Miel De Agave Phoenix — Restaurant in Phoenix

6 of us on 3 separate bills sat near each other and were told that we all made to pay an additional 20% extra for... well, reasons. When pressed on this, our server couldn't come up with an explanation at all, saying, "Well, it's just what we do". Why? Where, geographically, does this invisible geographic line of denomination end? Would it apply if we sat 1 more foot away from the other parties? 2, perhaps? What if I came in with my wife and had 4 children? Would I be expected to pay an extra 20% for that too? Our ordering arrangement didn't constitute the kitchen bringing out anything all at once, as our 3 couple/3 bill ensemble ordered independently of each other. One couple just wanted some chips and a couple cocktails. Another wanted a couple apps and beer. One other waited and ordered up entrees. We were truly separate entities seated together and treated as such, which was the idea from the get-go and we were fine with. In any event, it would have been nice to know of this hidden charge pre-meal, instead of right when the server was presenting us with our bill. After-all, 1/3 of the restaurant was empty... there was absolutely no reason for this. We weren't a party of 6, we were 3 parties of 2 that had no inclination to be served together nor did we gobble up valuable seating real estate. Eh, whatever.

As for service, I understand authenticity, and I totally get the whole diversity thing everybody is clamoring to use as a throwaway excuse for substandard expectations and behaviors, but at least invest enough time in your life and livelihood to be able to somewhat attempt to converse in the most basic of manners when given a customer facing service job. Anything short absolutely emboldens the push against $15+/hr wage demands and drags down the already bedraggled reputation the food and beverage service industry has earned itself through continued, fostered impertinence.

As for the food. Well, it was alright for the most part. In terms of apps, many items seemed scant or overpriced. Chips were pulverized shards not suitable in size for dipping in the oddly mysterious (and unexplained) salsas, one of which was a literal bowl of oil they called macha - for those not in the know, salsa macha traditionally contains a small amount of oil, much like chili crisp does, but primarily stars a mash-up of toasted seeds and nuts as well, none of which were present in any of ours. While their huitlacoche empanaditas were a fantastic concept all-around, just wonderful. The pork belly app was underwhelming, and toritos were large and plentiful but utterly lackluster in flavor and richness, very one dimensional, floating in a mystery juice that would normally consists of a soy sauce mixture - we couldn't identify this ours through repeated tasting and ended up only eating half of what came out.

Entrees were all over the board, with the infamous quesabirria being the power player and well-worth the price in all regards - although mine was pre-saturated with consommé to the point of not being able to pick it up without it falling apart and thusly I ended up having to eat it with a fork. Still delicious! The guy sitting next to me ordered the same thing, his was perfect and able to be handled and dipped as desired. Green chile enchiladas were loaded with cold, dry chicken, wrapped in stale-ish tortillas. The serrano/jalapeno sauce was rich, savory and absolutely drinkable, but weirdly, the sum was dry. Knowing all of this now, crapshooting an undersized $180 tomahawk will remain forever off-the-table.

This place seems like a great dream being drug down by low-end mediocrity. With some simple modifications, fine-tuning of the menu, FOH processes, qualified staff selection and mandatory continued reeducation, this establishment could be the banger it sees itself as.

Might reconsider returning sometime down the road if they really doubled down and put in the hard work required to stand out and rise above the rest of their industry peers.

I really do...

Nestled in the bustling culinary scene of Downtown Phoenix, Miel De Agave presents an enticing proposition for those seeking an elegant Mexican dining experience. Yet, beneath its polished façade, are culinary offerings that struggle to meet the expectations set by its sophisticated décor, pricing and energetic ambiance.

Upon stepping into Miel De Agave, you're greeted by a pristine and inviting environment. The cleanliness is impeccable, setting a high standard from the very beginning. This meticulous attention extends to the décor, which gracefully captures the essence of contemporary Mexican design. The warm tones, tasteful artwork, and thoughtfully placed decor pieces create an inviting atmosphere that promises an elevated dining experience. However, the ambient music is a little loud, making it difficult to sustain an intimate conversation despite enhancing the vibrant energy of the space.

