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- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
85 reviews for Agave Grill & Tequila Bar
Review Highlights
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"Great service, table side guacamole and mohitos." In 5 reviews -
"The chips and salsa were excellent." In 7 reviews -
"And finally, the yucca fries with cumin ketchup were a..." In 3 reviews
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85 reviews in English
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Review from Yush K.
Terryville, CT
4/28/2012
This is place is fun! Their chips and salsa are great. The location of Agave is great and its great for people to grab lunch.
It is little busy during lunch hours but its totally worth it.
The waitress... Jesse was a sweetie. My reason to go back is to see her inviting smile... oh and her suggestions turned out amazing.
I had coffee there and it was pretty good.
Enchiladas were good decent sized...wish they served bigger portions... -
Review from Anna E.
4/15/2012 3 photos
Yesterday ten of us came out to celebrate a friend's birthday. I had been to Agave before, even to celebrate my own birthday once, and yesterday was pretty similar to past experiences I've had there: generally good with some hits and misses with the food and great on the service and ambience fronts. We had a 7pm reservation and our table, which was in the second room, was ready when we arrived. We enjoyed some delicious guacamole and salsa with chips while we placed our orders.
My drink of choice for the night was a delightfully refreshing and strong California Blackberry Margarita. For my main I got the Pot Roast ala Casita (Mexican style beef pot roast with chipotle whipped potatoes, and braised carrots) and it was very good but the carrots were much too salty. The chipotle whipped potatoes were definitely tasty and I appreciated the fact that I could taste the chipotle but it was not overwhelming. The meat was fall apart tender and very nicely seasoned.
For dessert I got fried ice cream which was drizzled in cajeta caramel sauce, topped with mango puree and freshly diced mango. To be honest, I didn't like it. I've had amazing fried ice cream from Mexican restaurants and this was just disappointing. First, the exterior "shell" that I expected to be warm and crunchy was not. It had the taste and texture of a ball of ice cream that had been rolled in Panko crumbs - room temperature and lacking in crunch factor. The ice cream itself failed to have any redeeming qualities, as it was not at all creamy but hard and frostbitten. I usually finish all of my dessert when I go out to eat, but I couldn't even get through half of this.
I ended up eating some of a friend's Mexican fruit cobbler that was much, much, much better (something I'd definitely get in the future). I tasted another friend's banana chimichanga and that was also good.
So, consider yourself warned. Don't get the fried ice cream unless you've never had it anywhere else and you have no expectations, and only get the pot roast if you really like salt.
Overall, we had a lot of fun and I'd come back again if others felt strongly about it. The experience was pleasant enough. All things considered, Agave is a decent Downtown Hartford location to hang out and have a meal and/or drink. -
Review from Jason M.
4/8/2012
Been here a number of times, and it's fair to say that Agave is one of the finer restaurants in Downtown Hartford. The fact that it only gets four stars doesn't say anything bad about Agave, but it speaks volumes about the restaurant scene in Hartford...
Anyway, Agave is always a good time. Fresh tableside guacamole is a must, and try one of the ceviche choices at least once in your life. Sweet, sharp, vinegary, spicy, flavorful, all around delicious.
Props for the environment too. It's about as upscale as any normal person would want a restaurant to be - high class, but not overbearing. That said, I'm sure a good portion of your dining check is going to the upkeep of said decor, because Agave is by no means cheap. Save it for a special occasion.
As suggested earlier in this review, the bar for Downtown Hartford dining is pretty low, nevertheless, I have a feeling Agave will be around for a very long time... -
Review from Jaffe J.
New Britain, CT
5/21/2012
Came here for lunch the other day slightly before noon. It wasn't busy when we got in but filled up quick. I wasn't too impressed by the B health inspection rating on the front of the place and inside the place wasn't over impressed, pretty spacious but a bit drab in decor. There's a few TVs on but they're really only visible near the bar seats.
Our waitress was very pleasant and made this an enjoyable experience, was quick to take our order and food came out quickly but that was probably due to the fact that we were the only people in the place when we ordered. She quickly brought some chips and salsa right after our order. Salsa was a bit too watery, not too different from store bought jar salsa which was disappointing.
We got the table side guacamole which was prepared by our waitress and was enjoyable, a good sized portion that went well with the decent chips. For food, I went with the tacos, one with chicken and one with spicy sausage, which also came with some rice and refried beans. My colleagues also got similar orders. Food came out quickly and by the time we started eating, the place was pretty packed. Now here's where the problems started.
