Meh about sums it up. I will say that when I went I did not have a margarita, and they looked,really good, but the food was not great. I did love the modern decor though. I may give the margaritas a try and update the review.
(2)
Kaitlyn W.
Wonderful restaurant! This place has a great atmosphere. I love the art and the ambiance of the restaurant. The food is really good and the menu is really large. We went with someone who doesn't love Mexican food, but was able to eat food from the seafood section of the menu. There are usually discounts available online, so check before you go. The agave margaritas are a must - order a pitcher and share amongst the table. If you're looking for a good Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and great margaritas, this is the place to go!
(5)
Don I.
Wow! Mexican food is my favorite cuisine, so I am very critical. I have no criticisms to offer, only praises. First, they have a nice variety of handmade margaritas that are reasonably priced. I can only assume that there salsa was homemade because the flavor was fabulous. The queso dip was similar to everyone else's in flavor, however unlike so many places, this was served hot and it was nice and thick not the typical runny liquid. Here is a another good sign. If you like guacamole go ahead and order it here. Avocados are out of season right now because it is the middle of January. However, their guacamole was spiced and seasoned so well that you would never know you are eating avocados grown and picked in the middle of winter. I've been here twice now, once for lunch and once for dinner. First time I had the Agave burrito,second time the Agave quesadilla. If you are a big fan of Mexican cuisine, do don't overlook this place. My suggestion would be to consider the 1&2 star ratings as coming from someone who was not very happy the day they wrote their reviews. Adios!
(4)
Mitzi K.
Excellently prepared, fresh, flavorful Mexican. The Enmoladas was a perfect blend of authentic mole sauce and perfectly grilled chicken. Husband loved the cilantro rice with his pollo poblano. The specialty margaritas are worth the up charge. Attentive and friendly service. Highly recommend! Looking forward to our next visit!
(5)
Claire L.
First visit left us very satisfied! The space is very unique and modern. We sat inside but they do have a nice outdoor dining area which is great. My pork tacos were very good, rice had no flavor. Husband's burrito was the size of a small car. Seems like the burrito should've been a bit smaller and some sides included. Guacamole was good (no Bakersfield) but the portion was very small for $5. We got our food very quickly, presentation was pretty typical of Mexican food. Seemed to be plenty of staff and our server was very nice but we have to ask for our check about 15-20 minutes after we were done eating. Good overall and we left very full!
(4)
Kevin S.
Every Mexican restaurant has chips and salsa, but for some reason, their chips stood out as some of the best. Could not put my finger on exactly why, but scarfed them all down and asked for more. I had the steak burrito, which was good, but undersized for your typical burrito. Better for the waist, but as I was taking 1/2 home, would have liked a better value for the money. My wife had the steak, which was delicious but lots of fat. Maybe that's why it tasted so good. Definitely would go back.
(4)
Alex S.
I've been to Agave at least 6 times and it has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. Part of the reason is because of its prime location - I live close to the Monon trail and it's nice to have a Mexican restaurant within walking distance. I even trudged there through 8 inches of snow this winter, and that pitcher of agave margarita made it worth it! That being said, this place is still trying to "figure it out." The space is quite unique - a converted art gallery with two floors. It has a nice Chihuly-esque piece that is mostly visible from the second floor. Speaking of which, the 2nd floor is where the bar is. It's not very large and doesn't have anything on draft (not the kind of space for that) but it works. The service tends to be on the slow side here, so you have to have some patience. However, once you order the food tends to come out pretty quick, which I think is fantastic. The biggest fault of this place is that is does not do well at handling seating when it's busy. They do not have a host - most of the time seating is done by their older gentleman who I assume owns the place. There is extremely limited standing room inside the restaurant, and with only single door entry, expect to get a bit chilly sitting anywhere near the door in the winter. In the summer, there is a lot of extra outdoor seating right next to Main Street that is great, though! Their food is quite excellent, and pretty much anything that uses their shredded chicken is always a slam dunk for me. Highly recommend the Los Tres Burritos. The restaurant would greatly benefit from a host on busy nights who is better able to communicate with the customers and take care of seating.
(4)
Sarah C.
I definitely enjoyed the Agave burrito and chips and salsa. And the wine was tasty. So overall, my experience with the food and drink options were on the grade A side of things. Price wise? Eh, it seemed a bit pricey - even though they are located in the heart of Carmel. I think it's a great restaurant addition to the Arts & Design District. I absolutely love that area and want to continue to see it thrive. I do believe, though, that they could do a bit better on making the entrees more affordable. Service was so-so. Nothing terrible, mind you, but I wasn't that impressed. I met a friend for dinner late in the evening and was honestly unaware of what time the restaurant closed. We were quickly reminded as they blinked the lights on and off on us. What are we - 5 year olds? No need for the not-so subtle prompt. A server could have reminded us 15 minutes before closing that they were rapping things up. Word to the wise - when opening a new restaurant, do everything in your power to make your customers feel appreciated. Whether you are annoyed with the slower eaters or not, they're the ones that will inevitably say good or bad things about your place. And you'll most likely (like myself) have customers that will write a review soon after visiting.
(3)
Christine S.
This place was wonderful, maybe not by Carmel standards but compared to what we have in our town a nice Mexican restaurant. I loved the Agave dip.
(4)
James B.
Salsa is tasty. service is prompt. enchiladas had very fresh chicken and a nice to taste to them.
(4)
Alex H.
There are many great restaurants in the Carmel area so I was surprised I had never heard of Agave. The location is great, right outside downtown with plenty of street parking. We opted to sit inside since the day we went was particularly chilly, but they seemed to have plenty of outdoor tables available during nicer weather. We had the queso as an appetizer and it was fantastic! It was not runny like a lot of the other places I've been before. I got tacos for my entree, which were also great but came with a very spicy habanero sauce I wish I had been warned about. The friend I was with got a margarita as well as the taco salad, both of which she said were good. Overall, Agave has an upscale atmosphere at a reasonable price. The food was great and for what I paid I was even able to take some of my meal home. The chips, queso and salsa were fantastic!
(4)
Lisa W.
I really like this place. Especially when it is nice and you can get a table outside. Although, the decor inside is pretty good especially when they have the upstairs part open and you can go gaze at the giant glass sculpture hanging up there. A few months ago they introduced a special burrito called the Bandera Burrito. It has since been added to the regular menu. I love this burrito! It has everything in it, steak, chicken, shrimp, churrizo... Then it is topped with 3 sauces (red sauce, verde sauce and a white cheese sauce) to look like a mexican flag, so the presentation is as nice as the flavor of the burrito. Since I had this, it is the only thing I have ordered, so I can't speak to much else on the menu, but I can say if you have this burrito you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Nicole S.
The food here is fine, although if you're looking for authentic Mexican food, you'd be sadly disappointed by Agave. I got the Agave Enchiladas, which were just "meh." I would not get them again. They were basically just corn tortillas rolled around some chewy beef, covered with green sauce. Which, like, that sounds like an enchilada, right? But there was something missing from these. Also, they were uncomfortably spicy, and the meal came with three of them, so it was three times the spicy meh-ness. I also ordered sangria, and that, too, was nothing special. It tasted like it came from a can. This was probably my fault -- I mean, sangria is Spanish, not Mexican, so why did I order it at a Mexican restaurant thinking it was going to be good? That was dumb. The service was shoddy -- we didn't see our server the entire time, then at the end, he kept trying to take my plate as I was clearly still eating from it! This happened twice. My dining partner got the fajitas and enjoyed them, but said the rice and beans were just OK. Also, the guacamole was kind of slimy, like it wasn't freshly made. (You know, the more I reflect on the meal, the more I want to change my rating to two stars! We'll say it was two-and-a-half stars.) The chips and salsa were really good, though.
