to eat, and this is a place we had been meaning to go for a while. About two weeks ago, we finally made it in after doing some reserach on places that would accept reservations for large parties. We ended up having about 11 people in total. The food itself was overpriced but decent, the service, however, was subpar. Maybe it was an off night, but I have seen a couple of other reviews thinking the same thing...so I am not sure what that means. The waiter seemed very uninterested in helping us, and took way too long to get our drinks and appetizers. At one point we even tried to cancel our appetizer since it wasn't worth it anymore, but they still ended up bringing it about 20 minutes later (and charging us of course_. I understand with a large party it is not always pleasant to have to split checks, and that it can get confusing. The drinks put on the checks were for all of the wrong people, but no one really complained. We handed the waiter our credit cards, and I guess he realized some of his errors and ended up changing what was on the checks and charging us different prices than we had seen on the original checks...which were all still incorrect and of course more expensive. In short, if you do plan on trying this restaurant, I highly recommend NOT going in a large group.
(2)
William F.
Reservations don't mean a damn thing still waiting 30 mins after reservations and rude host ignoring our party
(1)
Addy C.
Really tried hard to love the food esp. after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews from my favorite Yelpers - but couldn't. However the service was top notch, and I loved the ambiance. We had a party of 5, and shared 2 apps and 5 entrees - just the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plates :) Yes we did family-style dining at a restaurant where the food isn't designed for that - we just said we're going to share our food, and next thing you know, they brought all 5 entrees to the center of our table, and set 5 empty plates for each of us. Extra bonus points for portioning out some of the dishes, plus adding a few extra corn on the cob to equal 5 :) That's service! I so wanted to give 5 stars b/c of the great service but the food didn't live up to the hype. Part of me wonders if I should blame the ok food b/c we came on a Monday. Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" said Mondays aren't a good day to eat out at restaurants. COMPLIMENTARY CHIPS & SALSA Love the blue chips and I liked that the salsa was spicy. GUACAMOLE & CHIPS - $7 (full order) Nothing special, and a full order is not really all that big ... good size for 5 people though. GUAJILLO MUSSELS - $10.50 Mussels were small & fishy, and while the red chili citrus wine broth was tasty, I wish it were thicker. The flour tortilla seemed random ... I guess crusty bread wouldn't fit the southwestern theme. CHILI SEARED JUMBO DIVER SEA SCALLOPS - $19.50 Menu description set too high expectations :( Pan seared scallops in signature herb & chili rub, served w/ fire roasted tomato & serrano stone ground grits (salty) and honey cider collard greens (good & sweet). Just ok. AGAVE FAMOUS CAYENNE FRIED CHICKEN - $15 Jumbo size boneless chicken breast but didn't get any cayenne flavor. Buttermilk marinated & fried (not crispy). Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were good, and grilled corn was too buttery for me and I couldn't taste the Poblano drizzle at all. STUFFED MOUNTAIN TROUT TOMATILLO - $17.50 Just ok. Liked the stuffing more than the actual trout. Idaho trout was stuffed w/ crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice w/ roasted tomatillo sauce and freshly cut cilantro (but I don't remember tasting any cilantro). SPICY TEQUILA ANEJO SHRIMP - $18.75 Biggest disappointment b/c this dish got the most positive reviews. Again menu description set very high expectations. Fresh gulf shrimp grilled & sauteed in fresh lime & tequila cream sauce (not spicy at all), and served a/ jalapeno & cheddar ground grits cake (good but mostly cheddar flavor and very salty), and grilled asparagus. The asparagus was probably my favorite item of the evening. TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS - $23 Meat was pretty tender and one of the better dishes. Tenderloin pan seared over roasted tomato, garlic, and chile tequila puree, and served w/ Yukon Gold mashed potatoes (yum), fried cayenne onion rings (not spicy), and grilled zucchini. Overall, I thought the sides were better than the entrees. Also, couldn't taste all the flavors described in the menu. Other than the salsa, nothing was spicy. However like I said before, service was outstanding ... and maybe we just came on a bad day. I definitely want to try their drinks next time - almost every table around us had margaritas :) FYI - complimentary valet parking is available but if you're lucky, you might be able to find nearby street parking on Carroll Street. Also join their VIP club to get 20% off your entire check Sun-Thur, or get $10 entrees if you come between 5-6pm any night of the week! Sign up now!
(3)
Michael L.
We came here last Monday with Addy, Enoch, and Heejin, and were definitely looking forward to trying this spot. First of all, kudos to the service as they took the pains to split up the entrees so that we could eat family style. That merits a star all by itself. The food...was a mix of good and so-so. If that's all you needed to know, then read no further. If you want the details, go on ahead.... Guajillo Mussels ... ($10.50) Eh...not so fresh- the wine broth was pretty tasty, but with a flour tortilla on the side...it just tasted kind of weird together. (2.5) Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp... ($18.75) I actually liked this dish, as the shrimp were large and tasted fresh. Although the flavor of the lime and tequila cream sauce doesn't jump out at you, it is bold enough, and the jalapeno cheddar stone ground grits cake was quite tasty- though very heavy. I'm glad we split that up among the five of us- if I had it to myself...I might be in the hospital. (4) Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken ... ($15.00) I was expecting a crispy layer surrounding the chicken- but it just wasn't there. Honestly, a bit of a disappointment, given the rave reviews of this dish. I was looking forward to this one. It wasn't bad, but the chicken didn't taste inspired- maybe it's because it was a chicken breast. Perhaps it would've been better using thigh/leg meat? The mashed potatoes were good, but not special. The grilled corn was pretty buttery, just alright. (3.25) Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops ($19.50) These pan-seared jumbo diver sea scallops were swimming in an herb & chile rub served with fire roasted tomato and serrano stone ground grits and honey cider collard greens. Not bad- but a week later, I can't really remember any of the flavors...so (3.5). Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo ($17.50) The trout itself was ok, and the stuffing (crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil ver spanish rice and roasted tomatillo sauce) was decently tasty. A bit on the salty side, but bearable. (3.5) Tenderloin Medallions ($23.00) The tenderloin seemed to be slightly overmarinated, if that's possible. Lots of flavor, but so much that it masked the flavor of the meat. Better balance between the two would be good. The garlic and chile tequila puree served only to further mask the flavor of the meat. They might as well have used a cheaper cut of meat. Mashed potatoes were fine, as they were with the fried chicken, and the onion rings were a nice touch to complement the textures of the other elements. (3) Overall, I think that I probably came here with overhyped expectations. The last time I looked through Agave's reviews, they rated a 4.5 overall. But I guess not so anymore. I think the flavors of the food here are done pretty well- but there wasn't any subtlety or extra complexity in the flavors despite utilizing lots of sauces and cool-sounding ingredients. I mentioned before that the service earns them an extra star, so I'll round up to a 4. This spot is good....but not great. Just IMHO.
(4)
Keith H.
Yeah - we might have a problem, we've been to Agave two more times since the last review and it continues to blow our palates away. The margarita's are predictably good. I've been steadily impressed by the weekend specials, my only gripe is that they remain weekend specials and don't make it onto the main menu. We've never had less than stellar service from all of the staff of Agave.
(5)
Tramaine W.
Definitely a place I don't regret visiting. I went on a Saturday night and the place was packed and buzzing. The staff was very nice and helpful to this first time customer. I had a margarita first, it was a mix of the passion fruit and mango margarita, it was delicious. You have to get a margarita if you come here. I had the chicken poblano stew next which was tasty but a bit too spicy for me. For my entree I had the red pepper salmon, I cleaned every bit off my plate. I substituted the asparagus for the mashed potatoes too FYI. Lastly I had the pumpkin cheesecake which was fantastic; this should mean a lot coming from me since I'm not a big dessert fan. I felt let down by the chips and salsa, they weren't that memorable, I think the chips and salsa at Barberitos are far better than these and it's a way cheaper lower quality establishment. I wasn't really feeling the soup and the mashed potatoes I got with my entree were pretty boring and blah. I would definitely come back here despite my minor complaints, it's surely a must visit.
(4)
Bonnie B.
I went to Agave for the first time this weekend, I had previously heard how great it was and it was still beyond expectations. I will be back often and told all my friends they have to try it because it is nice to find a great new restaurant. Service was also excellent.
(5)
Laura N.
The ambience here is rustic and romantic with dark corners perfect for intimate dinners. Plus, the selection of non-alcoholic drinks at Agave is excellent. Every underage person should try the frozen strawberry drink, which is basically a virgin margarita. The complimentary salsa is great too, but you can't order a queso to complement your complimentary nachos at Agave. I came here with high expectations after hearing my boyfriend rave about this awesome Mexican restaurant. Perhaps I should not have ordered a dish that I can make from scratch at home; I ordered the chicken enchiladas, which disappointed me by failing to taste better than my homemade enchiladas (which, I should mention, are really decadent and delicious). I developed a slight case of dish envy after sampling my boyfriend's swordfish entree, which was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Notwithstanding my lackluster enchiladas, I had a great experience at Agave. Recommended for dates and groups. Bring cash for valet parking.
(3)
Tauheedah M.
Tried it again and again left disappointed. Ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and my sexy date ordered the Slow Cooked Short Ribs. $58.00 later we wish we could rewind the evening and try again somewhere else! The grit cake that accompanies my 6 shrimp was good. The shrimp were okay - overcooked and the sauce had a burnt aftertaste. Not memorable and my husband did not finish his food but it came out pretty!!...wait that is why we paid so much for 1 rib and 6 shrimp....right?? Won't be back :-(
(3)
Annie H.
So-so overpriced food
(3)
Jd H.
Great restaurant. Alittle pricey but it's somewhere you can take a date so it's reasonable especially with the atmosphere. Would definitely go again. Gave it 4 stars because the parking was a pain when the place was packed.
(4)
L L.
Had to downgrade after my second visit. Couldn't resist the fried chicken again. It was good, but not the knock-your-knees together good like last time. Oh well. ---- Best fried chicken I've ever had. It's been several months since I last ate there, and I still think about that chicken. My dinner companion took a sample bite of my dish, and the next day I received an email that said, "I can't stop thinking about that chicken!" The Cayenne Fried Chicken was 5-Star all the way. Everything else was good, too, though I would more likely give 4 stars.
(4)
Joshua R.
Phenomenal. One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have the absolute best margaritas in town - the herradura top shelf is unbelievably good. The food is pricey but well worth the investment. Parking is valet only, FYI.
(5)
Adam S.
I don't really associate Atlanta with southwestern food (for obvious enough reasons), but this place was pretty good. The chips and salsa were great and the guacamole was the highlight of the meal for me. A really nice flavor with just the right amount of spice. The shrimp taco appetizer was very nice as well. Very flavorful and surprisingly spicy. I got the beer braised pork shank with mashed potatoes as my entree. It was a pretty nice dish. Spicy and the pork was tender (although maybe a little too tender for my liking almost to the point of mushiness). I tried the trout dish as well and it was really wonderful. I would seriously recommend getting the trout should you go here. This is a nice relaxed setting for dinner. They have an unnecessary valet service for a small parking lot. After the meal I was closer to my car than the valet was, but I had to stand and wait for them to pull the car up 30 feet or so which seemed a little ridiculous to me. But the food is definitely good.
(4)
Erik R.
Nice decor, very romantic inside. Perfect for a dinner date. The restaurant is separated by the bar when you 1st enter. Although there is seating throughout. I would suggest the main dining area with it's real, open seating and fireplace. You eat by votive tea lights flickering away. The Southwestern influenced interior design and ambiance makes you want to cozy up together. You can sit outside on a covered patio with heating lamps overhead. My lady and I ate here for an early dinner. The service was attentive and the food was immaculate. I love the presentation of the dishes, appropriate serving sizes, proportions and seasoning. They can mix up their styles of the dish upon request and they have veg. options.
(4)
Tessa S.
Food was delicious, but as a person who can't handle very spicy food the menu was limited. Their food is quite expensive- join their mailing list to get great deals like $10 for a dinner entree.
(4)
Robert A.
I would give four stars for the service, but three for the food. It was definitely good, but the spicy shrimp were not anything to rave about.
(3)
Sie G.
Have been to Agave several times before, but this was my first time sitting at the bar. The bartender was friendly but not pushy. She knew the regulars, and remembered what they like to drink AND what they like to eat. I had a Jalapeno Margarita. Love spicy drinks so I had to try it. Amazing and the slice of fresh jalapeno took the drink to another level. Agave is a match made in heaven, good food and good drinks.
(4)
Shar W.
If I could give 6 stars I would. I ABSOLUTELY love Agave! A coworker introduced me to this restaurant and I have been hooked ever since. The food is great and the frozen daiquiris are amazing. The staff is very personable and professional. Probably one of the most consistent restaurants with respect to service in Atlanta that I have been too. As you would expect from a good restaurant the place is quite busy on the weekends and popular nights so call ahead and make a reservation to avoid the wait. In the event that you have to wait, try not to fill yourself up on the yummy salsa and chips ;)
(5)
Theodore L.
When I was ten, my parents dragged my stepbrother Ronny and I on a hellish trek through the southwest. What should have been a scenic journey through the eroded vistas of New Mexico and Texas turned into a personal Trail of Tears. I had a nasty case of the chicken pox, and rather than quarantine their sick child, my parents propped me in front of endless cacti, adobes and indigenous people, placing their skin in great peril. I remember The Alamo, but only because Ronny held me down in the courtyard. I hacked up dust the rest of the trip. The point is: Nightmarish flashbacks can detract from the dining experience (never ask me to Chuck E. Cheese's), hence I was reticent to check out Agave and its southwestern fare. But at the behest of a friend wielding a coupon from the Savvy Shopper, I gave them a shot. A brawny gent seated us by the fireplace, a splendid roost to survey the impeccable, rustic decor. I ordered the Don Eduardo Anejo Margarita, and after one sip wanted to put on swim trunks and dive right in! Where was THAT drink when I was a child? A basket of heated nachos battled valiantly against our raging hunger. They must have been laced with opiates given their hypnotic power. For our main meal, my friend received a towering lattice of pan seared Tuna and Asparagus over Mashed Potatoes - a keen melding of ocean and farm. I got the Chile rubbed Grouper served atop Spinach and in a bath of Corn Puree. Wondrous food! Our forks hopscotched from plate to plate as we savored the complex seasonings. We inhaled both dishes with abandon. After conducting my Finger Test, I asked and received more of the delectable corn nectar. I coated my face with it. Feeling haughty, we split a second margarita, The Pomorita, which adds pomegranate to the mix. Mexican firewater AND anti-oxidant goodness... which God did I please?! Thank you, Agave, for helping me overcome decades of shame for an exquisite meal. Better prepare extra nachos and corn juice, for I SHALL return!
(5)
R P.
Their drinks are great and strong enough. I usually get their blue corn chicken enchiladas, but always fill up on their delicious salsa. I've always been more than satisfied. My only issue thus far, after having eaten there over 5-6 times is that they put two tables together outside that made for an awkward seating arrangement which was ok, but it was also incredibly hot. Their fans were on and yet everyone didn't feel their effect. Excellent establishment and service provided. And just to emphasize, I'm totally serious about how good their salsa is.
(4)
Gene G.
The ambiance is presented well with nice decor and perfect amount of lighting. This would be a great restaurant for a date or for a dinner for an important client. The food dishes were unique and presented well. We tried everyone's dish and was equally satisfied with all. The Grit cake was the most unique and the most delicious. Our service was superb and very helpful. My only complaint is their useless and unnecessary valet parking where they basically move the car 8 feet for you.
(5)
Sami A.
There was a lot of hype about this place on Yelp and I decided to check it out when I saw the free appetizer upon check-in via Yelp. Overall, friendly staff, good service and decent decor. Otherwise, the food was merely average--nothing that I couldn't get at a chain restaurant. We ordered the calamari to start and I ordered the trout for myself. The calamari was slightly above average, but the trout was nothing special (though it was quite large). I'm not sure if it was the very high expectations that Yelp had built up for us, but I would be lying if I didn't reveal that it was a little bit of a let-down.
(3)
Bobbi L.
Excellent from apps to dessert. Great service. Killa margaritas!
(5)
Lauren M.
Ok, so the best thing about Agave is without a doubt the margaritas. Best in Atlanta hands down. I have been to Agave only twice, as it is quite pricey, but I love it every time. I keep telling myself the next time I have about $100 to blow, that's where I'm gonna spend it. Great food, good atmosphere. The only complaint I have is the pricing. Other than that, this place gets an A+ in my book.
(4)
Madeleine C.
Every time I think of Agave my mouth waters and my head gets close to exploding. This place is really good. I love their menu, their food, the drinks, and the ambiance. I know it can be loud and dark in there but I absolutely love it. This is the place that turned me on to grits. I came from Miami 8 years ago and was like "iew.. wat the erf is that" but voila! I eat grits at Agave and I'm a total grit eating Miami girl - put a bowl of grits from agave in front of me and I'll forget my own name. I took my sister when she came to visit and she absolutely HAS to go every time she visits. Everything I've had is delicious. Their seared tuna salad, ribs, lamb, scallops, and fish special (served over grits.. agh) have been really great. I think it's affordable, it offers nice portions, the menu is nice and very extensive, and their drinks are pretty good too. I would say this is in my top 10 for restaurants I've recommended for not-so-pricey and great food.
(5)
Whosbaad K.
Nice ambiance, fast service, and excellent food. They were quite aloof when it came to the yelp check in deal so I let it go. The short ribs were tender and well seasoned, and the mushrooms and mashed potatoes were delicious. My friends enjoyed their enchiladas and burrito/stew as well. The complementary salsa & chips were very good, and they keep 'em coming. I resisted stashing the bowl in my purse :/ Will definitely be a go-to the next time I'm in the ATL, especially since we had such terrible food experiences there.
(5)
Anthony G.
The wait was too long. Although we had a party of six, they kept saying that they were going to have something for us soon. I took QUITE some time. Once we were seated, I found the tables to be a bit cramped. The temperature was a bit cold for cool fall night. The short ribs were actually very bland and the sauce on them had little flavor. It actually tasted more like a dry pot roast than short ribs. I hated that most of the meals had asparagus as your main side. Although they did allow substitutions, they have printed on the menu that they "appreciate no substitutions". Definitely lacking in variety when it comes to vegetables (other than potatoes) Although it is a local trending spot, I would not recommend it to anyone. Although it is labeled as TEX-MEX, it really does not give you a true tex-mex menu.
(1)
Matt W.
I wouldn't exactly call this Southwestern or Tex-Mex; I'd call it more fusion cuisine. In any case, it's damn good. I had the diver scallops with grits and collard greens which were amazing and were a fusion of Southern and Southwestern. A chipotle wedge salad? Now that seemed just too good to be true (it was). There are a few more traditional items on the menu such as posole and veggie blue corn enchiladas but I think the fusion items are really what makes this place shine. Our server was very polite and attentive and the staff overall very friendly. The Texas margarita could use a little work though--way too much sour. Stick with the "Corzo Perfecto" margarita if you want good tequila, fresh lime juice, and no sour mix.
(4)
M H.
We have two small children and dining here is wonderful. They are very accommodating with seating and menu items for them. The food and margaritas are fabulous too!!
(5)
Rebecca K.
My boy and I made an impromptu Friday evening appearance at Agave for dinner last week, and as we walked in we both thought "we used to come here all the time...I wonder why we haven't been here in so long?" I'm guessing his thought process ended there. My brain, of course, tagged on "well, because we *used to* be dating and now we've been married for 3 years. meh." Anyway, surprisingly little has changed at Agave since the last time we ate there which is probably 3 years ago. The space is really lovely -- they do Southwestern decor without making me feel like I'm in the gift shop at the Alamo. The service is top-notch. They were busy, but not busy enough to scoff at our no-reservation-having selves. Our waiter was enthusiastic about the food and made great recommendations. I even heard him telling a woman at a table near us when she asked his opinion of her two top picks to steer clear of a dish that I sampled a couple years ago and didn't really enjoy (the enchiladas--the smoked chicken just doesn't work for me). I appreciate that. And, so the food. Their margaritas really are that good. We went for the traditional, and the boy added the optional $0.50 splash of Grand Marnier that the server offered. It was good both ways. Even their cheapest margaritas taste like well mixed cocktails -- no powdered limeade in these suckers, folks. And there is definitely tequila in there (another pet peeve of mine). Their chips and salsa are among the best in the city -- the chips, a mixture of white and blue corn, are fried fresh, but not too greasy, and the salsa is fresh and well balanced with a little spice (they could kick it up a notch to suit me, but I understand that I do live in Georgia). The boy had the burrito and stew, and I had the pork chop special -- both were good, and I felt that the blue cheese grits that came with my dish were exceptional. Apparently, they prepare these with different specials relatively frequently, so if you hear "blue cheese grits" come out of your server's mouth, order it. You won't be disappointed. From prior visits, I can also recommend their fried chicken and the shrimp and grits dish. I am a huge fan of Mexican food, but this isn't Mexican food. It is, however, good solid southwest-inspired American. Nothing terribly adventurous, but Agave will always be a really lovely dining experience. Oh, and get on their e-mail list. They send out a monthly message that always has really great discounts -- usually $10 entrees any evening when you are seated between 5 and 6 and 20% off your entire bill Sunday through Thursday. Definitely worth it!
(4)
Amanda D.
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta - I have never had a bad experience at Agave. Some rules for dining at Agave: Always try the special - it will never lead you astray. Always get the guacamole - its the best I've ever had. Always get a margarita (or 3) - they are perfectly tasty. Always save room for desert!
(5)
Marina V.
Found this little bistro type place just outside downtown Atlanta , tucked in a neighborhood ...reminded me of Scorpion on Miami beach, with their 100 tequilas! So.. Had to make a decision on the appetizer over a repisado magarita!! The aroma in this place is appetizing enough. Decided on the shrimp and tuna ceviche ... For dinner had anejo shrimp with pablano sauce and cheddar corn bread ... If your mouth is watering it should; it was fantastic! The staff was great... Since I was torn between the shrimp and the scallops , the waitress brought over a sample of the scallops for me with the meal ... : ). Finished off the meal with the dessert sampler tray (too many goodies to list, but every one homemade) and basically rolled out the front door, too full to move too quickly !
(4)
Vicki K.
I was so excited to plan a celebration for my 50th birthday at Agave, especially with their vegetarian menu. Until I saw the veal items on the menu. Veal is a food borne of cruelty to baby cows and there is no reason to have it on the menu with all the other culinary choices available now. Too bad I won't ever eat there.
(1)
Stephie Z.
Sad news- this joint is just around the corner- when I say just, I mean the next street over- and I have only been here one time. AND that one time was a blind date so I didn't want to go all out and order multiple things:( So sad, as was the date. Despite the date sucking ass, it wasn't the restaurants fault. I sat at the bar for a short while before my date arrived and the bartender was very attentive. Beer selection is okay, but the tequila selection looked pretty durn good. I saw a pomegranate margarita that I really wanted, but forgot about during the evening. I made a promise to myself that I will go back to sample that deliciously beautiful drink. The salsa and chips were tasty and fresh as was my entree- tuna sashimi with some super crunchtastic spears of asparagus. I could have bathed in the mashed potatoes- they were that good. Then again who fucks up mashed potatoes??? I mean really? The server was great and catered to our every need, except making my date pay the bill in a timely manner- dude held on to it for 45 minutes before I finally could convince him that the restaurant was looking barren and it was time to go. I know I am an excellent conversationalist, but really (haha, just kidding). The night ended not with some dessert, which is what I would have preferred, but with my blind date trying to hold my hand at the dinner table and me jerking my hand away (hello- hug on the first date, no grimy hand holding). Maybe I'm a cold bitch or maybe I just really needed some more of the fresh southwestern food that Agave has to offer. Agave, I will be back!
(4)
Travis N.
I fear I'm going to become a broken record in these reviews...but this place could have been better if they had more spice! I went with a friend the other night, and this place has DAMN good margaritas. I had 2 and they were 2 of the best I've had in the last 4 years. Their ceviche was nice and tangy, and the mussels were very spicy I was slightly disappointed with the craw fish pasta, after being warned by the waiter that it was "hot and spicy". When it arrived, it was flavorful, but not really what I would call "spicy" Another big draw I could see to this place is the tequila selection, there are pages and pages of them. It's an interesting culinary escape from the typical humdrum, but it could really do a little more to live up to those expectations.
(3)
Chuck T.
Best Swordfish I've ever enjoyed. My wife had the Sea Scallops, and she loved them. The Ultimate Margarita was about $10, but it was worth it. Dined in the main downstairs seating area, and it was packed, but the service was prompt and helpful. The valet parking staff was very polite and fast. We are going back very soon.
(4)
Heddy K.
Agave is one of my very favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have super margaritas, very tasty food, subdued atmostphere. They are always full, which is a good sign. They have good chicken fingers for kids too. We always take family and friends here when we have a full house. Also they are great supports of the neighborhood, always sponsoring our preschool.
(5)
Andre S.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried Agave after I tried and raved for Nava, the more upscale, expensive version. Overall, I wasn't disappointed and neither did I leave highly enthused by the cuisine. It was simply "ok"- hence the 3 stars. My date and I ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and the dish they brought out was HUGE! I was somewhat taken a back from the size of the serving plate since we still had to fill up on the main course. Maybe I was too much into the conversation, but I found the calamari to be somewhat cold, bland, and lack luster *cue the Debby Downer 'wah-wah' bugle now*. My chicken enchilada plate was much better though. Oh yeah, the complimentary valet kinda sucks- they claimed they were extremely busy with all the reservations and backed up. There were only two valet attendants with a long line of backed up cars. Maybe Agave will grow on me if I go again.
(3)
Ryan S.
I was kind of underwhelmed by Agave. The drinks were good, but the food was so-so. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can tell it's kind of trending towards the hipster crowd with a Mexican flair. The choices on the menu are pretty good. Lots of fish, which I like, but when they came out, the dishes were kind of 'meh'. They were good, and Agave isn't super expensive, but I like my Tex-Mex a bit more exciting. I went with a big group and they have a GREAT group-sized table up on the balcony so you can chat and look down on the rest of the patrons. Fantastic spot for big groups.
(3)
Shonda K.
Like some of the other Yelpers, I too drive by Agave EVERYDAY taking my son to school but have never eaten here. I have a friend who loves it and a friend who hates it, so I thought I'd see for myself. This place was full of people, which normally is a good sign. We were seated right in front of the fireplace and this just made me smile from ear to ear considering it was a chilly evening. I sat with my red wine in front of the fire, happy even before I got my meal. There are so many things to choose from on the menu from chicken, beef, pork, seafood..not just the traditional Mexican food which I was expecting. Our food came out in a timely manner considering the restaurant was full of people. I had the grilled pork chop with honey & cider collard greens. It was really good, loved the taste of the collards. I sampled the lamb and the tequila shrimp which my friend's ordered. They both had a really good flavor. I really like Agave. There was a good energy, a mixed crowd (which is hard to find in Atlanta) and good food. So for me good food+good friends=good times. Like someone else noted the prices wouldn't make this an every Friday type of place for me but I will definitely make my way back when I am looking to have a nice dinner close to home.
(4)
Mack T.
Best margaritas in the city! The food is very good and if you sit in the bar area; the pour is fabulous:) I always visit this place when I am in the ATL.
(4)
Molly S.
I had my first Agave experience on Saturday night, and was really pleased with the whole experience. We did go early, 5:30pm, and didn't have reservations, but did not have to wait. The margaritas were awesome. Both of us enjoyed the margarita recommended to us by our server, and were very pleased. They tasted amazing, and had a pleasant amount of tequila. I have to admit I had two. Shared the calamari as an appetizer, and loved the jalapeno jelly it came with. I had the grilled shrimp that came with a grits cake and asparagus, and hubby had the grouper that came with spinach. Both entrees were delicious - perfect portions, excellent flavors. We both commented that the seasoning flavors weren't too strong, and you didn't lose the original flavor of the food. For dessert we had the key lime pie and spicy peanut butter pie - both were delish! They were very big though, and we ended up taking half of each home with us. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. I'm looking forward to trying different things on the menu!
(4)
Lisa K.
I found the dining experience here to be pretty enjoyable. My mango margarita was one of the best margaritas I've ever had, which you should expect from a place named Agave. The green chile stew is the real deal, which is nice. You can tell the chef has a good handle on southwestern cooking techniques and flavors and interprets them into pleasing dishes. I had the enchiladas and thought they were pretty decent, if a little lacking on spice. The collard greens were tasty. Nice waitstaff and nice atmosphere, too. Add the fact that you can get a 2 for 1 coupon in the mail and this is a good value!
(4)
Peyton S.
I've passed by Agave a million times and finally decided to stop in. Ecclectic Southwestern cuisine is what the sign said and I admit that my mind was ready to ENJOY because me likey ecclectic. Unfortunately I can only report that our meal was okay. My friend ordered the steak and it was really bland. A swordfish taco was as ecclectic as cardboard with a lil butter. I ordered the shrimp with grits which was better than everything else but wasn't something that would come to get again. Actually it was over seasoned rather than being tasty. I've given them three stars because my cadillac margarita was pretty good and the staff is pretty friendly.
(3)
DC W.
Had dinner there earlier this evening for the first time. Service was fantastic. The food was fabulous. The chocolate mouse was made with imported Belgian chocolate and was the creamiest, and best I've ever had. Yum.
(5)
Donnell H.
Throughly enjoyed my experience this past weekend. It is certainly becoming a favorite - consistent and delicious. Someone in my party had the meatloaf and the flavors were great - only one recommendation that it be a little firmer.
(5)
sheila l.
This was my second time dining here. The first time was fantastic. Enjoyed all of it. Second time dining here left me feeling blah about it. A friend and I dined on a week day and it was not that busy. We were seated upstairs where there are only 2 tables. (My friend arrived first and chose seating.) I would have like the patio area but I was OK with the upstairs area. The server never smiled. He was so serious that it made me a little uncomfortable. Maybe he could not hear due to the high altitude. :) Anyway,when I asked about what he liked(as I always do) he said he liked the fried chicken. Being at a southern eclectic cuisine rest I preferred a second rec. He said that was the best. ooooooook. I don't remember now what I finally decided on. I was a little let down by the service. Not memorable with the food. The dessert: we went with the chocolate chocolate chocolate death with a smile in my face cake or mousse thing. Now THAT was incredible! I suppose if you are server and having a bad day.... just go home. I'd rather have slow service than pissy service.
(3)
Scott C.
Outstanding! Definetly should try..
(5)
Kirkwood J.
Had the cayenne fried chicken, delicious. All the items we tried here had a little kick to 'em, really enjoyed it.
(4)
Patrick Q.
There's a special place in my heart for Agave. My wife and I held out rehearsal dinner there in '06, and as other reviewers have experienced, the staff did an amazing job with both the food and the service. We make it back to Agave at least once a year, and they consistently deliver from the chips and margaritas to the entrees and desserts. They can get a bit crowded, so make a reservation and be ready for loud and often hectic ambience... but it is more than worth it.
(4)
Richard S.
This is an excellent place to meet folks for a special occasion - parties of 6-12, no problem. It's also a nice roadhouse where a couple can have a nice quiet dinner. My favorite way to go Agave is just the two of us on a weeknight.
(4)
Andrew H.
Their margaritas are awesome. That's basically the only reason that I can justify giving them 3 stars. They may possibly have the worst service of any "nicer" restaurant I've been to in Atlanta. I honestly feel like the waiters I've had here are on par with TGI Fridays or the likes. They make me feel rushed. They are impersonal. The overall impression I get from them is that all they care about is rushing me out of there to turn the table over. My waitress last night started off by saying "I'll be right with you. I have 4 tables all to myself." Oh no,four tables?!?! Sound the fucking alarm! She was awful. She rushed everything she said, to the point where much of it was inaudible. She never cracked a smile and basically made us feel like we were a nuisance. Our entrees were brought out in the middle of our appetizer. A major no-no in my book. She also attempted to take our plates before we were done eating. The food was decent. I had the short ribs and the fiance had the enchiladas. They were good but nothing to write home about. Another thing that REALLY bothers me about this place is the forced valet parking in the large adjacent parking lot. I dont want to pay some schmo for what I am perfectly capable of doing. Its not even like the valet is next to the front door. Fuck that. I definitely wont be back.
(3)
Micaela G.
My second visit to Agave was as delicious as my first visit. I love that Agave has consistent good food, and awesome service. My meal started with the Agave Salad, which is a yummy concoction of field greens, artichokes, corn, and zucchini. I had the chile rubbed seared scallops with grits and honey cider collard greens as my main course. The scallops were amazing! I loved the spicy flavor of the scallops with the sweet and savory collard greens. The flavors balanced out nicely. My whole dinner was perfection, and my husband loved his meal too! Agave will be my first choice when i'm in the mood for Southwestern food. This restaurant beats Nava, hands down!
(5)
Ryan F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I can't say a bad thing about it. Well maybe one, I hate valet parking (especially when the lot is on top of the restaurant). Other than that, Agave is impeccable. Nice ambiance inside and out and even better food. Chips and salsa - awesome. Margaritas - Awesome. Everything on the menu - AWESOME! The fried chicken is out of this world. The Salmon, Swordfish, and grouper are top notch. I've never heard a person complain about Agave and may never, it's that good. To top it off, It's extremely reasonable on the ole' wallet. This is GREAT food and many items on the menu, if not most, are under $20. If you live close in town, you probably get that coupon book with the buy one meal get the second free coupon also!
(5)
Jessica O.
The food is yummy, but not cheap. The margaritas are also good and fairly strong. Just be aware that it's a super LOUD place, so if you go with a group, you will have to yell across the table.
(4)
Sean S.
What's not to love? I've never had a bad meal here. The staff is uber-friendly. The parking is a breeze. Once upon a time, the wait could be a challenge, but that's rarely the case anymore. The margaritas are truly amazing. I must go back and ask, but the dessert with the chili powder in the chocolate glaze -- to die for. The ambiance is social and eclectic. Put this one on your must-do list. I insist.
(5)
Elicia W.
Now that I've decided to Yelp again, in a different city, I had to tell you that Agave is my all time favorite Atlanta restaurant. The only one that has stayed consistent over the years with service(low turnover, no attitude, and serve to please), delicious fresh tasty food (and margaritas), and a relaxing and sometime romantic atmosphere. A new entree they added this year is the most melt in your mouth swordfish I've ever had. The seared ahi tuna rocks! Please bring back a side of spinach :)
(5)
Marie P.
I was sneaky. A friend of mine who lives walking distance from Agave said he'd been meaning to try this place. I found the menu and it's looked really good. So I got my boyfriend and a different friend to go! We didn't make reservations but got in right away. The host seated us on the upstairs balcony, which was very secluded and romantic. Kinda awkward when you're with your boyfriend AND your friend. But whatever. It's the perfect spot for a quiet date. But it was neat sitting up there. We had a view of the whole restaurant as well as the bar and the kitchen. Pretty sweet. I ordered a $10 Margarita. I think we were celebrating something but I don't really remember. But I didn't care. That was the best damn Margarita I've ever had. Sorry I can't remember what exactly it was though. I also ordered a bowl of white bean soup. This soup was nothing short of amazing. I was pretty close to tears and I thought my boyfriend was going to fall out of his chair it was so good. After he regained his composure he ordered himself a bowl. For my meal I had an arugula salad with trout. Simple but very flavorful. My man had the swordfish and we've never had swordfish that was this tasty. It was unbelievable. But I can't remember what my friend had! I think she had the taco appetizer. Our server was fantastic. My experience has been that if you are seated in a secluded area, the service usually sucks. Not the case here. We were very well taken care of. A few days later I told my other friend, who mentioned the place to me, that I went. "WHHHAAATTT? How was it?" Amazing. I'll be going back again soon. And I'll take him this time.
(5)
Dara F.
Agave is a wonderful restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The prices are a bit too high for it to be a regular thing, but for a special occasion (I recently went for my birthday), it's great. The atmosphere was okay - even though the tables are so close together that you can literally hear your neighbors' conversation without trying, its intimate and "hip." The food was great. I had the shrimp and grits. The grit cake that comes in that dish was pretty much the tastiest thing I've ever eaten. The sauce on the shrimp was a bit salty, but overall a good dish. My husband got the salmon and veggies, which he really liked. I got the basic marguerita and it was one of the best I've ever had (and I'm quite the marguerita snob). I do wish the parking situation was better, but considering it's on a tight cabbagetown street, it's understandable. You pretty much have to do valet, which is free, but on a busy Saturday night my husband and I ended up waiting in a line (in the rain) for 15 or 20 mins.
(4)
Shauna R.
Waiter and waitress were very nice. I had passionfruit martini....very yummy! I ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and was the first time I had stone ground grits....definitely a southern thing I think! The shrimp was well cooked although I must say peeling off the skin should have been a bit less work. ;)
(4)
Stephen E.
Best top shelf margaritas in Atlanta. The food is divine and the service is outstanding.
(5)
Ginny N.
Margaritas are yummy at AGAVE! Big surprise for a restaurant named after the plant that tequila is made from. =D Probably 10 different types of margaritas on the menu... I opted for the traditional. The food was excellent as well. The restaurant is in a cool location.. right across from Oakland Cemetery (where Margaret Mitchell is buried) agaverestaurant.com
(4)
William S.
We came in on a Sunday evening to a welcoming environment to celebrate with friends. The valet was very quick and efficient, and we were met with smiles (as we were in every aspect of Agave). Right away, we were greeted friendly at the door and taken to a table very quickly. Our server was wonderful, our food was delicious, the prices are very fair, and we were able to really enjoy ourselves. The most important fact of the night : they take food allergies very seriously! One of our friends has a dairy allergy, and every step possible was taken so that he could enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about getting sick. Thank you very much Agave! I do need to mention the margaritas are fantastic!
(5)
Kay T.
good drinks. good service, walking distance from auburn ave and grant park. So you can get your buzz n eat on and walk it off!!!.
(4)
Tac P.
Excellent food, good service and a value for a tasty, well presented meal.
(4)
Jim K.
We have been here several times, and almost all of them have been excellent. Great food, great service, knowledgeable on the menu. It can get loud, it can be dark in spots, but if you are with your own group, who cares! Especially after a couple of their great drinks!
(5)
Alice J.
Would like to thank Agave for hosting Bones and Beer for Oakland Cemetery - the food was FAB - I hope to get home in time one day for happy hour.
(5)
Jacquie T.
Wonderful meal & the atmosphere was energetic and fun. I had the grouper special on a bed of spinach...excellent!. Will definitely return.
(5)
iwiLetter.com ..
Agave does not dissapoint. It's a great place to go for a nice meal. It can be a little crowded and loud on the main dining area near the kitchen, but if you get the loft up top, or the side dining room you are golden. Very knowledgeable and friednly wait staff, we take most of our out of town guests to Agave for a nice meal and bottle of wine(s). I think they have 2 for 1 appetizers from 6-7pm, most nights I think.
(5)
Keith H.
Southwestern Food with Flair Yum Yum Yummy I got Agave food in my tummy. Agave is alright with me....a fresh, fun, upscale southwestern menu, if you go in the Winter be sure to sit by the warm and cozy fireplace, it's a sure winner. My favorite dish, Pan Seared Chilean Salmon over a roasted red pepper sauce...to die for! The wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. One of Atlanta's finest Southwestern restaurants. . Pros: Best Service, Attentive Staff . Overall user rating: Recommended
(3)
Kristin T.
I love Agave and will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who visits Atlanta and likes Southwest food with a little bit of a creative Southern twist. As an avid reviewer of salmon entrees- Agave's dish is pretty delicious. And if you like tequila, Agave will have something for you, (I think they offer about 100 different varieties.)
(4)
Katie D.
One of the best meals I've ever had. Wish it were closer, but its definitely worth a try.
(5)
Eric B.
Good service. Eclectic menu with fresh ingredients.
(5)
Chris B.
I love Agave. Great food and a pretty unique atmosphere. Tasty margaritas, yummy guacamole and great entrees. I've had the fried chicken, which was amazing, as well as the meatloaf, which was also good. Also, the raspberry margarita cheesecake was solid. Overall a hard to beat experience if you're around the Inman Park/Grant Park/Cabbagetown area.
(5)
F H.
Great margaritas, mediocre to bad food - haven't been impressed with any dishes there yet. They have a lot of new menu items, so things might have gotten better recently. Update: we're still hesitant to return because the food has not impressed us. My husband is from New Mexico, so he loves green chile enchiladas. The ones he ordered here were completely bland, even to me. The shrimp dish I ordered was nothing special and the shrimp were WAY overcooked. I really want to like this place, so we will give it another try.
(2)
Tori M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The food and the service are consistently outstanding. I love to take out of town guests here because I am comfortable knowing that everyone is going to love their meal. The spicy tequila shrimp is my favorite along with any of their chocolate desserts. They have the best margaritas that I have had anywhere.
(5)
Heather D.
Great food, great service. This place beats Nava any day. I've been to Agave a dozen times and I've never had a bad meal here. In fact, every meal has been DELICIOUS! The shrimp and grits have a unique twist that ends up yummy. The trout is fabulous and you can't go wrong with the stew. Not to mention they have tons of great margaritas, Includung the pomegranite margarita that's more tart than sweet. TIP: check the savvy shopper for buy one get one free coupons every month.
(4)
Jay P.
In town for business and a co-worker and I went here based on the Yelp recommendation. We were not disappointed! Both our meals were well prepared and the services was good. Despite what someone else posted parking was free and readily available though the venue was mostly full that evening.
(4)
Shannon H.
I've been to agave many times, with diverse sets of friends, and I don't know anyone yet who doesn't find something they love here. There margaritas are outstanding and there's an impressive wine list. For food, the choices are diverse. I recommend the diablo crawfish pasta, pork chop, anejo shrimp, sashimi tuna, grouper, trout, tenderloin medallions, or the lamb. Best plan yet is to go with a crowd who doesn't mind sharing bites and order several of these, so you get to try more than one! Make reservations on weekend nights, though, as how good they are is no secret.
(4)
Julie J.
Long waits, but getting a margarita bar helps the time pass right away. The food here is delicious. It's not your typical Mexican food, but rather, it has all sorts of "comfort"-type dishes with a Tex-Mex flair. At the table, we had the halibut, the enchiladas, the diablo pasta, and the meatloaf. If you're in the mood for something specifically Mex, definitely try the enchiladas. All in all, a fantastic meal and service was great. Definitely going back soon.
(4)
Lisa A.
Thanks Yelp! My husband thinks I'm the best wife ever, as I found Agave. Ever since I met him, every time someone asks him what his favorite food is, he always says New Mexico/Mexican. While I was looking at reviews, I noticed one for Agave. I saw the words "Hatch Chilies" and a little light went off in my head. When he came home that night, he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner and I said "I don't know, maybe try this place that uses Hatch Green Chilies?" Needless to say, we arrived at Agave in like 15 Min's. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy, who quickly showed us to our table. Our waiter was very prompt and brought us a nice basket of warm chips. The salsa was a little bland, but when my husband asked if they had a hotter sauce, he quickly brought us a sliced jalapeno chili, to mix into our salsa. My husband had the green chili stew and burrito, he was very happy. I had the fried chicken and it was excellent. So flavorful and juicy. This is no regular fried chicken, it has a kick! If my husband had his way, I think we would eat here everyday. So, thanks Yelp, you made my husbands day!
(5)
Shaun M.
Agave is now my favorite place. The guacamole is a must as an appetizer. Their famous fried chicken is a can't miss if this is your first time going. Add some sides like mac and cheese or collard greens, and you'll be instantly hooked. If drinkings your game, take a look at the huge selection of tequila and wine. And the best part is their staff. They are very friendly, helpful with recommeding good choices, and are just as enthusiastic about the food as you will be.
(5)
live to nibble d.
When size matters, Agave simply cannot be ignored. This neighborhood favorite of many in and around Cabbagetown serves up some well-loaded plates every night of the week. The margaritas are always excellent, blended with great selections from a long list of tequilas, and are always of more than sufficient strength. When comfort is the goal, the beer braised pork shank should hit the spot. Just looking at the hefty hunk of meat should have a grounding effect on the stomach (photos of the food may be found at livetonibble.blogspot.co… ). There is nothing fancy here, just tender long cooked meat with simple seasoning that is savory, but not overpowering. The braised greens provided the much needed fiber for a bit of balance. Not everything on the menu exemplify simplicity, however. My mountain trout stuffed with crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice with a roasted tomatillo sauce and cilantro complicated things a bit, but somehow still managed to come off looking and tasting rather rustic. There was a nice kick of acidity from the tomatillo sauce. But it was not pronounced enough to make one take notice with every bite. One thing remained consistent throughout all the dishes - the size never got smaller. Nothing at Agave is earth shatteringly good. Yet, it's a place I want to go back to, if only because it feels good to lean back into the chair.
(4)
David S.
Last night was my first trip to Agave, and it exceeded all of my expectations. My girlfriend and I arrived before the couple with whom we would be dining, so we took a seat at the bar and had to try the "best margaritas in Atlanta". I got the Texan, she got the traditional, both were great. Nothing is more dissappointing than a weak margarita and Agave's are anything but. Great flavor, too. Later our friends arrived and we were seated and greeted with a bowl of chips and salsa. This was no run-of-the-mill salsa either, you could tell it was very fresh which made it taste even better. A nice heat, and not very salty at all. Since all entres were $8 (yes, even the $24 rack of lamb), we decided to try a bowl of the Green Hatch Chilli Stew as an appetizer. It was fantastic. I ordered the Tequila Spicy Anejo Shrimp, my girlfriend ordered the Southwestern Burrito and Stew...our friends had the Rack of Lamb and Tenderloin Medallions. We all shared...the meat was tender, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, the cheese grits cake that came with my dish was mouth-watering, everything was just so delicious. And spicy, I loved that the chef wasn't afraid to make a dish spicy. Nothing was tame or bland at all. Awesome. We didn't have dessert because we were all so stuffed. The experience was great, this is definitely on my list of places I can't visit often enough.
(5)
Jeannine G.
Agave is great! I have been about 6 times now and they never fail me on service or great food! consistency is the key and they have it! Love it!
(4)
Crystal W.
My first experience was on My 30th B-Day... Woohoo! I am totally a fan! First I ordered the Mango and Passion Fruit Margarita (You have to ask for it, not on the menu) ... Soooo good, I had to have 2! Then I ordered the Diablo Crawfish Pasta... wow! It was not too spicy it was just right! I also tasted my husband's Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno grits... it was sooo tasty! My party also enjoyed their meals... the hubby and I will be back soon!
(4)
Bruce B.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. The Cayenne Fried Chicken and the Beef Medallions are my favorites; Service is great, but the place can get fairly packed on a weekend (or even some weeknights!). Prices are expected for the quality of food. This is a great place to take a date/partner for a good meal.
(5)
Joi M.
I tend to frequent the same restaurants in Atlanta because I know I can expect great food, exceptional service, and just a fun time in general. If it were not for Yelp I would have never thought of trying this place. The first time I went was on a Friday night last fall and even though it was only 9, the parking lot and restaurant was packed (I always go early now). I sat at the bar. The bartender Lisa is always so nice. The chips and salsa were great, the margaritas were good and the chicken enchilada entree was delicious. I've returned twice since then (once for National Margarita day when drinks were half price) and I love the 2-for-1 appetizers at the bar from 5-7 (the bar only sits about 12 people). Plus, you can see the chefs preparing and cooking the food from the far end of the bar which I always enjoy. My favorite appetizer is the mussels. The best mussels in Atlanta I think. The broth is really good. Even though it is tomato based it does not taste like tomato. The mussels are seasoned as well as the broth and it comes with a hot tortilla. I also like the chicken quesadilla, calamari, and they are all big enough to share. I went on Monday for my birthday and had the scallops! So good! With grits and I love that they serve greens with it! Eating out at so many restaurants in Atlanta I noticed they charge between $20 & $30 for a dinner entree yet fail to serve any vegetables! Lisa lit a candle and brought out the birthday mousse which was chocolate and was really good even though I am not much of a mousse fan. This is the only restaurant I can think of where I usually get more than 1 drink. I've always been too full to try their desserts though. I will be returning just so I can try more of their delicious dishes.
(5)
Jason E.
Since moving less than a block away I've visited Agave at least once a week. I even chose it as the venue for my 24th Birthday celebration. As with all of my visits, my last was AMAZING. I always go, with exception of my Birthday, between 5 and 7pm for the 2/4/1 appetizers special at the bar. The Calamari and Mussels are always SPOT on. I can't help but finish the Mussels off by slurping up the broth all by itself. AMAZING flavor and just the right amount of heat. I love that the kitchen is so open to the bar. Along with that, the atmosphere is just right. Always nice and dim, but not dark. Great music to accent the always wonderful conversation. The staff is truly amazing also. James was out server for my Birthday and flew solo for our 12 top table. He never missed a beat and just has the most genuinely amazing personality and a smile to kill! I'll keep going back as long as those Texas Margaritas are flowing and they let me in the door. ALWAYS a sure bet. ENJOY!
(5)
Michael B.
Good food and generally interesting. Good service. We often forget abt this gem but are always glad we went. The salsa is great.
(4)
Sandra J.
Best Margarita!!! Great Tequila!
(4)
Lucy L.
I always receive excellent service and the food and drinks are fantastic! One of the best margaritas in town. The bar is very small however they have a great happy hour during the week and the bartenders are fabulous!
(5)
Herman N.
I now understand why everyone calls Agave bland/just OK. It's not that the food is bad (it's actually pretty great); it's just that it's not very spicy, and I would wager many who try out this Cabbagetown joint expect a certain fiery Southwestern flair. That being said, I'm not a big spice guy and I thought the food was quite tasty. I had swordfish and my lady had a vegetable plate (which I'll admit won of the two entrees on this particular evening). The guac was also rich and creamy. Unfortunately, my margarita was really sweet (almost too much so to drink), and our server, Lucas, after initially impressing us with his vast knowledge of the restaurant and its menu, decided to never check back and make it a true pain to even leave the place. That said, I'll certainly give it another try, if only for the food.
(3)
Ryan D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We became regulars at this establishment (definitely put a hurting on our wallet). Food always amazing, best margaritas, educated staff, friendly management. Go!
(5)
Suzy D.
Great fried chicken & mashed potatoes.....good service with yummy chips and salsa and killer margaritas...yummmm
(4)
Yvette J.
Agave is proof that it is a small world... Several years ago, I was reading a review of Agave and Hatch green chile was mentioned as part of the food enjoyed. Hatch green chile is special chile. It is grown in Hatch, NM and few people outside of the state of New Mexico are even familiar with it. I grew up in Albuquerque and know Hatch green chile well. My interested in Agave was piqued. I visited the web site and was surprised when I read the owner was from Albuquerque, too. Then, when I saw the owner's photo, I laughed because I knew him in high school! We went to different high schools but hung out in the same social circle. Small world. So, my husband made a visit and it instantly went on our list of favorite restaurants. We have taken my parents (visiting from NM) there several times and they love it, too. The cayenne fried chicken is the best fried chicken I've had (although I've never got to try Scott Peacock's at Watershed). I've, also, tried and enjoyed the blue corn enchiladas, the pan seared tuna, the tequila anejo shrimp and, the tenderloin medallions. My favorite starter is choosing a yummy margarita from their extensive margarita list. This place knows how to make a fantastic margarita. My new favorite is the Pommarita - pomegranate margarita. The service is friendly and attentive. Drink and food recommendations are always offered. They have a small valet lot or you can park off street. Their valet hustles and earns every tip. And, they are kid friendly! We took our almost 1 year old there back in May. They had a clean high chair for her to use and gave us a great, roomy table on the patio. Our server was kid friendly, too. At the end of the meal, he told us he had nephews and has been around a lot of kids and wanted to let us know that our daughter was one of the most well behaved toddlers he has ever seen. I thought that was a nice compliment and was proud of my young daughter (my biggest fear in public is being "that parent" with "that child."). Aces Agave!
(5)
Nik G.
I had dinner at Agave for the first time for my husband's birthday. It has gotten stellar reviews, so we were really excited to finally go, especially since we live 5 minutes away. First off, I have to admit that the interior is not as great as I was expecting. Now saying this, I'm not really sure what I was expecting exactly being that it is a Tex-Mex spot, but nevertheless, it was less than what I expected. It has your typical "cantina"-esque interior. Anyway, we started out with the chips & salsa with an order of guac (of course) and it was great. Since we were being piggies that night, we also ordered the calamari as an additional appetizer. It was fantastic. For dinner, I had the "famous" cayenne fried chicken. It was delicious. I forgot what the chicken came with. Mash potatoes maybe, and also corn on the cob. It complemented the chicken well. All in all, I give Agave the thumbs up--I just would like anyone else reading this to not get totally blinded by all the awesome reviews and expect more than what it really is. It is a Tex-Mex CANTINA. haha I have to admit, I think Holy Taco is better.
(3)
Lorne C.
One of the best Neuvo Mexican in the city. We have gone there for both company dinners (which do a family-style dinner), for a friend's birthday or just when I want some great food, great drinks, in a wonderful setting. Some of my favorites are the Chile-crusted Grouper, and the Agave Cayenne Fried Chicken. Place gets very busy and crowded, but fun none-the-less. One of my Top 5!
(5)
josie p.
It speaks volumes to me when I dine out & the entire evening exceeds expectations... That's exactly how you'll feel after eating at Agave. I haven't tried anything on the menu that's been a loser, but speaking from experience, the nightly specials offered here are so superb, you'll hope they become a regular fixture on the menu. I tried the spicy seared Halibut once & still salivate over it to this day. As many have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Fried Chicken or Shrimp & Grits... both entrees are slightly different variations from the norm, but hit the spot nevertheless. They have a plethora of side dishes to choose from that I could have as a meal in & of themselves (I'm partial to the honey cider collards) & they have no problem subbing out various veggies if you'd rather have one over the other. I think the servers here are excellent & are quick to offer up suggestions if you're torn between certain dishes. If you go here, you MUST sample a margarita. I don't care if you aren't a fan of them (to be honest, I'm not partial to sweet & sour, lemon lime drinks myself), they will have some sort of fabulous drink concoction to suit your needs. Trust me, they pack a deceptive punch! I adore the mango & pomegranate margarita, but they have numerous variations for everybody's taste buds. I so wish I could afford to eat at Agave on the regular... Sighhhh.
(5)
David J.
Excellent... All around excellent from the food to the best margaritas in town hands down (and I have tried A LOT of them :)) This is New Mexican food not Mexican so for those of you that don't know... They are two different places. One is part of the United States and the other is a whole other country... Not the same. The service here is impeccable and friendly. The decor is about as close as you can get to authentic in Atlanta as possible... I think in almost all of my time in New Mexico I never saw a booth... lol
(5)
Francis M.
I took my girlfriend to Agave for a long promised steak dinner and we were definitely not disappointed. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Mango Margaritas were fantastic. Even the service was good. Our waiter was very polite, knowledgeable, and attentive. The only complaint I have is that Agave isn't really an intimate place to dine. The tables are kind of close together due to the small dining room... but I would still go back again.... And again. :0)
(4)
Three M.
Very friendly staff, but our waiter was definitely going for the upsell a bit too much. You can tell the design is supposed to be all southwestern adobe-chic, but it felt a little stuffy and uncomfortable. Which is too bad, because if they had some comfy booths or banquettes, it would be really nice with the fireplace and all. I ordered the special swordfish, which came with some super yummy sweet potato concoction that did not go with the rest of the dish at all. Seemed kind of thrown together. And the fried chicken is definitely breaded with cheez-its. For real. Bottom line is, go once just for the sake of going, but you probably wont go again.
(3)
Elle R.
My favourite restaurant in Atlanta. I have never taken a guest there who did not love it as well. Consistent, every single time. The fried chicken is awesome, desserts great and margaritas out of this world. It is a must go to in my book!
(5)
Emma C.
I love this restaurant. I've come here for at least two of my birthdays, and various other special occasions. I've tasted almost everything on the menu and I can say that I love it all! The seared sesame tuna is a favorite of mine, and the margaritas are divine. The amiance is chill and pleasant, service is usually pretty good, but the food and drinks are above average in my book. Definitely one of my long-time Atlanta favorites.
(5)
Andrea R.
Love the spicy shrimp and poblano spring rolls. I think the bar should be enlarged, but that's just me.
(4)
greg g.
I work in food and bev my store closed at nine at night. I was looking around for a later evening place w/ a fun delicious atmosphere. By the time i get out and want to take my girl out for a fun date most good restaurants give you the we are closing in an hour look. Y'all know that look lol. Well i live near agave i always pass by thought I'd finally check it out. The valet was great the guys were really nice. As soon as my date and i walked in i was captured by the south western vibe and loved all the different types of old crosses on the wall. oh and we did not have a reservation. We were sat in less than five min around 9:30pm and the place is packed I'm already impressed. They sat us next to kitchen line which is cool right in the middle of the place. So i was engulfed in a radiance of scents that made my mouth just water. My date was also impressed by the quality of service thus far. Quickly i looked over the apps and saw the spring rolls had to have them. Our waiter was super n ice but didn't hoard the table for his tip if you know what i mean he was very professional. She got the shrimp w/ grits and i ordered the seared tuna. Our apps arrive in a very timely manner and were delicious. Then came our entree's both of ours were fantastic. By the end of the meal we are both stuffed. But i had to try somthin sweet to take home. Asked our waiter he said key lime pie. so we got it boxed up paid the tab and we were in and out of this delightful place. i'll deff be returning for round 2.
(4)
Naima W.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I love the margaritas, mussels, fried lobster tail, and scallops. The food is wonderful and the service is great. I also participated in one of their quarterly tequila dinners and that was awesome too. It was a little pricey but I believe the experience, food, and drinks made it worth it. They served me so many drinks that I had to leave some of them on the table!!! I will gladly do the tequila dinner again!
(5)
Christian S.
Just went to Agave after probably a year of not going (for no reason other than forgetting it was a favorite!) and had yet another great experience. Food, drinks, chips are always consistently excellent. 5 stars because we've NEVER had a bad experience or meal there. Staff is great and owner always seems to be there making sure the place is running smoothly.
(5)
Jennifer N.
We really enjoyed dinner at Agave. We started with the mussels and finished with the pumpkin cheesecake. In between, we had strip steak and gulf shrimp. Everything was good and the staff was friendly and attentive. Try the grit cake: crispy on the outside soft and creamy on the inside. Overall, a great dining experience. Not a great place to take small active kids..the lighting is pretty dim and it is kind of tight and crowded on the weekends. But they do have high chairs so it is not out of the question. Enjoy.
(5)
Shaye B.
I have been a couple of times to Agave and had a blast each time! The food and margarites are both great. Both are creative and its worth exploring the menu a bit! Both times I got seafood - flounder once and shrimp the other - and was not disappointed at all. The jalapeno infused margaritas are a real treat! I really like the atmosphere and decor of the place too - it is a large restaurant, but it is done well inside and each area has its own vibe. I definetly recommend this place for groups and someone looking to try a "southern contemporary tex-mex" place - which is how I would best describe the food. I also think that Agave is less expensive than other fun dinner locations for big groups. Plus who doesn't like starting off a weekend night with good company, some margaritas and creative mexican food?!?
(4)
Nathan S.
Agave is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always fresh and oh so yummy. They really take pride in serving authentic, fresh, southwest flavors. My favorite dishes are the scallops and fried chicken. The peanut butter pie almost put me in a coma. I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Amazing! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)
Emily S.
Had an amazing experience at Agave! The salsa and guac were very fresh. The menu featured lots of Tex-Mex options with Southern flare -- seemed to be something for all palates. The chorizo and pork tacos were very tasty (and quite spicy by my Midwest standards). Will be eating here again soon!
(5)
Kelly M.
I really liked this place. This would be a great date night spot or good for happy hour. I've heard it's best to come early as it gets pretty crowded. It's very cozy inside. There is low lighting and a fireplace. We sat at the bar. The margaritas were excellent; not watered down at all. My friend and I dined in for happy hour. The chips were served fresh and hot just the way I like them. They have a happy hour special where the appetizers are 2 for the price of one or you can order any entree for $12. That's a sweet deal. We had the tuna and calamari for appetizers. Both were served to perfection. I order the braised short ribs with potatoes and grilled asparagus. The meat was very tender, but tasted more like pot roast than short rib, but still delicious. My friend enjoyed the pork chops and collards. I can't wait to go again.
(5)
Maxx M.
Chips and salsa rocked! Great service, good food, definitely will patronize next time I am in the ATL. For those of you going in a big group, I'm not sure what they called it but they had a special sampler family-style menu which worked great for our corporate group.
(4)
Ricky H.
The food and drink is good here. I never been here before today and heard of it before seeing it on yelp. The place is very romantic yet small. I enjoyed my time here and will definitely go back again. It across from the historic cemetery. You will have to make reservations before going.
(5)
Paige N.
I've been to Agave twice now - both with dates, and both times it was a pleasure as other Yelpers have said. It's a very cozy, romantic setting no matter where you are - although both times I've been on the patio, which is perfect. Generally, we began with wine or margaritas - both are excellent choices - and the server recommended good bottles. And of course chips with quacamole. I highly recommend the guac - fresh made and filled with tomato and onion and cilantro. Yum! And for dinner on my most recent experience there, I had the stuffed mountain trout and my date had the chile seared sea scallops. We shared and both dishes were fantastic. The trout was truly stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms and the scallops weren't too spicy or overcooked. And our waiter was very attentive refilling our wine and water glasses whenever they started to look a little low. It's definitely a place I will continue to suggest and visit in the future. One thing to be aware of is that parking is at a premium around there, so save yourself a headache and valet (it's complimentary) and they're very quick.
(4)
Chandrea R.
This was my first visit, the food and drinks were awesome. I got the calamari, lamb chops, and a Texas Margarita. I will be going back ASAP!!!!!! :-)
(5)
Grant M.
Consistent, quality, great atmosphere. Agave has been a favorite for the past 14 years!! The bartenders are always on point and the food is ALWAYS amazing. Never a disappointment.
(5)
Troy P.
Place was really nice and most of the food was way above average. The shocking part of the visit was the below average service. Not just really slow, which was not a complete deal breaker, but nothing conversational ever. We all had margaritas, but no offer for second round came. Never asked how meals were after delivered. By the time a dessert menu came, all of us had lost interest. To me, the service at a nice spot is almost as important as the food. Bummer.
(2)
Catrina W.
First time there last Saturday. It was amazing, but I think they close to early. 11. The Texas margarita I had was the best I had in my entire life. I still dream about it.
(5)
Bobby C.
This has been in my regular restaurant rotation for some years. Wonderful food and great service.
(4)
Jamarcus T.
When I began writing this review I had already clicked that fourth star, but as I think back to just a couple nights ago, I may end up taking a star away. We'll see. Two things that stand out immediately that Agave has a handle on is its really tasty salsa, free along with the 'on the house' chips, that has a really nice spicy kick to it (don't feel ashamed if you reach for that water), and their customer service. The waiter was extremely helpful, took care of any concerns/requests we had in a flash and with a party of 6, I definitely appreciate that. Agave could be a romantic place, considering the low light and general atmosphere, although the crowds, which , even on a thursday night, were enough for me to not notice any two person tables or couples tucked away in a corner. For whatever reason, people stand at the entrance, making it a little difficult to weave in or out, but it's more roomy than it looks from the outside, having an upstairs seating area as well as a couple of downstairs rooms for seating. It can be pretty loud at times, as one of our guests kept commenting that she couldn't hear half of the conversation due to the general noise. I had their Southwestern Burrito & Stew ($12) and the presentation is really great. The stew had a nice rich flavor, not at all heavy and vanished from my bowl fairly quick. The southwestern Burrito garnished with sliced tomato and corn, was just "okay" in terms of flavor (Much less so than the soup). I'd rather they have had an option to eat the burrito sans shell, which had a doughy taste that seemed to overpower everything else in the burrito, but sadly, not the case. Large portion size, very tender meat and it'll make you full for sure. Random notes: If you're not seeing what you want on the provided menu, go ahead and ask for their vegetarian menu just in case they forget to give it to you. Parking is valet (complimentary) and even if you don't "check in", go ahead and do so to unlock special deals, like a free appetizer, etc. So, 3 or 4 stars?? I think Agave does just enough to hit the 4 star mark and it's a restaurant i'd love to try again to either confirm or disprove my review.
(4)
Evan S.
Great spot for group dinners. Although the menu has many great Mexican options, there are also a few American varieties that grace the menu. Namely, the sweet collard greens I had were very good. I kept the meal light with the shrimp and poblano spring rolls and the greens. Washed it down with the Peachtree Margarita, one of the house specials.
(3)
Carrisa P.
We visited Agave on a Monday night. Sparse crowd, but I had been meaning to try it for months. We were seated promptly and our food came out almost too quickly. The scallops were as pictured. The tomato grits were tasty, but the collard greens had an odd crunch. My guest had the fried chicken and was relatively unimpressed. We were less so to find that our server had charged us for the complimentary chips. On top of mediocre food and service, I will not be back.
(2)
Gabriel N.
I am happy to add another 5 star rating to this fantastic restaurant. After having gone several times in the past 7 months I have yet to encounter a bad meal. That's a bold statement right there. I try something new each time and have yet to be disappointed. I've even taken a notoriously picky eater in our group and he rants and raves about the place. First off, you have a killer atmosphere. The place is divided up into three major sections each with their own flavor. The main bar area has a interesting rustic and intimate feel. The second room to the right is more of a classic Spanish style restaurant and the patio has a very relaxed atmosphere. Agave's claim to fame is that they don't have freezers or microwaves. Everything is cooked fresh and brought in fresh that very same day. I have to agree because you can taste the difference in all their dishes. On top of that they have some killer margaritas which aren't drowned in sour mix and instead livened up with fresh lime juice. If I started describing all the dishes I've had at Agave this review would turn into a rundown of almost the entire menu. There's a flavor for everyone here and a level of spice anyone can enjoy. Speaking of spice, you can ask for fresh habaneros to be brought to the table. If I could give them a sixth star just for that I would. They're only open for dinner and can get slammed on odd days so I highly recommend reservations.
(5)
Chris B.
You gotta love the vibe at Agave. Open kitchen, great smells, people drinking tequila and cerveza like it is their job. Came in on a Saturday night with a reservation for four, got a table overlooking the front dining room and the open grill. The food was good. Their guacamole is one of the best in the city, my appetizer of Tomato Avocado salad was average at best. The highlight of the burrito plate I had for dinner was the side of Hatch Green Chile Stew. It was like a mexican pot roast, really well seasoned and totally delicious. The burrito was good but it was overloaded w/ black beans. My gf had the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo which was probably the best dish at the table. Trout was perfectly cooked on a mountain of spanish rice and deliciously seasoned crawfish. Great dish and two days later tasted just as good reheated. Overall a great experience, the wait staff could have been better refilling drinks but Agave still deserves a 4 star on the experience as a whole plus the value. Sure its a little pricey but compared to other restaurants in the area, the prices aren't that insane.
(4)
Sir Jesse B.
I'm not a huge fan, but My wife is; she and I have been twice. On both occasions the wait staff was pleasant and attentive, the food has been inconsistent. The first time was o.k. I recall tasting the tuna and wishing I had ordered it rather than what I'd chosen. The second visit the food was not good and I didn't feel that I could report it due to the fact that a family friend, visiting from Germany, was paying for the meal. I ordered: Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna Sesame crusted tuna sliced rare over mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with a serrano-soy vinaigrette and a jalapeño wasabi drizzle The tuna was tough and mostly cold- very disappointing. The rest of the party enjoyed the food - and it was a scenic experience from the balcony/loft tables; you can watch the flames and such of the grill area. My wife loves the lamb, like no other place: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Fresh chile & herb rubbed lamb rack grilled over a New Mexico Guahillo red chile puree, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and garnished with a cool corn relish & cilantro leaves. For this reason, I will continue to go to Agave... though I'll probably stick to the wine & high dollar mac & cheeze.
(3)
Ian R.
A recent trip here left me asking "Why don't I come here more?" Oh yeah, I'm cheap. But on the rare occasion I do want to venture into that $18+ plate range Agave is a great place to come. Considering that tex-mex is a dime a dozen in Atlanta I tend towards ordering their pork and steak dishes and have not been disappointed with anything I've gotten. The key to agave is flavor. You know all those extra words restaurants add in their menu descriptions to make you think the meal is going to blow you away? That isn't just for show at Agave. And it honestly doesn't matter what sides come with your entree because you will like them. Though the portions aren't the typical American fat-ass size that I'm used to, I soon forget about size once I start basking flavor country. My biggest complaint is that the high ceilings make it pretty noisy, but that has to be accepted in a place this popular. Don't fill up on chips, you will want to enjoy your meal.
(4)
Karen R.
We went there for our 11 year anniversary and they treated us like royalty! I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoes and it was superb. Desert was a peanut butter pie that was out of this world! We will definitely be back!
(4)
D F.
Found on Yelp after an afternoon at the zoo. Great find. Sat on the patio; high walls (but not much to see outside) but provided a nice breeze and atmosphere. Salsa was fresh, not too runny or chunky, with a good cilantro flavor. Couldn't stop eating it. Had the flatiron steak, excellent flavor, good sized. Tasted the enchiladas...will have to have a whole portion next time. Didn't get a taste of the meatloaf but it looked good and was devoured quickly. We were a party of 9; the dessert sampler was perfect. Service was solid and friendly. Only misstep was we never were told the special; what we overheard sounded good (some type of pork chop).
(4)
Leah V.
I have had the pleasure of eating here twice, and if there were a money tree in my backyard, I'd be eating here everyday. It's so tasty. While I feel like the interior is pretty crammed, that just makes me more inclined to say that it's a more romantic, couple-y atmosphere than a group outing one. I had some kind of fried chicken dish that almost embarassed me in that I cam close to licking the last morsel off my plate. Not very ladylike of me... I also had a margarita, though I can't remember which one it was. I think it was mango or peach or some other flavor that looks orange. They were unfortunately out of the jalapeno liquor to make a spicy margarita. Maybe next time. I hope. This was also some of the best service I've had. Our waiter did not bug us to death, but he also didn't leave us wanting for anything. Perfect!
(5)
Claude L.
Byebye 2012. Stopped off here to get a quick happy hour dinner before moving it on to watchnight service. Kudos for the chips and salsa..........impressed by the chicken poblano soup...not so much by the smoked trout guacamole. Im off beer for a month due to self imposed new years restrictions, but when I come back again, I want this place to have at least one keg. Im a draft guy.....and the fourth ward needs more taps.
(3)
Breck P.
Agave is the best! I love this place and have gone regularly since it opened. Agave has only gotten better over the years. Start with some posole soup or the hatch green chile stew..perfect for the weather we've had lately. I also like that Agave has something for everyone, from short ribs and meat loaf to lighter fare like the delicious salmon or tuna. I've brought large groups here before and everyone finds something they love on the menu. And you get to kick it in Cabbagetown, one of Atlanta's coolest neighborhoods. If you haven't been, go. You'll be happy you did.
(5)
Tammi D.
I don't get out here much, but this restaurant is worth the drive. You want fresh food, here it is! I hear they have no microwaves or freezers, so if you want fresh, this is it. Their guacamole is really good. Open kitchen, which is always a nice plus...Check it out!
(4)
Luke L.
I had been wanting to try Agave for years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge after driving by it about a million times. One thing that made me decide to try Agave was finding out that they have a completely separate vegetarian menu. My wife is a vegetarian, so it's always hard to find something that works for both of us. I made reservations a couple of hours in advance, and my wife and I had a cocktail while we waited for our table to be ready. The staff really knows their stuff when it comes to tequilas and mezcals, and the cocktail my wife had was perfect. For dinner I had the cayenne fried chicken, while my wife had the vegetarian blue corn enchiladas. Both were great, though we felt they were just slightly under-seasoned for southwestern fare. The blue corn tortillas on my wife's enchiladas reminded me of tortillas you'd get from a street vendor in mexico, while they cayenne fried chicken was beautifully breaded and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I felt was lacking was the absence of heat in the breading on the chicken. The best part of the entire meal would be the guacamole appetizer, which was some of the bes guac I've had in Atlanta! Overall, I thought the food was prepared well, and the cocktails were phenomenal! I'll definitely be back. The staff is great, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is great!
(4)
Peto F.
The decorations, uniqueness of the menu, friendly waiters , complimentary ballet parking, and atmosphere are top notch. My wife and I love making the drive to Atlanta to go here.
(5)
Lauren A.
We came again last week and I ordered the pork special (app) as a meal. The portion looked tiny coming out but it turned out to be the PERFECT portion for a meal after our mussels. Speaking of the mussels, they were unusually large this week!
(4)
Leo C.
I'm not sure what happened, but we came back 2 months later and the flavors, dishes, and portions weren't the same. Maybe we came on an off night, regardless, it was enough to lose major points from me...
(3)
Yijing T.
After seeing the reviews of Agave, we went there tonight. It 'a definitely an awesome restaurant. The speed is very fast. We only wait around 15 mins for our food! If you are not a fan of Mexican food, you should be there and try, then you will change your mind immediately. I ordered a Rank of Lamb, a little overcooked with charcoal taste. Anything else is perfect!
(4)
Anita C.
This is my second time at Agave and the first time I honestly do not remember what I ordered, but I remember leaving very happy and impressed. My second visit, we ordered the beer braised pork and the trout. Both were extremely tasty!!! The beer braised pork is seriously making me salivate as I write this because the meat fell off the bone and it was just cooked perfectly! The trout was stuffed with something but I think I was inhaling it so quickly I didn't even look. I will obviously and most definitely come here again!
(5)
Ray L.
I really like the atmosphere of this place. It's a nice hybrid of semi-upscale and laid back, casual. The bar is a good place to wait if your friends are running a little late - friendly service and a wide variety of delicious margaritas. Boyfriend had the peachtree margarita, delicious. Birthday girl got the traditional margartia, which was so well balanced. Not too tart, not too sweet. I got the mango margarita, delicious because of the real, fresh mango - but it tasted nothing like a margarita. My meal was okay - satisfying. They don't offer the traditional Mexican dishes, but they have some unique takes on southwestern inspired dishes. I got the diablo crawfish pasta, and they gave me a lot more crawfish than I was expecting (good). Only reason it wasn't great is because none of the ingredients really sang out. It was sort of one level of flavor, and therefore a bit uninteresting. It was a birthday dinner so we got a nice chocolate mousse which was really good, especially with the hint of cinnamon at the bottom. So maybe my entree wasn't stellar, but the whole experience was really solid. Good for a sophisticated yet casual dinner. I'd go again.
(4)
Ryan M.
Good Southwestern Food and Margaritas My wife and I have dined at Agave several times, most recently with friends. - Good southwestern food; would recommend the shrimp & grits and the fired chicken - Great selection of Margaritas - They probably need to change the menu a bit. If you haven't been here before, the current menu is great; I'm just ready to see some new items. - Good service as well - The place can get somewhat noisy
(4)
Jessica W.
I took my husband and 7 week old daughter here to celebrate his 1st father's day. We were pleased to be seated at a table with a bench. (Perfect for the infant carrier) Our drinks and food were delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and gave us great suggestions. There were no diaper changing stations, so I went out to the car and the valet let me use his canvas chair!! How sweet. So, why only one star? Well, as soon as we got our entrees, a group of 7 was seated right next to us where 6 could barely fit. (Not including the spot where our baby was sitting) We moved my daughter to the other side and the person who sat the group (Seemed like the manager, not the host) put a chair on the 'end' of their table. So this means that there is now a person's back 3 inches from our table. For my husband to get up, he had to put our daughter and her carrier ON the table. (The carrier is almost as big as the entire table) and slide out on the only open side. I told the waiter that I thought it was absurd and the manager (same person who put the group & extra chair there) came over and said "Sorry, they were a larger party than we thought" and didn't offer to move us or any solution whatsoever. Within 10 minutes of the group being sat next to us, another huge group had left, and plenty of tables were cleared, reset, and empty. We were very uncomfortable and couldn't even hear each other over the large group. The only thing offered to us was a surprise dessert after my husband went outside to wait (where it was more comfortable) for me to pay the tab. I told our super nice waiter that we just wanted to leave because we were uncomfortable. It's too bad that the focus was on getting people crammed in like sardines and not on making people feel comfortable and taking responsibility for a mistake. I'm sure that the woman sitting in that chair didn't want to spend her entire visit hoping that her hair didn't catch on fire from the candle on our table. She was that close to us. What a shame....
(1)
Jin K.
Holy cow. Tomato avocado salad and cayenne fried chicken. I cleaned both plates. Along with a passion fruit margarita of course.
(5)
J P.
I have eaten here many times and it's always great. The service consistently exceeds my expectations. The Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops and Chicken Poblano Soup are two of my favorites. They have plenty tequila and margarita options.
(5)
Arthur Y.
A once-great restaurant that gets popular and sacrifices quality in its frenzy to cash in on its high volume--these are the saddest reviews to write. Agave was in my top 5 mid-range Atlanta dining spots in 2008. It was always crowded, but that was nothing a reservation couldn't take care of. I looked forward to the ahi tuna as much as nearly any dish in any eatery in the city. The food was fresh, exciting and flavorful, and the atmosphere was great. My then-girlfriend (now wife) and I went every chance we could. Flash forward to 2012. I had heard rumblings for a while now that the place had really taken a nosedive, but I wanted to see it for myself and hopefully be proven wrong. Sadly the criticisms were confirmed. I made a point to tell the host when I made the reservation that it was my wife's bday. When we arrived we were seated, no bday mention. Not a huge deal--but it does show a lack of standard professionalism. The server was friendly and attentive, but sadly the pluses ended there. Ordered glass of Rioja. It barely filled a third of a Bordeaux glass, and was clearly the last of a bottle they opened three or four days earlier and didn't refrigerate after opening. Shameful! Ordered the ahi tuna and specifically asked "cook it as rare as the chef will allow." The mussels app was actually fairly tasty and had a nice chile flavor. I didn't get long to enjoy it though, b/c we had our appetizers for about 5 minutes when they rushed out the entrees. And I noticed immediately the dry, gray tuna (AAAACK!!). It tasted even more melancholy than it looked--crumbly and devoid of flavor. The creamy white wasabi sauce that used to glisten beautifully against the deep backdrop of the tuna was this time a watery mess that had seeped into the fish. My wife had a side of black beans with her entree, but they were ice cold and even more flavorless than the tuna was. We sat down at 7:30 and were shuffled out the door by 8:20. Never a single mention of the birthday either. If you want a high quality meal from a professional spot in a much better atmosphere for the same price, head to Wahoo a few miles down DeKalb Ave. There just are too many good restaurants in Atlanta to justify returning and paying this much for such mediocre quality. I live right around the corner from Agave and I won't even be going back.
(2)
Matt B.
We've been to Agave ~15 times over the past few years. Love it - incredible southwest inspired food. I wouldn't call it tex-mex... don't come here expecting mexican, americanized or authentic. We've eaten everything on the menu (literally every single food item on the menu). Try the trout, short ribs or scallops. The chips and salsa are actually fresh and delicious. The margaritas are large, strong and tasty. They have a large tequila bar, so you can certainly find one you like. On top of all this, the 'savvy shopper' coupon magazine that gets mailed out around Atlanta frequently includes a 50% coupon. We must have saved $100 with these by now. Free street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding. Reservations a good idea for dinner.
(5)
Lauren M.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner on a weekday evening. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes or so, and with one of their margaritas in hand, I wasn't complaining. Dinner took a bit of time, but it was well worth it. Very fresh, delicious and worth the slightly overpriced tag. The service was great, and the atmosphere was charming and warm. I'd definitely come here again .
(4)
Adrian S.
A fantastic little gem of a spot.
(4)
Eric S.
We hit up Agave during our latest trip to ATL. Good Tex-Mex, great tequila selection. Prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is rustic and inviting.
(4)
Rob P.
Hadn't been back to Agave for awhile, was one of my favorite places when I first moved to Atlanta. This would be an interesting experiment to see if my opinion had changed since Atlanta has slowly evolved me into a bit of a food snob. Glad to say, Agave is still five stars. The margaritas are better than I remember, the traditional is probably the best I've had in town. For an appetizer, they had a bison short rib taco special. Hot damn it was tasty. For dinner, had to go with the favorite scallops and grits. I need to try other stuff on the menu, but this is so damn good I had to do it. And it was perfect. I think they added a little spice to the grits, brought out the flavor. Nice work Agave, you're still one of my favs.
(5)
Brian K.
Agave offers well executed, highly-flavorful Tex-Mex in a casual, trendy environment. Food: Agave specials in Tex-Mex with a modern flare. On my last visit, I started with one of their signature margaritas and guacamole, both of which were excellent. Our table also enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa, the latter of which had the most kick of any I've had in Atlanta. For an entree, I had the cayenne fried chicken, which was quite flavorful and a welcomed twist on the southern classic. In keeping with the southern theme, I ordered the spicy peanut butter pie, which had a unique, but welcomed flavor. Service: Our waitress was very personable, efficient, and both willing and able to make recommendations when requested. Atmosphere: Borderline upscale for a Tex-Mex restaurant. Clientele is mixed, but mostly 21+. Price: Food quality is commensurate with the price. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and appetizers are in the $6 to $10 range. Margaritas will run you around $8 each. Other: The only thing that turned me off about this place was the lack of self-parking. Only valet service is available, which proved awkward when we had to wait several minutes for a vehicle that was only parked 10 feet from the front entrance.
(4)
Lydia L.
Can I give it a 3.5? I really want to love this restaurant. I want some outstanding Southwestern food in Atlanta...a go-to place like most of these people. Cons: Loud, very loud, and dark. Pros: Friendly, eager service Good recommendations Let's talk food... Southwestern chopped salad with bacon- not bad, a little lacking in flavor Let me preface by saying our waiter was wonderful and without any prompting knew we might want to share food, so the kitchen prepped out plates with both entrees on one large plate. Lamb- well cooked, sides that complemented the dish well. Good, but not mind-blowing Trout- delicious, well-executed I'm trying to pinpoint my discontent with this restaurant. The food was good, the service was good, perhaps it's just that I didn't feel like it was a good value for the price. I'll definitely give it another chance though, and maybe I'll change my mind.
(3)
Pamm B.
Always AMAZING. Have never had a bad meal or service here. Had the rack of lamb tonight. Friends had everything from the scallops to the fried chicken. Everything got rave reviews.
(5)
Mikaela Z.
Happy birthday to me! After a really awkward valet parking experience (Seriously? Why do they have valet? I have no idea, it is a parking lot next to the restaurant and I could have parked 100 times more quickly on my own. They should at least take the cars in front of the restaurant instead of in the lot so it doesn't feel so unnecessary), we meandered into the restaurant. We had a reservation, but I don't think that it was necessary on Sunday night. My husband told them it was my birthday when he made the reservation, so I guess that part of the reservation process was helpful. The chips and salsa are so so so great. I was a HUGE fan. My husband and I both got the slow cooked short ribs. I got the mac and cheese with mine instead of the mashed potatoes. The picture that someone put on here of them is very deceptive. It makes the ribs look more like steak. The meat, however, reminded me more of a really spectacular pot roast. The meat just fell apart. The mac and cheese was amazing. Tasted sort of like au gratin potatoes but with pasta. Delish! The asparagus that comes with it (only two spears) was so nice. Tasted very smoked rather than steamed in butter. Nicely done, Agave! Nice touch! After our meal, our server brought over a free chocolate mousse. I had read in some reviews that this might happen...but I wasn't too excited because I don't generally like mousse. After trying this amazing birthday gift, I take it back. I LOVE MOUSSE!!! This was so so good. The perfect end to our meal. Paul, our server, was great. He was super sweet, very helpful and honest, and very on top of things. Best service we have had in a very long time. We presented him with an Entertainment Book coupon before ordering (generally a service buzz kill, even though we always tip very well), and he treated us the same as everyone else. Smart man, got an even better tip! Loved my experience at Agave. We will be going back. The Entertainment Book did its job, got us in there to try it, and then Agave did its job - sucked us in so that we will definitely be back!!
(4)
Lindsey R.
I live right down the street from this restaurant and the parking lot is always packed! The ambiance is great and the outside patio is wonderful when the night temp is nice. I've been a few times to this place, but can't seem to join the band wagon on this. (Just my personal opinion) They do have very good drinks, but maybe we have to buy the $30+ dishes to truly experience it right? My last dish that I got was so spicy I couldn't even finish it and had to sip water after every bit. I can't remember the spice used in it, but the waiter acted like there wasn't a lot of it in there. The waiter also had a strange attitude, but maybe it was an off night. I'd say the place is alright, the biggest complaint I'd have is how LOUD it is in there. It's really hard to have a conversation when everyone is talking over each other.
(3)
Ivan S.
Agave has become somewhat of a cautionary tale for me, reminding me to do my research for all restaurants, no matter the occasion. The girl-I mean fiance-and I celebrated our newly minted engagement at Agave but for reasons other than the food. Or service. Or atmosphere. Or the location. Nope, it probably was the location. We chose Agave mostly because it was the site of our first "official" date and really, it was only the site of our first date because it was halfway between our two houses at the time and, since neither of us were sure it was going to work between us, we went there. Fastforward 2.5 years later and Agave's become the default for our special occasions even though neither of us are really too hot on the place. OK, the food isn't horrible per se. The ceviche we ordered was quite serviceable. My swordfish was pretty good too; it had a nice char that technically probably shouldn't have been there, but tasted good to my unsophisticated palate. I'm still not sure why, though, "swordfish" was in quotes when I finally got my bill. Maybe Agave is the equivalent to that one girl you know who uses air quotes "way too often" not to mention "inappropriately" and it's just kind of bizarre, but you've gotten used to her doing it. Similarly, the fiance's NY Strip (steak had good flavor, but the sauce placed on it didn't add much) had a mysterious exclamation point appended to it on the receipt. I don't know. Maybe it was a factorial representation of a steak. The service was good too and they even provided us with two complimentary glasses of champagne when they discovered why we were there. The biggest hitch with the service was that the server crossed the line from attentive to blatant upsell. Look dude, I know gas prices suck, but I was planning on tipping you anyway; besides, your Glenn Gary Glenn Ross upsell techniques are bush-league. So three and a half to four stars for Agave and an additional caveat to all of you for whom sentimentality supersedes actual taste in restaurants. I'm deducting a half star for our server's semi-aggressive service. No thank you, I think we're done. Just the check please. No, no dessert. Just the check. No thanks, I can't have another margarita, I'm driving. No, we won't be ordering coffee from you either. Coffee, after all, is for closers.
