Agave

I like this restaurant very much. The food is great. There is a large selection of many different styles of SouthWestern food. I liked the seafood dishes. The drinks were very good. The environment was pleasant, the people were very nice. If I had an extra hand I would give this place three thumbs up. I highly reccomend Agave.

Pros: Food, Drinks, Service

Posted 06/13/04

The food was decadent, tasty, well-priced. The service was SUPERB. The frozen margaritas are to die for. Yummmmmmy. Especially the passionfruit.

Pros: service, margaritas, music

Posted 06/10/04

you wouldn't expect the kind of atmosphere you are in at Agave when first walking in from the streets of manhattan. The very earthly colored tones pave a scene of somewhere out west in a building made of the very earth.

Pros: Good Food, Pleasant Atmosphere, Good service

Posted 06/10/04

Agave should appear on the "best of" show on the food network. The host was super nice, the margaritas were happenin', the waitress was personable and the food was the best part. Awesome experience, definately a pleasant dining experience highly recommended.

Pros: food, service, blue margaritas

Posted 06/10/04

I've been frequenting this place since it first opened and have yet to be anything but overwhelmed by the amazingly creative dishes, efficient and professional service, and classy southwestern ambiance of this inexpensive joint in an otherwise sea of overpriced food. This past week, I was lucky enough to try the pecan crusted trout with chipotle sauce. The portions were big and the price was not! ($18). As always - the best Marguerita's in town!

Pros: Inexpensive, Ambiance, Creative Dishes

Posted 06/10/04

i recently took a trip to New York with my grandchildren and happened to walk by Agave. I went in and was warmly greeted by the the staff. Sat down to a great meal and excelllent margaritas. Service was warm friendly attentive and fun for my family. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a cun casual atmosphere with great food drinks and service.

Posted 06/10/04

The food and ambience transports you from Manhattan's West Village to the Southwest. The bar area is roomy and as inviting as the many choices of delicious margaritas. But don't stop there, the wonderful choices continue in terms of the food. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you decide what will satisfy your taste. Unlike most Mexican restaurants, each dish has a distinctive taste.

Pros: Unique food, Tranquil atmosphere, Reasonably priced

Posted 06/06/04

Out to dinner last week with a group of 6. Friendly staff happily accepted a reservation (for 10), and when only 6 showed up, they couldn't have been more understanding! Happy faces and cheerful service set the pace for this get away in the city!
The sunken dining room- a few steps down- sets the tone for a vacation feeling, it reminded me of Cabo San Lucas! Great blue margaritas as well as additional flavors, I've never seen before. Not the ordinary mexican fare, this has got flare! I'll be back!

Pros: Inexpensive, Great drinks, Great atmosphere

Posted 06/06/04

My 15 year old daughter and I recently enjoyed dinner at Agave. The restaurant is beautiful with a lovely ambience. Our waiter helped us select from the menu and EVERYTHING was delicious. From the margaritas to the creme brulee, it was a great dining experience. We plan to take my daughter and her friends for a sweet sixteen dinner party. I know the other kids will love the unique style of Agave.

Pros: delicious, unique, reasonable

Posted 06/06/04

We loved Agave from the beginning to the end, its a great place for Saturday night dinner with few friends. The Mojitos were good, all the appetizers we ordered were good, would definitely recommend the calamari and the ceviche. Would recommend more starters to share and lighter main course, although the main course choices were tasty - the crab quesadillas were the best.
Overall a great place to dine with good drinks.

Posted 06/06/04

Everything about this place is fun but sophisticated, from the management to busboys. The food is delicious, margaritas go down almost too easily and it's delightful to sit in the sidewalk cafe and watch the world go by. Even if it's raining, they have a glassed-in atrium so you feel like you're outside. Downstairs it's a little cozier - a good place to take your parents for a non-ostentatious dinner.

Pros: Romantic, Hip, Inexpensive

Posted 06/04/04

Had my graduation party with 11 friends at Agave on the suggestion of my aunt. Thought it might be too stuffy for a party BUT it absolutely rocked! Food was great, manager gave us a margarita tasting of 5 different margaritas. What a hoot! LOVED the Blue Margaritas. We were there for 3 hours and check didn't break the bank.

