It's a little standalone restaurant tucked behind a gas station. A dozen booths, central bar, TV in one or more languages I should learn to speak, and soaps or futbol. All of which, in my experience, adds up to a blinking neon "GOOD EATIN'" sign. And it is. The house salsa is fresh and flavorful, the chips are warm, the entree portions are filling and flavorful. Fajitas-- good; burrito-- good; guac-- good; salsas-- good; enchiladas-- good; churros-- good; esquites-- good; ribeye-- good. Their black beans in particular are delightful-- I would buy a pint or two to take home if I could. When I suggest Mexican, my wife's first question is always "El Agave??" And I'm almost always happy to assent. We've been here dozens of times; this review is long-overdue. If you are looking for San Diego-class Mexican, where every part of every dish is on the verge of collapsing under the weight of its own flavor, you're in the wrong place. Normally I'd give 4 stars. But El Agave earns its 5th just by being *comfortable*. It's reliable, no-miss, well-portioned, well-priced, quite tasty, nearby, and it's served promptly with a smile. You won't go wrong here-- and like the Terminator, you'll be back. read more

No-frills location in Catonsville for great happy hour specials until 6pm and a menu for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Parking lot has ample space. The exterior looks worn down and unassuming. The interior is small but was able to accommodate our party. The service was good, with both bartenders taking turns serving our table. I ordered happy hour chips and queso, and the queso felt very unfresh and can-like. They only offer one basket of chips & salsa complimentary per the menu but we were a party of 5 and received two. My happy hour app was rung up as regular price. The hard shell bean tacos I ordered had very little beans in them and only beans, no other toppings. There was lettuce, tomato, and cheese on the plate on the side, so I had to dress my own tacos. They tasted okay, not great, not bad. The $6 Monday margaritas are for the 12 oz and are made strong. It's a $1 more for a flavor and $1 more for a larger size (16 oz). The men's bathroom is small and had two urinals that are right next to the bathroom door. I will probably stick with my usual spot in Laurel, called Chido's. read more

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Wonderful food and fast service! It was wonderful place to go to, and staff was very welcoming. The bar was very nice and the TV had a baseball game on. read more

Visited El Agave today and let me tell you, it won't be the last time! We got there and we were immediately sat and our drink + fresh delicious chips + salsa hit the table! The salsa you could tell was made fresh and had just enough kick, the chips were delicious! I ordered the Agave Burrito and it was stuffed full of shredded chicken and was the perfect size with refried beans + rice. My friend ordered the California burrito with El Pastor and it was stuffed full and also very delicious! We didn't have room for dessert but the churro cheesecake sounded amazing! This place felt very authentic and was the perfect balance of noise and being able to talk! Service, ambience + food all get a thumbs up from me! read more

I had some takeout from here recently - pork enchiladas. I've eaten a lot of Mexican, South American and Latin foods, which is or are my favorite flavor(s) and I can't recall ever having pork enchiladas in my 55 years. Yeah, I've had beef, chicken and cheese. Never carnitas. At first I thought they were good but nothing special but as I kept eating, they kept growing on me and I realized that these are really freaking good enchiladas, probably my favorite of all enchiladas. The rice and beans were fine too, honestly, pretty much run of the mill. But they're not supposed to be the star. The enchiladas are supposed to be the star and they rocked. read more

Came here for a quick dinner. The service was fast. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food & ambiance were absolutely amazing. read more

El Agave - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Delicious food, at a reasonable price, all provided with friendly service in a cozy atmosphere, nothing more you could ask for. My wife and I stopped her for lunch at the recommendation of a friend in the area. Pleasantly surprised to receive complementary chips and salsa (a low-cost choice that ALWAYS wins me over) which we enjoyed while perusing the [large] menu. Ultimately I got chicken tacos and my wife got the shrimp special (don't remember what it was called) and we were both very happy with our orders. Looking forward to coming back soon. read more

El Agave - Chips and Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Had dinner here last night and everything. I mean everything we ordered had flavor and was delicious. If ya want a quick Tex mex place with good food and ambience definitely go try this place out! read more

