This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

El Agave

Name: El Agave
Address: 2304 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA, United States, 92110
Telephone: (619) 220-0692
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

2007 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top Tags:

Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.
Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting within
the largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 2,700 tequilas on display – also
repeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is the
perfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax and
unwind sipping find tequila with friends.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 21, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Traditional Mexican
Hours of operation
Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 220-0692
Website
http://www.elagave.com/
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Juan Carlos Gomez
Catering
Please call the restaurant for details.
Private party facilities
Deposit required. Please call the restaurant for details.
Private party contact
Gimel Torre: (619) 220-0692

Location
2304 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood
Old Town
Cross street
Old Town Ave
Parking details
Street parking also available.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

The Most Famous Restaurants in San Diego

Popular dishes

Sopes Surtidos$12.00
Homemade Flat soft tortilla shells with black beans, shredded chicken, chorizo and shrimp in a chipotle sauce, topped with lettuce and Mexican Cream
Quesadillas$12.00
4 mini quesadillas stuffed with, manchego cheese, roasted poblano peppers, sautéed mushrooms and shredded chicken, served with chipotle crème-fresh
Enchiladas de Mole Verde$12.00
Shredded pork enchiladas in our outstanding mole verde sauce, served with black beans
Enchiladas Verdes$12.00
Tender chicken enchiladas in the traditional tomatillo sauce, under fresh cheese, onions and cilantro, served with black beans
Enchiladas Rojas$14.00
Chicken enchiladas in a red Mexican sauce, layered with cream and cheese, served with black beans
Enchiladas de Mariscos$16.00
Seafood enchiladas stuffed with lobster, shrimp and calamar, topped with a tomatillo and chile poblano sauce, served with rice
Enchiladas de Pato en Mole Negro$18.00
Shredded duck enchiladas topped with the traditional Oaxacan black mole
Enchiladas Vegetariano$14.00
Four corn tortillas stuffed with sautéed mushroom, carrots, zucchini Squash and asparagus, served with agave rice and your choice of any of our delicious moles
Queso Fundido$12.00
Manchego Cheese Melted with your choice of: Chorizo, Mushrooms or roasted poblano pepper

Ceviche

Ceviche del Mar$16.00
Octopus, shrimp, cherry tomato and baby corn, onion and grill red pepper, lemon and olive oil, flavored with herbs and with a touch of chile morita sauce
Aguachile de Camaron (Verde)$16.00
Raw shrimp, cooked in fresh lime juice, with chile serrano, tomatillo, cilantro and cucumber

Ensaladas/Salads

Ensalada de Mariscos$16.00
Mixed seafood salad with lobster, calamar and shrimp, in an olive oil and orange juice dressing
Salpicón de Pollo$13.00
A great combination of a crisp lettuce, onion, tomato, jalapeño chilli, orange juice, and virgin olive oil topped with tender grilled chicken breast strips
Ensalada Cesar$12.00
The authentic recipe from Tijuana
Ensalada Mixta$12.00
Baby mixed greens tossed with tomato, red onion, green olives, avocado and fresh lemon-lime oregano vinaigrette
Ensalada de Nopal$12.00
Cactus paddle salad with freshly diced tomato, cilantro, onion, oregano, avocado, Mexican cheese and olive oil
Ensalada del Huerto$12.00
Baby mixed greens tossed with red and gold beets, pistachios, figs, cherry tomato, goat cheese and pomegranate dressing

Sopas/Soups

Gluten free

Sopa de Cilantro$11.00
A delicate soup of fresh cilantro, cream and spice
Sopa de Mariscos$14.00
Prepared with red snapper, shrimp and squid, lightly dusted with a touch of cascabel "chili" and a dash of El Agave's signature spices
Sopa de Tortilla$11.00
Traditional "Azteca" soup infused with avor of pasilla "chili", and layered with tortilla strips, shredded chicken, manchego cheese, sour cream and avocado
Crema de Chile Poblano con cuitlacoche$14.00
Creamy chile Poblano and cuitlacoche blended and enhanced with our species

Gourmet Burritos

Now offering a Fresh new alternative traditional burritos!