(3)
Elisha G.
This place is a hidden gem in a beautiful part of Carmel. It's beautifully decorated, clean, and the staff is awesome! When we were seated the server immediately greeted us, took our drink orders and gave us chips. Our food was brought out immediately and our sever came back several times to ensure that we had what we needed. I absolutely love the service that we received. In regards to the food the portions were very large for the price that we paid for our meals. To me it tasted like authentic Mexican food and with such a variety of items to choose from one would have to go back several times as its hard to pick just one item! The food was so awesome that I didn't want to take anyone, I finished it there! The drink specials were awesome and the margaritas were awesome as well. Overall I absolutely LOVED the place and I am now making it a point to stop in whenever I go to my doctors office which is located in Carmel!
(5)
Jane S.
We arrived at Agave and were seated outside with a closed umbrella at the table. The waiter never said anything about it initially and it was impossible to see the other person across from me. I asked the waiter if he could raise it up. He then gave us a long speech about all the things that could happen if the wind took the umbrella such as it hitting a car, hitting another person, damaging property etc. Not understanding why he was telling us this we asked " So what you're saying is, if we open the umbrella we are responsible if any of those things happen?" He said yes and we just asked him to take it out completely feeling irritated that he didn't just say that in the first place. (Mind you there were about 6 other tables with umbrellas already open). The De La Casa Margarita is awful. It tastes like a straight mix. I asked the waiter if he could change it to The Skinny Margarita that the other person got and he said "Yes, I will dump a little of this out and put some of that mix in it"....Not what I asked. Still tasted bad. I ordered the combo plate with two ground beef enchiladas, and they we're extremely soggy and the meat had no taste. My friend ordered the fish tacos and it was a tortilla full of fish....nothing else. Will not go back and recommend people not to go.
(2)
Anna O.
My heart ached when Sonata tapas closed at the same location. The new owners adapted the gallery-like space quite well with art and the bar design. Fits very well in the Carmel Arts and Crafts atmosphere and is begging to become a favorite for many girl-nights-out. The food is fresh and reasonably priced at the $7-8 lunch. The portions are thankfully more reasonable than most restaurants (which may leave an occasional guy disappointed). No shortage of good Mexican restaurants around Indy. The better ones have there distinct "signature" in the flavor of chips and salsa. Agave's is "thin, crunchy chips, fresh mild smoky salsa". Out of our selections of Chicken taco salad, quesadilla, burrito and Pollo Hawaii the chicken with ham and pineapple took the creativity prize. Give it a try on your next trip to Main Street Carmel.
(4)
Jennifer B.
I've been here a few times, beginning last year when I began dating someone who lived in Westfield and this is one of his favorite places. It's very clean and modern, with seating both upstairs and down and sidewalk sweating in the spring/summer. Bothe upstairs and downstairs have a bar, with the main bar being upstairs. The margaritas are good, but extremely pricey. $12.99 for a medium margarita and my chimichanga dinner was $11.99. Not worth the money, IMO, but how do you not get a marg when you're out for Mexican? Chimichangas are HUGE and nicely crisp. Queso is the typical white cheese. Nothing special about it. Friendly and fast service. I'll continue to return, but be prepared for a hefty bill. $48 for dinner for two (two entrees, order of queso & we split the margarita)!
(4)
Leslie H.
Arts District has a new Mexican go-to place. Agave has a nice patio seating if the weather is great. Service is good and portions are pretty huge. It's very reasonably priced considering the ginormous amount of food one will get. Their guacamole was pretty good and they didn't skimp on the avocado. They have a good selection of entrees including chimichangas. One thing though is their lack of dessert selection. They now serve just flan and fried ice cream. Parking can be quite tough. Don't be surprised if you need to walk for a little bit. However, enjoy the sights and sounds of Main St. in Carmel while you're at it.
(3)
Charlie D.
Food is good but if they advertise a coupon on their front door they should have a coupon on that site. Not sure if we will come back or not isn't that false advertising?
(3)
Carly S.
Once upon a time, there was a Groupon that was about to expire. We waited until a weeknight in the hopes it would give us the best chance of true happiness. Alas, the slipper did not fit. Margaritas were bland and watery. The tomato sauce soaking our meals both smelled and tasted like off-brand tomato soup. In contrast, the free salsa tasted exceptionally fresh, and the service was fast and fairly friendly. The decor is really lovely. But it just wasn't meant to be. The quest for decent Mexican food in Carmel continues...
(2)
Liz N.
Delicious! Had this as take out once and ate at the restaurant (seated outside) more recently. The food is so darn delicious. The grilled shrimp chimichanga was awesome. The fajitas and quesadillas were also delicious. Great atmosphere sitting outside in the front at sunset-- lovely experience, great service.
(5)
Thomas N.
Nice atmosphere. Their fajitas are excellent. Their alcohol is at a very reasonable price. We had 2 meals with a beer each and the bill was well under $30. I will eat here again if I'm in the area.
(5)
Kevin D.
The service was great. But the food was mediocre and the Agave margarita was a little too sweet.
(2)
Ron R.
When it comes to Carmel, I think this is the top Mexican spot. The food is always cooked fresh and the place is always clean. The service can use some work in my opinion as they always seem mad but it is probably their normal disposition. The chips here are delicious and always fill me up before my entree comes (ugh, don't you hate that?) and their salsa is so good it is practically drinkable. When I have a hankering for Mexican, this is the spot. That being said, if you are from the Southwest or California, you may think this is sub-par and I do not blame ya (lives in Phoenix 6 years)...but hey, its Indy!
(4)
Tom B.
We went o Agave Bar and Grill for the first time today, and I was very impressed. Every aspect of the experience was top-notch. I had the Carnitas, which is a slow-roasted pork dish. The pork was very tender and full of flavor, with fresh corn tortillas. Service was outstanding, and the interior was nicely decorated. The decor blends well with the art gallery look & feel of the Main Street area. My wife had the Tacos de Carne Asada, which I found to be authentic and reminiscent of the thousands of tacos I've had in Guadalajara. Real Mexican tacos, of course, are pretty simple. Small corn tortillas, chopped flank steak, chopped onions and cilantro - that's all you need. We also had the fresh guacamole, along with the flautas. I can't say enough about this place. It was really wonderful and a pleasant surprise.
(4)
Aleta M.
Good restaurant, but one flaw. Service can be very slow. Also, I was told that they cannot accommodate gluten free - Paleo diets. Ah, well, they make great margaritas!!!
(3)
Lauren A.
I judge the authenticity of a Mexican restaurant by the existence of Chimichangas on their menus. Don't get me wrong, I love me some deep-fried-burrito goodness, but it's been a good barometer. And it was not wrong in this case. It had Chimichangas and wasn't very authentic. Good food, don't get me wrong, but not authentic. The salsa was great. Perfect level of spice. I got the Enchilada Carnitas and my sister got the Agave Burrito. Both of us had our Mexican food cravings satisfied. The service was good. We were a bit indecisive and they didn't seem annoyed at having to come back a few times. While I didn't order it, they had lamb on the menu which was super cool. But, it's not a Mexican restaurant experience, in my opinion, without some tequila adult beverages. They have my favorite, Casa Noble Anjeo, so that's great, but all their margaritas are made with a purchased mix. Boo. I won't be wasting a good tequilla with a bad mix so I got the Black Margarita with whatever it normally comes with. It was actually black so that was cool. It was as good as can be expected with a bought mix, which is to say, too sweet. So, I'm dinging them a star for that. They almost lost two stars over it, but the food was tasty so, I'll go with four stars.
(4)
Tony T.
