We had the chance to try Agave in Lodi during their soft opening tonight, and this place is absolutely a hidden gem. We started with two mezcal-based cocktails. Both were delicious and definitely did the trick. They are on the smaller side, but I didn't mind because they were really well made. For an appetizer, we had the ceviche, which was fresh and delicious with full-size shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and all the flavors you'd expect. They also offer a mixto version with sea bass. Now, the star of the show: the chile relleno. It came topped with a negro mole, which we weren't expecting, and it was MIND-BLOWING. Chile relleno is my husband's favorite, and according to him, Agave officially beat both me AND his mama. So apparently I'm retired from making chile relleno because we'll just be coming here from now on. I ordered the mole trio with rojo, negro, and verde. The negro and rojo were fantastic. The verde was a little mild for my taste, I wanted some heat or another punch of flavor but that's completely personal preference. Since this was their soft opening, desserts aren't available yet, but we were told they're planning churros, flan, and tres leches for the grand opening. The atmosphere is quaint, intimate, and very family-style. There's a small bar, but this isn't a sports-bar or entertainment type of place. It's somewhere you come for good food, drinks, and conversation. Service was also incredibly efficient--we were in and out in about 35 minutes without ever feeling rushed. Most importantly, the staff was impeccable. Everyone was sweet, personable, talkative, and genuinely interested in hearing honest feedback. Agave is tucked into an established Lodi neighborhood away from the typical downtown restaurant scene, and I think that makes it even more special. I can't say enough positive things about our first experience. Definitely give this place a try AND seriously, get the chile relleno. read more

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Recently new restaurant. Pleasant customer service. Wish they did something about all the flies... Guac is good but a bit salty. Salsas are ok. I prefer the green salsa if I had to choose. Ceviche is cool. Wish it had broth with it. It's dry. Flavor is there but could be juicer. Shrimps are huge and wish they were chopped so I can scoop with chips; biggest downfall. Fish tacos were the best part! Good flavor; I'd order again. Mushroom tacos and chili relleno were ok; their mole sauce is on the sweeter side. Rice and beans lacked flavor. read more

Agave - Ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, California

Great food and service, hats off to chef and staff. Attentive service and food is fresh. Great job remodeling the front. We'll be back soon! read more

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When you start with cocktails like this... home run! Such an interesting menu and it's exciting to have variety in our small town. The staff was great, and food came out promptly. Can't wait to try more! read more

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Soft opening- I'll always give grace. It's gotten crazy busy. Totally updated restaurant and decor. Love it. Food is amazing! We had the Molcajete, shrimp ceviche, with chips and hubby got the ribeye tacos. Watermelon Agua Fresca. Everything was delicious. Can't wait to come back read more

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I went today for lunch at this new restaurant. I had nothing but good things The server which I don't remember, her name was absolutely amazing so helpful when it came to recommendations at the menu My Friend and I are completely put our trust on her recommendations and she had a taste the tour of Oaxaca, which gave you like a sampler platter of their best items We added a small side of chapulines they were so flavorful and delicious as a little seasoning to add onto every bite. I don't remember the drink that we had, but it was delicious made of tamarindo and Mezcal and lime Prices were reasonable, and customer service was great We did ask for Chile sauce and she brought out the most spicy and delicious little cups of Chile. De árbol so good! Don't be nervous about trying out this new restaurant if you're not sure just show up and ask them what they recommend what are their best sellers and their best drinks they will be more than happy to help I will definitely be coming back to bring more friends and family Congrats on your opening! Carmen Delicious Boards read more

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Excellent food. Omg all so good Seviche was incredible Service was spot on Absolutely planning on coming back Great job!!!! read more

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The moment I walked in I was greeted with a smile. Exceptional attention and delicious food/vibe. read more

