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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: 4.8

4.8

1764 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

May 27, 2022

May 2022

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

7:00 PM

Booked 21 times today

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Delivery

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 1,764 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 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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J
Jake
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
All the way around, El Agave is a wonderful resteraunt. The professional service from the staff stands out in 2022. This was our third visit to San Diego over the last 12 years and each time we look forward to the next.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love this restaurant, the incredible food, and ambiance!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent experience
LW
LindaW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the staff! Nicest group of people. Service is fabulous and the food is delicious!
H
Havefundswilltravel
Jackson Hole
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Javier was a great waiter and the food was spectacular! I really liked my short ribs poblano on cheesy risotto!
FL
FLAVIO
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance and service. We highly recommend the pulpo a las brasas.
JW
JohnW
San Diego
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best food and drink in San Diego Great dining experience
BF
BrigFan
Palm Springs
51 reviews
vip
5.0
51 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this restaurant. It's up-scale Mexican food, not Tex-Mex style. Presentation was beautiful. Every mouthful was so delicious. Wait staff was efficient, knowledgeable about the menu, and each had a fun sense of humor, Can't wait to go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Mother’s Day
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow. First time here, it was amazing. Everything from the place, the service and the food was simply perfect.
J
Jess
San Francisco
123 reviews
vip
5.0
123 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
No Cal-Mex here, this is authentic Mexican cuisine, as fine as one experiences at upscale Mexico City restaurants.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience5
It was good I loved the place, however they did take a very long time serving our table others that arrived after us received their food way before we did.
CL
CieraL
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely incredible food! And Jorge was an exceptional waiter. We will definitely return. The atmosphere was also noteworthy. 👍
LW
LaurelW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food is delicious. Great atmosphere. Perfect for meeting up with friends. Bar very small, but quaint. Will definitely come back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
First time experience. The service & food was fabulous. A little in the high side $$$ though. Will be back soon
TA
ThadA
Washington DC
35 reviews
5.0
35 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent margaritas and food
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall4food5service3ambience5
Nice evening visit with my daughter. Hard to find parking when lot was full. Opened up when liquor store closed at 7.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Agave excelled our expectations. Food was as Mexican as you can only get in Mexico and, although a little pricy, it’s worth every bit of your money. The place is unique, cozy and with lots of pizzazz! Our server, Alberto, was superb and the rest of the staff super nice and attentive. We highly recommend this place!
R
Raylynn1
Palm Springs
19 reviews
vip
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was fun and delicious. The mezcal drinks were inventive and really tasty although we had 3 each and felt nothing, they could do better with that. Definitely a place I would go again, great vibe.
M
Moshany
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
1.0
11 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
We have waited more than 1/2 HR for our table. After sitting we have waited again for at least 15 minutes for someone to come to the table. We have been asked if we ready to order and the waiter so a slight hesitation and said he will be back. Again,he appeared after 15 minutes. We have place the order and drinks. Felt that he could not spend a minute with us. The drinks came after some time and The food came after 1/2 HR. All and all we had reservation for 7:99pm and started eating at 8:45pm. Some of the food was cold. The rice was not cooked, the mashed potatoes were hard, the mole was salty and the chicken was over cooked. The fish (see bass and Solomon j were actually ok. Extremely slow service without any regard to the customer. First and last time
KS
KennethS
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The best mole I have had in the US, octopus was excellent, great ceviche trio. One of the nest Mexican dinner experiences ever, both in US or Mexico
j
jozak
San Diego
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My favorite Mexican Restaurant with the very best margaritas!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Western NC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to El Agave, the food, drinks, and service were spectacular. Our server spent lots of time with us helping us choose drinks, going over the different tequilas and mezcals. Everything he recommended was perfect. By far the best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to. Also the value was great as well. Will definitely Be a staple restaurant I will always come to when in San Diego
BJ
BrianJ
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 2, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Food was outstanding. We ordered a pork mole (amazing) and a chipotle filet with manchego (great). Wait staff was very professional, but seemed to forget about us after the order. He never returned to check on food or drinks, and it took 35 minutes to get the check. Fortunately, we were not in a hurry. Sit upstairs if you want a view and a quieter experience suitable for conversation.
b
buenprovecho
Orange County
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service, cocktails and food. Made a reservation for 9, an additional group wanted to join us and they were available and willing to accommodate our cheese group after attending a local Cheese Expo.
PH
PaulH
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 1, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a superb and unique treat to the palate. Some of the best sauces and prepared meals I’ve experienced anywhere.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I were in town to catch an early flight from SAN. Our dinner started with two perfect margaritas and the Pulpo appetizer. We split the Creamy Poblano soup and the Sea Bass. Borr we’re out of this world. I recommend El Agave to everyone e any anyone that likes carefully prepared Mexican food.
L
Lolita
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Exquisite food, unusual menu, professional service. Will return soon.
B
Beenes
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and service were outstanding. We selected all seafood plates. Highly recommend the Tequila Shrimp. Noise level in the patio was loud. Will return.
TW
TedW
Atlanta
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 23, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb elevated Mexican cuisine with an huge selection of tequilas.
NC
NancyC
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 20, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience4
Returned to El Agave after 10 years. Our experience was wonderful and everything we remembered. Our server was very attentive, the Margaritas heavenly and the Mole delishious. It was a bit of a splurge but worth it. Will return again. The parking is limited so get there early.
CR
CarolineR
New York Area
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on April 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing place
OC
OskarC
San Francisco
26 reviews
vip
5.0
26 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time to El Agave, and can tell you this will not be my last time. This restaurant is located in Old Town San Diego - make sure you come early and parking can be difficult in this area. The restaurant is on the second floor of and old California/ Mexican style building. One you come up the entrance, you will encounter the main bat. Behind the bar is the main dining area, decorated with hundreds of tequila bottles - very well done and entertaining. I would describe the food as high end traditional, with authentic Mexican specialty dishes you will not find in many other restaurants. The specialties mix drinks were delicious as well. And the service was great. I can’t wait for a return visit, and believe you will enjoy as well.
JS
JohnS
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best gourmet Mexican food in San Diego. Nice atmosphere, and great service.
d
diner707
San Francisco
7 reviews
vip
2.0
7 reviews
Dined on April 15, 2022
overall2food1service1ambience4
This is a very cute restaurant but with poor service that required multiple flag-downs (e.g., drinks not offered for more than 15 minutes seated), and food that needs way more spice. Everyone at our table used salt.
MB
MarciaB
Oklahoma City
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on April 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service are always outstanding at El Agave.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
vip
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall2food2service3ambience4
Had to wait a long time for table despite having reservation. Food was okay. The margaritas were not as good as hyped. Food took a long time to come out and was rather cold.
MC
MarieC
Orange County
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great vegetarian options and ambiance. Delicious food and drinks. Excellent service.
M
Miriam
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was excellent. The waiter was very helpful. The service in general was very good. We enjoyed the experience and will definitely eat there again when in the area.
v
velella
Los Angeles
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 9, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience5
They have an amazing collection of Tequila bottles… thousands? Smallish, awful parking, but very worth it the food is outstanding Several different mole sauces. Even have plate with 3 different mole. If you drink, the flight of tequila shots looked great. Lots of entrée envy.

FAQs

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

El Agave is rated 4.8 stars by 1764 OpenTable diners.

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