Agave Mexican Bistro

50 State St, Newburyport
(978) 499-0428

Recent Reviews

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Lion

Chickem consomme loaded with salt. Only could eat half of it. Agave nachos. A heart attack on a plate. Granted i shouldve tried salad but not very authentically mexican. Service good and atmosphere good though. 3 stars

Scott Sawtelle

Kelly, our server was great. So personable and great service. She was funny and she really highlighted our evening. I highly recommend Agava for a great experience. Ask for Kelly and she will enhance your experience. Great job.

Michael Stango

We arrived and were standing at the host stand for no more and 10 seconds before a waitress was pushing in between us to get through the door. She used a menu in front of her to basically part us like a bouncer at a club and never uttered an “excuse me” or even acknowledged us… It was a very odd first impression.

We had to wait a bit for an outdoor table so we gave our number and walked down the street to some shops, grabbing a tea from another spot. We received the text that our table was ready, went back, a hostess seated us and we were immediately and aggressively approached by what we presumed to be a manager (before our butts even hit our chairs) to tell us to place the tea on the ground as to not display it on the table. This was off putting once again but we continued on looking at the menu, which we now regret. I understand not wanting to advertise another business or bring in outside food / drink, but in an extremely touristy downtown this just felt a bit unnecessary. EVERYONE is walking around with coffees and teas.

The waitress then approached and asked us (and all tables in ear shot) “would you like chips and salsa?” We answer “yes” as pretty much every Mexican restaurant includes this, to later find out it’s a $6 charge. I hate restaurants that try to trick you like this - especially at a place where a plate of chicken nachos is $30. Then we got our chicken tacos to split as we wanted to get out of there as soon as possible without going into debt. The chicken was boiled and not seasoned and a sad excuse for Mexican food. We were immediately turned off by the appearance and the flavor was horrific and bland. Water was literally pouring onto the plate as we tried to eat them.

Also, we found it to be very strange that many dishes that included steak or avocados did not list prices, and instead referenced “market price.” This seemed like a sketchy way to price gouge tourists on really whatever they wanted.

I must assume that the positive reviews are paid actors or influencers as I’m not sure that a good experience here is possible.

Savannah Sanders

one of the best street tacos i’ve ever had

Annette Jancsy

The best Mexican food and vegan options

Matt Zarba

Always good food and drinks

Bryttani Hooper

If I could give this place a lower rating then one star god damn I would. I ordered the tinga tacos which on the website states they’d come in a red sauce which to my surprise when the tacos came out they were dry cat food like chicken scraps. Literally the chicken was comparable to canned chicken you’d get in market basket. Not only was the chicken absolutely disgraceful, but the rice and beans had the most awful alarming taste. If you enjoy Mexican food do not spend your money at this establishment!!

Cheers

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Shannon Mitchell

We love Agave and try to go every time we visit Newburyport. The service is great, food is delicious and creative. We love that there is outdoor seating. They don’t have a kids menu, but they always help us come up with something for our picky eater. Will plan to return again next time we’re in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Agavé Nachos

EDan

Been coming here over several years an after Covid it was a slow decline. This was my last trip to this restaurant. The three of us did not like anything except the nachos.

My Fajita tasted like the food came from a precooked bain marie. Soggy, no texture onions and veg. The meat had “zero” flavor.

The company with me had burritos and they both were not liked at all. How can you mess that up?

Honestly, food here used to be great, and was a staple place to visit, now it just sucks.

Now I understand why it was not busy. It used to be hard to get a table around the bar, especially on a Saturday night. Not anymore. Atmosphere was just dead and service slack. Where’s the music, where’s the fun?! Guys, you had a goldmine and dropped the ball.

Sorry guys, me no come back ever. :(

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 2

Steve Eshbach

We very much enjoyed eating here on the sidewalk! Keep up the great service!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

carla marvila

I ordered some nachos to share with my family. All the other tables were served before us (we came before). I just canceled the order. The iced tea is terrible. I never will go there again.

Zachary Talbot

Andre the server took care of us from the minute we walked in and is the only reason why we will be back. Great food, great service, and great customer service!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole

Drew Robert

We used to love coming here, but the quality of the food has significantly gone down. Both my girlfriend and I were appalled to find out our waters tasted like dirt. We were optimistic, only to find the food also tasted like dirt. Never quite experienced anything like this before. While we were anxiously awaiting the check, we overheard a gentleman who sounded like the owner giving the table next to us a hard time for asking for mocktails. A big red flag when it is inconvenient for a restaurant to accommodate mocktails! Sad to see a place we used to love decrease in quality and service.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 4

Steph R

I just left Agave, and I have to say, this was probably the worst Mexican food I’ve had in ages. I ordered three tacos with rice and beans, and what I got was shocking. The tacos came out with steak and cheese—cold cheese on a cold tortilla. That’s it. No cilantro, no onion, just the blandest, most tasteless tacos I’ve ever eaten. I managed to take two bites before I couldn’t take any more. When the bartender asked if I wanted to wrap it up, I said no and just asked for the bill. My friend felt the same way and sent theirs back too.

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, skip Agave and head to Porta Vida instead. The food there is amazing, and the drinks are top-notch. It’s a shame how quickly things have gone downhill at Agave.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

betty Brault

Great Margaritas in beautiful glasses! Nice sidewalk patio. Great nachos with pulled chicken!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Guacamole

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