Pros: margaritas, inexpensive

Posted 06/02/04

Delicious food and fun ambience. take heed because the protions are HUGE - definitely shareable - though very reasonably priced. The signature blue margarita was delicious, the staff was great - I can't wait to try brunch!

Pros: Delicious food, Cool/Fun Ambience, Good Service

Posted 03/12/04

We were visiting from San Francisco, and not wanting to go to the generic, touristy restaurants. Agave proved to be a fabulous starter to our NYC vacation! The hostess was very accommodating-we had arrived early for our reservation and she seated us right away-and the waitstaff was friendly. The fresh guac, calamani cracklins and Beef Machaca Enchiladas are a CAN'T MISS!! Lobster quesadilla and Sopapillas were good but not great, but everything else we tried was superb. Food was served very promptly, but our wait for drinks was surprisingly long. Overall, though, we'll definitely be back - great little grotto atmostphere and a good-looking, diverse crowd.

Pros: great atmostphere, very appealing menu, not too touristy

Posted 03/11/04

Eight of us went to Agave for a birthday celebration. All of us were late as usual! They saved our table, were understanding, and the host made us feel comfortable and took care of us immediately. The food was incredible... we ordered Apps and quesadillas and shared which was the perfect amount of food. The drinks were creative and well-priced. The waitstaff was great, especially the bus people who kept things moving and made sure that dishes were removed quickly once done. Overall, one of the most pleasant dining experiences I've had in NY with a group!

Pros: Creative dishes, Friendly staff, Great prices

Posted 02/29/04

This place has delicious food and margaritas. The grilled asparagus and sauted spinach as sides were amazing. We had the mahi-mahi and lobster soft tacos, which were very tasty and plentiful. The wait staff is very attentive, refilling water, checking on your chips/dips to be refilled. Very polite. One drawback is that you are sitting on top of the person next to you, so your conversation is not quiet. The people next to us were eating the salmon and the ribs and they said they were both delicious, they had empty plates to they must have been good!

Pros: Good food, margarita, attentive wait staff

Cons: , sitting too close, very warm in temp

Posted 02/17/04

I'm a NYC teacher and I brought my friend to Agave to celebrate her birthday. Excellent choice! Great food, HUGE incredible margaritas and the friendliest service--- especially Mark, who has us laughing all night! Definitely recommend!

Pros: Great food, Excellent service

Posted 02/13/04

Service , food and drinks were all great. I suggest trying the lobster and corn tacos. Ritas were a bit small but otherwise a fine meal at a fine price. Will certainly go back again.

Posted 01/13/04

Agave is the best deal in town. Dinner with 7 friends turned out to be the most enjoyable night we had in long time. The food is the star but the ambiance and service are an equal match. Three courses and many varieties of potent margaritas later we were pleasantly surprised to realize it would be a most affordable evening as well as enjoyable one. Kudos to AGAVE. Be back next week.

Pros: food, ambiance, service

Cons: leaving

Posted 12/05/03

We were a party of 8 for a Saturday. I must say that while our server was very helpful and friendly the host should consider a new career. There is a good way and a bad way to treat your customers when you do not have their reservations ready for 30 minutes. He chose the latter. I must admit, it set the tone. As for the food, it was fine...if a bit average. Basic southwestern fare that is found at many places in the city. For the true Mexican fans, I must recommend (if you are adventurous) to venture into Sunset Park, Brooklyn. I mean, at least the hosts dance with you there!!!

Posted 11/23/03

the food and space are both great. it's a big restaurant so you don't feel like you're on top of people. the portions are pretty big - so appetizers and drinks are great if you're eating out on a budget.

Posted 11/20/03

Agave has the most authentic southwestern food I've ever tasted! Lobster and corn tacos-yum yum! The margeritas are so delicious I couldn't stop. Who would've thought that fresh prickly pear juice is sooooo good? Did I mention the food? I can't wait to go back and try something else. If you're looking for something way better than your average Mexican food- This is the place!

