Walking up State Street in Newburyport, Massachusetts, searching for a place to eat. Paddle Inn, Famous Pizza, Agave, Black cow, The Grog, The Goat, and more. So many options, how could anybody decide? For these two Triton Voice reporters, the decision is simple. Agave Mexican Bistro.
This Mexican restaurant’s name is inspired by the desert plant, Agave. It is located in Newburyport, Massachusetts on 50 State Street and is open Thursday 11:30-9, Friday and Saturday 11:30-9:30, Sunday 11:30-8:30, and Monday-Wednesday 4-9.
When visiting their online website agavemexicanbistro.com you will see that they state they are, “fresh, authentic Mexican food, with high quality ingredients, and served by enthusiastic staff with memorable dining experience.” When thinking about dining there, know that there is a long delicious menu with vegetarian and gluten free dishes offered, along with a kids menu for all customers to get the meals they desire. They also care highly if anyone in your party has food allergies and can be very accommodating. All chips, soft shells, and hard shells are all celiac safe. There are two or three main dishes that contain gluten and they are fried in a separate machine then the rest of the meals.
They also provide comfortable indoor seating, as well as open outdoor seating in the summer, for customers to enjoy their time there and each other’s company. There are three floors in Agave and fun fact, each floor has a different set of silverware. The first floor and second floor both have bars, and the second floor does not.
Agave is a popular place downtown for the locals as well as the tourists. Triton seniors Ava Kiricoples and Kenzie Chaisson have a different take on this restaurant.
“I think it is good I just don’t like a lot of mexican food so there isn’t much for me to eat when i go there,” said Chaisson. “but the environment of the restaurant is really good.”
For Kiricoples, she holds the restaurant at much higher standards.
“Agave is perfect in all aspects,” said Kiricoples. “I feel like its a place where someone from all ages can go and eat happily because theres such a big menu and its so inviting, theres something there for everyone.”
Now lets hear from our Triton Reporters.
Gennes’ Judgment
When we first arrived, we asked for a table and the hostess was very nice and sat us on the first floor immediately. We sat down at 3pm and our server came right over and greeted us very nicely. She asked us what we would like to drink and I got a shirley temple. We also got chips and salsa, which is always delicious. The chips tasted fresh and were warm, and the salsa is a little bit spicy but has a good flavor.
When she came back we ordered our main dishes, I got their three soft shell tacos, one with chicken, one with pork, and one with beef. The food took less than half an hour to come out, and when it did it looked and smelled amazing. All of the main entrees come with refried beans and rice, I do not like refried beans but for those who do I hear theres are good. I love their rice, it is always soft and fluffy and goes perfect with any of their meals.
Each one of my tacos were warm and delicious. All the meats were flavorful and none were dry. My personal favorite is the pork one because it has the most and best flavor to it. Their guacamole is even better than their salsa, so I asked for a side of it and ate each tacos with some guacamole, which I believe makes it ten time better.
Once we were done, we decided to order desert. They have two options for desert, churros and flan. We asked for an order of churros, and they came out 10 minutes later. It is served with three churros, three scoops of ice cream, and topped with chocolate and caramel sauce. The churros are covered with cinnamon and were very warm and crispy.
The cost of the chips and salsa were $5.25, they used to complimentary but now they are considered an appetizer, and my entree was $23.75. The churros were $12, but if ordered for a birthday they are complimentary.
Overall, the experience was 10/10, the food was delicious, the service was good, and the atmosphere was quiet and inviting. The pricing is not the cheapest, but I do think for the service and the quality of the food that its worth it. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is the area and looking for a good place to eat.
Cassidy’s Comments
We got to my favorite mexican restaurant and I was already so excited to eat. We got seated right away on the first floor by our hostess who was very kind and welcoming. We sat down at a cleaned table with four chairs by a window, and dimmed lighting throughout the restaurant.. It wasn’t too hot or too cold where we were seated, it was just right.
As soon as we got settled in our waitress placed down menus and asked what she could get started for us for drinks. I ordered a diet coke that came out within minutes. Along with our drinks we got chips and salsa. The chips were very crispy, not too salty, and warm of course with a small bowl of chilled, spiced salsa.
After having some time to think and chat amongst ourselves our waitress returned and we ordered our main course. I order the chicken enchiladas, they have the option on the menu that you can make them as plain as you want with the ingredients/toppings. I got them with just cheese and sour cream on top. All of the meals also come with their refried beans with melted cheese on top, and rice.
A little bit than a half a hour passes by and my food arrives smelling absolutely delicious, and looking very appetizing. I digged in right away. Pouring my side of sour cream onto my enchiladas and cutting one out of my 3 enchiladas into bite size pieces. The juicy chicken, melted cheese on the soft tortilla all went so great together. Created a warm flavorful sensation I dipped into my melted refried beans and warm rice. After having a couple finishing bites of my meal I was happily full. Once we all finished our meals we decided to make room for dessert.
After our kind waitress cleared our table clean we ordered the churros with carmel, chocolate, and condensed milk for dipping sauces. The churros came out in a bowl, they were shaped in a ¨A¨ for Agave, with the sauces dripped all over the sugary crisped sticks. Vanilla bean icecream was below them. The flavors and temperatures between the churros and icecream were great, and I will be getting these again.
Something that surprised me was that what used to be complimentary chips and salsa are now $5.25. My main meal cost $23.50. Overall my experience at agave is always a great time. I give it a 10/10 almost every time I either order to go or sit down at the restaurant. I would highly recommend this restaurant if your looking for a great comforting place to eat.
Leaving the restaurant hearing a sweet goodbye from the hostess saying to enjoy the rest of the night, and taking in the last breathe of delectable mexican food. Already missing the experience and planning the next outing.
