Casa Agave NYC

Good food although could have used a bit more flavoring on my seafood soft tacos. Not dry– cooked well. Habanero side salsa was good although they charged $ 2 for it. Happy hour was busy & worth $ 5 for the classic margaritas. Sangrias & beers were also offered. staff seem accommodating overall. Bathroom a little dirty as there is only one.
But Would cone back as food, ambiance, drinks were worth it.

I’m pretty surprised at all the good ratings. Just had lunch there today, and it was pretty bad. I was torn between 1 and 2 stars. Quick summary: the sopa de pollo was greasy and kind of terrible. The service was brutally slow. The place was a little more than half full, and maybe they were understaffed, but it took over an hour to serve us after we placed our order — and we only ordered a quesadilla and chicken enchiladas. The food was ok, not terrible, but not great either. It also seemed like the quesadilla was microwaved, probably to heat it back up. All in all — there are far better Mexican restaurants in Hell’s Kitchen, I’d suggest you go elsewhere.

Super disappointed in this place. I ordered the chicken quesadilla and it was tiny! They only used one tortilla and folded it in half. The chicken was still watery from being boiled and it wasn’t marinated — just plain olé boiled chicken! I was underwhelmed, not to mention, famished, even after consuming my pathetic «meal.»

For my last 12 years in NY, I have kept a list of the best Mexican restaurants in the city as a way get back to the amazing Mexican food I enjoyed growing up out West. This place is easily in my top 3.
Get the seafood guacamole and any of the tacos, and you will be in heaven. I will travel out of my way to stop at this place.
Staff is super nice and friendly.

The food here is amazing! I ordered steak tacos, and the steak was heavenly cooked and spiced! It’s no surprised the place gets packed quickly, but they do accept reservations!
Tip: they do have a really good happy hour with delicious margaritas, from 4−8pm, but only at the bar, if you sit at the table they only give you one round of «happy hour deals» then you have to pay full price.

had to deduct 1 star b/​c of no AC — it was a humid night.
My friend and I came here after changing our mind from another spot in the area. It was a great choice. The shrimp guac & chips appetizer was so savory– we ate it all. We had the seafood tacos and the fried fish tacos, both were super yummy. I appreciate the spices and veggies in the tacos, tasted like someone cares =) My mojito was a pleasant compliment to the well prepared foods.
the guac made to order is a special treat as the server uses his mixing spoons as instruments.
this is a great date place. small, intimate, dimly lit yet a lil warm in the summer but hey the heat plus spices plus drinks may make your eve that much more fun. *wink*

Mediocre service. I asked for a margarita wo salt and it arrived to my table within 15 minutes with salt. After sending it back my drink was finally correct. They do not have patron silver which is a favorite of mine, the avion silver was a good match to give me the margarita I love to enjoy.
The table side guacamole was absolute delicious, but the chips that came with it were stale and cold.
When our food finally, it looked amazing. The tacos Al Pastor, steak fajitas, and steak enchiladas. The food was delicious, the tacos especially were exceptional. Both with flavor, left my taste buds overjoyed. The mango blended with the skirt steak wonderfully and the salsa that was included in the tacos.

I went with my best friend to go have some lunch/​dinner and we were in the mood for Mexican so we tried this spot. The wait was long but they were nice about it. And the waiter attended to us as soon as we got our seats. It’s a small place so not good for groups honestly. But we orders drinks appetizers (guacamole & shrimp is amazing) genius idea! Anyways, last dish was more over priced than what you get but overall great hangout pre-​game place for drinks!

My friends & I had brunch here on a Saturday afternoon. I made a reservation so we were seated immediately when we arrived. The food was ok (major cheat meal lol). I loved the fact that our glasses were kept full with Sangria the entire time until our 1 ½ time was up. They had a live singer :) I shall be returning. (my only complaint was that it was very HOT but, after I told the waiter he opened the door).