Burro de Atun$14.00
Yellow Fin Tuna cooked Baja style with Jalapeno and Agave nectar, wrapped in a spinach tortilla
Burro de Langosta$14.00
Sauteed Lobster in a light fresh cheese and chipotle chili sauce and pimiento, wrapped in jalapeno tortilla
Burro de Filete y Ave$14.00
Tomato tortilla stuffed with Filet Mignon and Poultry marinated in a citrus sauce
Burro de Camaron Florentina$14.00
Shrimp sauteed in butter, garlic, spinach, red pepper and Mancheco cheese
Burro De Salmon$14.00
Grill Salmon with Vegetables, Soy sauce, cream and lemon
Burro Vegetariano$12.00
Grill Portobello mushroom, Italian squash, asparagus, spinach and Mancheco cheese

Gourmet Tacos

Mexico City Style! Hand Made Tortilla. Made with a fresh and unique flavors!! (3 tacos)

Tacos

Al Pastor$12.00
Pork meat marinated in chile guajillo, pineaple, cilantro and onions
De Carnitas$12.00
Tender roasted pork "Michoacan style"served over homemade tortillas and garnished with a tasty pico de gallo sauce
Gobernador$14.00
Grilled shrimp tacos, accompanied by pico de gallo, melted oaxaca cheese
De Cochinita$12.00
Cochinita pibil tacos topped with habanero chili cream
Tacos de Arrachera$12.00
Carne asada taco with onions and cilantro served with guacamole
Tacos de Barbacoa$13.00
Braised Lamb Shank, Guacamole, Mushroom sauce, roasted red peppers and corn
Taco de Pollo$12.00
Grilled marinated chicken with mole poblano puree, Banana plantain rice and sesame sedes
Tacos de Carnita de Pato$14.00
Tender Roasted duck in a Spinach flour tortilla, with fig and chile de arbol marmalade, carrot crean and beets
Taco de Mariscos$14.00
Shrimp, octopus squid, onion and red pepper
Taco de Pescado$13.00
Grilled Local Seabass with adobo sauce, cabbage, beets and cream
Taco de Atun$14.00
Seared Yellow fin Tuna in panko, parsely, cabbage, habanero and agave néctar dressing, red onion with agave rice in poblano sauce
Taco de Pulpo al Pastor$14.00
Grilled Octopus in Achiote with Guacamole, pineapple, red onion, beets and cilantro pesto
Taco de Camaron Enchilado$14.00
Shrimp chunks sauteed in garlic, Arbol chili, cheese and a touch of mustard
Taco de Betabel$12.00
Grilled beets with queso fresco, orange, celery and cilantro pesto
Agave Veggie Taco$12.00
Roasted Oaxaca Cheese, mushrooms, poblano pepper, spinach grilled with olive oil

Sides

Black Beans$3.00
Agave Rice$3.00
House Salad$3.00
Guacamole$6.00

Entrees

Salmon Cholula$16.00
Baked Salmon toped with a Chile poblano, sauce, agave rice
Local Sea Bass$16.00
Grilled local sea bass topped with a Chipotle and Citrus sauce, Agave rice and mixed green salad served alongside
Tampiquena de Arrachera$18.00
Grilled tender flat fillet with poblano chili strips, guacamole, black beans and red enchilada
Filete al Tequila$20.00
Fillet Mignon in a tequila, red wine reduction sauce, topped with cambray onions and musrooms served alongside potatoes and medley of grilled vegetables
Pollo Costa Chico$16.00
Chicken breast stuffed with fried plantains, then served with Agave rice and vegetables in sweet adobo (guajillo and ancho chili, garlic and tomato)

What 2,007 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Mexican
San Diego
Mexican