The guacamole was enjoyable but the main dish was far from that. The tacos were a bit soggy and while the chicken adobo wasn't too bad, it wasn't much different from fast food tacos. The spicy sausage was a big miss as the meat was very dry and poorly seasoned and there weren't really any ingredients within the taco that made it any less dry. The rice itself was pretty bad, reminded me of those Amy's Kitchen oven dishes you can get which but not as good. That's a problem, when a restaurant dish can't compete with a frozen dish. The beans were downright terrible, really poor texture and taste and I barely took two bites before I realized I didn't want anymore. The food tasted like a poor quality frozen meal that was just heated when we got here. This is your typical Americanized Mexican food joint and they don't even do it well.
Overall, the place was a big miss. If it wasn't for the guacamole then this would be a one star joint and I just can't see myself coming anywhere for guacamole which I can easily make at home. Prices were in that $10-$20 range so not overly cheap either and you can find much better food in Hartford in a similar price range. I'd rather grab a bowl at Chipotle's than come here and that's hot even half the price. I doubt I'll be coming back here if I can help it because this meal did not impress me at all. -
Review from Monique C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/8/2012
Still visiting CT on business and still scoring great eats. Once again I checked yelp for Hartford restaurants and stumbled upon this Mexican gem. I walked from my hotel on this rainy evening and was seated promptly upon my arrival at 5:15. I ordered a pomegranate martini which I found to be too strong for my taste but the guacamole made up for it. Made table side and delicious, I could've just ordered that and been satisfied. Next I had a delicious chicken quesadilla. So huge I will have the rest for lunch tomorrow. My waitress was friendly, helpful, and busy as the restaurant filled up quickly. 5/5 for agave. When I'm in CT again, I'll be back.
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Review from Rachel P.
Central Manchester, CT
5/6/2012
I can't say enough good things about Agave! My partner and I are regulars and between the two of us we have tried almost everything on the dinner and brunch menus. Awesome food, fun atmosphere, reasonable prices, great service and they usually have specials and promotions. The only bad thing about Agave in my opinion is the parking, since parking in downtown Hartford blows.
My menu picks: Lobster enchiladas, spicy tuna empenadas, mango margarita, cheesecake :-) -
Review from Murielle D.
Rocky Hill, CT
4/17/2012
I think Agavé has the best guacamole! Make sure you stop by the tequila bar during Happy Hour - It's awesome! They have a lot of variety. One time, we went there in a large group and I was pleased that the service was very prompt - They offered us a buffet style lay out, which worked out very well. I wouldn't really recommend Agavé for a sit down romantic-like dinner, as it gets a little loud from time to time - I think it's more conducive for a group of ppl and for Happy Hour
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Review from Emily C.
Updated - 2/19/2012
Couldn't have had a better brunch experience at Agave this morning.
My sister and her fiance were visiting from NYC this weekend (wedding venue shopping in CT, niiiiice) so we decided to grab brunch in Hartford. I originally called for reservations at Pond House Cafe but due to a large event, they couldn't accomodate, so I suggested Agave since I'd been wanting to check out their brunch. I'd only been to Agave a few times prior to this visit for Taste of Hartford, drinks, tableside guacamole, etc., so I figured it'd be a good choice (with a great ambiance).
We were some of the first people in the restaurant at 11 and the place filled up to near capacity pretty soon afterwards. I have to say, throughout the meal, and despite the crowded restaurant, we had top notch service from our server, Haley. Friendly, efficient and knowledgable- an absolute delight!
On to the food. My boyfriend, sister, and sister's fiance all loved the zesty tableside guacamole (how could you not?!) and the fact that it had plenty of lime and cilantro (a good guac should!). Our French press Mexican coffee was robust and quickly got us caffeinated, and the brunch orders totally hit the spot. Yes, this is Americanized Mexican food. But sometimes all I really want is a breakfast burrito so I'm okay inauthenticity as long as it's tasty. Just depends on what you're in the mood for. I opted for the quesadilla desayuno-- a huge plate of flour tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, peppers, onions and mixed cheese, toasted and served with sour cream and pico de gallo. Delicious. I haven't tried enough on the menu to give an adequate review of Agave as a whole but this brunch was definitely a perfect start to a Sunday!Listed in: Internationals Eats, Best Customer Service, I'll drink to that, The Brunch Bunch, Downtown Delights
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/27/2011
I've been wanting to try Agave Grille for a few months, so I was excited to finally stop by this… Read more »
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Review from Sarah C.
2/25/2012
This place is the sh*t - no joke. As a former Hartford resident, I always relish the opportunity to go back to my old stomping grounds and get my grub on. My sister graciously took me here recently for brunch, and it did not disappoint.