(3)
Jennifer I.
I thought this place was a little over priced, and the food was just ok. The service was good, but I don't think it's worth the price at all. Also, we made reservations for a romantic dinner, and they sat us in a crowded space with people on either side. I don't think I'll be chomping at the bit to return here.
(3)
Matthew S.
Agave has a unique environment with it's extensive tequila selection, fantastic service, and Tex-Mex menu that is slightly tilted towards "higher-end" dinning. I highly recommend this place if you tend to visit tex-mex food places that are more casual, have some friends or family in town but want to be comfortable. Note that on weekends a reservation might be good if you have more than 4 people. I have never experienced a wait longer than 15 minutes for two.
(4)
Jana H.
It's your indecisive boyfriend's birthday, his parents are in town for the weekend, and YOU have to pick a place to please everyone and hopefully make a special night - what's a girl to do? With the pressure building throughout the week, I decided to call Agave for reservations (since the BF mentioned he wanted to go back there), although I had never been, I thought I'd give it a shot. I mean, who doesn't love Mexican? The man I spoke to on the phone was very helpful with the reservation, and he said that they would bring out a complimentary chocolate mousse with a candle in it since it was a special occasion. I thought that would be a perfect little surprise for the birthday boy, so I didn't bring in any cupcakes or candles. We arrived at the restaurant, were greeted with a "Happy Birthday" and seated promptly. The chips were warm and crispy (and perfectly salty for me), and the salsa was fresh and delicious. The guacamole was creamy with chucks of tomatoes and onions, and it was seasoned perfectly! We were seated on the side of the restaurant with the bar (which was fine), until a VERY loud man and woman with the world's most annoying laugh sat down at a large table next to us. We couldn't hear each other talk without screaming ourselves. I know this isn't the restaurants fault, but seriously, can't you tone it down a little when you're in public people?!? For my entree, I ordered the Salmon and it was served over a bed of vegetables. It was really good, but not the best salmon I've ever tasted. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp over grits, which was spicy but not too hot. Overall a good meal - nothing to rave about. After finishing our entrees I expected to have the chocolate mouse brought over to the table, but when a few people at the table declined to see the dessert menu the ticket was immediately brought to the table. What happened to the birthday dessert with the candle? All in all, at this point we had only been at the restaurant about 40 minutes, and we were looking to have another round of drinks. We told our waiter to bring another round, but I still felt like they were ready to get people in and out as quick as possible. This is great when I'm at a quick restaurant, but not when I'm looking to enjoy a nice meal. Rating Breakdown: Chips/Salsa/Guacamole - 4.5 Entrees - 3 Service - 3 Atmosphere - 3 I'll probably come back here again (especially for the chips and guac), but think of a different place for the next special occasion.
(3)
Robert M.
Went on a Thursday night when I thought I could get in with no problem given that I did not make reservations. And it was not a problem. I had a couple of Sweetwater 420s at the bar before being seated. I don't think they serve draft beer here (only bottles) but not a problem. Plenty of bottled beer to choose from. I am not a huge margarita fan; however, it looks like that is the libation to get here. Did not see the frozen variation, but saw plenty of the normal/standard ones go out to other tables. I was not disappointed with the food; however, I was not overly impressed either. I am tempted to award three stars (or three and a half if possible), but maybe I merely ordered the wrong item on the menu. I ordered, from the entree list, the Georgia Mountain Trout with mushroom and crawfish southwestern rice. The rice and fish were a little on the dry/bland side. The dish could have perhaps benefitted from more of the tasty peppery sauce sparsely drizzled in small patches on the plate. My date ordered two starter items instead of an entree. She said one was great (Southwestern Stew) and the other (some kind of pita-like bread with hummus-like spread) was "alright." She also said the margarita was pretty good. Great people watching spot. Great ambience. Wish the food was better somehow but the prices are seemingly good for the overall quality of the food. Perhaps I will try some other menu items in a future visit and update my review accordingly.
(4)
Laura B.
On my trip visiting Atl I was treated here. We walked in and I immediately fell in love with the decor and ambiance and we were seated at a noce spot next to the fireplace :) It could be romantic if it werent so loud :) We visited before 6 on a Sunday and it was packed however, if you get on their mailing list you get gifted with a great deal of $10 for any entree on the menu between 5-6; highly recommend this as it was one of the highlights of our experience (the other being great conversation amongst friends :) I had the lamb and the favors were such a Lovely blend and the meat was tender however, I reiterated med rare and my lamb was brown so I was Disappointed by the lack of service By our waiter who didnt ask or notice that it was over-cooked; if he weren't so busy hustling around I would've made sure he knew however, i didn't want to make a fuss as a guest with my dinner party. I liked the grilled asparagus and corn that accompanied my lamb however, instead of mashed pots I tasted the Mac n cheese and it was good (not great) Guests got salmon and trout; I wasn't impressed with either. Friend loved the Salmon; I thought it tasted fishy. Trout is a fav there however, I guess I'm not a fan of trout b/c it didnt impress me :( We ended the night with sharing a chocolate flourless ganache torte Which was pretty tasty. If you need a chocolate fix, go for it however, not the best I've had Overall a nice experience especially for the special entree price however, be patient with the staff as they didn't seem equipped to attend to the capacity.
(3)
Steve T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. The margaritas are fantastic. The food is consistently very good but a little over priced. Our waiter was very pushy with upselling, which I found kind of annoying. Service was good other than that. I had the pork shank - huge portion, tender, flavorful. The calamari appetizer was slightly overcooked but fine. The fried chicken entree was proclaimed to be very good. Agave is a great restaurant for this part of town, probably the best in our area. But it would be only considered "good" further into town.
(4)
Ben C.
Ambiance... Cool. Service... Great. Food... Eh!
(3)
Sharon B.
This restaurant was actually nicer than I thought. The food was great and the service was fun. The waiter was hilarious and very accommodating. I even used a Yelp gift certificate for a discount. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and we interacted with other guests and waiters with no problem. A good time was had by all.
(4)
Eli E.
I have loved this place for oh-so-many years. It's got great ambience and a wonderful menu. It says "tex mex", but it's much more interesting than that. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. And they make a fine, smooth margarita too. I would highly recommend a reservation though on busy nights, as they do pack 'em in.
(5)
Rick F.
Heard great things about Agave, my first experience was just OK. But I can see why people like this place it has a great vibe, the bar was happening, everyone from the guests to the employees seemed to be having a great time. Our server was a little strange but happy. Recommended the Mahi Mahi special and was told he had the last one to sell, so I ordered it and then the manager came back and said its gone already. So I picked my 2nd choice the Shrimp with Grits Cake. Delicious! The appetizers left something to be desired, the Guacamole was a very small portion and was OK. I was very disappointed in the Ceviche not enough shrimp and way to many inexpensive tomato ingredients for the price. I am looking forward to going back for another round!
(3)
Emily N.
In years past, Agave was one of my standard nice-but-not-too-nice date spots. Good place to go for small celebrations, second dates, etc. The quality of the food and the attractive plating felt more expensive than the bill reflected, and the service was always good. I wasn't a huge fan of their margaritas, but other things I ordered from the bar were usually solid. After not going for a couple of years, I've returned to Agave twice in the last year, and I felt like it had lost a lot of its shine. Both times, my dishes (in one case salmon, in another the rare tuna) were very bland, and the sides were over-buttery. My date was similarly unimpressed. Additionally, while the service was good both of these times, it wasn't the tremendously-attentive-wonderful service I received a few years back. Not sure what caused the change, but while Agave isn't _bad_, it's not a place I'd return to unless there are some exciting menu developments. There are enough other tasty fusion places around for the same price, where the food is more exciting and flavorful. I love the space itself, and I'd be thrilled if they revamped their food. Looking at the other glowing reviews, I suppose it's possible I've just been on off-nights--both recent experiences have been during the work week.
(3)
Kim A.
Ate here on Friday night and would definitely recommend reservations, it was packed! I had been here one time before but wanted to give it another try. The chips and salsa are provided at each table and the salsa is very good! We also ordered a guacamole and a ceviche to start with and were not disappointed. The guacamole was very fresh and had pico de gallo mixed in with a lime flavor, it was great! The ceviche was fresh shrimp and tuna and I was very impressed with the quality of the fish, would definitely order again! For our meals we ordered the tenderloin medallions and the rack of lamb. The rack of lamb was outstanding, very tender meat with a crispy exterior. The tenderloin on the other hand, was pretty disgusting. I really didn't want to make fuss about it but I just couldn't eat it, it had this weird after taste. When I told our waitress she was so sweet and asked me what I wanted to have instead, and I ordered the anejo shrimp. Now that was a good dish! It came with grits but when I asked her to switch out for mashed potatoes she didn't mind at all. I was so happy with the shrimp and would definitely recommend it, stay away from the tenderloin though! For dessert we had a dark chocolate torta and it was also delicious! I would definitely go back to Agave and order the guacamole and ceviche. I would never even think about the tenderloin again but the shrimp was more than satisfying. I just have to give it 4 stars because the food and service were great, but I do think it's overpriced for what it is. Clearly they aren't having any issues though, all the tables were full!
(4)
Bob B.
Really enjoyed Agave. Let me start with dessert! Spicy peanut butter pie was excellent. Cayenne was subtle, but appeared at the end of each bite. Key lime pie was also wonderful. Enjoyed the calamari starter very much, along with fresh-made guacamole. Pork shank melts in your mouth and is highly recommended. A seafood alternative is the wonderful scallops. And, of course, many excellent forms of margheritas!
(5)
Shacarra J.
Service is always great here. The food is really good and the drinks are strong! You MUST try the scallops!
(5)
Nidhi A.
We had a party of five on a Saturday night. Thankfully, we had a reservation because the place was packed! It was super busy and so loud that we couldn't even hear the waitress. As we were leaving we noticed some outside seating, maybe I'll ask for that next time. I think this would be a really nice play to go on a weeknight. The ambiance is great, eclectic sort of feel. But too busy, too noisy to enjoy dinner on a Saturday night.
(3)
Es E.
If I return, I can almost assure a five star rating. Just had apps, but they were awesome. Love the intimate ambiance, not so much the valet. They were nice, but do I need valet to park a foot away from the restaurant? Actually, maybe. It's a tricky sitch to park and would likely cause a crippling parking situation without them. I'm still bitter to break out my bills, though. Love sitting indoors and viewing the kitchen. The Chef (well, he wore the outfit?) saying hello, glad 'ya came, how's the grub...priceless. You care that I made the choice to walk in and customers appreciate you not resting on your laurels. Bravo.
(4)
Vaughn S.
I wish I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars. I would like to start off by saying if you go on a Fri or Sat night...make a reservation. We got to this restaurant around 4:30 pm last Sat and did not have a reservation. They were not open yet but they still welcomed us in and invited us to sit at the bar until they opened. I ordered a Pomegranate Margarita & my wife had the same. These were the BEST POMEGRANATE MARGARITAS I HAVE EVER HAD. They were able to seat us shortly after 5pm and our waiter (Robert) was AWESOME. I had the Burrito & Stew & my wife had the Quesadilla with a side of Rice & Pintos. The food was great and it reminded me of some of the foods my friends mother (who is from New Mexico) cooks. The Green & Red Chili Sauces were wonderful. Even the Chips & Salsa was great. I could have poured that Salsa over a piece of cardboard & it would have still been great. All in all we will definitely be going back again & again.
(5)
Keiristin H.
I went to this restaurant for dinner as a part of a bachelorette weekend celebration for one of my friends. Though the restaurant is small, it did accommodate our party of 7. The salsa was very good and FRESH! I could taste the fresh cilantro which really sets off the salsa nicely! The chips were also good. We mainly ordered drinks and appetizers. I ordered a Peachtree Margarita. It comes with a salt or sugar rim. I could definitely taste the alcohol! :-) I would order this margarita again. For an appetizer, I ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the spring rolls. Though it was a bit spicy, I could taste all of the flavors. I would order this again for sure. I only suggest that more spring rolls should be added to the appetizer. (It was served as 3 spring rolls cut in half.) I didn't share this with anyone! Overall, I would eat here again. Also, complimentary valet parking is offered!
(4)
Rob B.
I stopped at Agave while on a business trip. I sat at the bar and was served by a great bartender who mixed a great jalopeno margarita. I'm generally wary of gimmick drinks, but she assured me that it would be delicious, and it was. It was fresh, had a nice jalopeno flavour, and was not over-salted on the rim. The salsa with the chips tasted fresh and flavourful, but not especially hot. In any case, fresh-tasting salsa is an essential. For dinner I tried the Chile Rellenos as an appetizer. It was tasty, but not knock your sock off tasty. Similarly, I had the braised pork hock with red mole. It was large, well cooked (tender & juicy), but lacked some kick. All in all, everything was good, the service was great, but it wasn't mind-blowing. Still, you would not regret a trip.
(3)
Julia N.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I had the tilapia, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I looked at the price --- very expensive. Then I convinced myself the price is directly related to the portion size. I was wrong of course. Even my friends I convinced in coming for my going-away party looked at their portion sizes. Come on, we're in Georgia. Our plates are bigger than this! Initial frustration, but once we all put the first forkful in our mouths, our table was radiating rainbow and ponies. What would have been two hours in discussion became an hour split in silence intermingled with "This is so good, this is amazing." The hour afterward filled itself with fanciful discussions about what to try next so should our wallets allow. The drinks? Fantastic margaritas. The group behind us ranged from all ages, and for some odd reason the elderly decided to strike up a conversation once they saw the (Mmm, I believe it was Peachtree?) margarita I ordered. She absolutely "looooooved it." It was "Faaaaaabulous," and despite her very fluid-I-am-now-drunk gestures, I turned around, cackled to myself and sipped it. It was like a blue smurf who met a Snork and sent Rocko some e-mail who then contacted Kel at Good Burger put heaven in my mouth. I quickly made my bill a bit higher trying all of the different kinds. I love this place. I ate there in September, so I don't know which dodo path it now follows. I wish I could teleport from Boston every time my loan check disperses each semester so I can overstuff my midsection with libations and good food with creamy sauces. Also. They have valet service. "LOL" to that, indeed. I *had* a Mercury Tracer before moving up here, who needed to be rolled, kickstarted and hiccuped while idling. I also drive bare foot. So here I am lookin' cute, they HAVE to valet you, I get out, he gets in, I do the "you gotta jiggle, kinda KNOCK ON IT HARD" discussion and he drives a bit until I say "MY SHOES ARE IN THE BACK SEAT." Funny at least. Whatever. Folks in Chargers and Jeeps, BMWs ain't the only ones who should be valeted.
(5)
Carrie F.
Holy. Mole! This place does not disappoint! I had heard a lot of good things about Agave, but am always skeptical when I hear a lot of good things about a place. However, starting with the complimentary valet to the delicious margaritas, I will definitely be back. To start, this place is packed. Always. Definitely make a reservation if you're going with a large group. You'll still wait 10 minutes or so for your table, but that's a lot better than the hour some people were waiting to get seated. The food is well worth the wait, however. From the yummy chips and salsa to the scrumptious soups and entrees, Agave kept me wanting more at every turn. I started with their chicken soup and, seriously ya'll, I was almost licking the bowl. It was insanely good! Like, I still dream about it and my mouth is salivating whilst I type, good. I like to scope out menus before I head to a restaurant online and was really glad I did. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I like to have to option sometimes and was really glad to see that they do have an entire vegetarian menu. Granted, a few of the options are your standard "Random Steamed Veggies and Whatever Other Non-Meat Items We Decide to Throw on Your Plate" that you find at most places, but they also had a lot of really solid veg choices. I went with the spicy veg pasta and it was outstanding. Very spicy and the veggies seemed really fresh. Most of the people I was with got the fried chicken (which I was leery to try do to this being a tex-mex establishment), but I will definitely give it a go next time I'm here. It looked absolutely incredible. It was a boneless, skinless breast fried to perfection atop a mountain of mashed potatoes and a crazy piece of corn standing straight up! I have to say, some people have noted that the prices were really high, which for "mexican food", yeah, they would be high. But, honestly, for the quality of food that you're getting, it's well worth the cost. It's not your standard dirty mexican food in a strip mall, folks, this is some serious culinary work with high quality ingredients, which is evident in the incredible flavor! Buck up Sally, and quit complaining because you get what you pay for here! Agave is going straight to the top of my list of places in Atlanta when I'm craving chips and salsa!
(4)
Stephen H.
My favorite restaurant in the city. The food is always on point and will savor anyone's taste buds. You can never go wrong with the calamari as appetizer as it is the best I've ever had from any restaurant in the city. I always sit at the bar as it is an event. You will never meet a stranger. The bartenders are very helpful and very generous with the alcohol. I am convinced that they have the best margaritas in town along with a great selection of tequilas. This is a great hang out, date spot, or just coming by for casual dining. I have coming here for almost three years and I don't have one complaint.
(5)
Amrita R.
I ordered the rio rancho tacos and they were so ehh, not even really worth mentioning here, except to say, don't get it! On the other hand, that was the best shrimp and grits I ever tried, and this girl does not touch grits.. It was like a fried block of cheesy goodness under the shrimps and it was pretty mind-blowing. The fried chicken was eh, and my other friends really loved the special of the night, a 6oz steak. My friend ordered from the veg menu and said it was amazing. Oh yeah, and the margaritas really are good. The prices are pretty good for the meal as well. The special was only $19 which is not bad at all. I'd go again just for the shrimp and grits, and maybe a margarita. :)
(4)
Katy M.
This place is nice! It's a reliable "nice night out," if that makes sense. I've never had a bad experience here, the wait staff is always on point, the food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the food always looks and tastes good. The parking is easy valet parking, so there's no room for frustration there. The food itself is just fine. I've had better (for cheaper), but it's good, consistent, upscale food. The decor is friendly, and the porch is lovely in the summer. I like the Ahi tuna, it's always cooked perfectly, which I really appreciate. It's a delicate dish. Tip- There's almost always a coupon for this place in the Saavy Shopper Intown or whatever that little flyer you always get in the mail is called. (if you live in ATL) It's usually buy one get one free entree, something like that, for a weekday night. With the coupon, the prices are really reasonable.
(4)
Tanisha L.
Went here to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was awesome. We had guacomole with smoked trout and applewood bacon, it was DELICIOUS!!! I recommend trying it. Our entrees were salmon with zuchinni and meatloaf and mac & cheese. The food was amazing, as were the drinks. Make sure you get the top shelf because you get your money's worth! Awesome, place will be back.
(5)
Laila S.
At first, i was unsure about this restaurant because of its appearance, but when i sat down with my friends and actually had the food here, it was amazing!! now, the food IS on the pricey side, and since my friends and i were on our way to the club, we just got a lil sumthin each. i had the calamari, which by far was the most amazing calamari i ever had =) best of all, since it was closing time, we saw the kitchen staff CLEANING their area. that is a big plus!! i mean they were CLEANING real well =) i will definately will be coming back here.
(5)
Matt C.
Excellent southwestern fare in an unassuming/almost sketchy part of town. However, the room is great, and the food is fantastic. The margaritas are good, though pricey, but I gladly pay the money for at least a couple each visit. Can't say they stand out to me as "the best in atlanta", but they're good, especially the jalapeno variety. Service is personable, knowledgeable, and laid back; all great attributes. Be sure to try the Guajillo mussels; the red chile/wine/citrus broth is unlike any other mussel broth I've ever tasted. An extremely welcome departure from the overabundance of white wine/garlic or butter/cream broths you find at most ATL restaurants that feature mussels on the menu. The accompaniment of a hot tortilla is also a great change from the typical grilled bread. Highest recommendation for entree is the cayenne fried chicken dish. Amazing flavor and consistency of crust on the boneless chicken breast, and the included sides of mashed potatoes and grilled corn are anything but ordinary. The corn is some of the most flavorful and delicious I've ever tasted. Try it!
(4)
Nina L.
Boy did I pick the right place to celebrate my brother's birthday (and a lil Cinco de Mayo while at it) on Saturday. It started off with the wildly good tasting guacamole. Our fantastic server Jacob recommended it--guac with trout & bacon. I was skeptical but one bite made me a believer! The seared Diver Scallops melted in my mouth. My brother raved about his Angus ribeye. And the top shelp margaritas were a delicious & refreshing cohort. Even though it was Cinco de Mayo, an understandably busy night at a Tex-Mex eatery, Jacob never once made us feel rushed. As we left we applauded the cooks... KUDOS AGAVE!!!!!
(5)
Tressi J.
This place is running a tight competition with Georgia Grille for best Southwestern in the city. Chips, salsa and guacamole are so good, I was licking the bowl. I ordered the tequila shrimp, which was plated with a jalapeno cheese grit cake and grilled asparagus. Delicious. Entrees were beautifully presented, and tasted just as good as they looked. Atmosphere is warm and inviting, as well. My experience at Agave was very close to perfect! I can't wait to return.
(5)
Shanelle L.
Would of been very happy if I hadn't gotten food poisoning. Somehow I got food poisoning from the -cooked- crayfish dish I had and my boyfriend was just fine eating the -raw- tuna sashimi. Delicious food, but my stomach just didn't agree.
(1)
Charley W.
I feel that classifying Agave as Tex Mex is somewhat of a misnomer as their fare fits the mold of Southwestern cuisine more so than Tex Mex. I'm no chef but having dined across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas I can tell you that there are some differences between the two styles and a restaurant like Agave would be a shoe-in on the narrow streets of Santa Fe. For those who know, that's no insult and I'd wager it's a culinary niche that Agave owns free and clear in the city of Atlanta. I found Agave to be solid across the board. I work in the service industry so sometimes I see things that other diners might miss. I could tell at the front door that they are pros and run a solid establishment. A woman whom I think may be one of the owners greeted me and her demeanor told me that she was completely on top of things and dialed in on the guest experience. My girlfriend was just a minute behind me so I sat at the bar to wait for her. I wasn't planning on ordering a drink because I knew we'd be seated shortly but the engaging bartender came over immediately and started working me into a margarita. It was a slow night and I have to say that I really appreciated her initiative to jump in and create a sale for herself. She did it in a very helpful and unassuming way but I knew what she was up to because it's exactly how I work, myself, so I appreciated it. Our server was very polite, well versed on the menu, and the vibe I got from him was one of complete appreciation and accommodation for the guest. I would wager that if a diner were to ask for a pickled octopus fritter with molasses remoulade, the staff at Agave would make it for them without batting an eye if they had the ingredients on hand. That's good business and it starts at the top but luckily we were far from being that difficult. We tried the guacamole appetizer as a starter. I, personally, wasn't blown away by it but that's just my opinion and my girlfriend loved it so we'll call that wash. She enjoyed the pan seared Tuna which was cooked perfectly and I had the NY Strip which scratched the itch quite nicely for me, thank you. Presentation was excellent and the ambiance and decor are genuine and complete the experience. Nice selection of Tequila too. The valet struck me as a bit unnecessary since Agave has ample parking and it's literally right next to the restaurant but again.. no need to split hairs over that. Agave is solid. I highly recommend it for your next, ahem.. Southwestern dining experience.
(4)
Sarah B.
Update: we came back here last Sunday for 2-for-1 appetizers and margaritas. We had a feast of appetizers, and Lisa, our bartender, was amazing (and generous with the pours!) She let us try a few of their margarita offerings in addition to the basic ones we were drinking - the mango one is very sweet, but not in a cloying way, and the jalapeno margarita was outstanding. As for the food, the calamari and the ceviche were both stand-out. I love this place.
(5)
Treasure A.
My friend told me that Agave had better lamb than Fogo, so I told her to take me. I'll start this by saying I LOVE fogo lamb. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, but I digress. The lamb at Agave is probably as good or better than Fogo. As a college student, Fogo's wins by default simply because it is "unlimited". With the New Mexican Rack of Lamb, you get 4 lamb chops, a side of mash potatoes, and grilled asparagus. I switched my mash with the macaroni and cheese. It was very savory and tender. I split the Chile Seared Shrimp Tacos and the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring rolls with the rest of the table. The Shrimp tacos were gone in about one second. They were amazing. Add two of their margaritas and the chips and salsa. I was feeling very happy. Next time, I would probably just get my own order of the shrimp tacos and the margaritas. But, great date spot or group dinner.
(5)
Austin K.
Delicious food and a great atmosphere. A MUST when looking for good mexican food in Atlanta
(5)
Robert M.
It's hard to say that Agave is 'underrated' with over 150 reviews almost averaging out to 5 stars, but I'm going to say it anyway. The place has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta restaurant scene and with good reason. Consistently very good, and there are so many amazing selections on the menu. I say underrated because while all the new 'buzz' restaurants come and go, this place quietly chugs away in the background. Also, I wouldn't call this "Tex-Mex", that's an insult...this, to me, is your standard New Mexican...and moving here from the Southwest it is great to have Agave here to serve up some real Southwest food. I went with the Tenderloin Medallions which were cooked perfectly, very tender and bursting with flavor laying over a chili puree. The Yukon mash was one of the best I've had. The Key Lime Pie was very good although I prefer the traditional graham cracker crust over from what I remember was some type of ginger crust. It was interesting, I ate every last bite, I'd eat it again...just different. With so many great things on the menu, this will easily be a repeat visit for me.
(5)
Lee B.
After driving past Agave for years and years, I finally decided to try it last night. My husband and I went there around 8pm and were seated right away even though it was crowded. They immediately brought us some blue and yellow corn chips with some tasty salsa. I had the jalapeno margarita and my husband had a regular kind. Both were good and strong. We were both feeling it after just one. I'm not a huge fan of typical Mexican food. I don't like it when it's particular greasy or covered with cheese. Agave's entree choices were nothing like that. There was no Combo #1-#20 here, it was things like sea scallops and New York Strip Steak. They have a vegetarian menu with about five things on it but you have to ask for it. I got the veggie enchiladas and my husband got the beef and pepper enchiladas. I can only only speak for the ones that I had, but they were flavorful, fresh tasting and light. I didn't feel completely weighed down after eating them. Service was good, parking was easy since it's valet. I'm definitely a fan. Plus, if you check in on four square during the week, you can get a free appetizer. Reason enough to go back, I think.
(5)
Yesenia M.
The term tex-mex is really a misnomer, but I can see how it gets defaulted to that since modern Mexican or Mexican-Southern fusion aren't very big categories. But I digress. The tequila bar lived up to it's title, with an excellent selection and delicious cocktails, only one of which is made with lowly Cuervo. We started with the ceviche, so let's start the review with that as well. It was ASTOUNDING. It was spicy, even for me, so the faint of tongue need not apply. I had the veal and chorizo meatloaf, which was the lightest and most adult meatloaf I've ever had. The collards and Mac & cheese on the side were both tasty without being as heavy as typical soul food. My dinner mate had the blue corn chicken enchiladas which I got a taste of before she punished them, so I'm guessing they were good. We split the cheesecake with cinnamon whipped cream, a decadent dessert that beautifully topped off the meal. The service was a bit on the slow side, especially considering it wasn't very busy when we got there, but our server was pretty friendly. The price means this broke grad student can't make it a regular haunt, but once a month or two may have to be scheduled in.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
William F.
Reservations don't mean a damn thing still waiting 30 mins after reservations and rude host ignoring our party
(1)Tramaine W.
Definitely a place I don't regret visiting. I went on a Saturday night and the place was packed and buzzing. The staff was very nice and helpful to this first time customer. I had a margarita first, it was a mix of the passion fruit and mango margarita, it was delicious. You have to get a margarita if you come here. I had the chicken poblano stew next which was tasty but a bit too spicy for me. For my entree I had the red pepper salmon, I cleaned every bit off my plate. I substituted the asparagus for the mashed potatoes too FYI. Lastly I had the pumpkin cheesecake which was fantastic; this should mean a lot coming from me since I'm not a big dessert fan. I felt let down by the chips and salsa, they weren't that memorable, I think the chips and salsa at Barberitos are far better than these and it's a way cheaper lower quality establishment. I wasn't really feeling the soup and the mashed potatoes I got with my entree were pretty boring and blah. I would definitely come back here despite my minor complaints, it's surely a must visit.
(4)Bonnie B.
I went to Agave for the first time this weekend, I had previously heard how great it was and it was still beyond expectations. I will be back often and told all my friends they have to try it because it is nice to find a great new restaurant. Service was also excellent.
(5)Addy C.
Really tried hard to love the food esp. after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews from my favorite Yelpers - but couldn't. However the service was top notch, and I loved the ambiance. We had a party of 5, and shared 2 apps and 5 entrees - just the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plates :) Yes we did family-style dining at a restaurant where the food isn't designed for that - we just said we're going to share our food, and next thing you know, they brought all 5 entrees to the center of our table, and set 5 empty plates for each of us. Extra bonus points for portioning out some of the dishes, plus adding a few extra corn on the cob to equal 5 :) That's service! I so wanted to give 5 stars b/c of the great service but the food didn't live up to the hype. Part of me wonders if I should blame the ok food b/c we came on a Monday. Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" said Mondays aren't a good day to eat out at restaurants. COMPLIMENTARY CHIPS & SALSA Love the blue chips and I liked that the salsa was spicy. GUACAMOLE & CHIPS - $7 (full order) Nothing special, and a full order is not really all that big ... good size for 5 people though. GUAJILLO MUSSELS - $10.50 Mussels were small & fishy, and while the red chili citrus wine broth was tasty, I wish it were thicker. The flour tortilla seemed random ... I guess crusty bread wouldn't fit the southwestern theme. CHILI SEARED JUMBO DIVER SEA SCALLOPS - $19.50 Menu description set too high expectations :( Pan seared scallops in signature herb & chili rub, served w/ fire roasted tomato & serrano stone ground grits (salty) and honey cider collard greens (good & sweet). Just ok. AGAVE FAMOUS CAYENNE FRIED CHICKEN - $15 Jumbo size boneless chicken breast but didn't get any cayenne flavor. Buttermilk marinated & fried (not crispy). Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were good, and grilled corn was too buttery for me and I couldn't taste the Poblano drizzle at all. STUFFED MOUNTAIN TROUT TOMATILLO - $17.50 Just ok. Liked the stuffing more than the actual trout. Idaho trout was stuffed w/ crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice w/ roasted tomatillo sauce and freshly cut cilantro (but I don't remember tasting any cilantro). SPICY TEQUILA ANEJO SHRIMP - $18.75 Biggest disappointment b/c this dish got the most positive reviews. Again menu description set very high expectations. Fresh gulf shrimp grilled & sauteed in fresh lime & tequila cream sauce (not spicy at all), and served a/ jalapeno & cheddar ground grits cake (good but mostly cheddar flavor and very salty), and grilled asparagus. The asparagus was probably my favorite item of the evening. TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS - $23 Meat was pretty tender and one of the better dishes. Tenderloin pan seared over roasted tomato, garlic, and chile tequila puree, and served w/ Yukon Gold mashed potatoes (yum), fried cayenne onion rings (not spicy), and grilled zucchini. Overall, I thought the sides were better than the entrees. Also, couldn't taste all the flavors described in the menu. Other than the salsa, nothing was spicy. However like I said before, service was outstanding ... and maybe we just came on a bad day. I definitely want to try their drinks next time - almost every table around us had margaritas :) FYI - complimentary valet parking is available but if you're lucky, you might be able to find nearby street parking on Carroll Street. Also join their VIP club to get 20% off your entire check Sun-Thur, or get $10 entrees if you come between 5-6pm any night of the week! Sign up now!
(3)Michael L.
We came here last Monday with Addy, Enoch, and Heejin, and were definitely looking forward to trying this spot. First of all, kudos to the service as they took the pains to split up the entrees so that we could eat family style. That merits a star all by itself. The food...was a mix of good and so-so. If that's all you needed to know, then read no further. If you want the details, go on ahead.... Guajillo Mussels ... ($10.50) Eh...not so fresh- the wine broth was pretty tasty, but with a flour tortilla on the side...it just tasted kind of weird together. (2.5) Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp... ($18.75) I actually liked this dish, as the shrimp were large and tasted fresh. Although the flavor of the lime and tequila cream sauce doesn't jump out at you, it is bold enough, and the jalapeno cheddar stone ground grits cake was quite tasty- though very heavy. I'm glad we split that up among the five of us- if I had it to myself...I might be in the hospital. (4) Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken ... ($15.00) I was expecting a crispy layer surrounding the chicken- but it just wasn't there. Honestly, a bit of a disappointment, given the rave reviews of this dish. I was looking forward to this one. It wasn't bad, but the chicken didn't taste inspired- maybe it's because it was a chicken breast. Perhaps it would've been better using thigh/leg meat? The mashed potatoes were good, but not special. The grilled corn was pretty buttery, just alright. (3.25) Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops ($19.50) These pan-seared jumbo diver sea scallops were swimming in an herb & chile rub served with fire roasted tomato and serrano stone ground grits and honey cider collard greens. Not bad- but a week later, I can't really remember any of the flavors...so (3.5). Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo ($17.50) The trout itself was ok, and the stuffing (crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil ver spanish rice and roasted tomatillo sauce) was decently tasty. A bit on the salty side, but bearable. (3.5) Tenderloin Medallions ($23.00) The tenderloin seemed to be slightly overmarinated, if that's possible. Lots of flavor, but so much that it masked the flavor of the meat. Better balance between the two would be good. The garlic and chile tequila puree served only to further mask the flavor of the meat. They might as well have used a cheaper cut of meat. Mashed potatoes were fine, as they were with the fried chicken, and the onion rings were a nice touch to complement the textures of the other elements. (3) Overall, I think that I probably came here with overhyped expectations. The last time I looked through Agave's reviews, they rated a 4.5 overall. But I guess not so anymore. I think the flavors of the food here are done pretty well- but there wasn't any subtlety or extra complexity in the flavors despite utilizing lots of sauces and cool-sounding ingredients. I mentioned before that the service earns them an extra star, so I'll round up to a 4. This spot is good....but not great. Just IMHO.
(4)Keith H.
Yeah - we might have a problem, we've been to Agave two more times since the last review and it continues to blow our palates away. The margarita's are predictably good. I've been steadily impressed by the weekend specials, my only gripe is that they remain weekend specials and don't make it onto the main menu. We've never had less than stellar service from all of the staff of Agave.
(5)Laura N.
The ambience here is rustic and romantic with dark corners perfect for intimate dinners. Plus, the selection of non-alcoholic drinks at Agave is excellent. Every underage person should try the frozen strawberry drink, which is basically a virgin margarita. The complimentary salsa is great too, but you can't order a queso to complement your complimentary nachos at Agave. I came here with high expectations after hearing my boyfriend rave about this awesome Mexican restaurant. Perhaps I should not have ordered a dish that I can make from scratch at home; I ordered the chicken enchiladas, which disappointed me by failing to taste better than my homemade enchiladas (which, I should mention, are really decadent and delicious). I developed a slight case of dish envy after sampling my boyfriend's swordfish entree, which was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Notwithstanding my lackluster enchiladas, I had a great experience at Agave. Recommended for dates and groups. Bring cash for valet parking.
(3)Tauheedah M.
Tried it again and again left disappointed. Ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and my sexy date ordered the Slow Cooked Short Ribs. $58.00 later we wish we could rewind the evening and try again somewhere else! The grit cake that accompanies my 6 shrimp was good. The shrimp were okay - overcooked and the sauce had a burnt aftertaste. Not memorable and my husband did not finish his food but it came out pretty!!...wait that is why we paid so much for 1 rib and 6 shrimp....right?? Won't be back :-(
(3)Annie H.
So-so overpriced food
(3)Jd H.
Great restaurant. Alittle pricey but it's somewhere you can take a date so it's reasonable especially with the atmosphere. Would definitely go again. Gave it 4 stars because the parking was a pain when the place was packed.
(4)L L.
Had to downgrade after my second visit. Couldn't resist the fried chicken again. It was good, but not the knock-your-knees together good like last time. Oh well. ---- Best fried chicken I've ever had. It's been several months since I last ate there, and I still think about that chicken. My dinner companion took a sample bite of my dish, and the next day I received an email that said, "I can't stop thinking about that chicken!" The Cayenne Fried Chicken was 5-Star all the way. Everything else was good, too, though I would more likely give 4 stars.
(4)Joshua R.
Phenomenal. One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have the absolute best margaritas in town - the herradura top shelf is unbelievably good. The food is pricey but well worth the investment. Parking is valet only, FYI.
(5)Adam S.
I don't really associate Atlanta with southwestern food (for obvious enough reasons), but this place was pretty good. The chips and salsa were great and the guacamole was the highlight of the meal for me. A really nice flavor with just the right amount of spice. The shrimp taco appetizer was very nice as well. Very flavorful and surprisingly spicy. I got the beer braised pork shank with mashed potatoes as my entree. It was a pretty nice dish. Spicy and the pork was tender (although maybe a little too tender for my liking almost to the point of mushiness). I tried the trout dish as well and it was really wonderful. I would seriously recommend getting the trout should you go here. This is a nice relaxed setting for dinner. They have an unnecessary valet service for a small parking lot. After the meal I was closer to my car than the valet was, but I had to stand and wait for them to pull the car up 30 feet or so which seemed a little ridiculous to me. But the food is definitely good.
(4)Erik R.
Nice decor, very romantic inside. Perfect for a dinner date. The restaurant is separated by the bar when you 1st enter. Although there is seating throughout. I would suggest the main dining area with it's real, open seating and fireplace. You eat by votive tea lights flickering away. The Southwestern influenced interior design and ambiance makes you want to cozy up together. You can sit outside on a covered patio with heating lamps overhead. My lady and I ate here for an early dinner. The service was attentive and the food was immaculate. I love the presentation of the dishes, appropriate serving sizes, proportions and seasoning. They can mix up their styles of the dish upon request and they have veg. options.
(4)Tessa S.
Food was delicious, but as a person who can't handle very spicy food the menu was limited. Their food is quite expensive- join their mailing list to get great deals like $10 for a dinner entree.
(4)Robert A.
I would give four stars for the service, but three for the food. It was definitely good, but the spicy shrimp were not anything to rave about.
(3)Sie G.
Have been to Agave several times before, but this was my first time sitting at the bar. The bartender was friendly but not pushy. She knew the regulars, and remembered what they like to drink AND what they like to eat. I had a Jalapeno Margarita. Love spicy drinks so I had to try it. Amazing and the slice of fresh jalapeno took the drink to another level. Agave is a match made in heaven, good food and good drinks.
(4)Shar W.
If I could give 6 stars I would. I ABSOLUTELY love Agave! A coworker introduced me to this restaurant and I have been hooked ever since. The food is great and the frozen daiquiris are amazing. The staff is very personable and professional. Probably one of the most consistent restaurants with respect to service in Atlanta that I have been too. As you would expect from a good restaurant the place is quite busy on the weekends and popular nights so call ahead and make a reservation to avoid the wait. In the event that you have to wait, try not to fill yourself up on the yummy salsa and chips ;)
(5)Theodore L.
When I was ten, my parents dragged my stepbrother Ronny and I on a hellish trek through the southwest. What should have been a scenic journey through the eroded vistas of New Mexico and Texas turned into a personal Trail of Tears. I had a nasty case of the chicken pox, and rather than quarantine their sick child, my parents propped me in front of endless cacti, adobes and indigenous people, placing their skin in great peril. I remember The Alamo, but only because Ronny held me down in the courtyard. I hacked up dust the rest of the trip. The point is: Nightmarish flashbacks can detract from the dining experience (never ask me to Chuck E. Cheese's), hence I was reticent to check out Agave and its southwestern fare. But at the behest of a friend wielding a coupon from the Savvy Shopper, I gave them a shot. A brawny gent seated us by the fireplace, a splendid roost to survey the impeccable, rustic decor. I ordered the Don Eduardo Anejo Margarita, and after one sip wanted to put on swim trunks and dive right in! Where was THAT drink when I was a child? A basket of heated nachos battled valiantly against our raging hunger. They must have been laced with opiates given their hypnotic power. For our main meal, my friend received a towering lattice of pan seared Tuna and Asparagus over Mashed Potatoes - a keen melding of ocean and farm. I got the Chile rubbed Grouper served atop Spinach and in a bath of Corn Puree. Wondrous food! Our forks hopscotched from plate to plate as we savored the complex seasonings. We inhaled both dishes with abandon. After conducting my Finger Test, I asked and received more of the delectable corn nectar. I coated my face with it. Feeling haughty, we split a second margarita, The Pomorita, which adds pomegranate to the mix. Mexican firewater AND anti-oxidant goodness... which God did I please?! Thank you, Agave, for helping me overcome decades of shame for an exquisite meal. Better prepare extra nachos and corn juice, for I SHALL return!
(5)R P.
Their drinks are great and strong enough. I usually get their blue corn chicken enchiladas, but always fill up on their delicious salsa. I've always been more than satisfied. My only issue thus far, after having eaten there over 5-6 times is that they put two tables together outside that made for an awkward seating arrangement which was ok, but it was also incredibly hot. Their fans were on and yet everyone didn't feel their effect. Excellent establishment and service provided. And just to emphasize, I'm totally serious about how good their salsa is.
(4)Gene G.
The ambiance is presented well with nice decor and perfect amount of lighting. This would be a great restaurant for a date or for a dinner for an important client. The food dishes were unique and presented well. We tried everyone's dish and was equally satisfied with all. The Grit cake was the most unique and the most delicious. Our service was superb and very helpful. My only complaint is their useless and unnecessary valet parking where they basically move the car 8 feet for you.
(5)Madeleine C.
Every time I think of Agave my mouth waters and my head gets close to exploding. This place is really good. I love their menu, their food, the drinks, and the ambiance. I know it can be loud and dark in there but I absolutely love it. This is the place that turned me on to grits. I came from Miami 8 years ago and was like "iew.. wat the erf is that" but voila! I eat grits at Agave and I'm a total grit eating Miami girl - put a bowl of grits from agave in front of me and I'll forget my own name. I took my sister when she came to visit and she absolutely HAS to go every time she visits. Everything I've had is delicious. Their seared tuna salad, ribs, lamb, scallops, and fish special (served over grits.. agh) have been really great. I think it's affordable, it offers nice portions, the menu is nice and very extensive, and their drinks are pretty good too. I would say this is in my top 10 for restaurants I've recommended for not-so-pricey and great food.
(5)Whosbaad K.
Nice ambiance, fast service, and excellent food. They were quite aloof when it came to the yelp check in deal so I let it go. The short ribs were tender and well seasoned, and the mushrooms and mashed potatoes were delicious. My friends enjoyed their enchiladas and burrito/stew as well. The complementary salsa & chips were very good, and they keep 'em coming. I resisted stashing the bowl in my purse :/ Will definitely be a go-to the next time I'm in the ATL, especially since we had such terrible food experiences there.
(5)Anthony G.
The wait was too long. Although we had a party of six, they kept saying that they were going to have something for us soon. I took QUITE some time. Once we were seated, I found the tables to be a bit cramped. The temperature was a bit cold for cool fall night. The short ribs were actually very bland and the sauce on them had little flavor. It actually tasted more like a dry pot roast than short ribs. I hated that most of the meals had asparagus as your main side. Although they did allow substitutions, they have printed on the menu that they "appreciate no substitutions". Definitely lacking in variety when it comes to vegetables (other than potatoes) Although it is a local trending spot, I would not recommend it to anyone. Although it is labeled as TEX-MEX, it really does not give you a true tex-mex menu.
(1)Matt W.
I wouldn't exactly call this Southwestern or Tex-Mex; I'd call it more fusion cuisine. In any case, it's damn good. I had the diver scallops with grits and collard greens which were amazing and were a fusion of Southern and Southwestern. A chipotle wedge salad? Now that seemed just too good to be true (it was). There are a few more traditional items on the menu such as posole and veggie blue corn enchiladas but I think the fusion items are really what makes this place shine. Our server was very polite and attentive and the staff overall very friendly. The Texas margarita could use a little work though--way too much sour. Stick with the "Corzo Perfecto" margarita if you want good tequila, fresh lime juice, and no sour mix.
(4)M H.
We have two small children and dining here is wonderful. They are very accommodating with seating and menu items for them. The food and margaritas are fabulous too!!
(5)Rebecca K.
My boy and I made an impromptu Friday evening appearance at Agave for dinner last week, and as we walked in we both thought "we used to come here all the time...I wonder why we haven't been here in so long?" I'm guessing his thought process ended there. My brain, of course, tagged on "well, because we *used to* be dating and now we've been married for 3 years. meh." Anyway, surprisingly little has changed at Agave since the last time we ate there which is probably 3 years ago. The space is really lovely -- they do Southwestern decor without making me feel like I'm in the gift shop at the Alamo. The service is top-notch. They were busy, but not busy enough to scoff at our no-reservation-having selves. Our waiter was enthusiastic about the food and made great recommendations. I even heard him telling a woman at a table near us when she asked his opinion of her two top picks to steer clear of a dish that I sampled a couple years ago and didn't really enjoy (the enchiladas--the smoked chicken just doesn't work for me). I appreciate that. And, so the food. Their margaritas really are that good. We went for the traditional, and the boy added the optional $0.50 splash of Grand Marnier that the server offered. It was good both ways. Even their cheapest margaritas taste like well mixed cocktails -- no powdered limeade in these suckers, folks. And there is definitely tequila in there (another pet peeve of mine). Their chips and salsa are among the best in the city -- the chips, a mixture of white and blue corn, are fried fresh, but not too greasy, and the salsa is fresh and well balanced with a little spice (they could kick it up a notch to suit me, but I understand that I do live in Georgia). The boy had the burrito and stew, and I had the pork chop special -- both were good, and I felt that the blue cheese grits that came with my dish were exceptional. Apparently, they prepare these with different specials relatively frequently, so if you hear "blue cheese grits" come out of your server's mouth, order it. You won't be disappointed. From prior visits, I can also recommend their fried chicken and the shrimp and grits dish. I am a huge fan of Mexican food, but this isn't Mexican food. It is, however, good solid southwest-inspired American. Nothing terribly adventurous, but Agave will always be a really lovely dining experience. Oh, and get on their e-mail list. They send out a monthly message that always has really great discounts -- usually $10 entrees any evening when you are seated between 5 and 6 and 20% off your entire bill Sunday through Thursday. Definitely worth it!
(4)Amanda D.
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta - I have never had a bad experience at Agave. Some rules for dining at Agave: Always try the special - it will never lead you astray. Always get the guacamole - its the best I've ever had. Always get a margarita (or 3) - they are perfectly tasty. Always save room for desert!
(5)Chuck T.
Best Swordfish I've ever enjoyed. My wife had the Sea Scallops, and she loved them. The Ultimate Margarita was about $10, but it was worth it. Dined in the main downstairs seating area, and it was packed, but the service was prompt and helpful. The valet parking staff was very polite and fast. We are going back very soon.
(4)Marina V.
Found this little bistro type place just outside downtown Atlanta , tucked in a neighborhood ...reminded me of Scorpion on Miami beach, with their 100 tequilas! So.. Had to make a decision on the appetizer over a repisado magarita!! The aroma in this place is appetizing enough. Decided on the shrimp and tuna ceviche ... For dinner had anejo shrimp with pablano sauce and cheddar corn bread ... If your mouth is watering it should; it was fantastic! The staff was great... Since I was torn between the shrimp and the scallops , the waitress brought over a sample of the scallops for me with the meal ... : ). Finished off the meal with the dessert sampler tray (too many goodies to list, but every one homemade) and basically rolled out the front door, too full to move too quickly !
(4)Vicki K.
I was so excited to plan a celebration for my 50th birthday at Agave, especially with their vegetarian menu. Until I saw the veal items on the menu. Veal is a food borne of cruelty to baby cows and there is no reason to have it on the menu with all the other culinary choices available now. Too bad I won't ever eat there.
(1)Stephie Z.
Sad news- this joint is just around the corner- when I say just, I mean the next street over- and I have only been here one time. AND that one time was a blind date so I didn't want to go all out and order multiple things:( So sad, as was the date. Despite the date sucking ass, it wasn't the restaurants fault. I sat at the bar for a short while before my date arrived and the bartender was very attentive. Beer selection is okay, but the tequila selection looked pretty durn good. I saw a pomegranate margarita that I really wanted, but forgot about during the evening. I made a promise to myself that I will go back to sample that deliciously beautiful drink. The salsa and chips were tasty and fresh as was my entree- tuna sashimi with some super crunchtastic spears of asparagus. I could have bathed in the mashed potatoes- they were that good. Then again who fucks up mashed potatoes??? I mean really? The server was great and catered to our every need, except making my date pay the bill in a timely manner- dude held on to it for 45 minutes before I finally could convince him that the restaurant was looking barren and it was time to go. I know I am an excellent conversationalist, but really (haha, just kidding). The night ended not with some dessert, which is what I would have preferred, but with my blind date trying to hold my hand at the dinner table and me jerking my hand away (hello- hug on the first date, no grimy hand holding). Maybe I'm a cold bitch or maybe I just really needed some more of the fresh southwestern food that Agave has to offer. Agave, I will be back!
(4)Travis N.
I fear I'm going to become a broken record in these reviews...but this place could have been better if they had more spice! I went with a friend the other night, and this place has DAMN good margaritas. I had 2 and they were 2 of the best I've had in the last 4 years. Their ceviche was nice and tangy, and the mussels were very spicy I was slightly disappointed with the craw fish pasta, after being warned by the waiter that it was "hot and spicy". When it arrived, it was flavorful, but not really what I would call "spicy" Another big draw I could see to this place is the tequila selection, there are pages and pages of them. It's an interesting culinary escape from the typical humdrum, but it could really do a little more to live up to those expectations.
(3)Andre S.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried Agave after I tried and raved for Nava, the more upscale, expensive version. Overall, I wasn't disappointed and neither did I leave highly enthused by the cuisine. It was simply "ok"- hence the 3 stars. My date and I ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and the dish they brought out was HUGE! I was somewhat taken a back from the size of the serving plate since we still had to fill up on the main course. Maybe I was too much into the conversation, but I found the calamari to be somewhat cold, bland, and lack luster *cue the Debby Downer 'wah-wah' bugle now*. My chicken enchilada plate was much better though. Oh yeah, the complimentary valet kinda sucks- they claimed they were extremely busy with all the reservations and backed up. There were only two valet attendants with a long line of backed up cars. Maybe Agave will grow on me if I go again.
(3)Ryan S.
I was kind of underwhelmed by Agave. The drinks were good, but the food was so-so. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can tell it's kind of trending towards the hipster crowd with a Mexican flair. The choices on the menu are pretty good. Lots of fish, which I like, but when they came out, the dishes were kind of 'meh'. They were good, and Agave isn't super expensive, but I like my Tex-Mex a bit more exciting. I went with a big group and they have a GREAT group-sized table up on the balcony so you can chat and look down on the rest of the patrons. Fantastic spot for big groups.
(3)Shonda K.
Like some of the other Yelpers, I too drive by Agave EVERYDAY taking my son to school but have never eaten here. I have a friend who loves it and a friend who hates it, so I thought I'd see for myself. This place was full of people, which normally is a good sign. We were seated right in front of the fireplace and this just made me smile from ear to ear considering it was a chilly evening. I sat with my red wine in front of the fire, happy even before I got my meal. There are so many things to choose from on the menu from chicken, beef, pork, seafood..not just the traditional Mexican food which I was expecting. Our food came out in a timely manner considering the restaurant was full of people. I had the grilled pork chop with honey & cider collard greens. It was really good, loved the taste of the collards. I sampled the lamb and the tequila shrimp which my friend's ordered. They both had a really good flavor. I really like Agave. There was a good energy, a mixed crowd (which is hard to find in Atlanta) and good food. So for me good food+good friends=good times. Like someone else noted the prices wouldn't make this an every Friday type of place for me but I will definitely make my way back when I am looking to have a nice dinner close to home.
(4)Mack T.
Best margaritas in the city! The food is very good and if you sit in the bar area; the pour is fabulous:) I always visit this place when I am in the ATL.
(4)Molly S.
I had my first Agave experience on Saturday night, and was really pleased with the whole experience. We did go early, 5:30pm, and didn't have reservations, but did not have to wait. The margaritas were awesome. Both of us enjoyed the margarita recommended to us by our server, and were very pleased. They tasted amazing, and had a pleasant amount of tequila. I have to admit I had two. Shared the calamari as an appetizer, and loved the jalapeno jelly it came with. I had the grilled shrimp that came with a grits cake and asparagus, and hubby had the grouper that came with spinach. Both entrees were delicious - perfect portions, excellent flavors. We both commented that the seasoning flavors weren't too strong, and you didn't lose the original flavor of the food. For dessert we had the key lime pie and spicy peanut butter pie - both were delish! They were very big though, and we ended up taking half of each home with us. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. I'm looking forward to trying different things on the menu!
(4)Lisa K.
I found the dining experience here to be pretty enjoyable. My mango margarita was one of the best margaritas I've ever had, which you should expect from a place named Agave. The green chile stew is the real deal, which is nice. You can tell the chef has a good handle on southwestern cooking techniques and flavors and interprets them into pleasing dishes. I had the enchiladas and thought they were pretty decent, if a little lacking on spice. The collard greens were tasty. Nice waitstaff and nice atmosphere, too. Add the fact that you can get a 2 for 1 coupon in the mail and this is a good value!
(4)Peyton S.
I've passed by Agave a million times and finally decided to stop in. Ecclectic Southwestern cuisine is what the sign said and I admit that my mind was ready to ENJOY because me likey ecclectic. Unfortunately I can only report that our meal was okay. My friend ordered the steak and it was really bland. A swordfish taco was as ecclectic as cardboard with a lil butter. I ordered the shrimp with grits which was better than everything else but wasn't something that would come to get again. Actually it was over seasoned rather than being tasty. I've given them three stars because my cadillac margarita was pretty good and the staff is pretty friendly.
(3)DC W.
Had dinner there earlier this evening for the first time. Service was fantastic. The food was fabulous. The chocolate mouse was made with imported Belgian chocolate and was the creamiest, and best I've ever had. Yum.
(5)Donnell H.
Throughly enjoyed my experience this past weekend. It is certainly becoming a favorite - consistent and delicious. Someone in my party had the meatloaf and the flavors were great - only one recommendation that it be a little firmer.
(5)sheila l.
This was my second time dining here. The first time was fantastic. Enjoyed all of it. Second time dining here left me feeling blah about it. A friend and I dined on a week day and it was not that busy. We were seated upstairs where there are only 2 tables. (My friend arrived first and chose seating.) I would have like the patio area but I was OK with the upstairs area. The server never smiled. He was so serious that it made me a little uncomfortable. Maybe he could not hear due to the high altitude. :) Anyway,when I asked about what he liked(as I always do) he said he liked the fried chicken. Being at a southern eclectic cuisine rest I preferred a second rec. He said that was the best. ooooooook. I don't remember now what I finally decided on. I was a little let down by the service. Not memorable with the food. The dessert: we went with the chocolate chocolate chocolate death with a smile in my face cake or mousse thing. Now THAT was incredible! I suppose if you are server and having a bad day.... just go home. I'd rather have slow service than pissy service.
(3)Scott C.
Outstanding! Definetly should try..
(5)Kirkwood J.
Had the cayenne fried chicken, delicious. All the items we tried here had a little kick to 'em, really enjoyed it.
(4)Patrick Q.
There's a special place in my heart for Agave. My wife and I held out rehearsal dinner there in '06, and as other reviewers have experienced, the staff did an amazing job with both the food and the service. We make it back to Agave at least once a year, and they consistently deliver from the chips and margaritas to the entrees and desserts. They can get a bit crowded, so make a reservation and be ready for loud and often hectic ambience... but it is more than worth it.
(4)Richard S.
This is an excellent place to meet folks for a special occasion - parties of 6-12, no problem. It's also a nice roadhouse where a couple can have a nice quiet dinner. My favorite way to go Agave is just the two of us on a weeknight.
(4)Andrew H.
Their margaritas are awesome. That's basically the only reason that I can justify giving them 3 stars. They may possibly have the worst service of any "nicer" restaurant I've been to in Atlanta. I honestly feel like the waiters I've had here are on par with TGI Fridays or the likes. They make me feel rushed. They are impersonal. The overall impression I get from them is that all they care about is rushing me out of there to turn the table over. My waitress last night started off by saying "I'll be right with you. I have 4 tables all to myself." Oh no,four tables?!?! Sound the fucking alarm! She was awful. She rushed everything she said, to the point where much of it was inaudible. She never cracked a smile and basically made us feel like we were a nuisance. Our entrees were brought out in the middle of our appetizer. A major no-no in my book. She also attempted to take our plates before we were done eating. The food was decent. I had the short ribs and the fiance had the enchiladas. They were good but nothing to write home about. Another thing that REALLY bothers me about this place is the forced valet parking in the large adjacent parking lot. I dont want to pay some schmo for what I am perfectly capable of doing. Its not even like the valet is next to the front door. Fuck that. I definitely wont be back.
(3)Ryan F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I can't say a bad thing about it. Well maybe one, I hate valet parking (especially when the lot is on top of the restaurant). Other than that, Agave is impeccable. Nice ambiance inside and out and even better food. Chips and salsa - awesome. Margaritas - Awesome. Everything on the menu - AWESOME! The fried chicken is out of this world. The Salmon, Swordfish, and grouper are top notch. I've never heard a person complain about Agave and may never, it's that good. To top it off, It's extremely reasonable on the ole' wallet. This is GREAT food and many items on the menu, if not most, are under $20. If you live close in town, you probably get that coupon book with the buy one meal get the second free coupon also!
(5)Jessica O.
The food is yummy, but not cheap. The margaritas are also good and fairly strong. Just be aware that it's a super LOUD place, so if you go with a group, you will have to yell across the table.
(4)Sean S.
What's not to love? I've never had a bad meal here. The staff is uber-friendly. The parking is a breeze. Once upon a time, the wait could be a challenge, but that's rarely the case anymore. The margaritas are truly amazing. I must go back and ask, but the dessert with the chili powder in the chocolate glaze -- to die for. The ambiance is social and eclectic. Put this one on your must-do list. I insist.
(5)Elicia W.
Now that I've decided to Yelp again, in a different city, I had to tell you that Agave is my all time favorite Atlanta restaurant. The only one that has stayed consistent over the years with service(low turnover, no attitude, and serve to please), delicious fresh tasty food (and margaritas), and a relaxing and sometime romantic atmosphere. A new entree they added this year is the most melt in your mouth swordfish I've ever had. The seared ahi tuna rocks! Please bring back a side of spinach :)
(5)Chris B.
I love Agave. Great food and a pretty unique atmosphere. Tasty margaritas, yummy guacamole and great entrees. I've had the fried chicken, which was amazing, as well as the meatloaf, which was also good. Also, the raspberry margarita cheesecake was solid. Overall a hard to beat experience if you're around the Inman Park/Grant Park/Cabbagetown area.
(5)F H.
Great margaritas, mediocre to bad food - haven't been impressed with any dishes there yet. They have a lot of new menu items, so things might have gotten better recently. Update: we're still hesitant to return because the food has not impressed us. My husband is from New Mexico, so he loves green chile enchiladas. The ones he ordered here were completely bland, even to me. The shrimp dish I ordered was nothing special and the shrimp were WAY overcooked. I really want to like this place, so we will give it another try.
(2)Tori M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The food and the service are consistently outstanding. I love to take out of town guests here because I am comfortable knowing that everyone is going to love their meal. The spicy tequila shrimp is my favorite along with any of their chocolate desserts. They have the best margaritas that I have had anywhere.
(5)Marie P.
I was sneaky. A friend of mine who lives walking distance from Agave said he'd been meaning to try this place. I found the menu and it's looked really good. So I got my boyfriend and a different friend to go! We didn't make reservations but got in right away. The host seated us on the upstairs balcony, which was very secluded and romantic. Kinda awkward when you're with your boyfriend AND your friend. But whatever. It's the perfect spot for a quiet date. But it was neat sitting up there. We had a view of the whole restaurant as well as the bar and the kitchen. Pretty sweet. I ordered a $10 Margarita. I think we were celebrating something but I don't really remember. But I didn't care. That was the best damn Margarita I've ever had. Sorry I can't remember what exactly it was though. I also ordered a bowl of white bean soup. This soup was nothing short of amazing. I was pretty close to tears and I thought my boyfriend was going to fall out of his chair it was so good. After he regained his composure he ordered himself a bowl. For my meal I had an arugula salad with trout. Simple but very flavorful. My man had the swordfish and we've never had swordfish that was this tasty. It was unbelievable. But I can't remember what my friend had! I think she had the taco appetizer. Our server was fantastic. My experience has been that if you are seated in a secluded area, the service usually sucks. Not the case here. We were very well taken care of. A few days later I told my other friend, who mentioned the place to me, that I went. "WHHHAAATTT? How was it?" Amazing. I'll be going back again soon. And I'll take him this time.
(5)Dara F.
Agave is a wonderful restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The prices are a bit too high for it to be a regular thing, but for a special occasion (I recently went for my birthday), it's great. The atmosphere was okay - even though the tables are so close together that you can literally hear your neighbors' conversation without trying, its intimate and "hip." The food was great. I had the shrimp and grits. The grit cake that comes in that dish was pretty much the tastiest thing I've ever eaten. The sauce on the shrimp was a bit salty, but overall a good dish. My husband got the salmon and veggies, which he really liked. I got the basic marguerita and it was one of the best I've ever had (and I'm quite the marguerita snob). I do wish the parking situation was better, but considering it's on a tight cabbagetown street, it's understandable. You pretty much have to do valet, which is free, but on a busy Saturday night my husband and I ended up waiting in a line (in the rain) for 15 or 20 mins.
(4)Shauna R.
Waiter and waitress were very nice. I had passionfruit martini....very yummy! I ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and was the first time I had stone ground grits....definitely a southern thing I think! The shrimp was well cooked although I must say peeling off the skin should have been a bit less work. ;)
(4)Stephen E.
Best top shelf margaritas in Atlanta. The food is divine and the service is outstanding.
(5)Ginny N.
Margaritas are yummy at AGAVE! Big surprise for a restaurant named after the plant that tequila is made from. =D Probably 10 different types of margaritas on the menu... I opted for the traditional. The food was excellent as well. The restaurant is in a cool location.. right across from Oakland Cemetery (where Margaret Mitchell is buried) agaverestaurant.com
(4)William S.
We came in on a Sunday evening to a welcoming environment to celebrate with friends. The valet was very quick and efficient, and we were met with smiles (as we were in every aspect of Agave). Right away, we were greeted friendly at the door and taken to a table very quickly. Our server was wonderful, our food was delicious, the prices are very fair, and we were able to really enjoy ourselves. The most important fact of the night : they take food allergies very seriously! One of our friends has a dairy allergy, and every step possible was taken so that he could enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about getting sick. Thank you very much Agave! I do need to mention the margaritas are fantastic!
(5)Kay T.
good drinks. good service, walking distance from auburn ave and grant park. So you can get your buzz n eat on and walk it off!!!.
(4)Tac P.
Excellent food, good service and a value for a tasty, well presented meal.
(4)Jim K.
We have been here several times, and almost all of them have been excellent. Great food, great service, knowledgeable on the menu. It can get loud, it can be dark in spots, but if you are with your own group, who cares! Especially after a couple of their great drinks!
(5)Alice J.
Would like to thank Agave for hosting Bones and Beer for Oakland Cemetery - the food was FAB - I hope to get home in time one day for happy hour.
(5)Jacquie T.
Wonderful meal & the atmosphere was energetic and fun. I had the grouper special on a bed of spinach...excellent!. Will definitely return.
(5)iwiLetter.com ..
Agave does not dissapoint. It's a great place to go for a nice meal. It can be a little crowded and loud on the main dining area near the kitchen, but if you get the loft up top, or the side dining room you are golden. Very knowledgeable and friednly wait staff, we take most of our out of town guests to Agave for a nice meal and bottle of wine(s). I think they have 2 for 1 appetizers from 6-7pm, most nights I think.
(5)Keith H.
Southwestern Food with Flair Yum Yum Yummy I got Agave food in my tummy. Agave is alright with me....a fresh, fun, upscale southwestern menu, if you go in the Winter be sure to sit by the warm and cozy fireplace, it's a sure winner. My favorite dish, Pan Seared Chilean Salmon over a roasted red pepper sauce...to die for! The wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. One of Atlanta's finest Southwestern restaurants. . Pros: Best Service, Attentive Staff . Overall user rating: Recommended
(3)Victoria H.
We had a business meal here that was kind of last minute. Our client had been there before and he requested that we have a table in the upstairs, loft kind of area. This offered a great view of the restaurant and it kind of got us above the noise. Our table had the scallops and the lamb chops and both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection is very good and the tequila selection is the largest I've seen. They also have a good selection of beer....Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we needed her. The complimentary valet parking is a plus. Don't mind the neighborhood - apparently it's coming back.
(5)K J.
Great service, good food, and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for. This was my first time eating here, and I will be back. I started with and order of seared Tuna, with serrano peppers and cucumbers. It was good, but I wish there had been more of it. For dinner I tried their famous Cayenne Pepper Chicken, which is a chicken breast sliced thin and put in a buttermilk dredge, with roasted corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was not spicy even a little bit. I could not even taste the cayenne, but it did have decent flavor. Next time I'm going to try the Mexican food.
(4)Zach W.
WOW!!! We went to this place for Valentines Day in Atlanta and I was blown away! I thought it was gonna be decent, upscale 'tex mex'. Well I was wrong. This place is wonderful! We started off with fresh chips and salsa and a few margaritas. Both were fantastic. There were so many delicious options and I honestly didn't know what to get. Everything looked good. I settled (lol) for the VEAL AND CHORIZO MEATLOAF WITH MAC & CHEESE AND HONEY BACON COLLARDS! ....read that again.... I wanted another serving as soon as I was done. Might have been the best thing I've had in my life! So damn good. I tried a few other dishes that our group ordered and they were amazing. The fried chicken was great and the flat iron steak was way better than I originally thought. I'm going back here for sure. If you're in ATL and you're wanting something exciting and original, you NEED to go to Agave!
(5)Cindy P.
Went back with my husband and mother-in-law. Enjoyed every bite! The guacamole & salsa is fresh and the chips are warm. Get the Top Shelf or Texas margarita and you won't be disappointed. We had the Mahi, Short Ribs, & Tenderloin Medallions. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. For dessert, we split the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake with cinnamon and mint whipped cream - so rich and scrumptious. Jonathan was our waiter and was Excellent - gave us great recommendations and was very attentive. Get on their mailing list and you'll receive e-mail updates. We received all entree's for $12 between 5-6 pm by showing the e-mail I had received.
(4)Jillian M.
Came here for dinner with a friend on a Tuesday night around six. It wasn't too crowded but I would recommend a reservation, as it's a pretty small place. Been meaning to try it for quite some time, but haven't gotten around to it. Needless to say, I'm very glad I finally did! The margaritas were on point. I had the peachtree margarita, which was the perfect amount of sweet. The chips were fresh, warm, and delicious. We ordered the guacamole, and the small size was perfect and pretty good. Salsa was fresh and had a bit of a kick to it. Very good. I had the scallops with grits and Mac and cheese and it was so very great. My friend had the steak which was also a great choice. I will definitely be back. The waiter was great and very friendly. A little slow to bring the bill, but that's my only complaint.
(5)Margaret H.
I can not say enough about this place. The first time I went, I had the diablo crawfish pasta and now it's all I ever want. It's spicy and FULL of crawfish. A well seasoned dish, great preparation. However - I came here for my birthday on Monday and I ventured off the beaten path. We started with the shrimp and pablano pepper spring rolls which were the best spring rolls I've ever had. I was torn between them and the fried lobster tail and our waiter did not disappoint. Moving on to the amazing guacamole. It's chunky and full of onions and tomatoes, just how I like it! My main feast: THE RIBS. I haven't had ribs in ages and it was my birthday. I told the waiter I was between them and my usual crawfish pasta and he said the ribs were worth it. YES! YES THEY WERE! The meat is tender and literally fell off the bone. It has a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce and smokey rub. Hands down, the best I've ever had. It came with some corn on the cob and some mac and cheese, made with very large chunky noodles. I've never had mac and cheese made like this and I didn't hate it, not one bit. Finally - the birthday dessert - Raspberry margarita cheesecake! WOW! I'm not big on sweets at all, but I practically liked the plate. Overall, what a great meal! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)Donny F.
I absolutely love Agave once again. Exceptional flavor, kinetic atmosphere, and standout service are a given. This time I got the spicy Anejo Shrimp with tangy Mac n' Cheese and grilled asparagus--and it was perfect. Sweets got the scallops and they were totally tops as well. Agave is the kind of place that really makes me proud of my neighborhood and my city. Give them a try if you want to experience one of the all-around great restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)Caroline K.
Wow! I am so impressed with this place! I came here with a group, we made reservations. The restaurant is small, but cozy and the noise level isn't too bad considering we were there for the dinner rush on a Saturday night. We started with the Calamari, Guacamole and Ahi Tuna Appetizer. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. My entrée was the seared scallops and they were divine, they came on a bed of grits and it was so amazing. The service was very friendly, quick and attentive, the manager Stewart came to check on us and chatted with us for a while about the restaurant, it was so nice and made us feel like regulars. Our friends live just down the road so we will for sure be back to try out more on their fantastic menu!
(5)Lexi S.
Definitely great food - lots of flavors with fantastic combinations but the service was terribly slow.
(4)Theresa S.
Yum yum! Used a groupon that was being offered (saved about $20). Have never been but have always heard about them! Was not disappointed at all. The salsa is fresh and has a nice kick to it. The guac -- fresh as well and very tasty. I had the shrimp and poblano spring rolls. While really crispy and a good portion, there wasnt a lot of any flavor of the ingredients coming through. The shrimp was in there but ... needs something more. Had the Mountain Trout with Tomatillo Sauce -- excellent. Had crawfish aplenty and really tasty meal. My friend had the veggie enchiladas and enjoyed them. We both agreed we would go back. Plenty of valet parking. The signage is a little odd though -- I was so frazzled with the traffic I thought it read 'Agave Electric Company' and drove right past. It is actually 'Agave Ecletic Mexican'....doh. Service was solid as well.
(4)Megan B.
Another 5 star rating! Agave was just as amazing as the first time I went! I branched out and tried the jalapeno margarita; it had just the right amount of kick! We started with the chili lime fish tacos. I'm not a big fish person so when I could smell the fish I got nervous. After the first bite I was hooked! They were a little spicy but delicious! Unfortunately, I wasn't so adventurous with my entree, I got the fried chicken.. again... what can I say IT'S SO GOOD! Pair it with the mac & cheese and it's hard to try something different! The bf had the flat iron steak and it was cooked to perfection! Since it was cheat day we got the chocolate mousse for dessert. WOW. It was so light and fluffy and the creamy stuff on top was on point (it had the slightest touch of cinnamon)! I will definitely be back and I may or may not get the fried chicken...
(5)Jeremy M.
This place is amazing, love the food! Made a reservation and walked straight in and got seated.
(5)Kathryn D.
GET THE CHILE RELLENO OMG This place was amazing. Right away walking in you're greeted with a smile. The host that day was very kind (despite being treated poorly by other patrons, which we witnessed.) The atmosphere was nice too, it felt in between up scale and casual, and there was a lot to look at. We had a reservation for 2, and were seated promptly. They have an extensive margarita menu, but I got wine because tequila and I broke up a long time ago. My boyfriend enjoyed his New Mexico Mule. The food and service were great. We got guacamole, the tomato and avocado salad, and the chili relleno to start. I loved the chili relleno so much that I almost ordered 4 more, but I held back. For entrees we got the enchiladas and the beef medallions. The enchiladas were delicious, wonderfully seasoned. The medallions were not quite what we expected, they were a little thinner than we thought they'd be, so we were glad we ordered them medium rare. All in all, a great experience, I will be going back!
(5)Cynthia N.
I have not visited Agave for a while, so it's past time for an update. I met friends for a b-day dinner last Saturday. I'll never visit Agave on a Saturday night again. EVER. This experience made me drop my rating by a star. It was so crowded that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the wall behind the bar and along the wall in the right side dining area. Valet parking was backed out into the road as far as Memorial Drive. Our reservation was at 6:30 and I barely made it. Two in our party were 20 minutes late trying to find parking with one of them finally giving up and coming inside and the other waiting in the valet line. I know that Agave is popular but I really wasn't expecting this crush until around 7:30-8:00. Our server was awful. He took 20 minutes to take our order and our water glasses ran dry twice. He had the two tables on either side of us as well and he didn't seem to be doing a bang up job with them either. This really surprised me because I've always had great table service at Agave, but last Saturday night was an exception. I've always loved the margaritas at Agave, but Saturday night they were what I expect from Tex-Mex chain restaurants. They didn't have the clean, fresh flavor I expect from Agave. It's possible that the margaritas were so awful because the bartenders were cranking out drinks like it was the end of the world. It's hard to make a good drink super fast, even for a well-trained bartender. The only good thing about this visit was the food. I ordered the veal/chorizo/green chile meatloaf with mac-n-cheese and collards (damn, I'm country.) I would not order the meatloaf again. The texture was really smooth, almost creamy like pate, and I was not a fan. But the mac-n-cheese and collards were delicious, and I'm so glad they were because the sides were the ONLY reason I ordered that meatloaf. I also had the key lime pie for dessert and it was as good as can be with just the right amount of citrus tart and sugar sweet. My friends had the rare tuna, tenderloins, strip steak, and shrimp. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the food. A part of being a popular restaurant is learning how to properly handle your popularity. If Saturday night is a busy night, consider not accepting reservations. (I'm a fan of reservations, but I'm not a fan of crowded foyers.) I still enjoy the food at Agave, and I would recommend that anyone who is a fan of tequila and southwestern food give them a try. Just not on a Saturday night. Yelp 2015 Update #4
(4)Adam P.
One of the best meals I have had in a while. The tomato and avocado was nice. Nothing out of the ordinary but very good. The pork chop entree was the best pork chop I have ever had in life (considering I just started eating pork again, this may not mean much). Came with some delicious mashed potatoes. Some of the best corn I have ever had in my life also. The crawfish past was also very good. I really enjoyed this meal. The food I got was outstanding, and the food I saw looked just as good. The liquor selection is fantastic and the prices here are more than reasonable. Nice little bar, and I really like the setting of the place. I will without a doubt be back, and can't wait.
(5)Maneesha A.
Ah Agave. Came here for Easter dinner at my mother's suggestion. Her margarita was out of this world, and I wish I hadn't driven so I could have had my own. Chips were easily among the best. Guacamole was good too. My dishes were good, and the flan was AWESOME!!! But the drawbacks: - valet parking for the lot literally right next door? Seemed very silly. Perhaps it's more necessary late night. - wait staff - Lady, I KNOW you were half-heartedly complementing my daughter at the end of the meal in hopes of a better tip. And I caught you rolling your eyes when I asked for a straw when they were literally less than 2 yards away from where you were standing. There was an attempt to be kid friendly given the hidden easter eggs around the restaurant. But that doesn't cover up ugly wait staff attitude towards kids/families. Everyone else seemed nice enough, but I was not blown away by the service. May try again in the future, because the food was really great.
(4)Jacqueline V.
One of my favorite restaurants. Everytime we're heading to a show or event downtown, this is our go to dining spot. My husband who's not a fan of fried chicken loves their Cayenne Fried Chicken entree. Love the fresh complimentary tortilla chips and homemade salsa. The braised short ribs are my favorite. Drinks...fantastic! How can you go wrong with 101 tequila options. Service is always propmt and attentive, regardless how busy the restaurant.
(5)Stephanie C.
Agave has some really amazing reviews, but I can't lie. Our experience was incredibly average. We were seated quickly which was a pleasant surprise. Chips and salsa w were complimentary and yummy but I swear we ate on them for ages before getting our actual food. The waitress was slow, unenthused, and forgetful. My husband had to request a totally separate menu because he is vegetarian and she kept forgetting it which pushed back our ability to order. When the food did come, it was good, but not the most amazing thing. I had the pork burrito and my husband had the veggie burrito while our friends had the chicken quesidilla and cocktails. I'm not trying to say the restaurant was terrible, it just wasn't as great as I had expected.
(3)Zindzi A.
I started my meal off with a Mona Lisa Margarita. It's was soooo good. I believe it's passion fruit, crab and some other juices but it's so good. For my entree I ordered the New Mexico Rack of Lamb that came with Asparagus and the Yukon golden mash potatoes. The waitress mentioned that they were out of asparagus and then appeared with some as well the the side dishes we chose to replace them..yay lol... We chose the julienne vegetables. I can't name one thing on my plate that was out of place. I will be returning. Next time I'm going to try the cayenne fried chicken. I would recommend this restaurant to everyoooone.
(5)Caroline P.
Very disappointed. I was here a year ago and remember being impressed. Tonight was date night and we decided to branch out from our favorites (Rathbuns, Sun in My Belly, Doc Cheys) and try something new. It was in the 70s outside and we specifically wanted to dine outside. I called ahead and asked if they had outside seating and was assured they did. The patio is closed in with a roof and high walls that were over 5ft tall. To add to the wall height were the wood blind that went down to the wall. The space was dark and the only way I could peek at the sky was to have my face against the seat back. If it hadn't been 7:30 we would have gone somewhere else. The salsa was good and their Mac and Cheese was very tasty. The meatloaf "tasted like pate (no accent option on my phone) and was spicy. The Barbacoa dish was horribly spicy and started to upset my stomach. Since our food took awhile to come out we were starving and my boyfriend was all the way through his dish before we were able to get the attention of the waitress for me to get sour cream to try and tone down the spice and cool the burn. Don't get me wrong, I like a good spice, I love adding siracha to things. Overall I was disappointed by the lack of follow-up so we could voice the issues in time to resolve. Unfortunately we've regretted our branching out. Till next time.
(2)Claudia A.
This place continues to be where I take guests when I want to "wow" them. Now's it's a little pricier than other restaurants but you can find things within the drink menu and dinner menu if you're budget conscience. My date and I started with their traditional Margarita. It's was a little sweeter than what I'm used to but that' how house Margarita's usually are. We then got an Agave Margarita-perfect. A nice strong anejo tequila filled Margarita. We got the ahi tuna for appetizer, it was yummy but not my favorite so I will try something different next time. My entree was the rack of lamb which comes with asparagus and mashed potatoes, I see folks get it all the time and I just had to try it. It was pretty good. Also not my favorite but but that's just a personal preference. My date got the veal,chorizo,pepper meat loaf. Oh my lord, it was delicious. It came with collard greens (had a sweet taste) and macaroni which accompanied it perfectly. For dessert we got the spicy peanut butter cake, I am not a peanut butter fan but this hit the spot. Perfect blend of flavors in a mouse like consistency. Overall I will come back and bring back friends. Make sure you bring $ for the valet parking.
(4)Scott M.
I have been coming to Agave' since 2001 and the place just keeps getting better. I have recently had the opportunity to introduce some people to this restaurant and all of them agree that it is hard to beat this place. I have had most items on the menu and without any hesitation, I could recommend anything. Last night I had the scollops and they were amazing. You can't leave this place until you have had the Lobster appetizer, Calamari or Shrimp Spring Rolls, all are simply great starters. Tim, the managing partner and his staff are all super friendly and accomodating. They get 5 stars for both service and the food quality. You will be leaving this place very impressed!
(5)Lysa F.
Agave's ambiance is romantic and quaint. As soon as I walked in, I knew service would be fantastic. The host was prompt and helpful, and all servers were highly attentive and friendly. Now down to the food- Complementary chips and salsa- Awesome! The salsa was spicy, which I like (5 stars) Guacamole- a little too many tomatoes for my taste, but solid nonetheless (3 stars) Southwestern Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls- Very flavorful, a little greasy (4 stars) Slow Braised Beef Shortribs- Words fail me. So tender, packed with flavor, it fell apart with a fork... just absolutely amazing. Honestly, this might be the best meal I've ever eaten. I know that is a huge claim, and I am very serious. This is THE BEST dish. (4258473934 stars!) Taking everything besides the short rib entree into account, Agave might have gotten 4 stars from me. However, this amazing dish pushed Agave well over 5 stars!!! I will be back SOON with a hunger for some short ribs :)
(5)Kellie T.
Agave is now my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I ate here for the first time last night with my family and everyone loved it - our waiter Michael Montoya was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and made the entire evening such a pleasure. The food was so, so delicious and perfectly prepared, as were the drinks. I can't give Agave enough praise and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know. Thanks for the great service Michael!!
(5)Karla N.
AMAZING!!! thats all I live quite close to this fine restaurant and never tried it i just noticed that the parking lot is always packed until one saturday afternoon we decided to go for an early dinner. We made reservations for 5 pm and when we got there we got sited quite quickly right by the fireplace in the back. it was very romantic. we were the only ones in that dinning room for about 15 minutes then in a matter of 20 min the dining room was full. Now the food..... we started with drinks which i have to say were really good margaritas not sweet and you could really tell that the mix is made in house and use good quality tequila. Next we received the complimentary chips and salsa they were warm and fresh which made eat 2 baskets of them thats how good they were. the appetizers was a shared tortilla soup that was so good and satisfying i wish we didn't share it at all, and a small order or guacamole. for dinner I ordered the pork chop and my husband the meatloaf. omg i was in heaven my dinner was delicious however i was not able to finish my food and had it packed for later, portions are quite large. The service was really good they were organized and attentive even with a busy dinning room. Just make sure you make reservations because they get super busy. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Renee G.
Since this was our first time eating here, I looked at pics to get an idea off what the food looked like. There were a few things that caught my eye but the fried chicken kept calling my name. I NEVER order chicken when I go out to dinner but I was very happy that I ordered it; it was delicious! We started our meal with calamari - so good. It was lightly coated and fried to perfection. We ate every piece of calamari even after eating the complimentary chips & salsa! My husband & daughter both got ribs. I didn't taste the ribs, but I did taste the Mac 'n cheese; quite good. I was impressed with the food & will try to return to the restaurant when I'm in Atlanta again
(4)Alvin P.
A Good Place To Have A Meal With Friends. The place has some parking, but mostly it's complimentary valet parking. I don't mind complimentary valet parking for places that don't have any parking, but this place has enough parking that you can park yourself. When we pulled in, there was a spot that opened up from a car, and they said it would block the road if I tried to park there, even though there was a car there when I initially pulled into the place. We ended up going with valet, but it feels horrible to not tip them then, so we did. However, I wish they would just let you park when you were able to. The staff was friendly, and the waiter was informative. However, it is ridiculously loud there. I could probably eavesdrop on 5 different conversations while having ear plugs in my ear. I almost felt like people were yelling at each other. However, I'm not sure if this is a one time instance, because when a couple groups of people left, the place returned to normal volume levels. The food was good, I believe I got a burrito and quesadilla and it was pretty good. I didn't think it was amazing though, but pretty good. I wish there were more options for vegetarians though. I pretty much ended up ordering from the entree section twice to have variety. We were too full to try the desserts. This would be rated a bit higher if it wasn't for the ridiculously loud atmosphere there, pretty much like going to a club or bar I guess. Not a good date night place, IMO. This is better if you are going with friends and are going to be loud anyway, so everything meshes.
(3)Annie P.
I was surprisingly very pleased with this place! We went on the recommendation of Yelp. There is parking to the side of the restaurant but it gets packed pretty fast which is when they offer complimentary valet parking. I personally am not a fan of valet parking because I like to try to find my own parking. That being said, there was an empty space near the entrance/exit of the parking lot. While my friend was trying to park there, one of the valets ran up to us and told us it wasn't allowed because it's blocking the entrance. I call BS - it was a clearly defined space (with yellow lines and all) that symbolizes that it was, indeed, a parking space. Even if we were to park there, there was more than enough room for cars to exit or enter. Nonetheless, we handed the keys over to the valet and he parked the car for us. The restaurant itself was warm and cozy. We came in with no reservations but they still seated us immediately. We were seated directly in front of the fireplace which felt really nice. I got the grilled corn with garlic butter and the stuffed trout. I loved the corn - it was so perfect. I ate like a bulldog - not attractive. The trout was really good too with one exception - the skin was soggy, which made for an unattractive texture. So I had to do some extra work to remove the skin but once that was done, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I took my dessert, key lime pie, to go. When I ate it at the hotel, I really enjoyed it - especially the cinnamon flavored whipped cream. The service was excellent - our waiter was VERY attentive, friendly, and personable. I can tell he would be (or is already) a very popular guy there. The restaurant was decorated nicely but not so extravagant. My only complaint, in terms of the atmosphere, is that it gets so LOUD. My friend and I had to repeat what we were saying to each other at least 3-4 times. Otherwise, I would definitely come back here to see what else they have to offer.
(4)A.J. C.
Agave is a very popular Southwestern restaurant located on Boulevard in Cabbagetown. I was looking forward to our dinner @ Agave with a large group of friends this weekend so I will break this review down step by step. PARKING: On this night they had "free" valet parking. Quick, easy, and no problems despite how busy it was. I imagine finding a parking spot without this would be next to impossible. 5/5 stars. RESERVATIONS: We had a group of 20 reserved for dinner @ 8:15pm. We were seated @ approximately 8:50pm. Which is fine. This place is obviously very popular and it was extremely crowded. When we opened the door to enter it was like looking @ a crowded elevator. In all fairness, a lot of the crowd @ the door was our group. Six of us waited outside because we just could not get in. Agave will tell you that one of their specialties is large groups, and they did have 3 very large tables set up on the right side of the dining area. All of which were full of very large groups. 3/5 stars. SETTING: It's very small inside considering the amount of business they have. Restrooms were located @ the furthest corner of the restaurant from where large groups are seated. This makes for an adventure trying to navigate the crowd to and from. You will have to pass through the dining area, the front door area, the bar, and the kitchen in order to relieve yourself. The mood lighting and decor are excellent which would normally make this place a prime choice for a date should you need a romantic setting. However, it is EXTREMELY loud in here and communication without yelling will prove difficult to accomplish. I'd bet on a less busy night though, it's perfect. As it got later, the bar opened up a little bit and looked like a place I would rather sit some time in the future for drink and food. It is also right next to the open kitchen, and on that side of the restaurant it smells awesome. 4/5 stars. FOOD/DRINK: The food is outstanding. In full disclosure, I had the Georgia Trout with a side of Bacon Collards. This was not my first choice though, as I had ordered the Red Pepper Salmon. But the waitress came back and told me they were out of Salmon. The Trout was her recommendation in place of it. Every one else seemed to enjoy their meal as well, and comments were made how flavorful everything was. The Scallops were a big hit, and apparently they are Agave's most popular seafood dish according to the waitress. No surprise though. If you look at the pictures and reviews on this very page you will see just how much people like the Scallops. The fried chicken was also very popular. Although I enjoyed my food, the portions are not very large so don't expect that, and I was still a little hungry upon completion of it. They have a vast drink menu which includes many wine choices, spirits, and cervezas. Whiskey on the rocks and a beer is what I settled on. Margaritas @ the table got high marks. 4/5 stars. SERVICE: The waitress we had was exceptional. It looks like she was in charge of all the big tables which can spread her time a little thin. But there were no mistakes made that I could tell, and she was knowledgeable of every thing on the menu. One person had to wait longer than every one else for her food to come out, but other than that it was all good. Checks were broken up by couples and singles at the end, and that went off with no problem. 4/5 stars. PRICE: Expect to spend some money here. It was not cheap, but probably on par with similar restaurants. Our split check for 3 people, each with a drink and entree, came to $100. So, $120 with a tip. 3/5 stars. OVERALL: I would like to visit this place again on a less busy night. I think I would enjoy dinner and drinks here @ the bar with one other person or a smaller group. Or even with a date @ a smaller table when it's not as loud and crowded. Average stars in this review come to 3.8, so I will give it a 4. I recommend you try it at least once for the food alone. We went on a Saturday night, so if you'd like to avoid the large crowd then pick another day.