We have been here twice and plan on another visit with friends in a week. Both times the food has been hot and fresh. Good menu selection. Including lamb on the menu. Drinks are good and cold. We have not had any issues with service as some others have. So far the wife and I find it to be the best Mexican in the area.
(4)
Kaitlyn S.
Great salsa and guac!! Beautiful inside and good food ! If you're new in carmel, stop In to eat here, you won't regret it .
(4)
Ann L.
I had dinner here last night with a friend; we wanted to try out a place we hadn't been before in the Carmel Arts District, and so opted to give Agave a try. We were not disappointed! We were greeted by a very friendly hostess, and our drink order was taken promptly. The "medium" margaritas may seem a little pricey, but are large enough to last through chips, dinner and even a bit of after dinner imbibing. I had the Agave margarita and it was great! The chips were fresh, tasty, and plentiful and the salsa was also clearly freshly made and tasty. Since this was my first visit here, I went classic with the tacos de carne asada. They were delicious! I had the black beans instead of refried as my side; just as an FYI, these are served in broth in a bowl. I wasn't expecting a soup like side, but it was quite good! Portion sizes are what I consider appropriate and reasonable, but those with larger appetites might consider small. Prices are very reasonable though so those with larger appetites could easily add on some other items. Service was wonderful! Attentive without being intrusive. Food and drinks came out quickly, but we were not rushed. The atmosphere is bright, modern and not too loud. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu here!
(4)
Dave C.
Fist time at Agave. It was a nice night and we were able to sit outside. It can get a bit loud with the car's going buy but still it was a nice setting. The food was a lot better than I expected. Not anything like the typical Mexican places around Carmel. This one is a better quality of food. The service was very good and the Patron Margarita was excellent. Will certainly be back to Agave.
(4)
Michael C.
Been back and the service was better so they get a bump to 4 stars. Also the fish with cilantro-based sauce was very nice
(4)
Ashley P.
My husband and I visited on Saturday, May 31. We stumbled on it unexpectedly. The patio was super cute, but it was warm out so we asked to sit inside. We waited about 5 minutes for a drink to be taken. Unfortunately, we didn't order alcohol (sort of sac religious at a Mexican place), but we had a long drive. They bring you chips and Salsa, but it was difficult to get more chips. Anyway, when the server came to take the order, she was polite. I ordered the flautas and an order of queso for an appetizer. My husband had a salad with chicken. I never got the queso. She brought out our food and I was in too much of a hurry to ask for it. ( we weren't charged, so it didn't really bother me.) Food was good. Not too greasy, fresh, plated nice. Would I come back? Yes. But only for margs and if the pint room had a wait. All in all it was average.
(3)
Tom F.
This place has everything going for it but the horrible service, mediocre food and high prices are going to put it out of business before it ever has a chance. We had fajitas, a burrito, a beer, a margarita, and ceviche and it totaled $50. Pretty expensive for good Mexican food but really expensive for overcooked, bland meat. We had to ask someone to wait on us twice after waiting for 20 minutes. They never brought us water and I had to get a high-chair myself from upstairs. And they never asked if we wanted another round of drinks, the one thing they actually did well. I get that new places have to work out the kinks but not even making eye contact with your table to let them know you'll be with them or that you see them is ridiculous. Don't make me ask you to wait on me. We have a toddler so when we go out to eat it can be a bit challenging to keep her attention so waiting and waiting for service is not really conducive to a relaxing meal. And when the food is average at best, believe me I'll think twice about going back.
(1)
Sharyl S.
Very good. Nice atmosphere and staff.food is excellent. Second time here in two weeks.
(4)
Otis H.
Awesome place, people and Great Food! Thanks UPDATE: as of all the health department information that was released in July 2014, I will no longer support this business Update: I've regained trust in this business and have since returned several times 11/20/14
(4)
William G.
Really great Mexican food for a good price. I've eaten here three times and each time both the food and the service were excellent. I highly recommend getting anything with seafood, i.e. arroz marinero or the seafood enchiladas.
(5)
Seth M.
I had my first experience at Agave Bar last night for dinner. I was very impressed, to put it succinctly. The salsa doesn't stand out from most other Mexican restaurants but it's very good, nonetheless. We also ordered queso dip, which was very good but fairly standard. My Enchiladas Suizas were delicious; chicken and beef enchiladas topped with an amazing salsa verde, queso, and sour cream. The meat was tender and cooked perfectly. The atmosphere at Agave Bar was very nice. Incredibly clean with a modern, chic interior. The patio is comfortable and complements the tone inside. For inexpensive Mexican food, I would absolutely recommend Agave Bar and will be returning soon, myself.
(5)
James S.
Strange space. Good Food. Reworked space from a bar/art gallery/bad idea. Food makes up for it, and the heavy, left over silverware and table service are a nice twist. Ole!
(4)
Tim R.
First time and LOVED IT! Shared the fajitas for two, plenty to take home for $10 each. Our young friend had a giant quesadilla for $8 We asked for extra chips cause the salsa was so good, so spicy, and so fresh we wanted to get it all. So without hesitating we were given a "to go" bag of chips and a container of that salsa!! Give it a try, we really liked it.
(4)
Mickey Z.
Where to begin. I really wanted to like this place if only to not have to go crawling back to Potter...er...Abuelos. Decor was great, service was very good, but the food was mediocre. Fajitas looked and tasted like they had been sitting in a steam table. Tortillas were pre wrapped in foil, stuck together, and while the first one was warm, the third one was cold. Salsa was weak and the chips tasted like they came out of a bag. Margarita was okay, not bad but not great. Pico de gallo was weak. Beans okay but the rice seemed a bit off. Probably won't be back. I guess it didn't help that I was in Texas recently so I was somewhat spoiled.
(2)
Norm C.
This is a great restaurant for Mexican food. The decor and atmosphere are contemporary but very open and bright. It makes the dining fun. The food is original and the special tacos we had were great. Steaming with a wonderful aroma and a taste to match. The staff was friendly and attentive. Plus the price is really fair. This is our got to Mexican restaurant in Carmel.
(4)
Patty M.
Oh, I so wanted to like this place. On the bright side, we got there and was told it was a 25 minute wait. It was less than 5. Seated upstairs. I just don't think the two floor thing is working for them. Got chips promptly, but no silverware/napkins. took about 10 minutes to get. Water glass went empty for quite a while. Waiter was nice but probably overwhelmed. So the food, after the long wait... daughter loved her enchiladas agave. Hubby got salmon. had a nice crisp on outside but was probably overdone. So I ordered the salad that was supposed to have shrimp, scallops and crab, along with hearts of palm and cheese, etc. I asked what was choice of dressing and was told it didn't have a dressing, most people just used salsa?!?? Said I could have some ranch if I wanted. I asked for it without cheese and of course it came with cheese and had to go back. What was worse, it had some nice shrimp but the scallops and crab were MIA!!!! Nada!!! I tried to eat without dressing but it just wasn't working so I asked for ranch and made do. A nice cilantro vinaigrette would have been great. Shrimp tacos were pretty good. Lots of avocado which is good. Had a groupon thank goodness. Not so sure I would return. Would rather have marginal food and good service at Abuelos if I am craving mexican. Beautiful place but not sure it is made to be a restaurant.
(2)
Theresa J.
Basic Mexican food. Nothing special. Margaritas were done well. Very hurried atmosphere. Did not relax.
(3)
Tim G.
First timers. Ate lunch here while watching the Carmel HS homecoming parade. Our daughter was in the parade. Hey, front row seats!! Unlike other reviewers, we found the food and beverage service were excellent; quick, efficient, and accurate. I had steak fajitas and my wife just the guac and queso dips (gluten free started today). All were very tasty (especially the queso; highly recommended) and the quantities quite large for the buck. We will be back. The only problem was in paying the bill... their system would not accept credit/debit cards (and we tried a few of them)! Now, I'm not sure if they knew this before we ordered (because our waitress kept saying no problem, it was her fault), but fortunately we had enough cash to cover the bill and tip. Not sure how they handled others that didn't have enough cash.