The guacamole was freshly made in front of us, and it was so utterly tasty. Their special ingredient was lime, which gave it that amazing, fresh pop. I filled up on guac and chips until I figured it would be a disservice to ignore the rest of the menu's offerings. As my meal, I ordered a breakfast quesadilla that had scrambled eggs, bacon, and other delicious fillings. I ended up taking much of it to go, and was happy to find out that it heated up wonderfully the next morning. Two brunches in one, what up?!
The restaurant itself is lovely and modern, with a bonus private room in the back that can accomodate a larger group of around 20. I got there at 11, right as they started serving brunch, and the place was filled to capacity by the time I left at noon. Great service, despite how busy the place got.
Looking forward to coming back for dinner and especially so I can try their cocktails. -
Review from Sarah T.
Cleveland, OH
4/5/2012
I thought it was excellent. I visited during Monday lunch hour and it was packed. The food was fresh and well seasoned. I like the vibe the staff has; even though they were super busy, there were fast and efficient. Usually, I am bothered that service people don't smile, but I didn't mind that here.
We had Ceviche de Atun (Fresh Ahi Tuna with Mango, Red Onion, Poblano pepper, cilantro and lime), Spicy BBQ Pork with roasted poblano and onions quesadilla, and Steak Wrap (grilled and sliced thinly, with mixed cheese, Mexican rice, grilled peppers and onions; drizzled with Chimichurri sauce) for $30. What a deal! -
Review from Jillian C.
West Hartford, CT
1/11/2012
Typical, "americanized" Mexican cuisine in a lackluster environment with so-so service.
The food is nothing special. I had a taco salad that was okay, I suppose. Iceberg lettuce, shredded cheese, and taco meat in a greasy, fried tortilla shell? I could have made that myself when I was in middle school. The rest of the table had no particular complaints, but nothing great to say either (re: tacos, quesadillas, a burrito and another salad). The food was just "good." And that's not good enough for me. The guacamole is nice, but tableside guac is not unique to Agave, nor does it make up for the sticky, bar-like atmosphere or having to repeatedly flag down the waitress.
They make a decent margarita, but is that really so special? Any Mexican restaurant worth its salt (literally) should be able to serve up an awesome margarita, with food and service to boot. Agave, sadly, cannot. If you are dying for Mexican and can't escape downtown Hartford, I suppose Agave will suffice. But I'd skip it in favor of Besito, any day. -
Review from Alicia S.
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
The first sign that should have tipped me off about this place is when the hostess said "I didn't like Mexican food until I started working here!".
While she was very sweet (and so was the rest of the staff)...in my mind the response I had was "Why? Because it's Americanized Mexican Food?"
Yep.
Unfortunately, our friends don't like guacamole so we skipped that as an appetizer. I love guac, so maybe if I ever find myself there again I will just order that as my entree.
Chips and salsa that came out...eh. The chips were fresh & warm, but from a few yelp reviews I read, I anticipated Pico de Gallo instead of what looked like pureed Pace salsa. Flavor was okay, and I was hungry so I ate some with my beer (Dos Equis on tap? YES.)
I ordered the 3 tacos plate (two Adobo Chicken & one Spicy Chorizo) with the vegetarian black beans & rice. I love when the two words "Adobo" and "Chicken" are in one sentence, so I was really looking forward to my Tacos.
When they came out, the first thing I noticed was the SEA of black beans on my plate. Cut the plate into 3rd's...1/3 was black beans (and the liquid), 1/3 was rice (not bad...pretty typical but better than average) & my 3 tacos...which were sitting in water on my plate making them extremely soggy.
Iceberg lettuce & Pico were the toppings on my chicken tacos. The chicken was shredded with no sauce (it looked like it had been SITTING in sauce since the chicken was kind of gray) and I ended up ditching the soft tortilla on the plate and just eating the insides of the taco with chips since it was so soggy.
The Chorizo taco wasn't half bad...it was topped with a few slices of avacado (could have used some cilantro & chopped onions on top...maybe a squeeze of lime). I think that one was saved from the water on my plate so it wasn't as soggy.
When the waitress came back to pick up our food, I believe she walked up in the final moments of our critiques of dinner...and immediately shouted out "Oh my god you didn't like it!!!"....complete silence.
My friends compared their enchilada's to microwaved entrees...so order with caution.
All in all, the ambiance was there! This could be a really really great place. Sigh. Onward in my search of authentic GOOD mexican food on the east coast. -
Review from Jenny L.
