Agave Bandido — Restaurant in Sarasota

From the moment you step through the door, Agave Bandido feels like a fiesta for all the senses. Brilliant murals of Catrina's and lush jungles swirl across the walls, while Day of the Dead skull chandeliers drift overhead, their cobalt-blue glow casting playful shadows on the vaulted ceiling. The air hums with anticipation—warm, woodsy notes of agave linger beside a faint waft of fresh cilantro and lime zest.

A burst of Latin guitar and mariachi trumpets greets you before you even reach your table, inviting you to sway in your seat as the hostess guides you back through a tapestry of colorful booths and polished wood tables. The staff radiate energy—each “¡Bienvenidos!” feels like a personal invitation to a private celebration.

Then come the chips and salsa: a basket of golden, freshly fried tortillas so hot they steam when they arrive. Each chip crackles beneath your fingertips, dusted with flaked sea salt and a whisper of chili powder that tickles your nose. Two salsas arrive in rustic ceramic cups. The Verde greets you with a bright burst of tomatillo sweetness—tangy lime and crisp cilantro—before a gentle heat tingles in the back of your throat. The Roja is a smoky masterpiece: you can almost taste the char of fire-roasted jalapeños and poblano skins, the deep red swirl painting your tongue, then igniting in a playful blaze.

Now picture the signature margarita: presented in a short, sturdy glass rimmed with black sea salt that crunches like tiny gems with every sip. A slice of dried lime floats on top of the pale, frosty concoction, its concentrated citrus oils releasing a whisper of bright tartness as you lift it. The tequila’s silky warmth wraps your mouth, while the cold tang sharpens the salsa’s heat into an electrifying kick.

In those first twenty minutes, I discovered a flavor parade I didn’t even know I was missing: smoky spice, bright citrus, earthy corn, and velvety tequila all dancing together. I can’t wait to return and dive into their enchiladas, tacos and beyond—because if the chips and cocktails are this unforgettable, I already know the entrees will be legendary. Stay tuned… 😋🎶🌮🍹

To elevate your next visit, be sure to ask for a seat beneath the chandeliers, order a flight of tequilas to compare notes, and tip your hat to the live guitarist on Fridays—your taste buds (and feet)...

Agave Bandido, situated within the lively Waterside at Lakewood Ranch, boasts an eye-catching decor that immediately captures your attention. With its charming ambiance and inviting atmosphere, stepping through the doors evokes a sense of anticipation for a memorable dining experience.

However, my visit to Agave Bandido left much to be desired. Despite the restaurant's appealing exterior, the food failed to meet expectations. Nearly every dish we ordered arrived overcooked, lacking the desired tenderness and flavor expected from a Mexican eatery. It was disappointing to witness such potential fall short due to inconsistent execution in the kitchen.

To exacerbate matters, my friend made a troubling discovery when he found a piece of plastic wrap in his meal—a glaring oversight that raised serious concerns about the restaurant's attention to cleanliness and food safety. While I acknowledge that mishaps can occur, especially for a newly opened establishment, such lapses are simply unacceptable.

Despite these setbacks, Agave Bandido deserves credit for its stylish decor and welcoming ambiance. The restaurant has clearly invested effort into creating a visually pleasing space that radiates charm and character. However, it's evident that improvements are needed to refine the culinary offerings and ensure that every aspect of the dining experience meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence.

In conclusion, while Agave Bandido shows promise as a potential hotspot in the Waterside at Lakewood Ranch, my dining experience was marred by overcooked food and a troubling lack of attention to detail. With enhancements in the kitchen and a renewed commitment to food safety, Agave Bandido has the opportunity to establish itself as a culinary destination worthy of acclaim...

Agave Bandito: A Wild West Showdown with Flies, Fat, and False Hopes

Do you long for the immersive experience of battling a biblical plague while chewing your food? Then saddle up, partner—Agave Bandito is your personal Exodus reenactment, minus the parting of the Red Sea and plus a relentless aerial assault of flies dive-bombing your guacamole.

Let’s talk food. If your idea of a carnitas taco is a grease-soaked tortilla cradling chunks of what can only be described as pork-flavored Crisco, then congratulations—you’ve found your greasy nirvana. Think less “slow-braised heaven” and more “post-liposuction mystery meat.” We sent that bad boy back faster than the flies could land on it, which was honestly impressive.

Not to be outdone, our steak came out cooked to “charcoal briquette” instead of the requested medium rare. Seriously, I could’ve used it to draw cave art. Another plate sent back. Another fly cheers in victory.

Now, let’s be fair—the waitress was an absolute gem, clearly trying her best while navigating a service environment that appears to be managed by the ghost of someone who gave up halfway through their shift three years ago. The staff deserves better. So do the customers.

And the smoked margarita? Cute glass, cool smoky flair… and about three sips worth of actual drink. It’s like if someone served you an Instagram post instead of a cocktail.

To sum up: If you’re into insect warfare, congealed animal fat, and theatrical but underwhelming drinks, Agave Bandito will deliver an unforgettable experience—just not in the way you were hoping.

⭐ 1/5 (and that one star is solely for the waitress who...