(4)
Cole S.
This restaurant is pretty awesome. There is an awesome atmosphere inside and the food is top notch. It is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Carmel. There drink selection is great and I love to eat out on their patio. There is not a ton of space and when it is really busy you are squished into the front of the restaurant. It is good for all ages and is great for a night out. Not the quickest or biggest restaurant but it has amazing Mexican food and is always on my list.
(4)
Jennifer W.
I read the reviews here before going and I was swayed by what was written. Good thing too, because I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered an iced tea, which was a nice flavor, and a Taco salad - shredded chicken. Tasted fresh, they did not skimp on the guacamole, and the flour tortilla bowl was tasty too. The chips and salsa that came before the meal were yummy, and the salsa had a small kick to it (by Indiana standards) and it was very enjoyable. The wait staff was attentive and brought refills for my iced tea two or three times. The fajitas served at our table looked and smelled very delicious. Another friend ordered the corn tortillas because she is gluten free. And another two friends ordered the "small" margaritas (which were NOT very small) and they said they were good and strong. I was impressed. We plan to go back sometime soon and test out the margaritas more extensively. My total bill for lunch was less than $10. And I had a coupons4indy coupon for $2 off. Nice food, lunch prices are decent, and the chips and salsa and the tea were abundant.
(5)
Debie C.
I've had lunch there twice and I loved it both times! I had the chicken taco salad and it was wonderful. If you're tired of over-cheesed, sloppy Mexican food, try Agave. It tastes fresh and their salsa is wonderful too! I couldn't stop eating the chips! I am going back this weekend with some friends. Next time, I will try a margarita!
(5)
Christy R.
Xx
(3)
Rick H.
I had a great experience at Agave Bar & Grill. Immediate, friendly & patient (because my date and I couldn't make up our minds) service. Great menu choices. My meal was very tasty and well-presented. Nice decor and ambiance. Maybe my two margaritas were a little weak... but that was my only quibble. Perfect location on Main St in downtown Carmel. Very popular place to eat outside al fresca during warmer months. Highly recommended.
(4)
Katherine P.
The rating is NOT for the food - the food is fantastic. The breakfast menu is great - food has always been spot on every time. I used to love this restaurant, and sitting on the patio in nice weather while eating chips and salsa was something to look forward to on Friday nights. However....I visited Agave with a friend for lunch on February 26th (my birthday.) I am a heavily pregnant woman and my friend and I waited at least five minutes before anyone acknowledged that we were waiting to be seated. A couple entered behind us, and a gentleman walked over, greeted the OTHER customers, and informed us that he would be seating the other couple (who arrived after us) first (apparently they were friends) and my friend and I would have to wait several minutes to be seated. I still have a Groupon for here that I will not be using. So sad that customer service - which I will admit has been iffy at times - came to an ugly head and will prevent me from returning, which is a shame because the food is so good! I just refuse to be treated that way.
(1)
Norma R.
I'm back to review again.. Because the first time we went everything was perfect. Second third and fourth time. Service wasn't good. It seemed like everytime everyone was getting served better than me and my family... Might consider coming back because the food is really delicious but the service needs to be just as good as it was the first time for real.
(4)
Robyn C.
20 minute wait for a table tonight. Waited an additional 20 to 30 minutes at the table for a server to take our drink order or drop off water. We saw lots of servers walk past our table.. No one stopped. We left... Won't be returning.
(1)
Colin R.
The margaritas are great and the lunch/dinner food is excellent but the real secret is their breakfast. I lived/worked in Mexico for almost five years and their chilaquiles are the best I have ever had even counting in Mexico.
(5)
Jay S.
I so badly wanted to love this place because we don't have good Mexican food in Carmel. But the food was just okay. Large portions but extremely bland. I had to mix in salsa to get any flavor at all. I ordered the Agave margarita because a couple of the reviewers said it was great. Even the margarita was bland. I asked for extra limes to give it that tang. I probably won't be back. The food was not worth the cost.
(2)
Kimberly H.
I have been there twice and both times loved it. Excellent service, atmosphere, food and drink. Everyone I have take was equally impressed. Less than $10 for a huge entree. The large queso feed 5 people and left some to take home. Drinks reasonably priced, lots of variety in flavors and sizes. This is no Don Pablos. This is a special place. Love it!
Great service, nice environment, awesome food. I can't wait to come back. The waiter even pulled out my chair when I sat down which I thought was very kind. I went on a Sunday morning and it was really relaxing unlike most breakfast places.
(5)
H Z.
Horrible experience. The wait staff was running around not knowing what to do. There was no hostess. The food was horrible. The Chips were greasy. The salsa was watery. The beef was very tough. I would not come back.
(1)
Tim C.
Went there for first time with my family. We absolutely loved the place. Chips and salsa were awesome. We each loved our meals. My wife had the arroz con pollo, perfect! The kids shared a chicken quesadilla and loved it. No complaints is a miracle. I had the fajita burrito and it was divine. Margaritas were great. Hint: ask to be seated upstairs if possible. Glass flowers are beautiful, and a little more cozy. Definitely the best Mexican in town. Will be back!
(5)
S P.
Good, varied menu a few notches above the standard Mexican restaurant. I was happy to find mole sauce on the menu, because none of our "regular" Mexican restaurants have that. Agave has a more upscale feel to it. Not sure if they have a kids menu. We went for lunch and ate outside. It has a bigger outdoor seating area than its predecessor Sonata Cafe did. Most lunch items were in the $7 range. The service was friendly. It was a little slow at first, but they were busy, which was good to see.
(3)
Nancy O.
First time there. Worst service ever. Dinner for 5 had to ask several times for chips and drink refills. It was ridiculous. Order chicken faita for two. Looked like a portion for one. Bill was 84.00. I didn't want to leave a tip but my husband did. Will not go back. Mexican restaurant should be on top of service. Especially when you have a large bowl of queso and no chip to eat it with.
(1)
Cindy J.
just finished our first experience here - the place is quite small but the food is very good, chips were still warm & salsa very tasty but not too spicy - seafood chimmy & shrimp burrito both good - will try the shrimp tacos next - have seen this place spill out onto the sidewalk in warm weather - try it while you can still get a seat
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Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Dawn T.
Meh about sums it up. I will say that when I went I did not have a margarita, and they looked,really good, but the food was not great. I did love the modern decor though. I may give the margaritas a try and update the review.
(2)Kaitlyn W.
Wonderful restaurant! This place has a great atmosphere. I love the art and the ambiance of the restaurant. The food is really good and the menu is really large. We went with someone who doesn't love Mexican food, but was able to eat food from the seafood section of the menu. There are usually discounts available online, so check before you go. The agave margaritas are a must - order a pitcher and share amongst the table. If you're looking for a good Mexican restaurant with affordable prices and great margaritas, this is the place to go!
(5)Don I.
Wow! Mexican food is my favorite cuisine, so I am very critical. I have no criticisms to offer, only praises. First, they have a nice variety of handmade margaritas that are reasonably priced. I can only assume that there salsa was homemade because the flavor was fabulous. The queso dip was similar to everyone else's in flavor, however unlike so many places, this was served hot and it was nice and thick not the typical runny liquid. Here is a another good sign. If you like guacamole go ahead and order it here. Avocados are out of season right now because it is the middle of January. However, their guacamole was spiced and seasoned so well that you would never know you are eating avocados grown and picked in the middle of winter. I've been here twice now, once for lunch and once for dinner. First time I had the Agave burrito,second time the Agave quesadilla. If you are a big fan of Mexican cuisine, do don't overlook this place. My suggestion would be to consider the 1&2 star ratings as coming from someone who was not very happy the day they wrote their reviews. Adios!