The anticipation peaks as you delve into their menu, which boasts a rich selection of Mexican classics alongside inventive dishes that hint at culinary creativity. Unfortunately, the promise of the menu is undermined by the quality of the ingredients and the execution of the dishes. The food arrives with adequate presentation—a typical Mexican flair with a modern twist. Yet, these aesthetic touches cannot compensate for the subpar quality of the main components. The Char Gilled Ribeye steak, a pivotal dish, was gristly and unappetizing, echoing the concerns of previous patrons who also noted a lack of quality. The Ribeye came with a few side condiments: I'm guessing about a 1 tbs serving each of Guac, Cowboy Beans, and a couple of other items served in tiny plastic cups, reminiscent of Tacos Del Carbon. This only managed to further diminish the perceived value.

My date and I split the rather small cut and left 30% of it uneaten. When they're at $70 for a steak, they're pricing over the level of Mastros, Steak 44, and Dominick's, I expect better than Outback Steakhouse. The Never Before Risoto, was a good sized plate of Elotes with 5 grilled shrimp for $34. While the flavor's we solid a $35 plate of corn with a few grilled shrimp is simply an embarrassment. Do better.

Service was a bone of contention in many of the reviews here. However, on the night we went, they performed adequately. I found tonights staff friendly and attentive, a sharp contrast to the prevailing issues in other aspects of the dining experience. Our server promptly took drink orders and returned regularly to ensure we were attended to, reflecting a professional level of service. Here, the discord between dining and dining experience becomes stark; a well-trained staff seems at odds with the quality of the food they must serve.

Price-wise, Miel De Agave misses the mark. For the rates comparable to high-end dining, the value is significantly lacking. Dishes that promise excellence fall flat, and given the quality, alternatives elsewhere in the city offer much better bang for your buck. Other diners have echoed these sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction and surprise at the lackluster offerings for the price paid.

While the restaurant may captivate with its appearance and promise sophistication in its offerings, it fails to deliver the elevated culinary experience it markets. This disconnect, compounded by issues surrounding ingredient quality, texture execution, and taste, prevents Miel De Agave from earning a spot on my list of favorite dining establishments. It's like hiring an escort: the packaging is beautiful, but the experience, leaves you feeling empty, unsatisfied and limp. Beautifully but lacking in substance.

In conclusion, Miel De Agave dazzles gives the appearance of an elivated experience but falters in delivering. For those seeking an authentic experience with good food, I'd rather spend my money at Bacanora. Miel De Agave receives a final rating of 2 out of 5, urging potential diners to proceed with tempered...

If I could give this place zero stars, I would!!!

Buckle up, because this is going to be a long review. From a reservation that meant absolutely nothing, to mediocre food, awful service, a surprise police appearance, and a waitress chasing us down for a shot we never received, this entire experience was nothing short of chaotic and unprofessional.

We had a reservation at 8 PM for a party of nine. When we arrived on time, the hostess told us we could not be seated until the entire party was present, which is fine. But once everyone showed up and we returned to the stand, a different hostess told us we would have to wait another 10 to 15 minutes for our table. Why? Isn’t that what a reservation is for? Instead, we stood around and ended up waiting a full 40 minutes to be seated.

The food was average. Nothing stood out and it was far from worth the price. Our waitress was visibly annoyed the entire time. She barely checked on us and gave us zero energy. The music was blasting so loud we could not even hear each other talk. Tables were crammed together and we had to squeeze past strangers just to get out of our seats.

My dad ordered a shot early in the dinner. It never came. Not once did the waitress check in or bring it up again. So when the bill came and the shot was not on it, we figured it was forgotten and moved on. He paid. We got up to leave. Then, as we were literally walking out, a fight broke out right outside the restaurant. Police showed up. People were yelling. Sirens. Chaos.

And in the middle of all that, our waitress runs outside and confronts my dad, while the police are actively dealing with a fight, to demand he pay for a shot he never received. She had no shame. She didn’t say sorry. She didn’t ask if there was a mistake. She straight up said, “You need to pay for that shot.” When my dad calmly explained he never got it, she told him he could go back inside and take it. As if that made any sense. My dad was furious but still paid for the shot just to get her out of his face and avoid further drama in what was already a tense situation.

And here is the worst part. The restaurant automatically charges a 20 percent tip. Even after giving horrible service, our waitress had the audacity to ask for more. The bill was already overpriced for what we received and it felt like they were just squeezing money out of us at every turn.

I am not even a Karen. This was one of the most unprofessional, uncomfortable restaurant experiences I have ever had. Miel de Agave was a complete disappointment. Save yourself the time and go literally...