Middletown, CT
5/4/2012
I love mexican food, especially fish tacos. I always order them when dining in a Mexican restaurant to see how they stack up against others I've had. For at least the past five years, Agave still serves the best fish tacos in Central CT. Get them with soft corn tortillas. This place also serves excellent margaritas!
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Review from Matthew M.
Fort Lee, NJ
11/29/2011
Hartford, CT is a dump.
I've been all over the United States and as far as "cities" go, this is no doubt one of the worst (VERY close competition to St. Louis and Indianapolis).
In this dump, lies a 2 block radius of restaurants/bars (yes, the happening area of Hartford takes up a whopping 2 blocks) that can actually provide 4 to 6 hours of solid fun if you want to hit EVERYthing hartford has to offer in terms of fine dining and bars.
One of the few shining spots in Hartford (aside from the exit ramp that takes you on the road OUT of Hartford) is a little mexican bar and grill called Agave.
The vibe is really cozy and chill...and it gets REALLY packed REALLY early (at 6pm this place was JUMPIN!). The food is ok, the drinks are pretty ok...and the waitresses are nice.
I feel bad giving such a lackluster review...but thats really about as good as it gets.
You wont find ANYTHING ELSE worth going to in hartford, so by default this spot wins.
But luckily its actually a cool little place that makes its guacamole right in front of you and has some nice menu options.
Hit up Pour House across the street for 2 dollar beers during happy hour (EVERY beer is 2 dollars). Get loaded up a little and then go get Agave.
Order the Burrito (I didnt have but it actually looked great) or some Enchiladas and imagine you're in a city that doesnt consider denny's and dunkin donuts fine dining.
Then leave Hartford. Forever. -
Review from Sarah S.
9/7/2011 ROTD 1/15/2012
When my Mexican-food-averse-fiance suggested Agave last weekend, I was psyched. Confused, but psyched. We brought two friends from out of town (well, okay, Springfield) and had a great time. They don't take reservations for small parties (at least not on weekends), but will place your name on the wait list if you call ahead. Naturally, I forgot to call ahead, so we waited 45 minutes or so at the bar, which was totally fine.
The margaritas alone are reason enough to make a trip, but add complimentary chips and salsa (the good stuff, not that Chi-Chi's supermarket nonsense), and guacamole made table-side, and it doesn't get a whole lot better. Agave also has an extensive tequila menu, but I wasn't looking to get arrested.
I don't know how many lobster enchiladas are consumed in Oaxaca, and my guess is not many, but I'm happy to eat inauthentic Mexican if it's as absurdly good as this was. The only complaint I had about my entree is that the rice was a little dry. I'm not the world's biggest rice fan to begin with, however. The fried ice cream we shared for dessert was so-so, but the Mexican french-pressed coffee was delicious. Service was excellent throughout. -
Review from Keyshaun S.
Buffalo, NY
The food here was amazing. Fresh guacamole prepared right in front of you and a great wine and beer selection. Palm is my new favorite beer. For some reason its not distributed in Buffalo yet which kinda sucks. The Queso Fundido is off the hook and I also had the Mango BBQ ribs which were falling off the bone good. I can definitely say that I will stop here every time I visit Hartford.
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Review from Ashley N.
Atlanta, GA
9/28/2011
Margarita: prickly Pear. Good. Not to tart not to sweet. Get sugar on the rim. They are a good size for the price.
Chips and salsa: Perfect, I asked for some fresh pico mixed in and the cute waiter with the beard hooked us up.
Nachos: GIANT!!! Good, meaty,cheesy!
Service: We (4 coworkers) sat at a little table. I have a thing about having my back out in an isle or being seated where I cant see the door. The place was empty except for the few people sitting the bar. I don't see why he didn't seat us at the nice squishy half booth. It's not like he was running out of space. So, seating situation was uncomfortable to say the least.
And the guac: I'm not dumb enough to order $10.00 mushed up avocado's even if they do mush them at your table. and by the way, a side of the green paste is $2.00 So for $8.00 more I'll skip the table side theatrics and order another drink!
I gave it a go and it was ok. -
Review from Cara C.
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
We ended up in Hartford unexpectedly on a Saturday night. After checking for some online reviews of downtown restaurants, we found Agave Grill. Since it was nearly 7pm, we called to find out how long of a wait they were on. We were told 35 minutes. I inquired about putting my name on the list over the phone, and to my pleasant surprise, they do offer call-ahead seating. After a short walk from our hotel (Holiday Inn Express), we arrived. After having enough time to get a beer from the bar, we were seated almost exactly 35 minutes after we called.
