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Agave
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
Fri-Sat 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 8:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
98 reviews for Agave
Review Highlights
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"The chips and salsa are great to." In 16 reviews -
"The margaritas are about the best anywhere." In 26 reviews -
"...back tonight, gonna get me a Horny Toad margarita as well." In 3 reviews
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98 reviews in English
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Review from Sean H.
Danvers, MA
5/10/2012
The chips and fresh salsa are delicious. Margarita's were extremely tasty, and the food was very authentic and satisfying. I ordered the beef quesadilla app without black beans as my meal and it definitely filled me up. The guacamole was so fresh, and tasty. Portions were large and left little to be desired.
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Review from Andrew G.
Newburyport, MA
3/31/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Fantastic margaritas. Best chips and salsa anywhere I have ever had! I highly recommend the chicken chile relleno. You can't go wrong with that. Upstairs bar is very cozy. The crowd is a little stuffy, but the staff are always attentive and sociable.
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Review from Elaine C.
Danvers, MA
2/13/2012
I love the chips and salsa here. The sangria is my favorite. The wait staff is always polite and helpful. I have to give them extra kudos for having to run up and down stairs to the kitchen, especially if they are working the third floor. Sometimes I like the food. Unfortunately, the last time I was there, the veggie burrito was too salty so I didn't like it as well as the previous visit. I still recommend going since it is one of the better Mexican restaurants that I have found.
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Review from Devon M.
I came here for a bachelorette party and I really liked it. The staff was very accommodating, and also the servers were great. We ended up getting appetizers of nachos, a queso dip, and the at the table made guacamole. The queso was filled with meat and was very hearty and heavy, and the guac was really good. I would have preferred it to be a little more lime-y, but it was still tasty. After the heavy appetizers, a friend and I ended up splitting the shrimp and avocado salad, which had a honey cilantro dressing, and was filled with mango and all good things! I really liked the grilled shrimp a lot, and it was a lighter option.
The setting was a little weird when we were there. We were on the third floor and there were a number of drunk middle aged people getting crazy on tequila. -
Review from Rachael T.
Salem, MA
3/2/2012
I absolutely love Agave, and try to go every time I visit Newburyport. The margaritas are fresh and amazing, and the homemade tortilla chips are absolutely addictive. The service is excellent, the food is awesome, and the ambience is perfect. The prices are a little on the high side, but you absolutely get what you pay for.
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Review from Mr H.
Lynn, MA
11/12/2011
Take a blanket, sat upstairs, the cold draft running up was incredible, who can eat and enjoy with that?
Food was average -
Review from Kerri Y.
8/1/2011
YUM! Shrimp Tacos and Sangria make for a great meal.
The shrimp tacos were very tasty and a bit spicy; this is completely contrary to other reviews as I did not find them bland at all. The rice and refried beans, however, were a bit blah. I definitely found myself picking at them and then just pushing them around my plate. Red Sangia was better than most- a bit on the sweet side but not too sweet- just right! They had quite an interesting drink list, but the martinis seemed overpriced at $12-$14.
Big fan of the Chips and Salsa. Chips had some personality to them- not your standard Mexican restaurant chip, they are a bit thicker with great crunch; they also weren't bathed in salt like alot of other places so. I had to ask for another basket of chips and salsa it was so tasty.
Overall probably a 3.5 star review- darn you yelp for not having half stars! -
Review from Erin D.
Newburyport, MA
2/7/2012
An absolute favorite of ours. Food is slightly pricey, but always good. They make their own chips and salsa, which are always hot and excellent. Service has always been good to great, and never had to wait long for food to come out. It's traditional mexican fare with not much else to pick from if you're not a fan - a few soups and salads. The shrimp and avocado salad is excellent with a cilantro honey dressing. Also, make sure you save room for the amazing churro dessert - so good. Mondays and Tuesdays if you sit at the bar (either 1st floor or 3rd floor) they have a-la-carte tacos available for $2-$3 each (but watch out, it gets really crowded). Great margaritas and a large variety of tequila. In the summer the front doors are open and you get a great indoor-outdoor feel, or in the winter head upstairs by the fireplace. Always recommended.