This place was absolutely fantastic! I called around 7 PM to see if I could come in with one other person around 8:15 pm. When I walked in, a table was reserved for me and I was seated right away. Joaquin greeted me and my boyfriend and asked us if we would like anything to drink.
We started with Strawberry margaritas and table-​side guac (so good!!) I got the chicken fajitas and my date had the fish tacos. The food was FABULOUS, probably the best chicken fajitas I’ve had in the city!
The service at the restaurant is extraordinary. From the moment you walk in, you feel as if you are on vacation and NOT in NYC. We were so well taken care of and Joaquin certainly knows how to treat his customers.
We can’t wait to come back!

Came here recently with three friends and had a great time.
I got there first and was waiting at the bar. I asked if they had any special cocktails and she said I could have a margarita. I thought that was pretty strange that a Mexican restaurant would offer margaritas as a special cocktail but figured they must not have house cocktails. I had wanted a tequila or mezcal drink, maybe something spicy, but alas I ordered a margarita. It was super tart, but good nonetheless. When my friends arrived and we sat at our table, I was a little surprised to find a cocktail menu with lots of special drinks. Oh well… I made up for that with my next round.
Aside from that everything was great. Made to order table side guac was so good we had two. Between us we had fish tacos, pork enchiladas, mole, and… something else. Everyone cleaned his plate. Yum. And the service was good too. Our waters were always full and we never had to call them over.
I’ll definitely be back.

Very impressed with this place! The guac made on the spot was delicious, the fish tacos were amazing, and the strawberry margarita was tasty! My friend got the steak taco, which was good as well.
The service was definitely something to be noted. We made reservations and were seated RIGHT on time. Our orders were taken promptly and the waiter was consistent in making sure that had water and were happy. He even split the margarita between two cups for us– without us even asking. Just little things I experienced throughout the night made me really appreciate the service here.
Overall, this place exceeded my expectations, and I will be back soon!

Hit up this spot after a day at the theatre. The service was awesome and the prices were great compared to what we saw a few avenues over (definitely worth the walk).
We had ordered guacamole that was made right in front of us (fresher than fresh! video will be attached) and then four different entrees. I went with the chorizo quesadilla which was yummy, my brother the steak, my mother a seafood stew, and my dad (I don’t remember!). The food was about average, but the service and pricing is what really pushed up my rating to four stars!
I’d totally go again, just beware the restaurant is def on the tiny side so you will be close to other patrons. Every table was occupied by the time we left! My only negative was the bathroom door not locking, please fix!

Great food and even better drinks!
I was in a rush and had to come back for my meal. They were very understanding and didn’t complain about my quick exit.
The shrimp quesedilla was SO good and the happy hour margaritas hit the spot!
I also love the fact that your guacamole is made at your table to your spice level. I will definitely be back!

Came for happy hour; be aware, happy hour is only served at the bar and the two tables adjacent to the bar. At all the other tables, you’re only allowed one drink at a happy hour price.
My friend and I both got margaritas, one mango and one pineapple. Both with a generous amount of alcohol! In addition, we got the guacamole which was prepared table side, which was a cool experience. Lastly, we got the steak tacos, which were well seasoned, and the steak was cooked perfectly!
After the first round of margaritas, we wanted another round, but didn’t know what to get. The bartender offered to make us a special drink, and asked for our preference in taste. We both said something sweet, and he catered to our preferences.
Upon getting the bill, we saw we were charged $ 12 per drink. We asked the waiter, and he then told us the happy hour specials are only for the classic margaritas, not the flavored ones. So we ended up paying regular prices, which was upsetting. After paying, he gave us free shots of tequila to compensate, which was nice.
Overall, the food and drinks were great, I just wish they would’ve alerted us about the happy hour specials.

Service:
Okay, so I’m giving this 2 stars for the service. It was very slow and we had finished our meal before getting the drinks we had asked for. I will say that there weren’t many people working, but it was only a bottled beer we were waiting for.
Happy Hour:
The «happy hour» only allows you to get 1 drink at happy hour price! (Wish I had known that before!) I just don’t find that to be much of happy hour… Especially when there are signs outside advertising it and nowhere that says 1 drink per person. If I’m going to a happy hour, I’m likely to get more than 1 drink!
Food:
GUACAMOLE WAS AMAZING! If you are going to come here, come for that! I got the steak tacos and I found them a little dry and under seasoned. There just wasn’t much to them. If I come back here, I will definitely try the enchiladas, they looked really good.

Happy hour margaritas for 5 dollars are a great deal. They definitely don’t skimp on the alcohol. The guacamole was also excellent.
The tacos al carbon were nothing special and had too much sauce on them. The rice and beans were nothing fancy.
The live music and service was fantastic. Overall it was a good experience.

Fun, party-​like atmosphere. Antonio the bartender is warm & friendly. $ 5 margs & sangria (red & white) during happy hour, along with free chips & excellent, home made, smokey salsa. Guac made table-​side according to your mild or hot specs. Only complaint is that the guy was too heavy-​handed w/​the salt.
It does fill up & get noisy, so not good for serious convos.

I got takeout. I ordered the fajita. They did not deliver the tortillas, so i had to call back and have them redeliver it. They gave me 3 tiny tortillas, like the kind for small tacos, that used up perhaps ¼ of the fajita fillings they gave me.
Also: the fajitas, which were like $ 17, came with no guac, no cheese and no pico. The food was fine, not bad, nothing special. Will not be ordering takeout from here again, but would consider eating in there if a friend wanted to go.

Great little place to have a bite to eat. The drinks were fresh and they had a happy hour at lunch! The watermelon margarita was very fresh and smooth, while the white sangria had a nice light refreshing taste. For lunch we ordered chicken and pulled pork resposa tacos. I’d recommend the resposa over the other due to unique flavors! Friendly service — muy bien!

I just had lunch here and the food was hands-​down spectacular.
The guacamole was prepared table-​side with the exact ingredients we wanted. It was creamy, fresh & delicious. The tortilla chips are made fresh on the premises every day and you can really taste the difference. light, crunchy with just a hint of salt. I had the Poblano Enchilada and it blew my mind. The mole was by far the best I’ve ever had. Incredibly smooth, layered favors that lingered in the best way.
The prices are extremely reasonable.
The service was very good as well.
The only reason I’m not giving Casa Agave five stars is the restaurant itself is a little shop-​worn. I was there for a sunny lunch so every blemish was on display. Perhaps when it’s dark it reads as «charming.»
I will go back and will be ordering take-​out for sure.

This place is a real find. To play it safe, we got a reservation for Sunday night, which was smart; they were nearly full. It seems more neighborhoody than touristy (we’re tourists). One of their specialties is guacamole prepared at table side. It’s a BIG batch o’ guac, and I think I’d only get it were there 4+ people. My consort got, and enjoyed, a chicken mole enchilada. I tasted it: excellent. I had an outstanding dish that was focused on a beautifully grilled skirt steak. It came out warm: rested. Juicy and tender (that is, for this cut, which is toothsome).
At the last minute, my cousin joined us and they were totally great with that: moved us to a 4-​top table; got her entrée ready so it arrived soon after ours.
Great deal on excellent happy-​hour margaritas. I’m fussy about Mexican food and this place fits the bill. Gracias!

Boyfriend and I were in the neighborhood and wanted some good Mexican.
A hostess (outside the restaurant — wearing her winter coat) welcomed us to the restaurant.
First off, the place is TINY! Be careful to have to manuever a lot.
The staff was very friendly; it seems as if all the servers work together. We ordered tablemade guac to start off with. First off — I’ve had table made guac at a variety of Mexican places, and have never had this problem.
It was pretty much onion with some guac on the side. I get sick when I have too much raw onion. I took a bite of guac and had to spit out all the pieces of raw onion. If you get guac there, tell them no onion!
I didn’t complain because the staff truly is very nice, but that guac was inedible.
I ordered a Chicken quesadilla as an entrée, and my bf got the ceviche special. Food is very good, but portions are huge!
Cute restaurant, but the onion kind of killed it for me.

Cute spot for date night/​one-​on-​one girlfriends’ night, but likely not as ideal for larger groups over 4 people. I made a reservation for 5 at 6:30 pm for my patent crew dinner on a Friday. When I arrived I realized that they were a smaller venue than I anticipated and felt bad that my friends were running late (#lawyerlife)… I felt that we were squatting on some prime real estate.
DRINKS:
–happy hour 5(?)-8pm. $ 4 and up specials.
–margaritas are awesome.
–sangrias are freshly made so the fruit didn’t have time to infuse into the drink. SKIP. Sangrias need to be made a while before serving.
FOOD:
–guacamole is made at the table when they aren’t as swamped. Ignore the spice levels. If you can tolerate sriracha/​cholula get the spicy or you won’t even taste the peppers. Definitely get this.
–chicken mole is great. Looks like about half of a chicken served with a small rice & beans.
–fajitas are good. Maybe 6−8oz (cooked weight) chicken? Lighter on the meat portion than I am used to in Texas but definitely good-​sized for the neighborhood/​NYC context. Served with rice/​beans/​tortilla.
–enchiladas and tacos looked good but I didn’t get to try. Almost everything can be ordered with flour or corn tortillas.
SERVICE: pretty good overall. They kept our water filled and greeted us with smiles. They did want to charge extra for hot salsa ($ 2) and don’t have just tobasco/​cholula/​something to bring to the table though. I understand that they are proud of their house-​made stuff, but I honestly can’t taste the fire in pretty much any of their house stuff.
Overall, they were awesome and the food/​music/​atmosphere was great. I would definitely come back… But I’ll be bringing my own hot sauce with me.

Outstanding ceviche, fajitas and jalapeño margaritas.
They gave me «leche del Tigre» with my ceviche. The bartender blended it with half a shot of tequila.
Cool experience, would definitely recommend.

Queso fundido with chorizo… Game. Set. Match.
Authentic food, great service, classic margaritas… Highly recommend!

I went here for bottomless brunch last week with a girlfriend and we both ordered cheese enchiladas with sunny-​side up eggs; hers was with steak and mine was chicken. The enchiladas didn’t come with meat so we were both charged five dollars extra. The enchiladas were below average and I didn’t bother finishing them. We also got a tortilla soup with the brunch deal which was phenomenal. I loved the crunchy tortilla strips with the cheesy chicken broth with a buttery avocado on the side. The drinks were good especially the sangria. The service was excellent and the waiters and bartenders were pleasant.

If you’re looking to be transported to Mexico via a meal — you need to eat here! This is the most authentic Mexican food I’ve experienced since leaving Texas 15 years ago (except trips back to Mexico for vacation) I always try the same three things when comparing a new place to others. House Margarita, Beef Flautas (or Taquitos) and Chicken Quesadilla. I’m not sure I’ll find another place that does these better. Chicken and cheese were oozing out the sides of the quesadilla and about ½″ think. Flautas are giant and insanely delicious. I’m already figuring out when I can get back to try other items.

Cute little authentic Mexican restaurant in the theater district– but off the typical tourist traps!
Great food! They always have great lunch specials!
But you MUST order the Made At Your Table Guacamole! INSANELY Good. 3 of us went thru 2 orders of it and it is a huge amount!
The food is all prepared to order and delicious– we all got variations of Quesadilla… Service was very attentive. We will definitely go again

Trouble is brewing in this sector of Hell’s Kitchen. Three taco joints within a square block means trouble for someone. Casa Agave has the right ingredients to be one of the survivors. As a lunch spot, three excellent tacos, rice, beans, chips, salsa and a mason jar size drink for $ 10 is hard to beat.
About the FOOD, I inhaled the tacos al pastor which are fresh, well prepared and served on small, thin tortillas. The tortillas have all the markings of made on premise. The salsa de arbor is just right. I managed to cause a small container to disappear while waiting for the tacos. Fresh limeade among other choices.
DRINKS look promising with a healthy list of cocktails and all the appearances of a fine happy hour. More on that in the future.
Of the three, this one is the class act and for now, it’s affordable. We’ll see how popularity changes prices.