(4)Mitzi K.
Excellently prepared, fresh, flavorful Mexican. The Enmoladas was a perfect blend of authentic mole sauce and perfectly grilled chicken. Husband loved the cilantro rice with his pollo poblano. The specialty margaritas are worth the up charge. Attentive and friendly service. Highly recommend! Looking forward to our next visit!
(5)Claire L.
First visit left us very satisfied! The space is very unique and modern. We sat inside but they do have a nice outdoor dining area which is great. My pork tacos were very good, rice had no flavor. Husband's burrito was the size of a small car. Seems like the burrito should've been a bit smaller and some sides included. Guacamole was good (no Bakersfield) but the portion was very small for $5. We got our food very quickly, presentation was pretty typical of Mexican food. Seemed to be plenty of staff and our server was very nice but we have to ask for our check about 15-20 minutes after we were done eating. Good overall and we left very full!
(4)Kevin S.
Every Mexican restaurant has chips and salsa, but for some reason, their chips stood out as some of the best. Could not put my finger on exactly why, but scarfed them all down and asked for more. I had the steak burrito, which was good, but undersized for your typical burrito. Better for the waist, but as I was taking 1/2 home, would have liked a better value for the money. My wife had the steak, which was delicious but lots of fat. Maybe that's why it tasted so good. Definitely would go back.
(4)Alex S.
I've been to Agave at least 6 times and it has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants. Part of the reason is because of its prime location - I live close to the Monon trail and it's nice to have a Mexican restaurant within walking distance. I even trudged there through 8 inches of snow this winter, and that pitcher of agave margarita made it worth it! That being said, this place is still trying to "figure it out." The space is quite unique - a converted art gallery with two floors. It has a nice Chihuly-esque piece that is mostly visible from the second floor. Speaking of which, the 2nd floor is where the bar is. It's not very large and doesn't have anything on draft (not the kind of space for that) but it works. The service tends to be on the slow side here, so you have to have some patience. However, once you order the food tends to come out pretty quick, which I think is fantastic. The biggest fault of this place is that is does not do well at handling seating when it's busy. They do not have a host - most of the time seating is done by their older gentleman who I assume owns the place. There is extremely limited standing room inside the restaurant, and with only single door entry, expect to get a bit chilly sitting anywhere near the door in the winter. In the summer, there is a lot of extra outdoor seating right next to Main Street that is great, though! Their food is quite excellent, and pretty much anything that uses their shredded chicken is always a slam dunk for me. Highly recommend the Los Tres Burritos. The restaurant would greatly benefit from a host on busy nights who is better able to communicate with the customers and take care of seating.
(4)Sarah C.
I definitely enjoyed the Agave burrito and chips and salsa. And the wine was tasty. So overall, my experience with the food and drink options were on the grade A side of things. Price wise? Eh, it seemed a bit pricey - even though they are located in the heart of Carmel. I think it's a great restaurant addition to the Arts & Design District. I absolutely love that area and want to continue to see it thrive. I do believe, though, that they could do a bit better on making the entrees more affordable. Service was so-so. Nothing terrible, mind you, but I wasn't that impressed. I met a friend for dinner late in the evening and was honestly unaware of what time the restaurant closed. We were quickly reminded as they blinked the lights on and off on us. What are we - 5 year olds? No need for the not-so subtle prompt. A server could have reminded us 15 minutes before closing that they were rapping things up. Word to the wise - when opening a new restaurant, do everything in your power to make your customers feel appreciated. Whether you are annoyed with the slower eaters or not, they're the ones that will inevitably say good or bad things about your place. And you'll most likely (like myself) have customers that will write a review soon after visiting.
(3)Christine S.
This place was wonderful, maybe not by Carmel standards but compared to what we have in our town a nice Mexican restaurant. I loved the Agave dip.
(4)James B.
Salsa is tasty. service is prompt. enchiladas had very fresh chicken and a nice to taste to them.
(4)Alex H.
There are many great restaurants in the Carmel area so I was surprised I had never heard of Agave. The location is great, right outside downtown with plenty of street parking. We opted to sit inside since the day we went was particularly chilly, but they seemed to have plenty of outdoor tables available during nicer weather. We had the queso as an appetizer and it was fantastic! It was not runny like a lot of the other places I've been before. I got tacos for my entree, which were also great but came with a very spicy habanero sauce I wish I had been warned about. The friend I was with got a margarita as well as the taco salad, both of which she said were good. Overall, Agave has an upscale atmosphere at a reasonable price. The food was great and for what I paid I was even able to take some of my meal home. The chips, queso and salsa were fantastic!
(4)Lisa W.
I really like this place. Especially when it is nice and you can get a table outside. Although, the decor inside is pretty good especially when they have the upstairs part open and you can go gaze at the giant glass sculpture hanging up there. A few months ago they introduced a special burrito called the Bandera Burrito. It has since been added to the regular menu. I love this burrito! It has everything in it, steak, chicken, shrimp, churrizo... Then it is topped with 3 sauces (red sauce, verde sauce and a white cheese sauce) to look like a mexican flag, so the presentation is as nice as the flavor of the burrito. Since I had this, it is the only thing I have ordered, so I can't speak to much else on the menu, but I can say if you have this burrito you will not be disappointed!
(4)Nicole S.
The food here is fine, although if you're looking for authentic Mexican food, you'd be sadly disappointed by Agave. I got the Agave Enchiladas, which were just "meh." I would not get them again. They were basically just corn tortillas rolled around some chewy beef, covered with green sauce. Which, like, that sounds like an enchilada, right? But there was something missing from these. Also, they were uncomfortably spicy, and the meal came with three of them, so it was three times the spicy meh-ness. I also ordered sangria, and that, too, was nothing special. It tasted like it came from a can. This was probably my fault -- I mean, sangria is Spanish, not Mexican, so why did I order it at a Mexican restaurant thinking it was going to be good? That was dumb. The service was shoddy -- we didn't see our server the entire time, then at the end, he kept trying to take my plate as I was clearly still eating from it! This happened twice. My dining partner got the fajitas and enjoyed them, but said the rice and beans were just OK. Also, the guacamole was kind of slimy, like it wasn't freshly made. (You know, the more I reflect on the meal, the more I want to change my rating to two stars! We'll say it was two-and-a-half stars.) The chips and salsa were really good, though.
(3)Elisha G.
This place is a hidden gem in a beautiful part of Carmel. It's beautifully decorated, clean, and the staff is awesome! When we were seated the server immediately greeted us, took our drink orders and gave us chips. Our food was brought out immediately and our sever came back several times to ensure that we had what we needed. I absolutely love the service that we received. In regards to the food the portions were very large for the price that we paid for our meals. To me it tasted like authentic Mexican food and with such a variety of items to choose from one would have to go back several times as its hard to pick just one item! The food was so awesome that I didn't want to take anyone, I finished it there! The drink specials were awesome and the margaritas were awesome as well. Overall I absolutely LOVED the place and I am now making it a point to stop in whenever I go to my doctors office which is located in Carmel!
(5)Jane S.