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Review from Zoe P.
Arlington, MA
6/3/2011
In no way is this place A-OK. The healthy, creative, delightfully fresh (and slightly bland) Mexican food is actually better than that. Big beautiful salads with carefully cooked meats and fresh tortillas that have just enough bite and chew. Their menu says that their black bean salad is famous. "Really?" you say to yourself, "Famous?" Well, it should be. It's seriously good - tangy and beany with a little mango and onion and served over a bed of nice dark greens.
But in all honestly, the tender and toothsome chicken in my tacos would have been entirely flavorless if my dining companion hadn't asked for an extra bowl of the salsa that came with the chips, to have with our meal. Smarty. The salsa that actually came on my plate was the "fresh" kind that tastes only of cold, pink, slightly rubbery tomatoes. The carnitas my companion ordered were a better dish. But the menu is vast and the price is right and the food is 4-star if it's what you're looking for.
However, the service we received transformed a nice meal into an anxious and unpleasant memory. Our waitress really wanted us out of there - we were seated upstairs at the tail-end of a busy lunch shift on a holiday weekend. Like she would have been a brilliant actress on the 19th century stage - every movement of her body, every tiny gesture, every inflection of each and every word cried out, "Why, why, why have you betrayed me?" The fact that the hostess and the waitress were working out their differences via our lunch earns Agave a 1-star service rating. So again, not exactly A-OK. Unless you're looking for a performance . . .
Also, the name is excruciatingly cheesy, but, like the photos posted here on Yelp, it gives you an accurate sense of the crowd and cuisine. Did I mention the monterey jack? Yeah, they use a lot of it.Listed in: The Only Thing Worse than…
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Review from Chris M.
Salem, MA
3/10/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Yowza the reviews were really split about Agave so I was hesitant to try it and I waited until I had been there a few times to review it. My experiences so far have all been good. The food I've tried has been good, the drinks are nice and our server was fucking hilarious. So, I am a fan.
The times I have gone have been late afternoon visits and luckily I seemed to have missed the rush. I have only sat at the high tables in the bar area so I have been spared any screaming children while slurping my tequila. The server I mentioned I believe is a manager and he is just great. I came here on one of the lousiest days I've had in a long time and he had me laughing by the time I left.
So the margaritas are very good. They are not take my pants off and throw myself at the bartender good, but they hit the spot. I tend to order the horny toad, as I am partial to Hornitos tequila. Chips and salsa are provided when you are seated, both are yummy. The guacamole is so very, very delicious. The order comes out in a fun stone bowl that is heavier than the table and shaped like a pig. You could easily share with 3-4 people. The chicken quesadillas are very tasty. They are a large portion and come with refried beans, salsa, sour cream and rice. Refried beans make me want to kill myself so I'll have to remember to ask them to hold them next time.
The prices are higher than what you would find at a chain Mexican joint but the food is much better, the margaritas won't give you a screaming headache and gut-rot and the menus aren't sticky. The ambiance also wins out. I will definitely be back, I loves my tequila. -
Review from Steve A.
Newburyport, MA
1/13/2012
Good location and interior, but food is below average and expensive. My definition of average, getting 3 stars is acapulcos. Good mexican is just hard to find.
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Review from tricia r.
Methuen, MA
3/25/2011
3.5 stars with the potential for higher if I return and it's kickass.
I've been to Agave a few times, but rather spaced out over the course of the last few years. Although this place can sometimes have off-nights, my last meal at Agave was good all around.
First, I really liked the warm, homemade tortilla chips and hot salsa.
My friends complained that their quesadilla and guacamole were bland. I didn't taste them myself, so . . . there's no accounting for taste. My other friend got the special combo plate of the day and loved it. The plate was comprised of: cocida de pollo, carne asada taco and something else that I can't remember. I had the shrimp taco with a cabbage slaw, tomatoes and a chipotle mayo. It was delicious, flavorful and very filling.