(4)Sonja L.
First of all, the Southern hospitality is apparent. We got a genuine greeting and that same feeling stayed throughout the meal. This was a meal shared with colleagues. The server made great recommendations and he was super laid back but not too cool. I ordered the sashimi grade seared tuna. It was excellent but I sort of wish I'd gotten the lamb. All 5 of us ordered something different and it all had beautiful presentation. The atmosphere was rustic and interesting. The restrooms were fairly clean. I have it 4/5 stars because it did feel a bit cluttered with too many seats for the space. I would go back though.
(4)Trevor W.
Agave is an intimate spot for Tex-Mex just behind Oakland cemetery off Boulevard and Carroll. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and will certainly be back. Given the location, Agave does parking right. They have super quick and friendly valet staff that manage the massive empty lots beside the building down Boulevard. The entrance to the historic structure is right at the intersection of Boulevard and Carroll. You are greeted by the large wooden door that opens into a solid wood and brick dining room / bar. With the bar down the right side and tables to the left in the open space, expect sound to get a bit loud. It has that trendy loudness of a Manhattan eatery bustling with people and service. Wasn't deafening on our visit, but definitely something to take note as one side of our table of 10 couldn't easily communicate with the other. In the back corner is a private loft for small groups and outside an enclosed patio for outdoor dining. The kitchen is open and adds to the ambiance with wisps of steam and deliciousness floating through the air. The interior is dimly lit and quite intimate, dare I say romantic. The decorations and lighting make you feel as if you're dining in an upscale pueblo, if there is such a thing. Tables are four tops, but they easily handled our reservation of 10 by creating a row all for us. Agave is known for its 2-for-1 appetizer happy hour available at the bar from 5-7pm. If you're doing something around Cabbagetown or at Oakland Cemetery, makes for a wonderful start to the festivities! Agave considers the food gourmet Tex-Mex and with it comes a bit of the price tag. However, our party of 10 definitely enjoyed their dishes. We sampled: * Blue and white corn chips and salsa (nicely spicy with chunky tomato pieces) * Hatch Green Chile Stew (very spicy) * Grilled sweet corn (with that delicious queso) * Smoked Chicken & Hatch Green Chile Quesadillas * Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo * Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken (seriously, try it) * Lime & Garlic Marinated Flatiron Steak Not sure what took me so long to make it to Agave, but will certainly be back for more deliciousness!
(4)Jeremy R.
Fried chicken was a rubbery, hard, inedible disappointment. Lamb was solid, drinks were good, but its hard to look past that one bad dish when you only ordered two things. Maybe they don't use the fryer very often? Atmosphere is nice and presentation was on point.
(3)Tara S.
This is my favorite dinner in Atlanta in recent memory. The atmosphere is as described in other reviews. Try to sit in the big side room and not the area by the bar and bathrooms. The manager greeted us with champagne because we were celebrating our anniversary. Sweet touch. They have extensive tequila and mezcals. We had a Karma margarita ( amazing) and my boyfriend picked a favorite mezcal topped with simple lime and Cointreau. We split a Barbacoa quesadilla and hatch chile stew to start - both were amazing !!! The stew was fantastic. For entrees we had short ribs with poblano grits, and cayenne fried chicken with collards and Mac and cheese. Every single thing tasted incredible ! Nothing was mediocre. The short ribs fell apart and the chicken was juicy with delicious crust. I only wish we'd had room for dessert. Can't wait to hit this spot up again.
(5)B C.
Never had a bad meal here. We love the shrimp, the tuna, the ceviche, and everything else we've tasted. Even the chips and salsa are deadly good. It's not usually a quite place, but I still think it makes a great overlooked date place.
(5)Luckie D.
Agave remains creative, tasty and well left of the typical Americanized Mexican fare. A great space with good energy and friendly staff I look forward to continued patronage. I am a big fan and almost feel petty given the need for parking and their building configuration but an option for a rooftop alfresco would land them that elusive fifth star.
(4)Michael O.
HOLY CRAP! This spot is AWESOME! Very diverse! Great open grilled food. Strong AF Margaritas with great choices. I like the seating arrangements that they have in there. Please make a RSVP on Fridays and Saturdays though because it was hella crowded when we went. I had the most expensive Margarita on the menu, I forgot the name but it was like $12 or $13 bucks I think. But it was hella worth it. We'll definitely be back! The spot is cool too. It's low-key and they have Valet parking...for 2 margaritas and my meal, it was about $40 + the Tip.
(5)Jonathan F.
Agave... Is amaze..ing... It's a rare occurrence when one finds themself at a tex mex restaurant with an abundance of healthy options. That's the foundational reason that I gave this place 5 stars, but I digress. The setting was absolutely perfect. Tucked away off of boulevard you find this jem nestled in the turn and honestly you may drive right by it at night. It's a very cozy interior once you come inside. The dim lighting and fireplace that was lit on the "patio" area made for a perfect romantic dinner. The service was top notch. Our server Gary was amazing. He really helped accentuate or experience with his recommendations and friendly service. Finally, the food was perfect. I had the salmon that was served over zucchini, squash, and carrot slivers with a roasted red peppers sauce. This was one of the best tex mex dishes I have ever had and I didn't feel guilty about it afterwards! The food was fresh, the setting was perfect, and the wine list was well crafted. This place was the total package. Absolutely loved my experience and I have been raving about it to my friends!
(5)Nilesh P.
The restaurant atmosphere was great. The service was exceptional. We bought a groupon and it included one appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. This was more than enough food. The steak was great and so were the rack of lambs. The only reason I took it down by one star was the temperature in the back. It was just way too hot and seemed like no ventilation. Overall great experience but I would sit towards the front!
(4)Samantha M.
I loved this place. Found a groupon a few months ago & finally got in here the first week of September. The chips & salsa were great, but as appetizer lovers, that wasn't enough! So many delicious sounding apps to choose from, we went with the guacamole & ceviche. Both were superb! For entrees, we had the medallions & the rack of lamb, we were already stuffed at this point from the amazing appetizers, but so glad we forged on to entrees because they were awesome! We were having a bit of a sweet tooth, so we each took half our entree home & shared a dessert- chocolate mousse. I normally don't eat dessert & even I loved it. Don't miss the margaritas, strong, great flavor & none of the sugary crap going on here!
(5)Kay H.
Impressive! Tons of great dishes, good service and wide margarita selection. As tasty as the drinks are I'd probably add a shot to make it perfect. Every dish was delicious and I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Great place! This was my first experience and I know much more to come!
(5)Julie E.
Even though it's been in Atlanta 14 years, Agave is one of our favorite new finds! We "discovered" Agave through a Scoutmob deal and went last night for our 18th wedding anniversary. Our reservation was at 7:30 pm and we showed up on time and were seated immediately. When making the reservation, I noted it was our anniversary, and within minutes, a manager showed up with two complimentary glasses of champagne--a very nice surprise! For apps, we chose the guacamole and the ceviche martini. The martini was delicious, but I was a little disappointed in the guac (it was not super fresh tasting) but that was my only disappointment. For entrees, my hubs chose the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp over grits cakes which was great. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. I chose the Chile Grilled Swordfish served with serrano grits and a smoked avocado relish. It was wonderful too! Again, the fish was well cooked and the relish was what I would have liked to seen from the guac. The portion sizes were just right... not too large, not skimpy. For dessert, we had the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake which was divine, though we were pretty stuffed by that time. I also enjoyed the Mona Lisa and New Mexico Mule margaritas. While very different, both were very tasty! Another plus... Agave has valet parking. I have seen some people complain about the parking, but to me, it's a plus to not have to hunt for parking. On the way home, we both agreed that Agave is one of our top 5 restaurant "finds" in Atlanta and we would definitely return again without the benefit of a "deal."
(5)Becky R.
Great for meeting up with friends and a good date night place.
(5)Deb M.
Yes...it was as good as it gets! Visiting from Detroit for work there are some die-hard Mexican food fans in my group. So glad someone recommended this place for dinner. The chips and salsa were great. When I asked our waiter (who was absolutely fabulous) for a spicier salsa he said they didn't have one but he did go back and chop up a bunch of peppers - with the seeds still in them- to add to the salsa! I thought that was awesome and it definitely kicked the spice up a notch. We ordered drinks and guacamole and let the adventure begin! I started by splitting the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the springrolls, though I liked the red pepper jelly the best (was hoping for a bit more heat though). Two others in our group had the chicken quesadillas and loved them. The meal was paced perfectly, the atmosphere hipster and lively, the decor perfectly New Mexico. What a wonderfully charming place. I would love to tell you about all of the flavor profiles of the different dishes we shared but we all got the dish that came highly recommended....the scallops! The only variation is that I subbed the greens out for some grilled asparagus...I'm not a huge fan of greens. The scallops had a perfect sear on them and were nestled in the most heavenly grits I've ever had. The only downfall of the evening came shortly after we finished our meal....when I realized Atlanta is far from home and I don't know when I'll make it back to Agave.
(5)MeMe F.
I've dined at Agave twice. More recently was last week on a spur-of-the-moment date night with a friend. It is an impressive, cozy spot with very flavorful cuisine. On a slow night, it's very romantic, warm and breezy with amber lighting and a low hum of dinner conversation. On a crowded night, it's very loud with the same lighting and lots of large parties. It's not very sexy when you're having to practically yell at the person across from you as you sit under a golden, soft light that makes almost any woman look like Halle Berry for a few hours. This establishment is more spacious upwardly than anything. It looks like an old, two-story colonial home renovated for a restaurant. Sometimes it can be a tight squeeze, so if you are claustrophobic, check Agave OFF your list. I don't mind being in close quarters for a short period, so it doesn't bother me. They have a myriad of wines and other spirit drinks to choose from. However, be warned that not all of their wine selections are sold by the glass. I mostly drink whites, blushes and rose's. I rarely drink sweet reds and never drink dry reds, except to marinate meats. Therefore, I never need to buy a whole bottle, so I always end up drinking soda or water here.Their margaritas are pretty good but not memorable for me. I will order one on my next visit for a more fair review. The scallops and short ribs are 4 star. My favorite item is their southwest macaroni and cheese. Agave adds up quickly on your tab, so be sure you have some dough on hand and don't forget cash to tip your valet. My service has always been pretty moderate to poor, mainly uninterested servers sweating bullets with a backed up kitchen while my drink glass sits empty for 30 minutes. I wish I could take Agave's ambiance and food without the service...if that makes sense. Bottom line, you should visit if you want a real taste of what Atlanta has to offer!
(3)Summer W.
One of my favorite spots in Atlanta. They have the BEST margaritas! My favorite menu items are the Lime & Garlic Flatiron Steak and the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. Whatever you get, order the mashed potatoes!
(5)Bill M.
No patio. No queso dip. They shouldn't be allowed to call themselves tex mex on here. No mex zone. Food actually tasted good though.
(2)Sammi T.
Very delayed posting of a saved review from over a year ago. I really love this restaurant! I rarely repeat restaurants, but this one is one of the repeats. It never disappoints every time I go! The decor/atmosphere is pretty awesome. It is very Latin American style. On the weekends, this place is PACKED! It's even hard to order drinks at the bar while waiting b/c it is sooooo crowded. However, the bartender was extra nice! We were starving, and she gave us chips while we waited outside. Pretty awesomesauces :) I love the salmon here! and the chocolate mousse desert was delectable!
(4)Danielle R.
Awesome food, great service, great atmosphere. This is my new favorite place. They have the best guacamole in Atlanta.
(5)Cheryl R.
I decided to meet a friend this evening for dinner. This was my 3rd time dining at Agave. My waiter was really good. However, each time I go I am never impressed with my food selections. I had the scallops with grits and collard greens. The scallops were really good. My collard greens were not good at all. They were not seasoned well and had a burnt taste to them. I don't plan on giving this restaurant another chance. I was very disappointed.
(3)Justin O.
Wow! Great drinks, food and service. We had the mussels and spring roll for an appetizer. I had the lamb and my buddy had the baby back ribs. Couldn't ask for anything better. Valet parking and they work off of tips.
(5)Julie G.
This is a cool place! I like the decor. Lots of space inside. I think we were sitting in an enclosed patio. The servers were really friendly and attentive and I appreciated that they sat my party not directly next to another party. The restaurant wasn't super full and it made the dinner feel more intimate. The bench style seating with pillows and blanket, give the place a cozy feel. I really enjoyed the complementary chips and "trough" of salsa (mostly for its quantity). The Southwestern dishes we tried were both delicious. Some of the seafood items on the menu looked superb. The only downside to this place was the unnecessary "complementary valet" parking. It is not a location that needs a valet, it has a large parking lot right by the restaurant. It was rather frustrating to hand your keys over to the valet and watch him park the car in one of dozens of spots 3 feet away. It made the whole thing that much more of a hassle when we could have just parked our car and walked in, stress free.
(4)Ms M.
Great food, great drinks, great neighborhood feel... Excellent for large parties or an intimate date...recommended
(4)Renee O.
This place sucks. The food was way overrated and our waitress had all the personality of a potato. BUTTERLESS. The best thing it has going for it is the pixies album cover in the bathroom.
(2)Mandi G.
My family and I went to Agave last Friday night for my birthday dinner (yay, 23!). I wanted an atmosphere that was fun, delicious, felt like a special occasion, but wasn't outrageously expensive. I also wanted an atmosphere my parents could enjoy (not too bar-ish). GREAT atmosphere. Super cozy, dim lighting, not too loud. We had a reservation for 5 at 6:30 and were seated immediately. It looked pretty crowded when we left, but not in a bad way. The margaritas were awesome. I had the chorizo taco thing and it was very good. My boyfriend had the meatloaf, which was AWESOME. My Dad got the stuffed trout (I think?) and it was really good too. The only negatives I had were that it was a LITTLE pricey, but it was worth it for the quality of the meal and drinks. The waiter was nice and had good knowledge of the menu, but my mom was asking a lot of questions about it and he seemed a little annoyed by it. (I know that's annoying for waiters sometimes, but at least fake a smile or something.) All in all, it was a good birthday experience! I'll be back for the margaritas.
(4)Debo R.
This is starting to be one of my favorite places! Great food and drinks! Bartenders know there stuff! Highly recommend you come and experience!
(5)Alara K.
Third visit to Agave and it remains one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I brought Lovey here on date night and we were seated on the open air patio (nice atmosphere with a nice breeze that night). We started with two margaritas and the calamari app. The margs were delicious and the calamari was a good start to the meal. I ordered the spicy tequila anejo shrimp and Lovey had the Cayenne fried chicken. We both practically licked the plates clean. To celebrate such a wonderful meal, we took a shot of tequila (I believe they were anejo-very good). I will continue to come back, as I have never been disappointed.
(5)Dee B.
this is usually my go-to spot for a relaxing evening in a nice environment. I went here this weekend and the waiter wasn't the best. He turned my salad around because it had tomatoes and they just took the tomatoes off which left tomato juice and seeds on my salad. Yuck! very sloppy. He insisted that they didnt carry cucumber however they were on my boyfriends plate. I offered them. To top it all off my corn was ice cold! After they finally got it right he was still one of the worst. I should have just sat at the bar like I usually do where the bartender is AMAZING and funny. Mosquitos ate me alive in the back room. I learned a lesson. No wonder people stand in line to sit at the bar!
(3)Jim J.
Agave remains my favorite place in the city. Best variety of margaritas to be found, and by far the most tasty. Superb list of appetizers (their calamari is way better than found at upscale seafood restaurants), a wide variety of entrees that includes chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. All are well prepared and perfectly presented. Top it off with the best key lime pie to be found, or the chocolate mousse. It doesn't get any better, and at very reasonable prices. Thursday night had the special pasta topped by sea bass, scallops, grilled shrimp, and mussels. First time I have seen that special there. I hope they bring it back again one day soon. This place continues to deliver, and we will return often.
(5)Chloe E.
Food-5 stars. Drinks-3 stars. I have no idea how I have never eaten here. I will sadly admit I had never heard of it. It isn't close to where I have lived in Atlanta but that is no excuse. This Mexican food with a Southern twang is worth the drive. We used the valet to park. Had a short wait for a table and then our waiter immediately stopped by to get our drink order. The margaritas were ok. Very tart. Very light on tequila. Not the worst I have had but I will try another specialty drink next time. Or just get a beer. The food was great. It is different than tex mex. Not quite Mex Mex...just unique. And everything tasted very fresh. It was very loud due to some huge groups but it didn't matter to me because I didn't say a word from the moment the food was dropped off until I licked my plate clean. Can't wait to get back here and try some other items!
(4)Reena T.
We went here for our weekly date night. There is usually a big party there every time we go there which makes it very loud, but they had the patio open which was very nice. the guac is always a must have and this time we had the strawberry and goat cheese salad...it was amazing!! I had the lamb, which was just ok, and my husband had the pork medallions which were also amazing!!! next time i go i will def be getting the pork!!!
(4)Katie S.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. I don't live in Atlanta anymore, and this is one restaurant that I miss the most. Every time, it's fabulous! The scallops are the best I've ever had, and that beef chile relleno is like heaven in your mouth! Try those collard greens! They are so good. I don't think I've ever had anything that was just mediocre. Don't miss out!
(5)Leigh C.
So delicious! Loud and busy so don't come here for an intimate dinner-come here to have fun! The guacamole and salsa were amazing. My husband and I had the seared tuna. Small portion but it was just enough! The key lime pie is good but the restaurant doesn't actually make it-they ship it in from a well-known bakery that I, of course, can't remember the name of!
(5)Mai Tran L.
Lovely restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. The food here is mouth watering good. I won't give it a 5 stars rating because the price is so hard for the portion of food I'm getting. However, the food here is very good especially the ceviche.
(4)Rick V.
Outstanding! The flavors of Mexican cuisine were well-represented and elevated in this un-stuffy but still classy restaurant. Perfect for a fun dinner date, especially for a medium-sized group. It was very crowded on our Saturday evening visit, but service was still decent and very friendly. Reservations mandatory, in my opinion - it's a relatively small place. Lamb Chops were well-spiced and perfectly cooked - delicious! We gobbled up our appetizers (chunky guacamole, calamari) like we'd never eaten food before. Others in our group ordered Salmon, and another fish dish - super tasty! Each of us loved our entree. Have you eaten at Agave yet? No? What's keeping you?
(4)Juan M.
Hadn't been in YEARS. Forced valet parking notwithstanding, it was great. We did the ScoutMob special and came away packed, buzzed and happy. The traditional margarita really plays nicely with the chips and salsa - I was amazed at the amount of food we got for the price. We hope to come back again soon to try some of the other items that had been added since we last came (like the street corn on the cob - oh man).
(5)Naima W.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I love the margaritas, mussels, fried lobster tail, and scallops. The food is wonderful and the service is great. I also participated in one of their quarterly tequila dinners and that was awesome too. It was a little pricey but I believe the experience, food, and drinks made it worth it. They served me so many drinks that I had to leave some of them on the table!!! I will gladly do the tequila dinner again!
(5)Christian S.
Just went to Agave after probably a year of not going (for no reason other than forgetting it was a favorite!) and had yet another great experience. Food, drinks, chips are always consistently excellent. 5 stars because we've NEVER had a bad experience or meal there. Staff is great and owner always seems to be there making sure the place is running smoothly.
(5)Jennifer N.
We really enjoyed dinner at Agave. We started with the mussels and finished with the pumpkin cheesecake. In between, we had strip steak and gulf shrimp. Everything was good and the staff was friendly and attentive. Try the grit cake: crispy on the outside soft and creamy on the inside. Overall, a great dining experience. Not a great place to take small active kids..the lighting is pretty dim and it is kind of tight and crowded on the weekends. But they do have high chairs so it is not out of the question. Enjoy.
(5)Shaye B.
I have been a couple of times to Agave and had a blast each time! The food and margarites are both great. Both are creative and its worth exploring the menu a bit! Both times I got seafood - flounder once and shrimp the other - and was not disappointed at all. The jalapeno infused margaritas are a real treat! I really like the atmosphere and decor of the place too - it is a large restaurant, but it is done well inside and each area has its own vibe. I definetly recommend this place for groups and someone looking to try a "southern contemporary tex-mex" place - which is how I would best describe the food. I also think that Agave is less expensive than other fun dinner locations for big groups. Plus who doesn't like starting off a weekend night with good company, some margaritas and creative mexican food?!?
(4)Nathan S.
Agave is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always fresh and oh so yummy. They really take pride in serving authentic, fresh, southwest flavors. My favorite dishes are the scallops and fried chicken. The peanut butter pie almost put me in a coma. I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Amazing! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)Emily S.
Had an amazing experience at Agave! The salsa and guac were very fresh. The menu featured lots of Tex-Mex options with Southern flare -- seemed to be something for all palates. The chorizo and pork tacos were very tasty (and quite spicy by my Midwest standards). Will be eating here again soon!
(5)Kelly M.
I really liked this place. This would be a great date night spot or good for happy hour. I've heard it's best to come early as it gets pretty crowded. It's very cozy inside. There is low lighting and a fireplace. We sat at the bar. The margaritas were excellent; not watered down at all. My friend and I dined in for happy hour. The chips were served fresh and hot just the way I like them. They have a happy hour special where the appetizers are 2 for the price of one or you can order any entree for $12. That's a sweet deal. We had the tuna and calamari for appetizers. Both were served to perfection. I order the braised short ribs with potatoes and grilled asparagus. The meat was very tender, but tasted more like pot roast than short rib, but still delicious. My friend enjoyed the pork chops and collards. I can't wait to go again.
(5)Maxx M.
Chips and salsa rocked! Great service, good food, definitely will patronize next time I am in the ATL. For those of you going in a big group, I'm not sure what they called it but they had a special sampler family-style menu which worked great for our corporate group.
(4)Ricky H.
The food and drink is good here. I never been here before today and heard of it before seeing it on yelp. The place is very romantic yet small. I enjoyed my time here and will definitely go back again. It across from the historic cemetery. You will have to make reservations before going.
(5)Paige N.
I've been to Agave twice now - both with dates, and both times it was a pleasure as other Yelpers have said. It's a very cozy, romantic setting no matter where you are - although both times I've been on the patio, which is perfect. Generally, we began with wine or margaritas - both are excellent choices - and the server recommended good bottles. And of course chips with quacamole. I highly recommend the guac - fresh made and filled with tomato and onion and cilantro. Yum! And for dinner on my most recent experience there, I had the stuffed mountain trout and my date had the chile seared sea scallops. We shared and both dishes were fantastic. The trout was truly stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms and the scallops weren't too spicy or overcooked. And our waiter was very attentive refilling our wine and water glasses whenever they started to look a little low. It's definitely a place I will continue to suggest and visit in the future. One thing to be aware of is that parking is at a premium around there, so save yourself a headache and valet (it's complimentary) and they're very quick.
(4)Chandrea R.
This was my first visit, the food and drinks were awesome. I got the calamari, lamb chops, and a Texas Margarita. I will be going back ASAP!!!!!! :-)
(5)Grant M.
Consistent, quality, great atmosphere. Agave has been a favorite for the past 14 years!! The bartenders are always on point and the food is ALWAYS amazing. Never a disappointment.
(5)Troy P.
Place was really nice and most of the food was way above average. The shocking part of the visit was the below average service. Not just really slow, which was not a complete deal breaker, but nothing conversational ever. We all had margaritas, but no offer for second round came. Never asked how meals were after delivered. By the time a dessert menu came, all of us had lost interest. To me, the service at a nice spot is almost as important as the food. Bummer.
(2)Catrina W.
First time there last Saturday. It was amazing, but I think they close to early. 11. The Texas margarita I had was the best I had in my entire life. I still dream about it.
(5)Bobby C.
This has been in my regular restaurant rotation for some years. Wonderful food and great service.
(4)Jamarcus T.
When I began writing this review I had already clicked that fourth star, but as I think back to just a couple nights ago, I may end up taking a star away. We'll see. Two things that stand out immediately that Agave has a handle on is its really tasty salsa, free along with the 'on the house' chips, that has a really nice spicy kick to it (don't feel ashamed if you reach for that water), and their customer service. The waiter was extremely helpful, took care of any concerns/requests we had in a flash and with a party of 6, I definitely appreciate that. Agave could be a romantic place, considering the low light and general atmosphere, although the crowds, which , even on a thursday night, were enough for me to not notice any two person tables or couples tucked away in a corner. For whatever reason, people stand at the entrance, making it a little difficult to weave in or out, but it's more roomy than it looks from the outside, having an upstairs seating area as well as a couple of downstairs rooms for seating. It can be pretty loud at times, as one of our guests kept commenting that she couldn't hear half of the conversation due to the general noise. I had their Southwestern Burrito & Stew ($12) and the presentation is really great. The stew had a nice rich flavor, not at all heavy and vanished from my bowl fairly quick. The southwestern Burrito garnished with sliced tomato and corn, was just "okay" in terms of flavor (Much less so than the soup). I'd rather they have had an option to eat the burrito sans shell, which had a doughy taste that seemed to overpower everything else in the burrito, but sadly, not the case. Large portion size, very tender meat and it'll make you full for sure. Random notes: If you're not seeing what you want on the provided menu, go ahead and ask for their vegetarian menu just in case they forget to give it to you. Parking is valet (complimentary) and even if you don't "check in", go ahead and do so to unlock special deals, like a free appetizer, etc. So, 3 or 4 stars?? I think Agave does just enough to hit the 4 star mark and it's a restaurant i'd love to try again to either confirm or disprove my review.
(4)Evan S.
Great spot for group dinners. Although the menu has many great Mexican options, there are also a few American varieties that grace the menu. Namely, the sweet collard greens I had were very good. I kept the meal light with the shrimp and poblano spring rolls and the greens. Washed it down with the Peachtree Margarita, one of the house specials.
(3)Carrisa P.
We visited Agave on a Monday night. Sparse crowd, but I had been meaning to try it for months. We were seated promptly and our food came out almost too quickly. The scallops were as pictured. The tomato grits were tasty, but the collard greens had an odd crunch. My guest had the fried chicken and was relatively unimpressed. We were less so to find that our server had charged us for the complimentary chips. On top of mediocre food and service, I will not be back.
(2)Gabriel N.
I am happy to add another 5 star rating to this fantastic restaurant. After having gone several times in the past 7 months I have yet to encounter a bad meal. That's a bold statement right there. I try something new each time and have yet to be disappointed. I've even taken a notoriously picky eater in our group and he rants and raves about the place. First off, you have a killer atmosphere. The place is divided up into three major sections each with their own flavor. The main bar area has a interesting rustic and intimate feel. The second room to the right is more of a classic Spanish style restaurant and the patio has a very relaxed atmosphere. Agave's claim to fame is that they don't have freezers or microwaves. Everything is cooked fresh and brought in fresh that very same day. I have to agree because you can taste the difference in all their dishes. On top of that they have some killer margaritas which aren't drowned in sour mix and instead livened up with fresh lime juice. If I started describing all the dishes I've had at Agave this review would turn into a rundown of almost the entire menu. There's a flavor for everyone here and a level of spice anyone can enjoy. Speaking of spice, you can ask for fresh habaneros to be brought to the table. If I could give them a sixth star just for that I would. They're only open for dinner and can get slammed on odd days so I highly recommend reservations.
(5)Chris B.
You gotta love the vibe at Agave. Open kitchen, great smells, people drinking tequila and cerveza like it is their job. Came in on a Saturday night with a reservation for four, got a table overlooking the front dining room and the open grill. The food was good. Their guacamole is one of the best in the city, my appetizer of Tomato Avocado salad was average at best. The highlight of the burrito plate I had for dinner was the side of Hatch Green Chile Stew. It was like a mexican pot roast, really well seasoned and totally delicious. The burrito was good but it was overloaded w/ black beans. My gf had the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo which was probably the best dish at the table. Trout was perfectly cooked on a mountain of spanish rice and deliciously seasoned crawfish. Great dish and two days later tasted just as good reheated. Overall a great experience, the wait staff could have been better refilling drinks but Agave still deserves a 4 star on the experience as a whole plus the value. Sure its a little pricey but compared to other restaurants in the area, the prices aren't that insane.
(4)Sir Jesse B.
I'm not a huge fan, but My wife is; she and I have been twice. On both occasions the wait staff was pleasant and attentive, the food has been inconsistent. The first time was o.k. I recall tasting the tuna and wishing I had ordered it rather than what I'd chosen. The second visit the food was not good and I didn't feel that I could report it due to the fact that a family friend, visiting from Germany, was paying for the meal. I ordered: Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna Sesame crusted tuna sliced rare over mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with a serrano-soy vinaigrette and a jalapeño wasabi drizzle The tuna was tough and mostly cold- very disappointing. The rest of the party enjoyed the food - and it was a scenic experience from the balcony/loft tables; you can watch the flames and such of the grill area. My wife loves the lamb, like no other place: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Fresh chile & herb rubbed lamb rack grilled over a New Mexico Guahillo red chile puree, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and garnished with a cool corn relish & cilantro leaves. For this reason, I will continue to go to Agave... though I'll probably stick to the wine & high dollar mac & cheeze.
(3)Ian R.
A recent trip here left me asking "Why don't I come here more?" Oh yeah, I'm cheap. But on the rare occasion I do want to venture into that $18+ plate range Agave is a great place to come. Considering that tex-mex is a dime a dozen in Atlanta I tend towards ordering their pork and steak dishes and have not been disappointed with anything I've gotten. The key to agave is flavor. You know all those extra words restaurants add in their menu descriptions to make you think the meal is going to blow you away? That isn't just for show at Agave. And it honestly doesn't matter what sides come with your entree because you will like them. Though the portions aren't the typical American fat-ass size that I'm used to, I soon forget about size once I start basking flavor country. My biggest complaint is that the high ceilings make it pretty noisy, but that has to be accepted in a place this popular. Don't fill up on chips, you will want to enjoy your meal.
(4)Karen R.
We went there for our 11 year anniversary and they treated us like royalty! I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoes and it was superb. Desert was a peanut butter pie that was out of this world! We will definitely be back!
(4)D F.
Found on Yelp after an afternoon at the zoo. Great find. Sat on the patio; high walls (but not much to see outside) but provided a nice breeze and atmosphere. Salsa was fresh, not too runny or chunky, with a good cilantro flavor. Couldn't stop eating it. Had the flatiron steak, excellent flavor, good sized. Tasted the enchiladas...will have to have a whole portion next time. Didn't get a taste of the meatloaf but it looked good and was devoured quickly. We were a party of 9; the dessert sampler was perfect. Service was solid and friendly. Only misstep was we never were told the special; what we overheard sounded good (some type of pork chop).
(4)Leah V.
I have had the pleasure of eating here twice, and if there were a money tree in my backyard, I'd be eating here everyday. It's so tasty. While I feel like the interior is pretty crammed, that just makes me more inclined to say that it's a more romantic, couple-y atmosphere than a group outing one. I had some kind of fried chicken dish that almost embarassed me in that I cam close to licking the last morsel off my plate. Not very ladylike of me... I also had a margarita, though I can't remember which one it was. I think it was mango or peach or some other flavor that looks orange. They were unfortunately out of the jalapeno liquor to make a spicy margarita. Maybe next time. I hope. This was also some of the best service I've had. Our waiter did not bug us to death, but he also didn't leave us wanting for anything. Perfect!
(5)Claude L.
Byebye 2012. Stopped off here to get a quick happy hour dinner before moving it on to watchnight service. Kudos for the chips and salsa..........impressed by the chicken poblano soup...not so much by the smoked trout guacamole. Im off beer for a month due to self imposed new years restrictions, but when I come back again, I want this place to have at least one keg. Im a draft guy.....and the fourth ward needs more taps.
(3)Breck P.
Agave is the best! I love this place and have gone regularly since it opened. Agave has only gotten better over the years. Start with some posole soup or the hatch green chile stew..perfect for the weather we've had lately. I also like that Agave has something for everyone, from short ribs and meat loaf to lighter fare like the delicious salmon or tuna. I've brought large groups here before and everyone finds something they love on the menu. And you get to kick it in Cabbagetown, one of Atlanta's coolest neighborhoods. If you haven't been, go. You'll be happy you did.
(5)Tammi D.
I don't get out here much, but this restaurant is worth the drive. You want fresh food, here it is! I hear they have no microwaves or freezers, so if you want fresh, this is it. Their guacamole is really good. Open kitchen, which is always a nice plus...Check it out!
(4)Luke L.
I had been wanting to try Agave for years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge after driving by it about a million times. One thing that made me decide to try Agave was finding out that they have a completely separate vegetarian menu. My wife is a vegetarian, so it's always hard to find something that works for both of us. I made reservations a couple of hours in advance, and my wife and I had a cocktail while we waited for our table to be ready. The staff really knows their stuff when it comes to tequilas and mezcals, and the cocktail my wife had was perfect. For dinner I had the cayenne fried chicken, while my wife had the vegetarian blue corn enchiladas. Both were great, though we felt they were just slightly under-seasoned for southwestern fare. The blue corn tortillas on my wife's enchiladas reminded me of tortillas you'd get from a street vendor in mexico, while they cayenne fried chicken was beautifully breaded and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I felt was lacking was the absence of heat in the breading on the chicken. The best part of the entire meal would be the guacamole appetizer, which was some of the bes guac I've had in Atlanta! Overall, I thought the food was prepared well, and the cocktails were phenomenal! I'll definitely be back. The staff is great, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is great!
(4)Peto F.
The decorations, uniqueness of the menu, friendly waiters , complimentary ballet parking, and atmosphere are top notch. My wife and I love making the drive to Atlanta to go here.
(5)Lauren A.
We came again last week and I ordered the pork special (app) as a meal. The portion looked tiny coming out but it turned out to be the PERFECT portion for a meal after our mussels. Speaking of the mussels, they were unusually large this week!
(4)Leo C.
I'm not sure what happened, but we came back 2 months later and the flavors, dishes, and portions weren't the same. Maybe we came on an off night, regardless, it was enough to lose major points from me...
(3)Yijing T.
After seeing the reviews of Agave, we went there tonight. It 'a definitely an awesome restaurant. The speed is very fast. We only wait around 15 mins for our food! If you are not a fan of Mexican food, you should be there and try, then you will change your mind immediately. I ordered a Rank of Lamb, a little overcooked with charcoal taste. Anything else is perfect!
(4)Anita C.
This is my second time at Agave and the first time I honestly do not remember what I ordered, but I remember leaving very happy and impressed. My second visit, we ordered the beer braised pork and the trout. Both were extremely tasty!!! The beer braised pork is seriously making me salivate as I write this because the meat fell off the bone and it was just cooked perfectly! The trout was stuffed with something but I think I was inhaling it so quickly I didn't even look. I will obviously and most definitely come here again!
(5)Ray L.
I really like the atmosphere of this place. It's a nice hybrid of semi-upscale and laid back, casual. The bar is a good place to wait if your friends are running a little late - friendly service and a wide variety of delicious margaritas. Boyfriend had the peachtree margarita, delicious. Birthday girl got the traditional margartia, which was so well balanced. Not too tart, not too sweet. I got the mango margarita, delicious because of the real, fresh mango - but it tasted nothing like a margarita. My meal was okay - satisfying. They don't offer the traditional Mexican dishes, but they have some unique takes on southwestern inspired dishes. I got the diablo crawfish pasta, and they gave me a lot more crawfish than I was expecting (good). Only reason it wasn't great is because none of the ingredients really sang out. It was sort of one level of flavor, and therefore a bit uninteresting. It was a birthday dinner so we got a nice chocolate mousse which was really good, especially with the hint of cinnamon at the bottom. So maybe my entree wasn't stellar, but the whole experience was really solid. Good for a sophisticated yet casual dinner. I'd go again.
(4)Ryan M.
Good Southwestern Food and Margaritas My wife and I have dined at Agave several times, most recently with friends. - Good southwestern food; would recommend the shrimp & grits and the fired chicken - Great selection of Margaritas - They probably need to change the menu a bit. If you haven't been here before, the current menu is great; I'm just ready to see some new items. - Good service as well - The place can get somewhat noisy
(4)Jessica W.
I took my husband and 7 week old daughter here to celebrate his 1st father's day. We were pleased to be seated at a table with a bench. (Perfect for the infant carrier) Our drinks and food were delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and gave us great suggestions. There were no diaper changing stations, so I went out to the car and the valet let me use his canvas chair!! How sweet. So, why only one star? Well, as soon as we got our entrees, a group of 7 was seated right next to us where 6 could barely fit. (Not including the spot where our baby was sitting) We moved my daughter to the other side and the person who sat the group (Seemed like the manager, not the host) put a chair on the 'end' of their table. So this means that there is now a person's back 3 inches from our table. For my husband to get up, he had to put our daughter and her carrier ON the table. (The carrier is almost as big as the entire table) and slide out on the only open side. I told the waiter that I thought it was absurd and the manager (same person who put the group & extra chair there) came over and said "Sorry, they were a larger party than we thought" and didn't offer to move us or any solution whatsoever. Within 10 minutes of the group being sat next to us, another huge group had left, and plenty of tables were cleared, reset, and empty. We were very uncomfortable and couldn't even hear each other over the large group. The only thing offered to us was a surprise dessert after my husband went outside to wait (where it was more comfortable) for me to pay the tab. I told our super nice waiter that we just wanted to leave because we were uncomfortable. It's too bad that the focus was on getting people crammed in like sardines and not on making people feel comfortable and taking responsibility for a mistake. I'm sure that the woman sitting in that chair didn't want to spend her entire visit hoping that her hair didn't catch on fire from the candle on our table. She was that close to us. What a shame....
(1)Jin K.
Holy cow. Tomato avocado salad and cayenne fried chicken. I cleaned both plates. Along with a passion fruit margarita of course.
(5)J P.
I have eaten here many times and it's always great. The service consistently exceeds my expectations. The Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops and Chicken Poblano Soup are two of my favorites. They have plenty tequila and margarita options.
(5)Eric S.
We hit up Agave during our latest trip to ATL. Good Tex-Mex, great tequila selection. Prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is rustic and inviting.
(4)Rob P.
Hadn't been back to Agave for awhile, was one of my favorite places when I first moved to Atlanta. This would be an interesting experiment to see if my opinion had changed since Atlanta has slowly evolved me into a bit of a food snob. Glad to say, Agave is still five stars. The margaritas are better than I remember, the traditional is probably the best I've had in town. For an appetizer, they had a bison short rib taco special. Hot damn it was tasty. For dinner, had to go with the favorite scallops and grits. I need to try other stuff on the menu, but this is so damn good I had to do it. And it was perfect. I think they added a little spice to the grits, brought out the flavor. Nice work Agave, you're still one of my favs.
(5)Arthur Y.
A once-great restaurant that gets popular and sacrifices quality in its frenzy to cash in on its high volume--these are the saddest reviews to write. Agave was in my top 5 mid-range Atlanta dining spots in 2008. It was always crowded, but that was nothing a reservation couldn't take care of. I looked forward to the ahi tuna as much as nearly any dish in any eatery in the city. The food was fresh, exciting and flavorful, and the atmosphere was great. My then-girlfriend (now wife) and I went every chance we could. Flash forward to 2012. I had heard rumblings for a while now that the place had really taken a nosedive, but I wanted to see it for myself and hopefully be proven wrong. Sadly the criticisms were confirmed. I made a point to tell the host when I made the reservation that it was my wife's bday. When we arrived we were seated, no bday mention. Not a huge deal--but it does show a lack of standard professionalism. The server was friendly and attentive, but sadly the pluses ended there. Ordered glass of Rioja. It barely filled a third of a Bordeaux glass, and was clearly the last of a bottle they opened three or four days earlier and didn't refrigerate after opening. Shameful! Ordered the ahi tuna and specifically asked "cook it as rare as the chef will allow." The mussels app was actually fairly tasty and had a nice chile flavor. I didn't get long to enjoy it though, b/c we had our appetizers for about 5 minutes when they rushed out the entrees. And I noticed immediately the dry, gray tuna (AAAACK!!). It tasted even more melancholy than it looked--crumbly and devoid of flavor. The creamy white wasabi sauce that used to glisten beautifully against the deep backdrop of the tuna was this time a watery mess that had seeped into the fish. My wife had a side of black beans with her entree, but they were ice cold and even more flavorless than the tuna was. We sat down at 7:30 and were shuffled out the door by 8:20. Never a single mention of the birthday either. If you want a high quality meal from a professional spot in a much better atmosphere for the same price, head to Wahoo a few miles down DeKalb Ave. There just are too many good restaurants in Atlanta to justify returning and paying this much for such mediocre quality. I live right around the corner from Agave and I won't even be going back.
(2)Matt B.
We've been to Agave ~15 times over the past few years. Love it - incredible southwest inspired food. I wouldn't call it tex-mex... don't come here expecting mexican, americanized or authentic. We've eaten everything on the menu (literally every single food item on the menu). Try the trout, short ribs or scallops. The chips and salsa are actually fresh and delicious. The margaritas are large, strong and tasty. They have a large tequila bar, so you can certainly find one you like. On top of all this, the 'savvy shopper' coupon magazine that gets mailed out around Atlanta frequently includes a 50% coupon. We must have saved $100 with these by now. Free street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding. Reservations a good idea for dinner.
(5)Lauren M.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner on a weekday evening. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes or so, and with one of their margaritas in hand, I wasn't complaining. Dinner took a bit of time, but it was well worth it. Very fresh, delicious and worth the slightly overpriced tag. The service was great, and the atmosphere was charming and warm. I'd definitely come here again .
(4)Adrian S.
A fantastic little gem of a spot.
(4)Brian K.
Agave offers well executed, highly-flavorful Tex-Mex in a casual, trendy environment. Food: Agave specials in Tex-Mex with a modern flare. On my last visit, I started with one of their signature margaritas and guacamole, both of which were excellent. Our table also enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa, the latter of which had the most kick of any I've had in Atlanta. For an entree, I had the cayenne fried chicken, which was quite flavorful and a welcomed twist on the southern classic. In keeping with the southern theme, I ordered the spicy peanut butter pie, which had a unique, but welcomed flavor. Service: Our waitress was very personable, efficient, and both willing and able to make recommendations when requested. Atmosphere: Borderline upscale for a Tex-Mex restaurant. Clientele is mixed, but mostly 21+. Price: Food quality is commensurate with the price. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and appetizers are in the $6 to $10 range. Margaritas will run you around $8 each. Other: The only thing that turned me off about this place was the lack of self-parking. Only valet service is available, which proved awkward when we had to wait several minutes for a vehicle that was only parked 10 feet from the front entrance.
(4)Lydia L.
Can I give it a 3.5? I really want to love this restaurant. I want some outstanding Southwestern food in Atlanta...a go-to place like most of these people. Cons: Loud, very loud, and dark. Pros: Friendly, eager service Good recommendations Let's talk food... Southwestern chopped salad with bacon- not bad, a little lacking in flavor Let me preface by saying our waiter was wonderful and without any prompting knew we might want to share food, so the kitchen prepped out plates with both entrees on one large plate. Lamb- well cooked, sides that complemented the dish well. Good, but not mind-blowing Trout- delicious, well-executed I'm trying to pinpoint my discontent with this restaurant. The food was good, the service was good, perhaps it's just that I didn't feel like it was a good value for the price. I'll definitely give it another chance though, and maybe I'll change my mind.
(3)Pamm B.
Always AMAZING. Have never had a bad meal or service here. Had the rack of lamb tonight. Friends had everything from the scallops to the fried chicken. Everything got rave reviews.
(5)Ben C.
Ambiance... Cool. Service... Great. Food... Eh!
(3)Sharon B.
This restaurant was actually nicer than I thought. The food was great and the service was fun. The waiter was hilarious and very accommodating. I even used a Yelp gift certificate for a discount. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and we interacted with other guests and waiters with no problem. A good time was had by all.
(4)Eli E.
I have loved this place for oh-so-many years. It's got great ambience and a wonderful menu. It says "tex mex", but it's much more interesting than that. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. And they make a fine, smooth margarita too. I would highly recommend a reservation though on busy nights, as they do pack 'em in.
(5)Mikaela Z.
Happy birthday to me! After a really awkward valet parking experience (Seriously? Why do they have valet? I have no idea, it is a parking lot next to the restaurant and I could have parked 100 times more quickly on my own. They should at least take the cars in front of the restaurant instead of in the lot so it doesn't feel so unnecessary), we meandered into the restaurant. We had a reservation, but I don't think that it was necessary on Sunday night. My husband told them it was my birthday when he made the reservation, so I guess that part of the reservation process was helpful. The chips and salsa are so so so great. I was a HUGE fan. My husband and I both got the slow cooked short ribs. I got the mac and cheese with mine instead of the mashed potatoes. The picture that someone put on here of them is very deceptive. It makes the ribs look more like steak. The meat, however, reminded me more of a really spectacular pot roast. The meat just fell apart. The mac and cheese was amazing. Tasted sort of like au gratin potatoes but with pasta. Delish! The asparagus that comes with it (only two spears) was so nice. Tasted very smoked rather than steamed in butter. Nicely done, Agave! Nice touch! After our meal, our server brought over a free chocolate mousse. I had read in some reviews that this might happen...but I wasn't too excited because I don't generally like mousse. After trying this amazing birthday gift, I take it back. I LOVE MOUSSE!!! This was so so good. The perfect end to our meal. Paul, our server, was great. He was super sweet, very helpful and honest, and very on top of things. Best service we have had in a very long time. We presented him with an Entertainment Book coupon before ordering (generally a service buzz kill, even though we always tip very well), and he treated us the same as everyone else. Smart man, got an even better tip! Loved my experience at Agave. We will be going back. The Entertainment Book did its job, got us in there to try it, and then Agave did its job - sucked us in so that we will definitely be back!!
(4)Lindsey R.
I live right down the street from this restaurant and the parking lot is always packed! The ambiance is great and the outside patio is wonderful when the night temp is nice. I've been a few times to this place, but can't seem to join the band wagon on this. (Just my personal opinion) They do have very good drinks, but maybe we have to buy the $30+ dishes to truly experience it right? My last dish that I got was so spicy I couldn't even finish it and had to sip water after every bit. I can't remember the spice used in it, but the waiter acted like there wasn't a lot of it in there. The waiter also had a strange attitude, but maybe it was an off night. I'd say the place is alright, the biggest complaint I'd have is how LOUD it is in there. It's really hard to have a conversation when everyone is talking over each other.
(3)Bob B.
Really enjoyed Agave. Let me start with dessert! Spicy peanut butter pie was excellent. Cayenne was subtle, but appeared at the end of each bite. Key lime pie was also wonderful. Enjoyed the calamari starter very much, along with fresh-made guacamole. Pork shank melts in your mouth and is highly recommended. A seafood alternative is the wonderful scallops. And, of course, many excellent forms of margheritas!
(5)Shacarra J.
Service is always great here. The food is really good and the drinks are strong! You MUST try the scallops!
(5)Ivan S.
Agave has become somewhat of a cautionary tale for me, reminding me to do my research for all restaurants, no matter the occasion. The girl-I mean fiance-and I celebrated our newly minted engagement at Agave but for reasons other than the food. Or service. Or atmosphere. Or the location. Nope, it probably was the location. We chose Agave mostly because it was the site of our first "official" date and really, it was only the site of our first date because it was halfway between our two houses at the time and, since neither of us were sure it was going to work between us, we went there. Fastforward 2.5 years later and Agave's become the default for our special occasions even though neither of us are really too hot on the place. OK, the food isn't horrible per se. The ceviche we ordered was quite serviceable. My swordfish was pretty good too; it had a nice char that technically probably shouldn't have been there, but tasted good to my unsophisticated palate. I'm still not sure why, though, "swordfish" was in quotes when I finally got my bill. Maybe Agave is the equivalent to that one girl you know who uses air quotes "way too often" not to mention "inappropriately" and it's just kind of bizarre, but you've gotten used to her doing it. Similarly, the fiance's NY Strip (steak had good flavor, but the sauce placed on it didn't add much) had a mysterious exclamation point appended to it on the receipt. I don't know. Maybe it was a factorial representation of a steak. The service was good too and they even provided us with two complimentary glasses of champagne when they discovered why we were there. The biggest hitch with the service was that the server crossed the line from attentive to blatant upsell. Look dude, I know gas prices suck, but I was planning on tipping you anyway; besides, your Glenn Gary Glenn Ross upsell techniques are bush-league. So three and a half to four stars for Agave and an additional caveat to all of you for whom sentimentality supersedes actual taste in restaurants. I'm deducting a half star for our server's semi-aggressive service. No thank you, I think we're done. Just the check please. No, no dessert. Just the check. No thanks, I can't have another margarita, I'm driving. No, we won't be ordering coffee from you either. Coffee, after all, is for closers.
(3)Jennifer I.
I thought this place was a little over priced, and the food was just ok. The service was good, but I don't think it's worth the price at all. Also, we made reservations for a romantic dinner, and they sat us in a crowded space with people on either side. I don't think I'll be chomping at the bit to return here.
(3)Matthew S.
Agave has a unique environment with it's extensive tequila selection, fantastic service, and Tex-Mex menu that is slightly tilted towards "higher-end" dinning. I highly recommend this place if you tend to visit tex-mex food places that are more casual, have some friends or family in town but want to be comfortable. Note that on weekends a reservation might be good if you have more than 4 people. I have never experienced a wait longer than 15 minutes for two.
(4)Jana H.
It's your indecisive boyfriend's birthday, his parents are in town for the weekend, and YOU have to pick a place to please everyone and hopefully make a special night - what's a girl to do? With the pressure building throughout the week, I decided to call Agave for reservations (since the BF mentioned he wanted to go back there), although I had never been, I thought I'd give it a shot. I mean, who doesn't love Mexican? The man I spoke to on the phone was very helpful with the reservation, and he said that they would bring out a complimentary chocolate mousse with a candle in it since it was a special occasion. I thought that would be a perfect little surprise for the birthday boy, so I didn't bring in any cupcakes or candles. We arrived at the restaurant, were greeted with a "Happy Birthday" and seated promptly. The chips were warm and crispy (and perfectly salty for me), and the salsa was fresh and delicious. The guacamole was creamy with chucks of tomatoes and onions, and it was seasoned perfectly! We were seated on the side of the restaurant with the bar (which was fine), until a VERY loud man and woman with the world's most annoying laugh sat down at a large table next to us. We couldn't hear each other talk without screaming ourselves. I know this isn't the restaurants fault, but seriously, can't you tone it down a little when you're in public people?!? For my entree, I ordered the Salmon and it was served over a bed of vegetables. It was really good, but not the best salmon I've ever tasted. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp over grits, which was spicy but not too hot. Overall a good meal - nothing to rave about. After finishing our entrees I expected to have the chocolate mouse brought over to the table, but when a few people at the table declined to see the dessert menu the ticket was immediately brought to the table. What happened to the birthday dessert with the candle? All in all, at this point we had only been at the restaurant about 40 minutes, and we were looking to have another round of drinks. We told our waiter to bring another round, but I still felt like they were ready to get people in and out as quick as possible. This is great when I'm at a quick restaurant, but not when I'm looking to enjoy a nice meal. Rating Breakdown: Chips/Salsa/Guacamole - 4.5 Entrees - 3 Service - 3 Atmosphere - 3 I'll probably come back here again (especially for the chips and guac), but think of a different place for the next special occasion.
(3)Nidhi A.
We had a party of five on a Saturday night. Thankfully, we had a reservation because the place was packed! It was super busy and so loud that we couldn't even hear the waitress. As we were leaving we noticed some outside seating, maybe I'll ask for that next time. I think this would be a really nice play to go on a weeknight. The ambiance is great, eclectic sort of feel. But too busy, too noisy to enjoy dinner on a Saturday night.
(3)Es E.
If I return, I can almost assure a five star rating. Just had apps, but they were awesome. Love the intimate ambiance, not so much the valet. They were nice, but do I need valet to park a foot away from the restaurant? Actually, maybe. It's a tricky sitch to park and would likely cause a crippling parking situation without them. I'm still bitter to break out my bills, though. Love sitting indoors and viewing the kitchen. The Chef (well, he wore the outfit?) saying hello, glad 'ya came, how's the grub...priceless. You care that I made the choice to walk in and customers appreciate you not resting on your laurels. Bravo.
(4)Robert M.
Went on a Thursday night when I thought I could get in with no problem given that I did not make reservations. And it was not a problem. I had a couple of Sweetwater 420s at the bar before being seated. I don't think they serve draft beer here (only bottles) but not a problem. Plenty of bottled beer to choose from. I am not a huge margarita fan; however, it looks like that is the libation to get here. Did not see the frozen variation, but saw plenty of the normal/standard ones go out to other tables. I was not disappointed with the food; however, I was not overly impressed either. I am tempted to award three stars (or three and a half if possible), but maybe I merely ordered the wrong item on the menu. I ordered, from the entree list, the Georgia Mountain Trout with mushroom and crawfish southwestern rice. The rice and fish were a little on the dry/bland side. The dish could have perhaps benefitted from more of the tasty peppery sauce sparsely drizzled in small patches on the plate. My date ordered two starter items instead of an entree. She said one was great (Southwestern Stew) and the other (some kind of pita-like bread with hummus-like spread) was "alright." She also said the margarita was pretty good. Great people watching spot. Great ambience. Wish the food was better somehow but the prices are seemingly good for the overall quality of the food. Perhaps I will try some other menu items in a future visit and update my review accordingly.
(4)Laura B.
On my trip visiting Atl I was treated here. We walked in and I immediately fell in love with the decor and ambiance and we were seated at a noce spot next to the fireplace :) It could be romantic if it werent so loud :) We visited before 6 on a Sunday and it was packed however, if you get on their mailing list you get gifted with a great deal of $10 for any entree on the menu between 5-6; highly recommend this as it was one of the highlights of our experience (the other being great conversation amongst friends :) I had the lamb and the favors were such a Lovely blend and the meat was tender however, I reiterated med rare and my lamb was brown so I was Disappointed by the lack of service By our waiter who didnt ask or notice that it was over-cooked; if he weren't so busy hustling around I would've made sure he knew however, i didn't want to make a fuss as a guest with my dinner party. I liked the grilled asparagus and corn that accompanied my lamb however, instead of mashed pots I tasted the Mac n cheese and it was good (not great) Guests got salmon and trout; I wasn't impressed with either. Friend loved the Salmon; I thought it tasted fishy. Trout is a fav there however, I guess I'm not a fan of trout b/c it didnt impress me :( We ended the night with sharing a chocolate flourless ganache torte Which was pretty tasty. If you need a chocolate fix, go for it however, not the best I've had Overall a nice experience especially for the special entree price however, be patient with the staff as they didn't seem equipped to attend to the capacity.
(3)Steve T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. The margaritas are fantastic. The food is consistently very good but a little over priced. Our waiter was very pushy with upselling, which I found kind of annoying. Service was good other than that. I had the pork shank - huge portion, tender, flavorful. The calamari appetizer was slightly overcooked but fine. The fried chicken entree was proclaimed to be very good. Agave is a great restaurant for this part of town, probably the best in our area. But it would be only considered "good" further into town.
(4)Rick F.
Heard great things about Agave, my first experience was just OK. But I can see why people like this place it has a great vibe, the bar was happening, everyone from the guests to the employees seemed to be having a great time. Our server was a little strange but happy. Recommended the Mahi Mahi special and was told he had the last one to sell, so I ordered it and then the manager came back and said its gone already. So I picked my 2nd choice the Shrimp with Grits Cake. Delicious! The appetizers left something to be desired, the Guacamole was a very small portion and was OK. I was very disappointed in the Ceviche not enough shrimp and way to many inexpensive tomato ingredients for the price. I am looking forward to going back for another round!
(3)Emily N.
In years past, Agave was one of my standard nice-but-not-too-nice date spots. Good place to go for small celebrations, second dates, etc. The quality of the food and the attractive plating felt more expensive than the bill reflected, and the service was always good. I wasn't a huge fan of their margaritas, but other things I ordered from the bar were usually solid. After not going for a couple of years, I've returned to Agave twice in the last year, and I felt like it had lost a lot of its shine. Both times, my dishes (in one case salmon, in another the rare tuna) were very bland, and the sides were over-buttery. My date was similarly unimpressed. Additionally, while the service was good both of these times, it wasn't the tremendously-attentive-wonderful service I received a few years back. Not sure what caused the change, but while Agave isn't _bad_, it's not a place I'd return to unless there are some exciting menu developments. There are enough other tasty fusion places around for the same price, where the food is more exciting and flavorful. I love the space itself, and I'd be thrilled if they revamped their food. Looking at the other glowing reviews, I suppose it's possible I've just been on off-nights--both recent experiences have been during the work week.
(3)Kim A.
Ate here on Friday night and would definitely recommend reservations, it was packed! I had been here one time before but wanted to give it another try. The chips and salsa are provided at each table and the salsa is very good! We also ordered a guacamole and a ceviche to start with and were not disappointed. The guacamole was very fresh and had pico de gallo mixed in with a lime flavor, it was great! The ceviche was fresh shrimp and tuna and I was very impressed with the quality of the fish, would definitely order again! For our meals we ordered the tenderloin medallions and the rack of lamb. The rack of lamb was outstanding, very tender meat with a crispy exterior. The tenderloin on the other hand, was pretty disgusting. I really didn't want to make fuss about it but I just couldn't eat it, it had this weird after taste. When I told our waitress she was so sweet and asked me what I wanted to have instead, and I ordered the anejo shrimp. Now that was a good dish! It came with grits but when I asked her to switch out for mashed potatoes she didn't mind at all. I was so happy with the shrimp and would definitely recommend it, stay away from the tenderloin though! For dessert we had a dark chocolate torta and it was also delicious! I would definitely go back to Agave and order the guacamole and ceviche. I would never even think about the tenderloin again but the shrimp was more than satisfying. I just have to give it 4 stars because the food and service were great, but I do think it's overpriced for what it is. Clearly they aren't having any issues though, all the tables were full!
(4)Vaughn S.
I wish I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars. I would like to start off by saying if you go on a Fri or Sat night...make a reservation. We got to this restaurant around 4:30 pm last Sat and did not have a reservation. They were not open yet but they still welcomed us in and invited us to sit at the bar until they opened. I ordered a Pomegranate Margarita & my wife had the same. These were the BEST POMEGRANATE MARGARITAS I HAVE EVER HAD. They were able to seat us shortly after 5pm and our waiter (Robert) was AWESOME. I had the Burrito & Stew & my wife had the Quesadilla with a side of Rice & Pintos. The food was great and it reminded me of some of the foods my friends mother (who is from New Mexico) cooks. The Green & Red Chili Sauces were wonderful. Even the Chips & Salsa was great. I could have poured that Salsa over a piece of cardboard & it would have still been great. All in all we will definitely be going back again & again.
(5)Keiristin H.
I went to this restaurant for dinner as a part of a bachelorette weekend celebration for one of my friends. Though the restaurant is small, it did accommodate our party of 7. The salsa was very good and FRESH! I could taste the fresh cilantro which really sets off the salsa nicely! The chips were also good. We mainly ordered drinks and appetizers. I ordered a Peachtree Margarita. It comes with a salt or sugar rim. I could definitely taste the alcohol! :-) I would order this margarita again. For an appetizer, I ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the spring rolls. Though it was a bit spicy, I could taste all of the flavors. I would order this again for sure. I only suggest that more spring rolls should be added to the appetizer. (It was served as 3 spring rolls cut in half.) I didn't share this with anyone! Overall, I would eat here again. Also, complimentary valet parking is offered!
(4)Rob B.
I stopped at Agave while on a business trip. I sat at the bar and was served by a great bartender who mixed a great jalopeno margarita. I'm generally wary of gimmick drinks, but she assured me that it would be delicious, and it was. It was fresh, had a nice jalopeno flavour, and was not over-salted on the rim. The salsa with the chips tasted fresh and flavourful, but not especially hot. In any case, fresh-tasting salsa is an essential. For dinner I tried the Chile Rellenos as an appetizer. It was tasty, but not knock your sock off tasty. Similarly, I had the braised pork hock with red mole. It was large, well cooked (tender & juicy), but lacked some kick. All in all, everything was good, the service was great, but it wasn't mind-blowing. Still, you would not regret a trip.
(3)Nina L.
Boy did I pick the right place to celebrate my brother's birthday (and a lil Cinco de Mayo while at it) on Saturday. It started off with the wildly good tasting guacamole. Our fantastic server Jacob recommended it--guac with trout & bacon. I was skeptical but one bite made me a believer! The seared Diver Scallops melted in my mouth. My brother raved about his Angus ribeye. And the top shelp margaritas were a delicious & refreshing cohort. Even though it was Cinco de Mayo, an understandably busy night at a Tex-Mex eatery, Jacob never once made us feel rushed. As we left we applauded the cooks... KUDOS AGAVE!!!!!
(5)Julia N.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I had the tilapia, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I looked at the price --- very expensive. Then I convinced myself the price is directly related to the portion size. I was wrong of course. Even my friends I convinced in coming for my going-away party looked at their portion sizes. Come on, we're in Georgia. Our plates are bigger than this! Initial frustration, but once we all put the first forkful in our mouths, our table was radiating rainbow and ponies. What would have been two hours in discussion became an hour split in silence intermingled with "This is so good, this is amazing." The hour afterward filled itself with fanciful discussions about what to try next so should our wallets allow. The drinks? Fantastic margaritas. The group behind us ranged from all ages, and for some odd reason the elderly decided to strike up a conversation once they saw the (Mmm, I believe it was Peachtree?) margarita I ordered. She absolutely "looooooved it." It was "Faaaaaabulous," and despite her very fluid-I-am-now-drunk gestures, I turned around, cackled to myself and sipped it. It was like a blue smurf who met a Snork and sent Rocko some e-mail who then contacted Kel at Good Burger put heaven in my mouth. I quickly made my bill a bit higher trying all of the different kinds. I love this place. I ate there in September, so I don't know which dodo path it now follows. I wish I could teleport from Boston every time my loan check disperses each semester so I can overstuff my midsection with libations and good food with creamy sauces. Also. They have valet service. "LOL" to that, indeed. I *had* a Mercury Tracer before moving up here, who needed to be rolled, kickstarted and hiccuped while idling. I also drive bare foot. So here I am lookin' cute, they HAVE to valet you, I get out, he gets in, I do the "you gotta jiggle, kinda KNOCK ON IT HARD" discussion and he drives a bit until I say "MY SHOES ARE IN THE BACK SEAT." Funny at least. Whatever. Folks in Chargers and Jeeps, BMWs ain't the only ones who should be valeted.
(5)Tressi J.
This place is running a tight competition with Georgia Grille for best Southwestern in the city. Chips, salsa and guacamole are so good, I was licking the bowl. I ordered the tequila shrimp, which was plated with a jalapeno cheese grit cake and grilled asparagus. Delicious. Entrees were beautifully presented, and tasted just as good as they looked. Atmosphere is warm and inviting, as well. My experience at Agave was very close to perfect! I can't wait to return.
(5)Shanelle L.
Would of been very happy if I hadn't gotten food poisoning. Somehow I got food poisoning from the -cooked- crayfish dish I had and my boyfriend was just fine eating the -raw- tuna sashimi. Delicious food, but my stomach just didn't agree.
(1)Ben B.
To the people say that its in a bad area... how much of an uncultured yuppie are you? This area is full of hipsters/creatives/artists/investors/bankers/etc probably a whole lot more wealthier than you know. Its called gentrification. How are you unexposed to the reality of this? Leave the suburbs once in a while. The food --- very good. A bit pricey for the quality, I think, though. I had the famous fried chicken and it was too close to American fried chicken for what I expected at Agave. I wanted something a little more creative. The ceviche was great.
(4)Carrie F.
Holy. Mole! This place does not disappoint! I had heard a lot of good things about Agave, but am always skeptical when I hear a lot of good things about a place. However, starting with the complimentary valet to the delicious margaritas, I will definitely be back. To start, this place is packed. Always. Definitely make a reservation if you're going with a large group. You'll still wait 10 minutes or so for your table, but that's a lot better than the hour some people were waiting to get seated. The food is well worth the wait, however. From the yummy chips and salsa to the scrumptious soups and entrees, Agave kept me wanting more at every turn. I started with their chicken soup and, seriously ya'll, I was almost licking the bowl. It was insanely good! Like, I still dream about it and my mouth is salivating whilst I type, good. I like to scope out menus before I head to a restaurant online and was really glad I did. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I like to have to option sometimes and was really glad to see that they do have an entire vegetarian menu. Granted, a few of the options are your standard "Random Steamed Veggies and Whatever Other Non-Meat Items We Decide to Throw on Your Plate" that you find at most places, but they also had a lot of really solid veg choices. I went with the spicy veg pasta and it was outstanding. Very spicy and the veggies seemed really fresh. Most of the people I was with got the fried chicken (which I was leery to try do to this being a tex-mex establishment), but I will definitely give it a go next time I'm here. It looked absolutely incredible. It was a boneless, skinless breast fried to perfection atop a mountain of mashed potatoes and a crazy piece of corn standing straight up! I have to say, some people have noted that the prices were really high, which for "mexican food", yeah, they would be high. But, honestly, for the quality of food that you're getting, it's well worth the cost. It's not your standard dirty mexican food in a strip mall, folks, this is some serious culinary work with high quality ingredients, which is evident in the incredible flavor! Buck up Sally, and quit complaining because you get what you pay for here! Agave is going straight to the top of my list of places in Atlanta when I'm craving chips and salsa!
(4)Stephen H.
My favorite restaurant in the city. The food is always on point and will savor anyone's taste buds. You can never go wrong with the calamari as appetizer as it is the best I've ever had from any restaurant in the city. I always sit at the bar as it is an event. You will never meet a stranger. The bartenders are very helpful and very generous with the alcohol. I am convinced that they have the best margaritas in town along with a great selection of tequilas. This is a great hang out, date spot, or just coming by for casual dining. I have coming here for almost three years and I don't have one complaint.
(5)Amrita R.
I ordered the rio rancho tacos and they were so ehh, not even really worth mentioning here, except to say, don't get it! On the other hand, that was the best shrimp and grits I ever tried, and this girl does not touch grits.. It was like a fried block of cheesy goodness under the shrimps and it was pretty mind-blowing. The fried chicken was eh, and my other friends really loved the special of the night, a 6oz steak. My friend ordered from the veg menu and said it was amazing. Oh yeah, and the margaritas really are good. The prices are pretty good for the meal as well. The special was only $19 which is not bad at all. I'd go again just for the shrimp and grits, and maybe a margarita. :)
(4)Katy M.
This place is nice! It's a reliable "nice night out," if that makes sense. I've never had a bad experience here, the wait staff is always on point, the food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the food always looks and tastes good. The parking is easy valet parking, so there's no room for frustration there. The food itself is just fine. I've had better (for cheaper), but it's good, consistent, upscale food. The decor is friendly, and the porch is lovely in the summer. I like the Ahi tuna, it's always cooked perfectly, which I really appreciate. It's a delicate dish. Tip- There's almost always a coupon for this place in the Saavy Shopper Intown or whatever that little flyer you always get in the mail is called. (if you live in ATL) It's usually buy one get one free entree, something like that, for a weekday night. With the coupon, the prices are really reasonable.
(4)Tanisha L.
Went here to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was awesome. We had guacomole with smoked trout and applewood bacon, it was DELICIOUS!!! I recommend trying it. Our entrees were salmon with zuchinni and meatloaf and mac & cheese. The food was amazing, as were the drinks. Make sure you get the top shelf because you get your money's worth! Awesome, place will be back.
(5)Laila S.
At first, i was unsure about this restaurant because of its appearance, but when i sat down with my friends and actually had the food here, it was amazing!! now, the food IS on the pricey side, and since my friends and i were on our way to the club, we just got a lil sumthin each. i had the calamari, which by far was the most amazing calamari i ever had =) best of all, since it was closing time, we saw the kitchen staff CLEANING their area. that is a big plus!! i mean they were CLEANING real well =) i will definately will be coming back here.
(5)Matt C.
Excellent southwestern fare in an unassuming/almost sketchy part of town. However, the room is great, and the food is fantastic. The margaritas are good, though pricey, but I gladly pay the money for at least a couple each visit. Can't say they stand out to me as "the best in atlanta", but they're good, especially the jalapeno variety. Service is personable, knowledgeable, and laid back; all great attributes. Be sure to try the Guajillo mussels; the red chile/wine/citrus broth is unlike any other mussel broth I've ever tasted. An extremely welcome departure from the overabundance of white wine/garlic or butter/cream broths you find at most ATL restaurants that feature mussels on the menu. The accompaniment of a hot tortilla is also a great change from the typical grilled bread. Highest recommendation for entree is the cayenne fried chicken dish. Amazing flavor and consistency of crust on the boneless chicken breast, and the included sides of mashed potatoes and grilled corn are anything but ordinary. The corn is some of the most flavorful and delicious I've ever tasted. Try it!
(4)Charley W.
I feel that classifying Agave as Tex Mex is somewhat of a misnomer as their fare fits the mold of Southwestern cuisine more so than Tex Mex. I'm no chef but having dined across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas I can tell you that there are some differences between the two styles and a restaurant like Agave would be a shoe-in on the narrow streets of Santa Fe. For those who know, that's no insult and I'd wager it's a culinary niche that Agave owns free and clear in the city of Atlanta. I found Agave to be solid across the board. I work in the service industry so sometimes I see things that other diners might miss. I could tell at the front door that they are pros and run a solid establishment. A woman whom I think may be one of the owners greeted me and her demeanor told me that she was completely on top of things and dialed in on the guest experience. My girlfriend was just a minute behind me so I sat at the bar to wait for her. I wasn't planning on ordering a drink because I knew we'd be seated shortly but the engaging bartender came over immediately and started working me into a margarita. It was a slow night and I have to say that I really appreciated her initiative to jump in and create a sale for herself. She did it in a very helpful and unassuming way but I knew what she was up to because it's exactly how I work, myself, so I appreciated it. Our server was very polite, well versed on the menu, and the vibe I got from him was one of complete appreciation and accommodation for the guest. I would wager that if a diner were to ask for a pickled octopus fritter with molasses remoulade, the staff at Agave would make it for them without batting an eye if they had the ingredients on hand. That's good business and it starts at the top but luckily we were far from being that difficult. We tried the guacamole appetizer as a starter. I, personally, wasn't blown away by it but that's just my opinion and my girlfriend loved it so we'll call that wash. She enjoyed the pan seared Tuna which was cooked perfectly and I had the NY Strip which scratched the itch quite nicely for me, thank you. Presentation was excellent and the ambiance and decor are genuine and complete the experience. Nice selection of Tequila too. The valet struck me as a bit unnecessary since Agave has ample parking and it's literally right next to the restaurant but again.. no need to split hairs over that. Agave is solid. I highly recommend it for your next, ahem.. Southwestern dining experience.
(4)Sarah B.
Update: we came back here last Sunday for 2-for-1 appetizers and margaritas. We had a feast of appetizers, and Lisa, our bartender, was amazing (and generous with the pours!) She let us try a few of their margarita offerings in addition to the basic ones we were drinking - the mango one is very sweet, but not in a cloying way, and the jalapeno margarita was outstanding. As for the food, the calamari and the ceviche were both stand-out. I love this place.
(5)Sunil G.
I went here shortly after moving to Atlanta upon a friend's strong recommendation. I was absolutely impressed -- the food here is like nothing I've had anywhere else. While food of the Mexican variety is often delicious comfort food, it's rarely what I'd call gourmet. The thing is, though, that Agave's food isn't Mexican. The closest thing I'd call it is a super fancy interpretation of Tex-Mex. Whatever it is, it's delicious. There's a huge vegetarian menu for people like me who don't eat meat, accompanied with an equally gigantic dessert menu. The key lime pie was some of the best I've ever had.
(5)Treasure A.
My friend told me that Agave had better lamb than Fogo, so I told her to take me. I'll start this by saying I LOVE fogo lamb. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, but I digress. The lamb at Agave is probably as good or better than Fogo. As a college student, Fogo's wins by default simply because it is "unlimited". With the New Mexican Rack of Lamb, you get 4 lamb chops, a side of mash potatoes, and grilled asparagus. I switched my mash with the macaroni and cheese. It was very savory and tender. I split the Chile Seared Shrimp Tacos and the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring rolls with the rest of the table. The Shrimp tacos were gone in about one second. They were amazing. Add two of their margaritas and the chips and salsa. I was feeling very happy. Next time, I would probably just get my own order of the shrimp tacos and the margaritas. But, great date spot or group dinner.
(5)Austin K.
Delicious food and a great atmosphere. A MUST when looking for good mexican food in Atlanta
(5)Robert M.
It's hard to say that Agave is 'underrated' with over 150 reviews almost averaging out to 5 stars, but I'm going to say it anyway. The place has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta restaurant scene and with good reason. Consistently very good, and there are so many amazing selections on the menu. I say underrated because while all the new 'buzz' restaurants come and go, this place quietly chugs away in the background. Also, I wouldn't call this "Tex-Mex", that's an insult...this, to me, is your standard New Mexican...and moving here from the Southwest it is great to have Agave here to serve up some real Southwest food. I went with the Tenderloin Medallions which were cooked perfectly, very tender and bursting with flavor laying over a chili puree. The Yukon mash was one of the best I've had. The Key Lime Pie was very good although I prefer the traditional graham cracker crust over from what I remember was some type of ginger crust. It was interesting, I ate every last bite, I'd eat it again...just different. With so many great things on the menu, this will easily be a repeat visit for me.
(5)Lee B.
After driving past Agave for years and years, I finally decided to try it last night. My husband and I went there around 8pm and were seated right away even though it was crowded. They immediately brought us some blue and yellow corn chips with some tasty salsa. I had the jalapeno margarita and my husband had a regular kind. Both were good and strong. We were both feeling it after just one. I'm not a huge fan of typical Mexican food. I don't like it when it's particular greasy or covered with cheese. Agave's entree choices were nothing like that. There was no Combo #1-#20 here, it was things like sea scallops and New York Strip Steak. They have a vegetarian menu with about five things on it but you have to ask for it. I got the veggie enchiladas and my husband got the beef and pepper enchiladas. I can only only speak for the ones that I had, but they were flavorful, fresh tasting and light. I didn't feel completely weighed down after eating them. Service was good, parking was easy since it's valet. I'm definitely a fan. Plus, if you check in on four square during the week, you can get a free appetizer. Reason enough to go back, I think.
(5)Yesenia M.
The term tex-mex is really a misnomer, but I can see how it gets defaulted to that since modern Mexican or Mexican-Southern fusion aren't very big categories. But I digress. The tequila bar lived up to it's title, with an excellent selection and delicious cocktails, only one of which is made with lowly Cuervo. We started with the ceviche, so let's start the review with that as well. It was ASTOUNDING. It was spicy, even for me, so the faint of tongue need not apply. I had the veal and chorizo meatloaf, which was the lightest and most adult meatloaf I've ever had. The collards and Mac & cheese on the side were both tasty without being as heavy as typical soul food. My dinner mate had the blue corn chicken enchiladas which I got a taste of before she punished them, so I'm guessing they were good. We split the cheesecake with cinnamon whipped cream, a decadent dessert that beautifully topped off the meal. The service was a bit on the slow side, especially considering it wasn't very busy when we got there, but our server was pretty friendly. The price means this broke grad student can't make it a regular haunt, but once a month or two may have to be scheduled in.
(5)Meredith P.
I've been eating at Agave since it opened (it's been years) and have never had a disappointing experience. The food is always good, the service is always friendly and the place is always clean. Plus, they've got a great selection of tequila for a truly tasty margarita. What more could you ask for?
(4)Cara B.
I had a friend in town for the night so when deciding where a group of us should go on a Thursday night, I figured this was the perfect excuse to try Agave. It's literally been on my Atlanta Bucket List almost as long as I have lived here. Skip the valet and park up the road. Cabbagetown is a cool little neighborhood, so the walk will take you past some houses that clearly are occupied by people who are much cooler and much more creative than I will ever be. Maybe valet if you are by yourself, you are still in Atlanta. The atmosphere is perfect for a place like this, low lighting, loud but not too loud, upscale but still casual. Practically everything on the menu sounded amazing to us all, but being a table of graduate students, we stuck to the top half of the menu (the entrees are ordered by price starting at $12). Our group had the guac (a half order was plenty for 4), Burrito and Stew, Meatballs, and Fried Chicken. Everything was pretty delicious and all of the plates were 100% clean at the end of the meal! I do have a slight bone to pick with the "Famous Cheyenne Fried Chicken." It wasn't A) spicy and B) probably isn't famous. So while I thought it was actually some of the better friend chicken I've had around here, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. I saved the best for last: the margaritas! By far the best marg I've had in a really long time. While they are expensive and certainly not something you could drink regularly on a budget, the margs are perfectly made. I had the jalapeno marg. it didn't slap you in the face with heat, but it had a low burn that built as you drank it. Lovely.
(4)J C.
Recently dined with a friend. She probably didn't communicate as clearly as she could have that she was allergic to tomatoes. Although a tomato based sauce was left off her entree, the rice also contained tomato. Once the mistake was realized, the cook flew out of the kitchen, was very apologetic, as was the server. The cook then prepared the entree with potatoes instead and made her a salad while she waited for the corrected entree. This was incredible customer service. I am a fan for life!
(5)Dru M.
I've been to Agave a bunch of times, but this is my first review. A group of 6 of us went last night to try their Chef's Menu ($30/person - 9 courses). Below is why I will be back soon. 1 - Our service was fabulous. Server was attentive, knew his menu well and did everything in his power to make our experience incredible. 2 - The nine course meal was also fabulous. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the tuna (entree), BUT...it wasn't horrible. It was cooked a bit too much for me. The veal meatloaf, shrimp tacos and goat cheese/corn mashed potatoes were probably my top three things. 3 - Drinks were also good. Four of my friends ordered different margaritas and all of them had great things to say. I had some champagne and coffee/baileys. Great pours on both for the price. 4 - Price. We ended up sending $60/person, which included nine courses (a dessert sampler that probably cost $40 itself), drinks, tip and tax. That's two thumbs up for me. 5 - One person is glutton free and I have some crazy food allergies and the chef was able to give us other options and didn't charge extra. Overall...AWESOME! Check out their Chef's Menu...it'll make you smile.
(5)Amanda B.
Love this little gem!! The area is somewhat sktech, but that's no different that other parts of this little city. The food is outstanding, the tequila is strong...can't get much better than that!
(4)Ray D.
My wife says I can be picky (what does she know....) but this place never lets me down. I must caveat 'never' by saving I have only been here a couple of times, once to meet friends and twice for a business dinner. The lamb is out of this world, and the extensive drink menu will keep anyone happy.
(5)Elizabeth H.
I returned to Agave this past Friday for date night with the boy... we had a reservation but still had to wait a few minutes for the table- so we headed to the bar! I had a "skinny" margarita, it was good, but not as skinny as I prefer (too much mix)... A few minutes later we were seated in the "patio" area of the restaurant- I guess they convert it over for the winter months- the setting was romantic with a huge fireplace in the middle of the dining room, but it was still kind of cold. Luckily our server, Spadoni, picked up on this and turned the heaters on, I was warm within seconds! To start, the date and I had a shot of tequila - silver tequila chilled - unfortunately mine still had an ice cube in it, so I almost choked when taking the shot! For dinner we shared the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and the meatloaf with southwestern mac & cheese- they were both DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere is lively, the service is great, and the food is amazing!
(4)Rhonda M.
Agave is by far the favorite restaurant for my husband and I. It's close to home and consistently has great food. We love the salsa and blue chips served upon arrival. They have the best margaritas in Atlanta! Make sure you try the Texas margarita. What is SO wonderful about Agave is they have "Two for One Appetizers" when you sit at the bar from 5pm - 7pm nightly! My husband loves everything he eats here, but some of his favorites are the Beer Braised Pork Shank and the Sunburned Strip Steak. My favorites are the Salmon Filet and the Stuffed Trout. When I order the trout, I get the julienned veggies instead of spanish rice. I promise if you visit here, you'll love it. Everyone we've taken to this restaurant raves about it and can't wait to visit again. Try them out!
(5)Katy S.
I feel very lucky to have this restaurant nearby. The food is always very, very good. I end up with a new favorite every few months. Favorites are smoked trout guac, chicken poblano soup (so good, have tried to pry the recipe out of them with no luck yet), salmon, fried chicken, and the margaritas! The main dining room is unbelievably loud so request a table in one of the back roomm for a more intimate experience. I've never been disappointed here. Solid joint.
(4)Ryan S.
Love this place. Food has always been great and they do have a nice booze selection. Service is good once you are in, unfortunately my only failing is the work of the hostesses. Had reservations screwed up a couple of times, etc. Join their email list and they give out some awesome coupons for BOGO, happy hour, etc.
(4)Brandon N.
This place ROCKS!!! We have dine here for several years now!!! We had went here for my birthday one year & fell in LOVE!!! The foods is consistantly GOOD, EXCELLENT service, FREINDLY & Great Atmosphere!!!! They have the BEST FOODS for the price!!! Great desserts platter!!! STEAK, SHRIMP & FRIED CHICKEN ARE THE BOMB!!!! All the sides are AMAZING!!!!! We make a regular trip there every week!!!!
(5)Jeremy A.
We have been to Agave a few times and I wish I could tell you more about dishes that they serve, however the first time I went there I got the crawfish stuffed trout and its so good that I have never ordered anything else ;) A great place if you are a tequila fan, they have an extensive listing. If anyone wants to recommend another dish to me in open for it, otherwise the trout is so damn good Ill probably get that the next time I go, yet again!
(4)Shaun R.
Visiting here in Atlanta with family. Just had the Sea scallops, honey cider/bacon collard greens, and tomato and Serrano grits! So yummy! Really nice waiter and they were very accommodating even though we were late for our reservation.
(4)Vida D.
I was just at Agave about two weeks ago. I had the Peachtree Margarita. I am not usually a margarita drinker, but this has to be the best Margarita I have ever had. I had the Ranch Pork Shops, with the honey cidar greens. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. If it's a friday or saturday, make reservations. I saw friends there who had been waiting for 45 minutes when we arrived.
(5)Michelle B.
I actually can't believe I haven't reviewed Agave yet. I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the drinks are excellent, and the service is top notch. I have loved everything I've eaten there. It's a must-go place in Atlanta.
(5)Leonardo M.
Great food and service. A little on the loud side, so it's great for groups, not so great for a date. I love the ambiance.
(4)Helena W.
Went there as a spur of the moment suggestion based on our location at the time. Let me say this, the other and I are sportin' a mega food baby right now. I had the special which was the baby back ribs and other had the medallions. We both enjoyed our meals. Robert was our server and was nice enough to suggest things for us to share. To be honest, next time I could be set with the honey&bacon greens with the Mac and cheese and be completely satisfied... They were that good. Love the salsa but the guacamole was not a fav. We will likely try something else in place of it. Oh! The price wasn't bad but more then we were expecting when we saw the menu. It's not a place we would be visiting often. It was a great choice in an effort to try something new.
(4)Steven M.
Hands down one of our favorite restaurants! Margaritas are amazing, food is fantastic and I really like the Cabbagetown area. I normally get the Southwestern chicken and is always perfect. I have been 10+ times and it never disappoints!
(5)Barbara S.
Agave is one of those places that i just keep going back to over and over again because the food and drinks never disappoint! House Margaritas are delicious and probably the best house marg in town, but I prefer to kick it up to something with a bit of a darker tequila. The chips and salsa are addictive with the right amount of salt on the chips and the salsa does remind me of Ortega (which reminds me of my childhood) but better. They offer an amazing, yet simple salad of mixed greens with avocado. Great flavors that just work well together. The Fried Chicken is the one thing that I must order every time i visit Agave. The accompanying mashed potatoes are so creamy and flavorful. For dessert, I love the Key Lime Pie if they have it on the menu. They also have great coffee if you are like me and enjoy a nice cup with your sweets. As someone else commented, the noise level is a bit high, but i feel that gives it the fun and festive atmosphere that comes along with drinking great margaritas and eating delicious southwestern food. Tip: Get on their mailing list for offers like $10 entrees.
(4)Eleanor S.
In a bit of a bad area, but awesome! Cool eclectic southwestern decor and amazing food. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy, boneless, and not oily. It was a little dark/loud, but they do have a patio.
(5)Shawny S.
I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The food was "okay". Nothing extraordinary! The portion size that I got when I ordered Tenderloin Medallions were very small. I can go to Longhorns steak house and get a better cut of steak with a better price than this place. Overpriced? Absolutely. However, the waiter was nice. The chips and salsa were good. The ambiance was nice too. Not a place I'll be going back to.
(3)Brent H.
There's not a thing I don't like about this place. The service is always among the friendliest in the city, the food is top notch, the drinks are well made, and the atmosphere has a southwestern flare that avoids going too far into tacky Chili's territory. Foods I've tried: Cayenne fried Chicken - My first choice. Always good but I like to switch the sides up and get it with the grits. Tequila Anejo Shrimp - A bit on the spicy side but not too bad. Perfect if you like a bit of heat with your meal. Southwestern Burrito and Stew - The burrito is pretty massive with lots of flavor. To me the hatch green chile stew was really the standout part of this dish. When you go, I'd definitely recommend getting the Guacamole. All fresh ingredients, tastes great. If you like Tequila or margaritas, this is the place to go. Massive selection and the bartenders know what they're doing.
(5)Claire S.
