Agave — Restaurant in Town of New Paltz

Some bars & restaurants talk a big game. Others quietly do the work. Agave in New Paltz? It’s somewhere in between, an eager young contender stepping into the ring, fists wrapped, ready to prove itself. The space was opened only recently & doesn't get nearly enough attention from local outlets.

I walked in on a Tuesday afternoon, the kind of dead hour when you see a place for what it really is. No crowds to mask the cracks, no smoke and mirrors, just the bones of the operation laid bare. And at the heart of it? Kevin, the owner. Young, sharp, and hungry, an El Salvadorian entrepreneur with a fire in his gut and a vision for something bigger.

The space itself leans into that modern-chic aesthetic with warm lighting, muted colors, the kind of place that feels both polished and personal. The bar stools at the back of the dining room? Comfortable enough to make you linger. And so, I did & embraced the scenery. So it began.

I started with the tacos, one of each, pollo and carnitas because if you’re running a place like this, you damn well better know your way around a tortilla. They didn’t just deliver, they demanded my attention. The kind of bite that makes you stop mid-conversation just to appreciate what’s happening in your mouth. I followed them up with a skirt steak. It was seared just right, juices running, everything you want from a cut like that. Then, because restraint is for people who don’t know better, a beef empanada to ensure I got the full experience.

Every damn bite was sublime.

For drinks, I kept it simple. A pour of mezcal over a big rock, very clean, unadulterated, the way agave spirits should be enjoyed.

Followed up by a Siesta, a drink I had walked Kevin through since it wasn't on the menu but is a modern classic cocktail any bartender should know. Grapefruit’s tart brightness, the floral bite of Campari, the soft sweetness of blanco tequila & a touch of agave syrup, totally balanced, refreshing, the kind of cocktail that makes you want to order another just to make sure you weren’t imagining how good it was.

Now, let’s talk agave. The selection? Solid, but still growing. Plenty of recognizable names, the kind of stuff that reassures the casual drinker but leaves the obsessive nerds wanting more. But here’s the difference, Kevin isn’t just throwing bottles on the backbar and calling it a day. He knows where the gaps are. He’s actively hunting for more, curating instead of just stocking. That kind of honesty, admitting there’s room to grow, inviting the right voices into the conversation, that’s what separates the real players from the pretenders.

Agave in New Paltz isn’t just another place cashing in on the tequila boom. It’s got heart. It’s got potential. And if Kevin keeps pushing, keeps refining, keeps expanding, keeps listening this could be THE spot. A place that doesn’t just serve agave spirits, but celebrates them in all their glory.

And that? That’s something to...

We arrived at Agave less than an hour before they closed but our experience was wonderful. The waitress was very kind and after ordering our food we got it soon after. I ordered the birria tacos and my friend ordered the tofu tostada and the cauliflower taco. The food was absolutely delicious and it was my first time trying birria tacos and I was not disappointed at all. I got a side of mango slaw which was also super delicious. The food was 10/10. We ordered dessert. First choosing churros a then changing our mind and getting the upside down pineapple cake. The waitress accidentally brought us the churros instead of the pineapple cake and she gave them to us on the house. We tried the churros and they were stunning. Filled with cheesecake and topped with dulce de leche sauce. Then she brought out our original order the upside down pineapple cake and that was one of the best desserts i’ve ever had. The cake was so moist and soft almost like a pancake and the pineapple on top was hot and delicious. Overall review was 5 stars. The food and the atmosphere was great. The place was not busy at all and we sat outside and got to people watch and enjoy the fresh air. The food was a great price and we ended up spending less than $50 tip included. Would definitely...

This location is better for the area. . Now for the food yes it was flavorful I got loaded fries and they hit the spot! No it was not this massive portion however I was left overall ok. I was craving Carne Asada Fries from Cali style that iv had back home in Colorado 😂 I'm Mexican yes food for us is filled with different seasonings and tons of flavor. Here no this is not Authentic Mexican its a great mix. Here you come for a quality meal with twist in thier seasoning and uniquely prepared for you. May be bland if you prefer high tasty higher on salty side but if you want a good time chat with a friend thst may need specific, not too much seasoning overpowering meal this is your spot. Atmosphere is BEAUTIFUL 😍 and you'll feel the video vibes ✨️ pleasant on top of our server completely knowledgeable of her place of work and completely familiar with the dishes! If I were to rate her she was Phenomenal! Please come check this restaurant it's a nice addition to the Main street gems 💎 in New Paltz ✨️ loved it. Empanadas filling was so delicious loved it cheesey . I reviewed after days to make sure tummy happy. And this place is safe from bad stomach at least in both cases my friend and I. I'll be back to try the...