While I wouldn't call this place speedy, we weren't in any hurry. But the service--while very pleasant & entertaining--was noticeably slow. However, that minor gripe is outweighed by the table-side guacamole, super yummy chips & salsa, and refreshing prickly pear margarita. However, the highlight of the meal was my spicy BBQ pork taco! My husband and I both agreed it was soooo good! (And not too spicy!) His veggie whole wheat wrap was also good. Vegetarian black beans had such good flavor. And finally, the yucca fries with cumin ketchup were a delightful caloric splurge.
To complete our experience, the bartender changed one of the two TVs to our local college team that was playing in the 8pm game after we made the request. Our experience & meals at Agave Grill were an excellent way to end the first day of our vacation. -
Review from Cliff H.
Hartford, CT
1/18/2012
Fresh. Fruity. Fiesta! As others have said Agave's guac is top notch, cut fresh right at your table so start here! While your waiter chops up dip order yourself up a tangy margarita, a close second in the Agave must -have list. With more fruity flavors than a Starburst candy factory in Antarctica you can be sure to score some great brain freeze moments and walk home smiling like a goofy slush puppy. Food? Not bad. No specific recs here. Expect your typical On The Border / Chilis types here. Got group? Space is tight here, with rush hour generally on any southern holiday or happy hours. That said, a little known perk is that Agave also offers an entire room to the left of the main dining area that can be reserved out for private functions. High ceilings makes conversation hard but you cannot beat the walkability.
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Review from Dominick Q.
New York, NY
4/26/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Hartford: Where 6pm feels like midnight.
If you were kidnapped, blindfolded and forced to spend 24 hours in downtown Hartford (I kid!), rest assured you can find temporary escape in this little oasis known as Agave.
Great for lunch or dinner, for business or for pleasure. Been here about 6-7 times and can't say I've ever had a bad meal.
They serve complimentary chips and spicy salsa (they clearly know the way to my heart/stomach), and every entre they serve is super-sized. In fact, I've failed every attempt to join the CPC (clean plate club) while dining there.
For example, the $14 taco entree comes with 4 tacos (you can pick assorted meats chicken/pork/beef/chorizo), a healthy dose of Mexican rice and an ungodly portion of refried beans. If you can actually finish everything on this plate, you may have what doctors call "a proclivity for self-destruction."
I'd also give thumbs up to the enchiladas and the "Chicken and the Sea" dish (chicken breast and shrimp skewers.) They also have burgers and wraps for your non-Mexi eating party poopers. -
Review from Mj O.
Baltimore, MD
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good. Came here Sunday night for dinner.
As most of the other people have stated the guac is pretty good... even though it is a 10$ app. The chips and salsa were excellent.
The shrimp quesadilla was pretty good the beef enchalada's were meh. -
Review from Lindsay L.
Jacksonville, FL
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Stopped by for lunch with my sister. Downtown Hartford reminds me of Jacksonville - not much going on besides business. Lunch was pretty packed on a Tuesday afternoon.
We were seated quickly and service was great. The chips were SO EFFIN GOOD. Seriously. What wasn't so awesome was the table-made guacamole. It wasn't very spectacular and it was an extra $10 on our bill, which we didn't know when we ordered.
Our lunches were tasty, fresh, and came with large portions. I was pleased! I think this is a great place to come if you are in downtown Hartford. -
Review from Ryan B.
Updated - 3/27/2011
Went again last night...and it was sooo good.
I highly recommend the pork flautas.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/11/2009
Love this place! I'm on a huge Mexican kick lately because 'm reading the Border Trilogy by Cormac… Read more »
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Review from Melissa A.
Windham, CT
3/16/2012
I went for the first time recently and was a huge fan and would suggest to anyone to go soon for a bite. We only ordered appetizers due to the time of day and group of people sharing the meal. The queso was fresh and filled with sauteed onions that gave it a burst of flavor, the only down side was not enough soft tortilla for the amount given. The nachos and quesadillas were also delicious, filled with fresh ingredients that made them burst with flavor. I'm excited to return soon to explore more of they're menu after such a great first experience at this establishment.
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Review from Rod E.
Glastonbury, CT
1/6/2012
I eat at Agave a couple times a month, for lunch, and it is ALWAYS good and ALWAYS consistent.
The Santa Fe Salad, the chicken burrito and the Chicken wrap are my favorites. Service is quick and the waitresses always seem to hustle and get your food quickly and in a shapely manner.
The chips and salsa are also a nice addition.
One of the consistent, bright spots in an otherwise blighted downtown area. -
Review from Michael N.
San Francisco, CA
2/22/2011
I was visiting Hartford on business and my friend took me here because he had a groupon.