Chip-o's and guacamole= so so good. Like the atmosphere in this restaurant, cute spot for a date which is always good. We had shrimp tacos as an app and they were really good and really spicy. Service was nice, for my entree I had stuffed trout which I absolutely loved, stuffed with crawfish and rice and deliciousness, also very spicy and very very good. Also tried the beer braised pork shank which was nice but I would recommend the trout over it . Guacamole is amazing, make sure you get it. They also have a stupid valet which is pointless and causes you to freeze outside because the parking lot is so small we literally watched the valet pull our car up 4 ft to us which was totally unnecessary and stupid as we had to wait for some slow old people to drive away while freezing outside. But the food is fantastic and the ambiance is nice.
(4)Jada G.
I was so excited to finally come here. I pass it almost everyday and it's been on my bookmark list forever and a day. It's always crowded and the menu is so diverse. They are rated best margaritas. So after a long, disappointing day at work I knew I needed some comfort in the form of food and a margarita. The service is nothing short of hospitality. We got a free appetizer for using the yelp app to check-in. Always awesome! I should have gotten the fried chicken. There has to be a reason why everyone raves about it. My table ordered the short ribs, a burrito and the chicken fingers off the kid's menu. For this place to be nuevo mexican, or tex mex, our dishes had no flavor or taste to them. My short ribs had this sauce on them and they were so tender. But after a couple of bites, the dish got boring and the meat was really greasy. The burrito had no taste to it, and nothing that set it apart from the burritos at moes, except the price (i say moes b/c I hate their burritos). I'm a frozen margarita gal, but the waiter said their frozen margaritas are watered down. Ok, whatever, give me on the rocks. Yeah...no. I'm just not a fan of margaritas on the rocks. They are too sweet and syrupy for my liking. I am, however, in love with the mango margarita at la parilla. That, my friends, should win some medals. Anywoo, I had him take my drink and make it into a frozen one and sure enough it was plain old water. so, i left it on my table, untouched. I can say, I enjoyed the service and the atmosphere. I will go back and taste the infamous chicken, but if i don't like that I'm not going back. The appetizer was good
(3)Jonah K.
Amazing every time. Excellent drinks, tequilla selection and all of the food is amazing. The prices are reasonable and they do an amazing job all around. The short ribs are out of this world.
(5)FlyTaurusChick W.
Great margaritas and the best Chile Relleno in Atlanta. I was unhappy with my Jalapeno margarita (a little too spicy b/c of the raw peppers) but when I sent it back they happily gave me another.
(5)Sarah Z.
I'd first like to point out that Lisa is an awesome bartender! Accommodating, fun and thoughtful...everything you need your bartender to be on a crazy packed Cinco de Mayo. The chip & guac, calamari and chicken quesadilla were all d-lish appetizers...do not hesitate to order! For dinner I had the slow cooked short rib which was PERFECT. It was the free appetizer Yelp deal that got us in the door but deal or no deal..upon my next visit to Atlanta, I will definitely return!
(5)Angela M.
I'd wanted Italian, and we were headed to Noni's, but the traffic from the Sweet Auburn festival was insane, so we headed to Agave instead, having just been reminded by Zack that it was worth trying. Luckily for us, the wait was only 45 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday night. It had started to get cold, and I wasn't properly dressed for the wind, but we waited on the patio anyway, since the air was blowing straight down as you entered and there were no spots at the bar. Fortunately, it didn't actually take 45 minutes. We got a table to the right, one row off the fire place. The service was prompt and friendly - the water glasses were already full, which was nice since the wind had really dried me out. I'd heard great things about the margaritas, but no drinking for me for the next few months... so Jimmy and Cam just got Bohemia's. We started with guacamole, which was really thick with nice chunks of chopped tomatoes. The blue corn chips had just enough salt and grease. The salsa was a little on the watery side, but tasted very fresh. I know this place is labeled as Tex-Mex, but I would describe it to a friend as Southern with Southwestern flavor. I had the scallops with grits and greens, Jimmy had the meatloaf with mac and cheese, Cam had the salmon. None of those dishes sound particularly Tex-Mex to me, until you read how they were all seasoned. My scallops had a ancho chile rub, the grits were roasted tomato and serrano chile, and the greens were smokey with honey and cider. The scallops were good, but the grits and greens were the highlight. The grits were creamy but still had good gritty texture, while the sweet smokiness of the greens was simply divine. I meant to save some to take with me, after all, I'm not the Most Interesting Man in the World, and I had filled up on chips, but those greens were too good to pass up. If I was going to eat them, I might as well eat the whole plate, though J and C did help me with the scallops. J's meatloaf tasted very strongly of cumin and was very moist. Cam's salmon and veggies were almost as good as my scallops. I'd wanted to try the key lime pie that I saw on the dessert tray that kept going by, but there was no room left! Next time...
(4)Tiffane C.
After 5 days spent between Atlanta and Savannah, GA eating nothing but southern and seafood cuisines, my palette was begging for something different. I decided on Mexican at Agave, and boy, am I glad I did. The atmosphere is really nice. I've never been to Mexico, but the decor seems to make a good attempt at authenticity. The dim lighting also made for a romantic ambiance. I started with chips and guac as an appetizer. I've definitely had better guacamole, but I cleaned the bowl all the same. I also had a delicious strawberry margarita which was awesomely refreshing in light of the heat. My entree was the highlight of the meal. The slow cooked short ribs were amazing. They were extremely tender and well seasoned. Combined with the potatoes, they made for a hearty meal of manageable portions, so again, I cleaned my plate. My random escape from southern to mexican has now resulted in an ongoing love affair with Agave. I can't wait to return!
(5)David B.
I enjoyed this restaurant. I would recommend. Cool scene, attentive waitstaff and B rated food with mexican twist. Mid to moderate price range.
(4)Yeme T.
I'm a huge Agave fan. On my most recent visit I checked in using the Yelp app and automatically qualified for a free appetizer! I chose the smoked chicken & hatch green chile quesadillas. The crawfish pasta was my entree. Flan for dessert. As always, the service and my food was excellent.
(4)Jill C.
We recently found this gem ...after raving reviews from several people. The 1st visit was amazing...We ordered the cayenne fried chicken and the steak medallions and sat at the bar (wait time was 1hr). The bartenders were fun and made the experience perfect. The 2nd time, we thought we'd be smart and make reservations. However, the service was terrible. I'm so thankful that this was the 2nd experience because if it had been our 1st, I would have had a hard time going back. On a completely positive note...The meatloaf is THAT good!
(4)Oscar G.
We got a group to go in on the Chef's menu with us and we were very happy. Food was all very good with healthy portions. Our service was spectacular and our server worked with us on everything as well as recommending some great wine and being attentive the entire time. One experience made me a big fan.
(5)Scott M.
It's all about the happy hour here. Between 5p-7pm every week day you can get buy 1 get 1 free appetizers. When I lived in the area, I would take care of this special as often as possible. The food here is tasty and a tad bit eccentric for a mexican spot. I love it though....the bartenders are pretty quick and really knowledgeable about their driniks. Additionally, the food comes out extremely quick here. The bar area isnt really that big, so make sure you get there early if you want to take advantage of the happy hour. It is sometimes hard as hell to get a seat!
(4)Jennifer L.
Absolutely fabulous. The karma margarita is worth it alone!
(5)Bobby B.
The chips and salsa are addictive - fresh tomatoes and cilantro = tasty. I tried the red pepper salmon - presented like artwork and tastes even better. The good food was matched with prompt and friendly service. A great value.
(5)Tim F.
Good selection of appetizers and overall decent variety of beer and drinks. Chips and a spicy salsa are provided upon seating and this was very good. I would return to try other appetizers and possibly an entree. The only drawback I could see is that the margaritas seem to be a bit pricey. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive.
(3)Scott L.
Best of the best. Service, food, ambience A+ . Favorite dish : green chile stew. Tip: get there early or you will wait.
(5)Will T.
Every time I leave Agave I say, "That's the best meal I've ever had there." It happened again this weekend. Agave gets better and better, outdoing itself with every visit. Located in funky Cabbagetown, this eclectic Southwestern eatery hits on all cylinders - service, drinks and food. You'll be greeted at the door by a host or manager and seated promptly, unless you arrive during prime time on the weekend when reservations are recommended. Once seated service is attentive, friendly and relaxed and you won't be forgotten once your food arrives. You'd be remiss not to grab the best margarita in town. These are truly terrific margaritas, made with fresh squeezed lime juice, not some mix that arrives pre-bottled. When ordering you could close your eyes and point to the menu and land on any number of stellar entrees. Try their signature dish, Cayenne Fried Chicken, at least once. I've sampled about half the menu and everything I've tried is stellar. What currently has me singing their praises like a Baptist preacher on Sunday are Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops served over creamy fire roasted tomato and Serrano stone ground grits. That's a lot of flavor. And don't tell me you don't like collard greens until you've had their honey cider collards. It will make a believer out of you. This is upscale eclectic Southwestern food, not Tex-Mex as some reviews erroneously state. Discounts and specials abound if you sign up for their email newsletter.
(4)Ron M.
Best happy hour deals, great food. Mary Lisa is a pleasure to see every time we walk in. Mussels are a must have.
(5)Stacy S.
I have nothing bad to say about this place whatsoever. I can say it was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. I had the Veal, Chorizo & Green Chile Meatloaf with the sides and it was fantastic. Definitely 5 star material...at least on that night it was.
(5)Laura R.
Agave has great gourmet southwest food! I highly recommend just about everything on the menu..
(5)Chad W.
The Good...Food, I had the calamari for an app and meatloaf as my main The Bad....Noise! it was so loud I could not hear the waiter..and it was a Monday night The Ugly....Margaritas are weak ..Boo! Hiss!
(3)Mariana R.
I just got around rating Agave, though I went there with a few people a couple of months ago. I had the Ceviche Martini that was shrimp & sashimi tuna over greens marinated in lime, oil, serrano peppers & cider vinegar and enjoyed it, definitely not traditional ceviche but it was good, and the pork shank was definitely awesome. The service was good even though it was a busy night and I had complimentary dessert because the server overheard that it was my anniversary which was not the reason we were there but was great. I chose the pumpkin cheesecake which was a season special and it was delish! I definitely enjoyed Agave.
(4)Michelle S.
I have been meaning to review Agave for a while now because I really really love this place. I am a huge fan of any place that has chips, good guacamole and great margaritas and Agave has all three. On top of that they have a great atmosphere, terrific menu and wonderful staff. This review reminds me I need to go back. Love it.
(5)G R.
Crowded. Reservation recommended.
(2)Jay N.
1) Phenomenally good margarita -- I had the Herradura Top Shelf, and it was smooth, strong, well-mixed, and downright delicious. 2) Had two desserts that were also superlative: the Key lime pie, and the Belgian chocolate mousse. Oh My God level of incredible. Those were the 5-star-worthy standouts, but Agave's rating is brought back down a little by some misses. The two appetizers we tried (calamari, shrimp and poblano spring rolls) were both pretty ordinary, and would have been entirely forgettable if they had not come with a terrific jalapeno jelly dipping sauce. Seriously, I think I could eat my old gym shoes if I put a little of that jalapeno jelly on! My trout entree, stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms, was pretty decent--but not great enough to make me forget that trout just isn't the most delectable fish. Oh well. Great service, a cozy interior, and easy valet parking--plus the standouts above--make Agave worth a visit.
(4)Jason M.
I'd give Agave a solid 3.5 stars which rounds up to four for these purposes. Pros- The margaritas are pretty good and the salsa is quite nice. The trout is delicious and the blue corn enchilades are also quite tasty. Cons- It's a bit dark and a bit loud inside which takes away from it's score. Also, it i s a bit expensive for "Not Mexican."
(4)Marisa M.
Delicious, dependable and unpretentious. This is a regular place for me. My favorite dish is the Anejo Shrimp - I love everything about it especially the so, so yummy corn cake. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken is good and so are the salmon and the veggie plate. Good prices and service. No brainer when you want a good, no fuss meal.
(5)M A.
Agave is one of those places I've been meaning to try but never got around to, but finally got a large group of interested folks together to try the place. I normally enjoy giving reviews based on food AND service for large groups, but in light of there being three other large groups besides ours and the cramped quarters from so many bodies, I'll just say that a Friday night is not a good night to bring a large group here. Max your group out at 6 and you're fine. Any more and you're pushing your luck. In light of that, I'll review the food only and return another time to really test out the service. I would like to mention, however, that this is a place that does have the "everyone must be present to order" policy. Our final person was walking in from the parking lot but the server refused to wait a minute to collect our orders (if he'd started, the last person could've shown up and had time to look the menu over anyway). The meal lasted until nearly 10pm - we all arrived at 7pm. Yikes. With that off my chest, it's time to review the food! I had a mojito which was delicious but will set you back $9, so beware! The margaritas taste delicious as well, but you get what you pay for. The $7.95 margarita doesn't taste as good as the $9.95 one! There are a variety of spirits, though, so kudos on the well-stocked bar. The food itself was very delicious, but I must admit I'm not sure what Agave aims to be. Tex-Mex? Asian? Southern? I tasted someone's quesadilla, which was rich and full of flavor. I was also able to snag a piece of the fried chicken and it was so juicy, moist, and tender (all good words to describe good chicken). Delicious! My meal of choice was the seared tuna over mashed potatoes and asparagus. The tuna was seared to perfection, and the mashed potatoes were definitely fresh and hand mashed, yum! My only qualm is that it said there was a wasabi-laden sauce over the top but I never got the hint of heat. I'd like to see a bit more flavor pop with the dish, but overall it did the job and I left happy. I would definitely love to come here again and try out the service without a large group (and not on a packed Friday evening either). Other than the service, food was spectacular and left my food baby happy and well-nourished. That mojito helped keep the rating up as well, so don't pass up the chance to try a drink here!
(4)Stan R.
Wonderful cuisine and top notch service! Problem is (unbeknownst to me) I brought a bulimic date here and she pretty much ate her way through the entire restaurant on my dime. I have never in my life seen a woman (or large zoo animal ) shovel food into an esophagus with so much passion and intensity. I do believe she is a true inspiration for all the self-absorbed, entitled over eaters of America. I would love to be able to do nothing more than dine at Agave again, but alas I will have to let a few months pass by. The smell of the chipotle rubbed meat and braised short ribs will only remind me of the life size giraffe she most likely regurgitated after I took her home.
(4)Missy B.
OK, I was able to get in contact with Agave and found out they did have my beloved scarf that i inadvertently left while dining. As per my previous review, my real issue was with the room we dined in. The food was really good and now that I have my scarf back I will definitely be dining here again.
(4)Sweet T.
Just ate here for the first time and was pretty happy with it, though the 4 stars are more for potential than our actual experience. The building is interesting, the service was very good and the food was very well prepared. The menu is awesome and makes me want to come back everyday for a week to try everything. The slight hesitation in my review is because some of the dishes were not worth the price tag. (*Cheap Bastard Alert) We started with margaritas and they were Really Good, worth the $10, though I still cringe at any cocktail priced over $6. They've got a nice variety and obviously know what the heck is up. The chips and salsa were very solid and the guacamole ($6.75) was good, too. The ceviche "martini" was nothing special and pretty small for the $9. I'd skip it next time. Also, the beer-battered shrimp were tasty but 5 shrimp for $12=not worth it. My blue corn chicken enchiladas were exceptional and totally worth the $14. The smoked chicken flavor was definitely present and not drowned out by cheese or sauce. Everything was perfectly balanced and the portion was nice, too. My Partner in Food Crime ordered the Agave Salad ($6.50) but added grilled shrimp to it at the suggestion of our friendly server. Those grilled shrimp were awesome but we didn't realize it would add $12 to the cost of the salad. For $18 she probably would have ordered something different, you know? My brother ordered the beer-braised pork shank and was very happy with it. Let's just take his word for it. Too full for dessert. Dang! Even with our mixed reviews, I'd go back to Agave in a heartbeat. It is too obviously a great spot to pass up just because some of the plates might be overpriced. I'm sure once you worked your way around the menu a bit you'd find plenty of things to blow your mind and not your budget. Count me in.
(4)Nikki K.
This is not a review, but a little FYI- they do have a vegetarian menu on request, and the menu is also posted on their website. Think I might try Agave now that I know that!
(5)Natalie B.
Really good food!!! Margaritas are awesome!!! And service has been stellar every time i have gone, even with large parties. Definitely GO and get the lamb!!! My mouth waters thinking about them!
(4)Rachel R.
Peachtree margarita, scallops, torte. Thank you, Agave! I've been a customer for years and will continue to dine at Agave. It's such a great little Cabbagetown gem. Agave has everything, including great food. It's romantic, yet good for groups. It's nice, but casual at the same time. I really like how the staff steps to the side to let you walk through. That may sound weird, but it's one of those little things that make people feel important, and we all know people love to feel important.
(5)Tiffany R.
The sea diver scallops over grits was AMAZING and their Agave fried chicken was "punch your mom in the face good" ,nice atmosphere, friendly staff, great pricing and spectacular eats!
(5)Melissa B.
Been a fan since the early days. Back in town after moving to Charlotte and it was my first stop! Love the new southwest/Italian meatball fusion dish. My friend Susan is a regular!
(5)Sara W.
My first trip to Agave was a 4 star experience. My most recent trip to Agave was closer to a 2 star, so I'll average it to a 3 rating. First trip we sat at the bar and enjoyed some happy hour specials on apps, which were all excellent. And the margaritas were amazing. We went back a few weeks later, sat at a table and it was a totally different experience. We were placed in a corner, surrounded by huge tables of 10-15 people so of course, service was slow and our order got mixed up. They brought out a calamari appetizer we didn't order then said "oh, it's free" -- but didn't really explain why they delivered it to our table. It was kinda weird. The entrees were alright. Nothing really to write home about. Maybe we should stick with sitting at the bar??
(3)Katie K.
I have been going to Agave for well over 10 years and the food and service have always been consistently good. I went there with a group of 8 girlfriends recently as one of my first 'girls' nights' since having a baby. When we sat down, the waiter asked if we were celebrating any special occasions. Since it had been my friend's birthday earlier in the week, I said it was her birthday and the rest of the group told him that they were also 'celebrating' me too. Throughout the meal (on a busy Saturday evening beginning at 8:30), the waiter was somewhat attentive but not excellent. Before we had even finished the meal (or been asked if we wanted dessert), they brought out two chocolate desserts for myself and my friend. We thought this was nice (although I normally like to order what I want for dessert and then have them bring it out with a candle, etc.)....BUT, when we got our checks we realized we'd been charged for the desserts. This is the first time this has ever happened to me, especially when we did not order dessert ourselves- It seems like if they bring it out automatically (especially without letting us choose), the restaurant would comp this. We thought this was strange and I promised myself I'd write a review about this.
(4)Tammy C.
Agave offers some of the best choices and one of the finest dining experiences in Atlanta. They offer vegetarian dishes that are unparralled in Atlanta with variety and taste. As a non-vegetarian I crave their seared Ahi in between visits. Call and make a reservation as they are always busy but I promise you will not be dissappointed unless you are impossible to please!
(5)Martha S.
Wonderful! Went here for an awesome birthday dinner -- I had the scallops, which came with amazing iterations of cheesy grits and collard greens. They also comped my dessert because they'd asked if it was a special occasion when we made the reservation. WTG, guys! Ask to see the vegetarian menu -- the options on there were significantly cheaper than the regular menu, and the dish my boyfriend ordered off there was great.
(5)Jena H.
We played dinner roulette the other night and had another success with Agave! (Dinner roulette is where we hop in the car and drive in a particular direction and stop in at a random new place that we've been curious about.) The parking lot at Agave always has a lot of cars in it looking that direction from Memorial Drive, so we knew it was a good option. We weren't expecting it to be as nice as it was inside, but pulling into the parking lot and seeing the nice vehicles and complimentary valet let us know that we were in for a treat. I joked to my date as we approached the front of the building that the words "eclectic" in the description meant that they get to charge $5 more per plate. ...It would be worth every penny of it! We arrived around 6:30 to a business professional clientele and were asked if we had reservations. We didn't, but were seated quickly. The décor is fresh but still holds to the theme. We were already impressed. The beverage menu makes it clear that tequila is their specialty, but I was pleased they were able to make mojitos. Jason had a Texas margarita that was really good also. Chips and freshly made salsa are complimentary. I'm super sensitive when it comes to spices on my taste buds and got worried when every item on the menu mentioned something about spice. I had success with the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo by asking them to put the 'sauce' on the side. The trout was wonderful and I finally got to try crawfish (part of the "stuffing") for the first time. I would go back again even if just to have the dish. Jason had the Tenderloin Medallions and cleaned his plate which means he loved his also. The food arrived quickly and the presentations on the plates were very nice too. We ordered the flan for dessert, but I think it was a Chocolate Ganache that we actually received. It looked yummy, so we ate it anyways and didn't make a fuss. Next time we will try again for the flan. There will definitely be a next time!
(4)Kim T.
This place must be good for me to drive from Buckhead on my way to Decatur. And the other night was great! My BF and I popped in fairly early (5ish) and quickly snagged the last two seats at the bar. It is a small bar - seats about 10 people max. But the the bartenders are pleasant and friendly. It seemed that most of the other patrons were regulars. We came for the "half-price appetizers at the bar" special and walked out fuller and fatter with the $10 entree celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Agave! Jack, the owner, and I agreed that 6 months in the Atlanta restaurant business is a long time so 10 years is awesome! Jack comes to Atlanta from Albuquerque, NM via Auburn, AL. We are glad he did. We shared the guacamole which was good but not great. It needed a little zip so we added the zippy salsa. Better!!!! We never felt rushed and the bartender made some great suggestions on meals. Hmmmm - do I go for the fried chicken (at a tex-mex restaurant?) or how about the steak special? First off, everything here is delicious so making that decision is hard. Ultimately, my BF had the red-chile rubbed scallops that were wonderful with cheese grits and honey collard greens. I chose the bistro steak special which was good but I could have had that at any restaurant in Atlanta. Next time, the short ribs will call out to me! And I'm thinking I will save a little room for dessert. Yummy!
(4)Scott S.
Just got home from another awesome time at agave. They were hoppin as usual on a Saturday night, but as always the staff was on point. From the door to the drinks (was recommended the new George Clooney Casamigos! Was good in my margarita and in a snifter with dessert!) to the food. Surprised actually at how quickly the food came! We had a table right in front of the kitchen line and I noticed for the first time the massive amount of food those guys get out, and I didn't see any heating lamps! So its up and gone and hot!Those cooks are rock stars! I didn't have my usual stuffed trout, ventured to the scallops again per recommendation and the server did not steer me wrong, the grits and collards were awesome accompaniments! Took some grits to go for breakfast! Props to my server as I was feeling experimental and he didn't disappoint, Sam was our server and he was kind, helpful, obviously knowledgeable and unintrusive. We'll be seeing him again soon I hope thanks agave as always, impressive!
(5)Rachel M.
I was a bit wary considering there were some not so great reviews, however, several friends raved about it so I decided to give it a go. As was the general consensus, the service was exceptional. Both me and my date got the short ribs which were also excellent. Though the place was a bit loud, I didn't think it was too overwhelming for a date. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Pamela G.
Agave is an amazing restaurant! all of their food is fresh and never frozen. The tequila bar is exceptional, they also have the most delicious Chile & Herb Rub of which they created. The rub is also for sale. The service and staff are hands down top notch! I have never had a bad meal. Lisa, the head mixologist makes the best margarita in Atlanta. This is my cheers, if you are in Atlanta, you must dine here.
(5)Katie C.
The restaurant is really pretty inside and everyone who works there looks like they like it. The food is really great. I would recommend any of their seafood dishes. Come during happy hour for some great deals. The reason they aren't getting five stars is because of their parking situation. They technically don't "make" you use the valet but there's only a half dozen spots available to the immediate left.
(3)D L.
Ordered-... uh, I just heard someone in my office farting, haha!- we ordered... Entrees: - fried chicken - diablo pasta - duck (the most delicious duck I've ever tasted and I don't even like duck!) - something else What I remember most about Agave is their guacamole. Delicious. Heavenly. If you opened up a dictionary and looked up "guacamole", you'd find directions to Agave. That was lame. Anyway... the guacamole. Wow. But the serving was so tiny... So, so tiny... *sigh
(4)Amrita J.
So this was a big birthday year for me....I turned 25 on the 25th !!! Woohoo!!!! Little did I know it was going to cause me SO many problems as far as my plans went for the evening, b/c of the wonderful high school proms going on in Atlanta the SAME night. So what does dinner plans + prom=?!?! BOOKED BOOKED BOOKED restaurants!!! :( I was desperate for a place to go to that would accomodate my large group of friends, and finally came across Agave. I want to start by giving HUGE props to the owner/partner Tim for coming to my rescue. I called him, he told me "No problem", and was ready to give us a table for 15+ people, but then when I called him back and told him it'd be closer to 10-12 ppl, he told me once again "No problem", we'll make sure that the table is ready for ya'll.......and that he did. So the big day came, and I met my friends at Agave, not quite sure what to expect from the place, the food, the service, any of the above. But who cares....it was my freaking BIRTHDAY!!!!! Well let's just say I had a fabulous time, and was so greatful for all of the things listed above: Atmosphere: A Food: A+ Service: A++ Drinks: A+ Laughs from our awesome waiter: Spadoni A++++ So our waiter, ROCKED...(as listed above)....he handled our table with such ease, anything we wanted, he was there at our beck and call, with a huge smile on his face!!!! He even decorated the cake that was brought in by adding strawberries surrounding it, and chocolate sauce saying "Happy Birthday". I had the Rio Rancho tacos, which were YUMMY!!! Plus, we got the calamari appetizer, and can't forget the libations to go along with it all......I had the Frozen Strawberry Reposado.....mmmmmm mmmmmmm GOOD! I had a fabulous 25th birthday, and it all started off right here at Agave....Thanks Agave for accomodating me in my time of need !!!
(5)Heather S.
1) The drink I has was really good. I had a Texas margarita. It was perfect. 2) The chips are made fresh on site and the salsa was amazing. 3) I had the tequila shrimp and it was amazing. 4) Our server was named Spadoni and other people have mentioned him as being great. If given the option, I would wait for an hour if it meant he would be my server. He was honestly the best server I have ever had in my life anywhere. 5) The staff really wants you to enjoy yourself here and have a great experience and go out of their way to make sure everything is great. 6) Did I mention that the food was awesome?? It's not really tex mex but upscale southwestern. It's a little on the pricey side so I won't go here a lot, but I really should go there more than I have in the past.
(5)Debbie R.
Hands down the best margarita I have ever had! Love the chips & salsa too! A little pricey but the food is amazing and worth it. Wish we had a place like Agave on the southside of Atlanta!
(4)Hanh C.
oh dear. food would have tasted better if there wasn't a bug in my water. the tortilla soup was great before the incident. the people with me enjoyed their food. portions were good. Margaritas were great. fried chicken was delicious, and boneless for the people who are picky with bones. seating was a bit crowded, not much room between tables. not the best for kids and high chairs. our waiter was nice. the "make up" dessert did not rid the horrible bug from our memories. unfortunately will not be back and risk it.
(2)Andrew N.
Its not Tex-Mex, its New Mexican! So, what does that mean? Well, no BBQ sauce and plenty of green chiles! Moving from New Mexico, it took some time for me to get used to this place, because it is not entirely New Mexican, it is more Modern-Metro-Southern-inspired New Mexican. There are grits and seared Ahi on the menu. Well, I've come around and now this is my favorite nearby haunt for those times when I want to drop a bit of cash. I very much enjoy the large and rico Santa Fe enchiladas, and my wife the fresh and firm seared Ahi Tuna. The New Mexico rack or lamb is nothing to sneeze at either. Drinks... well, this is one of the few places that I would actually recommend both the food and the Rita's. There are over 100 tequilas so there are plenty of ways to make em. I prefer the Herradura Top-Shelf, and my wife the Agave Don Eduardo Añejo. Tasty, but at near $10 a pop, I would pace myself. This place is a must for anyone who wants a unique and flavorful Atlanta culinary experience. Be sure to make reservations on almost any night. Also, keep an eye out for BOGO coupons in the Savvy Shopper, it will make your experience much cheaper, but no less tasty. (edit: I should add that the folks: Host, server, and managers go out of their way to make sure you are happy) My one request is that they start asking the official question of New Mexico: "Red or Green?"
(5)Alain L.
So I talk my good friend Nichole into going to Agave with me, she initially suggested pizza, so I politely overruled her. It's a Friday evening and something like pizza just wasn't going to cut it. I got there first, it gave me a good opportunity to check out the bar area and the seating layout. The walkways were narrow and not the best to hold a conversation as foot traffic is constantly interrupting the flow. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance, feels like I've walked into a Spanish villa. Perhaps the narrowness was intentional. Nichole arrives and we get our table after a brief wait. We got seated in the covered patio, which was perfect. Lots of sun still left in the day and I had a few margaritas with my name on them. Our server was a doll, she was fun and made great recommendations like the Spicy Southwestern Crab & Shrimp Spring Rolls. These were truly fantastic and I would devour an entree portion if one was available. Nic went with the Cayenne Fried Chicken as her main course and I went with the night's special of scallops with tomatillo grits and pineapple. I tried a little bit of the chicken and it was very tasty. I was a little disappointed in the scallops, but the grits were very good. Agave is a great restaurant and I see it being part of my regular rotation.
(4)Susan L.
Noise level was unbearable, making it impossible to carry on a conversation at our table. We were tempted to get up and leave, but the service was EXCELLENT, FANTASTIC!!! Fish tacos left lots to be desired. Instead of chunks of fish, everything was finely chopped and rolled into a huge white flour tortilla. No garnish or accompanying sauce other than a piece of cilantro. We resorted to using the table salsa, which was delicious but did not compliment the "tacos." For $9, we expected better. Excellent wines and decent beers. Because of the great service and wines, we will return on a slower evening and sample some other menu items. But no more tacos for us.
(3)Kelly S.
Agave gets 4 stars, and a couple of itty bitty tweaks would make it 5. Well, ok, so the first "tweak" is more of a complete overhaul of their parking system: the world's most unnecessary and inconvenient valet. AT LEAST put a covered waiting area out there or something. For Pete's sake, my man and I had to stand IN THE RAIN for a good 5-10 minutes while the valet went to get my car, which was within eyesight. Talk about ending an awesome meal on a shitty note. The other thing is that the calamari was "meh". Nice and tender, so no issues of chewiness. I just thought it was lacking flavor - but my boyfriend disagreed, so take my review of it with a grain of salt (or just add some). The guacamole seemed a little oddly sweet, but it was still very good. But now that all the negatives are out of the way . . . everything else was OH MY GOD good. I had the tequila anejo shrimp and . . . *heehee* 3 Texas margaritas. My boyfriend had the trout and a Texas margarita as well. We were so stuffed from the chips and salsa (delicious!), guacamole, and calamari that by the time the entrees came, you KNOW it had to be good for us to kill it like we did. Oh, and the hospitality is overwhelmingly good, especially coming from the perspective of someone who usually eats at places that are cheap as possible. Our reservation was for 7:30, and we got there on time and were seated immediately. Every employee we passed greeted us in a manner that at least SEEMED sincere, unlike the forced greetings you get at so many other places. I also love the decor. Warm, dark-ish, rustic - it kinda gave me a Catholic-church-in-Mexico feel (but beware, I've never even been to Mexico). If it weren't for the valet parking, this would be a 5-star review.
(4)Dave A.
Always enjoyable. It's a touch too dark in there for my old 25 year old eyes. I love the 2 for 1 entree coupons in the Savvy Shopper magazine, too! Try the trout! Great food and excellent drinks. Enjoy!
(4)Brooks S.
I'm a big fan of Agave - except for a few minor glitches in my last visit, which included a long initial wait and a long wait for the food, I have never had a negative experience. I've introduced a lot of people to it and they have always loved the food. My mom, mom's friend, brother and his girlfriend are a few of the out-of-town guests that really enjoy the fresh, crispy chips and tasty, fresh salsa brought out at the beginning of the meal. The food offers a nice southwestern experience with many great flavors - my favorites include the Tequila Shrimp, the halibut, and the swordfish special I had last time I went. I have had a couple special events there, like valentines day and really enjoyed the personable service and friendliness of the staff. The guacamole is quite good as well as the margaritas, my favorite being the Texas. One of the places I love to go when I know I want a flavorful dish and I have a couple extra dollars to spend. Thanks Agave for the great atmosphere and food.
(4)Laura R.
Not your standard Mexican joint.... you should know that going in. You should also be prepared to pay for parking. The food is decent and well priced. There is a vegetarian menu that has lots of tasty options. The margaritas are great! But, there is no queso? The food also seemed somewhat bland. This place has a nice vibe overall.
(3)Megan S.
SOUTHEAST GOES SOUTHWEST AT AGAVE Need a flavor fix, go to the former Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill's General Store where Agave resides- you'll find the best southwest food in ATL. Jack Sobel, Chef- Owner opened this gem in 2000 fulfilling his dream to create delectable New Mexican-style foods. The central theme in all his heavenly creations is the tantalizing chile pepper. To truly master the chile, the freshest ingredients must be used and to help accomplish this Agave uses no microwaves or freezers and receives its meats and produce daily. True to its namesake, Agave has over 100 tequilas, which makes for some outrageous margaritas. The creators of these heavenly beverages are Lisa Metzger and Melissa Agee. These goddesses of the bar surely know how to make tequila sing. The Corzo Perfecto is a perfect blend of Corzo Super Premium Reposado, limejuice and Agave Nectar. I thought I had tasted some great margaritas, but these are too awesome. The housemade chips, salsa, and freshly made guacamole helps prevent the glasses from emptying too quickly. To jump-start the journey to the Land of Enchantment, Thomas, a most knowledgeable waiter, presented Agave's signature soups. The traditional earthy Posole with braised pulled pork, hominy, guajillo red chile, and lime honors the celebration of life. The hearty Hatch Green Chile Stew with chunks of beef tenderloin, corn, and onions was decadently spicy, but not hot. The Grilled Shrimp and Sashimi Tuna Ceviche marinated with lime, serrano peppers and a splash of cider vinegar is a seafood lover's dream. Wrapped in rice paper, the crispy Spicy Spring Rolls consisted of a perfect blend of chopped shrimp, lump crab, Napa cabbage, and of course serrano peppers. The outrageous guajillo chile, limejuice and white wine sauce made the plump, delicate Guajillo Mussels so tasty. If the chile is the soul of Southwestern cooking, then Agave brings it to life. Perfectly spiced Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken served with poblano habanera and jalapeno jellies is otherworldly. If this dish doesn't make you your taste buds rumba, I don't know what will. To kick it up the spice chart, the grilled Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno and cheddar grits cakes is unbelievable. For meat and potato lovers that need a little spice in their life, the ground veal, chorizo, and Hatch Green chilies meatloaf is like no other- yummy! If Elvis had the pan seared beef tenderloin medallions in a garlic-chile tequila puree, he would have broke into a chorus of "Love me Tender". The parade doesn't stop here, The Southwestern twist on a key lime pie is a delight, the raspberry margarita cheesecake is sinful, for chocolate lovers there is the Belgian Chocolate mousse and the Torta de Sabrosa, and the most different dessert ever is the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie which lives up to its name, OK I'm ready for another Margarita. In addition to this outstanding award-winning restaurant, Jack Sobel other life is his band, Black Swan Lane. Their relaxing melodic lyrics reminds me of Roger Waters meets Brian Eno, good stuff, check out their website myspace.com/blackswanlane . LGBTG FRIENDLY ***** (Great Staff) FOOD ***** (Chile Lover's Paradise) PRICE ***** (Parties of 6 or more get the Chef Sampler) AMBIENCE ***** (Patio Dining/ Great Bar) DRINKS ***** (Best Margaritas in Town) agaverestaurant.com ADDRESS: 242 Boulevard SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312 Tel: (404) 588-0006
(5)Betty R.
Can't believe it took us so long to go to Agave, especially since we used to live right down the road. Our friends had a 20% off VIP email thingy, so we decided to give it a go - it was a tasty evening. I love that they are not scared of the spice at Agave! Jalapeno margarita was great, salsa had a good kick to it, and the meatballs were really yummy (the other app we ordered, the calamari, was just fine - good, but nothing to write home about). Hubby's fried chicken entree was definitely the favorite - I will order it next time for sure. My trout was also quite good, and a HUGE portion. Service was good - the waiter was friendly, but he got that we were chatting with our friends and didn't bug us unless he saw that we needed something. I thought the prices were pretty darn reasonable, and the setting was nice - we were at a table in the back by the fire, which was cozy on a cold night. I hope to be back soon!
(4)Angela B.
I would not return to Agave!! *wouldn't seat us *watered down Martini *bad order
(1)Joe C.
Decent Fancy-Mexican Place: Margarita's were tasty. Environment is good. They had a vegetarian menu for those that don't eat meat. Strange their was no queso on the menu. Pretty good place for some Mexican food. A little spendy for what you get, as they play upon the attempted 'upscale' ambiance. But a pretty good place overall.
(3)Kassandra M.
Fun environment, delicious food. Vegan friendly. Wonderful margaritas. Could I ask for more? Make sure you have a reservation on Fridays and weekends.
(4)Phin S.
I kind of knew I would end up giving this place five stars after reading the reviews. It's not too often that about halfway into a meal, I say aloud, "this might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta." That was the case with Agave. This place just has everything going for it. The atmosphere is perfect-- very comforting, warm, cool, and friendly. The staff is very attentive and helpful. The food is original and excellent. We sat at the bar, where you get BOGO appetizers EVERY night from 5-7, so we got 4 apps. They were all wonderful, particularly the shrimp and tenderloin-- the steak was just amazing. It was cooked rare and was up there with the best steak I have ever had (weird for an app). The drinks were phenomenal. We tried four margs, and they were all outstanding. They are pricey, but they are quality drinks. I can't really suggest a particular one, but you should be able to ask the staff for help, and you really can't go wrong. You probably can't afford to come here regularly, but this place makes sense as a regular place for special occasions (if that makes sense). I'd imagine I'll be coming back here at least annually. Thanks for existing, Agave! Note-- we got there around 4:50, so we got to park in the lot ourselves instead of using valet. Then we were there for the entire buy one get one free appetizer at the bar deal. Also, it was not crowded yet on a Saturday at that hour, so our service was great. I couldn't think of a better time to go to Agave than 4:50-7:00 sitting at the bar on a Friday or Saturday.] On the update, have to lower it to four stars for a bad service experience. Still a good place, but service must be consistent.
(4)Ben H.
*Wow - Afghan, Burmese, Hot Dogs, Ukrainian, and Fish & Chips tags but no Southwestern tag?! Agave really isn't "Tex-Mex" but whatever - I'm nitpicking.* I really like Agave. The atmosphere is casual, but not too casual - it's not stuffy or pretentious. The restaurant is very attractive as well. The service is attentive, refined, and yet down to earth. All the food I've had there is very good - it is fresh, well prepared, and spicy. I love the crawfish pasta, but it IS seriously intense so be warned (and I love spicy food). If yours wasn't very spicy then they must have just sized you up for a wussy, bland eater and toned it down. Both the trout and fried chicken are very good as well. Of course, the margaritas are excellent - I would recommend the Herradura one (I get it every time and have since been able to replicate a pretty good version). Prices here are really reasonable and they tend to have good deals here as well. I really enjoy going to Agave and it is one of my go-to restaurants now as it is consistently great. My only complaint would be that the absolutely idiotic valet parking system next to the restaurant. It should just not be valet period. The first time I was there I had to get out and walk a bit to the front of the restaurant which is facing the street, not the lot. There is no element of convenience here which should be the purpose of valet. When leaving, I then had to walk PAST my car to get to the valet where my keys were. I just took my keys from the valet and walked back to my car and left. Valet parking can be quite nice and convenient, but in this instance it just wastes your time and is incredibly inconvenient and annoying. It just does not make any sense to have valet here - just make it self-parking. I have since avoided this problem by parking on Carroll Street though. /rant 4.5
(5)Sabrina T.
I've been having a special love affair with Agave for some time now. Agave has mastered the art of making every visit, every menu selection and every drink feel and taste just like the very first time. The quality and taste of their food and drinks remains consistent, right along with their service. Their tender divers scallops seduce me over and over and over again. Must haves: divers scallops, grit cake, agave chop salad, spring rolls, peachtree margarita and pomerita. This is my neighborhood "Cheers", you should definitely make it yours too. This restaurant should not be categorized as Tex-Mex... To continue to do so is an insult to say the least. This is southwestern cuisine at its best. Do this restaurant justice and remove Tex-Mex as the restaurant descriptor.
(5)Erik B.
Not sure how I waited so long to try this place. I'm going to try to keep this short. Margaritas = WOW, way better than I had expected. Great taste, and lots of it. None of this little baby glass that's mostly lice. They make them BIG so that one lasted my entire meal. Food = I had the steak medallions and I have to say that they were one of the best plates I've had all year. I couldn't believe how damn good this place was and I felt stupid for waiting so long to try it.
(5)Christine K.
While I, like the hundreds of other Yelpers, immensely enjoyed my dinner here a few nights ago, I have mixed feelings about it. But, my issue isn't really Agave's fault, so I can't really penalize them for it. The issue? Well, first, I need to tell you what I ate. After slurping up my delicious passion fruit margarita (very, very sweet) like water, munching on a zillion chips dipped in the most AWESOMELY flavorful salsa served in a restaurant, and finishing off my crunchy caesar salad, I happily dug into my stuffed mountain trout. The trout, needless to say, was yum yum yum yum (well, maybe a little salty) and I went straight to foodie heaven. My sister had some sort of pasta with crawfish along with a side of mac n cheese (not creamy enough in the least, in my opinion) and a mango margarita (strong and yummy); my mom had the fish special (I think it was the corvina??), which she found to be divine; and my dad ordered the tuna sashimi along with possibly the most delectable onion rings and a jalapeno margarita (of which he was sadly not a fan, but maybe it's because he's not crazy about on the rocks...). Our happy family of four ended our $150-ish food extravaganza with raspberry cheesecake, which at $7, wasn't exactly the most exciting cheesecake I've ever had and, I felt, fell a bit short of the scrumptious entrees. Service was excellent and as we were seated up in the loft-ish area overlooking the entire restaurant and kitchen, my dad proclaimed it the best seat in the house. The restaurant is pretty small actually and was extremely crowded, bustling with families, prom groups, dudes chilling, girlfriends chilling, and dates. Okay. Back to the issue. After such a wonderful evening, what went wrong? Much later that evening, I discovered that I broke out into the MOST attractive rash all over, proving that I am now apparently allergic to crawfish. Ah! While I am very unhappy about the allergic aftermath (and still having to deal with it after 3 days), I guess I wouldn't have found out had I not dined at Agave... Maybe. So. Agave, thank you for the food and I guess thank you for letting me know of yet another item I need to avoid. Ha! Don't worry, I don't hold this against you; it's just an unfortunate turn of events!
(5)Richard K.
Based on other similar restaurants around the area I'm going to base my review mostly on cost. I just can't seem to justify the value when comparing to other restaurants nearby. Food was great, everything was fresh and service was decent. But nearly $20 for about 8 pieces of shrimp seems high, unless you have the BOGO coupon it's probably your best bet to forgo this place unless you don't care what the cost is. Check out La Hacienda instead! There Ceviche is way better than Agave!
(3)Rolly O.
I LOVE this restaurant! Hands don THE BEST margaritas in town! They are so tasty! I've been here a few times and my favorite waiter is Amir. He is very friendly and just all around a great waiter. The food is great! Always well done, the right seasonings , excellent flavor , presented well. This restaurant is everything, great dining experience and CLEAN bathrooms , which is ALWAYS a plus.
(5)Faryal F.
My husband and I had such a wonderful time at the restaurant. The food is DELICIOUS! We loved it and need an excuse to go back just for this place!!! The owner is also wonderful, very hospitable and we received excellent service. Try the fried chicken and the stuffed chile appetizer! Sooo good!! :))
(5)Krystal M.
It's okay, go ahead and believe the hype about this place. I was on a quest to find a new restaurant to try for my birthday [preferably one with a southwestern flair and known for their margaritas), and this is my new fave Atlanta restaurant. So, I'm sure you're asking yourself why I'm saying this restaurant is my new favorite. . . well a restaurant must pass the following categories with flying colors for me to say it's my favorite: - Attentive and Friendly Service from the host/hostess to the wait staff. Our waiter (Bobby, who was excellent), was on POINT! My glass was always refilled with water and he brought us out fresh salsa for our chips when he saw we were getting low. He also asked if we were there for a special occasion, in which I informed him it was my birthday. I was pleasantly surprised with a delicious chocolate mousse with a candle in it, in addition to the very flavorful raspberry cheesecake that we ordered (also with a candle in it). Also, the manager stopped by our table to see how we liked our food. I thought it was a very nice gesture. - A solid variety of good, flavorful food. Although the restaurant has a Tex Mex feel to it, anyone can find something to satisfy their palette at Agave. I had the fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and corn. My husband had the short ribs with the southwestern macaroni. Both of our entrees were DEE-LISH!! I must say, being a macaroni and cheese lover, I really loved their take on this dish. -Flavorful, inventive drinks. All I have to say is their margaritas are EXCELLENT. I thought that I wouldn't find a good margarita until I went back to Cabo San Lucas, but Agave knows how to make a mean margarita, but be careful, they do sneak up on you! I had the Peachtree Margarita and a Strawberry Margarita (what can I say, it was my birthday, so I splurged more than I normally would). Both margaritas were well balanced and very flavorful. Agave also has an extensive tequila menu. -Warm, Inviting Ambiance. The decor feels like home -- very cozy and comfortable. All in all, I had a great experience at Agave. I will definitely be back again soon. Also as a side note, the food is very reasonably priced for what you get!
(5)Blair H.
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. Awesome prices, great service, and a thoughful and ever-changing menu (that keeps the fan faves but constantly introduces new ones). Oh, did I also mention that they have the best margarita's in the city. YES, the best margaritas in the city.
(5)Cricket B.
Fabulous...friendly service, very fresh, warm chips...dinner was so yummy...love love the crawfish pasta that I had...omg delish! The chopped salad is a favorite as well. Definitely will be back again....Just go, it's all yummy.
(4)Nicole C.
I give this 3.5 stars. The food was a little better than 'ok' but it really didn't wow me. I ordered the short rib w/ mashed potatoes. It was tasty. The meat was pretty tender, although it was cool when I got it. Not warm like most freshly cooked meals. My friends ordered the albondigas and penne pasta, and the vegetarian burrito. The pasta had good flavor from the bite I took. The vegetarian burrito was kinda 'eh' although I did like that they put in zuccini.
(3)Bobbin W.
Agave has knocked my taste buds off on several occasions, so it's time I sing its praises. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this Tex-Mex establishment is the consistently outstanding service. I've rushed into this place 15 minutes before closing time, and the hostess sat my date and me with a smile. And my most recent waiter, Spadoni, was so seriously keeping it real. I am totally watching my dollars and only ordered an entree that time. I know this budget-alert behavior is disappointing to waitstaff who need to make tips and survive, but Spadoni maintained his amazingly pleasant demeanor, even after I shunned opportunities to sample an appetizer or order one of the many tequilas off the drink menu. My favorite entree that Agave offers is the spicy tequila shrimp, which also happens to be the best-selling dish on the menu: jumbo shrimp grilled and sauteed in a spicy (I'm talking pretty effing spicy) lime and tequila cream sauce, seductively arranged around a cheese grit cake (I'm usually not a grit kind of girl, but I was down with these gritty grits), topped with a few asparagus spears. The entree was rather small, I thought, but since complementary chips and salsa were brought to the table, I was pretty full by the end of this eating endeavor. I've had the key lime pie before, too, and it spun me into a graham cracker-meringue state of bliss. SPADONI is the man! I need to check his serving schedule, so I can eat at Agave when I have a chance of him waiting on my table.
(4)Caesar M.
Yum! I came here with a friend once and I was very impressed. The restaurant itself looks like a pub but serves like a 5 star. The atmosphere was serene and the servers were always nearby to handle any request. They have a plethora of margaritas I could not even begin to remember how many but I am an original kind of guy....with salt please! I ordered the scallops for like $19 and they were well worth it! scallops are my favorite and in their version of the dish worked quite well. Like any typical mexicanesque (even a word?) establishment they try to fill you up with tortilla chips and salsa before the food even comes out.
(4)Jim T.
Be patient with the parking. It can be slow if you come right at dinner hour. But it is complimentary! It's been a few years since I've been here and it is better than I remember. The decor is really great and particularly inviting on a cold evening. If the fireplace doesn't warm you up, the yummy drinks will. The service is outstanding. Servers are engaging, attentive and friendly. It really makes you want to settle in for a cozy and enjoyable dinner. As for the food--Tex-Mex is not a great description. Think rustic Mexican... and eclectic is a good modifier. It's all good. Definitely save room for Belgian chocolate mousse.
(4)Kristen M.
Went with a group of 5 on 11/12/11 -- food/service/ambience were all great. Made reservations and table was ready when we got there. Salsa was perfectly spicy and appeared to be freshly made. Good vegetarian menu -- everyone loved their food (chicken quesadilla, swordfish, trout w/ crawfish, vegtrn enchiladas, vegtrn salad). Drinks were also great -- Herradura margarita was the best! Will def go back! *Mon-Wed get a free app w/ Yelp check-in*
(5)Fred M.
Awesome food and great service. The cayenne chicken is the "BEST" if you like fried chicken.
(5)Julie Y.
After searching yelp for a restaurant, I settled on Agave. I had a great dinner so thanks fellow yelpers! My fellow diners were slow to arrive, but luckily the staff was really nice and accommodating. The space is rather small, so I know they were doing me a great favor by holding my table. Started off with one of their margaritas, which are definitely deserving of the awards. Ordered the shrimp and grits which I had been dying to try, and they were utterly delicious. The grits were formed into a cube that was crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Currently my fave grits dish. The fried chicken dish was good but I prefer the moistness of dark meat. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a serving of their chocolate mousse, which was a great way to end the meal.
(5)Vincent V.
I have a hard time ordering anything other than the fried chicken. It's some of the best I've had outside of a soul food place that specializes in that kind of thing. It's a little spicier than Southern fried chicken, but what else would you expect from southwestern cuisine? You'll see a lot of local luminaries at Agave, it had a real neighborhood following. The food is great, and the tequila selection is excellent. Great place for a drink or for upscale southwestern food in a great atmosphere. Every year on their anniversary, Agave hosts a blow-out party that is not to be missed. There's a buffet of some of their best dishes and the margaritas are flowing like waterfalls at the bar. Pay a one time fee at the door, prepare for a huge crowd, and enjoy.
(5)Joel C.
Whenever someone says lets go to Agave, I am pretty much game since I like the place! I'm surprised that I only come here about twice a year since its pretty close to where I live. David, Maria, Kim and I decided to have dinner after pre-drinking at Noni's. It wasn't too busy and we were quickly seated. I love the chips and salsa and only wished they had cheese dip! We opted for the guacamole and it was equally as good. The menu has changed quite a bit from the last time I came here. Plenty of new additions filled the menu, but I was happy to see that they still have their never ending list of Tequila and abundance of Margarita choices! We all went for the special Mango Margaritas and started with the Fried Calamari. The margarita was ok (should have stuck with the Texas) and the calamari was so crispy and flavorful! I love that they served it with the Jalapeno Jelly to give it a sweet and spicy punch. For entrees, David ordered the Fried Chicken (my favorite entree and probably the best entree here), Kim just wanted dessert and ordered the Flan, Maria got the Burrito and Soup Combo, and as always I had to try the burger and ordered the new Green Chiles Cheddar Burger. Everyone really enjoyed their entrees! The burger was meh, a bit different with the chiles. Looks like I'll stick with the usual and will stay with the fried chicken! It's good to know that from the first time I ate here about 6 years ago till today, the food and service is fantastic and consistent.
(3)Will P.
Agave does not get the amount of press in Atlanta I think it deserves. Both times I have been there for dinner I have said to my girlfriend that we need to come back more often. I have been both during the week and on the weekend and love the atmosphere. The ambiance is great, there are several fireplaces in the two rear dining rooms, and everyone in the restaurant greets you with a smile. I would recommend getting a reservation for weeknights and weekends as this restaurant gets busy quickly. The first thing I love about Agave, they serve FREE chips and salsa on your table before your water comes for your drink order. Unfortunately diners in Atlanta cannot take free chips and salsa for granted at Mexican restaurants. Agave's salsa is the perfect amount of spicy and its chips are made completely in-house. Near the bar and plating area you can see hand-cut blue corn and flour tortillas waiting to be tossed in a deep fryer before they are served fresh to your table. These tortillas are great with a serving of Agave's guacamole which can be bought in a half order for only $3.75 if you're worried about filling up on chips before your meal. The second thing I love about Agave is its margaritas. I had a great Avion Anejo margarita and my girlfriend had the "Peachtree" peach flavored margarita. I should mention that we are usually disappointed by flavored margaritas. They sometimes come in strange colors and are too sugary to finish. Not the Peachtree margarita at Agave. It was the right amount of sweet with a good tequila flavor. I highly recommend this particular flavored margarita. After we had a couple of drinks and too many chips we finally had dinner. My girlfriend had the chicken quesadilla as her entree and loved it. It was stuffed with plenty of chicken, oozed with cheese, and came with guacamole and sour cream on the side. Our waiter Rob was extremely helpful throughout the evening. He steered me towards the veal, chorizo, and green chile meatloaf. It was... Incredible! The flavor was great. The dish had a sweetness as well as a spicy finish. The southwestern mac and cheese was perfectly paired with the meatloaf. It didn't really taste "southwestern" in my opinion, but it was very tasty. The dish also comes with honey cider collard greens. Unfortunately, as much as I love the South I am not a collard greens fan. They were easy to brush aside. I should mention that the first time I came here I had the cayenne fried chicken and loved it. It definitely belongs on any list of best fried chicken in Atlanta. It is also a very unique spin on the dish. I have also tried the spicy peanut butter moose pie. I love spicy foods, but it just didn't work for my taste buds combined with a peanut butter flavored dessert. Overall, Agave is a great Mexican restaurant in a city where that is hard to find. I will definitely be back here soon!
(5)Hannah C.
This place is our date night go-to. The food is delicious even if you don't like southwestern (which I don't). I highly recommend the tenderloin medallions. The servers all seem to have a working knowledge of the wines they carry so we usually get a bottle to split and have never been mislead. We have had a different server every time and the service is always great. We love to sit in the loft area and people watch. It is romantic and removed from the bustle of downstairs. The real star of this place is the flourless chocolate tort. I maintain this is the best dessert I've had in Atlanta. Love this place.
(5)Shannon C.
I'm a fan. Really good. I had the chicken enchiladas and my date had the short ribs. Both fantastic. Service is awesome. Try the banana plantain cheesecake!
(5)Allison Z.
I ate at Agave on Monday night; I met a friend for dinner that I hadn't seen in a really long time. I was starving when I sat down, so I was glad that the blue chips and salsa hit the table at the same time my butt hit the chair. Our server was SUPER friendly, and even told us that the food comes with a gaurantee--if you dont like it, send it back and Agave will give you another dish. I was so shocked by this gaurantee (I mean, I could feasibly eat half my dinner, claim I don't like it and not have to pay?! Crazy!) that I didn't get into the nitty gritty with the guy, but at any rate, that's a cool gaurantee. I had the grouper with fried yuca and spicy spinach. The grouper was really good, not light (then again it's not a light fish) and the spinach paired with the fish in a forkful was quite tasty. The yuca was a hit. It came served in small strings, they almost looked like onion straws, and my friend was eagerly picking them off my plate and raving. I would give this entree 3 stars, it was good but not the best thing I've ever eaten. My pal got the trout which was much better and lighter. We both had the same glass of house red wine, a really good compliment to somewhat spicy fish dishes. Overall I'm happy with my experience at Agave. It's pricey (be prepared, entrees are between $15-20) but the Savy Saver has a buy-one-get-one-free entree coupon in this week's edition. Hey, the economy is rough and I still like good food--no judgement.
(3)Amy G.
Probably one of my favorite restaurants to go to just for the location. Directly across from Oakland Cemetery and convenient from the highway, Agave is tucked away from hustle and bustle. And once you're inside, the decor and atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. The cayenne chicken is good. I have yet to go when I'm in a place to try a margarita, but it's surely in due time according to you other yelpers out there in Agave land. Unfortunately, they've removed the collard greens from the pork shank - which really made the dish - and replaced it with boring mashed potatoes. This is very upsetting. Otherwise, the service has always been great to me. At every visit we know we can expect a visit from a chef or manager of some sort, which is nice. Do go expecting to shovel some spicy fare into your trap. Just about everything gets at least 3 out of 5 "flames" for heat. I've also heard rumors that the diablo crawfish pasta will make you sweat. Literally. So maybe you'll want to order a glass of milk with your margarita.
(4)Elbee M.
The food was good, not remarkable, though it was a fun meal. Being a place that specializes in margaritas and has pages of them to choose from can contribute to that. A-OK!
(3)Dai T.
Yummy! Try the scallops, grits, and greens!
(5)Yuki M.
We went to the restaurant last week. It was quiet busy and arrived earlier than reservation. My friends haven't arrived yet so staff didn't gave us table. Bar area is very small and couldn't get seat... The food was ok ;) No bad ! But the inside restaurant was smokey!! Doesn't much work fan ?! So you may get food smell on your cloths!!
(3)Erin W.
Let me start by saying that Agave has been and still is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta for about 4 years now, but I hope they read yelp reviews so that the things from my latest visit will not go un-noticed. I am reducing to four stars because on my most recent visit during Labor Day weekend, the margaritas tasted very different and not like the one that's been voted "best margarita in Atlanta" for the last few years. It had way too much sweet/sour going, and friends at my table agreed. For a place that has prided itself on its margaritas, this last one was just not up to par. Our waiter was a bit more aloof than past waiters, I'm not sure if that was due to the fact that our party of eight was using a $10/entree Labor Day special coupon that I had printed out or not. I felt that as soon as I mentioned the coupon, our table was an after-thought. On the upside, after four years of dancing all over Agave's menu and never having tried their signature dish--the fried chicken--I finally tried it during this visit. I ate every morsel of spicy, lightly-fried goodness. The roasted corn that came with it was plentiful and a great compliment to the chicken. Mashed potatoes were thick and creamy. Overall my party of eight said the food was outstanding, which is why this is still my favorite.
(4)Jeff M.
The debates of the best Southwestern food in Atlanta certainly should involve Agave. This place is right adjacent to Oakland Cemetery. Ample parking. Great atmosphere. Attentive service. Great drink menu. The appetizers were delicious. The Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls and Cayenne Fried Calamari are my favorites. The Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken is the best southwestern dish I've ever eaten and actually has me yearning to go hunting for fried chicken in the Southwest. Only praise from me!
(4)M.A. J.
The food warrants a rating of 4-5. BUT. The wait staff needs serious remedial training. Constant, aggressive interruptions of our conversation, and worse ~ they kept grabbing food on the table to unnecessarily move it around, even at one point sticking a thumb in a dish. When one waiter grabbed my salad, I told him "No, leave it" twice, then had to say "DROP IT" to make him let go of it. He claimed he was only moving it, when there was no reason to move it nor did I want it moved. I don't go to restaurants to have my dinner continually interrupted by unneeded questions and conversation interruptions, while my already-served food is fondled and snatched and rearranged by the wait staff on the table for no reason. It's rude to begin with, and to repeat the behavior as the diners' irritation is clearly escalating is inexcusable.
(3)Pam S.
It was my first meal in Atlanta, and I had the best fried chicken breast in my life. Served over sweet corn cut off the cob, and delicious mashed potatoes. That dish alone is enough to give this joint a special place in my heart.
(5)Adam P.
I'm so glad that I live next door to this place. The food is amazing as everyone says, and I can enjoy their amazing margaritas and immediately go nap afterwards. Get on their VIP email list so you can get $12 entrees! It's a crazy deal that I will keep me coming back.
(5)Chocolate C.
OMG I don't know why I never visited Agave sooner! The food is AMAZING! I came here for the first time as part of a birthday dinner. Birthday dinners....gotta love them....they usually can be a hit or miss but this one was definitely a hit. When you enter the parking lot you're greeted by complimentary valet...which I absolutely love. I'm going to skip over everything else and get straight to the reason why you go to a restaurant....FOOD. Don't let the name fool you, this is not your standard tex-mex place with fancy tacos drowned in mayo based sauces, weak margaritas or salsa that's been in your pantry forever. Agave is a true fusion restaurant. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips anyone?? They're sprinkled in with the regular ones and served alongside a flavorful salsa. For the entree I ordered the Veal, Chorizo Meatloaf served with Southwestern Mac and Cheese and Collards. The meatloaf was so tender! I wish I could bottle up the sauce. The sides were delish...the collards had a sweet and smoky taste and the mac and cheese was creamy and had a nice spin to them. I tasted several of the other orders such as Rack of Lamb, Crawfish Pasta, Hatch Quesadilla and Chocolate Mouse which were all equally tasty. Agave left me impressed. If you haven't been make plans to go!!
(5)Lindsey E.
I have to say I was disappointed in Agave. This spot had been on my list for quite sometime so maybe I built it up too much? I have heard a lot of good things about Agave so I am just going to assume this was an "off night"... I purchased a Groupon for Agave and took my partner here for her Bday dinner. If I had not already purchased the Groupon, we would have walked out before we were seated. We entered the restaurant and stood by the host stand for about 1 minute before anybody spoke to us. The host was standing there on the phone- dialing and then hanging up. He was visibly frustrated and later explained to us that he was trying to call a cab for another customer. Great, I don't care. I dont want to walk in to a restaurant and be ignored and then absorb your negative energy afterward. Our service was pretty good once we were seated- no real complaints there. The server was helpful in suggesting vegan options for us. We had a salad as an appetizer as well as guacamole. Our guacamole came out with a hair in it, so that was gross but they made us another one. I ordered blue corn enchiladas. They were mushy. My partner ordered a grilled veggie plate. It was actually delicious. If i ever return, I will order this. We also had margaritas. The margaritas almost made up for the whole experience. A good drink goes a long way! Overall, I was underwhelmed and wished I would have picked a different spot to celebrate my partner's birthday.
(2)Kate J.
We were staying near the convention center and our team arranged a dinner at agave. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The service was phenomenal, the food was delicious and they really went way above and way beyond to take care of our huge party (40 people). We made a reservation ahead of time and they truly took great care of us. I will definitely visit agave next time we're in Atlanta and highly recommend if you're looking for a great evening out, that you check them out! WOW it was a HIGHLIGHT of our trip! THANK YOU to the staff for a wonderful experience!
(5)Patti C.
First off let me say, I don't like giving places bad reviews, but I have to in this case. I live in the neighborhood close by to Agave, and always wanted to try it, especially because I've read great reviews and always see the parking lot full when I drive by. I took some friends from out of town here Friday night. We had a reservation and we're given the option to sit on the covered patio, which we chose since it was such a nice night. Our server Amanda took our cocktail order within a few minutes and then a busboy brought them over a few minutes later. I will say the Texas Margaritas are fabulous, if you do go, get one. Five minutes or so after that she came back to take our order. Now, for the Catholics out there, it was a Friday during Lent, and I have a seafood allergy, so I asked to see their vegetarian menu, which they mention they have available on their main one. It took her 25 minutes to WALK BY US, and then I had to go over to her to ask "hey can I get that menu?" So she brings it over and finally takes our order. I had about a minute to decide on mine. Then our appetizers come out 5-10 minutes later. The guy who is refilling our water glasses sees that we are done with those plates and kindly clears them. I guess Amanda saw him do that so a few minutes later she comes over AND THROWS DOWN A DESSERT MENU AND STARTS CLEARING OUR SILVERWARE. And we were like, "Umm we haven't even gotten out dinner yet." Way to not even know the status of your table because you are too busy to come check in us. Our dinner finally came out about 15 minutes later, again delivered by another server or busboy who was kind enough to ask if we needed another drink, and then by the time Amanda brought those to us we were done with our dinner almost. Now about the food. Between the four of us we shared a "large" guacamole which could have served 2 people NOT 4, then my friend got the ceviche and the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno. Both had almost no meat in them, just full of filler. Ceviche is supposed to just be shrimp and tuna, but this was mostly tomatoes, so it would look like tuna. And there was maybe three tiny pieces of beef in the peppers. My other friend got the salmon for dinner, tiny piece compared to the other dishes of it we saw go by, definitely not $20 worth. I got the Guajillo Vegetable Pasta which is supposed to be "Grilled Zucchini, Squash & Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Red Peppers & Spinach tossed with Semolina Linguini in a Spicy Guajillo Red Chile Broth" but I didn't see a single asparagus, and the zucchini and squash were julienned and steamed, not grilled. There was no seasoning in the dish. I had to load it up with salt and pepper just to eat it. Overall just really bad service and disappointing food. I don't think Agave will get a second chance from me.
(1)Belinda B.
On the pricier side but absolutely delicious. I got the cayenne fried chicken which was not spicy (I'd prefer it to be spicier). Chicken didn't have any bones so it was super easy to eat. Lighting dim. Seating on the tighter side. Our service was pretty slow but maybe it was our misfortune. Waiter was super cool about switching cash for extra tip (so that we could tip valet). Parking: valet. So I have a short story about the valet guys. My car's battery didn't start--the guys found jumper cables from a restaurant worker and jumped my car. (Of course I gave them a much bigger tip than usual.)
(4)Sakeena M.
Nice place good dishes the spicy shrimp and grit cake are really good! Nice wine selection free valet parking is a PLUS! And they are on groupon!
(3)JJ G.
We raced in here one evening before a dessert event and needed sustenance FAST. When we walked in, however, we realized that this isn't a quick in-and-out affair. Nevertheless, we tried the chips and guacamole and were impressed with the flavor and execution of the green stuff. Honestly, I'm a guacamole snob, and I'd love to steal Agave's recipe/strategy for my own repertoire. The Mr ordered the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleño and really, really enjoyed it. I went with the Agave Salad and could not believe how delicious it was! The marinated vegetables played nicely with the nuts, and the dressing complemented everything else perfectly. And at a sub-$7 price, it's DEFINITELY worth ordering. I also asked for a side of the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, since that appeared to be a popular option. And as mashed potatoes go, they were really nice. We were in and out in about 35 minutes, due to our excellent server and the kitchen's hard work. I can't wait to come back and experience the highly touted margaritas and enjoy some more guacamole...at a more leisurely pace.
(4)Jeremy H.
We walked over here from a friend's place in the Stacks - conveniently located off of Boulevard and the strip of bars/restaurants/shops on Caroll St. The setting was dark and cozy. It was a little crowded on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected. The service was a little slow at first - took a while to get our drink and food orders in, but it was friendly and not a big deal. The food was awesome. The chips and salsa were good - tasted very fresh. I had the pork shank, which was fall off the bone tender and flavorful - served over garlic mashed potatoes. My wife had the soup and burrito. The soup was a bit boring, but the burrito was tasty! I also had a margarita, which was excellent! It is a little pricey for Tex Mex. Most entrees were $14-20. But the quality was a notch above too, so I wouldn't say it is overpriced. Definitely a great place to get quality tex mex. I'm sure I'll be going back!
(4)Tai B.
Had dinner tonight at Agave. Getting straight to the point, the food is good but nothing special. I'd eat there again if someone else wanted to go but otherwise I might not. Agave was having a special where if you are seated between 5 and 6 your entree is $12. This seems like a great deal, and may be depending on what you order but for me it was a $3 discount. I had the cayenne friend chicken which came with corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was good, but nothing special and I didn't get the cayenne reference- couldn't taste it at all. I also had a mango margarita, a bit overpriced at about $9 but it did the trick (had a long week, needed a bit of a buzz). The restaurant brought out my friends appetizer with the meal, which was pointless. Realizing they messed up, the staff didn't charge my friend for her food (fish tacos) and let her take them home in a to go box. This quick remedy in and of itself got them the 4th star.
(4)Aaron P.
Excellent fresh mex flavors are used in dishes that are just the right portions. The atmosphere on a Monday was quite, intimate and relaxing. One of my coworkers is a tequila connoisseur and insisted I check this place out. I was not disappointed, I tried the top shelf margarita and I can say it is the best I have had, not to mention you only need one. I am told it gets very busy Thursday-Saturday so this seems like a great week day date spot. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for.
(5)Abhi K.
I don't want anyone to think that I had a bad experience here. A 3 is pretty good in my book. I enjoyed my meal, but I only go to places that have a high probability of being good in the first place. There was just nothing here that warranted a 4 or 5. Let me explain. Drinks first: My margarita was weak. I got the mango nectar one. I thought it would still taste like a margarita but with some mango flavoring. It tasted like pure mango juice. Which is, you know, tasty and all, but I paid $9 for a margarita, not fruit juice. Also, the waitress looked at me quizzically when I asked for sugar around the rim, instead of salt. The meals themselves were decent, but the flavors could use a little work. I had the short rib taco. It was a gigantic taco, and the right size for one complete meal. The taco was spicy, so I can't say it was flavorless, but other than the spiciness, I don't think I could pick out what else went into the dish. The rice and beans were standard. Dessert was probably the best part of the meal. We had the dessert sampler so got to try a little bit of everything. I recommend either the chocolate mousse or the pumpkin cheesecake. Chocolate mousse has a little nutmeg or cinammon in it that makes it irresistible. And pumpkin cheesecake is pumpkin cheesecake. I'd stay away from the key lime pie. Parking is complimentary valet. They have a big lot so not really an issue.
(3)Carl-Frederick F.
Food done right....flavors are never lacking ,always packed but that's a good sign.only complaint is the portion.I understand its eccletic but danm.I feel like a 8 year kid being served and the price is not for kid.still a mist try though
(4)Dustin H.
I was really on the fence about a 3 or 4 star review here, but decided to be generous and go with a 4. This was a group of 10 for my birthday. The plan was for about half of us to get there at 730 and for the rest to gradually file in by 800 (we had reservations for 730). We were seated at 730, that was great...but the server kept asking if we were still expecting all 12. I told her we were never expecting 12, only 10 (and if she knew how to look at the table, she would know it was set for 10). Then she kept asking and asking about if all 10 would be there, and if not she would like to pull the last small table on the end away. After a few minutes, I finally confirmed, that yes we were going to have the planned 10, so she finally dropped her obnoxious inquisitions regarding our party size and pulling a table away. Anyways, I found it very odd that a "tex-mex" place does not have queso. They have salsa & guacamole....but no queso??? Whatever. That was a little irritating. Also, a good selection of margaritas, but for the price...I would expect them to be sprinkled with gold dust. $11.50 for an "award-winning" margarita that simply contains tequila, nectar, & lime juice is a bit much given their small size. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the food. I had the flat-iron steak, It was good, but nothing to really write home about. We may return here, and we may not...who knows.
(4)Lisha P.
Awesome food! Amazing margaritas and very cozy ambiance...totally worth it!!
(5)Lauren P.
You guys, this place is incredible! I came here in a group of 6 and we stayed for about 3 hours.... pretty sure we totally annoyed every surrounding patron with our noise and enthusiasm. ;-) For drinks -- I had the New Mexico Mule, which was quite delicious. Others drank multiple strawberry margaritas, so I think those were also well-liked. We shared a starter of guacamole as we waited for a couple late arrivals to our group. The guac was good, although there were some larger chunks of cucumber (I think) mixed in, which I wasn't as big of a fan of. The mixed tortilla chips and salsa were also pretty good. For our meals, I ordered the Navajo Flounder. It was very delicious, although the spinach below was a bit too salty for my liking. I also ordered several sides to share -- mac&cheese, the grits, and zucchini. The zucchini was grilled and fresh-tasting. Very good. I REALLY loved the grits, though... I almost wish I'd gotten the scallops entree like the person next to me, as they're served on a bed of grits. Others at the table ordered the lamb, the chicken enchiladas, the tuna, and the trout. Everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. We also ordered the chocolate torta and the peanut butter pie for dessert... yum. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to folks coming to Atlanta! Even better--they offered complimentary valet, so I didn't have to worry about where my car was going to go.
(5)Tameka L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! My favorite is the Spicy Tequila Anejo shrimp!! And you have to try the Peachtree margarita! I have never ordered a meal that wasn't tasty here. The ambiance is nice and there's a beautiful patio. The host is always pleasant and the service is always top notch. This place is always a hit!!
(5)B M.
We've been going to Agave for, at least, the past 15 years and have never been disappointed with the food, bar service (Thanks to Lisa & Staff), and especially the ambiance thanks to Tim who does a great job in managing the guest flow. On average, we probably dine at Agave twice a month driving from East Cobb and have always enjoyed this restaurant. I think I've tried everything on their menu and have enjoyed each serving and haven't been let down yet. Suggestion, make reservations either through their website or Open Table. They get very busy after 7PM.
(5)Sandy S.
Amazing food and service. I would recommend, went twice great experience.
(5)Chris S.
Very rarely does a restaurant stick with me as well as Agave did. After arriving in Atlanta for vacation, we were struck with the task of finding a good place to eat. We found Agave a few miles away from our hotel, and was instantly impressed with the decor and friendly staff. The important part about this review is that the stuffed trout entree gets the recognition it deserves. I don't know what they do to that fish, but it was so amazing that not only did I eat it all in about four minutes, we ordered another one to take back to the hotel. I could not wait to have it again, so I ate it cold.... for breakfast.... It was still amazing, even at 7:30 AM. As weird as that sounds, it really was that good. Apart from the food the chef was on scene and was super friendly, like the rest of his staff. Highly recommended.
(5)Regina P.
Overpriced and a strange menu selection. I ordered a taco dish off the menu and was given what appeared to be a burrito.
(3)K E.
Agave has become one of my restaurant favs when visiting the ATL. My auntie and unc decided to treat me here for my birthday back in March. Now, I love a good meal and the relaxed, adult atmosphere was a nice bonus. Unc and I had the salmon and asparagus, and needless to say it didn't disappoint. Auntie had the scallops with collards and tomato grits. I'm a South Carolinian and this gal loves her grits, so decided to give it a try. Ummm, yea, so that resulted in a side order of my own and I paired it with that scrumptious salmon - it was a magical medley in my mouth! Immediately, I fell in love and I make sure to incorporate Agave into my Atlanta trips. Try it...I promise your palate won't be slighted!!!
(4)Pamela S.
Absolutely delicious. Sat fireside for an excellent dinner that included seared tuna and fried chicken, and delicious margaritas. We had a couple vegetarians in our group who appreciated their special vegetarian menu. Very good service too -- my friend dropped a piece of his corn on the floor (I can't take him anywhere)! and they were kind enough to bring him a plate with more. Beautiful interior.
(5)brock h.
We went in search of a good mexican restaurant and stumbled onto this place. It is a santa fe style mexican restaurant that is absolutely incredible. I had the green hatch chille soup that was again incredible. We then had the braised short ribs and spicy tequila shrimp entrees. They both had great flavor. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Anthony O.
Excellent food and atmosphere. I had their award-winning Margarito which was very good. I also had the enchiladas which were fantastic. The place can be a little noisy and the service could be improved but overall it was a very good find in Atlanta!
(4)Kristin L.
It's a lovely evening at agave. Hubs and I decided to do an all-app night, which turned out great. Our server was happy to "course it out" for us. (His term.) We started with the guacamole and the ceviche martini. Both were very fresh tasting and had unexpected spices. Not just the usual. Strangely, Hubs really liked the corn kernel garnish they sprinkle around. Next was the Hatch Green Chile stew, which had wonderful complex flavors. Very rich and beefy. The taste of those chiles really shines. I could have done with a tad less potato in the stew. But it was still my favorite of the night. Went really well with the fresh tortilla. I SAID it was my favorite but what was the REAL favorite was the smoked tomato grits. My lawdy, those were delicious! They used to have something like them at Nava and I wondered if it was the same recipe. Do NOT -- do NOT -- miss those grits. Then -- chiles relleno and chicken quesadilla. These were both fine but nothing to wax rhapsodic about. I didn't like the taste of the coating on the relleno. Spanish rice was meh. Service was spot on. Although our guy seemed a bit stressy. We enjoyed it overall, very much.
(4)Danielle A.
This is one of me and my hubby's favorite go to spots. The fried lobster appetizer melts in your mouth. You must try the tequila shrimp and the fall off the bone short ribs. The drinks are pretty good. We usually sit in the loft area but this time we got a seat on the other side in front of the fireplace which was pretty sexy. Felt like we were in another restaurant but with the same delicious food that we love.
(5)Nikki F.
Soooo.. AGAVE! Best tex mex I have ever had! The ambience in the back of the resturant was sexy and romantic. My honey and I sat by the fire place the first time we went and after that dinner we went home and we were both happy people! Lol The food was amazing! I had the lamb shake which was cooked perfectly and my honey had the fried chicken with pablano sauce which was awesome as well. Wish I could give them 10 stars!
(5)Deb B.
The food and service were amazing! I had the sunburned NY strip and my lady friend had the lamb chops! Pure heaven in my mouth! Hats off the our server, who was the best ever!
(5)Lauren H.
We enjoyed our recent dinner at Agave. It was fairly short, as we were rushing to another event, but it was very tasty. Their chips and salsa are very fresh and yummy - not too spicy, but very delicious. For dinner we all had various menu items that were very good. I had the Southwestern Burrito & Stew. I really liked the burrito, but wish the stew was a little more interesting. My husband had the Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Shank which was amazing. Very tasty meal, only complaint was it wasn't quite as inexpensive as we had hoped. 1 drink + 2 entrees + tip was over $50. Oh well, at least it was tasty.
(3)Ward S.
Excellent!!! The Cayenne fried chicken and the Diablo crawfish pasta are fantastic. Service was stellar.
(5)Therealladyof L.
Was a fantastic dinner. We ordered the ceviche martini, the daily special as well as the medallion steak. All were fantastic. Our server was very attentive. Unfortunately we didn't have room for dessert. We'll make space at our next visit.
(5)Lori B.
Came right after work with a group of friends. While waiting for our table we sat at the bar and had drinks. The bartender and drinks were excellent, wish she was our waitress. She was very personable and happy to serve our drinks and conversation. Once we got our table in the room with the exposed kitchen, we realized that although it may be cool to see the chef the smoke from the cooking was quite overbearing. Our waiter was nonchalant and not very helpful with choosing menu options. One appetizer came after wee received our food, but the manager quickly rectified the situation by removing it from her bill and boxing the plate up so she could take it home. Everyone enjoyed their food so no complaints there. I recommend the street corn, it was excellent!
(4)Ali S.
Delicious plain and simple. Always consistent! Get the stuffed trout and chile rellano!! My favorite Mexican fusion in Atlanta!
(5)Wale I.
My wife suggested we come here and I must say, was thoroughly impressed. It's a bustling restaurant so make sure you call to reserve. Valet is complimentary but their attitude was so pleasant, it was a pleasant surprise. Now the food?! Top notch. From the salsa to the main dish ( can't remember what I had now), I was totally satisfied with looks and taste. It's also a nice place to hang out with their small but friendly bar. The atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(5)Daniel B.
Agave is a nice Tex-Mex restaurant located in Cabbagetown. The restaurant sits in the old Cotton Mill general store next to Oakland Cemetery. It's got a rustic look and feel, but the atmosphere inside is buzzing and full of energy. It gets loud in here. The bar always seems busy. There's an open kitchen, two main dining areas, and a small private dining area upstairs. I've tried many items off the menu. Here's the rundown: Appetizers: Fresh Homemade Guacamole & Chips Guajillo Mussels Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno Smoked Chicken Quesadilla New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew Cayenne Fried Calamari Entrees: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops Beer Braised Pork Shank Slow Cooked Short Ribs Both the guac and chips are made in-house and are fresh. The guac has a delicious consistency and includes chopped vine ripe tomatoes and cilantro. The mussels are very good. They are steamed in a red chile citrus wine broth. After finishing the mussels, the broth is great for dipping tortillas. Warning: I have run into bad (dead) mussels with this dish. The chile relleno and chicken quesadillas are also good. Both are quite flavorful. I especially like the steak and cheese combination in the chile relleno. While these are labeled as starters, you can definitely make a meal out of these two dishes alone. I'm not a big fan of the Hatch green chile stew. It's a restaurant specialty, but perhaps not for me. It's a hearty dish with beef tips, potatoes, and corn. The flavoring of the stew is OK, but didn't have me craving more. If you've never had it before, try it just for the experience. You may like it -- some of my tablesmates did. The calamari is light and crispy. It's not too greasy and this dish sets itself apart from other fried calamari dishes thanks to its dipping sauces: poblano habanero aioli and jalepeno jelly. The spicy jelly is also very sweet. As the mains go, my favorites are the lamb and scallops. The lamb is fresh, extra savory, and tender. It has great flavor. The scallops are a little salty, but also fresh and flavorful. I love the grits and collard greens that are served with this entree. The pork shank is tough, but the restaurant makes up for it by giving you a generous portion. It's a lot of meat. The short rib dish is OK. It's just not very memorable and I probably would not order it again. Service is very good. Despite what the menu says (one check per table), some servers are willing to separate checks. Thanks Jacob. Also, the host (partner Tim Pinkham) is very polite and friendly. So overall, the staff is great. Complimentary valet parking is available next to the restaurant.
(3)Troy M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I love Southwestern cusine and Agave has many wonderful dishes. The staff here is very friendly as well. This is a great spot for a "dinner for two" or a birthday dinner with friends.
(5)Keith K.
Most excellent. We came here after a day in the city. Everything we had was very tasty, from the guacamole to the entrees, and the desserts were a perfect end. We would highly recommend it. They were busy Sunday night but took good care of us. The wait staff was working hard but always pleasant.
(5)Diedre R.
If Agave wasn't already one of my faves, last nite visit would have ranked it a 2.5 star. I expect service at a place to be just a well if its near closing time as I do when I am there at 6 in the evening. We called about 9:40pm just to see if the place was packed and would we need reservations, when the person that answered the phone said no, of course not, but we close at 11. That's cool, we were there 15 minutes later. As promised, the place was not packed, one large party was still celebrating a birthday dinner, two ladies eating together, and one couple that spent the entire time I was there smooching with each other. We were showed to a small table for two, that was in a cramped space, so I requested another. We were given a larger table, but I have to admit that it was STICKY. like someone had taken a dry rag and rubbed over it. Our waiter showed up and advised us that someone would be by shortly with chips and salsa. They were. They also showed up with warm glasses upon which they poured in water, but no ice. We asked for straws and was told someone would bring them. Well, the waiter comes back gets our order and again we ask for straws for the water glasses. Shortly after-wards he comes back with our margaritas, and we ask for the straws again. I had the steak, and my dinner mate had the enchiladas. No complaints with the food. The margaritas were strong and good and full of ice. Finally someone came and asked if we wanted something else before last call, i replied no, and she said yes another passion fruit margarita. LOL. Its funny because when she left she said she was feeling passionate. Overall, not a complaint, its just the entire meal I felt like we were being silently reminded that they were closing at 11, and that's no way to treat me, if I there at least 40 minutes before you close.
(3)Benjamin G.
Whoa. Just whoa. I am in. Whatever Agave wants to do, I'm in. From the parking lot, all the way to the bill, it was a grand experience. First of all, comp valet. That was a huge plus. The dudes were hustling, too, as everyone was piling in for a work function happening inside. Really happy they do this. It was even a Thursday night and not completely packed. Talk about a nice perk. The setting is super cozy. Being off of Boulevard, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but I really dig it. We were in such a hurry and tried to make our meal happen in about 35 minutes. Happy to say that it worked out rather nicely. Started with guac, which is amazing. Super perky and they sure aren't afraid of throwing in the lime. My wife had the mashed potatoes and flavorful salad. She seemed to really enjoy both. I had the chile relleno, which was fantastic. Packed with steak, cheese, and other peppers. It was covered in other cheeses and baked nice and crispy on the outside. So awesome. I really wanted to try some more menu items, but our hurried needs but a quick stop to our eating. Excited to try more upon our next visit. Our server was so nice. She even helped us get out in a hurry, too. No complaints at all. Will I be back to Agave? Oh, hell yes!
(5)Jonathan M.
I love this place and eat here at least once a week. Best margaritas around.
(5)Andrew Z.
Chef Bradley is the man! I live around the corner from Agave and always wondered why their parking lot was packed with cars. I told myself "that place must be awesome". I had never been to Agave until last weekend, though. Let me tell ya.. It was REALLY good. They deserve every bit of a 5 star review. The valet service was quick, we didn't have to wait for our table since we had made reservations (you've got to make reservations folks, or you'd better expect to wait for a long time). Our server was spot on, our food was incredible. What more could you ask for? I won't bore you with the details of the meal, but I will say that there is something amazing for almost anyone. I was thinking it was going to be all south western type food, but they had that and more! We ordered about a million thing's off the menu and everything was really good. Mucho props to Chef Bradley and the rest of the kitchen staff. Those folks are dishin' 5 star food from start to finish. Even the desserts were over the top delicious; Whatever yall are doing - keep doin' it. We'll be back!
(5)Ashleigh P.
I really like Agave. Great food and Margaritas to die for. It's a little strangely set up and can get crowded and sardine like, but that's ok... I had the top shelf rita and the mango rita... om nom nom For the food, I had the guac and the shrimp dinner. Both were fantastic and full of flavor. Service was great and all of the staff was friendly. Great place to hang out and a great place to eat. good go to place semi fancy occasions or for a drink with friends... all are welcome. Oh, and I like the salsa. #45/100
(4)Richard T.
I've been so many times! The lamb, steaks...scallops! Each notable...the spicy grits and greens...service is excellent. Only a short ride from the downtown hotels in a cab....gets you out of the city and into a great part of town Stroll down Carroll street after dinner for more fun
(5)Jennifer A.
Just wanted to update...yep, still my favorite restaurant! I like to try new places to eat, but, Agave is so good it ends up being my first choice. Ask for Bobby! He is a superb server!
(5)Lisa S.
Agave is one of the most consistently wonderful restaurants in Atlanta. The chips and salsa are the best I've ever had, as are the Margheritas, and the guacamole is creamy and delicious. The only problem is that every item they have on their menu is so good that it's often hard to decide what to get. The crawfish diablo is always spot-on and because we don't visit this restaurant as much as I'd like I almost always end up getting it. But then I taste everyone else's entrees and they're always absolutely incredible, as well. I guess I'll have to start going more often so I can branch out and order other dishes. The service at Agave is top-notch! Every single person helping us was friendly and welcoming. We were there on New Year's Eve this year and were spoiled by the same terrific staff as always. I highly recommend Agave for a dependably delicious experience.
(5)Tracey L.
Always and I mean ALWAYS good! We went there last weekend, and I tried the ceviche for the first time...seriously, where have I been? Was an excellent appetizer. We tried the Anejo Shrimp and tenderloin medallions...Both excellent dishes. Excellent wine list, and service is solid. We have lived in the Southwest, and for a craving of original southwest flavor...we come here.
(5)Pam D.
Food was good, service wasn't great, but company was fantastic! Makes for 3 stars I suppose? When we arrived for our 8pm reservation, we were asked to wait in the crammed, tiny area up front next to the bar. This area was at capacity, and I was nervous that we may have to wait 30+ minutes for our reserved table. Thankfully, Agave is a larger restaurant than it appears from the entrance area, and they promptly seated us. Chips, salsa, and water arrived quickly, but things slowed down after that. It took a while for a server to come around for drink orders. We also tagged on an order of guacamole. And this is where things go downhill. See, we all ordered a flight of tequilas, and when we realized the second tequila was 110 proof, we started getting a little antsy about our guac that hadn't arrived yet. It was probably 30 minutes in before we had to remind the server out of guac- again, more out of necessity to ease the pain of the tequila. The guac came quick after the second request, but probably 5 minutes into our guacamole, a second one arrived at the table, and we had to explain the debacle to the guy delivering the food to the table. I ordered an entree that was on special for Cinco de Mayo...a lime grilled flatiron steak with creamed corn. It was delivered to the table as I ordered it - medium rare - but with no steak knife. Our server came to the rescue a few minutes later, but the "How am I supposed to eat this?" damage had already been done. Besides the service- my meal was incredible. I finished every last bite of steak and corn. Highly recommend this entree if you can get it. The last of our tequila flight came after our meals, which was a nice touch from the bartender to think the flight through like that. So, shoutout to whoever concocted our tequila tasting! I'm glad I finally tried Agave, but it feels more like a check off the list... I don't see myself rushing back anytime soon.
(3)Michelle A.
Excellent food. It was a little on the pricy side, but the quality of the food and experience make it worth it.
(4)Michelle T.
A great place for groups atmosphere-wise (service is a little slow), excellent margaritas and decent food (though i can't honestly say it was very memorable for the most part). I would have given it a 4 star review if the food were more memorable because we had a great time! Our party of about 30 people took over their entire back room (where the awesome fire place is) where our dinner menu was pre-set, family-style. I started off with the passion fruit frozen margarita while everyone else mostly went with the waitress recommended peach margarita. The frozen margarita was a winner in my book - HUGE, sweet, fruity and delicious. The peach one was on ice and more on the sour side. Not too much peach flavor, but a good contrast from the passion fruit. I distinctly remember the appetizers being really delicious. The bbq quesadillas (but of course, who messes that up!?!?!) and salad were spot on, as well as the spring rolls. The entrees were not too memorable and I hear the beef short ribs were pretty bad. The salmon entree was overcooked though seasoned well. Mac and Cheese was really rich, creamy and to-die-for. So I guess, bottom line - come here for the fun laid back atmosphere, excellent margaritas and hit-or-miss food, but then you won't notice after a few margaritas anyways. The service is SLOW for any larger groups, but if you're with a smaller party, it might all work out great for ya!
(3)Sally P.
Came here with a coupon that was 30% of the final check or something- food only. Let the host know before he seated us about it and he was fine with it. Despite there being only two of us, we got a four seater right behind the bar. It was fine, but the restaurant has a cozy ambience overall so I would have preferred something more secluded/romantic. Chips and salsa were really good and I ate my fill. But honestly, you get great chips at your regular El Toro or El Chupacabra kind of place. We ordered one margarita each- a Fresh Fruit Mango and a Agave Partida Anejo. They came in big mason jars. Both good but not great. I'm not a big tequila person so I got a pretty decent buzz halfway through. I ordered the shrimp entree, my compadre the lamb. The portions are small, but arranged artfully on huge plates. Is anyone impressed by that still? The shrimp were standard; they came with a corn cake thing that was pretty cool, and went nice with the tart cream sauce. The entire lamb dish was pretty underwhelming and not enough to be filling. Service was fine. The food was mediocre. For what it was it should cost $8-10 less on account of the portion sizes and menu descriptions that exaggerate its appeal. Overall I don't really like this place, and am really questioning the tastes of the people who said it was "awwwwwwwesome" but I didn't have a terrible experience so I give it 3 stars.
(3)Ricky T.
When I first walked in, I felt like I just entered a indigenous Latin American Indian house. The decor was definitely elegant and unique. I ended up sitting on the open balcony in the back. The sun was out but the balcony was pretty cool since it was shaded. So it was very nice. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and the burrito and stew as my entree. The food was mediocre. Nothing spectacular. But the prices were pretty reasonable. The salsa and chips were fantastic! However, one major issue during the experience was the service. Our waiter was terrible. He rarely came back to ask us if we needed anything else. We had to get his attention every time we needed something. He was nice but given the aesthetic quality of the environment, his service was probably comparable to a Waffle House. But aside from the service, the food was OK, prices reasonable, decor very nice.
(3)laura p.
My husband and I have been revisiting some old favorites that we have neglected to enjoy the last few years. Agave was one of them. OH MY GOD it was good! They have such and interesting menu with just the right amount of heat in the dishes. My seared scallops on grits with braised greens was one of the best plates of food I have enjoyed in a while. My husband was equally happy with his flat iron steak, and the beet and arugula salad - yum. We splurged and each got dessert, the peanut butter pie with a hint of heat in the crunch topping and dark belgium chocolate mousse recommended by our very helpful server, Paul. Everything was spectacular. We will not wait years to return!
(5)Jenn N.
All I can say is WOW! Great atmosphere, margaritas, service and food! I had the Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna which was amazing. My husband had a special that came with Brussels sprouts. He was not very excited about the side until he tasted them. I have never had Brussels sprouts taste so good! Great place for a date night. Make sure you have a reservation.
(5)jeff m.
This review probably won't make me very popular given the love that Atlantans have for Agave, but I have to be honest. It took us a long time to try it because the lines were always so long. When we finally went for an early dinner, we got a table right away without a reservation, which was great. Then the food came. I can only describe it as insipid. We started with some appetizers, the corn on the cob, the southwest egg rolls, and the tuna crudo. The corn was was the highlight, but a little messy. The egg rolls were on par with Chile's, but no better. The tuna had an odd taste. Try as we might, we couldn't identify it. Then came the entrees. We split the "famous" fried chicken and the stuffed trout. While both were disappointing, but the fish was especially bland. We took home leftovers which have been in our fridge a couple of days. I think we are both secretly hoping to forget about them until the next trash day. I don't see what the hype is....and I never will.
(2)Jess B.
Prices are fairly reasonable, especially for the hidden vegetarian menu (which you have to ask for). The chips and salsa were delicious, and guac even more so (and they are not shy of the lime, which I enjoyed). I ordered the vegetarian burrito and thought it was delicious! It was a very good sized portion of food, and came with a side of rice, which, sadly, was very boring. Margaritas are quite large, and tasted great. I took off one star for the restaurant being "boujie." The host seemed a bit insulted that we came in without a reservation, and the server was very pushy with his addons.
(4)Cristy S.
We were looking for a New Mexican joint - not the typical, "I'll take a D10" sort of place. Boy did we find a good one!! This place is AMAZING! You've gotta try the grits, the shrimp (says hubby), and the spicy peanut butter pie! I was very pleased with the vegetarian menu and ultimately decided on the blue corn veggie enchiladas. The traditional margarita is good and I hear the peach is amazing too - beware - they don't skimp on the alcohol!
(5)tisha M.
A friend brought me here before I left back to Texas... absolutely delicious. .. We share the pablano relleno, can I day yummm... And a tuna that was spicy but just made you want more. .. And the bartender recommended the key lime pie...I am so glad she did. .. The best I have had in a long time.
(5)Mark C.
Our first visit - we will be going back! Bar is kinda small, but the place isn't that big and has great character. Food and service were tremendous...
(5)Carla D.
I ate here so long ago that I don't remember what I had.... still its stand out in my mind as being delicious! I know we got the guacamole and some pizzole soup. I want to say I had the chilli rellano. Excellent fancy Mexican food. Great drinks! Strong enough to pack a punch but doesn't taste like it. Long wait, but it was the weekend of valentines day and they had specials for that.
(4)Eowyn C.
Let me start off by saying that this is a nice restaurant with pretty great margaritas. But I have to say, of all the times I've been, the food leaves something to be desired. The times I've been I've had the following: -Calamari: this is actually a pretty good appetizer and the sauces it comes with were both delicious. I could see myself coming back just for this and the margaritas. -Salmon: Salmon itself was alright, but it felt like this dish had no seasoning whatsoever. Very bland. Needed salt. The red pepper puree was just that: mushy red pepper. No cream or spice to kick up the flavor. -Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas: Once again, very bland. The pulled chicken was dry and had no seasoning. The sauce on top of the enchiladas was generic and the black beans tasted like they came from a can. Great atmosphere, good service, food was just not up to par with the prices ($15+). I'm not a connoisseur of Tex Mex by any means so if that is your thing, then feel free to take this review with a grain of salt...and maybe some lime...and tequila.
(3)Nik P.
Food is good. We used a Groupon. Well worth it. Only reason I took off a point is because it was very hot. Someone asked about the air and they turned it down. I've been here twice. Will go back. Great place for dates.
(4)John C.
Love the bartenders and the food. Really a great place. Belly up and have a Rita. Nothing bad to say about this place! 2 for 1 apps. And great salsa. Mmmmm
(5)Sean M.
The meatloaf is perfectly spicy, the scallops were well seasoned, and the margaritas (jalapeno, mango, and peachtree) were on point. The fried chicken reads better on the menu, but I'm biased because I was expecting more than a breast (in the south...). The sides can be a little small by local standards, but the meal was filling. The crust on the key lime pie is ginger. Need I say more? Definitely returning.
(4)R W.
Recently tried Agave after picking up a pretty fair deal via Groupon. Had hopes the food and atmosphere of this place lived up to my expectation. Can gladly say yes it did. Tried the fresh guac and calamari for appetizers, the southwest fried chicken adn strip steak for entrees. All were spot on and would defintely recommend you try them out. More than anything I have to say, while the food was great, the service was Excellent. Not one thing was missed and the host, service, and bar staff were all top notch.
(5)Heather D.
Great food, great service. This place beats Nava any day. I've been to Agave a dozen times and I've never had a bad meal here. In fact, every meal has been DELICIOUS! The shrimp and grits have a unique twist that ends up yummy. The trout is fabulous and you can't go wrong with the stew. Not to mention they have tons of great margaritas, Includung the pomegranite margarita that's more tart than sweet. TIP: check the savvy shopper for buy one get one free coupons every month.
(4)Jay P.
In town for business and a co-worker and I went here based on the Yelp recommendation. We were not disappointed! Both our meals were well prepared and the services was good. Despite what someone else posted parking was free and readily available though the venue was mostly full that evening.
(4)Michael K.
Yummmmmmmmm we really loved the food here! Quality ingredients, and good service. We ordered four appetizers and four entrees for four people (we eat a lot). Appetizers Smoked Trout, Green Chile & Bacon Guacamole: It was pretty tasty, but this was our least favorite appetizer. It came with a few chips scattered around it for aesthetics...but they already give a huge bowl of chips with salsa. Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas: The beef was very tender and we each took a small bite (cut each enchilada in half; there were four halves total). Pretty yummy, but not extraordinary. Ceviche Martini: Yes. Yes. Yes. Very delicious ceviche. The sashimi was perfect and the martini sauce on the dot. Homemade Veal & Chorizo Meatballs: Very yummy. Super soft-tender meatballs, and great with the cheese on top. Entrees: Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken: Wow. Amazing chicken. This came with two halves of corn that were deliciously grilled. The presentation was great, being a chicken dish. Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo: This is the dish I ordered and it exceeded my expectations! The trout was juicy and was complemented perfectly by the shrimp n rice. Grilled Chile & Lime Swordfish: The steak of the sea! The outside of the swordfish steak was crispy, yet the inside was soft and tender. Delicioso! Grilled Niman Ranch Bone-In Pork Chop: The pork chops were super tasty! It is served over a lobster puree and mashed potatoes :)
(5)Julia P.
The food here is absolutely wonderful. Try the scallops! The service is always extremely quick.
(5)Kristin B.
I still don't love Agave for dinner, but I'm a complete fan for happy hour! Monday through Friday, appetizers, salads, and soups are two for the price of one at the bar. Even on a Friday around 6:30, we were able to score three seats with relative ease, and we enjoyed not only the food and libations, but the attentive and funny service provided by the two bartenders and the eccentric company of the fellow patrons. I sampled two varieties of margaritas (though the traditional is larger and cheaper, the fresh mango was tastier and stronger), the calamari (huge and good for sharing), and the hatch chile stew (a GIANT bowl with tender tenderloin, grilled corn, and a thick green broth), and my total with tax and tip came right around $30. Not too shabby for a night out on the town.
(4)Preeti M.
Food was OK. Ambiance was great. Neighborhood questionable. Service was "eh"...started off well then he got fiesty as we asked where our drinks were and said "he got busy". Okkkk....not a fan of rude service. No need to return.
(3)Michelle S.
My husband and I dined here for dinner. The complimentary salsa was so fresh! A bite of spice, which was perfect. We shared the chicken quesadilla and the short rib & chorizo taco with rice & beans. The quesadilla was good, but the taco which was rolled up like a burrito was dry which I was shocked. The skinny margarita was delicious which it better be for $11.50! Our server was very personable and the atmosphere was more upscale than your typical Tex Mex place. Even though I wasn't blown away, we will give it another chance and possibly order some of the main dishes that contain the popular chili flavors, which is what the restaurant is know for.
(3)Kimberley B.
Very nice atmosphere. Romantic setting beautiful people. Best place for a romantic night or girls night out fun fun! !
(4)Chels B.
We enjoyed a rare child-free weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary and decided to check out Agave for our evening out. I couldn't be more pleased. I noted that we were celebrating an anniversary when I made our reservation and our table was tucked away, quieter than most, which was very appreciated whether coincidental or not, and a manager brought us two complimentary glasses of champagne soon after we were seated! It was a lovely gesture that we won't forget. We skipped appetizers since we weren't starving and are both big fans of the chips and salsa. I ordered the cayenne fried chicken while my husband ordered the flank steak. Mine was amazing. The chicken was so tender and flavorful and the grilled corn was perfect. The mashed potatoes (that accompanied both of our dishes) didn't have a lot of flavor alone, but were smooth and nicely complemented the other items on the plate. I also had a house margarita, which was delicious. My husband thought the sauce on the steak needed slightly more flavor and/or heat, but overall he was pleased as well. He is already talking about coming back to try the porkchop and the crawfish pasta. Thanks for a hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration, Agave! We'll be back soon.
(5)Michael F.
Start with some excellent chips and salsa (nicely priced at free) while drinking a well made tequila drink of your choice. Move on to well prepared main course while enjoying top notch service. Considering my weekend visit to Atlanta was filled with great food and good service, it was tough to decent on a four or five star rating. I guess I landed on a four and a half!
(4)Lola F.
I love it here. Great food (I always get the crawfish Diablo or the scallops and grits), drinks are excellent and awesome service! Must try if you're ever on this side!
(5)Sam D.
The food was good, but the restaurant was so noisy that it diminished the enjoyment of the food. The noise level was louder than some Tech football games I've been to. VERY NOISY.
(2)Ivan A.
This restaurant is a romantic win and a delectability win. We were seated next to the fireplace with only an hour heads up reservation. Although you really should reserve a few days ahead of time as I always see it packed to the brim nowadays. Last I went there probably over a year ago...my woman and I had a delicious fish and spaghetti meal. My memory is hazy though, so I can't really go into detail. Anyways, try it out and you'll be pleased.
(5)Greg C.
The food as described in the menu was interesting and inventive, and the drink menu had an extensive selection of tequilas, margaritas, and other drinks. The food we received was competent, but barely matched the menu descriptions. No one in my party was wild about their dish, and the entrees were somewhat expensive considering the portions/quality. The desserts we ordered were also pretty pathetic, and service was really slow and inattentive. After eating at Agave, I was diagnosed with food poisoning. It is impossible guarantee that my illness was caused by their food, and their owner claims they have had no previous incidents. Nevertheless, it is something to keep in mind.
(1)Gillian R.
Agave is in Cabbagetown and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the boyfriend's abode. I hadn't been and he'd only been once, so when we saw a Groupon, we jumped on it! The Groupon was $40 for a shared appetizer, full order of chips and guacamole, two entrees, and a shared dessert. We made reservations for a Saturday night, but on our way over, realized that the Groupon wasn't valid for Saturdays. We had an OH CRAP moment, then decided we'd see if they would let us use it anyway. When we arrived, my boyfriend politely explained to the host our issue. He discreetly spoke with the manager, who approved our voucher for the evening, and we were led to a candlelit table in the back room. They were so polite, so accommodating, and so classy from minute one. Our server, Gary, was friendly and accessible. He brought us our chips and salsa, then headed back to get the order of guacamole while we decided on an appetizer and entrees. We chose the mussels as an appetizer, I had the Anejo Shrimp, and he had the Rack of Lamb. For dessert, we chose the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie. I tried the jalapeno margarita, but it wasn't spicy--just had the flavor of jalapeno, which was surprisingly not great--so I ended up with a traditional margarita later in the evening, which was much better. We cleared our salsa bowl, which is pretty unheard of for us. We like salsa, sure, but for us, the guacamole is usually where it's at. The guac at Agave was amazing...thick, creamy, and flavorful! But we still ate our salsa, it was just that good. The mussels were tasty. I think I expected them to be more spicy, but they weren't. My favorite part was the tortilla that came on the side to enjoy the sauce when the mussels were gone! I enjoyed this dish, but also had somewhat higher expectations. My shrimp were good, but the star of my dish were the grits. Jalapeno and cheese grits, formed into a little square patty, beneath the biggest shrimp I've ever seen. They were creamy, cheesy, and firm...absolutely delicious! He had the rack of lamb, which he seemed to be fairly happy with. I think we were both expecting slightly more from our entrees, somehow. I'm not quite sure exactly what was missing for us. Perhaps we just made the wrong choices for us, somehow. The peanut butter pie was incredible. Spicy, peanutty, sweet, with an awesome graham cracker crumb crust. Although we were both incredibly full, we still managed to polish this pie off! Overall, we were really impressed with Agave. The ambience is spot-on, perfect for romantic couples and friends alike. The staff was friendly and professional. The food, for the most part, was killer. I definitely think we'll make our way back sometime and perhaps try different entrees to round out the experience.
(4)JoVonn G.
I met friends here on a week night and had a great experience. We sat up in the loft so we could people watch. Our margaritas were great and so was the food. I especially liked the southwest mac & cheese. The complimentary valet was a plus.
(4)Jodie B.
I went to Agave last night with one of my girlfriends, and it was pretty good! I had: -Ginger Soy Tuna Tacos: great flavor, fresh ginger, but the tuna inside was really cold! -Roasted Tomato & Serrano Stone Ground Grits: the grits TASTED AMAZING but the presentation looked kinda nasty... I'm not going to be as descriptive as I could be... but... maybe they should consider replacing the shallow bowl and going for a tall bowl & maybe having less quantity.... Anyway, wish I could tell you more about their (famous?) margaritas, maybe that'll be for the next trip!
(3)Devan J.
Went here yesterday for a business dinner. My GPS told me way too late when to turn into the driveway..so I had to circle the block. If you do not know where this restaurant is and you're going at night, good luck trying to find the entrance. Agave is located in a very random spot right off 20 West. Not an ideal location for such a high class restaurant if you ask me. The service was average and the food was decent. I am a very picky eater, and they fixed me food exactly how I wanted it, which was great. The complimentary valet was great as well. However, I woke up with a major stomachache..and since this was the last thing I ate, I can't help but wonder if their food made me sick.
(3)Nicole V.
It was great ... love their food and margaritas! !!!!!!! I'll be there again!
(5)Jackie H.
I finally got the opportunity to get to Agave for dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant got very loud. It was a fun place to have dinner. I'll start by saying that the fried chicken breast did live up to all its hype. It truly was delicious. Seasoned nicely, moist, fabulous. I'm a fan and it will probably be the one thing that gets me back to Agave. Also, the drinks were superb. I had the Peachtree Margarita and it was perfect. I also have to give it to them on the salsa that comes with the chips. It was some of the best I've had. I loved the blue chips too. Loved the corn on the cob too. It was grilled and I tore it the hell up. On the flip side, the other items that I ate did not impress me. The short ribs were very bland tasting, although very tender. They failed to live up to what I was looking for and I was mad at them. Also, I had some spring rolls that were so incredibly spicy until I couldn't taste anything else. It was obvious that too much of something was put in those. The quesadillas were pretty good, but not anything special. I'm going to have to add that I felt that the entrees were overpriced. Just saying. The service was outstanding. Everything flowed like clockwork. A+ for service here. Parking here is plentiful with free valet.
(3)Sean Y.
As shown this place is Tex-Mex restaurant. I had the swordfish and my date had the steak (i think), but both were very good. We each had a margarita (they boast a variety of drinks) which we downed by the time dinner was done. My total bill for two entrees, two margaritas, and calamari appetizer (comes with two different sauce) was $70 (not including tip). Valet is also provided, the parking lot is pretty small. Service was quick (our food came pretty fast) and attentive. The atmosphere was great, a little dim and cozy.
(4)Lorie D.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. The food, service, and atmosphere are all great and consistent. The inside tends to be crowded and noisy so I do prefer the outside seating. My favorite dish is the seared scallops with grits and collards YUM! I have tried a few other things on the menu and they were good but I usually stick with the scallops. I just love the combination of the roasted tomato serrano grits, it just all comes together well with the honey apple cider spiced collards, (which are great by themselves). I reccommend this place to everyone I know, love it!
(4)Kathryn F.
This is a great place to go for tex-mex....but it's not the tex-mex you're thinking of. I would absolutely recommend this place. It's solid. Service was out of this world. Food tasted amazing. But would I come all the way here from Smyrna? Probably not. It was a bucket list restaurant. Fabulous. Absolutely recommend it. But probably wouldn't come back. I am afraid I am in love with Bonegarden Cantina & Escorpion a little more. Guacamole dip: very good. It's not chunky so if you like chunky dip, you might want to opt for something different. They do have a guacamole dip with smoked trout and bacon. Unfortunately, we didn't see this until we'd put the order in. Swordfish: fabulous. Rubbed in chili and grilled. Served over a bed of chili mashed potatoes, which were equally fabulous. The serving was a little smaller than I expected but that's okay because I had room for dessert. :) Chocolate Torto: Oh. My. Goodness. Just order it. Save room and order it. Really. Order it!
(3)Bri B.
This was my first time here and the food looked delicious online so I decided to take a friend here for his bday dinner and to out surprise the food exceeded our expectations. Excellent customer service upon walking in the door and going out. I will most definitely be coming back ASAP
(4)Jin M.
Agave is nice. Valet parking, so you don't have to worry about getting your car towed while you're eating. Service is great, the host/hostess greets you when you walk in, and immediately seats you, and you're then greeted by your server, who is also nice and enthusiastic. Restaurant atmosphere is pretty nice. Not too big, dim lights, calm music. Everything is fine, but I don't think the food is worth all the hype. I also don't think food is worth the price. I got the beef enchilada, while my friend got the chicken enchilada. It wasn't amazing, it was just okay. It didn't taste authentic at all. Almost tasted like La Fonda's enchiladas. Wow, I'm really not too excited right now writing this review, can you tell? I also didn't have anything to drink, because I was driving. Maybe that's why my rating isn't as high. Maybe if I was drinking, I would think everything tasted amazing. Kind of like when you go to Waffle House when you're wasted as crap, and you think their grits are just as good as Flying Biscuits' grits. Anyways, I guess my only tip for this restaurant is--- either have a lot of money and order something expensive. Or start drinking, my friend.
(3)Shawn W.
Agave is a solid restaurant. The food and service are always dependable. Go lamb shank or short rib all day. If you don't eat meat the shrimp and tuna are very good. They do a half off appetizer at the bar m-f 5-7. Its a good deal. Don't forget the flan.
(4)Kin N.
Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We have been here many many times and we have not had anything we don't like. It's the place we bring out of town guest to and all of them love the food. My favorite is the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. It's always cooked perfetly with just the right amount of char and always tender. The scallop and fried chicken are good too. My favorite appetizer is the spring roll. Note: Yelp categorize this restaurant as Tex-Mex, that's incorrect. It should be Southwestern, which is a very different kind of food.
(5)Alayne H.
Finally, I made it to Agave. Not sure what took me so long as I drive by here everyday and have only heard good things about this place. It was a Saturday afternoon (Valentine's eve) and Agave popped into my head as a place to meet my friend for dinner. I asked for a reservation at 9p and they said they could take us at 9:15 - not a problem. When I arrived, my friend was sitting at the bar holding the last open stool for me. It was pretty crowded, but the bar service was efficient. The drink menu is extensive - several margarita choices, lots of tequilas as you would expect, good beer selection and very nice wine offerings. Agave is noted for their excellent margaritas but I opted for a beer. Upon being seated at our table, a bowl of fresh, warm, lightly salted chips and excellent fresh salsa were brought to us. We ordered the spicy shrimp & poblano spring rolls and also wanted some calamari. Our server suggested a half order of the calamari as he said the portion is big. I appreciated his suggestion on two levels - one it was nice that he wasn't concerned about knocking a few bucks off our bill and two, the calamari was just okay. However, the spring rolls were tasty especially when dipped in the red pepper jelly. I ordered the slow cooked short ribs marinated in ancho chiles & honey and topped with a chile glaze. They were served on top of goat cheese & roasted yellow corn mashed potatoes. EXCELLENT! The short ribs were very tender and the flavor was mouthwatering. The mashed potatoes were rich, but that didn't stop me from eating every last bite. They were too delicious to leave. Of course, I had to have dessert and ordered the banana plantain dark chocolate cheesecake. This dessert was also nothing short of excellent. The service was great, not rushed at all and they were very busy. I am definitely a fan and Agave will be on my regular rotation of fave restaurants.
(4)Obadiah S.
My companion and I had a go at Agave recently. This would be my second trip. We visited on a weekday evening. I did make reservations, but there was more than enough room to seat us anyway. The high point of the evening was definitely the margarita. It was fresh and tasty. Their drink offerings really show that even beverages, when made well, can really shine on their own. For my meal, I ordered the New York strip, cooked medium. The steak was just slightly underdone, hardly a huge screw up. I was a little put off by the crust on the steak though. The steak is treated with an herb and chile marinade. Unfortunately, one of the components in the marinade burnt as the steak cooked, imparting a burnt flavor on the surface of the meat. Again, not a huge sin, but I might expect a bit more finesse for the price. The steak was accompanied by mashed potatoes with corn. The corn added a nice sweetness and crunch to an otherwise ordinary side dish. While I give Agave three stars, I would certainly visit the restaurant again. There are a number of dishes on the menu that look interesting, and I would like to try some of them. To recap: the food is decent, fresh ingredients paired in unique ways. The few issues in execution are certainly forgivable. If you like tequila and margaritas, this place warrants a visit. All of the sour mixes are prepared in house, and it shows.
(3)Valerie N.
Came for a Saturday night reunion with a long lost friend! We thoughtfully called ahead with a reservation as Agave was slammed when we got there. Hooray! I always prefer the outdoor room (which can get LOUD) or the room with the fireplace than the room with the bar when you first walk in. Our wish was granted and we sat outside. Our waiter, who honestly looked like one of the actors from "Why Did I Get Married?" (seriously - I about died from starstruck awe...), was so cheerful and respectful of our reunion, he good-naturedly took a picture when we asked. Our meal was delicious and not rushed at all. The waiter graciously accepted my Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer (calamari! heavenly!). I love it when restaurants are flexible! My albondigas, as always, were delicious, especially when paired with a glass of malbec and a side order of grilled squash. My friend got the stuffed trout, which, I gotta say, was amazing. I will definitely consider getting it next time. This was my first time trying the Mexican coffee and I must say, yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!!!! Arrrrriba! It was delicious, but definitely needed to be split between me and my friend. It was tasty with the key lime pie and fresh cream. I love Agave. It never lets me down, thanks to delicious food and amazing staff. Well done!
(5)Giulio G.
This place is definitely a hidden gem. We have been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and they are always ready to accommodate your needs even with last minute requests. In our case we made a reservation on Saturday night for 6 PM for 3 people. Right before dinner we realized that 6 was not going to work. We needed an extra 30 minutes and 2 more people added to the party. Not an issue. The food as always was very tasty and well prepared. I had the special which consisted of a monk fish fillet topped with shrimps with brussel sprouts and shallots on top of a parsnip puree. It was absolutely wonderful. Other people in our party had the Shrimps anejo and the trout. Everybody was happy and satisfied with their meals.
(4)Sami A.
There was a lot of hype about this place on Yelp and I decided to check it out when I saw the free appetizer upon check-in via Yelp. Overall, friendly staff, good service and decent decor. Otherwise, the food was merely average--nothing that I couldn't get at a chain restaurant. We ordered the calamari to start and I ordered the trout for myself. The calamari was slightly above average, but the trout was nothing special (though it was quite large). I'm not sure if it was the very high expectations that Yelp had built up for us, but I would be lying if I didn't reveal that it was a little bit of a let-down.
(3)Bobbi L.
Excellent from apps to dessert. Great service. Killa margaritas!
(5)Lauren M.
Ok, so the best thing about Agave is without a doubt the margaritas. Best in Atlanta hands down. I have been to Agave only twice, as it is quite pricey, but I love it every time. I keep telling myself the next time I have about $100 to blow, that's where I'm gonna spend it. Great food, good atmosphere. The only complaint I have is the pricing. Other than that, this place gets an A+ in my book.
(4)Eric B.
Good service. Eclectic menu with fresh ingredients.
(5)Jang C.
I should've known to not believe the hype. Like other Yelpers, I tried to love this place, but it's just an A-OK place. Yes, it's a cool, trendy place inside. It looks like a great place to take your date and have a nice drink. You feel so attractive, hip, cool, and trendy just going inside it. However, If your date is a food geek, don't expect to get lucky. The food is mediocre and overpriced. For example, their ceviche has no protein. Okay, I'm exaggerating; it has some seafood. However, it felt like they only added 2-3 pieces though. It consisted mostly of vegetables. If they reversed the ratio of vegetables and seafood, it would've been perfect. I love ceviche, but it disappointed me. I love short ribs too. But once again, this dish disappointed me. The ribs seemed to be cooked well. And it fell apart like butter when I touched it with my fork. The only problem: it was tasteless. I don't think they gave me enough sauce for the short ribs. Otherwise, it would have tasted good. They need to add a bit more sauce to this dish. The sides for the short ribs tasted good though. Who cares though? The short ribs should be the star, not the sides. I also tried the serrano stone grits. It looked like puke, but it tasted good. I think this was one of the better dishes of the night. How was the service? Pretty slow. Because it was a busy Friday night, it took the servers a long time to do anything for us. Sometimes, he disappeared to some unknown place for a long time. Maybe if we came during non-busy times, the services would've been better. Overall, it's an overhyped, overrated, and overpriced place. I don't drink, so I can't comment on their drinks. Their food is average but has potential. Unfortunately, their best dishes seemed to be the sides and the chips and salsa. I'll be nice and round this 2.5 place to 3 stars.
(3)Heidi S.
Went on a Monday and were greeted & seated quickly. Service was on point. I enjoyed a regular margarita and then chose the Pomegranate one for my 2nd drink (too sweet for me, should have stuck with the excellent first one!). Food was excellent and well thought out - love when I can ask a server for a recommendation for food/drink, get something great and not feel like they're up-selling me! Check it out on the "non-weekend" nights to avoid the crowds/lots of noise. Free valet parking if you pull up by the restaurant, but enter the parking lot closer to Memorial to park on your own.
(5)Asma A.
This is a very cute restaurant. The first time I went there, I loved the ambiance. In that sense, I guess you could say that It's definitely a nice date-spot. Portions are nice. We ordered one appetizer and ended up sharing an entree. I love it when restaurants know that you are sharing the food, they end up splitting it for you evenly. Food was great. One of the better Tex-mex places in town. I have overall been here a few times and I have enjoyed the food every time I have been there. Definitely a place worth to try out if you are in the mood for some Mexican!
(4)Guron H.
I decided to go after seeing all the good reviews. I was not happy with the peach margarita.....waitress said no problem, took it back and would take off bill but never did. I ordered a margarita which was good. I had the guacamole appetizer and it had a dark/rotten piece of avocado in it. For the main course I had the salmon. I was surprised to receive one of the whitest pieces of overly farm raised salmon I have ever had...bland and absent of spices/pepper as described on the menu. All in all I would pass on this place. I left hungry and wound up picking up a pizza for my family of 3. We are seriously not big eaters but for 100.00 dollars you should be able to feed 2 adults and a child on a Monday night.
(1)R B.
Very attentive staff. Everyone was courteous. Dined in after 9 on a Saturday evening. They were several groups, but our party of two received adequate attention. We ordered the trout and southwest egg roll appetizer. My favorite was the dessert: chocolate mousse. We also had strawberry flan, which was so so. The liquor was too watery, IMHO. I will definitely return and recommend to friends.
(5)Tracie J.
Oh me'Lord! I love this place. Awesome food. Great service. Cool atmosphere. That's all I need. I've been a number of times and have never ever had a bad meal. Some of my entree faves are the lamb chops, strip steak and cayenne chicken breast. I want to try more dishes, but those are my go-to choices.
(4)Frenchtoast S.
Food was prepared to perfection. Everything in the menu was delicious. I would definitely recommend getting a drink while your waiting for your food since it can take a while for it to come out and they have a long list of cocktails and drinks available.
(5)Sean M.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I've been a total of 7 or 8 times, and it's never let me down. The food is great, the service is great, the wine list has a nice selection of reasonably priced South American stuff (my favorite when I'm eating spicy food), and this is one of the few places around town where I'll ever order a margarita. The meatloaf is my favorite. That's what I usually get, and I also like that it comes with their amazing mac n cheese. It also comes with collards, which I'm indifferent towards, but I'm not from the south, so I can't criticize. I've also had the fried chicken, the scallops, the enchilada, and a few other dishes. You really can't go wrong with any of it. In this price range, I don't think there is a better place in Atlanta.
(5)Kyle T.
Make a reservation. Went on a Friday night around 8PM and the bar was packed. We had reservations so we were seated immediately. Cool vibe. Perfect for a dinner date or to just get some points for a romantic dinner. It is a little tight in there but not too noisy. Had the Cayenne chicken and the wife had the strip steak. The food was great and not over seasoned. When we left there were a lot of people waiting and the you could barely get to the bar. So arrive early unless you're just there for the bar scene (which was looking quite lively).
(4)True F.
Went with the Ladies Dinner Club of ATL, so we share apps and often share entrees so that we get to experience a lot of dishes. Chips and salsa were good. I was not impressed with my margarita at all, but didn't send it back either. Apps: meatballs, shrimp spring rolls, calamari Entrees: lobster pasta special, sea scallops, stuffed trout, lamb Dessert: key lime pie, peanut butter pie, dark chocolate torte, chocolate mousse Everything that I tasted was very good and everyone enjoyed their main dish. The collards and grits were stand out sides. Even with a discount, this place is pretty price for the portions. Nice lively atmosphere. Service was average. This wasn't a 1st visit and I'd definitely go back.
(4)Cherparadise B.
Took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day . Very nice restaurant. My/Her food was great ! Loved it! The waiter was very attentive. Will be back !!
(5)Tieren S.
Maaaaaaaaan..... I don't even think an extensive, detailed account of the food and experience will give it justice. Let's just say I had the ultimate "mouthgasm" of my life. No lie. Waiter was cool and attentive and I think I gained like 5 lbs. but it was worth it.... Oh it was worth it. The chips and salsa were excellent. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. The guac tastes just like mine. (I'm a pro) I had the burrito and stew. Was a lot for $12 and delish. My man had the meatloaf and a couple sides which he enjoyed thoroughly... Oh and to wash it down, it was only right to get a peach margarita.... You know being in ATL and all. Bottom Line: If you like tex mex... Make this joint a priority. Ps. Free valet parking ;)
(5)Peachy J.
I am truly a fan! Went last night for the second time, and I swear I can't seem to find anything bad on the menu. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. The dishes are very creative and nothing you can get anywhere else, so not sure why its classified as Tex-Mex. It's more like upscale modern Mexican. So far my husband and I have had the flounder, trout, pork shank, and pork chops and they have all been cooked to perfection. The portions are just right, and to end the meal we had some very tasty margaritas that where heavy on the tequila (Just the way I like them!) If you haven't been you must add them to the list to check out.
(4)Heddy K.
Agave is one of my very favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have super margaritas, very tasty food, subdued atmostphere. They are always full, which is a good sign. They have good chicken fingers for kids too. We always take family and friends here when we have a full house. Also they are great supports of the neighborhood, always sponsoring our preschool.
(5)Micaela G.
My second visit to Agave was as delicious as my first visit. I love that Agave has consistent good food, and awesome service. My meal started with the Agave Salad, which is a yummy concoction of field greens, artichokes, corn, and zucchini. I had the chile rubbed seared scallops with grits and honey cider collard greens as my main course. The scallops were amazing! I loved the spicy flavor of the scallops with the sweet and savory collard greens. The flavors balanced out nicely. My whole dinner was perfection, and my husband loved his meal too! Agave will be my first choice when i'm in the mood for Southwestern food. This restaurant beats Nava, hands down!
(5)Jenna B.
My friends and I go out to eat, and this is a place we had been meaning to go for a while. About two weeks ago, we finally made it in after doing some reserach on places that would accept reservations for large parties. We ended up having about 11 people in total. The food itself was overpriced but decent, the service, however, was subpar. Maybe it was an off night, but I have seen a couple of other reviews thinking the same thing...so I am not sure what that means. The waiter seemed very uninterested in helping us, and took way too long to get our drinks and appetizers. At one point we even tried to cancel our appetizer since it wasn't worth it anymore, but they still ended up bringing it about 20 minutes later (and charging us of course_. I understand with a large party it is not always pleasant to have to split checks, and that it can get confusing. The drinks put on the checks were for all of the wrong people, but no one really complained. We handed the waiter our credit cards, and I guess he realized some of his errors and ended up changing what was on the checks and charging us different prices than we had seen on the original checks...which were all still incorrect and of course more expensive. In short, if you do plan on trying this restaurant, I highly recommend NOT going in a large group.
(2)Kristin T.
I love Agave and will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who visits Atlanta and likes Southwest food with a little bit of a creative Southern twist. As an avid reviewer of salmon entrees- Agave's dish is pretty delicious. And if you like tequila, Agave will have something for you, (I think they offer about 100 different varieties.)
(4)Katie D.
One of the best meals I've ever had. Wish it were closer, but its definitely worth a try.
(5)Shannon H.
I've been to agave many times, with diverse sets of friends, and I don't know anyone yet who doesn't find something they love here. There margaritas are outstanding and there's an impressive wine list. For food, the choices are diverse. I recommend the diablo crawfish pasta, pork chop, anejo shrimp, sashimi tuna, grouper, trout, tenderloin medallions, or the lamb. Best plan yet is to go with a crowd who doesn't mind sharing bites and order several of these, so you get to try more than one! Make reservations on weekend nights, though, as how good they are is no secret.
(4)Julie J.
Long waits, but getting a margarita bar helps the time pass right away. The food here is delicious. It's not your typical Mexican food, but rather, it has all sorts of "comfort"-type dishes with a Tex-Mex flair. At the table, we had the halibut, the enchiladas, the diablo pasta, and the meatloaf. If you're in the mood for something specifically Mex, definitely try the enchiladas. All in all, a fantastic meal and service was great. Definitely going back soon.
(4)Lisa A.
Thanks Yelp! My husband thinks I'm the best wife ever, as I found Agave. Ever since I met him, every time someone asks him what his favorite food is, he always says New Mexico/Mexican. While I was looking at reviews, I noticed one for Agave. I saw the words "Hatch Chilies" and a little light went off in my head. When he came home that night, he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner and I said "I don't know, maybe try this place that uses Hatch Green Chilies?" Needless to say, we arrived at Agave in like 15 Min's. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy, who quickly showed us to our table. Our waiter was very prompt and brought us a nice basket of warm chips. The salsa was a little bland, but when my husband asked if they had a hotter sauce, he quickly brought us a sliced jalapeno chili, to mix into our salsa. My husband had the green chili stew and burrito, he was very happy. I had the fried chicken and it was excellent. So flavorful and juicy. This is no regular fried chicken, it has a kick! If my husband had his way, I think we would eat here everyday. So, thanks Yelp, you made my husbands day!
(5)Shaun M.
Agave is now my favorite place. The guacamole is a must as an appetizer. Their famous fried chicken is a can't miss if this is your first time going. Add some sides like mac and cheese or collard greens, and you'll be instantly hooked. If drinkings your game, take a look at the huge selection of tequila and wine. And the best part is their staff. They are very friendly, helpful with recommeding good choices, and are just as enthusiastic about the food as you will be.
(5)Bruce B.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. The Cayenne Fried Chicken and the Beef Medallions are my favorites; Service is great, but the place can get fairly packed on a weekend (or even some weeknights!). Prices are expected for the quality of food. This is a great place to take a date/partner for a good meal.
(5)live to nibble d.
When size matters, Agave simply cannot be ignored. This neighborhood favorite of many in and around Cabbagetown serves up some well-loaded plates every night of the week. The margaritas are always excellent, blended with great selections from a long list of tequilas, and are always of more than sufficient strength. When comfort is the goal, the beer braised pork shank should hit the spot. Just looking at the hefty hunk of meat should have a grounding effect on the stomach (photos of the food may be found at livetonibble.blogspot.co… ). There is nothing fancy here, just tender long cooked meat with simple seasoning that is savory, but not overpowering. The braised greens provided the much needed fiber for a bit of balance. Not everything on the menu exemplify simplicity, however. My mountain trout stuffed with crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice with a roasted tomatillo sauce and cilantro complicated things a bit, but somehow still managed to come off looking and tasting rather rustic. There was a nice kick of acidity from the tomatillo sauce. But it was not pronounced enough to make one take notice with every bite. One thing remained consistent throughout all the dishes - the size never got smaller. Nothing at Agave is earth shatteringly good. Yet, it's a place I want to go back to, if only because it feels good to lean back into the chair.
(4)David S.
Last night was my first trip to Agave, and it exceeded all of my expectations. My girlfriend and I arrived before the couple with whom we would be dining, so we took a seat at the bar and had to try the "best margaritas in Atlanta". I got the Texan, she got the traditional, both were great. Nothing is more dissappointing than a weak margarita and Agave's are anything but. Great flavor, too. Later our friends arrived and we were seated and greeted with a bowl of chips and salsa. This was no run-of-the-mill salsa either, you could tell it was very fresh which made it taste even better. A nice heat, and not very salty at all. Since all entres were $8 (yes, even the $24 rack of lamb), we decided to try a bowl of the Green Hatch Chilli Stew as an appetizer. It was fantastic. I ordered the Tequila Spicy Anejo Shrimp, my girlfriend ordered the Southwestern Burrito and Stew...our friends had the Rack of Lamb and Tenderloin Medallions. We all shared...the meat was tender, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, the cheese grits cake that came with my dish was mouth-watering, everything was just so delicious. And spicy, I loved that the chef wasn't afraid to make a dish spicy. Nothing was tame or bland at all. Awesome. We didn't have dessert because we were all so stuffed. The experience was great, this is definitely on my list of places I can't visit often enough.
(5)Jeannine G.
Agave is great! I have been about 6 times now and they never fail me on service or great food! consistency is the key and they have it! Love it!
(4)Crystal W.
My first experience was on My 30th B-Day... Woohoo! I am totally a fan! First I ordered the Mango and Passion Fruit Margarita (You have to ask for it, not on the menu) ... Soooo good, I had to have 2! Then I ordered the Diablo Crawfish Pasta... wow! It was not too spicy it was just right! I also tasted my husband's Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno grits... it was sooo tasty! My party also enjoyed their meals... the hubby and I will be back soon!
(4)Joi M.
I tend to frequent the same restaurants in Atlanta because I know I can expect great food, exceptional service, and just a fun time in general. If it were not for Yelp I would have never thought of trying this place. The first time I went was on a Friday night last fall and even though it was only 9, the parking lot and restaurant was packed (I always go early now). I sat at the bar. The bartender Lisa is always so nice. The chips and salsa were great, the margaritas were good and the chicken enchilada entree was delicious. I've returned twice since then (once for National Margarita day when drinks were half price) and I love the 2-for-1 appetizers at the bar from 5-7 (the bar only sits about 12 people). Plus, you can see the chefs preparing and cooking the food from the far end of the bar which I always enjoy. My favorite appetizer is the mussels. The best mussels in Atlanta I think. The broth is really good. Even though it is tomato based it does not taste like tomato. The mussels are seasoned as well as the broth and it comes with a hot tortilla. I also like the chicken quesadilla, calamari, and they are all big enough to share. I went on Monday for my birthday and had the scallops! So good! With grits and I love that they serve greens with it! Eating out at so many restaurants in Atlanta I noticed they charge between $20 & $30 for a dinner entree yet fail to serve any vegetables! Lisa lit a candle and brought out the birthday mousse which was chocolate and was really good even though I am not much of a mousse fan. This is the only restaurant I can think of where I usually get more than 1 drink. I've always been too full to try their desserts though. I will be returning just so I can try more of their delicious dishes.
(5)Jason E.
Since moving less than a block away I've visited Agave at least once a week. I even chose it as the venue for my 24th Birthday celebration. As with all of my visits, my last was AMAZING. I always go, with exception of my Birthday, between 5 and 7pm for the 2/4/1 appetizers special at the bar. The Calamari and Mussels are always SPOT on. I can't help but finish the Mussels off by slurping up the broth all by itself. AMAZING flavor and just the right amount of heat. I love that the kitchen is so open to the bar. Along with that, the atmosphere is just right. Always nice and dim, but not dark. Great music to accent the always wonderful conversation. The staff is truly amazing also. James was out server for my Birthday and flew solo for our 12 top table. He never missed a beat and just has the most genuinely amazing personality and a smile to kill! I'll keep going back as long as those Texas Margaritas are flowing and they let me in the door. ALWAYS a sure bet. ENJOY!
(5)Michael B.
Good food and generally interesting. Good service. We often forget abt this gem but are always glad we went. The salsa is great.
(4)Sandra J.
Best Margarita!!! Great Tequila!
(4)Lucy L.
I always receive excellent service and the food and drinks are fantastic! One of the best margaritas in town. The bar is very small however they have a great happy hour during the week and the bartenders are fabulous!
(5)Herman N.
I now understand why everyone calls Agave bland/just OK. It's not that the food is bad (it's actually pretty great); it's just that it's not very spicy, and I would wager many who try out this Cabbagetown joint expect a certain fiery Southwestern flair. That being said, I'm not a big spice guy and I thought the food was quite tasty. I had swordfish and my lady had a vegetable plate (which I'll admit won of the two entrees on this particular evening). The guac was also rich and creamy. Unfortunately, my margarita was really sweet (almost too much so to drink), and our server, Lucas, after initially impressing us with his vast knowledge of the restaurant and its menu, decided to never check back and make it a true pain to even leave the place. That said, I'll certainly give it another try, if only for the food.
(3)Ryan D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We became regulars at this establishment (definitely put a hurting on our wallet). Food always amazing, best margaritas, educated staff, friendly management. Go!
(5)Suzy D.
Great fried chicken & mashed potatoes.....good service with yummy chips and salsa and killer margaritas...yummmm
(4)Yvette J.
Agave is proof that it is a small world... Several years ago, I was reading a review of Agave and Hatch green chile was mentioned as part of the food enjoyed. Hatch green chile is special chile. It is grown in Hatch, NM and few people outside of the state of New Mexico are even familiar with it. I grew up in Albuquerque and know Hatch green chile well. My interested in Agave was piqued. I visited the web site and was surprised when I read the owner was from Albuquerque, too. Then, when I saw the owner's photo, I laughed because I knew him in high school! We went to different high schools but hung out in the same social circle. Small world. So, my husband made a visit and it instantly went on our list of favorite restaurants. We have taken my parents (visiting from NM) there several times and they love it, too. The cayenne fried chicken is the best fried chicken I've had (although I've never got to try Scott Peacock's at Watershed). I've, also, tried and enjoyed the blue corn enchiladas, the pan seared tuna, the tequila anejo shrimp and, the tenderloin medallions. My favorite starter is choosing a yummy margarita from their extensive margarita list. This place knows how to make a fantastic margarita. My new favorite is the Pommarita - pomegranate margarita. The service is friendly and attentive. Drink and food recommendations are always offered. They have a small valet lot or you can park off street. Their valet hustles and earns every tip. And, they are kid friendly! We took our almost 1 year old there back in May. They had a clean high chair for her to use and gave us a great, roomy table on the patio. Our server was kid friendly, too. At the end of the meal, he told us he had nephews and has been around a lot of kids and wanted to let us know that our daughter was one of the most well behaved toddlers he has ever seen. I thought that was a nice compliment and was proud of my young daughter (my biggest fear in public is being "that parent" with "that child."). Aces Agave!
(5)Nik G.
I had dinner at Agave for the first time for my husband's birthday. It has gotten stellar reviews, so we were really excited to finally go, especially since we live 5 minutes away. First off, I have to admit that the interior is not as great as I was expecting. Now saying this, I'm not really sure what I was expecting exactly being that it is a Tex-Mex spot, but nevertheless, it was less than what I expected. It has your typical "cantina"-esque interior. Anyway, we started out with the chips & salsa with an order of guac (of course) and it was great. Since we were being piggies that night, we also ordered the calamari as an additional appetizer. It was fantastic. For dinner, I had the "famous" cayenne fried chicken. It was delicious. I forgot what the chicken came with. Mash potatoes maybe, and also corn on the cob. It complemented the chicken well. All in all, I give Agave the thumbs up--I just would like anyone else reading this to not get totally blinded by all the awesome reviews and expect more than what it really is. It is a Tex-Mex CANTINA. haha I have to admit, I think Holy Taco is better.
(3)Lorne C.
One of the best Neuvo Mexican in the city. We have gone there for both company dinners (which do a family-style dinner), for a friend's birthday or just when I want some great food, great drinks, in a wonderful setting. Some of my favorites are the Chile-crusted Grouper, and the Agave Cayenne Fried Chicken. Place gets very busy and crowded, but fun none-the-less. One of my Top 5!
(5)josie p.
It speaks volumes to me when I dine out & the entire evening exceeds expectations... That's exactly how you'll feel after eating at Agave. I haven't tried anything on the menu that's been a loser, but speaking from experience, the nightly specials offered here are so superb, you'll hope they become a regular fixture on the menu. I tried the spicy seared Halibut once & still salivate over it to this day. As many have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Fried Chicken or Shrimp & Grits... both entrees are slightly different variations from the norm, but hit the spot nevertheless. They have a plethora of side dishes to choose from that I could have as a meal in & of themselves (I'm partial to the honey cider collards) & they have no problem subbing out various veggies if you'd rather have one over the other. I think the servers here are excellent & are quick to offer up suggestions if you're torn between certain dishes. If you go here, you MUST sample a margarita. I don't care if you aren't a fan of them (to be honest, I'm not partial to sweet & sour, lemon lime drinks myself), they will have some sort of fabulous drink concoction to suit your needs. Trust me, they pack a deceptive punch! I adore the mango & pomegranate margarita, but they have numerous variations for everybody's taste buds. I so wish I could afford to eat at Agave on the regular... Sighhhh.
(5)David J.
Excellent... All around excellent from the food to the best margaritas in town hands down (and I have tried A LOT of them :)) This is New Mexican food not Mexican so for those of you that don't know... They are two different places. One is part of the United States and the other is a whole other country... Not the same. The service here is impeccable and friendly. The decor is about as close as you can get to authentic in Atlanta as possible... I think in almost all of my time in New Mexico I never saw a booth... lol
(5)Francis M.
I took my girlfriend to Agave for a long promised steak dinner and we were definitely not disappointed. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Mango Margaritas were fantastic. Even the service was good. Our waiter was very polite, knowledgeable, and attentive. The only complaint I have is that Agave isn't really an intimate place to dine. The tables are kind of close together due to the small dining room... but I would still go back again.... And again. :0)
(4)Three M.
Very friendly staff, but our waiter was definitely going for the upsell a bit too much. You can tell the design is supposed to be all southwestern adobe-chic, but it felt a little stuffy and uncomfortable. Which is too bad, because if they had some comfy booths or banquettes, it would be really nice with the fireplace and all. I ordered the special swordfish, which came with some super yummy sweet potato concoction that did not go with the rest of the dish at all. Seemed kind of thrown together. And the fried chicken is definitely breaded with cheez-its. For real. Bottom line is, go once just for the sake of going, but you probably wont go again.
(3)Elle R.
My favourite restaurant in Atlanta. I have never taken a guest there who did not love it as well. Consistent, every single time. The fried chicken is awesome, desserts great and margaritas out of this world. It is a must go to in my book!
(5)Emma C.
I love this restaurant. I've come here for at least two of my birthdays, and various other special occasions. I've tasted almost everything on the menu and I can say that I love it all! The seared sesame tuna is a favorite of mine, and the margaritas are divine. The amiance is chill and pleasant, service is usually pretty good, but the food and drinks are above average in my book. Definitely one of my long-time Atlanta favorites.
(5)Andrea R.
Love the spicy shrimp and poblano spring rolls. I think the bar should be enlarged, but that's just me.
(4)greg g.
I work in food and bev my store closed at nine at night. I was looking around for a later evening place w/ a fun delicious atmosphere. By the time i get out and want to take my girl out for a fun date most good restaurants give you the we are closing in an hour look. Y'all know that look lol. Well i live near agave i always pass by thought I'd finally check it out. The valet was great the guys were really nice. As soon as my date and i walked in i was captured by the south western vibe and loved all the different types of old crosses on the wall. oh and we did not have a reservation. We were sat in less than five min around 9:30pm and the place is packed I'm already impressed. They sat us next to kitchen line which is cool right in the middle of the place. So i was engulfed in a radiance of scents that made my mouth just water. My date was also impressed by the quality of service thus far. Quickly i looked over the apps and saw the spring rolls had to have them. Our waiter was super n ice but didn't hoard the table for his tip if you know what i mean he was very professional. She got the shrimp w/ grits and i ordered the seared tuna. Our apps arrive in a very timely manner and were delicious. Then came our entree's both of ours were fantastic. By the end of the meal we are both stuffed. But i had to try somthin sweet to take home. Asked our waiter he said key lime pie. so we got it boxed up paid the tab and we were in and out of this delightful place. i'll deff be returning for round 2.
(4)Jillian M.
Came here for dinner with a friend on a Tuesday night around six. It wasn't too crowded but I would recommend a reservation, as it's a pretty small place. Been meaning to try it for quite some time, but haven't gotten around to it. Needless to say, I'm very glad I finally did! The margaritas were on point. I had the peachtree margarita, which was the perfect amount of sweet. The chips were fresh, warm, and delicious. We ordered the guacamole, and the small size was perfect and pretty good. Salsa was fresh and had a bit of a kick to it. Very good. I had the scallops with grits and Mac and cheese and it was so very great. My friend had the steak which was also a great choice. I will definitely be back. The waiter was great and very friendly. A little slow to bring the bill, but that's my only complaint.
(5)Margaret H.
I can not say enough about this place. The first time I went, I had the diablo crawfish pasta and now it's all I ever want. It's spicy and FULL of crawfish. A well seasoned dish, great preparation. However - I came here for my birthday on Monday and I ventured off the beaten path. We started with the shrimp and pablano pepper spring rolls which were the best spring rolls I've ever had. I was torn between them and the fried lobster tail and our waiter did not disappoint. Moving on to the amazing guacamole. It's chunky and full of onions and tomatoes, just how I like it! My main feast: THE RIBS. I haven't had ribs in ages and it was my birthday. I told the waiter I was between them and my usual crawfish pasta and he said the ribs were worth it. YES! YES THEY WERE! The meat is tender and literally fell off the bone. It has a tangy, spicy BBQ sauce and smokey rub. Hands down, the best I've ever had. It came with some corn on the cob and some mac and cheese, made with very large chunky noodles. I've never had mac and cheese made like this and I didn't hate it, not one bit. Finally - the birthday dessert - Raspberry margarita cheesecake! WOW! I'm not big on sweets at all, but I practically liked the plate. Overall, what a great meal! This is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)Donny F.
I absolutely love Agave once again. Exceptional flavor, kinetic atmosphere, and standout service are a given. This time I got the spicy Anejo Shrimp with tangy Mac n' Cheese and grilled asparagus--and it was perfect. Sweets got the scallops and they were totally tops as well. Agave is the kind of place that really makes me proud of my neighborhood and my city. Give them a try if you want to experience one of the all-around great restaurants in Atlanta.
(5)Caroline K.
Wow! I am so impressed with this place! I came here with a group, we made reservations. The restaurant is small, but cozy and the noise level isn't too bad considering we were there for the dinner rush on a Saturday night. We started with the Calamari, Guacamole and Ahi Tuna Appetizer. Everything was so fresh and flavorful. My entrée was the seared scallops and they were divine, they came on a bed of grits and it was so amazing. The service was very friendly, quick and attentive, the manager Stewart came to check on us and chatted with us for a while about the restaurant, it was so nice and made us feel like regulars. Our friends live just down the road so we will for sure be back to try out more on their fantastic menu!
(5)Lexi S.
Definitely great food - lots of flavors with fantastic combinations but the service was terribly slow.
(4)Cindy P.
Went back with my husband and mother-in-law. Enjoyed every bite! The guacamole & salsa is fresh and the chips are warm. Get the Top Shelf or Texas margarita and you won't be disappointed. We had the Mahi, Short Ribs, & Tenderloin Medallions. Everything was cooked perfectly and full of flavor. For dessert, we split the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake with cinnamon and mint whipped cream - so rich and scrumptious. Jonathan was our waiter and was Excellent - gave us great recommendations and was very attentive. Get on their mailing list and you'll receive e-mail updates. We received all entree's for $12 between 5-6 pm by showing the e-mail I had received.
(4)Theresa S.
Yum yum! Used a groupon that was being offered (saved about $20). Have never been but have always heard about them! Was not disappointed at all. The salsa is fresh and has a nice kick to it. The guac -- fresh as well and very tasty. I had the shrimp and poblano spring rolls. While really crispy and a good portion, there wasnt a lot of any flavor of the ingredients coming through. The shrimp was in there but ... needs something more. Had the Mountain Trout with Tomatillo Sauce -- excellent. Had crawfish aplenty and really tasty meal. My friend had the veggie enchiladas and enjoyed them. We both agreed we would go back. Plenty of valet parking. The signage is a little odd though -- I was so frazzled with the traffic I thought it read 'Agave Electric Company' and drove right past. It is actually 'Agave Ecletic Mexican'....doh. Service was solid as well.
(4)Megan B.
Another 5 star rating! Agave was just as amazing as the first time I went! I branched out and tried the jalapeno margarita; it had just the right amount of kick! We started with the chili lime fish tacos. I'm not a big fish person so when I could smell the fish I got nervous. After the first bite I was hooked! They were a little spicy but delicious! Unfortunately, I wasn't so adventurous with my entree, I got the fried chicken.. again... what can I say IT'S SO GOOD! Pair it with the mac & cheese and it's hard to try something different! The bf had the flat iron steak and it was cooked to perfection! Since it was cheat day we got the chocolate mousse for dessert. WOW. It was so light and fluffy and the creamy stuff on top was on point (it had the slightest touch of cinnamon)! I will definitely be back and I may or may not get the fried chicken...
(5)Jeremy M.
This place is amazing, love the food! Made a reservation and walked straight in and got seated.
(5)Kathryn D.
GET THE CHILE RELLENO OMG This place was amazing. Right away walking in you're greeted with a smile. The host that day was very kind (despite being treated poorly by other patrons, which we witnessed.) The atmosphere was nice too, it felt in between up scale and casual, and there was a lot to look at. We had a reservation for 2, and were seated promptly. They have an extensive margarita menu, but I got wine because tequila and I broke up a long time ago. My boyfriend enjoyed his New Mexico Mule. The food and service were great. We got guacamole, the tomato and avocado salad, and the chili relleno to start. I loved the chili relleno so much that I almost ordered 4 more, but I held back. For entrees we got the enchiladas and the beef medallions. The enchiladas were delicious, wonderfully seasoned. The medallions were not quite what we expected, they were a little thinner than we thought they'd be, so we were glad we ordered them medium rare. All in all, a great experience, I will be going back!
(5)Cynthia N.
I have not visited Agave for a while, so it's past time for an update. I met friends for a b-day dinner last Saturday. I'll never visit Agave on a Saturday night again. EVER. This experience made me drop my rating by a star. It was so crowded that people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the wall behind the bar and along the wall in the right side dining area. Valet parking was backed out into the road as far as Memorial Drive. Our reservation was at 6:30 and I barely made it. Two in our party were 20 minutes late trying to find parking with one of them finally giving up and coming inside and the other waiting in the valet line. I know that Agave is popular but I really wasn't expecting this crush until around 7:30-8:00. Our server was awful. He took 20 minutes to take our order and our water glasses ran dry twice. He had the two tables on either side of us as well and he didn't seem to be doing a bang up job with them either. This really surprised me because I've always had great table service at Agave, but last Saturday night was an exception. I've always loved the margaritas at Agave, but Saturday night they were what I expect from Tex-Mex chain restaurants. They didn't have the clean, fresh flavor I expect from Agave. It's possible that the margaritas were so awful because the bartenders were cranking out drinks like it was the end of the world. It's hard to make a good drink super fast, even for a well-trained bartender. The only good thing about this visit was the food. I ordered the veal/chorizo/green chile meatloaf with mac-n-cheese and collards (damn, I'm country.) I would not order the meatloaf again. The texture was really smooth, almost creamy like pate, and I was not a fan. But the mac-n-cheese and collards were delicious, and I'm so glad they were because the sides were the ONLY reason I ordered that meatloaf. I also had the key lime pie for dessert and it was as good as can be with just the right amount of citrus tart and sugar sweet. My friends had the rare tuna, tenderloins, strip steak, and shrimp. There were no complaints from anyone regarding the food. A part of being a popular restaurant is learning how to properly handle your popularity. If Saturday night is a busy night, consider not accepting reservations. (I'm a fan of reservations, but I'm not a fan of crowded foyers.) I still enjoy the food at Agave, and I would recommend that anyone who is a fan of tequila and southwestern food give them a try. Just not on a Saturday night. Yelp 2015 Update #4
(4)Adam P.
One of the best meals I have had in a while. The tomato and avocado was nice. Nothing out of the ordinary but very good. The pork chop entree was the best pork chop I have ever had in life (considering I just started eating pork again, this may not mean much). Came with some delicious mashed potatoes. Some of the best corn I have ever had in my life also. The crawfish past was also very good. I really enjoyed this meal. The food I got was outstanding, and the food I saw looked just as good. The liquor selection is fantastic and the prices here are more than reasonable. Nice little bar, and I really like the setting of the place. I will without a doubt be back, and can't wait.
(5)Victoria H.
We had a business meal here that was kind of last minute. Our client had been there before and he requested that we have a table in the upstairs, loft kind of area. This offered a great view of the restaurant and it kind of got us above the noise. Our table had the scallops and the lamb chops and both were cooked perfectly. The wine selection is very good and the tequila selection is the largest I've seen. They also have a good selection of beer....Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we needed her. The complimentary valet parking is a plus. Don't mind the neighborhood - apparently it's coming back.
(5)Maneesha A.
Ah Agave. Came here for Easter dinner at my mother's suggestion. Her margarita was out of this world, and I wish I hadn't driven so I could have had my own. Chips were easily among the best. Guacamole was good too. My dishes were good, and the flan was AWESOME!!! But the drawbacks: - valet parking for the lot literally right next door? Seemed very silly. Perhaps it's more necessary late night. - wait staff - Lady, I KNOW you were half-heartedly complementing my daughter at the end of the meal in hopes of a better tip. And I caught you rolling your eyes when I asked for a straw when they were literally less than 2 yards away from where you were standing. There was an attempt to be kid friendly given the hidden easter eggs around the restaurant. But that doesn't cover up ugly wait staff attitude towards kids/families. Everyone else seemed nice enough, but I was not blown away by the service. May try again in the future, because the food was really great.
(4)Jacqueline V.
One of my favorite restaurants. Everytime we're heading to a show or event downtown, this is our go to dining spot. My husband who's not a fan of fried chicken loves their Cayenne Fried Chicken entree. Love the fresh complimentary tortilla chips and homemade salsa. The braised short ribs are my favorite. Drinks...fantastic! How can you go wrong with 101 tequila options. Service is always propmt and attentive, regardless how busy the restaurant.
(5)Stephanie C.
Agave has some really amazing reviews, but I can't lie. Our experience was incredibly average. We were seated quickly which was a pleasant surprise. Chips and salsa w were complimentary and yummy but I swear we ate on them for ages before getting our actual food. The waitress was slow, unenthused, and forgetful. My husband had to request a totally separate menu because he is vegetarian and she kept forgetting it which pushed back our ability to order. When the food did come, it was good, but not the most amazing thing. I had the pork burrito and my husband had the veggie burrito while our friends had the chicken quesidilla and cocktails. I'm not trying to say the restaurant was terrible, it just wasn't as great as I had expected.
(3)Zindzi A.
I started my meal off with a Mona Lisa Margarita. It's was soooo good. I believe it's passion fruit, crab and some other juices but it's so good. For my entree I ordered the New Mexico Rack of Lamb that came with Asparagus and the Yukon golden mash potatoes. The waitress mentioned that they were out of asparagus and then appeared with some as well the the side dishes we chose to replace them..yay lol... We chose the julienne vegetables. I can't name one thing on my plate that was out of place. I will be returning. Next time I'm going to try the cayenne fried chicken. I would recommend this restaurant to everyoooone.
(5)Caroline P.
Very disappointed. I was here a year ago and remember being impressed. Tonight was date night and we decided to branch out from our favorites (Rathbuns, Sun in My Belly, Doc Cheys) and try something new. It was in the 70s outside and we specifically wanted to dine outside. I called ahead and asked if they had outside seating and was assured they did. The patio is closed in with a roof and high walls that were over 5ft tall. To add to the wall height were the wood blind that went down to the wall. The space was dark and the only way I could peek at the sky was to have my face against the seat back. If it hadn't been 7:30 we would have gone somewhere else. The salsa was good and their Mac and Cheese was very tasty. The meatloaf "tasted like pate (no accent option on my phone) and was spicy. The Barbacoa dish was horribly spicy and started to upset my stomach. Since our food took awhile to come out we were starving and my boyfriend was all the way through his dish before we were able to get the attention of the waitress for me to get sour cream to try and tone down the spice and cool the burn. Don't get me wrong, I like a good spice, I love adding siracha to things. Overall I was disappointed by the lack of follow-up so we could voice the issues in time to resolve. Unfortunately we've regretted our branching out. Till next time.
(2)Claudia A.
This place continues to be where I take guests when I want to "wow" them. Now's it's a little pricier than other restaurants but you can find things within the drink menu and dinner menu if you're budget conscience. My date and I started with their traditional Margarita. It's was a little sweeter than what I'm used to but that' how house Margarita's usually are. We then got an Agave Margarita-perfect. A nice strong anejo tequila filled Margarita. We got the ahi tuna for appetizer, it was yummy but not my favorite so I will try something different next time. My entree was the rack of lamb which comes with asparagus and mashed potatoes, I see folks get it all the time and I just had to try it. It was pretty good. Also not my favorite but but that's just a personal preference. My date got the veal,chorizo,pepper meat loaf. Oh my lord, it was delicious. It came with collard greens (had a sweet taste) and macaroni which accompanied it perfectly. For dessert we got the spicy peanut butter cake, I am not a peanut butter fan but this hit the spot. Perfect blend of flavors in a mouse like consistency. Overall I will come back and bring back friends. Make sure you bring $ for the valet parking.
(4)Scott M.
I have been coming to Agave' since 2001 and the place just keeps getting better. I have recently had the opportunity to introduce some people to this restaurant and all of them agree that it is hard to beat this place. I have had most items on the menu and without any hesitation, I could recommend anything. Last night I had the scollops and they were amazing. You can't leave this place until you have had the Lobster appetizer, Calamari or Shrimp Spring Rolls, all are simply great starters. Tim, the managing partner and his staff are all super friendly and accomodating. They get 5 stars for both service and the food quality. You will be leaving this place very impressed!
(5)Lysa F.
Agave's ambiance is romantic and quaint. As soon as I walked in, I knew service would be fantastic. The host was prompt and helpful, and all servers were highly attentive and friendly. Now down to the food- Complementary chips and salsa- Awesome! The salsa was spicy, which I like (5 stars) Guacamole- a little too many tomatoes for my taste, but solid nonetheless (3 stars) Southwestern Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls- Very flavorful, a little greasy (4 stars) Slow Braised Beef Shortribs- Words fail me. So tender, packed with flavor, it fell apart with a fork... just absolutely amazing. Honestly, this might be the best meal I've ever eaten. I know that is a huge claim, and I am very serious. This is THE BEST dish. (4258473934 stars!) Taking everything besides the short rib entree into account, Agave might have gotten 4 stars from me. However, this amazing dish pushed Agave well over 5 stars!!! I will be back SOON with a hunger for some short ribs :)
(5)Kellie T.
Agave is now my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I ate here for the first time last night with my family and everyone loved it - our waiter Michael Montoya was awesome! He was so knowledgeable and friendly and made the entire evening such a pleasure. The food was so, so delicious and perfectly prepared, as were the drinks. I can't give Agave enough praise and I'll be recommending it to everyone I know. Thanks for the great service Michael!!
(5)Karla N.
AMAZING!!! thats all I live quite close to this fine restaurant and never tried it i just noticed that the parking lot is always packed until one saturday afternoon we decided to go for an early dinner. We made reservations for 5 pm and when we got there we got sited quite quickly right by the fireplace in the back. it was very romantic. we were the only ones in that dinning room for about 15 minutes then in a matter of 20 min the dining room was full. Now the food..... we started with drinks which i have to say were really good margaritas not sweet and you could really tell that the mix is made in house and use good quality tequila. Next we received the complimentary chips and salsa they were warm and fresh which made eat 2 baskets of them thats how good they were. the appetizers was a shared tortilla soup that was so good and satisfying i wish we didn't share it at all, and a small order or guacamole. for dinner I ordered the pork chop and my husband the meatloaf. omg i was in heaven my dinner was delicious however i was not able to finish my food and had it packed for later, portions are quite large. The service was really good they were organized and attentive even with a busy dinning room. Just make sure you make reservations because they get super busy. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Renee G.
Since this was our first time eating here, I looked at pics to get an idea off what the food looked like. There were a few things that caught my eye but the fried chicken kept calling my name. I NEVER order chicken when I go out to dinner but I was very happy that I ordered it; it was delicious! We started our meal with calamari - so good. It was lightly coated and fried to perfection. We ate every piece of calamari even after eating the complimentary chips & salsa! My husband & daughter both got ribs. I didn't taste the ribs, but I did taste the Mac 'n cheese; quite good. I was impressed with the food & will try to return to the restaurant when I'm in Atlanta again
(4)K J.
Great service, good food, and reasonable prices. What more could you ask for. This was my first time eating here, and I will be back. I started with and order of seared Tuna, with serrano peppers and cucumbers. It was good, but I wish there had been more of it. For dinner I tried their famous Cayenne Pepper Chicken, which is a chicken breast sliced thin and put in a buttermilk dredge, with roasted corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was not spicy even a little bit. I could not even taste the cayenne, but it did have decent flavor. Next time I'm going to try the Mexican food.
(4)Zach W.
WOW!!! We went to this place for Valentines Day in Atlanta and I was blown away! I thought it was gonna be decent, upscale 'tex mex'. Well I was wrong. This place is wonderful! We started off with fresh chips and salsa and a few margaritas. Both were fantastic. There were so many delicious options and I honestly didn't know what to get. Everything looked good. I settled (lol) for the VEAL AND CHORIZO MEATLOAF WITH MAC & CHEESE AND HONEY BACON COLLARDS! ....read that again.... I wanted another serving as soon as I was done. Might have been the best thing I've had in my life! So damn good. I tried a few other dishes that our group ordered and they were amazing. The fried chicken was great and the flat iron steak was way better than I originally thought. I'm going back here for sure. If you're in ATL and you're wanting something exciting and original, you NEED to go to Agave!
(5)Alvin P.
A Good Place To Have A Meal With Friends. The place has some parking, but mostly it's complimentary valet parking. I don't mind complimentary valet parking for places that don't have any parking, but this place has enough parking that you can park yourself. When we pulled in, there was a spot that opened up from a car, and they said it would block the road if I tried to park there, even though there was a car there when I initially pulled into the place. We ended up going with valet, but it feels horrible to not tip them then, so we did. However, I wish they would just let you park when you were able to. The staff was friendly, and the waiter was informative. However, it is ridiculously loud there. I could probably eavesdrop on 5 different conversations while having ear plugs in my ear. I almost felt like people were yelling at each other. However, I'm not sure if this is a one time instance, because when a couple groups of people left, the place returned to normal volume levels. The food was good, I believe I got a burrito and quesadilla and it was pretty good. I didn't think it was amazing though, but pretty good. I wish there were more options for vegetarians though. I pretty much ended up ordering from the entree section twice to have variety. We were too full to try the desserts. This would be rated a bit higher if it wasn't for the ridiculously loud atmosphere there, pretty much like going to a club or bar I guess. Not a good date night place, IMO. This is better if you are going with friends and are going to be loud anyway, so everything meshes.
(3)Annie P.
I was surprisingly very pleased with this place! We went on the recommendation of Yelp. There is parking to the side of the restaurant but it gets packed pretty fast which is when they offer complimentary valet parking. I personally am not a fan of valet parking because I like to try to find my own parking. That being said, there was an empty space near the entrance/exit of the parking lot. While my friend was trying to park there, one of the valets ran up to us and told us it wasn't allowed because it's blocking the entrance. I call BS - it was a clearly defined space (with yellow lines and all) that symbolizes that it was, indeed, a parking space. Even if we were to park there, there was more than enough room for cars to exit or enter. Nonetheless, we handed the keys over to the valet and he parked the car for us. The restaurant itself was warm and cozy. We came in with no reservations but they still seated us immediately. We were seated directly in front of the fireplace which felt really nice. I got the grilled corn with garlic butter and the stuffed trout. I loved the corn - it was so perfect. I ate like a bulldog - not attractive. The trout was really good too with one exception - the skin was soggy, which made for an unattractive texture. So I had to do some extra work to remove the skin but once that was done, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. I took my dessert, key lime pie, to go. When I ate it at the hotel, I really enjoyed it - especially the cinnamon flavored whipped cream. The service was excellent - our waiter was VERY attentive, friendly, and personable. I can tell he would be (or is already) a very popular guy there. The restaurant was decorated nicely but not so extravagant. My only complaint, in terms of the atmosphere, is that it gets so LOUD. My friend and I had to repeat what we were saying to each other at least 3-4 times. Otherwise, I would definitely come back here to see what else they have to offer.
(4)Sonja L.
First of all, the Southern hospitality is apparent. We got a genuine greeting and that same feeling stayed throughout the meal. This was a meal shared with colleagues. The server made great recommendations and he was super laid back but not too cool. I ordered the sashimi grade seared tuna. It was excellent but I sort of wish I'd gotten the lamb. All 5 of us ordered something different and it all had beautiful presentation. The atmosphere was rustic and interesting. The restrooms were fairly clean. I have it 4/5 stars because it did feel a bit cluttered with too many seats for the space. I would go back though.
(4)Trevor W.
Agave is an intimate spot for Tex-Mex just behind Oakland cemetery off Boulevard and Carroll. Was pleasantly surprised with our experience and will certainly be back. Given the location, Agave does parking right. They have super quick and friendly valet staff that manage the massive empty lots beside the building down Boulevard. The entrance to the historic structure is right at the intersection of Boulevard and Carroll. You are greeted by the large wooden door that opens into a solid wood and brick dining room / bar. With the bar down the right side and tables to the left in the open space, expect sound to get a bit loud. It has that trendy loudness of a Manhattan eatery bustling with people and service. Wasn't deafening on our visit, but definitely something to take note as one side of our table of 10 couldn't easily communicate with the other. In the back corner is a private loft for small groups and outside an enclosed patio for outdoor dining. The kitchen is open and adds to the ambiance with wisps of steam and deliciousness floating through the air. The interior is dimly lit and quite intimate, dare I say romantic. The decorations and lighting make you feel as if you're dining in an upscale pueblo, if there is such a thing. Tables are four tops, but they easily handled our reservation of 10 by creating a row all for us. Agave is known for its 2-for-1 appetizer happy hour available at the bar from 5-7pm. If you're doing something around Cabbagetown or at Oakland Cemetery, makes for a wonderful start to the festivities! Agave considers the food gourmet Tex-Mex and with it comes a bit of the price tag. However, our party of 10 definitely enjoyed their dishes. We sampled: * Blue and white corn chips and salsa (nicely spicy with chunky tomato pieces) * Hatch Green Chile Stew (very spicy) * Grilled sweet corn (with that delicious queso) * Smoked Chicken & Hatch Green Chile Quesadillas * Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo * Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken (seriously, try it) * Lime & Garlic Marinated Flatiron Steak Not sure what took me so long to make it to Agave, but will certainly be back for more deliciousness!
(4)Jeremy R.
Fried chicken was a rubbery, hard, inedible disappointment. Lamb was solid, drinks were good, but its hard to look past that one bad dish when you only ordered two things. Maybe they don't use the fryer very often? Atmosphere is nice and presentation was on point.
(3)Tara S.
This is my favorite dinner in Atlanta in recent memory. The atmosphere is as described in other reviews. Try to sit in the big side room and not the area by the bar and bathrooms. The manager greeted us with champagne because we were celebrating our anniversary. Sweet touch. They have extensive tequila and mezcals. We had a Karma margarita ( amazing) and my boyfriend picked a favorite mezcal topped with simple lime and Cointreau. We split a Barbacoa quesadilla and hatch chile stew to start - both were amazing !!! The stew was fantastic. For entrees we had short ribs with poblano grits, and cayenne fried chicken with collards and Mac and cheese. Every single thing tasted incredible ! Nothing was mediocre. The short ribs fell apart and the chicken was juicy with delicious crust. I only wish we'd had room for dessert. Can't wait to hit this spot up again.
(5)B C.
Never had a bad meal here. We love the shrimp, the tuna, the ceviche, and everything else we've tasted. Even the chips and salsa are deadly good. It's not usually a quite place, but I still think it makes a great overlooked date place.
(5)Luckie D.
Agave remains creative, tasty and well left of the typical Americanized Mexican fare. A great space with good energy and friendly staff I look forward to continued patronage. I am a big fan and almost feel petty given the need for parking and their building configuration but an option for a rooftop alfresco would land them that elusive fifth star.
(4)Michael O.
HOLY CRAP! This spot is AWESOME! Very diverse! Great open grilled food. Strong AF Margaritas with great choices. I like the seating arrangements that they have in there. Please make a RSVP on Fridays and Saturdays though because it was hella crowded when we went. I had the most expensive Margarita on the menu, I forgot the name but it was like $12 or $13 bucks I think. But it was hella worth it. We'll definitely be back! The spot is cool too. It's low-key and they have Valet parking...for 2 margaritas and my meal, it was about $40 + the Tip.
(5)Jonathan F.
Agave... Is amaze..ing... It's a rare occurrence when one finds themself at a tex mex restaurant with an abundance of healthy options. That's the foundational reason that I gave this place 5 stars, but I digress. The setting was absolutely perfect. Tucked away off of boulevard you find this jem nestled in the turn and honestly you may drive right by it at night. It's a very cozy interior once you come inside. The dim lighting and fireplace that was lit on the "patio" area made for a perfect romantic dinner. The service was top notch. Our server Gary was amazing. He really helped accentuate or experience with his recommendations and friendly service. Finally, the food was perfect. I had the salmon that was served over zucchini, squash, and carrot slivers with a roasted red peppers sauce. This was one of the best tex mex dishes I have ever had and I didn't feel guilty about it afterwards! The food was fresh, the setting was perfect, and the wine list was well crafted. This place was the total package. Absolutely loved my experience and I have been raving about it to my friends!
(5)Nilesh P.
The restaurant atmosphere was great. The service was exceptional. We bought a groupon and it included one appetizer, two entrees, and a dessert. This was more than enough food. The steak was great and so were the rack of lambs. The only reason I took it down by one star was the temperature in the back. It was just way too hot and seemed like no ventilation. Overall great experience but I would sit towards the front!
(4)Samantha M.
I loved this place. Found a groupon a few months ago & finally got in here the first week of September. The chips & salsa were great, but as appetizer lovers, that wasn't enough! So many delicious sounding apps to choose from, we went with the guacamole & ceviche. Both were superb! For entrees, we had the medallions & the rack of lamb, we were already stuffed at this point from the amazing appetizers, but so glad we forged on to entrees because they were awesome! We were having a bit of a sweet tooth, so we each took half our entree home & shared a dessert- chocolate mousse. I normally don't eat dessert & even I loved it. Don't miss the margaritas, strong, great flavor & none of the sugary crap going on here!
(5)Kay H.
Impressive! Tons of great dishes, good service and wide margarita selection. As tasty as the drinks are I'd probably add a shot to make it perfect. Every dish was delicious and I would have a hard time picking a favorite. Great place! This was my first experience and I know much more to come!
(5)Julie E.
Even though it's been in Atlanta 14 years, Agave is one of our favorite new finds! We "discovered" Agave through a Scoutmob deal and went last night for our 18th wedding anniversary. Our reservation was at 7:30 pm and we showed up on time and were seated immediately. When making the reservation, I noted it was our anniversary, and within minutes, a manager showed up with two complimentary glasses of champagne--a very nice surprise! For apps, we chose the guacamole and the ceviche martini. The martini was delicious, but I was a little disappointed in the guac (it was not super fresh tasting) but that was my only disappointment. For entrees, my hubs chose the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp over grits cakes which was great. The shrimp were cooked perfectly. I chose the Chile Grilled Swordfish served with serrano grits and a smoked avocado relish. It was wonderful too! Again, the fish was well cooked and the relish was what I would have liked to seen from the guac. The portion sizes were just right... not too large, not skimpy. For dessert, we had the Raspberry Margarita Cheesecake which was divine, though we were pretty stuffed by that time. I also enjoyed the Mona Lisa and New Mexico Mule margaritas. While very different, both were very tasty! Another plus... Agave has valet parking. I have seen some people complain about the parking, but to me, it's a plus to not have to hunt for parking. On the way home, we both agreed that Agave is one of our top 5 restaurant "finds" in Atlanta and we would definitely return again without the benefit of a "deal."
(5)Becky R.
Great for meeting up with friends and a good date night place.
(5)Deb M.
Yes...it was as good as it gets! Visiting from Detroit for work there are some die-hard Mexican food fans in my group. So glad someone recommended this place for dinner. The chips and salsa were great. When I asked our waiter (who was absolutely fabulous) for a spicier salsa he said they didn't have one but he did go back and chop up a bunch of peppers - with the seeds still in them- to add to the salsa! I thought that was awesome and it definitely kicked the spice up a notch. We ordered drinks and guacamole and let the adventure begin! I started by splitting the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the springrolls, though I liked the red pepper jelly the best (was hoping for a bit more heat though). Two others in our group had the chicken quesadillas and loved them. The meal was paced perfectly, the atmosphere hipster and lively, the decor perfectly New Mexico. What a wonderfully charming place. I would love to tell you about all of the flavor profiles of the different dishes we shared but we all got the dish that came highly recommended....the scallops! The only variation is that I subbed the greens out for some grilled asparagus...I'm not a huge fan of greens. The scallops had a perfect sear on them and were nestled in the most heavenly grits I've ever had. The only downfall of the evening came shortly after we finished our meal....when I realized Atlanta is far from home and I don't know when I'll make it back to Agave.
(5)MeMe F.
I've dined at Agave twice. More recently was last week on a spur-of-the-moment date night with a friend. It is an impressive, cozy spot with very flavorful cuisine. On a slow night, it's very romantic, warm and breezy with amber lighting and a low hum of dinner conversation. On a crowded night, it's very loud with the same lighting and lots of large parties. It's not very sexy when you're having to practically yell at the person across from you as you sit under a golden, soft light that makes almost any woman look like Halle Berry for a few hours. This establishment is more spacious upwardly than anything. It looks like an old, two-story colonial home renovated for a restaurant. Sometimes it can be a tight squeeze, so if you are claustrophobic, check Agave OFF your list. I don't mind being in close quarters for a short period, so it doesn't bother me. They have a myriad of wines and other spirit drinks to choose from. However, be warned that not all of their wine selections are sold by the glass. I mostly drink whites, blushes and rose's. I rarely drink sweet reds and never drink dry reds, except to marinate meats. Therefore, I never need to buy a whole bottle, so I always end up drinking soda or water here.Their margaritas are pretty good but not memorable for me. I will order one on my next visit for a more fair review. The scallops and short ribs are 4 star. My favorite item is their southwest macaroni and cheese. Agave adds up quickly on your tab, so be sure you have some dough on hand and don't forget cash to tip your valet. My service has always been pretty moderate to poor, mainly uninterested servers sweating bullets with a backed up kitchen while my drink glass sits empty for 30 minutes. I wish I could take Agave's ambiance and food without the service...if that makes sense. Bottom line, you should visit if you want a real taste of what Atlanta has to offer!
(3)Summer W.
One of my favorite spots in Atlanta. They have the BEST margaritas! My favorite menu items are the Lime & Garlic Flatiron Steak and the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. Whatever you get, order the mashed potatoes!
(5)A.J. C.