We arrived at Agave and were seated outside with a closed umbrella at the table. The waiter never said anything about it initially and it was impossible to see the other person across from me. I asked the waiter if he could raise it up. He then gave us a long speech about all the things that could happen if the wind took the umbrella such as it hitting a car, hitting another person, damaging property etc. Not understanding why he was telling us this we asked " So what you're saying is, if we open the umbrella we are responsible if any of those things happen?" He said yes and we just asked him to take it out completely feeling irritated that he didn't just say that in the first place. (Mind you there were about 6 other tables with umbrellas already open). The De La Casa Margarita is awful. It tastes like a straight mix. I asked the waiter if he could change it to The Skinny Margarita that the other person got and he said "Yes, I will dump a little of this out and put some of that mix in it"....Not what I asked. Still tasted bad. I ordered the combo plate with two ground beef enchiladas, and they we're extremely soggy and the meat had no taste. My friend ordered the fish tacos and it was a tortilla full of fish....nothing else. Will not go back and recommend people not to go.
(2)Anna O.
My heart ached when Sonata tapas closed at the same location. The new owners adapted the gallery-like space quite well with art and the bar design. Fits very well in the Carmel Arts and Crafts atmosphere and is begging to become a favorite for many girl-nights-out. The food is fresh and reasonably priced at the $7-8 lunch. The portions are thankfully more reasonable than most restaurants (which may leave an occasional guy disappointed). No shortage of good Mexican restaurants around Indy. The better ones have there distinct "signature" in the flavor of chips and salsa. Agave's is "thin, crunchy chips, fresh mild smoky salsa". Out of our selections of Chicken taco salad, quesadilla, burrito and Pollo Hawaii the chicken with ham and pineapple took the creativity prize. Give it a try on your next trip to Main Street Carmel.
(4)Jennifer B.
I've been here a few times, beginning last year when I began dating someone who lived in Westfield and this is one of his favorite places. It's very clean and modern, with seating both upstairs and down and sidewalk sweating in the spring/summer. Bothe upstairs and downstairs have a bar, with the main bar being upstairs. The margaritas are good, but extremely pricey. $12.99 for a medium margarita and my chimichanga dinner was $11.99. Not worth the money, IMO, but how do you not get a marg when you're out for Mexican? Chimichangas are HUGE and nicely crisp. Queso is the typical white cheese. Nothing special about it. Friendly and fast service. I'll continue to return, but be prepared for a hefty bill. $48 for dinner for two (two entrees, order of queso & we split the margarita)!
(4)Leslie H.
Arts District has a new Mexican go-to place. Agave has a nice patio seating if the weather is great. Service is good and portions are pretty huge. It's very reasonably priced considering the ginormous amount of food one will get. Their guacamole was pretty good and they didn't skimp on the avocado. They have a good selection of entrees including chimichangas. One thing though is their lack of dessert selection. They now serve just flan and fried ice cream. Parking can be quite tough. Don't be surprised if you need to walk for a little bit. However, enjoy the sights and sounds of Main St. in Carmel while you're at it.
(3)Charlie D.
Food is good but if they advertise a coupon on their front door they should have a coupon on that site. Not sure if we will come back or not isn't that false advertising?
(3)Carly S.
Once upon a time, there was a Groupon that was about to expire. We waited until a weeknight in the hopes it would give us the best chance of true happiness. Alas, the slipper did not fit. Margaritas were bland and watery. The tomato sauce soaking our meals both smelled and tasted like off-brand tomato soup. In contrast, the free salsa tasted exceptionally fresh, and the service was fast and fairly friendly. The decor is really lovely. But it just wasn't meant to be. The quest for decent Mexican food in Carmel continues...
(2)Liz N.
Delicious! Had this as take out once and ate at the restaurant (seated outside) more recently. The food is so darn delicious. The grilled shrimp chimichanga was awesome. The fajitas and quesadillas were also delicious. Great atmosphere sitting outside in the front at sunset-- lovely experience, great service.
(5)Thomas N.
Nice atmosphere. Their fajitas are excellent. Their alcohol is at a very reasonable price. We had 2 meals with a beer each and the bill was well under $30. I will eat here again if I'm in the area.
(5)Kevin D.
The service was great. But the food was mediocre and the Agave margarita was a little too sweet.
(2)Ron R.
When it comes to Carmel, I think this is the top Mexican spot. The food is always cooked fresh and the place is always clean. The service can use some work in my opinion as they always seem mad but it is probably their normal disposition. The chips here are delicious and always fill me up before my entree comes (ugh, don't you hate that?) and their salsa is so good it is practically drinkable. When I have a hankering for Mexican, this is the spot. That being said, if you are from the Southwest or California, you may think this is sub-par and I do not blame ya (lives in Phoenix 6 years)...but hey, its Indy!
(4)Tom B.
We went o Agave Bar and Grill for the first time today, and I was very impressed. Every aspect of the experience was top-notch. I had the Carnitas, which is a slow-roasted pork dish. The pork was very tender and full of flavor, with fresh corn tortillas. Service was outstanding, and the interior was nicely decorated. The decor blends well with the art gallery look & feel of the Main Street area. My wife had the Tacos de Carne Asada, which I found to be authentic and reminiscent of the thousands of tacos I've had in Guadalajara. Real Mexican tacos, of course, are pretty simple. Small corn tortillas, chopped flank steak, chopped onions and cilantro - that's all you need. We also had the fresh guacamole, along with the flautas. I can't say enough about this place. It was really wonderful and a pleasant surprise.
(4)Aleta M.
Good restaurant, but one flaw. Service can be very slow. Also, I was told that they cannot accommodate gluten free - Paleo diets. Ah, well, they make great margaritas!!!
(3)Lauren A.
I judge the authenticity of a Mexican restaurant by the existence of Chimichangas on their menus. Don't get me wrong, I love me some deep-fried-burrito goodness, but it's been a good barometer. And it was not wrong in this case. It had Chimichangas and wasn't very authentic. Good food, don't get me wrong, but not authentic. The salsa was great. Perfect level of spice. I got the Enchilada Carnitas and my sister got the Agave Burrito. Both of us had our Mexican food cravings satisfied. The service was good. We were a bit indecisive and they didn't seem annoyed at having to come back a few times. While I didn't order it, they had lamb on the menu which was super cool. But, it's not a Mexican restaurant experience, in my opinion, without some tequila adult beverages. They have my favorite, Casa Noble Anjeo, so that's great, but all their margaritas are made with a purchased mix. Boo. I won't be wasting a good tequilla with a bad mix so I got the Black Margarita with whatever it normally comes with. It was actually black so that was cool. It was as good as can be expected with a bought mix, which is to say, too sweet. So, I'm dinging them a star for that. They almost lost two stars over it, but the food was tasty so, I'll go with four stars.
(4)Tony T.
We have been here twice and plan on another visit with friends in a week. Both times the food has been hot and fresh. Good menu selection. Including lamb on the menu. Drinks are good and cold. We have not had any issues with service as some others have. So far the wife and I find it to be the best Mexican in the area.
(4)Kaitlyn S.
Great salsa and guac!! Beautiful inside and good food ! If you're new in carmel, stop In to eat here, you won't regret it .
(4)Ann L.
I had dinner here last night with a friend; we wanted to try out a place we hadn't been before in the Carmel Arts District, and so opted to give Agave a try. We were not disappointed! We were greeted by a very friendly hostess, and our drink order was taken promptly. The "medium" margaritas may seem a little pricey, but are large enough to last through chips, dinner and even a bit of after dinner imbibing. I had the Agave margarita and it was great! The chips were fresh, tasty, and plentiful and the salsa was also clearly freshly made and tasty. Since this was my first visit here, I went classic with the tacos de carne asada. They were delicious! I had the black beans instead of refried as my side; just as an FYI, these are served in broth in a bowl. I wasn't expecting a soup like side, but it was quite good! Portion sizes are what I consider appropriate and reasonable, but those with larger appetites might consider small. Prices are very reasonable though so those with larger appetites could easily add on some other items. Service was wonderful! Attentive without being intrusive. Food and drinks came out quickly, but we were not rushed. The atmosphere is bright, modern and not too loud. We will definitely be back to try more of the menu here!