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
This restaurant has the best authentic Mexican cuisine and we love the atmosphere!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience5
The food was great. The enchiladas were ok but everything else (sopes, drinks, filet) was a great new experience. Would highly recommend for a fun date night.
SD
SarahD
Orlando
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent service, nice ambience, good margaritas (although not very strong). The mole poblano was delicious but the sauce is served over the chicken, which surprised me.
BE
BruceE
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dining experience as usual! Highly recommend El Agave for a wonderful meal, especially if you like moles & tequila.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cancun
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service and food were amazing!
b
bscomments
San Diego
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on March 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the place! Food is excellent as is the service!
L
Lunch
San Diego
35 reviews
vip
4.0
35 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Had lunch with friends and enjoyed margaritas, ceviche, tacos, mole, and pulpo. Everything was excellent. Tacos were on the small side, not street tacos, more like taster/sample size but everything was delicious. Excellent spot for tequila lovers.
ST
ScottT
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Great food and service. We had a wonderful time. The tequila bottles are a striking decor.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Hands down favorite sit-down mexican restaurant in San diego. The food and drinks are worth every penny
DV
DaveV
Nashville
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was awesome! Will go again if we ever come back to San Diego
LS
LenS
San Diego
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is excellent. The Molé is spectacular.
JG
JoelG
San Diego
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Great dinner at El Agave last night. Jorge our server was simply terrific, very knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. Jorge recommended several dishes taking into account my allergy to nuts, so no mole for me. But I had the best grilled octopus ever. My wife and I shared a shot of a wonderful Anejo tequila that Jorge recommended. All in all a terrific experience. But next time will insist on an inside table. The balcony seating was cold and not comfortable. My only complaint.
D
Dash
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Truly authentic Mexican food in an incredible setting surrounded by wall displays of every tequila imaginable. Our server was knowledgeable about each tequila served with the excellent food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Indiana
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic restaurant!
M
Maria
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
So many tequilas to choose from, but the mezcal old fashioned was EXCELENT. The right amount of sweet and smoky. We had the squash blossoms, steak tacos and steak and chicken burrito, all very good. Service was a bit slow, but very attentive. Would absolutely recommned!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 25, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
My wife and I went for the tequila/mezcal flights. The food was good and the flights were good but the atmosphere is the real standout. Very fun experience. We’ll be back for the higher end flights for sure.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
El Agave is consistently great. I’ve never had an order come out poorly. It is definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego. High quality food, not cheap taco shop junk.
P
jackieP
New York Area
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience5
The food arrived to the table with most dishes cold. The food was taken away and rewarmed. My husband also found a piece of plastic in his salad. Although the food was delicious, they never tried to make up for their issues, which was disappointing.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always amazing!
PR
PeterR
Vancouver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Despite the fact that the dishwasher (machine) was broken and the dishwasher (human) quit, and it was a Friday night and very busy, the food and, of course, the tequila was great. Under the circumstances, the servers did their level best. The manager washed dishes. I offered to help but by then, the cooks were washing dishes, too.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful dinner in Old Town San Diego.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience1
Our server would not have the best attitude. Took him the longest to bring drinks and even longer to take our order. Food was good but very small portions. Music was loud. That night was very cold outside, but sitting at our table it felt Ike they even had the AC on, very cold. The server needs to be trained properly, again not the best attitude.
MM
MimiMia
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I love this place. I come here often. The servers are anazing , corteous, fun!!!!
R
Rich
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Waiters were wonderful and the food was also wonderful.
AC
AnneC
San Diego
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on February 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our first time here. The service was excellent and the food and margaritas were fabulous. I thought the ceviche appetizer and the mole were very tasty. We will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food
K
Kathy
San Diego
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic moles here, from spicy to a little sweeter, yellow, red, and green too. A variety of mole types and chilis. We feel like we are experiencing much more authentic Mexican food here, not American version of Mexican food. And the tequila varieties are endless. This is our favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego, and that's really saying something.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and tequila
BS
BillS
San Antonio
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite restaurant in San Diego. I have been coming here for over 15 years
K
Kjjf
New York Area
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic overall experience. The servoce was great and attentive, and the food was excellent. Would highly recommend.
d
darinap
Orlando
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, great presentation, relaxed atmosphere, friendly service, reasonably prices. You can't go wrong.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Good place for drinks, food was ok. Drinks where excellent, over all we would go back. Staff was very nice.
KC
KitC
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 29, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Complimentary nachos with trio of dips (green, black bean and red) really gets the appetite going. Tequila with sangrita as a palate cleanser is a must. Staff knowledgeable and helpful tapering dishes to individual appetites.
JB
JandB
San Francisco
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
El Agave in Old Town is a quiet gem in a sea of ordinary Mexican eateries. Consistently great service with an unusual menu.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
What an amazing restaurant and hidden gem. First time going and it was a perfect date spot. Javier, our waiter, was exceptional and the food and drinks were on point. Highly recommend it!
A
Acevolante
San Diego
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience5
When they’re with my kids and a guest visiting out of town. The ambience is nice, tables somehow crowded. we were sitting in the covered patio. We ordered two margaritas, two appetizers to share and four entrées. Two of the entrées were just tacos, three simple tacos in each plate. No sides come with the tacos. The total with tip was $230. The food was good, but not great. I think it’s too expensive for what you get.
CF
CarylF
New Mexico
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic atmosphere. Great food and service. Classic Old Town ambience.
HB
HungryBear
San Diego
102 reviews
vip
4.0
102 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
I go for the atmosphere, the service, the quality of food and the location. Regular Customer. We won’t eat anywhere else in Old Town.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing!!!! One of my favorite places to dine! It’s been there 25 years & still just an awesome spot, service was too notch too!!!!!
TH
TheHappyDiner
Milwaukee
24 reviews
5.0
24 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had an outstanding time at Agave. We were very impressed with the service and the cuisine. Food was amazing and I would definitely go back.