Me and my wife went here on a sunny Sunday afternoon for lunch (at around 2:45 pm). The place was relatively empty; they had some lovely live music being played and definitely started to make our experience fun — only to be spoiled by a table of 8 on our left side, who were obnoxiously loud.
They have brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday ($ 28.95) — unlimited drinks, appetizers and main course all included. We ordered from regular menu. we got their $ 5 happy hour margarita (OK), and for entrees; I got the Chicken Fajita (Good) and the Mrs. got Chicken Quesadilla (Good). While the food was good, it was just over priced in our opinion. Chicken Fajita for $ 16 is a bit steep. at $ 12.95 however, this would be a steal and we’d definitely go there again!
Service was excellent — the manager, servers and our waiters — all welcoming!

My sister and I stopped here for happy hour. We were looking for a place that had food and drink specials. I must have read the reviews wrong because there were only drinks specials here. In order to take advatange of the happy hour drinks specials, you have to sit at the bar ($ 5 for maragaritas, sangria, house wine). At the tables, you are only allowed one round of drinks at the HH price; the next rounds are full priced.
We started off with their guacamole ($ 12), made to order at your table side. My sister ordered their salad with chicken ($ 13?) and I opted for the 4 chicken tacos (corn tortillas) ($ 14) with rice and bean. We started off with sangria and margarita. For $ 5, not really worth the price. Pretty weak and tasted like it was from a pre-​mixed bottle. The guacomole, salad, and tacos were all decent. The beans were more like mashed beans (not quite refried beans, and not regular beans either). The food was okay, but way over rpiced for what they gave (quality and quantity). The service was fast and the staff was friendly, but it’s not a place I would visit again (not even for HH)

Tried this place out with my roommates for Friday night dinner. The place was at capacity and we were initially told it’d be a 20min wait. When the manager/​owner saw we were about to walk away he went the extra mile and got us seated much sooner. Was pretty cool.
Service got off to a slow start and it took a while for us to get drinks. We all ordered the spicy margarita with fresh mango juice. I was expecting it to have a bit more kick and less ice. But was still pretty tasty. We also got an order of the guac, wasn’t made table side per other reviews but probably because the place was crowded. It was pretty delish, super fresh and tasty.
For entrees we had ceviche, chicken fajitas and chicken enchiladas. Everything was cooked well with flavorful seasonings and sauce. This place is one of the better Mexican joints I’ve been to in Manhattan. Still need to find some true tex mex though!

Steps to take:
1.) classic margarita, an addiction
2.) Guac and seafood (ask for spicy) get it and be mind blown
3.) steak quesadilla, face melting
4.) mimosas not your average orange juice
5.) dessert: fried plantain topped with vanilla ice cream, fresh strawberries, whipped cream & chocolate drizzle
6.) another margarita
Your welcome ;)

Came here on a Sunday for a boozy brunch before a show. It’s a pretty good deal. Bottomless drinks, appetizer, and an entrée. The appetizer selections was a soup or salad. Since I checked out their guacamole on Unilocal beforehand, I made a deal with our waiter to swap our appetizers for one guacamole. I suggest to try this tactic if you decide to come here because they have a great guacamole.
For my entrée, I had the enchiladas suizas which were stuffed with chicken with a homemade tomatillo sauce with Mexican cream and cheese. Came with refried beans and rice as well. Definitely a good portion size, but not the best I’ve had.
The waiter was really good to us. Yes, we were the only ones really in the restaurant, but still. He made sure our glasses were always filled, and helped us out again with our appetizers. Extra tip for the extra drink we received at the end.
For a bottomless brunch, this fits your needs. Good service, good food, and good drinks. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in a good bottomless Mexican brunch.

GUACAMOLE.
If you only order one thing, let it be that. They have a guacamole cart that they wheel to your table, and they’ll make it in front of you. They ask you how you like your guac, and that’s how you’ll get it.
Unfortunately, since I wasn’t very hungry, this was all I ordered. So I didn’t get a chance to try anything else. I def want to come back and try some of their tacos. Their seafood guacamole sounds good too.
Tip — happy hour is from 5 – 7. You can get $ 4-​$ 6 beers, wine, or sangria.