I also like their rice and beans. Nothing special, just really satisfying.
I didn't get an alcoholic drink, so I'll leave it up to others here to advise you on that score.
I would definitely revisit Agave.
And I just want to say this because it needs to be said:
Just because it's the "Northeast" doesn't mean there isn't good Mexican around here. I'm completely sick of people writing snooty reviews that say things like, "After living in FL/NM/CA/etc. for about half a minute, I consider myself a connoisseur of Mexican food, and I think the food sucks here. . . ." Blah-blah. Good food is good. Period. I don't need to be fanned by palm trees to have a good taco. Some of us travel, cook and have reasonably good taste enough to know good from mediocre. Agave mostly gets it right. -
Review from Don M.
Epping, NH
1/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Need better apps. Here to do apps and drink in a few places and this is not friendly for that.
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Review from Liz F.
Portland, OR
12/18/2011
The only reason I give these guys a three is because of their portions which are SMALL. I don't ever feel that full when I leave. But, their enchilada's are great, as are their beans, rice and especially the guacamole. I've heard great things about their margarita's too but I've never had one. The atmosphere is fairly nice and the service is efficient.
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Review from edith p.
Newburyport, MA
3/1/2012
The food is bland for Mexican, and way overpriced, The upstairs bar is fun and the margaritas are good. Stick to the drinks.
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Review from Dee P.
Auburndale, MA
11/23/2010
Popped into Agave on a recent trip to the permanent flea (Oldies) in Newburyport, despite my fiance's reservations that it's a chain (I'm pretty sure not-- I think he was thinking of Chipotle).
Our host & server was great, from his sense of humor to his knowledge, enthusiasm and promptness. There are apparently several floors; we asked which he recommended and he said "well I'm HERE, so obviously I recommend this floor." Points for amusing us.
One star is lost only because prices seemed a bit high and because after an extensive discussion of the available "flights" of tequila and my assertion that even if it's not the best, I wanted to see what Sammy Hagar was doing with the stuff, on the bill was a completely different brand which was $3 more for the order. So I don't know if I got the Sammy and paid for the other, or got the other and have no idea what the Sammy tastes like, still. I didn't have the energy to argue, or maybe I was just too tipsy. The relief hostess was sooo surly looking... glad we didn't have to talk to her because we walked in while she was getting coffee. I prefer service with a SMILE and all of that.
Overall an excellent, if somewhat painful to the skinflint's wallet, meal. -
Review from Sara S.
Boston, MA
Vegetarians and health-conscious folks rejoice at ginormous vegetarian plate and oversized table-made guacamole. Sure, Agave serves typically cheese-drenched and fried Mexican foods like fish tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and other deliciousness, but also caters to those who love Mexican food and healthier options.
Specifically, the vegetarian plate was huge and came with marinated and grilled green, red, yellow peppers, onions, and asparagus, alongside a side salad (with honey-cilantro dressing) white sticky rice, and black beans. Veggie. Heaven.
I'm not the biggest guacamole fan, but could have eaten this guac all day. What's great is the waiter comes to table before the item is prepared to show you the ingredients, so you can tailor the spice and herb flavors for your liking.
Five stars for deliciously prepared, fresh food with stellar service in a fun atmosphere. -
Review from Kathleen H.
Beverly, MA
6/25/2009
You know how, after being in an agonizing emotionally exhausting freakin' legal procedure for 2 years, you finally reach a huge milestone after 3 final hours of smash trash hashing that signifying it's all downhill from there and you're home free, and then you say to yourself, 'Holy Mother of All that is Sacred and Hail to Our Lady of Persistent of Annoyance, I need Drink?'
Or maybe you say WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO! and do a little happy dance, consider getting a tattoo, and say, 'you know, what would be GREAT right now? A DRINK.'