The mexican food was pretty weak. Not authentic and some items were just not good at all (the beef tacos). The chicken burrito was merely passable. All the food was a bit too greasy.
On the other hand, the guacamole made by hand at your table was great. The empanadas were good, but not great. I'm not sure if this is standard Mexican for Hartford, but if it is, that's kinda sad.
The atmosphere was good and the service was fine.
In summary, the restaurant was not somewhere I would choose to go, but if others really wanted to go, it's not completely objectionable. -
Review from Tim N.
12/30/2010
Excellent service, good mexican food, and very yummy $4 happy-hour margaritas. What's not to like?
Shortly after the Blizzard of December 2010, I met up with some old friends at Agave in Downtown Hartford. Being a weeknight during the holidays (and after a giant blizzard), it was a pretty quiet evening here. Nevertheless, the bar was fully stocked and ready to go, and the kitchen stayed open to accomodate the orders of the small group of customers. The waitress was cheerful, friendly, and attentive, and did a nice job to make sure none of our glasses were empty.
Although I didn't get a chance to try one of their full dinner entrees, I did order the mango glazed chicken skewers - very tasty. The fruity glaze added to the already juicy chicken, and the black bean and corn salsa over which the skewers were served was tangy and fresh tasting.
It is really worth checking this place out - highly recommended!Listed in: On the Road
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Review from Amy R.
Taftville, CT
2/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Wednesday night in Hartford, post rush hour, I picked up Red from the airport and we headed for some food closeby. I remembered having a good experience here a few years back and we set out for some delicious food. We were both tired and very hungry.
When we arrived they asked us if we wouldn't mind waiting about 15 minutes for a table to open up. Mind you, there were tables available, just not a two seater. But, I get it. I've played diner dash before and I can appreciate you trying to make your job easier. OK, we'll wait. But it was easily a half hour before we were seated. Hmph.
Luckily we looked at menus as we were waiting and as soon as we were seated, we knew what we wanted. Started out with the empanada sampler appetizer. Then, red had the porto-pollo wrap while I tried the chicken chimichanga.
Our waitress served us waters and chips with salsa immediately. Such yummy salsa! With just the right balance of heat and spice in it. Empanadas came out pretty quickly. The veggie/cheese one was very good while the other two tasted the same and were just ok(wasn't one supposed to be pork?). The flakey crusts were awesome.
Then another 15 minute in between wait for the food. Red's dish was good, a nice light and fresh taste... while mine was... eh. The chicken was both white and dark meat, which I wish I would have known. I just don't like dark meat. Red liked hers, but wasn't impressed. We each ate about half our dishes because we wanted to save room for desert - churros!
So we put down our utensils and waited.
And waited...
And took some pictures...
And waited...
And went to the bathrooms (which were very lovely)...
And waited...
And started to yelp...
And waited...
Did I mention the skank parade? Oh right... during the midst of us eating our entrees, a birthday party (?) of college girls came through in their club wear. I know that a table full of girls who are going to get annihilated on tequila shots trumps a table of two... but this was down right ridiculous. Our waitress had to PASS BY OUR TABLE to get to and from the party girls'. All we needed was a "you guys ok?" "need boxes?". We're relatively low maintenance and can be quelled with a little customer servicing. No such animal here.
And 20 minutes (no joke) after we were FINISHED eating the waitress comes by to ask if were were done and wanted boxes. Red had to spin around in her seat and call after the waitress to let her know that we still wanted churros.
The churros were pretty good... especially with the dulce de leche sauce (which I could have made in the time we were waiting)... but they had a weird jam filling... which wasn't bad so much as just an odd choice. I think a creamier filling would have been a better compliment.
And then we waited for the check...
etc etc etc....
They did take 10% off our bill for "checking in" on yelp... but in doing so they took my phone away from me and into the kitchen... which gave me heart palpitations. I don't even like it when Red holds it...
The food was just ok, the service was downright BAD. The bathroom was very nice.
Self forfilling prophecy: That table of two won't tip me as well as that table of eight girls looking to get drunk, so I'll just ignore the table of two...
And hence, yes, you got tipped very poorly. This is not a reflection of us as tippers, but upon YOU and the service you provided us. -
Review from Hideki K.
3/14/2011
Decent Mexican on Hartford's Allyn Street (not Allen Street).
I've now been to Agave twice for a meal. The first time was back in October, after running the Hartford Marathon. I had a few of their tacos then (including the Al Pastor) and their table-side guac. Maybe it was because I had just run, or maybe it was better back then, but I really enjoyed the meal.