Agave is a very popular Southwestern restaurant located on Boulevard in Cabbagetown. I was looking forward to our dinner @ Agave with a large group of friends this weekend so I will break this review down step by step. PARKING: On this night they had "free" valet parking. Quick, easy, and no problems despite how busy it was. I imagine finding a parking spot without this would be next to impossible. 5/5 stars. RESERVATIONS: We had a group of 20 reserved for dinner @ 8:15pm. We were seated @ approximately 8:50pm. Which is fine. This place is obviously very popular and it was extremely crowded. When we opened the door to enter it was like looking @ a crowded elevator. In all fairness, a lot of the crowd @ the door was our group. Six of us waited outside because we just could not get in. Agave will tell you that one of their specialties is large groups, and they did have 3 very large tables set up on the right side of the dining area. All of which were full of very large groups. 3/5 stars. SETTING: It's very small inside considering the amount of business they have. Restrooms were located @ the furthest corner of the restaurant from where large groups are seated. This makes for an adventure trying to navigate the crowd to and from. You will have to pass through the dining area, the front door area, the bar, and the kitchen in order to relieve yourself. The mood lighting and decor are excellent which would normally make this place a prime choice for a date should you need a romantic setting. However, it is EXTREMELY loud in here and communication without yelling will prove difficult to accomplish. I'd bet on a less busy night though, it's perfect. As it got later, the bar opened up a little bit and looked like a place I would rather sit some time in the future for drink and food. It is also right next to the open kitchen, and on that side of the restaurant it smells awesome. 4/5 stars. FOOD/DRINK: The food is outstanding. In full disclosure, I had the Georgia Trout with a side of Bacon Collards. This was not my first choice though, as I had ordered the Red Pepper Salmon. But the waitress came back and told me they were out of Salmon. The Trout was her recommendation in place of it. Every one else seemed to enjoy their meal as well, and comments were made how flavorful everything was. The Scallops were a big hit, and apparently they are Agave's most popular seafood dish according to the waitress. No surprise though. If you look at the pictures and reviews on this very page you will see just how much people like the Scallops. The fried chicken was also very popular. Although I enjoyed my food, the portions are not very large so don't expect that, and I was still a little hungry upon completion of it. They have a vast drink menu which includes many wine choices, spirits, and cervezas. Whiskey on the rocks and a beer is what I settled on. Margaritas @ the table got high marks. 4/5 stars. SERVICE: The waitress we had was exceptional. It looks like she was in charge of all the big tables which can spread her time a little thin. But there were no mistakes made that I could tell, and she was knowledgeable of every thing on the menu. One person had to wait longer than every one else for her food to come out, but other than that it was all good. Checks were broken up by couples and singles at the end, and that went off with no problem. 4/5 stars. PRICE: Expect to spend some money here. It was not cheap, but probably on par with similar restaurants. Our split check for 3 people, each with a drink and entree, came to $100. So, $120 with a tip. 3/5 stars. OVERALL: I would like to visit this place again on a less busy night. I think I would enjoy dinner and drinks here @ the bar with one other person or a smaller group. Or even with a date @ a smaller table when it's not as loud and crowded. Average stars in this review come to 3.8, so I will give it a 4. I recommend you try it at least once for the food alone. We went on a Saturday night, so if you'd like to avoid the large crowd then pick another day.
(4)Bill M.
No patio. No queso dip. They shouldn't be allowed to call themselves tex mex on here. No mex zone. Food actually tasted good though.
(2)Sammi T.
Very delayed posting of a saved review from over a year ago. I really love this restaurant! I rarely repeat restaurants, but this one is one of the repeats. It never disappoints every time I go! The decor/atmosphere is pretty awesome. It is very Latin American style. On the weekends, this place is PACKED! It's even hard to order drinks at the bar while waiting b/c it is sooooo crowded. However, the bartender was extra nice! We were starving, and she gave us chips while we waited outside. Pretty awesomesauces :) I love the salmon here! and the chocolate mousse desert was delectable!
(4)Danielle R.
Awesome food, great service, great atmosphere. This is my new favorite place. They have the best guacamole in Atlanta.
(5)Cheryl R.
I decided to meet a friend this evening for dinner. This was my 3rd time dining at Agave. My waiter was really good. However, each time I go I am never impressed with my food selections. I had the scallops with grits and collard greens. The scallops were really good. My collard greens were not good at all. They were not seasoned well and had a burnt taste to them. I don't plan on giving this restaurant another chance. I was very disappointed.
(3)Justin O.
Wow! Great drinks, food and service. We had the mussels and spring roll for an appetizer. I had the lamb and my buddy had the baby back ribs. Couldn't ask for anything better. Valet parking and they work off of tips.
(5)Julie G.
This is a cool place! I like the decor. Lots of space inside. I think we were sitting in an enclosed patio. The servers were really friendly and attentive and I appreciated that they sat my party not directly next to another party. The restaurant wasn't super full and it made the dinner feel more intimate. The bench style seating with pillows and blanket, give the place a cozy feel. I really enjoyed the complementary chips and "trough" of salsa (mostly for its quantity). The Southwestern dishes we tried were both delicious. Some of the seafood items on the menu looked superb. The only downside to this place was the unnecessary "complementary valet" parking. It is not a location that needs a valet, it has a large parking lot right by the restaurant. It was rather frustrating to hand your keys over to the valet and watch him park the car in one of dozens of spots 3 feet away. It made the whole thing that much more of a hassle when we could have just parked our car and walked in, stress free.
(4)Ms M.
Great food, great drinks, great neighborhood feel... Excellent for large parties or an intimate date...recommended
(4)Renee O.
This place sucks. The food was way overrated and our waitress had all the personality of a potato. BUTTERLESS. The best thing it has going for it is the pixies album cover in the bathroom.
(2)Mandi G.
My family and I went to Agave last Friday night for my birthday dinner (yay, 23!). I wanted an atmosphere that was fun, delicious, felt like a special occasion, but wasn't outrageously expensive. I also wanted an atmosphere my parents could enjoy (not too bar-ish). GREAT atmosphere. Super cozy, dim lighting, not too loud. We had a reservation for 5 at 6:30 and were seated immediately. It looked pretty crowded when we left, but not in a bad way. The margaritas were awesome. I had the chorizo taco thing and it was very good. My boyfriend had the meatloaf, which was AWESOME. My Dad got the stuffed trout (I think?) and it was really good too. The only negatives I had were that it was a LITTLE pricey, but it was worth it for the quality of the meal and drinks. The waiter was nice and had good knowledge of the menu, but my mom was asking a lot of questions about it and he seemed a little annoyed by it. (I know that's annoying for waiters sometimes, but at least fake a smile or something.) All in all, it was a good birthday experience! I'll be back for the margaritas.
(4)Debo R.
This is starting to be one of my favorite places! Great food and drinks! Bartenders know there stuff! Highly recommend you come and experience!
(5)Alara K.
Third visit to Agave and it remains one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I brought Lovey here on date night and we were seated on the open air patio (nice atmosphere with a nice breeze that night). We started with two margaritas and the calamari app. The margs were delicious and the calamari was a good start to the meal. I ordered the spicy tequila anejo shrimp and Lovey had the Cayenne fried chicken. We both practically licked the plates clean. To celebrate such a wonderful meal, we took a shot of tequila (I believe they were anejo-very good). I will continue to come back, as I have never been disappointed.
(5)Dee B.
this is usually my go-to spot for a relaxing evening in a nice environment. I went here this weekend and the waiter wasn't the best. He turned my salad around because it had tomatoes and they just took the tomatoes off which left tomato juice and seeds on my salad. Yuck! very sloppy. He insisted that they didnt carry cucumber however they were on my boyfriends plate. I offered them. To top it all off my corn was ice cold! After they finally got it right he was still one of the worst. I should have just sat at the bar like I usually do where the bartender is AMAZING and funny. Mosquitos ate me alive in the back room. I learned a lesson. No wonder people stand in line to sit at the bar!
(3)Jim J.
Agave remains my favorite place in the city. Best variety of margaritas to be found, and by far the most tasty. Superb list of appetizers (their calamari is way better than found at upscale seafood restaurants), a wide variety of entrees that includes chicken, pork, beef, and seafood. All are well prepared and perfectly presented. Top it off with the best key lime pie to be found, or the chocolate mousse. It doesn't get any better, and at very reasonable prices. Thursday night had the special pasta topped by sea bass, scallops, grilled shrimp, and mussels. First time I have seen that special there. I hope they bring it back again one day soon. This place continues to deliver, and we will return often.
(5)Chloe E.
Food-5 stars. Drinks-3 stars. I have no idea how I have never eaten here. I will sadly admit I had never heard of it. It isn't close to where I have lived in Atlanta but that is no excuse. This Mexican food with a Southern twang is worth the drive. We used the valet to park. Had a short wait for a table and then our waiter immediately stopped by to get our drink order. The margaritas were ok. Very tart. Very light on tequila. Not the worst I have had but I will try another specialty drink next time. Or just get a beer. The food was great. It is different than tex mex. Not quite Mex Mex...just unique. And everything tasted very fresh. It was very loud due to some huge groups but it didn't matter to me because I didn't say a word from the moment the food was dropped off until I licked my plate clean. Can't wait to get back here and try some other items!
(4)Reena T.
We went here for our weekly date night. There is usually a big party there every time we go there which makes it very loud, but they had the patio open which was very nice. the guac is always a must have and this time we had the strawberry and goat cheese salad...it was amazing!! I had the lamb, which was just ok, and my husband had the pork medallions which were also amazing!!! next time i go i will def be getting the pork!!!
(4)Katie S.
This is definitely one of my favorite places to eat in Atlanta. I don't live in Atlanta anymore, and this is one restaurant that I miss the most. Every time, it's fabulous! The scallops are the best I've ever had, and that beef chile relleno is like heaven in your mouth! Try those collard greens! They are so good. I don't think I've ever had anything that was just mediocre. Don't miss out!
(5)Leigh C.
So delicious! Loud and busy so don't come here for an intimate dinner-come here to have fun! The guacamole and salsa were amazing. My husband and I had the seared tuna. Small portion but it was just enough! The key lime pie is good but the restaurant doesn't actually make it-they ship it in from a well-known bakery that I, of course, can't remember the name of!
(5)Mai Tran L.
Lovely restaurant to celebrate a special occasion. The food here is mouth watering good. I won't give it a 5 stars rating because the price is so hard for the portion of food I'm getting. However, the food here is very good especially the ceviche.
(4)Rick V.
Outstanding! The flavors of Mexican cuisine were well-represented and elevated in this un-stuffy but still classy restaurant. Perfect for a fun dinner date, especially for a medium-sized group. It was very crowded on our Saturday evening visit, but service was still decent and very friendly. Reservations mandatory, in my opinion - it's a relatively small place. Lamb Chops were well-spiced and perfectly cooked - delicious! We gobbled up our appetizers (chunky guacamole, calamari) like we'd never eaten food before. Others in our group ordered Salmon, and another fish dish - super tasty! Each of us loved our entree. Have you eaten at Agave yet? No? What's keeping you?
(4)Juan M.
Hadn't been in YEARS. Forced valet parking notwithstanding, it was great. We did the ScoutMob special and came away packed, buzzed and happy. The traditional margarita really plays nicely with the chips and salsa - I was amazed at the amount of food we got for the price. We hope to come back again soon to try some of the other items that had been added since we last came (like the street corn on the cob - oh man).
(5)Meredith P.
I've been eating at Agave since it opened (it's been years) and have never had a disappointing experience. The food is always good, the service is always friendly and the place is always clean. Plus, they've got a great selection of tequila for a truly tasty margarita. What more could you ask for?
(4)Cara B.
I had a friend in town for the night so when deciding where a group of us should go on a Thursday night, I figured this was the perfect excuse to try Agave. It's literally been on my Atlanta Bucket List almost as long as I have lived here. Skip the valet and park up the road. Cabbagetown is a cool little neighborhood, so the walk will take you past some houses that clearly are occupied by people who are much cooler and much more creative than I will ever be. Maybe valet if you are by yourself, you are still in Atlanta. The atmosphere is perfect for a place like this, low lighting, loud but not too loud, upscale but still casual. Practically everything on the menu sounded amazing to us all, but being a table of graduate students, we stuck to the top half of the menu (the entrees are ordered by price starting at $12). Our group had the guac (a half order was plenty for 4), Burrito and Stew, Meatballs, and Fried Chicken. Everything was pretty delicious and all of the plates were 100% clean at the end of the meal! I do have a slight bone to pick with the "Famous Cheyenne Fried Chicken." It wasn't A) spicy and B) probably isn't famous. So while I thought it was actually some of the better friend chicken I've had around here, it wasn't at all what I was expecting. I saved the best for last: the margaritas! By far the best marg I've had in a really long time. While they are expensive and certainly not something you could drink regularly on a budget, the margs are perfectly made. I had the jalapeno marg. it didn't slap you in the face with heat, but it had a low burn that built as you drank it. Lovely.
(4)Sunil G.
I went here shortly after moving to Atlanta upon a friend's strong recommendation. I was absolutely impressed -- the food here is like nothing I've had anywhere else. While food of the Mexican variety is often delicious comfort food, it's rarely what I'd call gourmet. The thing is, though, that Agave's food isn't Mexican. The closest thing I'd call it is a super fancy interpretation of Tex-Mex. Whatever it is, it's delicious. There's a huge vegetarian menu for people like me who don't eat meat, accompanied with an equally gigantic dessert menu. The key lime pie was some of the best I've ever had.
(5)Ben B.
To the people say that its in a bad area... how much of an uncultured yuppie are you? This area is full of hipsters/creatives/artists/investors/bankers/etc probably a whole lot more wealthier than you know. Its called gentrification. How are you unexposed to the reality of this? Leave the suburbs once in a while. The food --- very good. A bit pricey for the quality, I think, though. I had the famous fried chicken and it was too close to American fried chicken for what I expected at Agave. I wanted something a little more creative. The ceviche was great.
(4)J C.
Recently dined with a friend. She probably didn't communicate as clearly as she could have that she was allergic to tomatoes. Although a tomato based sauce was left off her entree, the rice also contained tomato. Once the mistake was realized, the cook flew out of the kitchen, was very apologetic, as was the server. The cook then prepared the entree with potatoes instead and made her a salad while she waited for the corrected entree. This was incredible customer service. I am a fan for life!
(5)Dru M.
I've been to Agave a bunch of times, but this is my first review. A group of 6 of us went last night to try their Chef's Menu ($30/person - 9 courses). Below is why I will be back soon. 1 - Our service was fabulous. Server was attentive, knew his menu well and did everything in his power to make our experience incredible. 2 - The nine course meal was also fabulous. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the tuna (entree), BUT...it wasn't horrible. It was cooked a bit too much for me. The veal meatloaf, shrimp tacos and goat cheese/corn mashed potatoes were probably my top three things. 3 - Drinks were also good. Four of my friends ordered different margaritas and all of them had great things to say. I had some champagne and coffee/baileys. Great pours on both for the price. 4 - Price. We ended up sending $60/person, which included nine courses (a dessert sampler that probably cost $40 itself), drinks, tip and tax. That's two thumbs up for me. 5 - One person is glutton free and I have some crazy food allergies and the chef was able to give us other options and didn't charge extra. Overall...AWESOME! Check out their Chef's Menu...it'll make you smile.
(5)Amanda B.
Love this little gem!! The area is somewhat sktech, but that's no different that other parts of this little city. The food is outstanding, the tequila is strong...can't get much better than that!
(4)Ray D.
My wife says I can be picky (what does she know....) but this place never lets me down. I must caveat 'never' by saving I have only been here a couple of times, once to meet friends and twice for a business dinner. The lamb is out of this world, and the extensive drink menu will keep anyone happy.
(5)Elizabeth H.
I returned to Agave this past Friday for date night with the boy... we had a reservation but still had to wait a few minutes for the table- so we headed to the bar! I had a "skinny" margarita, it was good, but not as skinny as I prefer (too much mix)... A few minutes later we were seated in the "patio" area of the restaurant- I guess they convert it over for the winter months- the setting was romantic with a huge fireplace in the middle of the dining room, but it was still kind of cold. Luckily our server, Spadoni, picked up on this and turned the heaters on, I was warm within seconds! To start, the date and I had a shot of tequila - silver tequila chilled - unfortunately mine still had an ice cube in it, so I almost choked when taking the shot! For dinner we shared the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and the meatloaf with southwestern mac & cheese- they were both DELICIOUS!! The atmosphere is lively, the service is great, and the food is amazing!
(4)Rhonda M.
Agave is by far the favorite restaurant for my husband and I. It's close to home and consistently has great food. We love the salsa and blue chips served upon arrival. They have the best margaritas in Atlanta! Make sure you try the Texas margarita. What is SO wonderful about Agave is they have "Two for One Appetizers" when you sit at the bar from 5pm - 7pm nightly! My husband loves everything he eats here, but some of his favorites are the Beer Braised Pork Shank and the Sunburned Strip Steak. My favorites are the Salmon Filet and the Stuffed Trout. When I order the trout, I get the julienned veggies instead of spanish rice. I promise if you visit here, you'll love it. Everyone we've taken to this restaurant raves about it and can't wait to visit again. Try them out!
(5)Katy S.
I feel very lucky to have this restaurant nearby. The food is always very, very good. I end up with a new favorite every few months. Favorites are smoked trout guac, chicken poblano soup (so good, have tried to pry the recipe out of them with no luck yet), salmon, fried chicken, and the margaritas! The main dining room is unbelievably loud so request a table in one of the back roomm for a more intimate experience. I've never been disappointed here. Solid joint.
(4)Ryan S.
Love this place. Food has always been great and they do have a nice booze selection. Service is good once you are in, unfortunately my only failing is the work of the hostesses. Had reservations screwed up a couple of times, etc. Join their email list and they give out some awesome coupons for BOGO, happy hour, etc.
(4)Brandon N.
This place ROCKS!!! We have dine here for several years now!!! We had went here for my birthday one year & fell in LOVE!!! The foods is consistantly GOOD, EXCELLENT service, FREINDLY & Great Atmosphere!!!! They have the BEST FOODS for the price!!! Great desserts platter!!! STEAK, SHRIMP & FRIED CHICKEN ARE THE BOMB!!!! All the sides are AMAZING!!!!! We make a regular trip there every week!!!!
(5)Jeremy A.
We have been to Agave a few times and I wish I could tell you more about dishes that they serve, however the first time I went there I got the crawfish stuffed trout and its so good that I have never ordered anything else ;) A great place if you are a tequila fan, they have an extensive listing. If anyone wants to recommend another dish to me in open for it, otherwise the trout is so damn good Ill probably get that the next time I go, yet again!
(4)Shaun R.
Visiting here in Atlanta with family. Just had the Sea scallops, honey cider/bacon collard greens, and tomato and Serrano grits! So yummy! Really nice waiter and they were very accommodating even though we were late for our reservation.
(4)Vida D.
I was just at Agave about two weeks ago. I had the Peachtree Margarita. I am not usually a margarita drinker, but this has to be the best Margarita I have ever had. I had the Ranch Pork Shops, with the honey cidar greens. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed their meal. If it's a friday or saturday, make reservations. I saw friends there who had been waiting for 45 minutes when we arrived.
(5)Michelle B.
I actually can't believe I haven't reviewed Agave yet. I love this restaurant. The food is amazing, the drinks are excellent, and the service is top notch. I have loved everything I've eaten there. It's a must-go place in Atlanta.
(5)Leonardo M.
Great food and service. A little on the loud side, so it's great for groups, not so great for a date. I love the ambiance.
(4)Helena W.
Went there as a spur of the moment suggestion based on our location at the time. Let me say this, the other and I are sportin' a mega food baby right now. I had the special which was the baby back ribs and other had the medallions. We both enjoyed our meals. Robert was our server and was nice enough to suggest things for us to share. To be honest, next time I could be set with the honey&bacon greens with the Mac and cheese and be completely satisfied... They were that good. Love the salsa but the guacamole was not a fav. We will likely try something else in place of it. Oh! The price wasn't bad but more then we were expecting when we saw the menu. It's not a place we would be visiting often. It was a great choice in an effort to try something new.
(4)Steven M.
Hands down one of our favorite restaurants! Margaritas are amazing, food is fantastic and I really like the Cabbagetown area. I normally get the Southwestern chicken and is always perfect. I have been 10+ times and it never disappoints!
(5)Barbara S.
Agave is one of those places that i just keep going back to over and over again because the food and drinks never disappoint! House Margaritas are delicious and probably the best house marg in town, but I prefer to kick it up to something with a bit of a darker tequila. The chips and salsa are addictive with the right amount of salt on the chips and the salsa does remind me of Ortega (which reminds me of my childhood) but better. They offer an amazing, yet simple salad of mixed greens with avocado. Great flavors that just work well together. The Fried Chicken is the one thing that I must order every time i visit Agave. The accompanying mashed potatoes are so creamy and flavorful. For dessert, I love the Key Lime Pie if they have it on the menu. They also have great coffee if you are like me and enjoy a nice cup with your sweets. As someone else commented, the noise level is a bit high, but i feel that gives it the fun and festive atmosphere that comes along with drinking great margaritas and eating delicious southwestern food. Tip: Get on their mailing list for offers like $10 entrees.
(4)Eleanor S.
In a bit of a bad area, but awesome! Cool eclectic southwestern decor and amazing food. The fried chicken is perfectly crispy, boneless, and not oily. It was a little dark/loud, but they do have a patio.
(5)Shawny S.
I really wanted to like this place. I really did. The food was "okay". Nothing extraordinary! The portion size that I got when I ordered Tenderloin Medallions were very small. I can go to Longhorns steak house and get a better cut of steak with a better price than this place. Overpriced? Absolutely. However, the waiter was nice. The chips and salsa were good. The ambiance was nice too. Not a place I'll be going back to.
(3)Brent H.
There's not a thing I don't like about this place. The service is always among the friendliest in the city, the food is top notch, the drinks are well made, and the atmosphere has a southwestern flare that avoids going too far into tacky Chili's territory. Foods I've tried: Cayenne fried Chicken - My first choice. Always good but I like to switch the sides up and get it with the grits. Tequila Anejo Shrimp - A bit on the spicy side but not too bad. Perfect if you like a bit of heat with your meal. Southwestern Burrito and Stew - The burrito is pretty massive with lots of flavor. To me the hatch green chile stew was really the standout part of this dish. When you go, I'd definitely recommend getting the Guacamole. All fresh ingredients, tastes great. If you like Tequila or margaritas, this is the place to go. Massive selection and the bartenders know what they're doing.
(5)Claire S.
Chip-o's and guacamole= so so good. Like the atmosphere in this restaurant, cute spot for a date which is always good. We had shrimp tacos as an app and they were really good and really spicy. Service was nice, for my entree I had stuffed trout which I absolutely loved, stuffed with crawfish and rice and deliciousness, also very spicy and very very good. Also tried the beer braised pork shank which was nice but I would recommend the trout over it . Guacamole is amazing, make sure you get it. They also have a stupid valet which is pointless and causes you to freeze outside because the parking lot is so small we literally watched the valet pull our car up 4 ft to us which was totally unnecessary and stupid as we had to wait for some slow old people to drive away while freezing outside. But the food is fantastic and the ambiance is nice.
(4)Jada G.
I was so excited to finally come here. I pass it almost everyday and it's been on my bookmark list forever and a day. It's always crowded and the menu is so diverse. They are rated best margaritas. So after a long, disappointing day at work I knew I needed some comfort in the form of food and a margarita. The service is nothing short of hospitality. We got a free appetizer for using the yelp app to check-in. Always awesome! I should have gotten the fried chicken. There has to be a reason why everyone raves about it. My table ordered the short ribs, a burrito and the chicken fingers off the kid's menu. For this place to be nuevo mexican, or tex mex, our dishes had no flavor or taste to them. My short ribs had this sauce on them and they were so tender. But after a couple of bites, the dish got boring and the meat was really greasy. The burrito had no taste to it, and nothing that set it apart from the burritos at moes, except the price (i say moes b/c I hate their burritos). I'm a frozen margarita gal, but the waiter said their frozen margaritas are watered down. Ok, whatever, give me on the rocks. Yeah...no. I'm just not a fan of margaritas on the rocks. They are too sweet and syrupy for my liking. I am, however, in love with the mango margarita at la parilla. That, my friends, should win some medals. Anywoo, I had him take my drink and make it into a frozen one and sure enough it was plain old water. so, i left it on my table, untouched. I can say, I enjoyed the service and the atmosphere. I will go back and taste the infamous chicken, but if i don't like that I'm not going back. The appetizer was good
(3)Jonah K.
Amazing every time. Excellent drinks, tequilla selection and all of the food is amazing. The prices are reasonable and they do an amazing job all around. The short ribs are out of this world.
(5)FlyTaurusChick W.
Great margaritas and the best Chile Relleno in Atlanta. I was unhappy with my Jalapeno margarita (a little too spicy b/c of the raw peppers) but when I sent it back they happily gave me another.
(5)Sarah Z.
I'd first like to point out that Lisa is an awesome bartender! Accommodating, fun and thoughtful...everything you need your bartender to be on a crazy packed Cinco de Mayo. The chip & guac, calamari and chicken quesadilla were all d-lish appetizers...do not hesitate to order! For dinner I had the slow cooked short rib which was PERFECT. It was the free appetizer Yelp deal that got us in the door but deal or no deal..upon my next visit to Atlanta, I will definitely return!
(5)Angela M.
I'd wanted Italian, and we were headed to Noni's, but the traffic from the Sweet Auburn festival was insane, so we headed to Agave instead, having just been reminded by Zack that it was worth trying. Luckily for us, the wait was only 45 minutes at 8pm on a Saturday night. It had started to get cold, and I wasn't properly dressed for the wind, but we waited on the patio anyway, since the air was blowing straight down as you entered and there were no spots at the bar. Fortunately, it didn't actually take 45 minutes. We got a table to the right, one row off the fire place. The service was prompt and friendly - the water glasses were already full, which was nice since the wind had really dried me out. I'd heard great things about the margaritas, but no drinking for me for the next few months... so Jimmy and Cam just got Bohemia's. We started with guacamole, which was really thick with nice chunks of chopped tomatoes. The blue corn chips had just enough salt and grease. The salsa was a little on the watery side, but tasted very fresh. I know this place is labeled as Tex-Mex, but I would describe it to a friend as Southern with Southwestern flavor. I had the scallops with grits and greens, Jimmy had the meatloaf with mac and cheese, Cam had the salmon. None of those dishes sound particularly Tex-Mex to me, until you read how they were all seasoned. My scallops had a ancho chile rub, the grits were roasted tomato and serrano chile, and the greens were smokey with honey and cider. The scallops were good, but the grits and greens were the highlight. The grits were creamy but still had good gritty texture, while the sweet smokiness of the greens was simply divine. I meant to save some to take with me, after all, I'm not the Most Interesting Man in the World, and I had filled up on chips, but those greens were too good to pass up. If I was going to eat them, I might as well eat the whole plate, though J and C did help me with the scallops. J's meatloaf tasted very strongly of cumin and was very moist. Cam's salmon and veggies were almost as good as my scallops. I'd wanted to try the key lime pie that I saw on the dessert tray that kept going by, but there was no room left! Next time...
(4)Tiffane C.
After 5 days spent between Atlanta and Savannah, GA eating nothing but southern and seafood cuisines, my palette was begging for something different. I decided on Mexican at Agave, and boy, am I glad I did. The atmosphere is really nice. I've never been to Mexico, but the decor seems to make a good attempt at authenticity. The dim lighting also made for a romantic ambiance. I started with chips and guac as an appetizer. I've definitely had better guacamole, but I cleaned the bowl all the same. I also had a delicious strawberry margarita which was awesomely refreshing in light of the heat. My entree was the highlight of the meal. The slow cooked short ribs were amazing. They were extremely tender and well seasoned. Combined with the potatoes, they made for a hearty meal of manageable portions, so again, I cleaned my plate. My random escape from southern to mexican has now resulted in an ongoing love affair with Agave. I can't wait to return!
(5)David B.
I enjoyed this restaurant. I would recommend. Cool scene, attentive waitstaff and B rated food with mexican twist. Mid to moderate price range.
(4)Yeme T.
I'm a huge Agave fan. On my most recent visit I checked in using the Yelp app and automatically qualified for a free appetizer! I chose the smoked chicken & hatch green chile quesadillas. The crawfish pasta was my entree. Flan for dessert. As always, the service and my food was excellent.
(4)Jill C.
We recently found this gem ...after raving reviews from several people. The 1st visit was amazing...We ordered the cayenne fried chicken and the steak medallions and sat at the bar (wait time was 1hr). The bartenders were fun and made the experience perfect. The 2nd time, we thought we'd be smart and make reservations. However, the service was terrible. I'm so thankful that this was the 2nd experience because if it had been our 1st, I would have had a hard time going back. On a completely positive note...The meatloaf is THAT good!
(4)Oscar G.
We got a group to go in on the Chef's menu with us and we were very happy. Food was all very good with healthy portions. Our service was spectacular and our server worked with us on everything as well as recommending some great wine and being attentive the entire time. One experience made me a big fan.
(5)Scott M.
It's all about the happy hour here. Between 5p-7pm every week day you can get buy 1 get 1 free appetizers. When I lived in the area, I would take care of this special as often as possible. The food here is tasty and a tad bit eccentric for a mexican spot. I love it though....the bartenders are pretty quick and really knowledgeable about their driniks. Additionally, the food comes out extremely quick here. The bar area isnt really that big, so make sure you get there early if you want to take advantage of the happy hour. It is sometimes hard as hell to get a seat!
(4)Jennifer L.
Absolutely fabulous. The karma margarita is worth it alone!
(5)Bobby B.
The chips and salsa are addictive - fresh tomatoes and cilantro = tasty. I tried the red pepper salmon - presented like artwork and tastes even better. The good food was matched with prompt and friendly service. A great value.
(5)Tim F.
Good selection of appetizers and overall decent variety of beer and drinks. Chips and a spicy salsa are provided upon seating and this was very good. I would return to try other appetizers and possibly an entree. The only drawback I could see is that the margaritas seem to be a bit pricey. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive.
(3)Scott L.
Best of the best. Service, food, ambience A+ . Favorite dish : green chile stew. Tip: get there early or you will wait.
(5)Will T.
Every time I leave Agave I say, "That's the best meal I've ever had there." It happened again this weekend. Agave gets better and better, outdoing itself with every visit. Located in funky Cabbagetown, this eclectic Southwestern eatery hits on all cylinders - service, drinks and food. You'll be greeted at the door by a host or manager and seated promptly, unless you arrive during prime time on the weekend when reservations are recommended. Once seated service is attentive, friendly and relaxed and you won't be forgotten once your food arrives. You'd be remiss not to grab the best margarita in town. These are truly terrific margaritas, made with fresh squeezed lime juice, not some mix that arrives pre-bottled. When ordering you could close your eyes and point to the menu and land on any number of stellar entrees. Try their signature dish, Cayenne Fried Chicken, at least once. I've sampled about half the menu and everything I've tried is stellar. What currently has me singing their praises like a Baptist preacher on Sunday are Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops served over creamy fire roasted tomato and Serrano stone ground grits. That's a lot of flavor. And don't tell me you don't like collard greens until you've had their honey cider collards. It will make a believer out of you. This is upscale eclectic Southwestern food, not Tex-Mex as some reviews erroneously state. Discounts and specials abound if you sign up for their email newsletter.
(4)Ron M.
Best happy hour deals, great food. Mary Lisa is a pleasure to see every time we walk in. Mussels are a must have.
(5)Stacy S.
I have nothing bad to say about this place whatsoever. I can say it was one of the best dining experiences I have ever had. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. I had the Veal, Chorizo & Green Chile Meatloaf with the sides and it was fantastic. Definitely 5 star material...at least on that night it was.
(5)Laura R.
Agave has great gourmet southwest food! I highly recommend just about everything on the menu..
(5)Chad W.
The Good...Food, I had the calamari for an app and meatloaf as my main The Bad....Noise! it was so loud I could not hear the waiter..and it was a Monday night The Ugly....Margaritas are weak ..Boo! Hiss!
(3)Mariana R.
I just got around rating Agave, though I went there with a few people a couple of months ago. I had the Ceviche Martini that was shrimp & sashimi tuna over greens marinated in lime, oil, serrano peppers & cider vinegar and enjoyed it, definitely not traditional ceviche but it was good, and the pork shank was definitely awesome. The service was good even though it was a busy night and I had complimentary dessert because the server overheard that it was my anniversary which was not the reason we were there but was great. I chose the pumpkin cheesecake which was a season special and it was delish! I definitely enjoyed Agave.
(4)Michelle S.
I have been meaning to review Agave for a while now because I really really love this place. I am a huge fan of any place that has chips, good guacamole and great margaritas and Agave has all three. On top of that they have a great atmosphere, terrific menu and wonderful staff. This review reminds me I need to go back. Love it.
(5)G R.
Crowded. Reservation recommended.
(2)Jay N.
1) Phenomenally good margarita -- I had the Herradura Top Shelf, and it was smooth, strong, well-mixed, and downright delicious. 2) Had two desserts that were also superlative: the Key lime pie, and the Belgian chocolate mousse. Oh My God level of incredible. Those were the 5-star-worthy standouts, but Agave's rating is brought back down a little by some misses. The two appetizers we tried (calamari, shrimp and poblano spring rolls) were both pretty ordinary, and would have been entirely forgettable if they had not come with a terrific jalapeno jelly dipping sauce. Seriously, I think I could eat my old gym shoes if I put a little of that jalapeno jelly on! My trout entree, stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms, was pretty decent--but not great enough to make me forget that trout just isn't the most delectable fish. Oh well. Great service, a cozy interior, and easy valet parking--plus the standouts above--make Agave worth a visit.
(4)M A.
Agave is one of those places I've been meaning to try but never got around to, but finally got a large group of interested folks together to try the place. I normally enjoy giving reviews based on food AND service for large groups, but in light of there being three other large groups besides ours and the cramped quarters from so many bodies, I'll just say that a Friday night is not a good night to bring a large group here. Max your group out at 6 and you're fine. Any more and you're pushing your luck. In light of that, I'll review the food only and return another time to really test out the service. I would like to mention, however, that this is a place that does have the "everyone must be present to order" policy. Our final person was walking in from the parking lot but the server refused to wait a minute to collect our orders (if he'd started, the last person could've shown up and had time to look the menu over anyway). The meal lasted until nearly 10pm - we all arrived at 7pm. Yikes. With that off my chest, it's time to review the food! I had a mojito which was delicious but will set you back $9, so beware! The margaritas taste delicious as well, but you get what you pay for. The $7.95 margarita doesn't taste as good as the $9.95 one! There are a variety of spirits, though, so kudos on the well-stocked bar. The food itself was very delicious, but I must admit I'm not sure what Agave aims to be. Tex-Mex? Asian? Southern? I tasted someone's quesadilla, which was rich and full of flavor. I was also able to snag a piece of the fried chicken and it was so juicy, moist, and tender (all good words to describe good chicken). Delicious! My meal of choice was the seared tuna over mashed potatoes and asparagus. The tuna was seared to perfection, and the mashed potatoes were definitely fresh and hand mashed, yum! My only qualm is that it said there was a wasabi-laden sauce over the top but I never got the hint of heat. I'd like to see a bit more flavor pop with the dish, but overall it did the job and I left happy. I would definitely love to come here again and try out the service without a large group (and not on a packed Friday evening either). Other than the service, food was spectacular and left my food baby happy and well-nourished. That mojito helped keep the rating up as well, so don't pass up the chance to try a drink here!
(4)Sweet T.
Just ate here for the first time and was pretty happy with it, though the 4 stars are more for potential than our actual experience. The building is interesting, the service was very good and the food was very well prepared. The menu is awesome and makes me want to come back everyday for a week to try everything. The slight hesitation in my review is because some of the dishes were not worth the price tag. (*Cheap Bastard Alert) We started with margaritas and they were Really Good, worth the $10, though I still cringe at any cocktail priced over $6. They've got a nice variety and obviously know what the heck is up. The chips and salsa were very solid and the guacamole ($6.75) was good, too. The ceviche "martini" was nothing special and pretty small for the $9. I'd skip it next time. Also, the beer-battered shrimp were tasty but 5 shrimp for $12=not worth it. My blue corn chicken enchiladas were exceptional and totally worth the $14. The smoked chicken flavor was definitely present and not drowned out by cheese or sauce. Everything was perfectly balanced and the portion was nice, too. My Partner in Food Crime ordered the Agave Salad ($6.50) but added grilled shrimp to it at the suggestion of our friendly server. Those grilled shrimp were awesome but we didn't realize it would add $12 to the cost of the salad. For $18 she probably would have ordered something different, you know? My brother ordered the beer-braised pork shank and was very happy with it. Let's just take his word for it. Too full for dessert. Dang! Even with our mixed reviews, I'd go back to Agave in a heartbeat. It is too obviously a great spot to pass up just because some of the plates might be overpriced. I'm sure once you worked your way around the menu a bit you'd find plenty of things to blow your mind and not your budget. Count me in.
(4)Nikki K.
This is not a review, but a little FYI- they do have a vegetarian menu on request, and the menu is also posted on their website. Think I might try Agave now that I know that!
(5)Natalie B.
Really good food!!! Margaritas are awesome!!! And service has been stellar every time i have gone, even with large parties. Definitely GO and get the lamb!!! My mouth waters thinking about them!
(4)Rachel R.
Peachtree margarita, scallops, torte. Thank you, Agave! I've been a customer for years and will continue to dine at Agave. It's such a great little Cabbagetown gem. Agave has everything, including great food. It's romantic, yet good for groups. It's nice, but casual at the same time. I really like how the staff steps to the side to let you walk through. That may sound weird, but it's one of those little things that make people feel important, and we all know people love to feel important.
(5)Tiffany R.
The sea diver scallops over grits was AMAZING and their Agave fried chicken was "punch your mom in the face good" ,nice atmosphere, friendly staff, great pricing and spectacular eats!
(5)Melissa B.
Been a fan since the early days. Back in town after moving to Charlotte and it was my first stop! Love the new southwest/Italian meatball fusion dish. My friend Susan is a regular!
(5)Sara W.
My first trip to Agave was a 4 star experience. My most recent trip to Agave was closer to a 2 star, so I'll average it to a 3 rating. First trip we sat at the bar and enjoyed some happy hour specials on apps, which were all excellent. And the margaritas were amazing. We went back a few weeks later, sat at a table and it was a totally different experience. We were placed in a corner, surrounded by huge tables of 10-15 people so of course, service was slow and our order got mixed up. They brought out a calamari appetizer we didn't order then said "oh, it's free" -- but didn't really explain why they delivered it to our table. It was kinda weird. The entrees were alright. Nothing really to write home about. Maybe we should stick with sitting at the bar??
(3)Katie K.
I have been going to Agave for well over 10 years and the food and service have always been consistently good. I went there with a group of 8 girlfriends recently as one of my first 'girls' nights' since having a baby. When we sat down, the waiter asked if we were celebrating any special occasions. Since it had been my friend's birthday earlier in the week, I said it was her birthday and the rest of the group told him that they were also 'celebrating' me too. Throughout the meal (on a busy Saturday evening beginning at 8:30), the waiter was somewhat attentive but not excellent. Before we had even finished the meal (or been asked if we wanted dessert), they brought out two chocolate desserts for myself and my friend. We thought this was nice (although I normally like to order what I want for dessert and then have them bring it out with a candle, etc.)....BUT, when we got our checks we realized we'd been charged for the desserts. This is the first time this has ever happened to me, especially when we did not order dessert ourselves- It seems like if they bring it out automatically (especially without letting us choose), the restaurant would comp this. We thought this was strange and I promised myself I'd write a review about this.
(4)Tammy C.
Agave offers some of the best choices and one of the finest dining experiences in Atlanta. They offer vegetarian dishes that are unparralled in Atlanta with variety and taste. As a non-vegetarian I crave their seared Ahi in between visits. Call and make a reservation as they are always busy but I promise you will not be dissappointed unless you are impossible to please!
(5)Martha S.
Wonderful! Went here for an awesome birthday dinner -- I had the scallops, which came with amazing iterations of cheesy grits and collard greens. They also comped my dessert because they'd asked if it was a special occasion when we made the reservation. WTG, guys! Ask to see the vegetarian menu -- the options on there were significantly cheaper than the regular menu, and the dish my boyfriend ordered off there was great.
(5)Jena H.
We played dinner roulette the other night and had another success with Agave! (Dinner roulette is where we hop in the car and drive in a particular direction and stop in at a random new place that we've been curious about.) The parking lot at Agave always has a lot of cars in it looking that direction from Memorial Drive, so we knew it was a good option. We weren't expecting it to be as nice as it was inside, but pulling into the parking lot and seeing the nice vehicles and complimentary valet let us know that we were in for a treat. I joked to my date as we approached the front of the building that the words "eclectic" in the description meant that they get to charge $5 more per plate. ...It would be worth every penny of it! We arrived around 6:30 to a business professional clientele and were asked if we had reservations. We didn't, but were seated quickly. The décor is fresh but still holds to the theme. We were already impressed. The beverage menu makes it clear that tequila is their specialty, but I was pleased they were able to make mojitos. Jason had a Texas margarita that was really good also. Chips and freshly made salsa are complimentary. I'm super sensitive when it comes to spices on my taste buds and got worried when every item on the menu mentioned something about spice. I had success with the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo by asking them to put the 'sauce' on the side. The trout was wonderful and I finally got to try crawfish (part of the "stuffing") for the first time. I would go back again even if just to have the dish. Jason had the Tenderloin Medallions and cleaned his plate which means he loved his also. The food arrived quickly and the presentations on the plates were very nice too. We ordered the flan for dessert, but I think it was a Chocolate Ganache that we actually received. It looked yummy, so we ate it anyways and didn't make a fuss. Next time we will try again for the flan. There will definitely be a next time!
(4)Kim T.
This place must be good for me to drive from Buckhead on my way to Decatur. And the other night was great! My BF and I popped in fairly early (5ish) and quickly snagged the last two seats at the bar. It is a small bar - seats about 10 people max. But the the bartenders are pleasant and friendly. It seemed that most of the other patrons were regulars. We came for the "half-price appetizers at the bar" special and walked out fuller and fatter with the $10 entree celebration for the 10 year anniversary of Agave! Jack, the owner, and I agreed that 6 months in the Atlanta restaurant business is a long time so 10 years is awesome! Jack comes to Atlanta from Albuquerque, NM via Auburn, AL. We are glad he did. We shared the guacamole which was good but not great. It needed a little zip so we added the zippy salsa. Better!!!! We never felt rushed and the bartender made some great suggestions on meals. Hmmmm - do I go for the fried chicken (at a tex-mex restaurant?) or how about the steak special? First off, everything here is delicious so making that decision is hard. Ultimately, my BF had the red-chile rubbed scallops that were wonderful with cheese grits and honey collard greens. I chose the bistro steak special which was good but I could have had that at any restaurant in Atlanta. Next time, the short ribs will call out to me! And I'm thinking I will save a little room for dessert. Yummy!
(4)Scott S.
Just got home from another awesome time at agave. They were hoppin as usual on a Saturday night, but as always the staff was on point. From the door to the drinks (was recommended the new George Clooney Casamigos! Was good in my margarita and in a snifter with dessert!) to the food. Surprised actually at how quickly the food came! We had a table right in front of the kitchen line and I noticed for the first time the massive amount of food those guys get out, and I didn't see any heating lamps! So its up and gone and hot!Those cooks are rock stars! I didn't have my usual stuffed trout, ventured to the scallops again per recommendation and the server did not steer me wrong, the grits and collards were awesome accompaniments! Took some grits to go for breakfast! Props to my server as I was feeling experimental and he didn't disappoint, Sam was our server and he was kind, helpful, obviously knowledgeable and unintrusive. We'll be seeing him again soon I hope thanks agave as always, impressive!
(5)Rachel M.
I was a bit wary considering there were some not so great reviews, however, several friends raved about it so I decided to give it a go. As was the general consensus, the service was exceptional. Both me and my date got the short ribs which were also excellent. Though the place was a bit loud, I didn't think it was too overwhelming for a date. I would definitely recommend.
(4)Pamela G.
Agave is an amazing restaurant! all of their food is fresh and never frozen. The tequila bar is exceptional, they also have the most delicious Chile & Herb Rub of which they created. The rub is also for sale. The service and staff are hands down top notch! I have never had a bad meal. Lisa, the head mixologist makes the best margarita in Atlanta. This is my cheers, if you are in Atlanta, you must dine here.
(5)Katie C.
The restaurant is really pretty inside and everyone who works there looks like they like it. The food is really great. I would recommend any of their seafood dishes. Come during happy hour for some great deals. The reason they aren't getting five stars is because of their parking situation. They technically don't "make" you use the valet but there's only a half dozen spots available to the immediate left.
(3)Amrita J.
So this was a big birthday year for me....I turned 25 on the 25th !!! Woohoo!!!! Little did I know it was going to cause me SO many problems as far as my plans went for the evening, b/c of the wonderful high school proms going on in Atlanta the SAME night. So what does dinner plans + prom=?!?! BOOKED BOOKED BOOKED restaurants!!! :( I was desperate for a place to go to that would accomodate my large group of friends, and finally came across Agave. I want to start by giving HUGE props to the owner/partner Tim for coming to my rescue. I called him, he told me "No problem", and was ready to give us a table for 15+ people, but then when I called him back and told him it'd be closer to 10-12 ppl, he told me once again "No problem", we'll make sure that the table is ready for ya'll.......and that he did. So the big day came, and I met my friends at Agave, not quite sure what to expect from the place, the food, the service, any of the above. But who cares....it was my freaking BIRTHDAY!!!!! Well let's just say I had a fabulous time, and was so greatful for all of the things listed above: Atmosphere: A Food: A+ Service: A++ Drinks: A+ Laughs from our awesome waiter: Spadoni A++++ So our waiter, ROCKED...(as listed above)....he handled our table with such ease, anything we wanted, he was there at our beck and call, with a huge smile on his face!!!! He even decorated the cake that was brought in by adding strawberries surrounding it, and chocolate sauce saying "Happy Birthday". I had the Rio Rancho tacos, which were YUMMY!!! Plus, we got the calamari appetizer, and can't forget the libations to go along with it all......I had the Frozen Strawberry Reposado.....mmmmmm mmmmmmm GOOD! I had a fabulous 25th birthday, and it all started off right here at Agave....Thanks Agave for accomodating me in my time of need !!!
(5)Heather S.
1) The drink I has was really good. I had a Texas margarita. It was perfect. 2) The chips are made fresh on site and the salsa was amazing. 3) I had the tequila shrimp and it was amazing. 4) Our server was named Spadoni and other people have mentioned him as being great. If given the option, I would wait for an hour if it meant he would be my server. He was honestly the best server I have ever had in my life anywhere. 5) The staff really wants you to enjoy yourself here and have a great experience and go out of their way to make sure everything is great. 6) Did I mention that the food was awesome?? It's not really tex mex but upscale southwestern. It's a little on the pricey side so I won't go here a lot, but I really should go there more than I have in the past.
(5)Andrew N.
Its not Tex-Mex, its New Mexican! So, what does that mean? Well, no BBQ sauce and plenty of green chiles! Moving from New Mexico, it took some time for me to get used to this place, because it is not entirely New Mexican, it is more Modern-Metro-Southern-inspired New Mexican. There are grits and seared Ahi on the menu. Well, I've come around and now this is my favorite nearby haunt for those times when I want to drop a bit of cash. I very much enjoy the large and rico Santa Fe enchiladas, and my wife the fresh and firm seared Ahi Tuna. The New Mexico rack or lamb is nothing to sneeze at either. Drinks... well, this is one of the few places that I would actually recommend both the food and the Rita's. There are over 100 tequilas so there are plenty of ways to make em. I prefer the Herradura Top-Shelf, and my wife the Agave Don Eduardo Añejo. Tasty, but at near $10 a pop, I would pace myself. This place is a must for anyone who wants a unique and flavorful Atlanta culinary experience. Be sure to make reservations on almost any night. Also, keep an eye out for BOGO coupons in the Savvy Shopper, it will make your experience much cheaper, but no less tasty. (edit: I should add that the folks: Host, server, and managers go out of their way to make sure you are happy) My one request is that they start asking the official question of New Mexico: "Red or Green?"
(5)Alain L.
So I talk my good friend Nichole into going to Agave with me, she initially suggested pizza, so I politely overruled her. It's a Friday evening and something like pizza just wasn't going to cut it. I got there first, it gave me a good opportunity to check out the bar area and the seating layout. The walkways were narrow and not the best to hold a conversation as foot traffic is constantly interrupting the flow. Overall I enjoyed the ambiance, feels like I've walked into a Spanish villa. Perhaps the narrowness was intentional. Nichole arrives and we get our table after a brief wait. We got seated in the covered patio, which was perfect. Lots of sun still left in the day and I had a few margaritas with my name on them. Our server was a doll, she was fun and made great recommendations like the Spicy Southwestern Crab & Shrimp Spring Rolls. These were truly fantastic and I would devour an entree portion if one was available. Nic went with the Cayenne Fried Chicken as her main course and I went with the night's special of scallops with tomatillo grits and pineapple. I tried a little bit of the chicken and it was very tasty. I was a little disappointed in the scallops, but the grits were very good. Agave is a great restaurant and I see it being part of my regular rotation.
(4)Kelly S.
Agave gets 4 stars, and a couple of itty bitty tweaks would make it 5. Well, ok, so the first "tweak" is more of a complete overhaul of their parking system: the world's most unnecessary and inconvenient valet. AT LEAST put a covered waiting area out there or something. For Pete's sake, my man and I had to stand IN THE RAIN for a good 5-10 minutes while the valet went to get my car, which was within eyesight. Talk about ending an awesome meal on a shitty note. The other thing is that the calamari was "meh". Nice and tender, so no issues of chewiness. I just thought it was lacking flavor - but my boyfriend disagreed, so take my review of it with a grain of salt (or just add some). The guacamole seemed a little oddly sweet, but it was still very good. But now that all the negatives are out of the way . . . everything else was OH MY GOD good. I had the tequila anejo shrimp and . . . *heehee* 3 Texas margaritas. My boyfriend had the trout and a Texas margarita as well. We were so stuffed from the chips and salsa (delicious!), guacamole, and calamari that by the time the entrees came, you KNOW it had to be good for us to kill it like we did. Oh, and the hospitality is overwhelmingly good, especially coming from the perspective of someone who usually eats at places that are cheap as possible. Our reservation was for 7:30, and we got there on time and were seated immediately. Every employee we passed greeted us in a manner that at least SEEMED sincere, unlike the forced greetings you get at so many other places. I also love the decor. Warm, dark-ish, rustic - it kinda gave me a Catholic-church-in-Mexico feel (but beware, I've never even been to Mexico). If it weren't for the valet parking, this would be a 5-star review.
(4)Dave A.
Always enjoyable. It's a touch too dark in there for my old 25 year old eyes. I love the 2 for 1 entree coupons in the Savvy Shopper magazine, too! Try the trout! Great food and excellent drinks. Enjoy!
(4)Brooks S.
I'm a big fan of Agave - except for a few minor glitches in my last visit, which included a long initial wait and a long wait for the food, I have never had a negative experience. I've introduced a lot of people to it and they have always loved the food. My mom, mom's friend, brother and his girlfriend are a few of the out-of-town guests that really enjoy the fresh, crispy chips and tasty, fresh salsa brought out at the beginning of the meal. The food offers a nice southwestern experience with many great flavors - my favorites include the Tequila Shrimp, the halibut, and the swordfish special I had last time I went. I have had a couple special events there, like valentines day and really enjoyed the personable service and friendliness of the staff. The guacamole is quite good as well as the margaritas, my favorite being the Texas. One of the places I love to go when I know I want a flavorful dish and I have a couple extra dollars to spend. Thanks Agave for the great atmosphere and food.
(4)Laura R.
Not your standard Mexican joint.... you should know that going in. You should also be prepared to pay for parking. The food is decent and well priced. There is a vegetarian menu that has lots of tasty options. The margaritas are great! But, there is no queso? The food also seemed somewhat bland. This place has a nice vibe overall.
(3)Jason M.
I'd give Agave a solid 3.5 stars which rounds up to four for these purposes. Pros- The margaritas are pretty good and the salsa is quite nice. The trout is delicious and the blue corn enchilades are also quite tasty. Cons- It's a bit dark and a bit loud inside which takes away from it's score. Also, it i s a bit expensive for "Not Mexican."
(4)Megan S.
SOUTHEAST GOES SOUTHWEST AT AGAVE Need a flavor fix, go to the former Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill's General Store where Agave resides- you'll find the best southwest food in ATL. Jack Sobel, Chef- Owner opened this gem in 2000 fulfilling his dream to create delectable New Mexican-style foods. The central theme in all his heavenly creations is the tantalizing chile pepper. To truly master the chile, the freshest ingredients must be used and to help accomplish this Agave uses no microwaves or freezers and receives its meats and produce daily. True to its namesake, Agave has over 100 tequilas, which makes for some outrageous margaritas. The creators of these heavenly beverages are Lisa Metzger and Melissa Agee. These goddesses of the bar surely know how to make tequila sing. The Corzo Perfecto is a perfect blend of Corzo Super Premium Reposado, limejuice and Agave Nectar. I thought I had tasted some great margaritas, but these are too awesome. The housemade chips, salsa, and freshly made guacamole helps prevent the glasses from emptying too quickly. To jump-start the journey to the Land of Enchantment, Thomas, a most knowledgeable waiter, presented Agave's signature soups. The traditional earthy Posole with braised pulled pork, hominy, guajillo red chile, and lime honors the celebration of life. The hearty Hatch Green Chile Stew with chunks of beef tenderloin, corn, and onions was decadently spicy, but not hot. The Grilled Shrimp and Sashimi Tuna Ceviche marinated with lime, serrano peppers and a splash of cider vinegar is a seafood lover's dream. Wrapped in rice paper, the crispy Spicy Spring Rolls consisted of a perfect blend of chopped shrimp, lump crab, Napa cabbage, and of course serrano peppers. The outrageous guajillo chile, limejuice and white wine sauce made the plump, delicate Guajillo Mussels so tasty. If the chile is the soul of Southwestern cooking, then Agave brings it to life. Perfectly spiced Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken served with poblano habanera and jalapeno jellies is otherworldly. If this dish doesn't make you your taste buds rumba, I don't know what will. To kick it up the spice chart, the grilled Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno and cheddar grits cakes is unbelievable. For meat and potato lovers that need a little spice in their life, the ground veal, chorizo, and Hatch Green chilies meatloaf is like no other- yummy! If Elvis had the pan seared beef tenderloin medallions in a garlic-chile tequila puree, he would have broke into a chorus of "Love me Tender". The parade doesn't stop here, The Southwestern twist on a key lime pie is a delight, the raspberry margarita cheesecake is sinful, for chocolate lovers there is the Belgian Chocolate mousse and the Torta de Sabrosa, and the most different dessert ever is the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie which lives up to its name, OK I'm ready for another Margarita. In addition to this outstanding award-winning restaurant, Jack Sobel other life is his band, Black Swan Lane. Their relaxing melodic lyrics reminds me of Roger Waters meets Brian Eno, good stuff, check out their website myspace.com/blackswanlane . LGBTG FRIENDLY ***** (Great Staff) FOOD ***** (Chile Lover's Paradise) PRICE ***** (Parties of 6 or more get the Chef Sampler) AMBIENCE ***** (Patio Dining/ Great Bar) DRINKS ***** (Best Margaritas in Town) agaverestaurant.com ADDRESS: 242 Boulevard SE Atlanta, Georgia 30312 Tel: (404) 588-0006
(5)Betty R.
Can't believe it took us so long to go to Agave, especially since we used to live right down the road. Our friends had a 20% off VIP email thingy, so we decided to give it a go - it was a tasty evening. I love that they are not scared of the spice at Agave! Jalapeno margarita was great, salsa had a good kick to it, and the meatballs were really yummy (the other app we ordered, the calamari, was just fine - good, but nothing to write home about). Hubby's fried chicken entree was definitely the favorite - I will order it next time for sure. My trout was also quite good, and a HUGE portion. Service was good - the waiter was friendly, but he got that we were chatting with our friends and didn't bug us unless he saw that we needed something. I thought the prices were pretty darn reasonable, and the setting was nice - we were at a table in the back by the fire, which was cozy on a cold night. I hope to be back soon!
(4)Angela B.
I would not return to Agave!! *wouldn't seat us *watered down Martini *bad order
(1)Joe C.
Decent Fancy-Mexican Place: Margarita's were tasty. Environment is good. They had a vegetarian menu for those that don't eat meat. Strange their was no queso on the menu. Pretty good place for some Mexican food. A little spendy for what you get, as they play upon the attempted 'upscale' ambiance. But a pretty good place overall.
(3)Kassandra M.
Fun environment, delicious food. Vegan friendly. Wonderful margaritas. Could I ask for more? Make sure you have a reservation on Fridays and weekends.
(4)Phin S.
I kind of knew I would end up giving this place five stars after reading the reviews. It's not too often that about halfway into a meal, I say aloud, "this might be my favorite restaurant in Atlanta." That was the case with Agave. This place just has everything going for it. The atmosphere is perfect-- very comforting, warm, cool, and friendly. The staff is very attentive and helpful. The food is original and excellent. We sat at the bar, where you get BOGO appetizers EVERY night from 5-7, so we got 4 apps. They were all wonderful, particularly the shrimp and tenderloin-- the steak was just amazing. It was cooked rare and was up there with the best steak I have ever had (weird for an app). The drinks were phenomenal. We tried four margs, and they were all outstanding. They are pricey, but they are quality drinks. I can't really suggest a particular one, but you should be able to ask the staff for help, and you really can't go wrong. You probably can't afford to come here regularly, but this place makes sense as a regular place for special occasions (if that makes sense). I'd imagine I'll be coming back here at least annually. Thanks for existing, Agave! Note-- we got there around 4:50, so we got to park in the lot ourselves instead of using valet. Then we were there for the entire buy one get one free appetizer at the bar deal. Also, it was not crowded yet on a Saturday at that hour, so our service was great. I couldn't think of a better time to go to Agave than 4:50-7:00 sitting at the bar on a Friday or Saturday.] On the update, have to lower it to four stars for a bad service experience. Still a good place, but service must be consistent.
(4)Marisa M.
Delicious, dependable and unpretentious. This is a regular place for me. My favorite dish is the Anejo Shrimp - I love everything about it especially the so, so yummy corn cake. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken is good and so are the salmon and the veggie plate. Good prices and service. No brainer when you want a good, no fuss meal.
(5)Ben H.
*Wow - Afghan, Burmese, Hot Dogs, Ukrainian, and Fish & Chips tags but no Southwestern tag?! Agave really isn't "Tex-Mex" but whatever - I'm nitpicking.* I really like Agave. The atmosphere is casual, but not too casual - it's not stuffy or pretentious. The restaurant is very attractive as well. The service is attentive, refined, and yet down to earth. All the food I've had there is very good - it is fresh, well prepared, and spicy. I love the crawfish pasta, but it IS seriously intense so be warned (and I love spicy food). If yours wasn't very spicy then they must have just sized you up for a wussy, bland eater and toned it down. Both the trout and fried chicken are very good as well. Of course, the margaritas are excellent - I would recommend the Herradura one (I get it every time and have since been able to replicate a pretty good version). Prices here are really reasonable and they tend to have good deals here as well. I really enjoy going to Agave and it is one of my go-to restaurants now as it is consistently great. My only complaint would be that the absolutely idiotic valet parking system next to the restaurant. It should just not be valet period. The first time I was there I had to get out and walk a bit to the front of the restaurant which is facing the street, not the lot. There is no element of convenience here which should be the purpose of valet. When leaving, I then had to walk PAST my car to get to the valet where my keys were. I just took my keys from the valet and walked back to my car and left. Valet parking can be quite nice and convenient, but in this instance it just wastes your time and is incredibly inconvenient and annoying. It just does not make any sense to have valet here - just make it self-parking. I have since avoided this problem by parking on Carroll Street though. /rant 4.5
(5)Sabrina T.
I've been having a special love affair with Agave for some time now. Agave has mastered the art of making every visit, every menu selection and every drink feel and taste just like the very first time. The quality and taste of their food and drinks remains consistent, right along with their service. Their tender divers scallops seduce me over and over and over again. Must haves: divers scallops, grit cake, agave chop salad, spring rolls, peachtree margarita and pomerita. This is my neighborhood "Cheers", you should definitely make it yours too. This restaurant should not be categorized as Tex-Mex... To continue to do so is an insult to say the least. This is southwestern cuisine at its best. Do this restaurant justice and remove Tex-Mex as the restaurant descriptor.
(5)Christine K.
While I, like the hundreds of other Yelpers, immensely enjoyed my dinner here a few nights ago, I have mixed feelings about it. But, my issue isn't really Agave's fault, so I can't really penalize them for it. The issue? Well, first, I need to tell you what I ate. After slurping up my delicious passion fruit margarita (very, very sweet) like water, munching on a zillion chips dipped in the most AWESOMELY flavorful salsa served in a restaurant, and finishing off my crunchy caesar salad, I happily dug into my stuffed mountain trout. The trout, needless to say, was yum yum yum yum (well, maybe a little salty) and I went straight to foodie heaven. My sister had some sort of pasta with crawfish along with a side of mac n cheese (not creamy enough in the least, in my opinion) and a mango margarita (strong and yummy); my mom had the fish special (I think it was the corvina??), which she found to be divine; and my dad ordered the tuna sashimi along with possibly the most delectable onion rings and a jalapeno margarita (of which he was sadly not a fan, but maybe it's because he's not crazy about on the rocks...). Our happy family of four ended our $150-ish food extravaganza with raspberry cheesecake, which at $7, wasn't exactly the most exciting cheesecake I've ever had and, I felt, fell a bit short of the scrumptious entrees. Service was excellent and as we were seated up in the loft-ish area overlooking the entire restaurant and kitchen, my dad proclaimed it the best seat in the house. The restaurant is pretty small actually and was extremely crowded, bustling with families, prom groups, dudes chilling, girlfriends chilling, and dates. Okay. Back to the issue. After such a wonderful evening, what went wrong? Much later that evening, I discovered that I broke out into the MOST attractive rash all over, proving that I am now apparently allergic to crawfish. Ah! While I am very unhappy about the allergic aftermath (and still having to deal with it after 3 days), I guess I wouldn't have found out had I not dined at Agave... Maybe. So. Agave, thank you for the food and I guess thank you for letting me know of yet another item I need to avoid. Ha! Don't worry, I don't hold this against you; it's just an unfortunate turn of events!
(5)Krystal M.
It's okay, go ahead and believe the hype about this place. I was on a quest to find a new restaurant to try for my birthday [preferably one with a southwestern flair and known for their margaritas), and this is my new fave Atlanta restaurant. So, I'm sure you're asking yourself why I'm saying this restaurant is my new favorite. . . well a restaurant must pass the following categories with flying colors for me to say it's my favorite: - Attentive and Friendly Service from the host/hostess to the wait staff. Our waiter (Bobby, who was excellent), was on POINT! My glass was always refilled with water and he brought us out fresh salsa for our chips when he saw we were getting low. He also asked if we were there for a special occasion, in which I informed him it was my birthday. I was pleasantly surprised with a delicious chocolate mousse with a candle in it, in addition to the very flavorful raspberry cheesecake that we ordered (also with a candle in it). Also, the manager stopped by our table to see how we liked our food. I thought it was a very nice gesture. - A solid variety of good, flavorful food. Although the restaurant has a Tex Mex feel to it, anyone can find something to satisfy their palette at Agave. I had the fried chicken breast with mashed potatoes and corn. My husband had the short ribs with the southwestern macaroni. Both of our entrees were DEE-LISH!! I must say, being a macaroni and cheese lover, I really loved their take on this dish. -Flavorful, inventive drinks. All I have to say is their margaritas are EXCELLENT. I thought that I wouldn't find a good margarita until I went back to Cabo San Lucas, but Agave knows how to make a mean margarita, but be careful, they do sneak up on you! I had the Peachtree Margarita and a Strawberry Margarita (what can I say, it was my birthday, so I splurged more than I normally would). Both margaritas were well balanced and very flavorful. Agave also has an extensive tequila menu. -Warm, Inviting Ambiance. The decor feels like home -- very cozy and comfortable. All in all, I had a great experience at Agave. I will definitely be back again soon. Also as a side note, the food is very reasonably priced for what you get!
(5)Blair H.
This is my favorite place in Atlanta. Awesome prices, great service, and a thoughful and ever-changing menu (that keeps the fan faves but constantly introduces new ones). Oh, did I also mention that they have the best margarita's in the city. YES, the best margaritas in the city.
(5)Cricket B.
Fabulous...friendly service, very fresh, warm chips...dinner was so yummy...love love the crawfish pasta that I had...omg delish! The chopped salad is a favorite as well. Definitely will be back again....Just go, it's all yummy.
(4)Bobbin W.
Agave has knocked my taste buds off on several occasions, so it's time I sing its praises. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this Tex-Mex establishment is the consistently outstanding service. I've rushed into this place 15 minutes before closing time, and the hostess sat my date and me with a smile. And my most recent waiter, Spadoni, was so seriously keeping it real. I am totally watching my dollars and only ordered an entree that time. I know this budget-alert behavior is disappointing to waitstaff who need to make tips and survive, but Spadoni maintained his amazingly pleasant demeanor, even after I shunned opportunities to sample an appetizer or order one of the many tequilas off the drink menu. My favorite entree that Agave offers is the spicy tequila shrimp, which also happens to be the best-selling dish on the menu: jumbo shrimp grilled and sauteed in a spicy (I'm talking pretty effing spicy) lime and tequila cream sauce, seductively arranged around a cheese grit cake (I'm usually not a grit kind of girl, but I was down with these gritty grits), topped with a few asparagus spears. The entree was rather small, I thought, but since complementary chips and salsa were brought to the table, I was pretty full by the end of this eating endeavor. I've had the key lime pie before, too, and it spun me into a graham cracker-meringue state of bliss. SPADONI is the man! I need to check his serving schedule, so I can eat at Agave when I have a chance of him waiting on my table.
(4)Caesar M.
Yum! I came here with a friend once and I was very impressed. The restaurant itself looks like a pub but serves like a 5 star. The atmosphere was serene and the servers were always nearby to handle any request. They have a plethora of margaritas I could not even begin to remember how many but I am an original kind of guy....with salt please! I ordered the scallops for like $19 and they were well worth it! scallops are my favorite and in their version of the dish worked quite well. Like any typical mexicanesque (even a word?) establishment they try to fill you up with tortilla chips and salsa before the food even comes out.
(4)Jim T.
Be patient with the parking. It can be slow if you come right at dinner hour. But it is complimentary! It's been a few years since I've been here and it is better than I remember. The decor is really great and particularly inviting on a cold evening. If the fireplace doesn't warm you up, the yummy drinks will. The service is outstanding. Servers are engaging, attentive and friendly. It really makes you want to settle in for a cozy and enjoyable dinner. As for the food--Tex-Mex is not a great description. Think rustic Mexican... and eclectic is a good modifier. It's all good. Definitely save room for Belgian chocolate mousse.
(4)Kristen M.
Went with a group of 5 on 11/12/11 -- food/service/ambience were all great. Made reservations and table was ready when we got there. Salsa was perfectly spicy and appeared to be freshly made. Good vegetarian menu -- everyone loved their food (chicken quesadilla, swordfish, trout w/ crawfish, vegtrn enchiladas, vegtrn salad). Drinks were also great -- Herradura margarita was the best! Will def go back! *Mon-Wed get a free app w/ Yelp check-in*
(5)Fred M.
Awesome food and great service. The cayenne chicken is the "BEST" if you like fried chicken.
(5)D L.
Ordered-... uh, I just heard someone in my office farting, haha!- we ordered... Entrees: - fried chicken - diablo pasta - duck (the most delicious duck I've ever tasted and I don't even like duck!) - something else What I remember most about Agave is their guacamole. Delicious. Heavenly. If you opened up a dictionary and looked up "guacamole", you'd find directions to Agave. That was lame. Anyway... the guacamole. Wow. But the serving was so tiny... So, so tiny... *sigh
(4)Julie Y.
After searching yelp for a restaurant, I settled on Agave. I had a great dinner so thanks fellow yelpers! My fellow diners were slow to arrive, but luckily the staff was really nice and accommodating. The space is rather small, so I know they were doing me a great favor by holding my table. Started off with one of their margaritas, which are definitely deserving of the awards. Ordered the shrimp and grits which I had been dying to try, and they were utterly delicious. The grits were formed into a cube that was crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Currently my fave grits dish. The fried chicken dish was good but I prefer the moistness of dark meat. Since it was my birthday, they gave me a serving of their chocolate mousse, which was a great way to end the meal.
(5)Vincent V.
I have a hard time ordering anything other than the fried chicken. It's some of the best I've had outside of a soul food place that specializes in that kind of thing. It's a little spicier than Southern fried chicken, but what else would you expect from southwestern cuisine? You'll see a lot of local luminaries at Agave, it had a real neighborhood following. The food is great, and the tequila selection is excellent. Great place for a drink or for upscale southwestern food in a great atmosphere. Every year on their anniversary, Agave hosts a blow-out party that is not to be missed. There's a buffet of some of their best dishes and the margaritas are flowing like waterfalls at the bar. Pay a one time fee at the door, prepare for a huge crowd, and enjoy.
(5)Will P.
Agave does not get the amount of press in Atlanta I think it deserves. Both times I have been there for dinner I have said to my girlfriend that we need to come back more often. I have been both during the week and on the weekend and love the atmosphere. The ambiance is great, there are several fireplaces in the two rear dining rooms, and everyone in the restaurant greets you with a smile. I would recommend getting a reservation for weeknights and weekends as this restaurant gets busy quickly. The first thing I love about Agave, they serve FREE chips and salsa on your table before your water comes for your drink order. Unfortunately diners in Atlanta cannot take free chips and salsa for granted at Mexican restaurants. Agave's salsa is the perfect amount of spicy and its chips are made completely in-house. Near the bar and plating area you can see hand-cut blue corn and flour tortillas waiting to be tossed in a deep fryer before they are served fresh to your table. These tortillas are great with a serving of Agave's guacamole which can be bought in a half order for only $3.75 if you're worried about filling up on chips before your meal. The second thing I love about Agave is its margaritas. I had a great Avion Anejo margarita and my girlfriend had the "Peachtree" peach flavored margarita. I should mention that we are usually disappointed by flavored margaritas. They sometimes come in strange colors and are too sugary to finish. Not the Peachtree margarita at Agave. It was the right amount of sweet with a good tequila flavor. I highly recommend this particular flavored margarita. After we had a couple of drinks and too many chips we finally had dinner. My girlfriend had the chicken quesadilla as her entree and loved it. It was stuffed with plenty of chicken, oozed with cheese, and came with guacamole and sour cream on the side. Our waiter Rob was extremely helpful throughout the evening. He steered me towards the veal, chorizo, and green chile meatloaf. It was... Incredible! The flavor was great. The dish had a sweetness as well as a spicy finish. The southwestern mac and cheese was perfectly paired with the meatloaf. It didn't really taste "southwestern" in my opinion, but it was very tasty. The dish also comes with honey cider collard greens. Unfortunately, as much as I love the South I am not a collard greens fan. They were easy to brush aside. I should mention that the first time I came here I had the cayenne fried chicken and loved it. It definitely belongs on any list of best fried chicken in Atlanta. It is also a very unique spin on the dish. I have also tried the spicy peanut butter moose pie. I love spicy foods, but it just didn't work for my taste buds combined with a peanut butter flavored dessert. Overall, Agave is a great Mexican restaurant in a city where that is hard to find. I will definitely be back here soon!
(5)Joel C.
Whenever someone says lets go to Agave, I am pretty much game since I like the place! I'm surprised that I only come here about twice a year since its pretty close to where I live. David, Maria, Kim and I decided to have dinner after pre-drinking at Noni's. It wasn't too busy and we were quickly seated. I love the chips and salsa and only wished they had cheese dip! We opted for the guacamole and it was equally as good. The menu has changed quite a bit from the last time I came here. Plenty of new additions filled the menu, but I was happy to see that they still have their never ending list of Tequila and abundance of Margarita choices! We all went for the special Mango Margaritas and started with the Fried Calamari. The margarita was ok (should have stuck with the Texas) and the calamari was so crispy and flavorful! I love that they served it with the Jalapeno Jelly to give it a sweet and spicy punch. For entrees, David ordered the Fried Chicken (my favorite entree and probably the best entree here), Kim just wanted dessert and ordered the Flan, Maria got the Burrito and Soup Combo, and as always I had to try the burger and ordered the new Green Chiles Cheddar Burger. Everyone really enjoyed their entrees! The burger was meh, a bit different with the chiles. Looks like I'll stick with the usual and will stay with the fried chicken! It's good to know that from the first time I ate here about 6 years ago till today, the food and service is fantastic and consistent.
(3)Hannah C.
This place is our date night go-to. The food is delicious even if you don't like southwestern (which I don't). I highly recommend the tenderloin medallions. The servers all seem to have a working knowledge of the wines they carry so we usually get a bottle to split and have never been mislead. We have had a different server every time and the service is always great. We love to sit in the loft area and people watch. It is romantic and removed from the bustle of downstairs. The real star of this place is the flourless chocolate tort. I maintain this is the best dessert I've had in Atlanta. Love this place.
(5)Shannon C.
I'm a fan. Really good. I had the chicken enchiladas and my date had the short ribs. Both fantastic. Service is awesome. Try the banana plantain cheesecake!
(5)Nicole C.
I give this 3.5 stars. The food was a little better than 'ok' but it really didn't wow me. I ordered the short rib w/ mashed potatoes. It was tasty. The meat was pretty tender, although it was cool when I got it. Not warm like most freshly cooked meals. My friends ordered the albondigas and penne pasta, and the vegetarian burrito. The pasta had good flavor from the bite I took. The vegetarian burrito was kinda 'eh' although I did like that they put in zuccini.
(3)Allison Z.
I ate at Agave on Monday night; I met a friend for dinner that I hadn't seen in a really long time. I was starving when I sat down, so I was glad that the blue chips and salsa hit the table at the same time my butt hit the chair. Our server was SUPER friendly, and even told us that the food comes with a gaurantee--if you dont like it, send it back and Agave will give you another dish. I was so shocked by this gaurantee (I mean, I could feasibly eat half my dinner, claim I don't like it and not have to pay?! Crazy!) that I didn't get into the nitty gritty with the guy, but at any rate, that's a cool gaurantee. I had the grouper with fried yuca and spicy spinach. The grouper was really good, not light (then again it's not a light fish) and the spinach paired with the fish in a forkful was quite tasty. The yuca was a hit. It came served in small strings, they almost looked like onion straws, and my friend was eagerly picking them off my plate and raving. I would give this entree 3 stars, it was good but not the best thing I've ever eaten. My pal got the trout which was much better and lighter. We both had the same glass of house red wine, a really good compliment to somewhat spicy fish dishes. Overall I'm happy with my experience at Agave. It's pricey (be prepared, entrees are between $15-20) but the Savy Saver has a buy-one-get-one-free entree coupon in this week's edition. Hey, the economy is rough and I still like good food--no judgement.
(3)Amy G.
Probably one of my favorite restaurants to go to just for the location. Directly across from Oakland Cemetery and convenient from the highway, Agave is tucked away from hustle and bustle. And once you're inside, the decor and atmosphere is very comfortable and inviting. The cayenne chicken is good. I have yet to go when I'm in a place to try a margarita, but it's surely in due time according to you other yelpers out there in Agave land. Unfortunately, they've removed the collard greens from the pork shank - which really made the dish - and replaced it with boring mashed potatoes. This is very upsetting. Otherwise, the service has always been great to me. At every visit we know we can expect a visit from a chef or manager of some sort, which is nice. Do go expecting to shovel some spicy fare into your trap. Just about everything gets at least 3 out of 5 "flames" for heat. I've also heard rumors that the diablo crawfish pasta will make you sweat. Literally. So maybe you'll want to order a glass of milk with your margarita.
(4)Elbee M.
The food was good, not remarkable, though it was a fun meal. Being a place that specializes in margaritas and has pages of them to choose from can contribute to that. A-OK!
(3)Dai T.
Yummy! Try the scallops, grits, and greens!
(5)Erin W.
Let me start by saying that Agave has been and still is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta for about 4 years now, but I hope they read yelp reviews so that the things from my latest visit will not go un-noticed. I am reducing to four stars because on my most recent visit during Labor Day weekend, the margaritas tasted very different and not like the one that's been voted "best margarita in Atlanta" for the last few years. It had way too much sweet/sour going, and friends at my table agreed. For a place that has prided itself on its margaritas, this last one was just not up to par. Our waiter was a bit more aloof than past waiters, I'm not sure if that was due to the fact that our party of eight was using a $10/entree Labor Day special coupon that I had printed out or not. I felt that as soon as I mentioned the coupon, our table was an after-thought. On the upside, after four years of dancing all over Agave's menu and never having tried their signature dish--the fried chicken--I finally tried it during this visit. I ate every morsel of spicy, lightly-fried goodness. The roasted corn that came with it was plentiful and a great compliment to the chicken. Mashed potatoes were thick and creamy. Overall my party of eight said the food was outstanding, which is why this is still my favorite.
(4)Jeff M.
The debates of the best Southwestern food in Atlanta certainly should involve Agave. This place is right adjacent to Oakland Cemetery. Ample parking. Great atmosphere. Attentive service. Great drink menu. The appetizers were delicious. The Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls and Cayenne Fried Calamari are my favorites. The Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken is the best southwestern dish I've ever eaten and actually has me yearning to go hunting for fried chicken in the Southwest. Only praise from me!
(4)M.A. J.
The food warrants a rating of 4-5. BUT. The wait staff needs serious remedial training. Constant, aggressive interruptions of our conversation, and worse ~ they kept grabbing food on the table to unnecessarily move it around, even at one point sticking a thumb in a dish. When one waiter grabbed my salad, I told him "No, leave it" twice, then had to say "DROP IT" to make him let go of it. He claimed he was only moving it, when there was no reason to move it nor did I want it moved. I don't go to restaurants to have my dinner continually interrupted by unneeded questions and conversation interruptions, while my already-served food is fondled and snatched and rearranged by the wait staff on the table for no reason. It's rude to begin with, and to repeat the behavior as the diners' irritation is clearly escalating is inexcusable.
(3)Pam S.
It was my first meal in Atlanta, and I had the best fried chicken breast in my life. Served over sweet corn cut off the cob, and delicious mashed potatoes. That dish alone is enough to give this joint a special place in my heart.
(5)Adam P.
I'm so glad that I live next door to this place. The food is amazing as everyone says, and I can enjoy their amazing margaritas and immediately go nap afterwards. Get on their VIP email list so you can get $12 entrees! It's a crazy deal that I will keep me coming back.
(5)Yuki M.
We went to the restaurant last week. It was quiet busy and arrived earlier than reservation. My friends haven't arrived yet so staff didn't gave us table. Bar area is very small and couldn't get seat... The food was ok ;) No bad ! But the inside restaurant was smokey!! Doesn't much work fan ?! So you may get food smell on your cloths!!
(3)Chocolate C.
OMG I don't know why I never visited Agave sooner! The food is AMAZING! I came here for the first time as part of a birthday dinner. Birthday dinners....gotta love them....they usually can be a hit or miss but this one was definitely a hit. When you enter the parking lot you're greeted by complimentary valet...which I absolutely love. I'm going to skip over everything else and get straight to the reason why you go to a restaurant....FOOD. Don't let the name fool you, this is not your standard tex-mex place with fancy tacos drowned in mayo based sauces, weak margaritas or salsa that's been in your pantry forever. Agave is a true fusion restaurant. Blue Corn Tortilla Chips anyone?? They're sprinkled in with the regular ones and served alongside a flavorful salsa. For the entree I ordered the Veal, Chorizo Meatloaf served with Southwestern Mac and Cheese and Collards. The meatloaf was so tender! I wish I could bottle up the sauce. The sides were delish...the collards had a sweet and smoky taste and the mac and cheese was creamy and had a nice spin to them. I tasted several of the other orders such as Rack of Lamb, Crawfish Pasta, Hatch Quesadilla and Chocolate Mouse which were all equally tasty. Agave left me impressed. If you haven't been make plans to go!!
(5)Lindsey E.
I have to say I was disappointed in Agave. This spot had been on my list for quite sometime so maybe I built it up too much? I have heard a lot of good things about Agave so I am just going to assume this was an "off night"... I purchased a Groupon for Agave and took my partner here for her Bday dinner. If I had not already purchased the Groupon, we would have walked out before we were seated. We entered the restaurant and stood by the host stand for about 1 minute before anybody spoke to us. The host was standing there on the phone- dialing and then hanging up. He was visibly frustrated and later explained to us that he was trying to call a cab for another customer. Great, I don't care. I dont want to walk in to a restaurant and be ignored and then absorb your negative energy afterward. Our service was pretty good once we were seated- no real complaints there. The server was helpful in suggesting vegan options for us. We had a salad as an appetizer as well as guacamole. Our guacamole came out with a hair in it, so that was gross but they made us another one. I ordered blue corn enchiladas. They were mushy. My partner ordered a grilled veggie plate. It was actually delicious. If i ever return, I will order this. We also had margaritas. The margaritas almost made up for the whole experience. A good drink goes a long way! Overall, I was underwhelmed and wished I would have picked a different spot to celebrate my partner's birthday.
(2)Kate J.
We were staying near the convention center and our team arranged a dinner at agave. It was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! The service was phenomenal, the food was delicious and they really went way above and way beyond to take care of our huge party (40 people). We made a reservation ahead of time and they truly took great care of us. I will definitely visit agave next time we're in Atlanta and highly recommend if you're looking for a great evening out, that you check them out! WOW it was a HIGHLIGHT of our trip! THANK YOU to the staff for a wonderful experience!
(5)Richard K.
Based on other similar restaurants around the area I'm going to base my review mostly on cost. I just can't seem to justify the value when comparing to other restaurants nearby. Food was great, everything was fresh and service was decent. But nearly $20 for about 8 pieces of shrimp seems high, unless you have the BOGO coupon it's probably your best bet to forgo this place unless you don't care what the cost is. Check out La Hacienda instead! There Ceviche is way better than Agave!
(3)Rolly O.
I LOVE this restaurant! Hands don THE BEST margaritas in town! They are so tasty! I've been here a few times and my favorite waiter is Amir. He is very friendly and just all around a great waiter. The food is great! Always well done, the right seasonings , excellent flavor , presented well. This restaurant is everything, great dining experience and CLEAN bathrooms , which is ALWAYS a plus.
(5)Faryal F.
My husband and I had such a wonderful time at the restaurant. The food is DELICIOUS! We loved it and need an excuse to go back just for this place!!! The owner is also wonderful, very hospitable and we received excellent service. Try the fried chicken and the stuffed chile appetizer! Sooo good!! :))
(5)Susan L.
Noise level was unbearable, making it impossible to carry on a conversation at our table. We were tempted to get up and leave, but the service was EXCELLENT, FANTASTIC!!! Fish tacos left lots to be desired. Instead of chunks of fish, everything was finely chopped and rolled into a huge white flour tortilla. No garnish or accompanying sauce other than a piece of cilantro. We resorted to using the table salsa, which was delicious but did not compliment the "tacos." For $9, we expected better. Excellent wines and decent beers. Because of the great service and wines, we will return on a slower evening and sample some other menu items. But no more tacos for us.
(3)Patti C.
First off let me say, I don't like giving places bad reviews, but I have to in this case. I live in the neighborhood close by to Agave, and always wanted to try it, especially because I've read great reviews and always see the parking lot full when I drive by. I took some friends from out of town here Friday night. We had a reservation and we're given the option to sit on the covered patio, which we chose since it was such a nice night. Our server Amanda took our cocktail order within a few minutes and then a busboy brought them over a few minutes later. I will say the Texas Margaritas are fabulous, if you do go, get one. Five minutes or so after that she came back to take our order. Now, for the Catholics out there, it was a Friday during Lent, and I have a seafood allergy, so I asked to see their vegetarian menu, which they mention they have available on their main one. It took her 25 minutes to WALK BY US, and then I had to go over to her to ask "hey can I get that menu?" So she brings it over and finally takes our order. I had about a minute to decide on mine. Then our appetizers come out 5-10 minutes later. The guy who is refilling our water glasses sees that we are done with those plates and kindly clears them. I guess Amanda saw him do that so a few minutes later she comes over AND THROWS DOWN A DESSERT MENU AND STARTS CLEARING OUR SILVERWARE. And we were like, "Umm we haven't even gotten out dinner yet." Way to not even know the status of your table because you are too busy to come check in us. Our dinner finally came out about 15 minutes later, again delivered by another server or busboy who was kind enough to ask if we needed another drink, and then by the time Amanda brought those to us we were done with our dinner almost. Now about the food. Between the four of us we shared a "large" guacamole which could have served 2 people NOT 4, then my friend got the ceviche and the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno. Both had almost no meat in them, just full of filler. Ceviche is supposed to just be shrimp and tuna, but this was mostly tomatoes, so it would look like tuna. And there was maybe three tiny pieces of beef in the peppers. My other friend got the salmon for dinner, tiny piece compared to the other dishes of it we saw go by, definitely not $20 worth. I got the Guajillo Vegetable Pasta which is supposed to be "Grilled Zucchini, Squash & Asparagus, Sauteed Mushrooms, Red Peppers & Spinach tossed with Semolina Linguini in a Spicy Guajillo Red Chile Broth" but I didn't see a single asparagus, and the zucchini and squash were julienned and steamed, not grilled. There was no seasoning in the dish. I had to load it up with salt and pepper just to eat it. Overall just really bad service and disappointing food. I don't think Agave will get a second chance from me.
(1)JJ G.
We raced in here one evening before a dessert event and needed sustenance FAST. When we walked in, however, we realized that this isn't a quick in-and-out affair. Nevertheless, we tried the chips and guacamole and were impressed with the flavor and execution of the green stuff. Honestly, I'm a guacamole snob, and I'd love to steal Agave's recipe/strategy for my own repertoire. The Mr ordered the Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleño and really, really enjoyed it. I went with the Agave Salad and could not believe how delicious it was! The marinated vegetables played nicely with the nuts, and the dressing complemented everything else perfectly. And at a sub-$7 price, it's DEFINITELY worth ordering. I also asked for a side of the Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, since that appeared to be a popular option. And as mashed potatoes go, they were really nice. We were in and out in about 35 minutes, due to our excellent server and the kitchen's hard work. I can't wait to come back and experience the highly touted margaritas and enjoy some more guacamole...at a more leisurely pace.
