Agave Mexican Bistro — Restaurant in Newburyport

We arrived and were standing at the host stand for no more and 10 seconds before a waitress was pushing in between us to get through the door. She used a menu in front of her to basically part us like a bouncer at a club and never uttered an “excuse me” or even acknowledged us… It was a very odd first impression.

We had to wait a bit for an outdoor table so we gave our number and walked down the street to some shops, grabbing a tea from another spot. We received the text that our table was ready, went back, a hostess seated us and we were immediately and aggressively approached by what we presumed to be a manager (before our butts even hit our chairs) to tell us to place the tea on the ground as to not display it on the table. This was off putting once again but we continued on looking at the menu, which we now regret. I understand not wanting to advertise another business or bring in outside food / drink, but in an extremely touristy downtown this just felt a bit unnecessary. EVERYONE is walking around with coffees and teas.

The waitress then approached and asked us (and all tables in ear shot) “would you like chips and salsa?” We answer “yes” as pretty much every Mexican restaurant includes this, to later find out it’s a $6 charge. I hate restaurants that try to trick you like this - especially at a place where a plate of chicken nachos is $30. Then we got our chicken tacos to split as we wanted to get out of there as soon as possible without going into debt. The chicken was boiled and not seasoned and a sad excuse for Mexican food. We were immediately turned off by the appearance and the flavor was horrific and bland. Water was literally pouring onto the plate as we tried to eat them.

Also, we found it to be very strange that many dishes that included steak or avocados did not list prices, and instead referenced “market price.” This seemed like a sketchy way to price gouge tourists on really whatever they wanted.

I must assume that the positive reviews are paid actors or influencers as I’m not sure that a good experience here...

Had dinner here last night. My wife and I, were truly disappointed with the food. We picked this restaurant, partly because of the reviews and our love for Mexican food. The restaurant itself, was in a great location and very nice. I ordered a house margarita, which was over priced for a drink which lack on tequila and over powered you with the mix. Next, I thought it was rather interesting that they actually charge for the chips and salsa, every other Mexican restaurant gives for free. And while the Salas was actually good and tasted as it was homemade, the chips where stale and where not homemade. For dinner, we decided to split the chicken enchiladas. We wanted to get to with mole and one with salsa Verde. However, as we were told, they could only put the sauce across all three. When I asked, why they couldn't just run the sauce down instead of across, was told they only do it across. Still befuddled by that logic.

So, we ordered the mole and Salsa Verde on the side. Our dinner came out and we both were amazed at how small it was for the money they were asking. Then we both tasted the mole and wondered exactly what we had just tried because it was the farthest thing from mole. Next, we tried the enchiladas and the chicken was moist, but lacked any flavor. Added the Salsa Verde, and again was disappointed by the lack of flavor. The Spanish rice, had less flavor than white rice and the refried beans were from a can.

In all, our meal tasted as though it all was bought from Sysco and it was simply put together and reheated. With the exception of the Salsa, nothing was homemade. It was the furthest thing from authentic as you can get and it was extremely expensive.

The service was okay, not great.

I wish I had more positive to say, but it what it is. Taco Bell would have been a...

My family and I planed a spontaneous night out with our littles to Newburyport on a warm Saturday. We stumbled upon Agave.

The building itself is fascinating and there are 3 levels of seating options, we were seated on the second floor. As walk in guests we were seated right away.

I work as a bartender at a fine dine restaurant in Boston, I could tell The waiter, lliam, seemed new, yet he was kind and responsive to our requests.

We got the shredded beef taquitos which was tasty but dry. the best dish of the night was the Mariscos del Caribe, would recommend this dish! I had the prickly pear margarita which was also fabulous.

No kids menu but my 3 yo enjoyed the dish with me.

She enjoyed it so much, might have over ate, she got sick at the table floor. As a parent it was already embarrassing enough

It’s challenging to go out and dine with littles, so it doesn’t happen often Other diners next to us had to experience the stench… we over apologized to our neighbors and staff. We had to wait a bit for someone to help clean the mess.

The staff was empathetic and understanding, offered water, however, our experience at this restaurant when downhill when it looked like the owner of the restaurant or manager came by to clean. He was bright red and seemed beyond angry. We could tell by his body language, no eye contact, no word to us. We enjoyed ourselves up this point. Come To think of it, I’m glad he didn’t say anything.

With the way I felt leaving the restaurant , i wouldn’t be a returning guest.

Thank you for the shrimp and scallop...