Agave - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, California

Had the Trio de Mole with salmon, carnitas & chicken ($29). Very delicious! Among the three moles, my fave was the mole negro. As good as the ones I had in Oaxaca. Chips and salsa is not served unless ordered. The menu is extensive with all kinds of mezcal and tequila offered. Prices are a little higher than your typical Mexican restaurant around the area. Very busy at noon (soft opening today 8/1/26), but wait staff was attentive. However, a welcome greeter was not posted at the entrance so people had to wait for a little while before they can be seated. A minor kink that can be quickly fixed. I loved the mural on the east wall. Warning: the restroom is INconveniently located at the back of the building. One has to exit the building/main dining area, walk outside (exposed to sun, rain, heat, etc.) before reaching the restroom. To return back to the building, one can only go through the entrance door (not the exit door). I can't imagine needing to use the restroom on a cold rainy day. BUT I loved the food. I can't wait to try their enchiladas, relleno, etc. read more

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Amazing food and fantastic service, drink are 10/10 mole are the most delicious and delicious meals in this restaurant, very happy to be there with my family we have a wonderful time, Oaxaca food is a unique food there I recommend to try the delicious food and enjoy your family or any occasion to celebrate, Home made tortillas and fresh food at the moment also the drink they made their own syrup and that make a fantastic drink, to dessert we ordered a delicious flan de Cafe I really love this restaurant, Services is very adorable people and the restaurant has a great chef, I'll definitely be there to spend time with my friends to enjoy in this place. read more

Agave - Mexican Near Me - Lodi, California

Went for their soft opening and they were slammed. They have removed the booths from the previous restaurant which allows for more seating. Ambiance is energetic and staff is friendly and helpful. Tony Segale has painted a mural of sorts on one wall which captures the essence of the place. Food is unique and authentic. Cannot get these dishes anywhere around here. Grasshopper Tacos?!? You bet! Fresh lemonade and warm tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole if you please. Wines from the Oaxaca region of Mexico. Gotta try it!! read more

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Loved the ambience but Sorry to say that the food is not a five star. I ordered a molcahete (chicken, steak, cactus, cheese with sauce) and carnitas plate. The food was cold and chicken hard to chew, a small piece of cactus, the only thing that was delicious was the sauce but not enough. The carnitas were dry and chicken black mole had a chicken carcas with red mole drizzled on it. I hope they get another chef to cook real Oaxacan food , we need a restaurant that shows authenticity. read more

The service was great and server, Ivonne was welcoming. We started with the amazing cheviche. Then, the trio de mole was tasty and delicious. I recommend Agave. read more

Incredible food served in a creative style in a brand new Lodi restaurant. You won't be disappointed!

New restaurant town so that may account for the mid range review. Reservation service was poor, I try to get table for 4 @ 5:00 PM, but their system said no tables available all day. I called and spoke to a staff member and got a table. When we arrived girl checking in guest was very confused, there were multiple tables available, but she wanted to put us in not desirable spot, and when we asked to move, she said they were saved for reservations, I said I did call and got a reservation, but she said non on line reservations are treated as walk in ??? Food was good with extensive menu. However, from order to arrival was rather slow. The biggest problem was background noise, it was deafening. And makes this spot a no go for additional visits. read more

Very Disappointing Experience Honestly, I'm really disappointed with Agave, especially after hearing how much the owner talks up the restaurant. My dad and family tried the food and absolutely hated it. The mole was watery, bland, and honestly didn't taste authentic at all. For a restaurant that presents itself as authentic Mexican food, we expected way more from the food. The service wasn't much better. My server literally had to be reminded to come back and take my drink order. That shouldn't have to happen, especially when you're paying for a meal and expecting a good experience. I think the owner needs to take a serious look at the food and service instead of assuming everything is great just because the restaurant is open. There's a big difference between claiming you provide a quality experience and actually providing one. My family and I left extremely disappointed, and based on this experience, we won't be coming back. read more

No WAY!! If you want to eat 5 inches from your neighbor / stranger enjoy & just note, hard to have any conversation because so loud. Prob 5 parties of 8 at least w 2huge parties waiting ~ we were only 3 trying to get in ~ at least 30 min wait standing at the door ~ bye read more

Wasn't informed coffee wasn't regular or water has cucumber. Didn't have chili relleno which is supposed to be their specialty. Service was slow at times. Noisy building with bad echoes. Servings kinda small and rice and beans flavorless. Mole negro was good. Overall don't bother, especially for the price. read more