Or maybe you have borderline psychotic mood swings between those two as you wander dazed all around Newburyport at noontime because you just can't go home yet, and then stumble into Agave, because they have 83 different kinds of tequila, and you order a margarita.
Because that's what I did. Carrying a thick stack of Important Paper and evidently looking like something a very large cat dragged in. I looked in the mirror behind the bar and almost fell into the huge reflection of the dark circles under my eyes. AAUAAUUGH! And the bartender came up, gave me The Scrutinizing Look, and said, 'honey, you look like yer havin' the kinda day I'm havin'. Maybe. . worse. " And proceeded to make me a paint-peeling margarita, and kept it topped off during my whole lunch.
THANK YOU.
Food? They have it. errmmmm. . .it was adequate. The salsa was actually pretty good. The chips and fish in my fish tacos tasted like they'd been fried in oil lots of other stuff had been fried in. Unfortunately, that flavor permeated the tacos, since there wasn't a lot of other. . flavor. They were greasy and carby and helped soak up the margarita, but the tortillas were clearly packaged and the cabbage just didn't have any zing. Beans and rice were fine, and came with a warning of "HOT PLATE". . . which is of course necessary at any restaurant purporting to be Mexican.
Would I go again? Yep. To the bar. And I might eat while I was there, but for the food? Nah.
Did I mention they have 83 kinds of tequila? -
Review from Dan R.
Beverly, MA
10/29/2011
Beautiful restaurant right in the downtown area of one of the prettier places on the north shore. Friendly service and perfect amount of time ot have a drink an relax. To start, the Tortilla soup is fantastic! I'm not sure what they do to their refried beans but they are ridiculous. Love the enchiladas and carne asada burrito too!
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Review from Lawrence M.
Glendale, CA
5/15/2008
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. Period.
I had been to Agave a few times back around 2003, and I had nothing but fond memories of it... but ALAS, in 2005 I moved to the cultural wasteland that is Western Massachusetts and almost forgot that Agave even existed.
I recently moved back to the North Shore, and upon revisiting Agave tonight for the first time in years, I can honestly say that I love it just as much now as I did back then. We started out with the guacamole, which was made at the table and was some of the best I've had in recent memory. For my entree, I had the chicken and cheese chile relleno. So many restaurants mess this dish up, but the one at Agave had just the right balance of chile, cheese, and sauce (and the breading on the outside of the pepper didn't taste like month-old cooking oil like it so often does elsewhere). My boyfriend had a chicken burrito with salsa verde which he reportedly liked better than the ones he's gotten recently at my *second* favorite Mexican restaurant (Mexico Lindo in Melrose). In my previous visits, I got the chicken enchiladas and the mole poblano, both of which were fan-freakin'-tastic.
The service was generally very friendly and efficient. The boy who brought us our initial allotments of tortilla chips and water kind of seemed like he wanted to hurl himself head-first out of the second story window next to our table, but everyone else we encountered - including our waiter - was extremely courteous and quick to respond to our every need.
Is Agave pricey? Yes. But is it worth it? Absolutely. -
Review from Minda H.
Methuen, MA
2/6/2008
TRY the tortilla soup. It's not that fake stuff that looks like chicken broth out of a can with bell peppers and chicken parts thrown in over a soggy bed of tortilla strips. THIS is the real thing, which appears as a dark, rich, and thick smooth broth of pasilla peppers and tomatoes and comes served with crema mexicana, queso fresco, and freshly diced guacamole on the side. (And if they skimp on the avocado, the server will happily bring more - just ask). THIS is how tortilla soup should always be served and represented. THIS is how it comes to you on the outskirts of Mazatlan at Casa Loma where mom and dad cook, mom serves the meal, and the kids smile at you from around the corner, and nobody speaks English, but everyone gets along just fine. THIS is tortilla soup. TRY it.
The shrimp tacos are excellent as well, served with a delightfully spicy aioli on the side. Beware ye of the weak palate! (Just go easy on the stuff if you are wimpy in the heat department). Sometimes the corn tortillas fall apart. But they still taste good if you have to eat them with a fork.