FAQs

El Agave does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. El Agave also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 220-0692.

El Agave is rated 4.7 stars by 2007 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Mar 21, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

2304 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110

Additional information

Cross street
Old Town Ave
Neighborhood
Old Town
Hours of operation
Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Traditional Mexican
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking also available.
Payment options
AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Juan Carlos Gomez
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elagave.com/
Phone number
(619) 220-0692
Catering
Please call the restaurant for details.
Private party facilities
Deposit required. Please call the restaurant for details.
Private party contact
Gimel Torre: (619) 220-0692

Featured in

The Most Famous Restaurants in San Diego

This restaurant now offers Takeout

El Agave

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

Additional information

The Most Famous Restaurants in San Diego

Ceviche del Mar

Mole Poblano Don Julio

Enchiladas Vegetariano

Antojitos Y Enchiladas

Sopes Surtidos$12.00

Quesadillas$12.00

Enchiladas de Mole Verde$12.00

Enchiladas Verdes$12.00

Enchiladas Rojas$14.00

Enchiladas de Mariscos$16.00

Enchiladas de Pato en Mole Negro$18.00

Enchiladas Vegetariano$14.00

Queso Fundido$12.00

Ceviche

Ceviche del Mar$16.00

Aguachile de Camaron (Verde)$16.00

Ensaladas/Salads

Ensalada de Mariscos$16.00

Salpicón de Pollo$13.00

Ensalada Cesar$12.00

Ensalada Mixta$12.00

Ensalada de Nopal$12.00

Ensalada del Huerto$12.00

Sopas/Soups

Sopa de Cilantro$11.00

Sopa de Mariscos$14.00

Sopa de Tortilla$11.00

Crema de Chile Poblano con cuitlacoche$14.00

Gourmet Burritos

Burro de Atun$14.00

Burro de Langosta$14.00

Burro de Filete y Ave$14.00

Burro de Camaron Florentina$14.00

Burro De Salmon$14.00

Burro Vegetariano$12.00

Gourmet Tacos

Tacos

Al Pastor$12.00

De Carnitas$12.00

Gobernador$14.00

De Cochinita$12.00

Tacos de Arrachera$12.00

Tacos de Barbacoa$13.00

Taco de Pollo$12.00

Tacos de Carnita de Pato$14.00

Taco de Mariscos$14.00

Taco de Pescado$13.00

Taco de Atun$14.00

Taco de Pulpo al Pastor$14.00

Taco de Camaron Enchilado$14.00

Taco de Betabel$12.00

Agave Veggie Taco$12.00

Sides

Black Beans$3.00

Agave Rice$3.00

House Salad$3.00

Guacamole$6.00

Entrees

Salmon Cholula$16.00

Local Sea Bass$16.00

Tampiquena de Arrachera$18.00

Filete al Tequila$20.00

Pollo Costa Chico$16.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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FAQs

Does El Agave offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is El Agave restaurant rated?

Is El Agave currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout