El Agave's Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Augusta

I can only explain my disappointment with this restaurant with stating that I waited anxiously by my computer searching for its opening when I heard it was coming to Augusta. I looked for it almost weekly around the time it was rumored to open. Due to busy schedules and finances I was not able to make it in when it first finally opened its doors.

Last night, after waiting so long to finally eat there I decided to go in. Being a Friday night, I expected it to be packed like most restaurants in the Augusta area, so I called ahead. I was told there were no waiting lists and no wait. When I arrived we checked in and again were told there was no list, they would just remember when it was our turn. They then proceeded to sit multiple people before us who came after us until luckily one couple spoke up for us and we finally got a table.

Upon being seated, I noticed that the place had a very nice atmosphere, a little small and a little cramped where I was seated was directly in front of bathroom door and I was bumped into multiple times by people walking by but it was okay. The staff and the restaurant gave a nice authentic Mexican atmosphere which was refreshing and gave me hope for the food and the service.

Opening our menus we found they had taken sharpie to most of the items, I presume that they were out of or didn’t sell anymore. However it was all the small sizes and all the cheaper items and most of what I debated having when looking at the menu online earlier but I quickly found an alternative. The prices were decent. Better than most other places, I quickly learned why later. I ordered a strawberry daiquiri, a side order of guacamole and a mix fajita. My friend ordered her meal. We sat there to wait.

I kid you not, before my drink even made it to the table less than 5 mins later our food was placed in front of us, sizzling hot. The restaurant was packed. I can only imagine that they had some kind of magic chef back there or they microwaved already cooked food in drawers like McDonald’s does.

Now for the food itself. I will say this with as much respect as I can, however my fajitas were tiny thin strips of rubbery colorless grey meat. Mixed with green peppers and what looked like a can of stewed tomatoes. My refried beans were the consistency of mashed potatoes and came up all at once in one scoop off my plate. The side of guacamole I asked for and paid $2.00 extra for was the size of a teaspoon and the whole thing was chewy, rubbery and lacked any spice or flavor what so ever.

I was highly disappointed and even more confused when I pulled up other ratings and saw that people said it was the best restaurant they have ever been to and real authentic Mexican. If this is what that tastes like I will keep my Taco Bell, chipotle, and fake Mexican food. The best thing about it was my weak $7.00 strawberry drink that I have to question if it had alcohol or not in it.

I will definitely not be returning to. This restaurant and will continue to spend the extra money across town at Margaritas like...

Arrived at the restaurant 30 minutes after placing the order, which was the time quoted for the food to be ready. I waited another 23 minutes before someone made themselves available to speak with those of us who were waiting for their orders. (It seemed as though no one knew who's responsibility it was to seat and welcome/speak to folks waiting at the front.) When I finally got to speak with a waiter/host, he went to go look for my order. Another 10 minute wait... He came out of the kitchen and ignored me altogether. When it was apparent he wasn't busy, I got his attention and asked about my order. He said the kitchen was busy, and they couldn't find my order! I suppose he was content to let me wait and assume my food was being cooked - until I confronted him and asked directly. At this point, I showed him my phone, which had the order, and he went away again. another 5 minute wait.... When he came back, he said they didn't have that order. It's now been an hour since we placed the order from this restaurant's website, and they don't have it. I saw order with numbers after mine, coming out of the kitchen for pickup, but nothing for me. I can understand losing the order, but going to the kitchen twice and still not starting it?? I then tell him I need it made ASAP and ask to speak to the manager. He tells me there isn't a manager on duty... That does explain the chaos. After another 10 minutes, a girl comes out and asks what part of my order I haven't received. (It seems I'm caught in a Monty Python skit without realizing it) I show her my receipt and the full order and she says they will go make it. I've now been at the restaurant for an hour to pick up an order which should have been done - and hasn't even been started. I ask her why there isn't a manager onsite and she says there is!? I tell her the other fellow said there wasn't one and she repeats that he's there. I ask to speak with him and she leaves to get him. 10 more minutes... my food comes out form the kitchen for me, but no manager. Of course I open the bag and make sure there are enough entres but I didn't see until we opened the entre containers that they forgot the rice on both orders...of course. This night was a (not so funny) comedy of errors, which I can understand happening occasionally, but I don't appreciate being lied to about the manager, and having to pursue my order through...

After an understandable wait to be seated due to the time we chose to eat. We were seated over near the bar. We were served chips and salsa, no napkins and no drink. After some time one server came over to take our drink order. He mumbled and whispered, very difficult to hear him. The drinks served again with no napkins, or silverware. I got tired of not having a napkin so I went and grabbed some paper towels from the bathroom just so I could wipe my hands. Finally a waitress decided to come over after 5 minutes of us sitting there to take our order. At which point we did ask if we could have napkins. She acted as if we were strange to ask. We watched people who ordered after us get food before. We both ordered the chimichangas. We finished out sodas and asked for refills. Finally 30 minutes later we were served food. At this point we still did not have any silverware to eat with. So we had to go to the bar and ask for silverware. The beans and the rice were ice cold. The chimichangas were sub par but nothing impressive. The rice had no flavor, despite being cold it lacked seasoning. Numerous times the waitress walked by our table not once did she stop and see if we needed anything. Or see why we weren’t eating our rice or the beans. This place has more than enough staff so understaffing does not seem to be an issue. They didn’t seem friendly either. After receiving our bill we left cash on the table because we knew she would not come back. I probably should not have left the tip that we did. Figuring it could be an off night. After seeing the reviews it looks like this is a common affair for this particular restaurant. I miss Ruby Tuesday’s. We wouldn’t have attempted to eat here if Red Robin hadn’t closed for the night. Won’t be going back, but hopefully the owner or manager reviews the reviews and makes corrections. Such as, when customers are seated, seat them with napkins that have silverware. And when the guy brings the chips and dip, to have him serve water at that time as well. Knowing it could be some time before a waitress or waiter comes...