(4)Dave C.
Fist time at Agave. It was a nice night and we were able to sit outside. It can get a bit loud with the car's going buy but still it was a nice setting. The food was a lot better than I expected. Not anything like the typical Mexican places around Carmel. This one is a better quality of food. The service was very good and the Patron Margarita was excellent. Will certainly be back to Agave.
(4)Michael C.
Been back and the service was better so they get a bump to 4 stars. Also the fish with cilantro-based sauce was very nice
(4)Ashley P.
My husband and I visited on Saturday, May 31. We stumbled on it unexpectedly. The patio was super cute, but it was warm out so we asked to sit inside. We waited about 5 minutes for a drink to be taken. Unfortunately, we didn't order alcohol (sort of sac religious at a Mexican place), but we had a long drive. They bring you chips and Salsa, but it was difficult to get more chips. Anyway, when the server came to take the order, she was polite. I ordered the flautas and an order of queso for an appetizer. My husband had a salad with chicken. I never got the queso. She brought out our food and I was in too much of a hurry to ask for it. ( we weren't charged, so it didn't really bother me.) Food was good. Not too greasy, fresh, plated nice. Would I come back? Yes. But only for margs and if the pint room had a wait. All in all it was average.
(3)Tom F.
This place has everything going for it but the horrible service, mediocre food and high prices are going to put it out of business before it ever has a chance. We had fajitas, a burrito, a beer, a margarita, and ceviche and it totaled $50. Pretty expensive for good Mexican food but really expensive for overcooked, bland meat. We had to ask someone to wait on us twice after waiting for 20 minutes. They never brought us water and I had to get a high-chair myself from upstairs. And they never asked if we wanted another round of drinks, the one thing they actually did well. I get that new places have to work out the kinks but not even making eye contact with your table to let them know you'll be with them or that you see them is ridiculous. Don't make me ask you to wait on me. We have a toddler so when we go out to eat it can be a bit challenging to keep her attention so waiting and waiting for service is not really conducive to a relaxing meal. And when the food is average at best, believe me I'll think twice about going back.
(1)Sharyl S.
Very good. Nice atmosphere and staff.food is excellent. Second time here in two weeks.
(4)Otis H.
Awesome place, people and Great Food! Thanks UPDATE: as of all the health department information that was released in July 2014, I will no longer support this business Update: I've regained trust in this business and have since returned several times 11/20/14
(4)William G.
Really great Mexican food for a good price. I've eaten here three times and each time both the food and the service were excellent. I highly recommend getting anything with seafood, i.e. arroz marinero or the seafood enchiladas.
(5)Seth M.
I had my first experience at Agave Bar last night for dinner. I was very impressed, to put it succinctly. The salsa doesn't stand out from most other Mexican restaurants but it's very good, nonetheless. We also ordered queso dip, which was very good but fairly standard. My Enchiladas Suizas were delicious; chicken and beef enchiladas topped with an amazing salsa verde, queso, and sour cream. The meat was tender and cooked perfectly. The atmosphere at Agave Bar was very nice. Incredibly clean with a modern, chic interior. The patio is comfortable and complements the tone inside. For inexpensive Mexican food, I would absolutely recommend Agave Bar and will be returning soon, myself.
(5)James S.
Strange space. Good Food. Reworked space from a bar/art gallery/bad idea. Food makes up for it, and the heavy, left over silverware and table service are a nice twist. Ole!
(4)Tim R.
First time and LOVED IT! Shared the fajitas for two, plenty to take home for $10 each. Our young friend had a giant quesadilla for $8 We asked for extra chips cause the salsa was so good, so spicy, and so fresh we wanted to get it all. So without hesitating we were given a "to go" bag of chips and a container of that salsa!! Give it a try, we really liked it.
(4)Mickey Z.
Where to begin. I really wanted to like this place if only to not have to go crawling back to Potter...er...Abuelos. Decor was great, service was very good, but the food was mediocre. Fajitas looked and tasted like they had been sitting in a steam table. Tortillas were pre wrapped in foil, stuck together, and while the first one was warm, the third one was cold. Salsa was weak and the chips tasted like they came out of a bag. Margarita was okay, not bad but not great. Pico de gallo was weak. Beans okay but the rice seemed a bit off. Probably won't be back. I guess it didn't help that I was in Texas recently so I was somewhat spoiled.
(2)Norm C.
This is a great restaurant for Mexican food. The decor and atmosphere are contemporary but very open and bright. It makes the dining fun. The food is original and the special tacos we had were great. Steaming with a wonderful aroma and a taste to match. The staff was friendly and attentive. Plus the price is really fair. This is our got to Mexican restaurant in Carmel.
(4)Patty M.
Oh, I so wanted to like this place. On the bright side, we got there and was told it was a 25 minute wait. It was less than 5. Seated upstairs. I just don't think the two floor thing is working for them. Got chips promptly, but no silverware/napkins. took about 10 minutes to get. Water glass went empty for quite a while. Waiter was nice but probably overwhelmed. So the food, after the long wait... daughter loved her enchiladas agave. Hubby got salmon. had a nice crisp on outside but was probably overdone. So I ordered the salad that was supposed to have shrimp, scallops and crab, along with hearts of palm and cheese, etc. I asked what was choice of dressing and was told it didn't have a dressing, most people just used salsa?!?? Said I could have some ranch if I wanted. I asked for it without cheese and of course it came with cheese and had to go back. What was worse, it had some nice shrimp but the scallops and crab were MIA!!!! Nada!!! I tried to eat without dressing but it just wasn't working so I asked for ranch and made do. A nice cilantro vinaigrette would have been great. Shrimp tacos were pretty good. Lots of avocado which is good. Had a groupon thank goodness. Not so sure I would return. Would rather have marginal food and good service at Abuelos if I am craving mexican. Beautiful place but not sure it is made to be a restaurant.
(2)Theresa J.
Basic Mexican food. Nothing special. Margaritas were done well. Very hurried atmosphere. Did not relax.
(3)Tim G.
First timers. Ate lunch here while watching the Carmel HS homecoming parade. Our daughter was in the parade. Hey, front row seats!! Unlike other reviewers, we found the food and beverage service were excellent; quick, efficient, and accurate. I had steak fajitas and my wife just the guac and queso dips (gluten free started today). All were very tasty (especially the queso; highly recommended) and the quantities quite large for the buck. We will be back. The only problem was in paying the bill... their system would not accept credit/debit cards (and we tried a few of them)! Now, I'm not sure if they knew this before we ordered (because our waitress kept saying no problem, it was her fault), but fortunately we had enough cash to cover the bill and tip. Not sure how they handled others that didn't have enough cash.
(4)Cole S.
This restaurant is pretty awesome. There is an awesome atmosphere inside and the food is top notch. It is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Carmel. There drink selection is great and I love to eat out on their patio. There is not a ton of space and when it is really busy you are squished into the front of the restaurant. It is good for all ages and is great for a night out. Not the quickest or biggest restaurant but it has amazing Mexican food and is always on my list.
(4)Jennifer W.
I read the reviews here before going and I was swayed by what was written. Good thing too, because I was pleasantly surprised. I ordered an iced tea, which was a nice flavor, and a Taco salad - shredded chicken. Tasted fresh, they did not skimp on the guacamole, and the flour tortilla bowl was tasty too. The chips and salsa that came before the meal were yummy, and the salsa had a small kick to it (by Indiana standards) and it was very enjoyable. The wait staff was attentive and brought refills for my iced tea two or three times. The fajitas served at our table looked and smelled very delicious. Another friend ordered the corn tortillas because she is gluten free. And another two friends ordered the "small" margaritas (which were NOT very small) and they said they were good and strong. I was impressed. We plan to go back sometime soon and test out the margaritas more extensively. My total bill for lunch was less than $10. And I had a coupons4indy coupon for $2 off. Nice food, lunch prices are decent, and the chips and salsa and the tea were abundant.