As far as crowds and waiting? Go during the off season. Go when it's not peak lunching or dinnering times. And it's Newburyport, so it's going to be a bit more expensive than maybe it should be - but alas. Such is life. Try to enjoy it anyway. -
Review from Milee S.
10/13/2009
Finding good Mexican food in Mass is a challenge, to say the least. I sure was excited for Mex food on a recent visit to Newburyport. No wait for a table for lunch, and this was a busy day.
I wanted a good meal, but didn't want to pay $15 for an entree so I stuck with appetizer options. I had the veggie quesadilla, my friends had the corn and CHEESE chowder (it was apparantly very cheesy), shrimp quesadilla and steak salad.
We were served great chips and spicy salsa. Food came out fast and hot and very tasty.
My only complaints are that there is no lunch priced options on the menu except for the salads and appetizers and that the server refilled my coke with iced tea. Didn't really enjoy that.
I'd come back to try some of their dinner options. -
Review from Stacie R.
East Bridgewater, MA
8/28/2011
I went to Newburyport for the first time yesterday to celebrate my birthday with my parents and my husband. We decided to take a break from shopping and have a drink at the bar. The ambiance is great! Downstairs is the bar and upstairs is the restaurant. My mother and I shared a pitcher of Sangria which was excellent! My dad who is super picky about his magaritas thoroughly enjoyed his. They offer top-shelf tequila and make some killer magaritas. They serve fresh baked tortilla chips with salsa and quickly replaced them with a fresh bowl when they were empty. Bartenders were great! They gave us a credit on the pitcher of Sangria since it was my birthday....This bar was great! I would definitely go back if I am ever in the area again.
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Review from A. C.
Boston, MA
7/31/2011
Complimentary chips and salsa are actually worth eating here. Delicious fish tacos but the refried beans and rice on the side were pretty bland.
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Review from Amy K.
7/29/2008
Mediocre Mexican food at best sizing up the orders around us (we all went with salads). Chips and salsa were good, salsa had a nice kick to it. Wandered into this place when we met up with my sister during our East Coast trip. She and I both had the grilled salad (the lettuce was the grilled part) and it had some avocado, tomatoes and cucumbers on the side, plus a sprinkling of cheese and pumpkin seeds over the lettuce...it wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible. JP had the gazpacho, which tasted like a soup-y version of the salsa and the shrimp and mango salad....his salad was definitely the better choice.
Austin our server was good. We were seated promptly. Diet coke and water were always full, so 3 stars (plus it's located in a freakin quaint little New England town). A visit here helped me remember why I didn't know what "real" Mexican food was growing up on the East Coast until I visited a friend in CA years ago...it's a shame that the East Coast can't get a handle on doing Mexican better or even well... didn't spy one taco trip during our entire trip which spanned Boston to RI to Newburyport back to Boston. -
Review from Ken C.
Brookline, MA
7/14/2010
Overpriced, bland Mexican food.
$16.95 for a burrito rice and beans? are you kidding?
Here's a tip - if you've got a craving for mexican food while in Newburyport, go down the street to The Grog and order the sweet potato/black bean burrito for $8.95. Big as your forearm and VERY tasty... -
Review from Nate R.
Haverhill, MA
9/24/2008
I went here for dinner last Saturday.
We ate upstairs on the third floor which was really nice. I was feeling pretty slow after a long birthday celebration from the night before, but the decor and sight of margaritas lifted my spirits.
The (what seemed to be) home made chips and salsa were great. For some reason if you bring me free chips and salsa I will like the place no matter what.
I got the steak burrito w/ no beans, which was delicious. I am not the biggest Mexican food fan but always end up pleased with my meal. I would give the company I was with 5 stars and the restaurant 3.5 stars.
The margarita was fantastic as well. -
Review from J W.