Pros: inexpensive, awesome staff, margeritas

Posted 10/26/03

The Blue Corn Enchiladas were very tasty. Very generous portions.

Pros: great drinks, relaxing atmosphere

Posted 10/24/03

Went this past Friday night and all I can say is that Agave knows how to treat their customers. We were seated quickly at a great table and our waitress was incredibly friendly and helpful about the menu. The food was some of the best Southwestern food I've ever had and everyone with me agreed that the food was primo. I think the drinks might be a little weak, but then again I just might have a drinking problem (kidding). I will be back again and if they're as good as this last time, I'll become a regular. Just great!

Pros: Great food, Friendly staff, romantic vibe

Cons: need stronger drinks

Posted 10/17/03

This is one of the best brunches for your money. The food is incredible and the chips and dip they give you is a great beginner without being overwhelming. I will go back again and again.

Posted 10/13/03

Good Southwestern Food! The place had a visual punch in the ambiance department and surprised everyone in my party for dinner last Monday. Service was prompt and attentive. Peach Margarita was recommended but it was the watery kind and didn't care much for it. The food was a success as great raves were had for the grilled corn and Maine Lobster enchilada. I had the Black Angus filet and the sauce went well. For desert my molten Lava cake melted me into submission. We were all happy in the candlelit cocoon of this place and the food hit the spot. A real gem on Seventh Ave. row.

Pros: Great Ambiance, Attentive Service, Superb Food

Cons: Watered Down Drinks

Posted 10/01/03

I had a reservation for 12 for my birthday. They were very courteous to us, especially considering that it took over an hour for all to arrive. The food was great and reasonably priced, but the service was pretty bad. We never got some of our (fairly expensive) drinks and they were slow to deliver, but what we did get we thoroughly enjoyed. I'd easily go again. It also got pretty loud but then again, so did we!

Pros: Food, Atmosphere

Cons: Service, Expensive drinks

Posted 09/08/03

get a drink at the bar or sit down for dinner. My boyfriend and i love this place the food is great and the drinks are the best. the staff are friendly...

Pros: good food

Posted 09/06/03

Great dining experience if you are on a casual date. The service was prompt, the drinks were cold and the food was relatively good and inexpensive. The serving portions of salse to start your meal are extremely small (more salsa por favor).

Pros: guacamole, margaritas, service

Cons: salsa

Posted 08/17/03

This location has changed at least 3 times and has been the site of 3 of my favorite places to eat in NYC! The fourth certainly does not disapoint! Wonderful drinks, some of the best and innovative Southwestern/Mexican dishes I have ever tasted and great friendly service! All this in a beautiful relaxed setting! What more can you ask for? Thanks, Agave for becoming one of my new favorites! I hope 4 is a charm....I want you guys to stay!

Pros: great food, great drinks, beautiful decor

Cons: noisy, crowded

Posted 08/05/03

Once again I have to rate this restuarant. I now have sampled their new summer menu and brunch and can safely say it still holds up to my expectations. Tasty new creations for summer and the blue margauritas are the buisness. Sitting outside (weather permitting) or in the atrium maintains the cosy ambience of the plase and the staff remain as friendly as ever. I highly recommend AGAVE for a night with your friends or with that special someone!!!

Pros: Inexpensive, Ambience, Food

Cons: Leaving

Posted 07/31/03

4 shots of tequila and food to boot.
Still hungover and full.
Tequila guys did a nice job but could have done with a microphone.

Pros: TEQUILA, TEQUILA, TEQUILA

Posted 07/30/03

Stumbled onto Agave on a craving for an outdoor spot with guac and beer... and found a gem! Agave is very well decorated, hip but not hipper than thou, classy but casual, great food, well-priced Stellas are a huge bonus! Nice outdoor seating. Waitress was a little spacey, but forgiven as we had an unexpectedly great time! I have recommended it to many friends and none have been disappointed to date.