On the way home from a Vermont ski trip, my friends and I stopped by yesterday, and my dinner there was not as tasty. I ordered the Lobster Enchilada ($19). It was okay, but the seafood enchilada I had prior to this at Barrio Cafe in Phoenix easily rocked the one from Agave.
We also ordered the table-side guac, which contained avocados, lime, and cilantro. The other side of our large table decided to add in a small cup full of habaneros. These spicy peppers didn't enhance the guacamole flavor, and only added a late setting kick to the dip. Their tortilla chips are good, as is their complimentary salsa. I could eat these all day, which explains why I couldn't finish my meal.
The gf ordered Tacos (Fried Fish, BBQ Pork, and Beef), which was better than my Lobster Enchilada. Instead of rice or beans, she opted for grilled vegetables as the side for the tacos.
Agave doesn't serve beers on tap, though they do have several Mexican beers. I ordered a XX Amber ($4) and many of my friends ordered their Margueritas. I hear their Margueritas for Two are not worth the price.
The service is good and the interior is clean, and they have a flat panel TV near the bar. -
Review from Bryan R.
12/29/2010
Some friends of ours really hyped this place up. Talked it up like it was one of the best Mexican Resteraunts in Connecticut. We gave it a try but were not as impressed. I would say they are probably a little more authentic than On The Boarder or Margarita's but sometimes more Mexican authentic isn't neceassarily good. Have you ever had a fajita in Mexico, the wrap sort of tastes like eating a paper bag. So, when people say 'definately not traditional Mexican food' that isn't always a bad thing.
We went for lunch, prices were about what you would pay for dinner at other Mexican places in Newington/East Hartford/surrounding area. The home made guacamole is made right in front of you and is pretty good. As someone who doesn't eat beans and didn't want a sandwich and fries plate it was difficult picking something from the menu.
I scanned over the menu a couple of times and finally settled on something that I didn't really want and didn't really enjoy that much. I wouldn't go as far as saying the food was 'bad' per say but I didn't really think it was that good and thinking back on it, the only real thing that stood out were the free chips that were kinda like eating business cards.
The atmosphere overall is pretty nice and the place is very popular. For the most part the staff is curtious but seemingly forgetful and seemed to disappear when we needed them the most.
All in all a 'fair' grade. Would definately 'consider' if I was waiting for a UCONN game or went to the art museum. -
Review from margaret o.
Waltham, MA
11/16/2011
Went to Agave Grill on our way to a show at the XL Center last night. The place was jammin when we got there and the hostess put our names on the wait and we grabbed some margaritas at the bar. The bartenders were friendly and grabbed our drinks right away.
We were seated in about 30 minutes (the hostess told us it would be an hour) so we were pleasantly surprised.
We had a group of 5 girls that were loud and needy. Our server Marissa was the best part of the whole night. She met every request with a smile on her face and you can tell she truly enjoyed being there. Marissa was going above and beyond to be sure we had the best guest experience possible.
The food was great. We had the table side guac as noted in the other posts as well as entres and nachos for an appetizer. -
Review from Taryn M.
8/18/2010
To me, the food here is very meh. It is certainly not authentic Mexican, and that in my mind leaves something to be desired.
The tableside guacamole is a nice feature, but overdone in Mexican restaurants at this point. I will admit, it is quite tasty, however! Other than that, nothing really shines at Agave. I have been here quite often and never "LOVED" anything I've ordered... with one exception. The Sunday brunch is absolutely excellent. I got some sort of delicious tostada omelet creation with lobster, and it was absolutely decadent.
Oh, and don't believe the hype -- the margaritas are NOT that great. -
Review from Greg G.
10/8/2009 3 photos
Taking the I-91E toward Hartford to transfer to the I-84E, I ask my Girlfriend...
"Do you wanna stop in Hartford?"
"Why would we stop in Hartford?"
"I dunno... So I can try to Yelp something?"
"Sure, I guess I'm hungry."
"Score."
Yes, I make unnecessary pit stops just to find places to Yelp. No, really, I wanted to see Hartford anyway!
Tucked in a far back corner between some of Hartford's larger buildings you'll find this sweet little Mexican joint. Agave Grill is as small as your local deli, but serves an extensive menu. They start by asking if you'd like guacamole, which they make fresh with ingredients from right off the table in front of you.
I usually don't order wraps, but I saw a server bring one to another table and thought it looked really good. I ordered that while my GF ordered a taco and enchilada. Both items tasted pretty good, nothing amazing but definitely tasty. It reminded me much like the flavor you'd find at a Chevy's. For under $20 the meal was worth it.
An A-OK Mexican restaurant nowhere near Mexico! Go check it out Hartford!Listed in: Out Of Town!