Fort Collins, CO
8/5/2008
I consider myself a southwestern cuisine snob (as I grew up in New Mexico), but I have to say that Agave does a great job with their variety of southwestern fare. Not something I expected up in New England and certainly better than the largely shitty selection of Mexican restaurants in Boston. The margaritas and tequila selection is notable.
Worth checking out if you are in the Newburyport area.Listed in: Some of my reviews.
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Review from Matthew A.
Salem, NH
6/5/2010
This place is a HOT SPOT!
3 floors, all packed with young, professionals this is the spot to eat, drink, and be seen in Newburyport.
The 3rd floor bar is a great hangout, and the margaritas here are the best anywhere.
We had to wait, which was to be expected, so we headed to the 3rd floor bar to unwind. The bar is really cool with a waterfall behind the bar all lite up.
The food here is most likely the best Mexican on the North Shore.
Chips, salsa, and guac are instant winners here.
Our waiter forgot the appetizer guauc order. He comped it as well as brought everyone small individual dishes. (This happened to someone that reviewed this place, Kristen F)
I had the pork burrito verde which came with rice and beans and was delicious. The burritos here are big and are a good value.
All the meals are fresh, fresh, fresh, and came out fairly quick after ordering.
A bit pricey yes, but well worth the experience. -
Review from Sean P.
Sandwich, MA
7/27/2010
Word from a friend was to absolutely order the guacamole, and the recommendation was right on. They bring out all of the freshly prepped ingredients, ask if you would like mild, medium or spicy, and then proceed to mix it up in the mocajete right next to your table. It was fantastic, as were the fish tacos and chicken mole. Everything around us looked fabulous, including the decor in the cozy upstairs dining room.
We were glad we called ahead for a reservation for our party of 8 on a Sunday night, and were promptly seated and well taken care of as a result. -
Review from Jeffrey N.
Salisbury, MA
Updated - 7/28/2011
It is rather foolish of me to give a negative review after trying just a few meals so I decided to give it another go. I was pleasantly surprised this time around. The appetizers and drinks were top notch and the menu has much more choices than other Mexican joints around here giving you a wide variety of dinner choices.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2011
Maybe it is because I spent some years in FL but Mexican is just not as good in this area. Agave is… Read more »
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Review from Lee F.
Salem, MA
2/28/2010 1 photo
Great food, great service, great ambiance. I went here for dinner last night. I've been meaning to try Agave for a long time and this place didn't let me down. Service was excellent. Our server kept our soda and water glasses full & each course was brought fairly quickly. Another server came over with a free chips and salsa refill literally the minute we finished! Service wad fast, friendly & attentive.
The food was delicious. Portions were good and entered came with a healthy- sized side of rice and beans. Our flautas & enchiladas were great-the chicken & steak were tender and flavorful. The flan was out of this world. It was denser than other flan I've tried-it was like cheesecake.
I had great food and a great experience. I'll definitely be back. -
Review from Eliza H.
Providence, RI
8/28/2011
My boyfriend and I stopped in for lunch while passing through the area. We were starving and had no expectations-- we just wanted to eat. How lovely that Agave turned out to be such a pleasant and delicious lunch spot! We sat in the downstairs bar area. The restaurant seemed pretty busy, especially for a weekday lunchtime, but our service was great-- friendly and efficient. We thoroughly enjoyed the (I think homemade) chips and salsa, the black bean soup, chicken avocado wrap, and fish tacos. It all seemed very fresh, and my only regret was that, as we were traveling, we couldn't take our leftovers with us!
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Review from Jeff M.
7/31/2009
I've been here maybe two dozen times and have only had one bad meal. I order Chili Verde that was much too salty.
The only problem with Agave is that the menu never changes and the specials are usually just some combination plate of what is already on the menu. The three deserts are also pretty boring. -
Review from Megan H.