(5)Debie C.
I've had lunch there twice and I loved it both times! I had the chicken taco salad and it was wonderful. If you're tired of over-cheesed, sloppy Mexican food, try Agave. It tastes fresh and their salsa is wonderful too! I couldn't stop eating the chips! I am going back this weekend with some friends. Next time, I will try a margarita!
(5)Christy R.
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(3)Rick H.
I had a great experience at Agave Bar & Grill. Immediate, friendly & patient (because my date and I couldn't make up our minds) service. Great menu choices. My meal was very tasty and well-presented. Nice decor and ambiance. Maybe my two margaritas were a little weak... but that was my only quibble. Perfect location on Main St in downtown Carmel. Very popular place to eat outside al fresca during warmer months. Highly recommended.
(4)Katherine P.
The rating is NOT for the food - the food is fantastic. The breakfast menu is great - food has always been spot on every time. I used to love this restaurant, and sitting on the patio in nice weather while eating chips and salsa was something to look forward to on Friday nights. However....I visited Agave with a friend for lunch on February 26th (my birthday.) I am a heavily pregnant woman and my friend and I waited at least five minutes before anyone acknowledged that we were waiting to be seated. A couple entered behind us, and a gentleman walked over, greeted the OTHER customers, and informed us that he would be seating the other couple (who arrived after us) first (apparently they were friends) and my friend and I would have to wait several minutes to be seated. I still have a Groupon for here that I will not be using. So sad that customer service - which I will admit has been iffy at times - came to an ugly head and will prevent me from returning, which is a shame because the food is so good! I just refuse to be treated that way.
(1)Norma R.
I'm back to review again.. Because the first time we went everything was perfect. Second third and fourth time. Service wasn't good. It seemed like everytime everyone was getting served better than me and my family... Might consider coming back because the food is really delicious but the service needs to be just as good as it was the first time for real.
(4)Robyn C.
20 minute wait for a table tonight. Waited an additional 20 to 30 minutes at the table for a server to take our drink order or drop off water. We saw lots of servers walk past our table.. No one stopped. We left... Won't be returning.
(1)Colin R.
The margaritas are great and the lunch/dinner food is excellent but the real secret is their breakfast. I lived/worked in Mexico for almost five years and their chilaquiles are the best I have ever had even counting in Mexico.
(5)Jay S.
I so badly wanted to love this place because we don't have good Mexican food in Carmel. But the food was just okay. Large portions but extremely bland. I had to mix in salsa to get any flavor at all. I ordered the Agave margarita because a couple of the reviewers said it was great. Even the margarita was bland. I asked for extra limes to give it that tang. I probably won't be back. The food was not worth the cost.
(2)Kimberly H.
I have been there twice and both times loved it. Excellent service, atmosphere, food and drink. Everyone I have take was equally impressed. Less than $10 for a huge entree. The large queso feed 5 people and left some to take home. Drinks reasonably priced, lots of variety in flavors and sizes. This is no Don Pablos. This is a special place. Love it!
(5)Chris C.
I was on my way to try a place someone had recommended when I saw a sign advertising a restaurant in a place there wasn't a restaurant before. There were people sitting outside, looking like they were enjoying themselves so I thought, "Why not?" I proceeded to find parking in the area, and walked on over. There were plenty of tables outside, and I could have just sat myself down there, but I decided to go inside to at least let people know I was there first. Now, the name is Agave, they're advertising their Mexican food, but it doesn't look like a typical Mexican restaurant. It is void of all the kitsch that is usually associated with a Mexican restaurant. Instead, it felt more modern, with a warm touch. You know it's going to be a different experience. With myself introduced, and my table set, I browse the menu and find a great selection of margaritas, made with different high end tequilas or, in the case of the one I chose, Cointreau instead of triple sec. Plus they came in different sizes, and all reasonable priced (A Patron margarita for only $6, I'd say that's a good price). With margarita in hand, I got myself a bean dip appetizer to dip my chips in. I would definitely recommend this, as the salsa is the typical soupy mess that I've come to expect around Indy. Just ask them to go light on the cheese sauce and/or top it off with extra pico de gallo. I found that the extra jalapeños in the pico really hit the spot, making this the perfect way to start off my meal. I was always accustomed to Mexican food being down and dirty, best enjoyed out of a lunch truck, but Agave was proving me wrong. I was beginning to see hope for a Mexican restaurant that could be modern and free of the stereotypes that go along with the vast majority of Mexican restaurants. ...And then dinner came. I really want to like this place, I really do. This is a great place to go to enjoy a margarita outside on the patio, as a nice breeze blows by and people walk past in the arts district. But my entrée ruined my experience. I got the Aztecca Burrito, a combination of shredded chicken and ground beef, wrapped up with rice, beans, pico de gallo and topped with red sauce. The 'red sauce' was a flavorless, watered down tomato puree that could barely cover the burrito, which seemed as if it was stuffed only with ground beef; a ground beef that taste like a dried out sloppy joe wrapped in a tortilla. It was terrible, I was about to call it quits, not even getting half way through. I decided I would try one more bite, knowing that if I didn't, I wouldn't be able to get anything else to eat later. That's when I discovered the chicken. I decided to soldier on, finding some beans, and a little more rice. And although the chicken was better than the beef, it had a quality that I couldn't quite explain. It was as if the chicken was soaked; as if somehow I was eating chicken soup with a fork. Dinner was a struggle, but, I have high hopes for Agave. They are new, and have time to iron out the details of what's on their menu. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer on the patio with one of the best margaritas that you can get.
(3)Julie L.
Great service, nice environment, awesome food. I can't wait to come back. The waiter even pulled out my chair when I sat down which I thought was very kind. I went on a Sunday morning and it was really relaxing unlike most breakfast places.
(5)H Z.
Horrible experience. The wait staff was running around not knowing what to do. There was no hostess. The food was horrible. The Chips were greasy. The salsa was watery. The beef was very tough. I would not come back.
(1)Tim C.
Went there for first time with my family. We absolutely loved the place. Chips and salsa were awesome. We each loved our meals. My wife had the arroz con pollo, perfect! The kids shared a chicken quesadilla and loved it. No complaints is a miracle. I had the fajita burrito and it was divine. Margaritas were great. Hint: ask to be seated upstairs if possible. Glass flowers are beautiful, and a little more cozy. Definitely the best Mexican in town. Will be back!
(5)S P.
Good, varied menu a few notches above the standard Mexican restaurant. I was happy to find mole sauce on the menu, because none of our "regular" Mexican restaurants have that. Agave has a more upscale feel to it. Not sure if they have a kids menu. We went for lunch and ate outside. It has a bigger outdoor seating area than its predecessor Sonata Cafe did. Most lunch items were in the $7 range. The service was friendly. It was a little slow at first, but they were busy, which was good to see.
(3)Nancy O.
First time there. Worst service ever. Dinner for 5 had to ask several times for chips and drink refills. It was ridiculous. Order chicken faita for two. Looked like a portion for one. Bill was 84.00. I didn't want to leave a tip but my husband did. Will not go back. Mexican restaurant should be on top of service. Especially when you have a large bowl of queso and no chip to eat it with.
(1)Cindy J.
just finished our first experience here - the place is quite small but the food is very good, chips were still warm & salsa very tasty but not too spicy - seafood chimmy & shrimp burrito both good - will try the shrimp tacos next - have seen this place spill out onto the sidewalk in warm weather - try it while you can still get a seat
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