Posted 07/10/03

I visited Agave for the first time last Friday after a stressful day at work and home. The ambiance was lovely and the staff very corteous. The Tuna appetizer was wonderful and the carne asada tacos, to die for!!! The passion drink was soothing. Definitely a lady drink. I will return soon.

Pros: cozy, reasonable priced, good food

Posted 07/02/03

What a great restaurant I came across this weekend. Done in Southwestern decor it looks great. First we walked in and were greeted by the friendliest guy, who we found out was their manager. We couldn't decide if we wanted to sit outside in the cafe or inside. We sat inside and had the greatest Blue Frozen Margaritas. Followed by really great food. The crowd was also fun so the whole experience was fantastic. Go as soon as you can.

Pros: Friendly Staff, Great Drinks, Great Food

Posted 06/21/03

First, the good news. Absolutely great food. Now,the rest. Snotty, obnoxious manager made us wait even though tables were available. The waiter disappeared after the main course. We asked the manager for help, he blew us off. Drinks were priced at 9, showed up as ten. Why "Oh, you ordered them straight up. That's extra alcohol." I say it's extra chutzpah. Maybe success has gone to their heads.

Pros: food

Cons: service

Posted 06/13/03

I recently broke my leg and was looking for someplace in the neighborhood. Lucky, for me I stumbled into Agave. I had the avocado salad and Tuna as my entree. The food was fab!!!!. The drinks were fun and the service right on mark. I'm happy I have a place to stumble back into.

Pros: caring service, fun food, great ambience

Posted 05/21/03

Went there last night for a birthday celebration and was pleasantly surprised. The food was really good.The blue corn enchilada and ahi tuna were really good. We waited a while for the entrees to come, that was the only negative thing.

Posted 05/16/03

I went to Agave the other night with a bunch of friends for a birthday. We came in out of the rain and surprisingly, the bar area was full. I thought everyone would be home!

Anyway, we were seated quickly and given a nice option of tables. What a pretty dining room. Who would've thought? Our waiter was really nice and helped us through with all of our questions.

The food came and was great. We had such a nice time and didn't loose our paychecks paying the bill.
We've already discussed when to go back. Nice staff, great food, good service. Thank God.

Pros: Good prices, Good service, good food

Cons: metered parking

Posted 05/03/03

I was very excited about going to Agave for lunch after a friend had gone for dinner and highly recommended it. Well, my 3 friends and I were soon disappointed by the terrible, slow service. You would think that if the kitchen is running behind or something, they would offer patrons a drink on the house or dessert. They brought us one teacup sized bowl of chips for the 4 of us, which disappeared within minutes, and didn't replenish our chips until an hour later--after we finally got our food and after we asked them for some more chips 2 TIMES! The waiter couldn't care less that we had to wait so long for everything. So, in turn, we left him a minimal tip--I don't think he deserved one at all. I doubt I'll be going back. The food was good, but it's not worth the wait--or the lousy service.

Pros: Decent food

Cons: SLOW SERVICE, SLOW SERVICE, SLOOOW SERVICE

Posted 05/01/03

My husband and I brought out of town friends to Agave lastnight and we all enjoyed our meals very much. We ordered guacamole and calamari for apps, both were tasty. I had the shepards pie made with their delicious chili and mac & cheese, the others ordered salmon, swordfish tacos, and a chicken dish. We all had a taste of each and agreed that every dish was great. The prickly pear margaritas were wonderful and the large enough to share creme brulee was heavenly. We were happy with the service and the decor was understated and tasteful.

Posted 04/25/03

I was very excited going to Agave, but was a little disappointed. The interior is a little bland. The food is good but it is what it is and for that, I think it could be less expensive. The presentation of the food is definitely more distinct than in other places of that cuisine. But the taste really isnt. The service was very attentive and friendly.