(4)Jeremy H.
We walked over here from a friend's place in the Stacks - conveniently located off of Boulevard and the strip of bars/restaurants/shops on Caroll St. The setting was dark and cozy. It was a little crowded on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected. The service was a little slow at first - took a while to get our drink and food orders in, but it was friendly and not a big deal. The food was awesome. The chips and salsa were good - tasted very fresh. I had the pork shank, which was fall off the bone tender and flavorful - served over garlic mashed potatoes. My wife had the soup and burrito. The soup was a bit boring, but the burrito was tasty! I also had a margarita, which was excellent! It is a little pricey for Tex Mex. Most entrees were $14-20. But the quality was a notch above too, so I wouldn't say it is overpriced. Definitely a great place to get quality tex mex. I'm sure I'll be going back!
(4)Tai B.
Had dinner tonight at Agave. Getting straight to the point, the food is good but nothing special. I'd eat there again if someone else wanted to go but otherwise I might not. Agave was having a special where if you are seated between 5 and 6 your entree is $12. This seems like a great deal, and may be depending on what you order but for me it was a $3 discount. I had the cayenne friend chicken which came with corn and mashed potatoes. The chicken was good, but nothing special and I didn't get the cayenne reference- couldn't taste it at all. I also had a mango margarita, a bit overpriced at about $9 but it did the trick (had a long week, needed a bit of a buzz). The restaurant brought out my friends appetizer with the meal, which was pointless. Realizing they messed up, the staff didn't charge my friend for her food (fish tacos) and let her take them home in a to go box. This quick remedy in and of itself got them the 4th star.
(4)Aaron P.
Excellent fresh mex flavors are used in dishes that are just the right portions. The atmosphere on a Monday was quite, intimate and relaxing. One of my coworkers is a tequila connoisseur and insisted I check this place out. I was not disappointed, I tried the top shelf margarita and I can say it is the best I have had, not to mention you only need one. I am told it gets very busy Thursday-Saturday so this seems like a great week day date spot. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for.
(5)Belinda B.
On the pricier side but absolutely delicious. I got the cayenne fried chicken which was not spicy (I'd prefer it to be spicier). Chicken didn't have any bones so it was super easy to eat. Lighting dim. Seating on the tighter side. Our service was pretty slow but maybe it was our misfortune. Waiter was super cool about switching cash for extra tip (so that we could tip valet). Parking: valet. So I have a short story about the valet guys. My car's battery didn't start--the guys found jumper cables from a restaurant worker and jumped my car. (Of course I gave them a much bigger tip than usual.)
(4)Sakeena M.
Nice place good dishes the spicy shrimp and grit cake are really good! Nice wine selection free valet parking is a PLUS! And they are on groupon!
(3)Debbie R.
Hands down the best margarita I have ever had! Love the chips & salsa too! A little pricey but the food is amazing and worth it. Wish we had a place like Agave on the southside of Atlanta!
(4)Hanh C.
oh dear. food would have tasted better if there wasn't a bug in my water. the tortilla soup was great before the incident. the people with me enjoyed their food. portions were good. Margaritas were great. fried chicken was delicious, and boneless for the people who are picky with bones. seating was a bit crowded, not much room between tables. not the best for kids and high chairs. our waiter was nice. the "make up" dessert did not rid the horrible bug from our memories. unfortunately will not be back and risk it.
(2)Abhi K.
I don't want anyone to think that I had a bad experience here. A 3 is pretty good in my book. I enjoyed my meal, but I only go to places that have a high probability of being good in the first place. There was just nothing here that warranted a 4 or 5. Let me explain. Drinks first: My margarita was weak. I got the mango nectar one. I thought it would still taste like a margarita but with some mango flavoring. It tasted like pure mango juice. Which is, you know, tasty and all, but I paid $9 for a margarita, not fruit juice. Also, the waitress looked at me quizzically when I asked for sugar around the rim, instead of salt. The meals themselves were decent, but the flavors could use a little work. I had the short rib taco. It was a gigantic taco, and the right size for one complete meal. The taco was spicy, so I can't say it was flavorless, but other than the spiciness, I don't think I could pick out what else went into the dish. The rice and beans were standard. Dessert was probably the best part of the meal. We had the dessert sampler so got to try a little bit of everything. I recommend either the chocolate mousse or the pumpkin cheesecake. Chocolate mousse has a little nutmeg or cinammon in it that makes it irresistible. And pumpkin cheesecake is pumpkin cheesecake. I'd stay away from the key lime pie. Parking is complimentary valet. They have a big lot so not really an issue.
(3)Carl-Frederick F.
Food done right....flavors are never lacking ,always packed but that's a good sign.only complaint is the portion.I understand its eccletic but danm.I feel like a 8 year kid being served and the price is not for kid.still a mist try though
(4)Dustin H.
I was really on the fence about a 3 or 4 star review here, but decided to be generous and go with a 4. This was a group of 10 for my birthday. The plan was for about half of us to get there at 730 and for the rest to gradually file in by 800 (we had reservations for 730). We were seated at 730, that was great...but the server kept asking if we were still expecting all 12. I told her we were never expecting 12, only 10 (and if she knew how to look at the table, she would know it was set for 10). Then she kept asking and asking about if all 10 would be there, and if not she would like to pull the last small table on the end away. After a few minutes, I finally confirmed, that yes we were going to have the planned 10, so she finally dropped her obnoxious inquisitions regarding our party size and pulling a table away. Anyways, I found it very odd that a "tex-mex" place does not have queso. They have salsa & guacamole....but no queso??? Whatever. That was a little irritating. Also, a good selection of margaritas, but for the price...I would expect them to be sprinkled with gold dust. $11.50 for an "award-winning" margarita that simply contains tequila, nectar, & lime juice is a bit much given their small size. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the food. I had the flat-iron steak, It was good, but nothing to really write home about. We may return here, and we may not...who knows.
(4)Lisha P.
Awesome food! Amazing margaritas and very cozy ambiance...totally worth it!!
(5)Erik B.
Not sure how I waited so long to try this place. I'm going to try to keep this short. Margaritas = WOW, way better than I had expected. Great taste, and lots of it. None of this little baby glass that's mostly lice. They make them BIG so that one lasted my entire meal. Food = I had the steak medallions and I have to say that they were one of the best plates I've had all year. I couldn't believe how damn good this place was and I felt stupid for waiting so long to try it.
(5)Stan R.
Wonderful cuisine and top notch service! Problem is (unbeknownst to me) I brought a bulimic date here and she pretty much ate her way through the entire restaurant on my dime. I have never in my life seen a woman (or large zoo animal ) shovel food into an esophagus with so much passion and intensity. I do believe she is a true inspiration for all the self-absorbed, entitled over eaters of America. I would love to be able to do nothing more than dine at Agave again, but alas I will have to let a few months pass by. The smell of the chipotle rubbed meat and braised short ribs will only remind me of the life size giraffe she most likely regurgitated after I took her home.
(4)Missy B.
OK, I was able to get in contact with Agave and found out they did have my beloved scarf that i inadvertently left while dining. As per my previous review, my real issue was with the room we dined in. The food was really good and now that I have my scarf back I will definitely be dining here again.
(4)Lauren P.
You guys, this place is incredible! I came here in a group of 6 and we stayed for about 3 hours.... pretty sure we totally annoyed every surrounding patron with our noise and enthusiasm. ;-) For drinks -- I had the New Mexico Mule, which was quite delicious. Others drank multiple strawberry margaritas, so I think those were also well-liked. We shared a starter of guacamole as we waited for a couple late arrivals to our group. The guac was good, although there were some larger chunks of cucumber (I think) mixed in, which I wasn't as big of a fan of. The mixed tortilla chips and salsa were also pretty good. For our meals, I ordered the Navajo Flounder. It was very delicious, although the spinach below was a bit too salty for my liking. I also ordered several sides to share -- mac&cheese, the grits, and zucchini. The zucchini was grilled and fresh-tasting. Very good. I REALLY loved the grits, though... I almost wish I'd gotten the scallops entree like the person next to me, as they're served on a bed of grits. Others at the table ordered the lamb, the chicken enchiladas, the tuna, and the trout. Everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. We also ordered the chocolate torta and the peanut butter pie for dessert... yum. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to folks coming to Atlanta! Even better--they offered complimentary valet, so I didn't have to worry about where my car was going to go.
(5)Tameka L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! My favorite is the Spicy Tequila Anejo shrimp!! And you have to try the Peachtree margarita! I have never ordered a meal that wasn't tasty here. The ambiance is nice and there's a beautiful patio. The host is always pleasant and the service is always top notch. This place is always a hit!!
(5)B M.
We've been going to Agave for, at least, the past 15 years and have never been disappointed with the food, bar service (Thanks to Lisa & Staff), and especially the ambiance thanks to Tim who does a great job in managing the guest flow. On average, we probably dine at Agave twice a month driving from East Cobb and have always enjoyed this restaurant. I think I've tried everything on their menu and have enjoyed each serving and haven't been let down yet. Suggestion, make reservations either through their website or Open Table. They get very busy after 7PM.
(5)Sandy S.
Amazing food and service. I would recommend, went twice great experience.
(5)Chris S.
Very rarely does a restaurant stick with me as well as Agave did. After arriving in Atlanta for vacation, we were struck with the task of finding a good place to eat. We found Agave a few miles away from our hotel, and was instantly impressed with the decor and friendly staff. The important part about this review is that the stuffed trout entree gets the recognition it deserves. I don't know what they do to that fish, but it was so amazing that not only did I eat it all in about four minutes, we ordered another one to take back to the hotel. I could not wait to have it again, so I ate it cold.... for breakfast.... It was still amazing, even at 7:30 AM. As weird as that sounds, it really was that good. Apart from the food the chef was on scene and was super friendly, like the rest of his staff. Highly recommended.
(5)Regina P.
Overpriced and a strange menu selection. I ordered a taco dish off the menu and was given what appeared to be a burrito.
(3)K E.
Agave has become one of my restaurant favs when visiting the ATL. My auntie and unc decided to treat me here for my birthday back in March. Now, I love a good meal and the relaxed, adult atmosphere was a nice bonus. Unc and I had the salmon and asparagus, and needless to say it didn't disappoint. Auntie had the scallops with collards and tomato grits. I'm a South Carolinian and this gal loves her grits, so decided to give it a try. Ummm, yea, so that resulted in a side order of my own and I paired it with that scrumptious salmon - it was a magical medley in my mouth! Immediately, I fell in love and I make sure to incorporate Agave into my Atlanta trips. Try it...I promise your palate won't be slighted!!!
(4)Pamela S.
Absolutely delicious. Sat fireside for an excellent dinner that included seared tuna and fried chicken, and delicious margaritas. We had a couple vegetarians in our group who appreciated their special vegetarian menu. Very good service too -- my friend dropped a piece of his corn on the floor (I can't take him anywhere)! and they were kind enough to bring him a plate with more. Beautiful interior.
(5)brock h.
We went in search of a good mexican restaurant and stumbled onto this place. It is a santa fe style mexican restaurant that is absolutely incredible. I had the green hatch chille soup that was again incredible. We then had the braised short ribs and spicy tequila shrimp entrees. They both had great flavor. We will definitely be coming back here.
(5)Anthony O.
Excellent food and atmosphere. I had their award-winning Margarito which was very good. I also had the enchiladas which were fantastic. The place can be a little noisy and the service could be improved but overall it was a very good find in Atlanta!
(4)Kristin L.
It's a lovely evening at agave. Hubs and I decided to do an all-app night, which turned out great. Our server was happy to "course it out" for us. (His term.) We started with the guacamole and the ceviche martini. Both were very fresh tasting and had unexpected spices. Not just the usual. Strangely, Hubs really liked the corn kernel garnish they sprinkle around. Next was the Hatch Green Chile stew, which had wonderful complex flavors. Very rich and beefy. The taste of those chiles really shines. I could have done with a tad less potato in the stew. But it was still my favorite of the night. Went really well with the fresh tortilla. I SAID it was my favorite but what was the REAL favorite was the smoked tomato grits. My lawdy, those were delicious! They used to have something like them at Nava and I wondered if it was the same recipe. Do NOT -- do NOT -- miss those grits. Then -- chiles relleno and chicken quesadilla. These were both fine but nothing to wax rhapsodic about. I didn't like the taste of the coating on the relleno. Spanish rice was meh. Service was spot on. Although our guy seemed a bit stressy. We enjoyed it overall, very much.
(4)Danielle A.
This is one of me and my hubby's favorite go to spots. The fried lobster appetizer melts in your mouth. You must try the tequila shrimp and the fall off the bone short ribs. The drinks are pretty good. We usually sit in the loft area but this time we got a seat on the other side in front of the fireplace which was pretty sexy. Felt like we were in another restaurant but with the same delicious food that we love.
(5)Nikki F.
Soooo.. AGAVE! Best tex mex I have ever had! The ambience in the back of the resturant was sexy and romantic. My honey and I sat by the fire place the first time we went and after that dinner we went home and we were both happy people! Lol The food was amazing! I had the lamb shake which was cooked perfectly and my honey had the fried chicken with pablano sauce which was awesome as well. Wish I could give them 10 stars!
(5)Deb B.
The food and service were amazing! I had the sunburned NY strip and my lady friend had the lamb chops! Pure heaven in my mouth! Hats off the our server, who was the best ever!
(5)Lauren H.
We enjoyed our recent dinner at Agave. It was fairly short, as we were rushing to another event, but it was very tasty. Their chips and salsa are very fresh and yummy - not too spicy, but very delicious. For dinner we all had various menu items that were very good. I had the Southwestern Burrito & Stew. I really liked the burrito, but wish the stew was a little more interesting. My husband had the Beer Braised Niman Ranch Pork Shank which was amazing. Very tasty meal, only complaint was it wasn't quite as inexpensive as we had hoped. 1 drink + 2 entrees + tip was over $50. Oh well, at least it was tasty.
(3)Ward S.
Excellent!!! The Cayenne fried chicken and the Diablo crawfish pasta are fantastic. Service was stellar.
(5)Therealladyof L.
Was a fantastic dinner. We ordered the ceviche martini, the daily special as well as the medallion steak. All were fantastic. Our server was very attentive. Unfortunately we didn't have room for dessert. We'll make space at our next visit.
(5)Lori B.
Came right after work with a group of friends. While waiting for our table we sat at the bar and had drinks. The bartender and drinks were excellent, wish she was our waitress. She was very personable and happy to serve our drinks and conversation. Once we got our table in the room with the exposed kitchen, we realized that although it may be cool to see the chef the smoke from the cooking was quite overbearing. Our waiter was nonchalant and not very helpful with choosing menu options. One appetizer came after wee received our food, but the manager quickly rectified the situation by removing it from her bill and boxing the plate up so she could take it home. Everyone enjoyed their food so no complaints there. I recommend the street corn, it was excellent!
(4)Daniel B.
Agave is a nice Tex-Mex restaurant located in Cabbagetown. The restaurant sits in the old Cotton Mill general store next to Oakland Cemetery. It's got a rustic look and feel, but the atmosphere inside is buzzing and full of energy. It gets loud in here. The bar always seems busy. There's an open kitchen, two main dining areas, and a small private dining area upstairs. I've tried many items off the menu. Here's the rundown: Appetizers: Fresh Homemade Guacamole & Chips Guajillo Mussels Beef & Pepper Poblano Chile Relleno Smoked Chicken Quesadilla New Mexico Hatch Green Chile Stew Cayenne Fried Calamari Entrees: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops Beer Braised Pork Shank Slow Cooked Short Ribs Both the guac and chips are made in-house and are fresh. The guac has a delicious consistency and includes chopped vine ripe tomatoes and cilantro. The mussels are very good. They are steamed in a red chile citrus wine broth. After finishing the mussels, the broth is great for dipping tortillas. Warning: I have run into bad (dead) mussels with this dish. The chile relleno and chicken quesadillas are also good. Both are quite flavorful. I especially like the steak and cheese combination in the chile relleno. While these are labeled as starters, you can definitely make a meal out of these two dishes alone. I'm not a big fan of the Hatch green chile stew. It's a restaurant specialty, but perhaps not for me. It's a hearty dish with beef tips, potatoes, and corn. The flavoring of the stew is OK, but didn't have me craving more. If you've never had it before, try it just for the experience. You may like it -- some of my tablesmates did. The calamari is light and crispy. It's not too greasy and this dish sets itself apart from other fried calamari dishes thanks to its dipping sauces: poblano habanero aioli and jalepeno jelly. The spicy jelly is also very sweet. As the mains go, my favorites are the lamb and scallops. The lamb is fresh, extra savory, and tender. It has great flavor. The scallops are a little salty, but also fresh and flavorful. I love the grits and collard greens that are served with this entree. The pork shank is tough, but the restaurant makes up for it by giving you a generous portion. It's a lot of meat. The short rib dish is OK. It's just not very memorable and I probably would not order it again. Service is very good. Despite what the menu says (one check per table), some servers are willing to separate checks. Thanks Jacob. Also, the host (partner Tim Pinkham) is very polite and friendly. So overall, the staff is great. Complimentary valet parking is available next to the restaurant.
(3)Troy M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I love Southwestern cusine and Agave has many wonderful dishes. The staff here is very friendly as well. This is a great spot for a "dinner for two" or a birthday dinner with friends.
(5)Diedre R.
If Agave wasn't already one of my faves, last nite visit would have ranked it a 2.5 star. I expect service at a place to be just a well if its near closing time as I do when I am there at 6 in the evening. We called about 9:40pm just to see if the place was packed and would we need reservations, when the person that answered the phone said no, of course not, but we close at 11. That's cool, we were there 15 minutes later. As promised, the place was not packed, one large party was still celebrating a birthday dinner, two ladies eating together, and one couple that spent the entire time I was there smooching with each other. We were showed to a small table for two, that was in a cramped space, so I requested another. We were given a larger table, but I have to admit that it was STICKY. like someone had taken a dry rag and rubbed over it. Our waiter showed up and advised us that someone would be by shortly with chips and salsa. They were. They also showed up with warm glasses upon which they poured in water, but no ice. We asked for straws and was told someone would bring them. Well, the waiter comes back gets our order and again we ask for straws for the water glasses. Shortly after-wards he comes back with our margaritas, and we ask for the straws again. I had the steak, and my dinner mate had the enchiladas. No complaints with the food. The margaritas were strong and good and full of ice. Finally someone came and asked if we wanted something else before last call, i replied no, and she said yes another passion fruit margarita. LOL. Its funny because when she left she said she was feeling passionate. Overall, not a complaint, its just the entire meal I felt like we were being silently reminded that they were closing at 11, and that's no way to treat me, if I there at least 40 minutes before you close.
(3)Benjamin G.
Whoa. Just whoa. I am in. Whatever Agave wants to do, I'm in. From the parking lot, all the way to the bill, it was a grand experience. First of all, comp valet. That was a huge plus. The dudes were hustling, too, as everyone was piling in for a work function happening inside. Really happy they do this. It was even a Thursday night and not completely packed. Talk about a nice perk. The setting is super cozy. Being off of Boulevard, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular, but I really dig it. We were in such a hurry and tried to make our meal happen in about 35 minutes. Happy to say that it worked out rather nicely. Started with guac, which is amazing. Super perky and they sure aren't afraid of throwing in the lime. My wife had the mashed potatoes and flavorful salad. She seemed to really enjoy both. I had the chile relleno, which was fantastic. Packed with steak, cheese, and other peppers. It was covered in other cheeses and baked nice and crispy on the outside. So awesome. I really wanted to try some more menu items, but our hurried needs but a quick stop to our eating. Excited to try more upon our next visit. Our server was so nice. She even helped us get out in a hurry, too. No complaints at all. Will I be back to Agave? Oh, hell yes!
(5)Jonathan M.
I love this place and eat here at least once a week. Best margaritas around.
(5)Andrew Z.
Chef Bradley is the man! I live around the corner from Agave and always wondered why their parking lot was packed with cars. I told myself "that place must be awesome". I had never been to Agave until last weekend, though. Let me tell ya.. It was REALLY good. They deserve every bit of a 5 star review. The valet service was quick, we didn't have to wait for our table since we had made reservations (you've got to make reservations folks, or you'd better expect to wait for a long time). Our server was spot on, our food was incredible. What more could you ask for? I won't bore you with the details of the meal, but I will say that there is something amazing for almost anyone. I was thinking it was going to be all south western type food, but they had that and more! We ordered about a million thing's off the menu and everything was really good. Mucho props to Chef Bradley and the rest of the kitchen staff. Those folks are dishin' 5 star food from start to finish. Even the desserts were over the top delicious; Whatever yall are doing - keep doin' it. We'll be back!
(5)Ashleigh P.
I really like Agave. Great food and Margaritas to die for. It's a little strangely set up and can get crowded and sardine like, but that's ok... I had the top shelf rita and the mango rita... om nom nom For the food, I had the guac and the shrimp dinner. Both were fantastic and full of flavor. Service was great and all of the staff was friendly. Great place to hang out and a great place to eat. good go to place semi fancy occasions or for a drink with friends... all are welcome. Oh, and I like the salsa. #45/100
(4)Richard T.
I've been so many times! The lamb, steaks...scallops! Each notable...the spicy grits and greens...service is excellent. Only a short ride from the downtown hotels in a cab....gets you out of the city and into a great part of town Stroll down Carroll street after dinner for more fun
(5)Pam D.
Food was good, service wasn't great, but company was fantastic! Makes for 3 stars I suppose? When we arrived for our 8pm reservation, we were asked to wait in the crammed, tiny area up front next to the bar. This area was at capacity, and I was nervous that we may have to wait 30+ minutes for our reserved table. Thankfully, Agave is a larger restaurant than it appears from the entrance area, and they promptly seated us. Chips, salsa, and water arrived quickly, but things slowed down after that. It took a while for a server to come around for drink orders. We also tagged on an order of guacamole. And this is where things go downhill. See, we all ordered a flight of tequilas, and when we realized the second tequila was 110 proof, we started getting a little antsy about our guac that hadn't arrived yet. It was probably 30 minutes in before we had to remind the server out of guac- again, more out of necessity to ease the pain of the tequila. The guac came quick after the second request, but probably 5 minutes into our guacamole, a second one arrived at the table, and we had to explain the debacle to the guy delivering the food to the table. I ordered an entree that was on special for Cinco de Mayo...a lime grilled flatiron steak with creamed corn. It was delivered to the table as I ordered it - medium rare - but with no steak knife. Our server came to the rescue a few minutes later, but the "How am I supposed to eat this?" damage had already been done. Besides the service- my meal was incredible. I finished every last bite of steak and corn. Highly recommend this entree if you can get it. The last of our tequila flight came after our meals, which was a nice touch from the bartender to think the flight through like that. So, shoutout to whoever concocted our tequila tasting! I'm glad I finally tried Agave, but it feels more like a check off the list... I don't see myself rushing back anytime soon.
(3)Michelle A.
Excellent food. It was a little on the pricy side, but the quality of the food and experience make it worth it.
(4)Michelle T.
A great place for groups atmosphere-wise (service is a little slow), excellent margaritas and decent food (though i can't honestly say it was very memorable for the most part). I would have given it a 4 star review if the food were more memorable because we had a great time! Our party of about 30 people took over their entire back room (where the awesome fire place is) where our dinner menu was pre-set, family-style. I started off with the passion fruit frozen margarita while everyone else mostly went with the waitress recommended peach margarita. The frozen margarita was a winner in my book - HUGE, sweet, fruity and delicious. The peach one was on ice and more on the sour side. Not too much peach flavor, but a good contrast from the passion fruit. I distinctly remember the appetizers being really delicious. The bbq quesadillas (but of course, who messes that up!?!?!) and salad were spot on, as well as the spring rolls. The entrees were not too memorable and I hear the beef short ribs were pretty bad. The salmon entree was overcooked though seasoned well. Mac and Cheese was really rich, creamy and to-die-for. So I guess, bottom line - come here for the fun laid back atmosphere, excellent margaritas and hit-or-miss food, but then you won't notice after a few margaritas anyways. The service is SLOW for any larger groups, but if you're with a smaller party, it might all work out great for ya!
(3)Sally P.
Came here with a coupon that was 30% of the final check or something- food only. Let the host know before he seated us about it and he was fine with it. Despite there being only two of us, we got a four seater right behind the bar. It was fine, but the restaurant has a cozy ambience overall so I would have preferred something more secluded/romantic. Chips and salsa were really good and I ate my fill. But honestly, you get great chips at your regular El Toro or El Chupacabra kind of place. We ordered one margarita each- a Fresh Fruit Mango and a Agave Partida Anejo. They came in big mason jars. Both good but not great. I'm not a big tequila person so I got a pretty decent buzz halfway through. I ordered the shrimp entree, my compadre the lamb. The portions are small, but arranged artfully on huge plates. Is anyone impressed by that still? The shrimp were standard; they came with a corn cake thing that was pretty cool, and went nice with the tart cream sauce. The entire lamb dish was pretty underwhelming and not enough to be filling. Service was fine. The food was mediocre. For what it was it should cost $8-10 less on account of the portion sizes and menu descriptions that exaggerate its appeal. Overall I don't really like this place, and am really questioning the tastes of the people who said it was "awwwwwwwesome" but I didn't have a terrible experience so I give it 3 stars.
(3)Ricky T.
When I first walked in, I felt like I just entered a indigenous Latin American Indian house. The decor was definitely elegant and unique. I ended up sitting on the open balcony in the back. The sun was out but the balcony was pretty cool since it was shaded. So it was very nice. I ordered the calamari as an appetizer and the burrito and stew as my entree. The food was mediocre. Nothing spectacular. But the prices were pretty reasonable. The salsa and chips were fantastic! However, one major issue during the experience was the service. Our waiter was terrible. He rarely came back to ask us if we needed anything else. We had to get his attention every time we needed something. He was nice but given the aesthetic quality of the environment, his service was probably comparable to a Waffle House. But aside from the service, the food was OK, prices reasonable, decor very nice.
(3)laura p.
My husband and I have been revisiting some old favorites that we have neglected to enjoy the last few years. Agave was one of them. OH MY GOD it was good! They have such and interesting menu with just the right amount of heat in the dishes. My seared scallops on grits with braised greens was one of the best plates of food I have enjoyed in a while. My husband was equally happy with his flat iron steak, and the beet and arugula salad - yum. We splurged and each got dessert, the peanut butter pie with a hint of heat in the crunch topping and dark belgium chocolate mousse recommended by our very helpful server, Paul. Everything was spectacular. We will not wait years to return!
(5)Jenn N.
All I can say is WOW! Great atmosphere, margaritas, service and food! I had the Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna which was amazing. My husband had a special that came with Brussels sprouts. He was not very excited about the side until he tasted them. I have never had Brussels sprouts taste so good! Great place for a date night. Make sure you have a reservation.
(5)Keith K.
Most excellent. We came here after a day in the city. Everything we had was very tasty, from the guacamole to the entrees, and the desserts were a perfect end. We would highly recommend it. They were busy Sunday night but took good care of us. The wait staff was working hard but always pleasant.
(5)jeff m.
This review probably won't make me very popular given the love that Atlantans have for Agave, but I have to be honest. It took us a long time to try it because the lines were always so long. When we finally went for an early dinner, we got a table right away without a reservation, which was great. Then the food came. I can only describe it as insipid. We started with some appetizers, the corn on the cob, the southwest egg rolls, and the tuna crudo. The corn was was the highlight, but a little messy. The egg rolls were on par with Chile's, but no better. The tuna had an odd taste. Try as we might, we couldn't identify it. Then came the entrees. We split the "famous" fried chicken and the stuffed trout. While both were disappointing, but the fish was especially bland. We took home leftovers which have been in our fridge a couple of days. I think we are both secretly hoping to forget about them until the next trash day. I don't see what the hype is....and I never will.
(2)Jess B.
Prices are fairly reasonable, especially for the hidden vegetarian menu (which you have to ask for). The chips and salsa were delicious, and guac even more so (and they are not shy of the lime, which I enjoyed). I ordered the vegetarian burrito and thought it was delicious! It was a very good sized portion of food, and came with a side of rice, which, sadly, was very boring. Margaritas are quite large, and tasted great. I took off one star for the restaurant being "boujie." The host seemed a bit insulted that we came in without a reservation, and the server was very pushy with his addons.
(4)Cristy S.
We were looking for a New Mexican joint - not the typical, "I'll take a D10" sort of place. Boy did we find a good one!! This place is AMAZING! You've gotta try the grits, the shrimp (says hubby), and the spicy peanut butter pie! I was very pleased with the vegetarian menu and ultimately decided on the blue corn veggie enchiladas. The traditional margarita is good and I hear the peach is amazing too - beware - they don't skimp on the alcohol!
(5)tisha M.
A friend brought me here before I left back to Texas... absolutely delicious. .. We share the pablano relleno, can I day yummm... And a tuna that was spicy but just made you want more. .. And the bartender recommended the key lime pie...I am so glad she did. .. The best I have had in a long time.
(5)Mark C.
Our first visit - we will be going back! Bar is kinda small, but the place isn't that big and has great character. Food and service were tremendous...
(5)Eowyn C.
Let me start off by saying that this is a nice restaurant with pretty great margaritas. But I have to say, of all the times I've been, the food leaves something to be desired. The times I've been I've had the following: -Calamari: this is actually a pretty good appetizer and the sauces it comes with were both delicious. I could see myself coming back just for this and the margaritas. -Salmon: Salmon itself was alright, but it felt like this dish had no seasoning whatsoever. Very bland. Needed salt. The red pepper puree was just that: mushy red pepper. No cream or spice to kick up the flavor. -Blue Corn Chicken Enchiladas: Once again, very bland. The pulled chicken was dry and had no seasoning. The sauce on top of the enchiladas was generic and the black beans tasted like they came from a can. Great atmosphere, good service, food was just not up to par with the prices ($15+). I'm not a connoisseur of Tex Mex by any means so if that is your thing, then feel free to take this review with a grain of salt...and maybe some lime...and tequila.
(3)Nik P.
Food is good. We used a Groupon. Well worth it. Only reason I took off a point is because it was very hot. Someone asked about the air and they turned it down. I've been here twice. Will go back. Great place for dates.
(4)John C.
Love the bartenders and the food. Really a great place. Belly up and have a Rita. Nothing bad to say about this place! 2 for 1 apps. And great salsa. Mmmmm
(5)Sean M.
The meatloaf is perfectly spicy, the scallops were well seasoned, and the margaritas (jalapeno, mango, and peachtree) were on point. The fried chicken reads better on the menu, but I'm biased because I was expecting more than a breast (in the south...). The sides can be a little small by local standards, but the meal was filling. The crust on the key lime pie is ginger. Need I say more? Definitely returning.
(4)R W.
Recently tried Agave after picking up a pretty fair deal via Groupon. Had hopes the food and atmosphere of this place lived up to my expectation. Can gladly say yes it did. Tried the fresh guac and calamari for appetizers, the southwest fried chicken adn strip steak for entrees. All were spot on and would defintely recommend you try them out. More than anything I have to say, while the food was great, the service was Excellent. Not one thing was missed and the host, service, and bar staff were all top notch.
(5)Michael K.
Yummmmmmmmm we really loved the food here! Quality ingredients, and good service. We ordered four appetizers and four entrees for four people (we eat a lot). Appetizers Smoked Trout, Green Chile & Bacon Guacamole: It was pretty tasty, but this was our least favorite appetizer. It came with a few chips scattered around it for aesthetics...but they already give a huge bowl of chips with salsa. Barbacoa Beef Enchiladas: The beef was very tender and we each took a small bite (cut each enchilada in half; there were four halves total). Pretty yummy, but not extraordinary. Ceviche Martini: Yes. Yes. Yes. Very delicious ceviche. The sashimi was perfect and the martini sauce on the dot. Homemade Veal & Chorizo Meatballs: Very yummy. Super soft-tender meatballs, and great with the cheese on top. Entrees: Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken: Wow. Amazing chicken. This came with two halves of corn that were deliciously grilled. The presentation was great, being a chicken dish. Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo: This is the dish I ordered and it exceeded my expectations! The trout was juicy and was complemented perfectly by the shrimp n rice. Grilled Chile & Lime Swordfish: The steak of the sea! The outside of the swordfish steak was crispy, yet the inside was soft and tender. Delicioso! Grilled Niman Ranch Bone-In Pork Chop: The pork chops were super tasty! It is served over a lobster puree and mashed potatoes :)
(5)Julia P.
The food here is absolutely wonderful. Try the scallops! The service is always extremely quick.
(5)Kristin B.
I still don't love Agave for dinner, but I'm a complete fan for happy hour! Monday through Friday, appetizers, salads, and soups are two for the price of one at the bar. Even on a Friday around 6:30, we were able to score three seats with relative ease, and we enjoyed not only the food and libations, but the attentive and funny service provided by the two bartenders and the eccentric company of the fellow patrons. I sampled two varieties of margaritas (though the traditional is larger and cheaper, the fresh mango was tastier and stronger), the calamari (huge and good for sharing), and the hatch chile stew (a GIANT bowl with tender tenderloin, grilled corn, and a thick green broth), and my total with tax and tip came right around $30. Not too shabby for a night out on the town.
(4)Preeti M.
Food was OK. Ambiance was great. Neighborhood questionable. Service was "eh"...started off well then he got fiesty as we asked where our drinks were and said "he got busy". Okkkk....not a fan of rude service. No need to return.
(3)Michelle S.
My husband and I dined here for dinner. The complimentary salsa was so fresh! A bite of spice, which was perfect. We shared the chicken quesadilla and the short rib & chorizo taco with rice & beans. The quesadilla was good, but the taco which was rolled up like a burrito was dry which I was shocked. The skinny margarita was delicious which it better be for $11.50! Our server was very personable and the atmosphere was more upscale than your typical Tex Mex place. Even though I wasn't blown away, we will give it another chance and possibly order some of the main dishes that contain the popular chili flavors, which is what the restaurant is know for.
(3)Kimberley B.
Very nice atmosphere. Romantic setting beautiful people. Best place for a romantic night or girls night out fun fun! !
(4)Ali S.
Delicious plain and simple. Always consistent! Get the stuffed trout and chile rellano!! My favorite Mexican fusion in Atlanta!
(5)Wale I.
My wife suggested we come here and I must say, was thoroughly impressed. It's a bustling restaurant so make sure you call to reserve. Valet is complimentary but their attitude was so pleasant, it was a pleasant surprise. Now the food?! Top notch. From the salsa to the main dish ( can't remember what I had now), I was totally satisfied with looks and taste. It's also a nice place to hang out with their small but friendly bar. The atmosphere is pretty cool too.
(5)Jennifer A.
Just wanted to update...yep, still my favorite restaurant! I like to try new places to eat, but, Agave is so good it ends up being my first choice. Ask for Bobby! He is a superb server!
(5)Lisa S.
Agave is one of the most consistently wonderful restaurants in Atlanta. The chips and salsa are the best I've ever had, as are the Margheritas, and the guacamole is creamy and delicious. The only problem is that every item they have on their menu is so good that it's often hard to decide what to get. The crawfish diablo is always spot-on and because we don't visit this restaurant as much as I'd like I almost always end up getting it. But then I taste everyone else's entrees and they're always absolutely incredible, as well. I guess I'll have to start going more often so I can branch out and order other dishes. The service at Agave is top-notch! Every single person helping us was friendly and welcoming. We were there on New Year's Eve this year and were spoiled by the same terrific staff as always. I highly recommend Agave for a dependably delicious experience.
(5)Tracey L.
Always and I mean ALWAYS good! We went there last weekend, and I tried the ceviche for the first time...seriously, where have I been? Was an excellent appetizer. We tried the Anejo Shrimp and tenderloin medallions...Both excellent dishes. Excellent wine list, and service is solid. We have lived in the Southwest, and for a craving of original southwest flavor...we come here.
(5)Chels B.
We enjoyed a rare child-free weekend to celebrate our 10th anniversary and decided to check out Agave for our evening out. I couldn't be more pleased. I noted that we were celebrating an anniversary when I made our reservation and our table was tucked away, quieter than most, which was very appreciated whether coincidental or not, and a manager brought us two complimentary glasses of champagne soon after we were seated! It was a lovely gesture that we won't forget. We skipped appetizers since we weren't starving and are both big fans of the chips and salsa. I ordered the cayenne fried chicken while my husband ordered the flank steak. Mine was amazing. The chicken was so tender and flavorful and the grilled corn was perfect. The mashed potatoes (that accompanied both of our dishes) didn't have a lot of flavor alone, but were smooth and nicely complemented the other items on the plate. I also had a house margarita, which was delicious. My husband thought the sauce on the steak needed slightly more flavor and/or heat, but overall he was pleased as well. He is already talking about coming back to try the porkchop and the crawfish pasta. Thanks for a hugely enjoyable anniversary celebration, Agave! We'll be back soon.
(5)Michael F.
Start with some excellent chips and salsa (nicely priced at free) while drinking a well made tequila drink of your choice. Move on to well prepared main course while enjoying top notch service. Considering my weekend visit to Atlanta was filled with great food and good service, it was tough to decent on a four or five star rating. I guess I landed on a four and a half!
(4)Lola F.
I love it here. Great food (I always get the crawfish Diablo or the scallops and grits), drinks are excellent and awesome service! Must try if you're ever on this side!
(5)Sam D.
The food was good, but the restaurant was so noisy that it diminished the enjoyment of the food. The noise level was louder than some Tech football games I've been to. VERY NOISY.
(2)Ivan A.
This restaurant is a romantic win and a delectability win. We were seated next to the fireplace with only an hour heads up reservation. Although you really should reserve a few days ahead of time as I always see it packed to the brim nowadays. Last I went there probably over a year ago...my woman and I had a delicious fish and spaghetti meal. My memory is hazy though, so I can't really go into detail. Anyways, try it out and you'll be pleased.
(5)Gillian R.
Agave is in Cabbagetown and just a hop, skip, and a jump away from the boyfriend's abode. I hadn't been and he'd only been once, so when we saw a Groupon, we jumped on it! The Groupon was $40 for a shared appetizer, full order of chips and guacamole, two entrees, and a shared dessert. We made reservations for a Saturday night, but on our way over, realized that the Groupon wasn't valid for Saturdays. We had an OH CRAP moment, then decided we'd see if they would let us use it anyway. When we arrived, my boyfriend politely explained to the host our issue. He discreetly spoke with the manager, who approved our voucher for the evening, and we were led to a candlelit table in the back room. They were so polite, so accommodating, and so classy from minute one. Our server, Gary, was friendly and accessible. He brought us our chips and salsa, then headed back to get the order of guacamole while we decided on an appetizer and entrees. We chose the mussels as an appetizer, I had the Anejo Shrimp, and he had the Rack of Lamb. For dessert, we chose the Spicy Peanut Butter Pie. I tried the jalapeno margarita, but it wasn't spicy--just had the flavor of jalapeno, which was surprisingly not great--so I ended up with a traditional margarita later in the evening, which was much better. We cleared our salsa bowl, which is pretty unheard of for us. We like salsa, sure, but for us, the guacamole is usually where it's at. The guac at Agave was amazing...thick, creamy, and flavorful! But we still ate our salsa, it was just that good. The mussels were tasty. I think I expected them to be more spicy, but they weren't. My favorite part was the tortilla that came on the side to enjoy the sauce when the mussels were gone! I enjoyed this dish, but also had somewhat higher expectations. My shrimp were good, but the star of my dish were the grits. Jalapeno and cheese grits, formed into a little square patty, beneath the biggest shrimp I've ever seen. They were creamy, cheesy, and firm...absolutely delicious! He had the rack of lamb, which he seemed to be fairly happy with. I think we were both expecting slightly more from our entrees, somehow. I'm not quite sure exactly what was missing for us. Perhaps we just made the wrong choices for us, somehow. The peanut butter pie was incredible. Spicy, peanutty, sweet, with an awesome graham cracker crumb crust. Although we were both incredibly full, we still managed to polish this pie off! Overall, we were really impressed with Agave. The ambience is spot-on, perfect for romantic couples and friends alike. The staff was friendly and professional. The food, for the most part, was killer. I definitely think we'll make our way back sometime and perhaps try different entrees to round out the experience.
(4)JoVonn G.
I met friends here on a week night and had a great experience. We sat up in the loft so we could people watch. Our margaritas were great and so was the food. I especially liked the southwest mac & cheese. The complimentary valet was a plus.
(4)Jodie B.
I went to Agave last night with one of my girlfriends, and it was pretty good! I had: -Ginger Soy Tuna Tacos: great flavor, fresh ginger, but the tuna inside was really cold! -Roasted Tomato & Serrano Stone Ground Grits: the grits TASTED AMAZING but the presentation looked kinda nasty... I'm not going to be as descriptive as I could be... but... maybe they should consider replacing the shallow bowl and going for a tall bowl & maybe having less quantity.... Anyway, wish I could tell you more about their (famous?) margaritas, maybe that'll be for the next trip!
(3)Greg C.
The food as described in the menu was interesting and inventive, and the drink menu had an extensive selection of tequilas, margaritas, and other drinks. The food we received was competent, but barely matched the menu descriptions. No one in my party was wild about their dish, and the entrees were somewhat expensive considering the portions/quality. The desserts we ordered were also pretty pathetic, and service was really slow and inattentive. After eating at Agave, I was diagnosed with food poisoning. It is impossible guarantee that my illness was caused by their food, and their owner claims they have had no previous incidents. Nevertheless, it is something to keep in mind.
(1)Devan J.
Went here yesterday for a business dinner. My GPS told me way too late when to turn into the driveway..so I had to circle the block. If you do not know where this restaurant is and you're going at night, good luck trying to find the entrance. Agave is located in a very random spot right off 20 West. Not an ideal location for such a high class restaurant if you ask me. The service was average and the food was decent. I am a very picky eater, and they fixed me food exactly how I wanted it, which was great. The complimentary valet was great as well. However, I woke up with a major stomachache..and since this was the last thing I ate, I can't help but wonder if their food made me sick.
(3)Nicole V.
It was great ... love their food and margaritas! !!!!!!! I'll be there again!
(5)Jackie H.
I finally got the opportunity to get to Agave for dinner. The atmosphere is lively and the restaurant got very loud. It was a fun place to have dinner. I'll start by saying that the fried chicken breast did live up to all its hype. It truly was delicious. Seasoned nicely, moist, fabulous. I'm a fan and it will probably be the one thing that gets me back to Agave. Also, the drinks were superb. I had the Peachtree Margarita and it was perfect. I also have to give it to them on the salsa that comes with the chips. It was some of the best I've had. I loved the blue chips too. Loved the corn on the cob too. It was grilled and I tore it the hell up. On the flip side, the other items that I ate did not impress me. The short ribs were very bland tasting, although very tender. They failed to live up to what I was looking for and I was mad at them. Also, I had some spring rolls that were so incredibly spicy until I couldn't taste anything else. It was obvious that too much of something was put in those. The quesadillas were pretty good, but not anything special. I'm going to have to add that I felt that the entrees were overpriced. Just saying. The service was outstanding. Everything flowed like clockwork. A+ for service here. Parking here is plentiful with free valet.
(3)Sean Y.
As shown this place is Tex-Mex restaurant. I had the swordfish and my date had the steak (i think), but both were very good. We each had a margarita (they boast a variety of drinks) which we downed by the time dinner was done. My total bill for two entrees, two margaritas, and calamari appetizer (comes with two different sauce) was $70 (not including tip). Valet is also provided, the parking lot is pretty small. Service was quick (our food came pretty fast) and attentive. The atmosphere was great, a little dim and cozy.
(4)Kathryn F.
This is a great place to go for tex-mex....but it's not the tex-mex you're thinking of. I would absolutely recommend this place. It's solid. Service was out of this world. Food tasted amazing. But would I come all the way here from Smyrna? Probably not. It was a bucket list restaurant. Fabulous. Absolutely recommend it. But probably wouldn't come back. I am afraid I am in love with Bonegarden Cantina & Escorpion a little more. Guacamole dip: very good. It's not chunky so if you like chunky dip, you might want to opt for something different. They do have a guacamole dip with smoked trout and bacon. Unfortunately, we didn't see this until we'd put the order in. Swordfish: fabulous. Rubbed in chili and grilled. Served over a bed of chili mashed potatoes, which were equally fabulous. The serving was a little smaller than I expected but that's okay because I had room for dessert. :) Chocolate Torto: Oh. My. Goodness. Just order it. Save room and order it. Really. Order it!
(3)Bri B.
This was my first time here and the food looked delicious online so I decided to take a friend here for his bday dinner and to out surprise the food exceeded our expectations. Excellent customer service upon walking in the door and going out. I will most definitely be coming back ASAP
(4)Jin M.
Agave is nice. Valet parking, so you don't have to worry about getting your car towed while you're eating. Service is great, the host/hostess greets you when you walk in, and immediately seats you, and you're then greeted by your server, who is also nice and enthusiastic. Restaurant atmosphere is pretty nice. Not too big, dim lights, calm music. Everything is fine, but I don't think the food is worth all the hype. I also don't think food is worth the price. I got the beef enchilada, while my friend got the chicken enchilada. It wasn't amazing, it was just okay. It didn't taste authentic at all. Almost tasted like La Fonda's enchiladas. Wow, I'm really not too excited right now writing this review, can you tell? I also didn't have anything to drink, because I was driving. Maybe that's why my rating isn't as high. Maybe if I was drinking, I would think everything tasted amazing. Kind of like when you go to Waffle House when you're wasted as crap, and you think their grits are just as good as Flying Biscuits' grits. Anyways, I guess my only tip for this restaurant is--- either have a lot of money and order something expensive. Or start drinking, my friend.
(3)Shawn W.
Agave is a solid restaurant. The food and service are always dependable. Go lamb shank or short rib all day. If you don't eat meat the shrimp and tuna are very good. They do a half off appetizer at the bar m-f 5-7. Its a good deal. Don't forget the flan.
(4)Alayne H.
Finally, I made it to Agave. Not sure what took me so long as I drive by here everyday and have only heard good things about this place. It was a Saturday afternoon (Valentine's eve) and Agave popped into my head as a place to meet my friend for dinner. I asked for a reservation at 9p and they said they could take us at 9:15 - not a problem. When I arrived, my friend was sitting at the bar holding the last open stool for me. It was pretty crowded, but the bar service was efficient. The drink menu is extensive - several margarita choices, lots of tequilas as you would expect, good beer selection and very nice wine offerings. Agave is noted for their excellent margaritas but I opted for a beer. Upon being seated at our table, a bowl of fresh, warm, lightly salted chips and excellent fresh salsa were brought to us. We ordered the spicy shrimp & poblano spring rolls and also wanted some calamari. Our server suggested a half order of the calamari as he said the portion is big. I appreciated his suggestion on two levels - one it was nice that he wasn't concerned about knocking a few bucks off our bill and two, the calamari was just okay. However, the spring rolls were tasty especially when dipped in the red pepper jelly. I ordered the slow cooked short ribs marinated in ancho chiles & honey and topped with a chile glaze. They were served on top of goat cheese & roasted yellow corn mashed potatoes. EXCELLENT! The short ribs were very tender and the flavor was mouthwatering. The mashed potatoes were rich, but that didn't stop me from eating every last bite. They were too delicious to leave. Of course, I had to have dessert and ordered the banana plantain dark chocolate cheesecake. This dessert was also nothing short of excellent. The service was great, not rushed at all and they were very busy. I am definitely a fan and Agave will be on my regular rotation of fave restaurants.
(4)Obadiah S.
My companion and I had a go at Agave recently. This would be my second trip. We visited on a weekday evening. I did make reservations, but there was more than enough room to seat us anyway. The high point of the evening was definitely the margarita. It was fresh and tasty. Their drink offerings really show that even beverages, when made well, can really shine on their own. For my meal, I ordered the New York strip, cooked medium. The steak was just slightly underdone, hardly a huge screw up. I was a little put off by the crust on the steak though. The steak is treated with an herb and chile marinade. Unfortunately, one of the components in the marinade burnt as the steak cooked, imparting a burnt flavor on the surface of the meat. Again, not a huge sin, but I might expect a bit more finesse for the price. The steak was accompanied by mashed potatoes with corn. The corn added a nice sweetness and crunch to an otherwise ordinary side dish. While I give Agave three stars, I would certainly visit the restaurant again. There are a number of dishes on the menu that look interesting, and I would like to try some of them. To recap: the food is decent, fresh ingredients paired in unique ways. The few issues in execution are certainly forgivable. If you like tequila and margaritas, this place warrants a visit. All of the sour mixes are prepared in house, and it shows.
(3)Lorie D.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. The food, service, and atmosphere are all great and consistent. The inside tends to be crowded and noisy so I do prefer the outside seating. My favorite dish is the seared scallops with grits and collards YUM! I have tried a few other things on the menu and they were good but I usually stick with the scallops. I just love the combination of the roasted tomato serrano grits, it just all comes together well with the honey apple cider spiced collards, (which are great by themselves). I reccommend this place to everyone I know, love it!
(4)Kin N.
Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We have been here many many times and we have not had anything we don't like. It's the place we bring out of town guest to and all of them love the food. My favorite is the New Mexico Rack of Lamb. It's always cooked perfetly with just the right amount of char and always tender. The scallop and fried chicken are good too. My favorite appetizer is the spring roll. Note: Yelp categorize this restaurant as Tex-Mex, that's incorrect. It should be Southwestern, which is a very different kind of food.
(5)Carla D.
I ate here so long ago that I don't remember what I had.... still its stand out in my mind as being delicious! I know we got the guacamole and some pizzole soup. I want to say I had the chilli rellano. Excellent fancy Mexican food. Great drinks! Strong enough to pack a punch but doesn't taste like it. Long wait, but it was the weekend of valentines day and they had specials for that.
(4)Valerie N.
Came for a Saturday night reunion with a long lost friend! We thoughtfully called ahead with a reservation as Agave was slammed when we got there. Hooray! I always prefer the outdoor room (which can get LOUD) or the room with the fireplace than the room with the bar when you first walk in. Our wish was granted and we sat outside. Our waiter, who honestly looked like one of the actors from "Why Did I Get Married?" (seriously - I about died from starstruck awe...), was so cheerful and respectful of our reunion, he good-naturedly took a picture when we asked. Our meal was delicious and not rushed at all. The waiter graciously accepted my Yelp check-in offer for a free appetizer (calamari! heavenly!). I love it when restaurants are flexible! My albondigas, as always, were delicious, especially when paired with a glass of malbec and a side order of grilled squash. My friend got the stuffed trout, which, I gotta say, was amazing. I will definitely consider getting it next time. This was my first time trying the Mexican coffee and I must say, yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi-yi!!!! Arrrrriba! It was delicious, but definitely needed to be split between me and my friend. It was tasty with the key lime pie and fresh cream. I love Agave. It never lets me down, thanks to delicious food and amazing staff. Well done!
(5)Giulio G.
This place is definitely a hidden gem. We have been here numerous times and it never disappoints. Service is always friendly and they are always ready to accommodate your needs even with last minute requests. In our case we made a reservation on Saturday night for 6 PM for 3 people. Right before dinner we realized that 6 was not going to work. We needed an extra 30 minutes and 2 more people added to the party. Not an issue. The food as always was very tasty and well prepared. I had the special which consisted of a monk fish fillet topped with shrimps with brussel sprouts and shallots on top of a parsnip puree. It was absolutely wonderful. Other people in our party had the Shrimps anejo and the trout. Everybody was happy and satisfied with their meals.
(4)Jang C.
I should've known to not believe the hype. Like other Yelpers, I tried to love this place, but it's just an A-OK place. Yes, it's a cool, trendy place inside. It looks like a great place to take your date and have a nice drink. You feel so attractive, hip, cool, and trendy just going inside it. However, If your date is a food geek, don't expect to get lucky. The food is mediocre and overpriced. For example, their ceviche has no protein. Okay, I'm exaggerating; it has some seafood. However, it felt like they only added 2-3 pieces though. It consisted mostly of vegetables. If they reversed the ratio of vegetables and seafood, it would've been perfect. I love ceviche, but it disappointed me. I love short ribs too. But once again, this dish disappointed me. The ribs seemed to be cooked well. And it fell apart like butter when I touched it with my fork. The only problem: it was tasteless. I don't think they gave me enough sauce for the short ribs. Otherwise, it would have tasted good. They need to add a bit more sauce to this dish. The sides for the short ribs tasted good though. Who cares though? The short ribs should be the star, not the sides. I also tried the serrano stone grits. It looked like puke, but it tasted good. I think this was one of the better dishes of the night. How was the service? Pretty slow. Because it was a busy Friday night, it took the servers a long time to do anything for us. Sometimes, he disappeared to some unknown place for a long time. Maybe if we came during non-busy times, the services would've been better. Overall, it's an overhyped, overrated, and overpriced place. I don't drink, so I can't comment on their drinks. Their food is average but has potential. Unfortunately, their best dishes seemed to be the sides and the chips and salsa. I'll be nice and round this 2.5 place to 3 stars.
(3)Heidi S.
Went on a Monday and were greeted & seated quickly. Service was on point. I enjoyed a regular margarita and then chose the Pomegranate one for my 2nd drink (too sweet for me, should have stuck with the excellent first one!). Food was excellent and well thought out - love when I can ask a server for a recommendation for food/drink, get something great and not feel like they're up-selling me! Check it out on the "non-weekend" nights to avoid the crowds/lots of noise. Free valet parking if you pull up by the restaurant, but enter the parking lot closer to Memorial to park on your own.
(5)Asma A.
This is a very cute restaurant. The first time I went there, I loved the ambiance. In that sense, I guess you could say that It's definitely a nice date-spot. Portions are nice. We ordered one appetizer and ended up sharing an entree. I love it when restaurants know that you are sharing the food, they end up splitting it for you evenly. Food was great. One of the better Tex-mex places in town. I have overall been here a few times and I have enjoyed the food every time I have been there. Definitely a place worth to try out if you are in the mood for some Mexican!
(4)Guron H.
I decided to go after seeing all the good reviews. I was not happy with the peach margarita.....waitress said no problem, took it back and would take off bill but never did. I ordered a margarita which was good. I had the guacamole appetizer and it had a dark/rotten piece of avocado in it. For the main course I had the salmon. I was surprised to receive one of the whitest pieces of overly farm raised salmon I have ever had...bland and absent of spices/pepper as described on the menu. All in all I would pass on this place. I left hungry and wound up picking up a pizza for my family of 3. We are seriously not big eaters but for 100.00 dollars you should be able to feed 2 adults and a child on a Monday night.
(1)R B.
Very attentive staff. Everyone was courteous. Dined in after 9 on a Saturday evening. They were several groups, but our party of two received adequate attention. We ordered the trout and southwest egg roll appetizer. My favorite was the dessert: chocolate mousse. We also had strawberry flan, which was so so. The liquor was too watery, IMHO. I will definitely return and recommend to friends.
(5)Tracie J.
Oh me'Lord! I love this place. Awesome food. Great service. Cool atmosphere. That's all I need. I've been a number of times and have never ever had a bad meal. Some of my entree faves are the lamb chops, strip steak and cayenne chicken breast. I want to try more dishes, but those are my go-to choices.
(4)Frenchtoast S.
Food was prepared to perfection. Everything in the menu was delicious. I would definitely recommend getting a drink while your waiting for your food since it can take a while for it to come out and they have a long list of cocktails and drinks available.
(5)Sean M.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. I've been a total of 7 or 8 times, and it's never let me down. The food is great, the service is great, the wine list has a nice selection of reasonably priced South American stuff (my favorite when I'm eating spicy food), and this is one of the few places around town where I'll ever order a margarita. The meatloaf is my favorite. That's what I usually get, and I also like that it comes with their amazing mac n cheese. It also comes with collards, which I'm indifferent towards, but I'm not from the south, so I can't criticize. I've also had the fried chicken, the scallops, the enchilada, and a few other dishes. You really can't go wrong with any of it. In this price range, I don't think there is a better place in Atlanta.
(5)Kyle T.
Make a reservation. Went on a Friday night around 8PM and the bar was packed. We had reservations so we were seated immediately. Cool vibe. Perfect for a dinner date or to just get some points for a romantic dinner. It is a little tight in there but not too noisy. Had the Cayenne chicken and the wife had the strip steak. The food was great and not over seasoned. When we left there were a lot of people waiting and the you could barely get to the bar. So arrive early unless you're just there for the bar scene (which was looking quite lively).
(4)True F.
Went with the Ladies Dinner Club of ATL, so we share apps and often share entrees so that we get to experience a lot of dishes. Chips and salsa were good. I was not impressed with my margarita at all, but didn't send it back either. Apps: meatballs, shrimp spring rolls, calamari Entrees: lobster pasta special, sea scallops, stuffed trout, lamb Dessert: key lime pie, peanut butter pie, dark chocolate torte, chocolate mousse Everything that I tasted was very good and everyone enjoyed their main dish. The collards and grits were stand out sides. Even with a discount, this place is pretty price for the portions. Nice lively atmosphere. Service was average. This wasn't a 1st visit and I'd definitely go back.
(4)Cherparadise B.
Took my girlfriend here for Valentine's Day . Very nice restaurant. My/Her food was great ! Loved it! The waiter was very attentive. Will be back !!
(5)Tieren S.
Maaaaaaaaan..... I don't even think an extensive, detailed account of the food and experience will give it justice. Let's just say I had the ultimate "mouthgasm" of my life. No lie. Waiter was cool and attentive and I think I gained like 5 lbs. but it was worth it.... Oh it was worth it. The chips and salsa were excellent. We had the calamari as an appetizer and the guacamole. The guac tastes just like mine. (I'm a pro) I had the burrito and stew. Was a lot for $12 and delish. My man had the meatloaf and a couple sides which he enjoyed thoroughly... Oh and to wash it down, it was only right to get a peach margarita.... You know being in ATL and all. Bottom Line: If you like tex mex... Make this joint a priority. Ps. Free valet parking ;)
(5)Peachy J.
I am truly a fan! Went last night for the second time, and I swear I can't seem to find anything bad on the menu. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. The dishes are very creative and nothing you can get anywhere else, so not sure why its classified as Tex-Mex. It's more like upscale modern Mexican. So far my husband and I have had the flounder, trout, pork shank, and pork chops and they have all been cooked to perfection. The portions are just right, and to end the meal we had some very tasty margaritas that where heavy on the tequila (Just the way I like them!) If you haven't been you must add them to the list to check out.
(4)Jenna B.
My friends and I go out to eat, and this is a place we had been meaning to go for a while. About two weeks ago, we finally made it in after doing some reserach on places that would accept reservations for large parties. We ended up having about 11 people in total. The food itself was overpriced but decent, the service, however, was subpar. Maybe it was an off night, but I have seen a couple of other reviews thinking the same thing...so I am not sure what that means. The waiter seemed very uninterested in helping us, and took way too long to get our drinks and appetizers. At one point we even tried to cancel our appetizer since it wasn't worth it anymore, but they still ended up bringing it about 20 minutes later (and charging us of course_. I understand with a large party it is not always pleasant to have to split checks, and that it can get confusing. The drinks put on the checks were for all of the wrong people, but no one really complained. We handed the waiter our credit cards, and I guess he realized some of his errors and ended up changing what was on the checks and charging us different prices than we had seen on the original checks...which were all still incorrect and of course more expensive. In short, if you do plan on trying this restaurant, I highly recommend NOT going in a large group.
(2)William F.
Reservations don't mean a damn thing still waiting 30 mins after reservations and rude host ignoring our party
(1)Addy C.
Really tried hard to love the food esp. after reading all the 4 and 5 star reviews from my favorite Yelpers - but couldn't. However the service was top notch, and I loved the ambiance. We had a party of 5, and shared 2 apps and 5 entrees - just the right amount of food. Everyone cleaned their plates :) Yes we did family-style dining at a restaurant where the food isn't designed for that - we just said we're going to share our food, and next thing you know, they brought all 5 entrees to the center of our table, and set 5 empty plates for each of us. Extra bonus points for portioning out some of the dishes, plus adding a few extra corn on the cob to equal 5 :) That's service! I so wanted to give 5 stars b/c of the great service but the food didn't live up to the hype. Part of me wonders if I should blame the ok food b/c we came on a Monday. Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" said Mondays aren't a good day to eat out at restaurants. COMPLIMENTARY CHIPS & SALSA Love the blue chips and I liked that the salsa was spicy. GUACAMOLE & CHIPS - $7 (full order) Nothing special, and a full order is not really all that big ... good size for 5 people though. GUAJILLO MUSSELS - $10.50 Mussels were small & fishy, and while the red chili citrus wine broth was tasty, I wish it were thicker. The flour tortilla seemed random ... I guess crusty bread wouldn't fit the southwestern theme. CHILI SEARED JUMBO DIVER SEA SCALLOPS - $19.50 Menu description set too high expectations :( Pan seared scallops in signature herb & chili rub, served w/ fire roasted tomato & serrano stone ground grits (salty) and honey cider collard greens (good & sweet). Just ok. AGAVE FAMOUS CAYENNE FRIED CHICKEN - $15 Jumbo size boneless chicken breast but didn't get any cayenne flavor. Buttermilk marinated & fried (not crispy). Yukon Gold mashed potatoes were good, and grilled corn was too buttery for me and I couldn't taste the Poblano drizzle at all. STUFFED MOUNTAIN TROUT TOMATILLO - $17.50 Just ok. Liked the stuffing more than the actual trout. Idaho trout was stuffed w/ crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice w/ roasted tomatillo sauce and freshly cut cilantro (but I don't remember tasting any cilantro). SPICY TEQUILA ANEJO SHRIMP - $18.75 Biggest disappointment b/c this dish got the most positive reviews. Again menu description set very high expectations. Fresh gulf shrimp grilled & sauteed in fresh lime & tequila cream sauce (not spicy at all), and served a/ jalapeno & cheddar ground grits cake (good but mostly cheddar flavor and very salty), and grilled asparagus. The asparagus was probably my favorite item of the evening. TENDERLOIN MEDALLIONS - $23 Meat was pretty tender and one of the better dishes. Tenderloin pan seared over roasted tomato, garlic, and chile tequila puree, and served w/ Yukon Gold mashed potatoes (yum), fried cayenne onion rings (not spicy), and grilled zucchini. Overall, I thought the sides were better than the entrees. Also, couldn't taste all the flavors described in the menu. Other than the salsa, nothing was spicy. However like I said before, service was outstanding ... and maybe we just came on a bad day. I definitely want to try their drinks next time - almost every table around us had margaritas :) FYI - complimentary valet parking is available but if you're lucky, you might be able to find nearby street parking on Carroll Street. Also join their VIP club to get 20% off your entire check Sun-Thur, or get $10 entrees if you come between 5-6pm any night of the week! Sign up now!
(3)Michael L.
We came here last Monday with Addy, Enoch, and Heejin, and were definitely looking forward to trying this spot. First of all, kudos to the service as they took the pains to split up the entrees so that we could eat family style. That merits a star all by itself. The food...was a mix of good and so-so. If that's all you needed to know, then read no further. If you want the details, go on ahead.... Guajillo Mussels ... ($10.50) Eh...not so fresh- the wine broth was pretty tasty, but with a flour tortilla on the side...it just tasted kind of weird together. (2.5) Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp... ($18.75) I actually liked this dish, as the shrimp were large and tasted fresh. Although the flavor of the lime and tequila cream sauce doesn't jump out at you, it is bold enough, and the jalapeno cheddar stone ground grits cake was quite tasty- though very heavy. I'm glad we split that up among the five of us- if I had it to myself...I might be in the hospital. (4) Agave's Famous Cayenne Fried Chicken ... ($15.00) I was expecting a crispy layer surrounding the chicken- but it just wasn't there. Honestly, a bit of a disappointment, given the rave reviews of this dish. I was looking forward to this one. It wasn't bad, but the chicken didn't taste inspired- maybe it's because it was a chicken breast. Perhaps it would've been better using thigh/leg meat? The mashed potatoes were good, but not special. The grilled corn was pretty buttery, just alright. (3.25) Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops ($19.50) These pan-seared jumbo diver sea scallops were swimming in an herb & chile rub served with fire roasted tomato and serrano stone ground grits and honey cider collard greens. Not bad- but a week later, I can't really remember any of the flavors...so (3.5). Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo ($17.50) The trout itself was ok, and the stuffing (crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil ver spanish rice and roasted tomatillo sauce) was decently tasty. A bit on the salty side, but bearable. (3.5) Tenderloin Medallions ($23.00) The tenderloin seemed to be slightly overmarinated, if that's possible. Lots of flavor, but so much that it masked the flavor of the meat. Better balance between the two would be good. The garlic and chile tequila puree served only to further mask the flavor of the meat. They might as well have used a cheaper cut of meat. Mashed potatoes were fine, as they were with the fried chicken, and the onion rings were a nice touch to complement the textures of the other elements. (3) Overall, I think that I probably came here with overhyped expectations. The last time I looked through Agave's reviews, they rated a 4.5 overall. But I guess not so anymore. I think the flavors of the food here are done pretty well- but there wasn't any subtlety or extra complexity in the flavors despite utilizing lots of sauces and cool-sounding ingredients. I mentioned before that the service earns them an extra star, so I'll round up to a 4. This spot is good....but not great. Just IMHO.
(4)Keith H.
Yeah - we might have a problem, we've been to Agave two more times since the last review and it continues to blow our palates away. The margarita's are predictably good. I've been steadily impressed by the weekend specials, my only gripe is that they remain weekend specials and don't make it onto the main menu. We've never had less than stellar service from all of the staff of Agave.
(5)Tramaine W.
Definitely a place I don't regret visiting. I went on a Saturday night and the place was packed and buzzing. The staff was very nice and helpful to this first time customer. I had a margarita first, it was a mix of the passion fruit and mango margarita, it was delicious. You have to get a margarita if you come here. I had the chicken poblano stew next which was tasty but a bit too spicy for me. For my entree I had the red pepper salmon, I cleaned every bit off my plate. I substituted the asparagus for the mashed potatoes too FYI. Lastly I had the pumpkin cheesecake which was fantastic; this should mean a lot coming from me since I'm not a big dessert fan. I felt let down by the chips and salsa, they weren't that memorable, I think the chips and salsa at Barberitos are far better than these and it's a way cheaper lower quality establishment. I wasn't really feeling the soup and the mashed potatoes I got with my entree were pretty boring and blah. I would definitely come back here despite my minor complaints, it's surely a must visit.
(4)Bonnie B.
I went to Agave for the first time this weekend, I had previously heard how great it was and it was still beyond expectations. I will be back often and told all my friends they have to try it because it is nice to find a great new restaurant. Service was also excellent.
(5)Laura N.
The ambience here is rustic and romantic with dark corners perfect for intimate dinners. Plus, the selection of non-alcoholic drinks at Agave is excellent. Every underage person should try the frozen strawberry drink, which is basically a virgin margarita. The complimentary salsa is great too, but you can't order a queso to complement your complimentary nachos at Agave. I came here with high expectations after hearing my boyfriend rave about this awesome Mexican restaurant. Perhaps I should not have ordered a dish that I can make from scratch at home; I ordered the chicken enchiladas, which disappointed me by failing to taste better than my homemade enchiladas (which, I should mention, are really decadent and delicious). I developed a slight case of dish envy after sampling my boyfriend's swordfish entree, which was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Notwithstanding my lackluster enchiladas, I had a great experience at Agave. Recommended for dates and groups. Bring cash for valet parking.
(3)Tauheedah M.
Tried it again and again left disappointed. Ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and my sexy date ordered the Slow Cooked Short Ribs. $58.00 later we wish we could rewind the evening and try again somewhere else! The grit cake that accompanies my 6 shrimp was good. The shrimp were okay - overcooked and the sauce had a burnt aftertaste. Not memorable and my husband did not finish his food but it came out pretty!!...wait that is why we paid so much for 1 rib and 6 shrimp....right?? Won't be back :-(
(3)Annie H.
So-so overpriced food
(3)Jd H.
Great restaurant. Alittle pricey but it's somewhere you can take a date so it's reasonable especially with the atmosphere. Would definitely go again. Gave it 4 stars because the parking was a pain when the place was packed.
(4)L L.
Had to downgrade after my second visit. Couldn't resist the fried chicken again. It was good, but not the knock-your-knees together good like last time. Oh well. ---- Best fried chicken I've ever had. It's been several months since I last ate there, and I still think about that chicken. My dinner companion took a sample bite of my dish, and the next day I received an email that said, "I can't stop thinking about that chicken!" The Cayenne Fried Chicken was 5-Star all the way. Everything else was good, too, though I would more likely give 4 stars.
(4)Joshua R.
Phenomenal. One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have the absolute best margaritas in town - the herradura top shelf is unbelievably good. The food is pricey but well worth the investment. Parking is valet only, FYI.
(5)Adam S.
I don't really associate Atlanta with southwestern food (for obvious enough reasons), but this place was pretty good. The chips and salsa were great and the guacamole was the highlight of the meal for me. A really nice flavor with just the right amount of spice. The shrimp taco appetizer was very nice as well. Very flavorful and surprisingly spicy. I got the beer braised pork shank with mashed potatoes as my entree. It was a pretty nice dish. Spicy and the pork was tender (although maybe a little too tender for my liking almost to the point of mushiness). I tried the trout dish as well and it was really wonderful. I would seriously recommend getting the trout should you go here. This is a nice relaxed setting for dinner. They have an unnecessary valet service for a small parking lot. After the meal I was closer to my car than the valet was, but I had to stand and wait for them to pull the car up 30 feet or so which seemed a little ridiculous to me. But the food is definitely good.
(4)Erik R.
Nice decor, very romantic inside. Perfect for a dinner date. The restaurant is separated by the bar when you 1st enter. Although there is seating throughout. I would suggest the main dining area with it's real, open seating and fireplace. You eat by votive tea lights flickering away. The Southwestern influenced interior design and ambiance makes you want to cozy up together. You can sit outside on a covered patio with heating lamps overhead. My lady and I ate here for an early dinner. The service was attentive and the food was immaculate. I love the presentation of the dishes, appropriate serving sizes, proportions and seasoning. They can mix up their styles of the dish upon request and they have veg. options.
(4)Tessa S.
Food was delicious, but as a person who can't handle very spicy food the menu was limited. Their food is quite expensive- join their mailing list to get great deals like $10 for a dinner entree.
(4)Robert A.
I would give four stars for the service, but three for the food. It was definitely good, but the spicy shrimp were not anything to rave about.
(3)Sie G.
Have been to Agave several times before, but this was my first time sitting at the bar. The bartender was friendly but not pushy. She knew the regulars, and remembered what they like to drink AND what they like to eat. I had a Jalapeno Margarita. Love spicy drinks so I had to try it. Amazing and the slice of fresh jalapeno took the drink to another level. Agave is a match made in heaven, good food and good drinks.
(4)Shar W.
If I could give 6 stars I would. I ABSOLUTELY love Agave! A coworker introduced me to this restaurant and I have been hooked ever since. The food is great and the frozen daiquiris are amazing. The staff is very personable and professional. Probably one of the most consistent restaurants with respect to service in Atlanta that I have been too. As you would expect from a good restaurant the place is quite busy on the weekends and popular nights so call ahead and make a reservation to avoid the wait. In the event that you have to wait, try not to fill yourself up on the yummy salsa and chips ;)
(5)Theodore L.
When I was ten, my parents dragged my stepbrother Ronny and I on a hellish trek through the southwest. What should have been a scenic journey through the eroded vistas of New Mexico and Texas turned into a personal Trail of Tears. I had a nasty case of the chicken pox, and rather than quarantine their sick child, my parents propped me in front of endless cacti, adobes and indigenous people, placing their skin in great peril. I remember The Alamo, but only because Ronny held me down in the courtyard. I hacked up dust the rest of the trip. The point is: Nightmarish flashbacks can detract from the dining experience (never ask me to Chuck E. Cheese's), hence I was reticent to check out Agave and its southwestern fare. But at the behest of a friend wielding a coupon from the Savvy Shopper, I gave them a shot. A brawny gent seated us by the fireplace, a splendid roost to survey the impeccable, rustic decor. I ordered the Don Eduardo Anejo Margarita, and after one sip wanted to put on swim trunks and dive right in! Where was THAT drink when I was a child? A basket of heated nachos battled valiantly against our raging hunger. They must have been laced with opiates given their hypnotic power. For our main meal, my friend received a towering lattice of pan seared Tuna and Asparagus over Mashed Potatoes - a keen melding of ocean and farm. I got the Chile rubbed Grouper served atop Spinach and in a bath of Corn Puree. Wondrous food! Our forks hopscotched from plate to plate as we savored the complex seasonings. We inhaled both dishes with abandon. After conducting my Finger Test, I asked and received more of the delectable corn nectar. I coated my face with it. Feeling haughty, we split a second margarita, The Pomorita, which adds pomegranate to the mix. Mexican firewater AND anti-oxidant goodness... which God did I please?! Thank you, Agave, for helping me overcome decades of shame for an exquisite meal. Better prepare extra nachos and corn juice, for I SHALL return!
(5)R P.
Their drinks are great and strong enough. I usually get their blue corn chicken enchiladas, but always fill up on their delicious salsa. I've always been more than satisfied. My only issue thus far, after having eaten there over 5-6 times is that they put two tables together outside that made for an awkward seating arrangement which was ok, but it was also incredibly hot. Their fans were on and yet everyone didn't feel their effect. Excellent establishment and service provided. And just to emphasize, I'm totally serious about how good their salsa is.
(4)Gene G.
The ambiance is presented well with nice decor and perfect amount of lighting. This would be a great restaurant for a date or for a dinner for an important client. The food dishes were unique and presented well. We tried everyone's dish and was equally satisfied with all. The Grit cake was the most unique and the most delicious. Our service was superb and very helpful. My only complaint is their useless and unnecessary valet parking where they basically move the car 8 feet for you.
(5)Sami A.
There was a lot of hype about this place on Yelp and I decided to check it out when I saw the free appetizer upon check-in via Yelp. Overall, friendly staff, good service and decent decor. Otherwise, the food was merely average--nothing that I couldn't get at a chain restaurant. We ordered the calamari to start and I ordered the trout for myself. The calamari was slightly above average, but the trout was nothing special (though it was quite large). I'm not sure if it was the very high expectations that Yelp had built up for us, but I would be lying if I didn't reveal that it was a little bit of a let-down.
(3)Bobbi L.
Excellent from apps to dessert. Great service. Killa margaritas!
(5)Lauren M.
Ok, so the best thing about Agave is without a doubt the margaritas. Best in Atlanta hands down. I have been to Agave only twice, as it is quite pricey, but I love it every time. I keep telling myself the next time I have about $100 to blow, that's where I'm gonna spend it. Great food, good atmosphere. The only complaint I have is the pricing. Other than that, this place gets an A+ in my book.
(4)Madeleine C.
Every time I think of Agave my mouth waters and my head gets close to exploding. This place is really good. I love their menu, their food, the drinks, and the ambiance. I know it can be loud and dark in there but I absolutely love it. This is the place that turned me on to grits. I came from Miami 8 years ago and was like "iew.. wat the erf is that" but voila! I eat grits at Agave and I'm a total grit eating Miami girl - put a bowl of grits from agave in front of me and I'll forget my own name. I took my sister when she came to visit and she absolutely HAS to go every time she visits. Everything I've had is delicious. Their seared tuna salad, ribs, lamb, scallops, and fish special (served over grits.. agh) have been really great. I think it's affordable, it offers nice portions, the menu is nice and very extensive, and their drinks are pretty good too. I would say this is in my top 10 for restaurants I've recommended for not-so-pricey and great food.
(5)Whosbaad K.
Nice ambiance, fast service, and excellent food. They were quite aloof when it came to the yelp check in deal so I let it go. The short ribs were tender and well seasoned, and the mushrooms and mashed potatoes were delicious. My friends enjoyed their enchiladas and burrito/stew as well. The complementary salsa & chips were very good, and they keep 'em coming. I resisted stashing the bowl in my purse :/ Will definitely be a go-to the next time I'm in the ATL, especially since we had such terrible food experiences there.
(5)Anthony G.
The wait was too long. Although we had a party of six, they kept saying that they were going to have something for us soon. I took QUITE some time. Once we were seated, I found the tables to be a bit cramped. The temperature was a bit cold for cool fall night. The short ribs were actually very bland and the sauce on them had little flavor. It actually tasted more like a dry pot roast than short ribs. I hated that most of the meals had asparagus as your main side. Although they did allow substitutions, they have printed on the menu that they "appreciate no substitutions". Definitely lacking in variety when it comes to vegetables (other than potatoes) Although it is a local trending spot, I would not recommend it to anyone. Although it is labeled as TEX-MEX, it really does not give you a true tex-mex menu.
(1)Matt W.
I wouldn't exactly call this Southwestern or Tex-Mex; I'd call it more fusion cuisine. In any case, it's damn good. I had the diver scallops with grits and collard greens which were amazing and were a fusion of Southern and Southwestern. A chipotle wedge salad? Now that seemed just too good to be true (it was). There are a few more traditional items on the menu such as posole and veggie blue corn enchiladas but I think the fusion items are really what makes this place shine. Our server was very polite and attentive and the staff overall very friendly. The Texas margarita could use a little work though--way too much sour. Stick with the "Corzo Perfecto" margarita if you want good tequila, fresh lime juice, and no sour mix.
(4)M H.
We have two small children and dining here is wonderful. They are very accommodating with seating and menu items for them. The food and margaritas are fabulous too!!
(5)Rebecca K.
My boy and I made an impromptu Friday evening appearance at Agave for dinner last week, and as we walked in we both thought "we used to come here all the time...I wonder why we haven't been here in so long?" I'm guessing his thought process ended there. My brain, of course, tagged on "well, because we *used to* be dating and now we've been married for 3 years. meh." Anyway, surprisingly little has changed at Agave since the last time we ate there which is probably 3 years ago. The space is really lovely -- they do Southwestern decor without making me feel like I'm in the gift shop at the Alamo. The service is top-notch. They were busy, but not busy enough to scoff at our no-reservation-having selves. Our waiter was enthusiastic about the food and made great recommendations. I even heard him telling a woman at a table near us when she asked his opinion of her two top picks to steer clear of a dish that I sampled a couple years ago and didn't really enjoy (the enchiladas--the smoked chicken just doesn't work for me). I appreciate that. And, so the food. Their margaritas really are that good. We went for the traditional, and the boy added the optional $0.50 splash of Grand Marnier that the server offered. It was good both ways. Even their cheapest margaritas taste like well mixed cocktails -- no powdered limeade in these suckers, folks. And there is definitely tequila in there (another pet peeve of mine). Their chips and salsa are among the best in the city -- the chips, a mixture of white and blue corn, are fried fresh, but not too greasy, and the salsa is fresh and well balanced with a little spice (they could kick it up a notch to suit me, but I understand that I do live in Georgia). The boy had the burrito and stew, and I had the pork chop special -- both were good, and I felt that the blue cheese grits that came with my dish were exceptional. Apparently, they prepare these with different specials relatively frequently, so if you hear "blue cheese grits" come out of your server's mouth, order it. You won't be disappointed. From prior visits, I can also recommend their fried chicken and the shrimp and grits dish. I am a huge fan of Mexican food, but this isn't Mexican food. It is, however, good solid southwest-inspired American. Nothing terribly adventurous, but Agave will always be a really lovely dining experience. Oh, and get on their e-mail list. They send out a monthly message that always has really great discounts -- usually $10 entrees any evening when you are seated between 5 and 6 and 20% off your entire bill Sunday through Thursday. Definitely worth it!
(4)Amanda D.
My favorite restaurant in Atlanta - I have never had a bad experience at Agave. Some rules for dining at Agave: Always try the special - it will never lead you astray. Always get the guacamole - its the best I've ever had. Always get a margarita (or 3) - they are perfectly tasty. Always save room for desert!
(5)Marina V.
Found this little bistro type place just outside downtown Atlanta , tucked in a neighborhood ...reminded me of Scorpion on Miami beach, with their 100 tequilas! So.. Had to make a decision on the appetizer over a repisado magarita!! The aroma in this place is appetizing enough. Decided on the shrimp and tuna ceviche ... For dinner had anejo shrimp with pablano sauce and cheddar corn bread ... If your mouth is watering it should; it was fantastic! The staff was great... Since I was torn between the shrimp and the scallops , the waitress brought over a sample of the scallops for me with the meal ... : ). Finished off the meal with the dessert sampler tray (too many goodies to list, but every one homemade) and basically rolled out the front door, too full to move too quickly !
(4)Vicki K.
I was so excited to plan a celebration for my 50th birthday at Agave, especially with their vegetarian menu. Until I saw the veal items on the menu. Veal is a food borne of cruelty to baby cows and there is no reason to have it on the menu with all the other culinary choices available now. Too bad I won't ever eat there.
(1)Stephie Z.
Sad news- this joint is just around the corner- when I say just, I mean the next street over- and I have only been here one time. AND that one time was a blind date so I didn't want to go all out and order multiple things:( So sad, as was the date. Despite the date sucking ass, it wasn't the restaurants fault. I sat at the bar for a short while before my date arrived and the bartender was very attentive. Beer selection is okay, but the tequila selection looked pretty durn good. I saw a pomegranate margarita that I really wanted, but forgot about during the evening. I made a promise to myself that I will go back to sample that deliciously beautiful drink. The salsa and chips were tasty and fresh as was my entree- tuna sashimi with some super crunchtastic spears of asparagus. I could have bathed in the mashed potatoes- they were that good. Then again who fucks up mashed potatoes??? I mean really? The server was great and catered to our every need, except making my date pay the bill in a timely manner- dude held on to it for 45 minutes before I finally could convince him that the restaurant was looking barren and it was time to go. I know I am an excellent conversationalist, but really (haha, just kidding). The night ended not with some dessert, which is what I would have preferred, but with my blind date trying to hold my hand at the dinner table and me jerking my hand away (hello- hug on the first date, no grimy hand holding). Maybe I'm a cold bitch or maybe I just really needed some more of the fresh southwestern food that Agave has to offer. Agave, I will be back!
(4)Travis N.
I fear I'm going to become a broken record in these reviews...but this place could have been better if they had more spice! I went with a friend the other night, and this place has DAMN good margaritas. I had 2 and they were 2 of the best I've had in the last 4 years. Their ceviche was nice and tangy, and the mussels were very spicy I was slightly disappointed with the craw fish pasta, after being warned by the waiter that it was "hot and spicy". When it arrived, it was flavorful, but not really what I would call "spicy" Another big draw I could see to this place is the tequila selection, there are pages and pages of them. It's an interesting culinary escape from the typical humdrum, but it could really do a little more to live up to those expectations.
(3)Chuck T.
Best Swordfish I've ever enjoyed. My wife had the Sea Scallops, and she loved them. The Ultimate Margarita was about $10, but it was worth it. Dined in the main downstairs seating area, and it was packed, but the service was prompt and helpful. The valet parking staff was very polite and fast. We are going back very soon.
(4)Heddy K.
Agave is one of my very favorite restaurants in Atlanta. They have super margaritas, very tasty food, subdued atmostphere. They are always full, which is a good sign. They have good chicken fingers for kids too. We always take family and friends here when we have a full house. Also they are great supports of the neighborhood, always sponsoring our preschool.
(5)Andre S.
Maybe I shouldn't have tried Agave after I tried and raved for Nava, the more upscale, expensive version. Overall, I wasn't disappointed and neither did I leave highly enthused by the cuisine. It was simply "ok"- hence the 3 stars. My date and I ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, and the dish they brought out was HUGE! I was somewhat taken a back from the size of the serving plate since we still had to fill up on the main course. Maybe I was too much into the conversation, but I found the calamari to be somewhat cold, bland, and lack luster *cue the Debby Downer 'wah-wah' bugle now*. My chicken enchilada plate was much better though. Oh yeah, the complimentary valet kinda sucks- they claimed they were extremely busy with all the reservations and backed up. There were only two valet attendants with a long line of backed up cars. Maybe Agave will grow on me if I go again.
(3)Ryan S.
I was kind of underwhelmed by Agave. The drinks were good, but the food was so-so. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and you can tell it's kind of trending towards the hipster crowd with a Mexican flair. The choices on the menu are pretty good. Lots of fish, which I like, but when they came out, the dishes were kind of 'meh'. They were good, and Agave isn't super expensive, but I like my Tex-Mex a bit more exciting. I went with a big group and they have a GREAT group-sized table up on the balcony so you can chat and look down on the rest of the patrons. Fantastic spot for big groups.
(3)Shonda K.
Like some of the other Yelpers, I too drive by Agave EVERYDAY taking my son to school but have never eaten here. I have a friend who loves it and a friend who hates it, so I thought I'd see for myself. This place was full of people, which normally is a good sign. We were seated right in front of the fireplace and this just made me smile from ear to ear considering it was a chilly evening. I sat with my red wine in front of the fire, happy even before I got my meal. There are so many things to choose from on the menu from chicken, beef, pork, seafood..not just the traditional Mexican food which I was expecting. Our food came out in a timely manner considering the restaurant was full of people. I had the grilled pork chop with honey & cider collard greens. It was really good, loved the taste of the collards. I sampled the lamb and the tequila shrimp which my friend's ordered. They both had a really good flavor. I really like Agave. There was a good energy, a mixed crowd (which is hard to find in Atlanta) and good food. So for me good food+good friends=good times. Like someone else noted the prices wouldn't make this an every Friday type of place for me but I will definitely make my way back when I am looking to have a nice dinner close to home.
(4)Mack T.
Best margaritas in the city! The food is very good and if you sit in the bar area; the pour is fabulous:) I always visit this place when I am in the ATL.
(4)Molly S.
I had my first Agave experience on Saturday night, and was really pleased with the whole experience. We did go early, 5:30pm, and didn't have reservations, but did not have to wait. The margaritas were awesome. Both of us enjoyed the margarita recommended to us by our server, and were very pleased. They tasted amazing, and had a pleasant amount of tequila. I have to admit I had two. Shared the calamari as an appetizer, and loved the jalapeno jelly it came with. I had the grilled shrimp that came with a grits cake and asparagus, and hubby had the grouper that came with spinach. Both entrees were delicious - perfect portions, excellent flavors. We both commented that the seasoning flavors weren't too strong, and you didn't lose the original flavor of the food. For dessert we had the key lime pie and spicy peanut butter pie - both were delish! They were very big though, and we ended up taking half of each home with us. I loved it, and can't wait to go back. I'm looking forward to trying different things on the menu!