South Hamilton, MA
1/3/2012
We ate on the second floor for a quieter dinner. We weren't sure what to expect, but went because of a gift card. WE LOVED IT. Highly recommend the carne asada burrito, and my chicken relleno was good, too. The cheese dip was a bit too heavy for us, but awesome if you can ignore the obvious fat intake. Mary Catherine was a wonderful server! The only negative (which didn't require any star negation in my book) was that the tap water wasn't good. But the drinks were great, so get one instead! We will be back!
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Review from Emily H.
Northampton, MA
5/13/2007
After reading the mixed reviews on this restaurant, I decided to give it a shot. I had high hopes--we were seated right away and drinks arrived almost immediately. But then so did our food, and the waiters asking repeatedly how things were--before we'd even had our plates for 5 minutes! So I would give 1 star for the crummy service--I know this place is busy, but there were plenty of empty tables around us, so I didn't understand the rush.
The food was mediocre at best. The chips to open the meal were extremely hard and yet somehow still greasy, quite a feat! My husband ordered the cheese enchilada which was just boring cheese with a citrus tang to it. I would hardly call cheese melted between a tortilla--something you would feed to a child--an enchilada. I ordered the traditional burrito which was OK, but far from the best burrito I've ever tasted (though it was the most expensive I've ever had).
I wasn't expecting to be surrounded by kids either. We were seated between two families with screaming children. Not the restaurant's fault, but I gladly would have waited for a seat near the bar away from the little ones. It wouldn't have been so bad if the restaurant didn't have far too many tables in the dining area (we sat on the second floor).
A resounding "meh" and I will never go back. Too bad, because I still haven't found a decent Mexican restaurant in this area. -
Review from Garry C.
Groveland, MA
5/16/2008
One of the top mexican resaurants in the area (not saying much). This place has great chips and salsa to start off the meal and the drinks are amazing. The bartenders are great and really know their stuff.
The food is alright but it was wayyyyyy too much cheese. If there was less cheese it would not make every dish as soggy as it appears. It is overpriced (like many resaurants in Newburyport) and during tourist season it is a very long wait. -
Review from Jenna M.
Newburyport, MA
4/25/2010
I went to Agave as I had heard how great it was. I waited so long to try it as for Mexican food compared to other places I thought it was much higher priced, which more money does not equate to better food that is for sure.
I had to send my food back. The chicken was way too salty. They came back and apologized, they said they do not know what happened but ye, the chicken was way too salty. They took my dinner off the bill and I munch on the tortilla chips and salsa.
Agave was not for me. -
Review from Sarah J.
Updated - 11/30/2010
Pepper margarita. Holy yumminess.
Listed in: The Boozey Life, Pahk the Cah
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/18/2010
Mmmmm guacamooooole. That's what my friends and I say every time we go to Agave. I live in DC but… Read more »
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Review from Dan F.
Newburyport, MA
5/30/2011
As other reviewers before me, I was a little hesitant about going to Agave given the split reviews. I had been once years before, and remember it having a nice atmosphere but couldn't remember what I had to eat so I was considering this time as my first trip.
I have traveled to northern Mexico, which is where my appreciation for Mexican cuisine stems from. Some would say the food from that area is more Tex-Mex, and while that's true, I think of it as more Aztec versus the Mayan food of the Yucatan, which tends to use more spices and chocolate (mole sauce for example is a southern thing). Anyways. I was pleasantly surprised that this restaurant has a good balance of both, as typical Mexican restaurants in the US focus on southern style Mexican ingredients, even if they are making northern dishes, and often they are not really authentic to begin with so they just don't taste as good as the real stuff. This place does northern (enchiladas, quesadillas, carne asada, and tamales) really well, as it does the southern dishes like moles and guacamole and cactus. I had the carne asada plato, which was wonderful, and they have several other ways of plating and serving different meats, such as the carne asada. my wife had steak enchiladas which were amazing and the corn tortillas tasted more authentic than any I have tasted since being in Texas or Mexico. Great stuff. Also, the warm fresh tortilla chips are friggin' amazing.
Going back tonight, gonna get me a Horny Toad margarita as well.