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Review from Jen H.
West Hartford, CT
10/6/2011
I've been going to agave for years but this is the first time I've felt the need to write a review. Our waitress forgot to ask if we wanted refried or vegetarian beans. I'm a veg and my husband is Muslim so pork lard is out of the question. We realized the beans might have lard and asked the staff. They were extremely helpful, fixed the probl immediately and brought us a complementary dessert. Excellent service and great guacamole.
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Review from Giselle R.
Jersey City, NJ
8/13/2008
So, here's how it went...
Lava mortar and pestle on every table with avocados and tomatoes ready to become guacamole.
Freshly fried tortilla chips with home made salsa that had a nice kick to it.
Said I'd have one to taste. Had like twenty.
Cesar Salad:manchego instead of parm.roasted corn.tortilla strips,anchovy dressing..grilled chicken breast. Romaine.It was good. Nice portion.
SantaFeSalad:chicken,avocado,tomato,lettuce,corn,b eans,dressing,tortillas. My compadres didn't leave a leaf/bean/kernel. Must have been good.
Fresh brewed unsweetened tea tasted like home made.Service was friendly,prompt,unobtrusive.
The decor was psuedo new mexico-y but the music was all puertorican salsa from the 80's...which was okay by me.
If I ever roll through Downtown Hartford again,I'll definitely get my molcajete on here. -
Review from Scotty J.
Updated - 5/30/2010
The tradition continues!
Another year, another trip to Hartford -- this time even earlier than before. Dave Matthews Band opened their 2010 tour in CT, so we made our pilgrimage and didn't omit any detail from the usual experience. That meant Agave Grill was on our evening fun roadmap and, like always, it didn't disappoint.
We began with the delightfully citrus seafood ceviche, served in a martini glass and overflowing with the fruit of the sea: shrimp, salmon, and calmari, coupled with orange, capers, tomatoes, and green chilis.
This year, I finally opted for the "Flight to Mexico," consisting of three pours of Herradura Tequila -- each smoother than the one before -- starting with the silver, tackling the Reposado second with our meal, and enjoying the whiskey-like Anejo afterwards. A three half-ounce flight for $10 was a steal and the one-ounce flight was only $19, which I would have sampled were we not bound for our concert.
For my entree, I had the paella -- which was overloaded with scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, chorizo, and chicken (on the bone). It wasn't spicy enough for me, so I added the table's hot sauce and I was good to go.
I'm really sad that Dave Matthews Band is taking a well-deserved year off in 2011; we'll just have to find another show to bring us back to Hartford so we can revisit our favorite Mexican restaurant!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2010
It's become a tradition for my best friend and I to see Dave Matthews Band every year and Hartford… Read more »
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Review from Michele T.
Hartford, CT
2/7/2009
No complaints here.
The grilled side of veggies were amazing and a different assortment to the regular frozen assortment I am used to seeing. If all I ever ordered was the jimaca salad I would always come out a winner.
The chips and gauc were worth every effort to get a table. The mussels appetizer was abundant for $8, and the churros for dessert were awesome and plentiful.
Again. no complaints from anyone in our party of 4. -
Review from David G.
Riverview, FL
8/2/2011
Given how far North of the Rio Grande this restaurant is located, this is some decent Mexican food. I tried the spicy beef and the vegetable enchilada plate. Overall not bad, though next time I will probably add some hot sauce.
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Review from Brenda S.
7/29/2006
It's trendy, full of people 25-40ish crowd. Although a lot of my friends like the food, I must say that I am bored with their lunch offerings. It's good, just not great or worthy of a rave. Fresh made guacamole at your table--yawn--guys get a new gimmick. This is not the best Mexican food that Hartford has to offer -- go to Mont Alban for that. The deserts are good and worth sharing.
Location, location. When there is a concert or an event at the Civic Center -- the freak show across the street is pretty spectacular. There is entertainment, but the band area is so tiny (up against the window that showcases the outside freak show) and the crowd so loud, that it is easy to forget that someone is performing. -
Review from Deron R.
1/29/2009
Well, I was in New England's Rising Star.... again. Been coming here for 3 years (sigh) and a stalwart of my Hartford restaurant rotation is Agave- No, really I enjoy this place, can eat in the bar (table for one?), lively crowd, good drinks, cute waitresses- exactly what the business traveler is looking for.
Couple tips:
Get the guacamole
Try the queso enchiladas
They can accomodate large parties in the back room- I'm talking big parties, we brought 25-30 people here on 20 minutes notice and they took care of us. Well played Senor Agave, well played.