(4)Lisa K.
I found the dining experience here to be pretty enjoyable. My mango margarita was one of the best margaritas I've ever had, which you should expect from a place named Agave. The green chile stew is the real deal, which is nice. You can tell the chef has a good handle on southwestern cooking techniques and flavors and interprets them into pleasing dishes. I had the enchiladas and thought they were pretty decent, if a little lacking on spice. The collard greens were tasty. Nice waitstaff and nice atmosphere, too. Add the fact that you can get a 2 for 1 coupon in the mail and this is a good value!
(4)Peyton S.
I've passed by Agave a million times and finally decided to stop in. Ecclectic Southwestern cuisine is what the sign said and I admit that my mind was ready to ENJOY because me likey ecclectic. Unfortunately I can only report that our meal was okay. My friend ordered the steak and it was really bland. A swordfish taco was as ecclectic as cardboard with a lil butter. I ordered the shrimp with grits which was better than everything else but wasn't something that would come to get again. Actually it was over seasoned rather than being tasty. I've given them three stars because my cadillac margarita was pretty good and the staff is pretty friendly.
(3)DC W.
Had dinner there earlier this evening for the first time. Service was fantastic. The food was fabulous. The chocolate mouse was made with imported Belgian chocolate and was the creamiest, and best I've ever had. Yum.
(5)Donnell H.
Throughly enjoyed my experience this past weekend. It is certainly becoming a favorite - consistent and delicious. Someone in my party had the meatloaf and the flavors were great - only one recommendation that it be a little firmer.
(5)sheila l.
This was my second time dining here. The first time was fantastic. Enjoyed all of it. Second time dining here left me feeling blah about it. A friend and I dined on a week day and it was not that busy. We were seated upstairs where there are only 2 tables. (My friend arrived first and chose seating.) I would have like the patio area but I was OK with the upstairs area. The server never smiled. He was so serious that it made me a little uncomfortable. Maybe he could not hear due to the high altitude. :) Anyway,when I asked about what he liked(as I always do) he said he liked the fried chicken. Being at a southern eclectic cuisine rest I preferred a second rec. He said that was the best. ooooooook. I don't remember now what I finally decided on. I was a little let down by the service. Not memorable with the food. The dessert: we went with the chocolate chocolate chocolate death with a smile in my face cake or mousse thing. Now THAT was incredible! I suppose if you are server and having a bad day.... just go home. I'd rather have slow service than pissy service.
(3)Scott C.
Outstanding! Definetly should try..
(5)Kirkwood J.
Had the cayenne fried chicken, delicious. All the items we tried here had a little kick to 'em, really enjoyed it.
(4)Patrick Q.
There's a special place in my heart for Agave. My wife and I held out rehearsal dinner there in '06, and as other reviewers have experienced, the staff did an amazing job with both the food and the service. We make it back to Agave at least once a year, and they consistently deliver from the chips and margaritas to the entrees and desserts. They can get a bit crowded, so make a reservation and be ready for loud and often hectic ambience... but it is more than worth it.
(4)Richard S.
This is an excellent place to meet folks for a special occasion - parties of 6-12, no problem. It's also a nice roadhouse where a couple can have a nice quiet dinner. My favorite way to go Agave is just the two of us on a weeknight.
(4)Andrew H.
Their margaritas are awesome. That's basically the only reason that I can justify giving them 3 stars. They may possibly have the worst service of any "nicer" restaurant I've been to in Atlanta. I honestly feel like the waiters I've had here are on par with TGI Fridays or the likes. They make me feel rushed. They are impersonal. The overall impression I get from them is that all they care about is rushing me out of there to turn the table over. My waitress last night started off by saying "I'll be right with you. I have 4 tables all to myself." Oh no,four tables?!?! Sound the fucking alarm! She was awful. She rushed everything she said, to the point where much of it was inaudible. She never cracked a smile and basically made us feel like we were a nuisance. Our entrees were brought out in the middle of our appetizer. A major no-no in my book. She also attempted to take our plates before we were done eating. The food was decent. I had the short ribs and the fiance had the enchiladas. They were good but nothing to write home about. Another thing that REALLY bothers me about this place is the forced valet parking in the large adjacent parking lot. I dont want to pay some schmo for what I am perfectly capable of doing. Its not even like the valet is next to the front door. Fuck that. I definitely wont be back.
(3)Micaela G.
My second visit to Agave was as delicious as my first visit. I love that Agave has consistent good food, and awesome service. My meal started with the Agave Salad, which is a yummy concoction of field greens, artichokes, corn, and zucchini. I had the chile rubbed seared scallops with grits and honey cider collard greens as my main course. The scallops were amazing! I loved the spicy flavor of the scallops with the sweet and savory collard greens. The flavors balanced out nicely. My whole dinner was perfection, and my husband loved his meal too! Agave will be my first choice when i'm in the mood for Southwestern food. This restaurant beats Nava, hands down!
(5)Ryan F.
One of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. I can't say a bad thing about it. Well maybe one, I hate valet parking (especially when the lot is on top of the restaurant). Other than that, Agave is impeccable. Nice ambiance inside and out and even better food. Chips and salsa - awesome. Margaritas - Awesome. Everything on the menu - AWESOME! The fried chicken is out of this world. The Salmon, Swordfish, and grouper are top notch. I've never heard a person complain about Agave and may never, it's that good. To top it off, It's extremely reasonable on the ole' wallet. This is GREAT food and many items on the menu, if not most, are under $20. If you live close in town, you probably get that coupon book with the buy one meal get the second free coupon also!
(5)Jessica O.
The food is yummy, but not cheap. The margaritas are also good and fairly strong. Just be aware that it's a super LOUD place, so if you go with a group, you will have to yell across the table.
(4)Sean S.
What's not to love? I've never had a bad meal here. The staff is uber-friendly. The parking is a breeze. Once upon a time, the wait could be a challenge, but that's rarely the case anymore. The margaritas are truly amazing. I must go back and ask, but the dessert with the chili powder in the chocolate glaze -- to die for. The ambiance is social and eclectic. Put this one on your must-do list. I insist.
(5)Elicia W.
Now that I've decided to Yelp again, in a different city, I had to tell you that Agave is my all time favorite Atlanta restaurant. The only one that has stayed consistent over the years with service(low turnover, no attitude, and serve to please), delicious fresh tasty food (and margaritas), and a relaxing and sometime romantic atmosphere. A new entree they added this year is the most melt in your mouth swordfish I've ever had. The seared ahi tuna rocks! Please bring back a side of spinach :)
(5)Marie P.
I was sneaky. A friend of mine who lives walking distance from Agave said he'd been meaning to try this place. I found the menu and it's looked really good. So I got my boyfriend and a different friend to go! We didn't make reservations but got in right away. The host seated us on the upstairs balcony, which was very secluded and romantic. Kinda awkward when you're with your boyfriend AND your friend. But whatever. It's the perfect spot for a quiet date. But it was neat sitting up there. We had a view of the whole restaurant as well as the bar and the kitchen. Pretty sweet. I ordered a $10 Margarita. I think we were celebrating something but I don't really remember. But I didn't care. That was the best damn Margarita I've ever had. Sorry I can't remember what exactly it was though. I also ordered a bowl of white bean soup. This soup was nothing short of amazing. I was pretty close to tears and I thought my boyfriend was going to fall out of his chair it was so good. After he regained his composure he ordered himself a bowl. For my meal I had an arugula salad with trout. Simple but very flavorful. My man had the swordfish and we've never had swordfish that was this tasty. It was unbelievable. But I can't remember what my friend had! I think she had the taco appetizer. Our server was fantastic. My experience has been that if you are seated in a secluded area, the service usually sucks. Not the case here. We were very well taken care of. A few days later I told my other friend, who mentioned the place to me, that I went. "WHHHAAATTT? How was it?" Amazing. I'll be going back again soon. And I'll take him this time.
(5)Dara F.
Agave is a wonderful restaurant. I would definitely recommend it to anyone. The prices are a bit too high for it to be a regular thing, but for a special occasion (I recently went for my birthday), it's great. The atmosphere was okay - even though the tables are so close together that you can literally hear your neighbors' conversation without trying, its intimate and "hip." The food was great. I had the shrimp and grits. The grit cake that comes in that dish was pretty much the tastiest thing I've ever eaten. The sauce on the shrimp was a bit salty, but overall a good dish. My husband got the salmon and veggies, which he really liked. I got the basic marguerita and it was one of the best I've ever had (and I'm quite the marguerita snob). I do wish the parking situation was better, but considering it's on a tight cabbagetown street, it's understandable. You pretty much have to do valet, which is free, but on a busy Saturday night my husband and I ended up waiting in a line (in the rain) for 15 or 20 mins.
(4)Shauna R.
Waiter and waitress were very nice. I had passionfruit martini....very yummy! I ordered the Spicy Tequila Anejo Shrimp and was the first time I had stone ground grits....definitely a southern thing I think! The shrimp was well cooked although I must say peeling off the skin should have been a bit less work. ;)
(4)Stephen E.
Best top shelf margaritas in Atlanta. The food is divine and the service is outstanding.
(5)Ginny N.
Margaritas are yummy at AGAVE! Big surprise for a restaurant named after the plant that tequila is made from. =D Probably 10 different types of margaritas on the menu... I opted for the traditional. The food was excellent as well. The restaurant is in a cool location.. right across from Oakland Cemetery (where Margaret Mitchell is buried) agaverestaurant.com
(4)William S.
We came in on a Sunday evening to a welcoming environment to celebrate with friends. The valet was very quick and efficient, and we were met with smiles (as we were in every aspect of Agave). Right away, we were greeted friendly at the door and taken to a table very quickly. Our server was wonderful, our food was delicious, the prices are very fair, and we were able to really enjoy ourselves. The most important fact of the night : they take food allergies very seriously! One of our friends has a dairy allergy, and every step possible was taken so that he could enjoy a delicious meal without having to worry about getting sick. Thank you very much Agave! I do need to mention the margaritas are fantastic!
(5)Kay T.
good drinks. good service, walking distance from auburn ave and grant park. So you can get your buzz n eat on and walk it off!!!.
(4)Tac P.
Excellent food, good service and a value for a tasty, well presented meal.
(4)Jim K.
We have been here several times, and almost all of them have been excellent. Great food, great service, knowledgeable on the menu. It can get loud, it can be dark in spots, but if you are with your own group, who cares! Especially after a couple of their great drinks!
(5)Alice J.
Would like to thank Agave for hosting Bones and Beer for Oakland Cemetery - the food was FAB - I hope to get home in time one day for happy hour.
(5)Jacquie T.
Wonderful meal & the atmosphere was energetic and fun. I had the grouper special on a bed of spinach...excellent!. Will definitely return.
(5)iwiLetter.com ..
Agave does not dissapoint. It's a great place to go for a nice meal. It can be a little crowded and loud on the main dining area near the kitchen, but if you get the loft up top, or the side dining room you are golden. Very knowledgeable and friednly wait staff, we take most of our out of town guests to Agave for a nice meal and bottle of wine(s). I think they have 2 for 1 appetizers from 6-7pm, most nights I think.
(5)Keith H.
Southwestern Food with Flair Yum Yum Yummy I got Agave food in my tummy. Agave is alright with me....a fresh, fun, upscale southwestern menu, if you go in the Winter be sure to sit by the warm and cozy fireplace, it's a sure winner. My favorite dish, Pan Seared Chilean Salmon over a roasted red pepper sauce...to die for! The wait staff is very attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. One of Atlanta's finest Southwestern restaurants. . Pros: Best Service, Attentive Staff . Overall user rating: Recommended
(3)Kristin T.
I love Agave and will definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who visits Atlanta and likes Southwest food with a little bit of a creative Southern twist. As an avid reviewer of salmon entrees- Agave's dish is pretty delicious. And if you like tequila, Agave will have something for you, (I think they offer about 100 different varieties.)
(4)Katie D.
One of the best meals I've ever had. Wish it were closer, but its definitely worth a try.
(5)Eric B.
Good service. Eclectic menu with fresh ingredients.
(5)Chris B.
I love Agave. Great food and a pretty unique atmosphere. Tasty margaritas, yummy guacamole and great entrees. I've had the fried chicken, which was amazing, as well as the meatloaf, which was also good. Also, the raspberry margarita cheesecake was solid. Overall a hard to beat experience if you're around the Inman Park/Grant Park/Cabbagetown area.
(5)F H.
Great margaritas, mediocre to bad food - haven't been impressed with any dishes there yet. They have a lot of new menu items, so things might have gotten better recently. Update: we're still hesitant to return because the food has not impressed us. My husband is from New Mexico, so he loves green chile enchiladas. The ones he ordered here were completely bland, even to me. The shrimp dish I ordered was nothing special and the shrimp were WAY overcooked. I really want to like this place, so we will give it another try.
(2)Tori M.
Agave is one of my favorite restaurants in Atlanta. The food and the service are consistently outstanding. I love to take out of town guests here because I am comfortable knowing that everyone is going to love their meal. The spicy tequila shrimp is my favorite along with any of their chocolate desserts. They have the best margaritas that I have had anywhere.
(5)Heather D.
Great food, great service. This place beats Nava any day. I've been to Agave a dozen times and I've never had a bad meal here. In fact, every meal has been DELICIOUS! The shrimp and grits have a unique twist that ends up yummy. The trout is fabulous and you can't go wrong with the stew. Not to mention they have tons of great margaritas, Includung the pomegranite margarita that's more tart than sweet. TIP: check the savvy shopper for buy one get one free coupons every month.
(4)Jay P.
In town for business and a co-worker and I went here based on the Yelp recommendation. We were not disappointed! Both our meals were well prepared and the services was good. Despite what someone else posted parking was free and readily available though the venue was mostly full that evening.
(4)Shannon H.
I've been to agave many times, with diverse sets of friends, and I don't know anyone yet who doesn't find something they love here. There margaritas are outstanding and there's an impressive wine list. For food, the choices are diverse. I recommend the diablo crawfish pasta, pork chop, anejo shrimp, sashimi tuna, grouper, trout, tenderloin medallions, or the lamb. Best plan yet is to go with a crowd who doesn't mind sharing bites and order several of these, so you get to try more than one! Make reservations on weekend nights, though, as how good they are is no secret.
(4)Julie J.
Long waits, but getting a margarita bar helps the time pass right away. The food here is delicious. It's not your typical Mexican food, but rather, it has all sorts of "comfort"-type dishes with a Tex-Mex flair. At the table, we had the halibut, the enchiladas, the diablo pasta, and the meatloaf. If you're in the mood for something specifically Mex, definitely try the enchiladas. All in all, a fantastic meal and service was great. Definitely going back soon.
(4)Lisa A.
Thanks Yelp! My husband thinks I'm the best wife ever, as I found Agave. Ever since I met him, every time someone asks him what his favorite food is, he always says New Mexico/Mexican. While I was looking at reviews, I noticed one for Agave. I saw the words "Hatch Chilies" and a little light went off in my head. When he came home that night, he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner and I said "I don't know, maybe try this place that uses Hatch Green Chilies?" Needless to say, we arrived at Agave in like 15 Min's. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy, who quickly showed us to our table. Our waiter was very prompt and brought us a nice basket of warm chips. The salsa was a little bland, but when my husband asked if they had a hotter sauce, he quickly brought us a sliced jalapeno chili, to mix into our salsa. My husband had the green chili stew and burrito, he was very happy. I had the fried chicken and it was excellent. So flavorful and juicy. This is no regular fried chicken, it has a kick! If my husband had his way, I think we would eat here everyday. So, thanks Yelp, you made my husbands day!
(5)Shaun M.
Agave is now my favorite place. The guacamole is a must as an appetizer. Their famous fried chicken is a can't miss if this is your first time going. Add some sides like mac and cheese or collard greens, and you'll be instantly hooked. If drinkings your game, take a look at the huge selection of tequila and wine. And the best part is their staff. They are very friendly, helpful with recommeding good choices, and are just as enthusiastic about the food as you will be.
(5)live to nibble d.
When size matters, Agave simply cannot be ignored. This neighborhood favorite of many in and around Cabbagetown serves up some well-loaded plates every night of the week. The margaritas are always excellent, blended with great selections from a long list of tequilas, and are always of more than sufficient strength. When comfort is the goal, the beer braised pork shank should hit the spot. Just looking at the hefty hunk of meat should have a grounding effect on the stomach (photos of the food may be found at livetonibble.blogspot.co… ). There is nothing fancy here, just tender long cooked meat with simple seasoning that is savory, but not overpowering. The braised greens provided the much needed fiber for a bit of balance. Not everything on the menu exemplify simplicity, however. My mountain trout stuffed with crawfish, mushrooms, onions, and basil over Spanish rice with a roasted tomatillo sauce and cilantro complicated things a bit, but somehow still managed to come off looking and tasting rather rustic. There was a nice kick of acidity from the tomatillo sauce. But it was not pronounced enough to make one take notice with every bite. One thing remained consistent throughout all the dishes - the size never got smaller. Nothing at Agave is earth shatteringly good. Yet, it's a place I want to go back to, if only because it feels good to lean back into the chair.
(4)David S.
Last night was my first trip to Agave, and it exceeded all of my expectations. My girlfriend and I arrived before the couple with whom we would be dining, so we took a seat at the bar and had to try the "best margaritas in Atlanta". I got the Texan, she got the traditional, both were great. Nothing is more dissappointing than a weak margarita and Agave's are anything but. Great flavor, too. Later our friends arrived and we were seated and greeted with a bowl of chips and salsa. This was no run-of-the-mill salsa either, you could tell it was very fresh which made it taste even better. A nice heat, and not very salty at all. Since all entres were $8 (yes, even the $24 rack of lamb), we decided to try a bowl of the Green Hatch Chilli Stew as an appetizer. It was fantastic. I ordered the Tequila Spicy Anejo Shrimp, my girlfriend ordered the Southwestern Burrito and Stew...our friends had the Rack of Lamb and Tenderloin Medallions. We all shared...the meat was tender, the shrimp was cooked perfectly, the cheese grits cake that came with my dish was mouth-watering, everything was just so delicious. And spicy, I loved that the chef wasn't afraid to make a dish spicy. Nothing was tame or bland at all. Awesome. We didn't have dessert because we were all so stuffed. The experience was great, this is definitely on my list of places I can't visit often enough.
(5)Jeannine G.
Agave is great! I have been about 6 times now and they never fail me on service or great food! consistency is the key and they have it! Love it!
(4)Crystal W.
My first experience was on My 30th B-Day... Woohoo! I am totally a fan! First I ordered the Mango and Passion Fruit Margarita (You have to ask for it, not on the menu) ... Soooo good, I had to have 2! Then I ordered the Diablo Crawfish Pasta... wow! It was not too spicy it was just right! I also tasted my husband's Tequila Anejo Shrimp with jalapeno grits... it was sooo tasty! My party also enjoyed their meals... the hubby and I will be back soon!
(4)Bruce B.
Excellent food, cozy atmosphere. The Cayenne Fried Chicken and the Beef Medallions are my favorites; Service is great, but the place can get fairly packed on a weekend (or even some weeknights!). Prices are expected for the quality of food. This is a great place to take a date/partner for a good meal.
(5)Joi M.
I tend to frequent the same restaurants in Atlanta because I know I can expect great food, exceptional service, and just a fun time in general. If it were not for Yelp I would have never thought of trying this place. The first time I went was on a Friday night last fall and even though it was only 9, the parking lot and restaurant was packed (I always go early now). I sat at the bar. The bartender Lisa is always so nice. The chips and salsa were great, the margaritas were good and the chicken enchilada entree was delicious. I've returned twice since then (once for National Margarita day when drinks were half price) and I love the 2-for-1 appetizers at the bar from 5-7 (the bar only sits about 12 people). Plus, you can see the chefs preparing and cooking the food from the far end of the bar which I always enjoy. My favorite appetizer is the mussels. The best mussels in Atlanta I think. The broth is really good. Even though it is tomato based it does not taste like tomato. The mussels are seasoned as well as the broth and it comes with a hot tortilla. I also like the chicken quesadilla, calamari, and they are all big enough to share. I went on Monday for my birthday and had the scallops! So good! With grits and I love that they serve greens with it! Eating out at so many restaurants in Atlanta I noticed they charge between $20 & $30 for a dinner entree yet fail to serve any vegetables! Lisa lit a candle and brought out the birthday mousse which was chocolate and was really good even though I am not much of a mousse fan. This is the only restaurant I can think of where I usually get more than 1 drink. I've always been too full to try their desserts though. I will be returning just so I can try more of their delicious dishes.
(5)Jason E.
Since moving less than a block away I've visited Agave at least once a week. I even chose it as the venue for my 24th Birthday celebration. As with all of my visits, my last was AMAZING. I always go, with exception of my Birthday, between 5 and 7pm for the 2/4/1 appetizers special at the bar. The Calamari and Mussels are always SPOT on. I can't help but finish the Mussels off by slurping up the broth all by itself. AMAZING flavor and just the right amount of heat. I love that the kitchen is so open to the bar. Along with that, the atmosphere is just right. Always nice and dim, but not dark. Great music to accent the always wonderful conversation. The staff is truly amazing also. James was out server for my Birthday and flew solo for our 12 top table. He never missed a beat and just has the most genuinely amazing personality and a smile to kill! I'll keep going back as long as those Texas Margaritas are flowing and they let me in the door. ALWAYS a sure bet. ENJOY!
(5)Michael B.
Good food and generally interesting. Good service. We often forget abt this gem but are always glad we went. The salsa is great.
(4)Sandra J.
Best Margarita!!! Great Tequila!
(4)Lucy L.
I always receive excellent service and the food and drinks are fantastic! One of the best margaritas in town. The bar is very small however they have a great happy hour during the week and the bartenders are fabulous!
(5)Herman N.
I now understand why everyone calls Agave bland/just OK. It's not that the food is bad (it's actually pretty great); it's just that it's not very spicy, and I would wager many who try out this Cabbagetown joint expect a certain fiery Southwestern flair. That being said, I'm not a big spice guy and I thought the food was quite tasty. I had swordfish and my lady had a vegetable plate (which I'll admit won of the two entrees on this particular evening). The guac was also rich and creamy. Unfortunately, my margarita was really sweet (almost too much so to drink), and our server, Lucas, after initially impressing us with his vast knowledge of the restaurant and its menu, decided to never check back and make it a true pain to even leave the place. That said, I'll certainly give it another try, if only for the food.
(3)Ryan D.
Hands down my favorite restaurant in Atlanta. We became regulars at this establishment (definitely put a hurting on our wallet). Food always amazing, best margaritas, educated staff, friendly management. Go!
(5)Suzy D.
Great fried chicken & mashed potatoes.....good service with yummy chips and salsa and killer margaritas...yummmm
(4)Yvette J.
Agave is proof that it is a small world... Several years ago, I was reading a review of Agave and Hatch green chile was mentioned as part of the food enjoyed. Hatch green chile is special chile. It is grown in Hatch, NM and few people outside of the state of New Mexico are even familiar with it. I grew up in Albuquerque and know Hatch green chile well. My interested in Agave was piqued. I visited the web site and was surprised when I read the owner was from Albuquerque, too. Then, when I saw the owner's photo, I laughed because I knew him in high school! We went to different high schools but hung out in the same social circle. Small world. So, my husband made a visit and it instantly went on our list of favorite restaurants. We have taken my parents (visiting from NM) there several times and they love it, too. The cayenne fried chicken is the best fried chicken I've had (although I've never got to try Scott Peacock's at Watershed). I've, also, tried and enjoyed the blue corn enchiladas, the pan seared tuna, the tequila anejo shrimp and, the tenderloin medallions. My favorite starter is choosing a yummy margarita from their extensive margarita list. This place knows how to make a fantastic margarita. My new favorite is the Pommarita - pomegranate margarita. The service is friendly and attentive. Drink and food recommendations are always offered. They have a small valet lot or you can park off street. Their valet hustles and earns every tip. And, they are kid friendly! We took our almost 1 year old there back in May. They had a clean high chair for her to use and gave us a great, roomy table on the patio. Our server was kid friendly, too. At the end of the meal, he told us he had nephews and has been around a lot of kids and wanted to let us know that our daughter was one of the most well behaved toddlers he has ever seen. I thought that was a nice compliment and was proud of my young daughter (my biggest fear in public is being "that parent" with "that child."). Aces Agave!
(5)Nik G.
I had dinner at Agave for the first time for my husband's birthday. It has gotten stellar reviews, so we were really excited to finally go, especially since we live 5 minutes away. First off, I have to admit that the interior is not as great as I was expecting. Now saying this, I'm not really sure what I was expecting exactly being that it is a Tex-Mex spot, but nevertheless, it was less than what I expected. It has your typical "cantina"-esque interior. Anyway, we started out with the chips & salsa with an order of guac (of course) and it was great. Since we were being piggies that night, we also ordered the calamari as an additional appetizer. It was fantastic. For dinner, I had the "famous" cayenne fried chicken. It was delicious. I forgot what the chicken came with. Mash potatoes maybe, and also corn on the cob. It complemented the chicken well. All in all, I give Agave the thumbs up--I just would like anyone else reading this to not get totally blinded by all the awesome reviews and expect more than what it really is. It is a Tex-Mex CANTINA. haha I have to admit, I think Holy Taco is better.
(3)Lorne C.
One of the best Neuvo Mexican in the city. We have gone there for both company dinners (which do a family-style dinner), for a friend's birthday or just when I want some great food, great drinks, in a wonderful setting. Some of my favorites are the Chile-crusted Grouper, and the Agave Cayenne Fried Chicken. Place gets very busy and crowded, but fun none-the-less. One of my Top 5!
(5)josie p.
It speaks volumes to me when I dine out & the entire evening exceeds expectations... That's exactly how you'll feel after eating at Agave. I haven't tried anything on the menu that's been a loser, but speaking from experience, the nightly specials offered here are so superb, you'll hope they become a regular fixture on the menu. I tried the spicy seared Halibut once & still salivate over it to this day. As many have mentioned, you can't go wrong with the Fried Chicken or Shrimp & Grits... both entrees are slightly different variations from the norm, but hit the spot nevertheless. They have a plethora of side dishes to choose from that I could have as a meal in & of themselves (I'm partial to the honey cider collards) & they have no problem subbing out various veggies if you'd rather have one over the other. I think the servers here are excellent & are quick to offer up suggestions if you're torn between certain dishes. If you go here, you MUST sample a margarita. I don't care if you aren't a fan of them (to be honest, I'm not partial to sweet & sour, lemon lime drinks myself), they will have some sort of fabulous drink concoction to suit your needs. Trust me, they pack a deceptive punch! I adore the mango & pomegranate margarita, but they have numerous variations for everybody's taste buds. I so wish I could afford to eat at Agave on the regular... Sighhhh.
(5)David J.
Excellent... All around excellent from the food to the best margaritas in town hands down (and I have tried A LOT of them :)) This is New Mexican food not Mexican so for those of you that don't know... They are two different places. One is part of the United States and the other is a whole other country... Not the same. The service here is impeccable and friendly. The decor is about as close as you can get to authentic in Atlanta as possible... I think in almost all of my time in New Mexico I never saw a booth... lol
(5)Francis M.
I took my girlfriend to Agave for a long promised steak dinner and we were definitely not disappointed. The steak was cooked perfectly and the Mango Margaritas were fantastic. Even the service was good. Our waiter was very polite, knowledgeable, and attentive. The only complaint I have is that Agave isn't really an intimate place to dine. The tables are kind of close together due to the small dining room... but I would still go back again.... And again. :0)
(4)Three M.
Very friendly staff, but our waiter was definitely going for the upsell a bit too much. You can tell the design is supposed to be all southwestern adobe-chic, but it felt a little stuffy and uncomfortable. Which is too bad, because if they had some comfy booths or banquettes, it would be really nice with the fireplace and all. I ordered the special swordfish, which came with some super yummy sweet potato concoction that did not go with the rest of the dish at all. Seemed kind of thrown together. And the fried chicken is definitely breaded with cheez-its. For real. Bottom line is, go once just for the sake of going, but you probably wont go again.
(3)Elle R.
My favourite restaurant in Atlanta. I have never taken a guest there who did not love it as well. Consistent, every single time. The fried chicken is awesome, desserts great and margaritas out of this world. It is a must go to in my book!
(5)Emma C.
I love this restaurant. I've come here for at least two of my birthdays, and various other special occasions. I've tasted almost everything on the menu and I can say that I love it all! The seared sesame tuna is a favorite of mine, and the margaritas are divine. The amiance is chill and pleasant, service is usually pretty good, but the food and drinks are above average in my book. Definitely one of my long-time Atlanta favorites.
(5)Andrea R.
Love the spicy shrimp and poblano spring rolls. I think the bar should be enlarged, but that's just me.
(4)greg g.
I work in food and bev my store closed at nine at night. I was looking around for a later evening place w/ a fun delicious atmosphere. By the time i get out and want to take my girl out for a fun date most good restaurants give you the we are closing in an hour look. Y'all know that look lol. Well i live near agave i always pass by thought I'd finally check it out. The valet was great the guys were really nice. As soon as my date and i walked in i was captured by the south western vibe and loved all the different types of old crosses on the wall. oh and we did not have a reservation. We were sat in less than five min around 9:30pm and the place is packed I'm already impressed. They sat us next to kitchen line which is cool right in the middle of the place. So i was engulfed in a radiance of scents that made my mouth just water. My date was also impressed by the quality of service thus far. Quickly i looked over the apps and saw the spring rolls had to have them. Our waiter was super n ice but didn't hoard the table for his tip if you know what i mean he was very professional. She got the shrimp w/ grits and i ordered the seared tuna. Our apps arrive in a very timely manner and were delicious. Then came our entree's both of ours were fantastic. By the end of the meal we are both stuffed. But i had to try somthin sweet to take home. Asked our waiter he said key lime pie. so we got it boxed up paid the tab and we were in and out of this delightful place. i'll deff be returning for round 2.
(4)Naima W.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in ATL. I love the margaritas, mussels, fried lobster tail, and scallops. The food is wonderful and the service is great. I also participated in one of their quarterly tequila dinners and that was awesome too. It was a little pricey but I believe the experience, food, and drinks made it worth it. They served me so many drinks that I had to leave some of them on the table!!! I will gladly do the tequila dinner again!
(5)Christian S.
Just went to Agave after probably a year of not going (for no reason other than forgetting it was a favorite!) and had yet another great experience. Food, drinks, chips are always consistently excellent. 5 stars because we've NEVER had a bad experience or meal there. Staff is great and owner always seems to be there making sure the place is running smoothly.
(5)Jennifer N.
We really enjoyed dinner at Agave. We started with the mussels and finished with the pumpkin cheesecake. In between, we had strip steak and gulf shrimp. Everything was good and the staff was friendly and attentive. Try the grit cake: crispy on the outside soft and creamy on the inside. Overall, a great dining experience. Not a great place to take small active kids..the lighting is pretty dim and it is kind of tight and crowded on the weekends. But they do have high chairs so it is not out of the question. Enjoy.
(5)Shaye B.
I have been a couple of times to Agave and had a blast each time! The food and margarites are both great. Both are creative and its worth exploring the menu a bit! Both times I got seafood - flounder once and shrimp the other - and was not disappointed at all. The jalapeno infused margaritas are a real treat! I really like the atmosphere and decor of the place too - it is a large restaurant, but it is done well inside and each area has its own vibe. I definetly recommend this place for groups and someone looking to try a "southern contemporary tex-mex" place - which is how I would best describe the food. I also think that Agave is less expensive than other fun dinner locations for big groups. Plus who doesn't like starting off a weekend night with good company, some margaritas and creative mexican food?!?
(4)Nathan S.
Agave is one of our favorite restaurants. The food is always fresh and oh so yummy. They really take pride in serving authentic, fresh, southwest flavors. My favorite dishes are the scallops and fried chicken. The peanut butter pie almost put me in a coma. I thought I died and went to heaven. Seriously. Amazing! Can't wait to go back soon.
(5)Emily S.
Had an amazing experience at Agave! The salsa and guac were very fresh. The menu featured lots of Tex-Mex options with Southern flare -- seemed to be something for all palates. The chorizo and pork tacos were very tasty (and quite spicy by my Midwest standards). Will be eating here again soon!
(5)Kelly M.
I really liked this place. This would be a great date night spot or good for happy hour. I've heard it's best to come early as it gets pretty crowded. It's very cozy inside. There is low lighting and a fireplace. We sat at the bar. The margaritas were excellent; not watered down at all. My friend and I dined in for happy hour. The chips were served fresh and hot just the way I like them. They have a happy hour special where the appetizers are 2 for the price of one or you can order any entree for $12. That's a sweet deal. We had the tuna and calamari for appetizers. Both were served to perfection. I order the braised short ribs with potatoes and grilled asparagus. The meat was very tender, but tasted more like pot roast than short rib, but still delicious. My friend enjoyed the pork chops and collards. I can't wait to go again.
(5)Maxx M.
Chips and salsa rocked! Great service, good food, definitely will patronize next time I am in the ATL. For those of you going in a big group, I'm not sure what they called it but they had a special sampler family-style menu which worked great for our corporate group.
(4)Ricky H.
The food and drink is good here. I never been here before today and heard of it before seeing it on yelp. The place is very romantic yet small. I enjoyed my time here and will definitely go back again. It across from the historic cemetery. You will have to make reservations before going.
(5)Paige N.
I've been to Agave twice now - both with dates, and both times it was a pleasure as other Yelpers have said. It's a very cozy, romantic setting no matter where you are - although both times I've been on the patio, which is perfect. Generally, we began with wine or margaritas - both are excellent choices - and the server recommended good bottles. And of course chips with quacamole. I highly recommend the guac - fresh made and filled with tomato and onion and cilantro. Yum! And for dinner on my most recent experience there, I had the stuffed mountain trout and my date had the chile seared sea scallops. We shared and both dishes were fantastic. The trout was truly stuffed with crawfish and mushrooms and the scallops weren't too spicy or overcooked. And our waiter was very attentive refilling our wine and water glasses whenever they started to look a little low. It's definitely a place I will continue to suggest and visit in the future. One thing to be aware of is that parking is at a premium around there, so save yourself a headache and valet (it's complimentary) and they're very quick.
(4)Chandrea R.
This was my first visit, the food and drinks were awesome. I got the calamari, lamb chops, and a Texas Margarita. I will be going back ASAP!!!!!! :-)
(5)Grant M.
Consistent, quality, great atmosphere. Agave has been a favorite for the past 14 years!! The bartenders are always on point and the food is ALWAYS amazing. Never a disappointment.
(5)Troy P.
Place was really nice and most of the food was way above average. The shocking part of the visit was the below average service. Not just really slow, which was not a complete deal breaker, but nothing conversational ever. We all had margaritas, but no offer for second round came. Never asked how meals were after delivered. By the time a dessert menu came, all of us had lost interest. To me, the service at a nice spot is almost as important as the food. Bummer.
(2)Catrina W.
First time there last Saturday. It was amazing, but I think they close to early. 11. The Texas margarita I had was the best I had in my entire life. I still dream about it.
(5)Bobby C.
This has been in my regular restaurant rotation for some years. Wonderful food and great service.
(4)Jamarcus T.
When I began writing this review I had already clicked that fourth star, but as I think back to just a couple nights ago, I may end up taking a star away. We'll see. Two things that stand out immediately that Agave has a handle on is its really tasty salsa, free along with the 'on the house' chips, that has a really nice spicy kick to it (don't feel ashamed if you reach for that water), and their customer service. The waiter was extremely helpful, took care of any concerns/requests we had in a flash and with a party of 6, I definitely appreciate that. Agave could be a romantic place, considering the low light and general atmosphere, although the crowds, which , even on a thursday night, were enough for me to not notice any two person tables or couples tucked away in a corner. For whatever reason, people stand at the entrance, making it a little difficult to weave in or out, but it's more roomy than it looks from the outside, having an upstairs seating area as well as a couple of downstairs rooms for seating. It can be pretty loud at times, as one of our guests kept commenting that she couldn't hear half of the conversation due to the general noise. I had their Southwestern Burrito & Stew ($12) and the presentation is really great. The stew had a nice rich flavor, not at all heavy and vanished from my bowl fairly quick. The southwestern Burrito garnished with sliced tomato and corn, was just "okay" in terms of flavor (Much less so than the soup). I'd rather they have had an option to eat the burrito sans shell, which had a doughy taste that seemed to overpower everything else in the burrito, but sadly, not the case. Large portion size, very tender meat and it'll make you full for sure. Random notes: If you're not seeing what you want on the provided menu, go ahead and ask for their vegetarian menu just in case they forget to give it to you. Parking is valet (complimentary) and even if you don't "check in", go ahead and do so to unlock special deals, like a free appetizer, etc. So, 3 or 4 stars?? I think Agave does just enough to hit the 4 star mark and it's a restaurant i'd love to try again to either confirm or disprove my review.
(4)Evan S.
Great spot for group dinners. Although the menu has many great Mexican options, there are also a few American varieties that grace the menu. Namely, the sweet collard greens I had were very good. I kept the meal light with the shrimp and poblano spring rolls and the greens. Washed it down with the Peachtree Margarita, one of the house specials.
(3)Carrisa P.
We visited Agave on a Monday night. Sparse crowd, but I had been meaning to try it for months. We were seated promptly and our food came out almost too quickly. The scallops were as pictured. The tomato grits were tasty, but the collard greens had an odd crunch. My guest had the fried chicken and was relatively unimpressed. We were less so to find that our server had charged us for the complimentary chips. On top of mediocre food and service, I will not be back.
(2)Gabriel N.
I am happy to add another 5 star rating to this fantastic restaurant. After having gone several times in the past 7 months I have yet to encounter a bad meal. That's a bold statement right there. I try something new each time and have yet to be disappointed. I've even taken a notoriously picky eater in our group and he rants and raves about the place. First off, you have a killer atmosphere. The place is divided up into three major sections each with their own flavor. The main bar area has a interesting rustic and intimate feel. The second room to the right is more of a classic Spanish style restaurant and the patio has a very relaxed atmosphere. Agave's claim to fame is that they don't have freezers or microwaves. Everything is cooked fresh and brought in fresh that very same day. I have to agree because you can taste the difference in all their dishes. On top of that they have some killer margaritas which aren't drowned in sour mix and instead livened up with fresh lime juice. If I started describing all the dishes I've had at Agave this review would turn into a rundown of almost the entire menu. There's a flavor for everyone here and a level of spice anyone can enjoy. Speaking of spice, you can ask for fresh habaneros to be brought to the table. If I could give them a sixth star just for that I would. They're only open for dinner and can get slammed on odd days so I highly recommend reservations.
(5)Chris B.
You gotta love the vibe at Agave. Open kitchen, great smells, people drinking tequila and cerveza like it is their job. Came in on a Saturday night with a reservation for four, got a table overlooking the front dining room and the open grill. The food was good. Their guacamole is one of the best in the city, my appetizer of Tomato Avocado salad was average at best. The highlight of the burrito plate I had for dinner was the side of Hatch Green Chile Stew. It was like a mexican pot roast, really well seasoned and totally delicious. The burrito was good but it was overloaded w/ black beans. My gf had the Stuffed Mountain Trout Tomatillo which was probably the best dish at the table. Trout was perfectly cooked on a mountain of spanish rice and deliciously seasoned crawfish. Great dish and two days later tasted just as good reheated. Overall a great experience, the wait staff could have been better refilling drinks but Agave still deserves a 4 star on the experience as a whole plus the value. Sure its a little pricey but compared to other restaurants in the area, the prices aren't that insane.
(4)Sir Jesse B.
I'm not a huge fan, but My wife is; she and I have been twice. On both occasions the wait staff was pleasant and attentive, the food has been inconsistent. The first time was o.k. I recall tasting the tuna and wishing I had ordered it rather than what I'd chosen. The second visit the food was not good and I didn't feel that I could report it due to the fact that a family friend, visiting from Germany, was paying for the meal. I ordered: Sashimi Pan Seared Tuna Sesame crusted tuna sliced rare over mashed potatoes & grilled asparagus with a serrano-soy vinaigrette and a jalapeño wasabi drizzle The tuna was tough and mostly cold- very disappointing. The rest of the party enjoyed the food - and it was a scenic experience from the balcony/loft tables; you can watch the flames and such of the grill area. My wife loves the lamb, like no other place: New Mexican Rack of Lamb Fresh chile & herb rubbed lamb rack grilled over a New Mexico Guahillo red chile puree, served with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and garnished with a cool corn relish & cilantro leaves. For this reason, I will continue to go to Agave... though I'll probably stick to the wine & high dollar mac & cheeze.
(3)Ian R.
A recent trip here left me asking "Why don't I come here more?" Oh yeah, I'm cheap. But on the rare occasion I do want to venture into that $18+ plate range Agave is a great place to come. Considering that tex-mex is a dime a dozen in Atlanta I tend towards ordering their pork and steak dishes and have not been disappointed with anything I've gotten. The key to agave is flavor. You know all those extra words restaurants add in their menu descriptions to make you think the meal is going to blow you away? That isn't just for show at Agave. And it honestly doesn't matter what sides come with your entree because you will like them. Though the portions aren't the typical American fat-ass size that I'm used to, I soon forget about size once I start basking flavor country. My biggest complaint is that the high ceilings make it pretty noisy, but that has to be accepted in a place this popular. Don't fill up on chips, you will want to enjoy your meal.
(4)Karen R.
We went there for our 11 year anniversary and they treated us like royalty! I had the lamb chops with mashed potatoes and it was superb. Desert was a peanut butter pie that was out of this world! We will definitely be back!
(4)D F.
Found on Yelp after an afternoon at the zoo. Great find. Sat on the patio; high walls (but not much to see outside) but provided a nice breeze and atmosphere. Salsa was fresh, not too runny or chunky, with a good cilantro flavor. Couldn't stop eating it. Had the flatiron steak, excellent flavor, good sized. Tasted the enchiladas...will have to have a whole portion next time. Didn't get a taste of the meatloaf but it looked good and was devoured quickly. We were a party of 9; the dessert sampler was perfect. Service was solid and friendly. Only misstep was we never were told the special; what we overheard sounded good (some type of pork chop).
(4)Leah V.
I have had the pleasure of eating here twice, and if there were a money tree in my backyard, I'd be eating here everyday. It's so tasty. While I feel like the interior is pretty crammed, that just makes me more inclined to say that it's a more romantic, couple-y atmosphere than a group outing one. I had some kind of fried chicken dish that almost embarassed me in that I cam close to licking the last morsel off my plate. Not very ladylike of me... I also had a margarita, though I can't remember which one it was. I think it was mango or peach or some other flavor that looks orange. They were unfortunately out of the jalapeno liquor to make a spicy margarita. Maybe next time. I hope. This was also some of the best service I've had. Our waiter did not bug us to death, but he also didn't leave us wanting for anything. Perfect!
(5)Claude L.
Byebye 2012. Stopped off here to get a quick happy hour dinner before moving it on to watchnight service. Kudos for the chips and salsa..........impressed by the chicken poblano soup...not so much by the smoked trout guacamole. Im off beer for a month due to self imposed new years restrictions, but when I come back again, I want this place to have at least one keg. Im a draft guy.....and the fourth ward needs more taps.
(3)Breck P.
Agave is the best! I love this place and have gone regularly since it opened. Agave has only gotten better over the years. Start with some posole soup or the hatch green chile stew..perfect for the weather we've had lately. I also like that Agave has something for everyone, from short ribs and meat loaf to lighter fare like the delicious salmon or tuna. I've brought large groups here before and everyone finds something they love on the menu. And you get to kick it in Cabbagetown, one of Atlanta's coolest neighborhoods. If you haven't been, go. You'll be happy you did.
(5)Tammi D.
I don't get out here much, but this restaurant is worth the drive. You want fresh food, here it is! I hear they have no microwaves or freezers, so if you want fresh, this is it. Their guacamole is really good. Open kitchen, which is always a nice plus...Check it out!
(4)Luke L.
I had been wanting to try Agave for years now, and I finally decided to take the plunge after driving by it about a million times. One thing that made me decide to try Agave was finding out that they have a completely separate vegetarian menu. My wife is a vegetarian, so it's always hard to find something that works for both of us. I made reservations a couple of hours in advance, and my wife and I had a cocktail while we waited for our table to be ready. The staff really knows their stuff when it comes to tequilas and mezcals, and the cocktail my wife had was perfect. For dinner I had the cayenne fried chicken, while my wife had the vegetarian blue corn enchiladas. Both were great, though we felt they were just slightly under-seasoned for southwestern fare. The blue corn tortillas on my wife's enchiladas reminded me of tortillas you'd get from a street vendor in mexico, while they cayenne fried chicken was beautifully breaded and cooked perfectly. The only thing that I felt was lacking was the absence of heat in the breading on the chicken. The best part of the entire meal would be the guacamole appetizer, which was some of the bes guac I've had in Atlanta! Overall, I thought the food was prepared well, and the cocktails were phenomenal! I'll definitely be back. The staff is great, the food is fantastic, and the atmosphere is great!
(4)Peto F.
The decorations, uniqueness of the menu, friendly waiters , complimentary ballet parking, and atmosphere are top notch. My wife and I love making the drive to Atlanta to go here.
(5)Lauren A.
We came again last week and I ordered the pork special (app) as a meal. The portion looked tiny coming out but it turned out to be the PERFECT portion for a meal after our mussels. Speaking of the mussels, they were unusually large this week!
(4)Leo C.
I'm not sure what happened, but we came back 2 months later and the flavors, dishes, and portions weren't the same. Maybe we came on an off night, regardless, it was enough to lose major points from me...
(3)Yijing T.
After seeing the reviews of Agave, we went there tonight. It 'a definitely an awesome restaurant. The speed is very fast. We only wait around 15 mins for our food! If you are not a fan of Mexican food, you should be there and try, then you will change your mind immediately. I ordered a Rank of Lamb, a little overcooked with charcoal taste. Anything else is perfect!
(4)Anita C.
This is my second time at Agave and the first time I honestly do not remember what I ordered, but I remember leaving very happy and impressed. My second visit, we ordered the beer braised pork and the trout. Both were extremely tasty!!! The beer braised pork is seriously making me salivate as I write this because the meat fell off the bone and it was just cooked perfectly! The trout was stuffed with something but I think I was inhaling it so quickly I didn't even look. I will obviously and most definitely come here again!
(5)Ray L.
I really like the atmosphere of this place. It's a nice hybrid of semi-upscale and laid back, casual. The bar is a good place to wait if your friends are running a little late - friendly service and a wide variety of delicious margaritas. Boyfriend had the peachtree margarita, delicious. Birthday girl got the traditional margartia, which was so well balanced. Not too tart, not too sweet. I got the mango margarita, delicious because of the real, fresh mango - but it tasted nothing like a margarita. My meal was okay - satisfying. They don't offer the traditional Mexican dishes, but they have some unique takes on southwestern inspired dishes. I got the diablo crawfish pasta, and they gave me a lot more crawfish than I was expecting (good). Only reason it wasn't great is because none of the ingredients really sang out. It was sort of one level of flavor, and therefore a bit uninteresting. It was a birthday dinner so we got a nice chocolate mousse which was really good, especially with the hint of cinnamon at the bottom. So maybe my entree wasn't stellar, but the whole experience was really solid. Good for a sophisticated yet casual dinner. I'd go again.
(4)Ryan M.
Good Southwestern Food and Margaritas My wife and I have dined at Agave several times, most recently with friends. - Good southwestern food; would recommend the shrimp & grits and the fired chicken - Great selection of Margaritas - They probably need to change the menu a bit. If you haven't been here before, the current menu is great; I'm just ready to see some new items. - Good service as well - The place can get somewhat noisy
(4)Jessica W.
I took my husband and 7 week old daughter here to celebrate his 1st father's day. We were pleased to be seated at a table with a bench. (Perfect for the infant carrier) Our drinks and food were delicious. Our waiter was knowledgable and gave us great suggestions. There were no diaper changing stations, so I went out to the car and the valet let me use his canvas chair!! How sweet. So, why only one star? Well, as soon as we got our entrees, a group of 7 was seated right next to us where 6 could barely fit. (Not including the spot where our baby was sitting) We moved my daughter to the other side and the person who sat the group (Seemed like the manager, not the host) put a chair on the 'end' of their table. So this means that there is now a person's back 3 inches from our table. For my husband to get up, he had to put our daughter and her carrier ON the table. (The carrier is almost as big as the entire table) and slide out on the only open side. I told the waiter that I thought it was absurd and the manager (same person who put the group & extra chair there) came over and said "Sorry, they were a larger party than we thought" and didn't offer to move us or any solution whatsoever. Within 10 minutes of the group being sat next to us, another huge group had left, and plenty of tables were cleared, reset, and empty. We were very uncomfortable and couldn't even hear each other over the large group. The only thing offered to us was a surprise dessert after my husband went outside to wait (where it was more comfortable) for me to pay the tab. I told our super nice waiter that we just wanted to leave because we were uncomfortable. It's too bad that the focus was on getting people crammed in like sardines and not on making people feel comfortable and taking responsibility for a mistake. I'm sure that the woman sitting in that chair didn't want to spend her entire visit hoping that her hair didn't catch on fire from the candle on our table. She was that close to us. What a shame....
(1)Jin K.
Holy cow. Tomato avocado salad and cayenne fried chicken. I cleaned both plates. Along with a passion fruit margarita of course.
(5)J P.
I have eaten here many times and it's always great. The service consistently exceeds my expectations. The Chile Seared Jumbo Diver Sea Scallops and Chicken Poblano Soup are two of my favorites. They have plenty tequila and margarita options.
(5)Arthur Y.
A once-great restaurant that gets popular and sacrifices quality in its frenzy to cash in on its high volume--these are the saddest reviews to write. Agave was in my top 5 mid-range Atlanta dining spots in 2008. It was always crowded, but that was nothing a reservation couldn't take care of. I looked forward to the ahi tuna as much as nearly any dish in any eatery in the city. The food was fresh, exciting and flavorful, and the atmosphere was great. My then-girlfriend (now wife) and I went every chance we could. Flash forward to 2012. I had heard rumblings for a while now that the place had really taken a nosedive, but I wanted to see it for myself and hopefully be proven wrong. Sadly the criticisms were confirmed. I made a point to tell the host when I made the reservation that it was my wife's bday. When we arrived we were seated, no bday mention. Not a huge deal--but it does show a lack of standard professionalism. The server was friendly and attentive, but sadly the pluses ended there. Ordered glass of Rioja. It barely filled a third of a Bordeaux glass, and was clearly the last of a bottle they opened three or four days earlier and didn't refrigerate after opening. Shameful! Ordered the ahi tuna and specifically asked "cook it as rare as the chef will allow." The mussels app was actually fairly tasty and had a nice chile flavor. I didn't get long to enjoy it though, b/c we had our appetizers for about 5 minutes when they rushed out the entrees. And I noticed immediately the dry, gray tuna (AAAACK!!). It tasted even more melancholy than it looked--crumbly and devoid of flavor. The creamy white wasabi sauce that used to glisten beautifully against the deep backdrop of the tuna was this time a watery mess that had seeped into the fish. My wife had a side of black beans with her entree, but they were ice cold and even more flavorless than the tuna was. We sat down at 7:30 and were shuffled out the door by 8:20. Never a single mention of the birthday either. If you want a high quality meal from a professional spot in a much better atmosphere for the same price, head to Wahoo a few miles down DeKalb Ave. There just are too many good restaurants in Atlanta to justify returning and paying this much for such mediocre quality. I live right around the corner from Agave and I won't even be going back.
(2)Matt B.
We've been to Agave ~15 times over the past few years. Love it - incredible southwest inspired food. I wouldn't call it tex-mex... don't come here expecting mexican, americanized or authentic. We've eaten everything on the menu (literally every single food item on the menu). Try the trout, short ribs or scallops. The chips and salsa are actually fresh and delicious. The margaritas are large, strong and tasty. They have a large tequila bar, so you can certainly find one you like. On top of all this, the 'savvy shopper' coupon magazine that gets mailed out around Atlanta frequently includes a 50% coupon. We must have saved $100 with these by now. Free street parking in the neighborhoods surrounding. Reservations a good idea for dinner.
(5)Lauren M.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner on a weekday evening. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes or so, and with one of their margaritas in hand, I wasn't complaining. Dinner took a bit of time, but it was well worth it. Very fresh, delicious and worth the slightly overpriced tag. The service was great, and the atmosphere was charming and warm. I'd definitely come here again .
(4)Adrian S.
A fantastic little gem of a spot.
(4)Eric S.
We hit up Agave during our latest trip to ATL. Good Tex-Mex, great tequila selection. Prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is rustic and inviting.
(4)Rob P.
Hadn't been back to Agave for awhile, was one of my favorite places when I first moved to Atlanta. This would be an interesting experiment to see if my opinion had changed since Atlanta has slowly evolved me into a bit of a food snob. Glad to say, Agave is still five stars. The margaritas are better than I remember, the traditional is probably the best I've had in town. For an appetizer, they had a bison short rib taco special. Hot damn it was tasty. For dinner, had to go with the favorite scallops and grits. I need to try other stuff on the menu, but this is so damn good I had to do it. And it was perfect. I think they added a little spice to the grits, brought out the flavor. Nice work Agave, you're still one of my favs.
(5)Brian K.
Agave offers well executed, highly-flavorful Tex-Mex in a casual, trendy environment. Food: Agave specials in Tex-Mex with a modern flare. On my last visit, I started with one of their signature margaritas and guacamole, both of which were excellent. Our table also enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa, the latter of which had the most kick of any I've had in Atlanta. For an entree, I had the cayenne fried chicken, which was quite flavorful and a welcomed twist on the southern classic. In keeping with the southern theme, I ordered the spicy peanut butter pie, which had a unique, but welcomed flavor. Service: Our waitress was very personable, efficient, and both willing and able to make recommendations when requested. Atmosphere: Borderline upscale for a Tex-Mex restaurant. Clientele is mixed, but mostly 21+. Price: Food quality is commensurate with the price. Entrees are in the $15 to $20 range and appetizers are in the $6 to $10 range. Margaritas will run you around $8 each. Other: The only thing that turned me off about this place was the lack of self-parking. Only valet service is available, which proved awkward when we had to wait several minutes for a vehicle that was only parked 10 feet from the front entrance.
(4)Lydia L.
Can I give it a 3.5? I really want to love this restaurant. I want some outstanding Southwestern food in Atlanta...a go-to place like most of these people. Cons: Loud, very loud, and dark. Pros: Friendly, eager service Good recommendations Let's talk food... Southwestern chopped salad with bacon- not bad, a little lacking in flavor Let me preface by saying our waiter was wonderful and without any prompting knew we might want to share food, so the kitchen prepped out plates with both entrees on one large plate. Lamb- well cooked, sides that complemented the dish well. Good, but not mind-blowing Trout- delicious, well-executed I'm trying to pinpoint my discontent with this restaurant. The food was good, the service was good, perhaps it's just that I didn't feel like it was a good value for the price. I'll definitely give it another chance though, and maybe I'll change my mind.
(3)Pamm B.
Always AMAZING. Have never had a bad meal or service here. Had the rack of lamb tonight. Friends had everything from the scallops to the fried chicken. Everything got rave reviews.
(5)Mikaela Z.
Happy birthday to me! After a really awkward valet parking experience (Seriously? Why do they have valet? I have no idea, it is a parking lot next to the restaurant and I could have parked 100 times more quickly on my own. They should at least take the cars in front of the restaurant instead of in the lot so it doesn't feel so unnecessary), we meandered into the restaurant. We had a reservation, but I don't think that it was necessary on Sunday night. My husband told them it was my birthday when he made the reservation, so I guess that part of the reservation process was helpful. The chips and salsa are so so so great. I was a HUGE fan. My husband and I both got the slow cooked short ribs. I got the mac and cheese with mine instead of the mashed potatoes. The picture that someone put on here of them is very deceptive. It makes the ribs look more like steak. The meat, however, reminded me more of a really spectacular pot roast. The meat just fell apart. The mac and cheese was amazing. Tasted sort of like au gratin potatoes but with pasta. Delish! The asparagus that comes with it (only two spears) was so nice. Tasted very smoked rather than steamed in butter. Nicely done, Agave! Nice touch! After our meal, our server brought over a free chocolate mousse. I had read in some reviews that this might happen...but I wasn't too excited because I don't generally like mousse. After trying this amazing birthday gift, I take it back. I LOVE MOUSSE!!! This was so so good. The perfect end to our meal. Paul, our server, was great. He was super sweet, very helpful and honest, and very on top of things. Best service we have had in a very long time. We presented him with an Entertainment Book coupon before ordering (generally a service buzz kill, even though we always tip very well), and he treated us the same as everyone else. Smart man, got an even better tip! Loved my experience at Agave. We will be going back. The Entertainment Book did its job, got us in there to try it, and then Agave did its job - sucked us in so that we will definitely be back!!
(4)Lindsey R.
I live right down the street from this restaurant and the parking lot is always packed! The ambiance is great and the outside patio is wonderful when the night temp is nice. I've been a few times to this place, but can't seem to join the band wagon on this. (Just my personal opinion) They do have very good drinks, but maybe we have to buy the $30+ dishes to truly experience it right? My last dish that I got was so spicy I couldn't even finish it and had to sip water after every bit. I can't remember the spice used in it, but the waiter acted like there wasn't a lot of it in there. The waiter also had a strange attitude, but maybe it was an off night. I'd say the place is alright, the biggest complaint I'd have is how LOUD it is in there. It's really hard to have a conversation when everyone is talking over each other.
(3)Ivan S.
Agave has become somewhat of a cautionary tale for me, reminding me to do my research for all restaurants, no matter the occasion. The girl-I mean fiance-and I celebrated our newly minted engagement at Agave but for reasons other than the food. Or service. Or atmosphere. Or the location. Nope, it probably was the location. We chose Agave mostly because it was the site of our first "official" date and really, it was only the site of our first date because it was halfway between our two houses at the time and, since neither of us were sure it was going to work between us, we went there. Fastforward 2.5 years later and Agave's become the default for our special occasions even though neither of us are really too hot on the place. OK, the food isn't horrible per se. The ceviche we ordered was quite serviceable. My swordfish was pretty good too; it had a nice char that technically probably shouldn't have been there, but tasted good to my unsophisticated palate. I'm still not sure why, though, "swordfish" was in quotes when I finally got my bill. Maybe Agave is the equivalent to that one girl you know who uses air quotes "way too often" not to mention "inappropriately" and it's just kind of bizarre, but you've gotten used to her doing it. Similarly, the fiance's NY Strip (steak had good flavor, but the sauce placed on it didn't add much) had a mysterious exclamation point appended to it on the receipt. I don't know. Maybe it was a factorial representation of a steak. The service was good too and they even provided us with two complimentary glasses of champagne when they discovered why we were there. The biggest hitch with the service was that the server crossed the line from attentive to blatant upsell. Look dude, I know gas prices suck, but I was planning on tipping you anyway; besides, your Glenn Gary Glenn Ross upsell techniques are bush-league. So three and a half to four stars for Agave and an additional caveat to all of you for whom sentimentality supersedes actual taste in restaurants. I'm deducting a half star for our server's semi-aggressive service. No thank you, I think we're done. Just the check please. No, no dessert. Just the check. No thanks, I can't have another margarita, I'm driving. No, we won't be ordering coffee from you either. Coffee, after all, is for closers.
(3)Jennifer I.
I thought this place was a little over priced, and the food was just ok. The service was good, but I don't think it's worth the price at all. Also, we made reservations for a romantic dinner, and they sat us in a crowded space with people on either side. I don't think I'll be chomping at the bit to return here.
(3)Matthew S.
Agave has a unique environment with it's extensive tequila selection, fantastic service, and Tex-Mex menu that is slightly tilted towards "higher-end" dinning. I highly recommend this place if you tend to visit tex-mex food places that are more casual, have some friends or family in town but want to be comfortable. Note that on weekends a reservation might be good if you have more than 4 people. I have never experienced a wait longer than 15 minutes for two.
(4)Jana H.
It's your indecisive boyfriend's birthday, his parents are in town for the weekend, and YOU have to pick a place to please everyone and hopefully make a special night - what's a girl to do? With the pressure building throughout the week, I decided to call Agave for reservations (since the BF mentioned he wanted to go back there), although I had never been, I thought I'd give it a shot. I mean, who doesn't love Mexican? The man I spoke to on the phone was very helpful with the reservation, and he said that they would bring out a complimentary chocolate mousse with a candle in it since it was a special occasion. I thought that would be a perfect little surprise for the birthday boy, so I didn't bring in any cupcakes or candles. We arrived at the restaurant, were greeted with a "Happy Birthday" and seated promptly. The chips were warm and crispy (and perfectly salty for me), and the salsa was fresh and delicious. The guacamole was creamy with chucks of tomatoes and onions, and it was seasoned perfectly! We were seated on the side of the restaurant with the bar (which was fine), until a VERY loud man and woman with the world's most annoying laugh sat down at a large table next to us. We couldn't hear each other talk without screaming ourselves. I know this isn't the restaurants fault, but seriously, can't you tone it down a little when you're in public people?!? For my entree, I ordered the Salmon and it was served over a bed of vegetables. It was really good, but not the best salmon I've ever tasted. My boyfriend ordered the shrimp over grits, which was spicy but not too hot. Overall a good meal - nothing to rave about. After finishing our entrees I expected to have the chocolate mouse brought over to the table, but when a few people at the table declined to see the dessert menu the ticket was immediately brought to the table. What happened to the birthday dessert with the candle? All in all, at this point we had only been at the restaurant about 40 minutes, and we were looking to have another round of drinks. We told our waiter to bring another round, but I still felt like they were ready to get people in and out as quick as possible. This is great when I'm at a quick restaurant, but not when I'm looking to enjoy a nice meal. Rating Breakdown: Chips/Salsa/Guacamole - 4.5 Entrees - 3 Service - 3 Atmosphere - 3 I'll probably come back here again (especially for the chips and guac), but think of a different place for the next special occasion.
(3)Robert M.
Went on a Thursday night when I thought I could get in with no problem given that I did not make reservations. And it was not a problem. I had a couple of Sweetwater 420s at the bar before being seated. I don't think they serve draft beer here (only bottles) but not a problem. Plenty of bottled beer to choose from. I am not a huge margarita fan; however, it looks like that is the libation to get here. Did not see the frozen variation, but saw plenty of the normal/standard ones go out to other tables. I was not disappointed with the food; however, I was not overly impressed either. I am tempted to award three stars (or three and a half if possible), but maybe I merely ordered the wrong item on the menu. I ordered, from the entree list, the Georgia Mountain Trout with mushroom and crawfish southwestern rice. The rice and fish were a little on the dry/bland side. The dish could have perhaps benefitted from more of the tasty peppery sauce sparsely drizzled in small patches on the plate. My date ordered two starter items instead of an entree. She said one was great (Southwestern Stew) and the other (some kind of pita-like bread with hummus-like spread) was "alright." She also said the margarita was pretty good. Great people watching spot. Great ambience. Wish the food was better somehow but the prices are seemingly good for the overall quality of the food. Perhaps I will try some other menu items in a future visit and update my review accordingly.
(4)Laura B.
On my trip visiting Atl I was treated here. We walked in and I immediately fell in love with the decor and ambiance and we were seated at a noce spot next to the fireplace :) It could be romantic if it werent so loud :) We visited before 6 on a Sunday and it was packed however, if you get on their mailing list you get gifted with a great deal of $10 for any entree on the menu between 5-6; highly recommend this as it was one of the highlights of our experience (the other being great conversation amongst friends :) I had the lamb and the favors were such a Lovely blend and the meat was tender however, I reiterated med rare and my lamb was brown so I was Disappointed by the lack of service By our waiter who didnt ask or notice that it was over-cooked; if he weren't so busy hustling around I would've made sure he knew however, i didn't want to make a fuss as a guest with my dinner party. I liked the grilled asparagus and corn that accompanied my lamb however, instead of mashed pots I tasted the Mac n cheese and it was good (not great) Guests got salmon and trout; I wasn't impressed with either. Friend loved the Salmon; I thought it tasted fishy. Trout is a fav there however, I guess I'm not a fan of trout b/c it didnt impress me :( We ended the night with sharing a chocolate flourless ganache torte Which was pretty tasty. If you need a chocolate fix, go for it however, not the best I've had Overall a nice experience especially for the special entree price however, be patient with the staff as they didn't seem equipped to attend to the capacity.
(3)Steve T.
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars. The margaritas are fantastic. The food is consistently very good but a little over priced. Our waiter was very pushy with upselling, which I found kind of annoying. Service was good other than that. I had the pork shank - huge portion, tender, flavorful. The calamari appetizer was slightly overcooked but fine. The fried chicken entree was proclaimed to be very good. Agave is a great restaurant for this part of town, probably the best in our area. But it would be only considered "good" further into town.
(4)Ben C.
Ambiance... Cool. Service... Great. Food... Eh!
(3)Sharon B.
This restaurant was actually nicer than I thought. The food was great and the service was fun. The waiter was hilarious and very accommodating. I even used a Yelp gift certificate for a discount. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun and we interacted with other guests and waiters with no problem. A good time was had by all.
(4)Eli E.
I have loved this place for oh-so-many years. It's got great ambience and a wonderful menu. It says "tex mex", but it's much more interesting than that. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. And they make a fine, smooth margarita too. I would highly recommend a reservation though on busy nights, as they do pack 'em in.
(5)Rick F.
Heard great things about Agave, my first experience was just OK. But I can see why people like this place it has a great vibe, the bar was happening, everyone from the guests to the employees seemed to be having a great time. Our server was a little strange but happy. Recommended the Mahi Mahi special and was told he had the last one to sell, so I ordered it and then the manager came back and said its gone already. So I picked my 2nd choice the Shrimp with Grits Cake. Delicious! The appetizers left something to be desired, the Guacamole was a very small portion and was OK. I was very disappointed in the Ceviche not enough shrimp and way to many inexpensive tomato ingredients for the price. I am looking forward to going back for another round!
(3)Emily N.
In years past, Agave was one of my standard nice-but-not-too-nice date spots. Good place to go for small celebrations, second dates, etc. The quality of the food and the attractive plating felt more expensive than the bill reflected, and the service was always good. I wasn't a huge fan of their margaritas, but other things I ordered from the bar were usually solid. After not going for a couple of years, I've returned to Agave twice in the last year, and I felt like it had lost a lot of its shine. Both times, my dishes (in one case salmon, in another the rare tuna) were very bland, and the sides were over-buttery. My date was similarly unimpressed. Additionally, while the service was good both of these times, it wasn't the tremendously-attentive-wonderful service I received a few years back. Not sure what caused the change, but while Agave isn't _bad_, it's not a place I'd return to unless there are some exciting menu developments. There are enough other tasty fusion places around for the same price, where the food is more exciting and flavorful. I love the space itself, and I'd be thrilled if they revamped their food. Looking at the other glowing reviews, I suppose it's possible I've just been on off-nights--both recent experiences have been during the work week.
(3)Kim A.
Ate here on Friday night and would definitely recommend reservations, it was packed! I had been here one time before but wanted to give it another try. The chips and salsa are provided at each table and the salsa is very good! We also ordered a guacamole and a ceviche to start with and were not disappointed. The guacamole was very fresh and had pico de gallo mixed in with a lime flavor, it was great! The ceviche was fresh shrimp and tuna and I was very impressed with the quality of the fish, would definitely order again! For our meals we ordered the tenderloin medallions and the rack of lamb. The rack of lamb was outstanding, very tender meat with a crispy exterior. The tenderloin on the other hand, was pretty disgusting. I really didn't want to make fuss about it but I just couldn't eat it, it had this weird after taste. When I told our waitress she was so sweet and asked me what I wanted to have instead, and I ordered the anejo shrimp. Now that was a good dish! It came with grits but when I asked her to switch out for mashed potatoes she didn't mind at all. I was so happy with the shrimp and would definitely recommend it, stay away from the tenderloin though! For dessert we had a dark chocolate torta and it was also delicious! I would definitely go back to Agave and order the guacamole and ceviche. I would never even think about the tenderloin again but the shrimp was more than satisfying. I just have to give it 4 stars because the food and service were great, but I do think it's overpriced for what it is. Clearly they aren't having any issues though, all the tables were full!
(4)Bob B.
Really enjoyed Agave. Let me start with dessert! Spicy peanut butter pie was excellent. Cayenne was subtle, but appeared at the end of each bite. Key lime pie was also wonderful. Enjoyed the calamari starter very much, along with fresh-made guacamole. Pork shank melts in your mouth and is highly recommended. A seafood alternative is the wonderful scallops. And, of course, many excellent forms of margheritas!
(5)Shacarra J.
Service is always great here. The food is really good and the drinks are strong! You MUST try the scallops!
(5)Nidhi A.
We had a party of five on a Saturday night. Thankfully, we had a reservation because the place was packed! It was super busy and so loud that we couldn't even hear the waitress. As we were leaving we noticed some outside seating, maybe I'll ask for that next time. I think this would be a really nice play to go on a weeknight. The ambiance is great, eclectic sort of feel. But too busy, too noisy to enjoy dinner on a Saturday night.
(3)Es E.
If I return, I can almost assure a five star rating. Just had apps, but they were awesome. Love the intimate ambiance, not so much the valet. They were nice, but do I need valet to park a foot away from the restaurant? Actually, maybe. It's a tricky sitch to park and would likely cause a crippling parking situation without them. I'm still bitter to break out my bills, though. Love sitting indoors and viewing the kitchen. The Chef (well, he wore the outfit?) saying hello, glad 'ya came, how's the grub...priceless. You care that I made the choice to walk in and customers appreciate you not resting on your laurels. Bravo.
(4)Vaughn S.
I wish I could give this restaurant more than 5 stars. I would like to start off by saying if you go on a Fri or Sat night...make a reservation. We got to this restaurant around 4:30 pm last Sat and did not have a reservation. They were not open yet but they still welcomed us in and invited us to sit at the bar until they opened. I ordered a Pomegranate Margarita & my wife had the same. These were the BEST POMEGRANATE MARGARITAS I HAVE EVER HAD. They were able to seat us shortly after 5pm and our waiter (Robert) was AWESOME. I had the Burrito & Stew & my wife had the Quesadilla with a side of Rice & Pintos. The food was great and it reminded me of some of the foods my friends mother (who is from New Mexico) cooks. The Green & Red Chili Sauces were wonderful. Even the Chips & Salsa was great. I could have poured that Salsa over a piece of cardboard & it would have still been great. All in all we will definitely be going back again & again.
(5)Keiristin H.
I went to this restaurant for dinner as a part of a bachelorette weekend celebration for one of my friends. Though the restaurant is small, it did accommodate our party of 7. The salsa was very good and FRESH! I could taste the fresh cilantro which really sets off the salsa nicely! The chips were also good. We mainly ordered drinks and appetizers. I ordered a Peachtree Margarita. It comes with a salt or sugar rim. I could definitely taste the alcohol! :-) I would order this margarita again. For an appetizer, I ordered the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring Rolls. Excellent. They were served with Red Pepper Jelly and Jalapeno Tomatillo salsa. Both were great on the spring rolls. Though it was a bit spicy, I could taste all of the flavors. I would order this again for sure. I only suggest that more spring rolls should be added to the appetizer. (It was served as 3 spring rolls cut in half.) I didn't share this with anyone! Overall, I would eat here again. Also, complimentary valet parking is offered!
(4)Rob B.
I stopped at Agave while on a business trip. I sat at the bar and was served by a great bartender who mixed a great jalopeno margarita. I'm generally wary of gimmick drinks, but she assured me that it would be delicious, and it was. It was fresh, had a nice jalopeno flavour, and was not over-salted on the rim. The salsa with the chips tasted fresh and flavourful, but not especially hot. In any case, fresh-tasting salsa is an essential. For dinner I tried the Chile Rellenos as an appetizer. It was tasty, but not knock your sock off tasty. Similarly, I had the braised pork hock with red mole. It was large, well cooked (tender & juicy), but lacked some kick. All in all, everything was good, the service was great, but it wasn't mind-blowing. Still, you would not regret a trip.
(3)Julia N.
I remember as if it were yesterday. I had the tilapia, with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I looked at the price --- very expensive. Then I convinced myself the price is directly related to the portion size. I was wrong of course. Even my friends I convinced in coming for my going-away party looked at their portion sizes. Come on, we're in Georgia. Our plates are bigger than this! Initial frustration, but once we all put the first forkful in our mouths, our table was radiating rainbow and ponies. What would have been two hours in discussion became an hour split in silence intermingled with "This is so good, this is amazing." The hour afterward filled itself with fanciful discussions about what to try next so should our wallets allow. The drinks? Fantastic margaritas. The group behind us ranged from all ages, and for some odd reason the elderly decided to strike up a conversation once they saw the (Mmm, I believe it was Peachtree?) margarita I ordered. She absolutely "looooooved it." It was "Faaaaaabulous," and despite her very fluid-I-am-now-drunk gestures, I turned around, cackled to myself and sipped it. It was like a blue smurf who met a Snork and sent Rocko some e-mail who then contacted Kel at Good Burger put heaven in my mouth. I quickly made my bill a bit higher trying all of the different kinds. I love this place. I ate there in September, so I don't know which dodo path it now follows. I wish I could teleport from Boston every time my loan check disperses each semester so I can overstuff my midsection with libations and good food with creamy sauces. Also. They have valet service. "LOL" to that, indeed. I *had* a Mercury Tracer before moving up here, who needed to be rolled, kickstarted and hiccuped while idling. I also drive bare foot. So here I am lookin' cute, they HAVE to valet you, I get out, he gets in, I do the "you gotta jiggle, kinda KNOCK ON IT HARD" discussion and he drives a bit until I say "MY SHOES ARE IN THE BACK SEAT." Funny at least. Whatever. Folks in Chargers and Jeeps, BMWs ain't the only ones who should be valeted.
(5)Carrie F.
Holy. Mole! This place does not disappoint! I had heard a lot of good things about Agave, but am always skeptical when I hear a lot of good things about a place. However, starting with the complimentary valet to the delicious margaritas, I will definitely be back. To start, this place is packed. Always. Definitely make a reservation if you're going with a large group. You'll still wait 10 minutes or so for your table, but that's a lot better than the hour some people were waiting to get seated. The food is well worth the wait, however. From the yummy chips and salsa to the scrumptious soups and entrees, Agave kept me wanting more at every turn. I started with their chicken soup and, seriously ya'll, I was almost licking the bowl. It was insanely good! Like, I still dream about it and my mouth is salivating whilst I type, good. I like to scope out menus before I head to a restaurant online and was really glad I did. Although I'm not a vegetarian, I like to have to option sometimes and was really glad to see that they do have an entire vegetarian menu. Granted, a few of the options are your standard "Random Steamed Veggies and Whatever Other Non-Meat Items We Decide to Throw on Your Plate" that you find at most places, but they also had a lot of really solid veg choices. I went with the spicy veg pasta and it was outstanding. Very spicy and the veggies seemed really fresh. Most of the people I was with got the fried chicken (which I was leery to try do to this being a tex-mex establishment), but I will definitely give it a go next time I'm here. It looked absolutely incredible. It was a boneless, skinless breast fried to perfection atop a mountain of mashed potatoes and a crazy piece of corn standing straight up! I have to say, some people have noted that the prices were really high, which for "mexican food", yeah, they would be high. But, honestly, for the quality of food that you're getting, it's well worth the cost. It's not your standard dirty mexican food in a strip mall, folks, this is some serious culinary work with high quality ingredients, which is evident in the incredible flavor! Buck up Sally, and quit complaining because you get what you pay for here! Agave is going straight to the top of my list of places in Atlanta when I'm craving chips and salsa!
(4)Stephen H.
My favorite restaurant in the city. The food is always on point and will savor anyone's taste buds. You can never go wrong with the calamari as appetizer as it is the best I've ever had from any restaurant in the city. I always sit at the bar as it is an event. You will never meet a stranger. The bartenders are very helpful and very generous with the alcohol. I am convinced that they have the best margaritas in town along with a great selection of tequilas. This is a great hang out, date spot, or just coming by for casual dining. I have coming here for almost three years and I don't have one complaint.
(5)Amrita R.
I ordered the rio rancho tacos and they were so ehh, not even really worth mentioning here, except to say, don't get it! On the other hand, that was the best shrimp and grits I ever tried, and this girl does not touch grits.. It was like a fried block of cheesy goodness under the shrimps and it was pretty mind-blowing. The fried chicken was eh, and my other friends really loved the special of the night, a 6oz steak. My friend ordered from the veg menu and said it was amazing. Oh yeah, and the margaritas really are good. The prices are pretty good for the meal as well. The special was only $19 which is not bad at all. I'd go again just for the shrimp and grits, and maybe a margarita. :)
(4)Katy M.
This place is nice! It's a reliable "nice night out," if that makes sense. I've never had a bad experience here, the wait staff is always on point, the food always arrives in a reasonable amount of time, and the food always looks and tastes good. The parking is easy valet parking, so there's no room for frustration there. The food itself is just fine. I've had better (for cheaper), but it's good, consistent, upscale food. The decor is friendly, and the porch is lovely in the summer. I like the Ahi tuna, it's always cooked perfectly, which I really appreciate. It's a delicate dish. Tip- There's almost always a coupon for this place in the Saavy Shopper Intown or whatever that little flyer you always get in the mail is called. (if you live in ATL) It's usually buy one get one free entree, something like that, for a weekday night. With the coupon, the prices are really reasonable.
(4)Tanisha L.
Went here to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was awesome. We had guacomole with smoked trout and applewood bacon, it was DELICIOUS!!! I recommend trying it. Our entrees were salmon with zuchinni and meatloaf and mac & cheese. The food was amazing, as were the drinks. Make sure you get the top shelf because you get your money's worth! Awesome, place will be back.
(5)Laila S.
At first, i was unsure about this restaurant because of its appearance, but when i sat down with my friends and actually had the food here, it was amazing!! now, the food IS on the pricey side, and since my friends and i were on our way to the club, we just got a lil sumthin each. i had the calamari, which by far was the most amazing calamari i ever had =) best of all, since it was closing time, we saw the kitchen staff CLEANING their area. that is a big plus!! i mean they were CLEANING real well =) i will definately will be coming back here.
(5)Matt C.
Excellent southwestern fare in an unassuming/almost sketchy part of town. However, the room is great, and the food is fantastic. The margaritas are good, though pricey, but I gladly pay the money for at least a couple each visit. Can't say they stand out to me as "the best in atlanta", but they're good, especially the jalapeno variety. Service is personable, knowledgeable, and laid back; all great attributes. Be sure to try the Guajillo mussels; the red chile/wine/citrus broth is unlike any other mussel broth I've ever tasted. An extremely welcome departure from the overabundance of white wine/garlic or butter/cream broths you find at most ATL restaurants that feature mussels on the menu. The accompaniment of a hot tortilla is also a great change from the typical grilled bread. Highest recommendation for entree is the cayenne fried chicken dish. Amazing flavor and consistency of crust on the boneless chicken breast, and the included sides of mashed potatoes and grilled corn are anything but ordinary. The corn is some of the most flavorful and delicious I've ever tasted. Try it!
(4)Nina L.
Boy did I pick the right place to celebrate my brother's birthday (and a lil Cinco de Mayo while at it) on Saturday. It started off with the wildly good tasting guacamole. Our fantastic server Jacob recommended it--guac with trout & bacon. I was skeptical but one bite made me a believer! The seared Diver Scallops melted in my mouth. My brother raved about his Angus ribeye. And the top shelp margaritas were a delicious & refreshing cohort. Even though it was Cinco de Mayo, an understandably busy night at a Tex-Mex eatery, Jacob never once made us feel rushed. As we left we applauded the cooks... KUDOS AGAVE!!!!!
(5)Tressi J.
This place is running a tight competition with Georgia Grille for best Southwestern in the city. Chips, salsa and guacamole are so good, I was licking the bowl. I ordered the tequila shrimp, which was plated with a jalapeno cheese grit cake and grilled asparagus. Delicious. Entrees were beautifully presented, and tasted just as good as they looked. Atmosphere is warm and inviting, as well. My experience at Agave was very close to perfect! I can't wait to return.
(5)Shanelle L.
Would of been very happy if I hadn't gotten food poisoning. Somehow I got food poisoning from the -cooked- crayfish dish I had and my boyfriend was just fine eating the -raw- tuna sashimi. Delicious food, but my stomach just didn't agree.
(1)Charley W.
I feel that classifying Agave as Tex Mex is somewhat of a misnomer as their fare fits the mold of Southwestern cuisine more so than Tex Mex. I'm no chef but having dined across Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas I can tell you that there are some differences between the two styles and a restaurant like Agave would be a shoe-in on the narrow streets of Santa Fe. For those who know, that's no insult and I'd wager it's a culinary niche that Agave owns free and clear in the city of Atlanta. I found Agave to be solid across the board. I work in the service industry so sometimes I see things that other diners might miss. I could tell at the front door that they are pros and run a solid establishment. A woman whom I think may be one of the owners greeted me and her demeanor told me that she was completely on top of things and dialed in on the guest experience. My girlfriend was just a minute behind me so I sat at the bar to wait for her. I wasn't planning on ordering a drink because I knew we'd be seated shortly but the engaging bartender came over immediately and started working me into a margarita. It was a slow night and I have to say that I really appreciated her initiative to jump in and create a sale for herself. She did it in a very helpful and unassuming way but I knew what she was up to because it's exactly how I work, myself, so I appreciated it. Our server was very polite, well versed on the menu, and the vibe I got from him was one of complete appreciation and accommodation for the guest. I would wager that if a diner were to ask for a pickled octopus fritter with molasses remoulade, the staff at Agave would make it for them without batting an eye if they had the ingredients on hand. That's good business and it starts at the top but luckily we were far from being that difficult. We tried the guacamole appetizer as a starter. I, personally, wasn't blown away by it but that's just my opinion and my girlfriend loved it so we'll call that wash. She enjoyed the pan seared Tuna which was cooked perfectly and I had the NY Strip which scratched the itch quite nicely for me, thank you. Presentation was excellent and the ambiance and decor are genuine and complete the experience. Nice selection of Tequila too. The valet struck me as a bit unnecessary since Agave has ample parking and it's literally right next to the restaurant but again.. no need to split hairs over that. Agave is solid. I highly recommend it for your next, ahem.. Southwestern dining experience.
(4)Sarah B.
Update: we came back here last Sunday for 2-for-1 appetizers and margaritas. We had a feast of appetizers, and Lisa, our bartender, was amazing (and generous with the pours!) She let us try a few of their margarita offerings in addition to the basic ones we were drinking - the mango one is very sweet, but not in a cloying way, and the jalapeno margarita was outstanding. As for the food, the calamari and the ceviche were both stand-out. I love this place.
(5)Treasure A.
My friend told me that Agave had better lamb than Fogo, so I told her to take me. I'll start this by saying I LOVE fogo lamb. My mouth is watering just thinking about it, but I digress. The lamb at Agave is probably as good or better than Fogo. As a college student, Fogo's wins by default simply because it is "unlimited". With the New Mexican Rack of Lamb, you get 4 lamb chops, a side of mash potatoes, and grilled asparagus. I switched my mash with the macaroni and cheese. It was very savory and tender. I split the Chile Seared Shrimp Tacos and the Spicy Shrimp & Poblano Spring rolls with the rest of the table. The Shrimp tacos were gone in about one second. They were amazing. Add two of their margaritas and the chips and salsa. I was feeling very happy. Next time, I would probably just get my own order of the shrimp tacos and the margaritas. But, great date spot or group dinner.
(5)Austin K.
Delicious food and a great atmosphere. A MUST when looking for good mexican food in Atlanta
(5)Robert M.
It's hard to say that Agave is 'underrated' with over 150 reviews almost averaging out to 5 stars, but I'm going to say it anyway. The place has been a cornerstone of the Atlanta restaurant scene and with good reason. Consistently very good, and there are so many amazing selections on the menu. I say underrated because while all the new 'buzz' restaurants come and go, this place quietly chugs away in the background. Also, I wouldn't call this "Tex-Mex", that's an insult...this, to me, is your standard New Mexican...and moving here from the Southwest it is great to have Agave here to serve up some real Southwest food. I went with the Tenderloin Medallions which were cooked perfectly, very tender and bursting with flavor laying over a chili puree. The Yukon mash was one of the best I've had. The Key Lime Pie was very good although I prefer the traditional graham cracker crust over from what I remember was some type of ginger crust. It was interesting, I ate every last bite, I'd eat it again...just different. With so many great things on the menu, this will easily be a repeat visit for me.
(5)Lee B.
After driving past Agave for years and years, I finally decided to try it last night. My husband and I went there around 8pm and were seated right away even though it was crowded. They immediately brought us some blue and yellow corn chips with some tasty salsa. I had the jalapeno margarita and my husband had a regular kind. Both were good and strong. We were both feeling it after just one. I'm not a huge fan of typical Mexican food. I don't like it when it's particular greasy or covered with cheese. Agave's entree choices were nothing like that. There was no Combo #1-#20 here, it was things like sea scallops and New York Strip Steak. They have a vegetarian menu with about five things on it but you have to ask for it. I got the veggie enchiladas and my husband got the beef and pepper enchiladas. I can only only speak for the ones that I had, but they were flavorful, fresh tasting and light. I didn't feel completely weighed down after eating them. Service was good, parking was easy since it's valet. I'm definitely a fan. Plus, if you check in on four square during the week, you can get a free appetizer. Reason enough to go back, I think.
(5)Yesenia M.
The term tex-mex is really a misnomer, but I can see how it gets defaulted to that since modern Mexican or Mexican-Southern fusion aren't very big categories. But I digress. The tequila bar lived up to it's title, with an excellent selection and delicious cocktails, only one of which is made with lowly Cuervo. We started with the ceviche, so let's start the review with that as well. It was ASTOUNDING. It was spicy, even for me, so the faint of tongue need not apply. I had the veal and chorizo meatloaf, which was the lightest and most adult meatloaf I've ever had. The collards and Mac & cheese on the side were both tasty without being as heavy as typical soul food. My dinner mate had the blue corn chicken enchiladas which I got a taste of before she punished them, so I'm guessing they were good. We split the cheesecake with cinnamon whipped cream, a decadent dessert that beautifully topped off the meal. The service was a bit on the slow side, especially considering it wasn't very busy when we got there, but our server was pretty friendly. The price means this broke grad student can't make it a regular haunt, but once a month or two may have to be scheduled in.
(5)