As a lifetime Regina resident. born and raised, there have been very few opportunities to sample authentic Mexican fare. So when Agave opened up shop, I was immediately thrilled to hear the rave reviews it was getting. Last night I finally had the opportunity for a visit . Let me state from the outset, I have spent many years in tbe foodservice industry and have made about half a dozen visits to Mexico, mostly eating off the beaten path, eating at places patronized more by locals and less by tourists...so my standards and expectations are relatively high.
In case you don't want to read the entire review Agave is mediocre at best....If I had to score it out of 5 I would give it a solid 3.5. Agave is a BIG restaurant, It occupies the space that used to be the former Press Box, so there is no feeling claustrophobic. We were seated immediately, but it took awhile for the waitress to arrive When she did, she assumed we were familiar with accessing the online menu, which we were not and had to ask for old school paper menus. She also never brought water to our table, which I take as a given for even the most basic full service restaurant. I was annoyed a fair bit as we waited about 10 minutes for her arrival and were quite parched by the time she got around to taking our drink orders. The decor is decent, a bit kitchy but it's a decent vibe overall. We were offered what was called "Homemade" cheecharones basically pork rinds but they tasted nothing like any cheecharones I had ever tasted here or in Mexico and very similar to a puffed gluten free chip like product I buy from the supermarket when I'm trying to be healthy. So I wasn't buying the homemade thing, but we were hungry and with the 3 sauces offered it was something to put into our stomachs. The menu has a wide array of all the dishes you would expect to find in an authentic Mexican restaurant. Tbere was only one dish using a mole sauce, which if you have ever had in Mexico is heaven on earth but takes about 2-3 days to prepare properly. Overall the food was decent at best. if you are familiar with authentic Mexican fare. If your not which one of my guests was not you will really enjoy it and learn tbere is much more to Mexican food than a Taco Time burrito. It's pricey, I'll say that. but like the restaurant itself,the portions are large and you get your moneys worth. We all left fully satiated. The waitress did manage to redeem herself by being prompt and friendly and she did eventually bring water when asked.
Is it authentic??? Well kinda yes kinda no. There are definitely things missing and some things on the menu that left me bewildered but what we did have by all accounts was tasty and delicious, the beans and rice sides could use some work and Caesar salad as a side option is a total miss it can be replaced by at least a half dozen other side dishes more appropriate for a place stating it serves authentic Mexican cuisine. Will I go back, maybe. It's a step up from what Regina has had for Mexican food, I'll say that. Was I expecting more? Yeah kinda. Overall a reasonably pleasant dining experience. 3.5 out of 5 as I feel most people will enjoy eating here. read more