Pros: good service

Posted 03/30/03

My husband recently won dinner for two to Agave at a Jr. Diabetes Charity Dinner. At first I though, "eh, we'll see." We tend to eat out more in mid-town. What an unexpected treat! First of all, the place was beautiful - simple and elegant yet not formal. My husband had the Chili and Enchiladas - very good. I had the Guac and Chicken Quesadillas - excellent. I don't know what I had expected, but I certainly did not expect what we got. The food was flavorful, hot and presented beautifully. Our waiter was very polite and knowledgeable and he suggested this great bottle of wine, a Malbec, that I had never heard of before. And even though we weren't paying for it, the prices were very resonable - great for a group. Anyway, I thougt it was a find and just wanted to spread the word.

Pros: food, atmosphere

Cons: outside deceiving

Posted 03/27/03

Atmosphere - warm & inviting. Service on top w/o being overbearing. Food was fresh and flavorful - recommend the cerviche! Highly recommended, going again for a perfect night of great food and the jazz scene of the legendary Village Vanguard nearby....

Pros: Good service, Fresh food, Moderately priced

Posted 03/25/03

It's so nice to enter a restaurant and be welcomed with a smile and the aroma of somethin' amazing going on in the kitchen. After being seated promptly into the cozy adobe-like dining room,
complimentary chips, salsa, olives, and a delicious bean (?) dip arrived. We washed it all down with margaritas (the Agave was tangy and refreshing, and the Prickly Pear was surprisingly sweet and better than any frozen one, hands down). Appetizers such as the superb guacamole, crab and mole dumplings, and mushroom soft tacos kept us begging for more. As for the entrees, the blue corn and chicken enchiladas with mole were smoky and delicious. Swordfish soft tacos were fresh, light, and excellent. We rounded out the meal with the Mexican vanilla creme brulee--also a treat. Having grown up in New Mexico and Texas, I have to say that Agave reminds me of home...I'll definitely be back.

Pros: Delicious food, great service, cozy atmosphere

Posted 03/21/03

On the recomendation of a friendly villager who frequents Agave I made my first trip on thursday night. They had said that the ambiance had changed slightly with new management but the food and staff has always made time at Agave well spent. The swordfish tacos along with some delightful ceviche, and throw in some Heavenly sort of mango dessert, made for a touch of nirvana. I must admit I was on a date, but was much more interested in the coziness, the music, margaritas and our lovely server named Melissa. The bankhead seating is a little tough on the back but overall, the experience was like a breath of fresh air. (maybe a little more spice in the chowder?)
I will see the adobe walls at Agave again soon!
Jodi

Pros: Melissa, Margarita, Food!

Cons: the night ended

Posted 03/15/03

As soon as I entered Agave, I was taken by the warm lighting and the authentic, southwestern decor. The staff was very welcoming, and provided fast, and friendly service. The guacamoli was great! It was so fresh. The stuffed porkchops were unbelieveably good! With the warm apples and walnuts, it was a such a fulfilling dish. Agave is great for all ages, and has great prices!

Posted 03/13/03

Had dinner at Agave Tuesday night - just before the NYT gave them ONE star. Agave has a gaurdian angel, one star was more than gererous . . . thank god there were cocktails to appease the headache of a menu and the series of bland and confused dishes that consistently fell short of yum!

Pros: cocktails, decor, leaving

Cons: staff, food, service

Posted 03/12/03

although it's visually pleasing in an intimate setting, i was not impressed with the food. I was expecting incredible and unique dishes from the reviews I read but was disappointed with the actual taste. With a waitress recommendation, I tried the duck quesadilla flavored with mexican seasoning, but it tasted just like a Taco Bell. My husband had a steak, which he considered just average. However, the service and ambiance was enjoyable.

I suppose I am spoiled, though, since I am from San Diego and just 20 miles from the mexican border. However, the "southwestern" food is not outstanding.

Pros: great service, intimate atmosphere

Cons: s0-so food quality, poor value

Posted 03/10/03

I recently had my first experience with this restaurant and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered the cinnamon, brioche french toast (Sunday brunch) - delightfully rich and sensuous - I would definitely recommend. The most remarkable trait of the place however was the service - warm, friendly and very attentive. ;-)

Pros: service, atmosphere

Posted 03/08/03