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Had a taste for Mexican and what better day to have it than on Taco Tuesday! I passed by this venue many times but never stopped in to grab a bite. There isn't anything fancy about the way it looks inside or out, just an average place to eat. Our greeter was friendly and so was our server. I think her name was Fi? By now if you've been following me, you know I absolutely love a classic margarita with a sugar rim. My choice of tequila this time was Casamigos and this large glass, had the right amount of sweetness, tartness and alcohol...it was all that and a bag of nacho chips...lol! The meal: chips and a nice salsa came out first. Then I ordered a taco salad in the shell which I thought was rather small. After finishing it along with my drink, I realized it was just enough, for I was stuffed! My husband had 3 tacos with beans and rice along with a Corona. He had no complaints. I'm sure we will return, for the food was pretty good and the price was just right. read more

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Awesome small lowkey food spot. Really nice bar and very attentive staff. The drinks were really good and the food was excellent. The prices are not bad at all especially for the good serving sizes they provide. I recommend if you want a nice small authentic mexican spot for happy hour or for a nice dinner. read more

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Stopped by to meet a friend here after leaving UMBC. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they had all day happy hour on Wednesdays. I ordered a grande margarita, flautas, and a half quesadilla. Everything was delicious. The service was prompt and attentive. I would definitely return again when I'm in the area. read more

El Agave - Peach Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

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This place gets 5 stars for the tortilla alone! Love this place. It's a staple in Catonsville. Have been going for years and the service and the food has always been top tier! read more

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This place looks like one of those neighborhood watering holes where you can get a drink because it's close by. It's a quaint lively bar full of people. The mango margarita was great! And it's all day happy hour on Wednesday. But the food was disappointing. It was served fast and hot but tasteless sadly. read more

Though El Agave may appear to be vacant, rundown or just a widdle sad on the outside--it is a legit FIESTA inside (your taste buds will thank you). You're immediately welcomed, seated and plated chips and salsa. Make note that you can get whatever type of salsa you want here! They even have HOT HOT HOT stuff for those who like to feel the burn. The food menu is long, so be sure to order a margarita while you decide on your dish. Service is fast and they are quite attentive. If you there on a Tuesday, get the tacos! If not, the fajitas and enchiladas are SO DAMN GOOD. Do it! Do it! Try it all =) read more

The food was soo good. The only con is too much jalapeño peppers. If it wasn't for that, they'd get a perfect score.

The best Al pastor tacos! Love the people and the environment. Always polite and amazing service. Been a go to spot for 10 plus years

Great margaritas. Authentic Mexican food. I recently went JUST for a frozen mango margarita. Heads up - the fresh mango is an additional line item charge. That said, it is FRESH MANGO! We both ordered chimichangas. They were ok. The yellow rice and refried beans were outstanding! Monday is margarita night and of course, Tuesday is Taco Night! It's a step up from a neighborhood bar. I wish it was in walking distance! Forgive me for not posting pictures. I forgot read more

Good for family, date nights, or grabbing a quick bite and margarita at the bar. We really like this place! The chips and salsa are always fresh, the fajitas sizzle, and the pinto beans are so delicious along with everything else. read more

Amazing food , service perfect and price amazing!!!!! So nice service!!!!! RECOMMEND , I was visiting the city and I found the place in Google, I'm so happy to found this good place . read more

This Mexican restaurant is great. Food and staff are amazing. Happy hour is great check their website for specials. The birria tacos were awesome. read more

El Agave - Birria tacos - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

A friend and I stopped in for an early dinner after an outing. It had been a long time since id eaten here, so I was glad to see that the cozy, unpretentious atmosphere was the same. Staff was very friendly and brought us drinks and menus quickly, though it took a bit of effort to get our server to come back and take our order. Our meal was excellent! The ceviche was just right, chock full of shrimp and other veggies in a perfect sauce. The fish tacos were delicious, fish was tasty and crispy, not at all oily. Overall, we had a scrumptious meal for an extremely reasonable price, and got to watch Spain beatEngland for the cup, too! We will definitely be back. read more

The food is absolutely amazing at this place. I'm so happy we found it, we frequent for taco Tuesdays. The service we receive is just awesome, the waiters & waitresses are so kind, and fast! The vibes of the restaurant make you feel right at home. read more

El Agave - Sergios Carne Asada Fries & margarita - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Good taco meat. Clean restaurant. Service was good and felt really taken care of. First basket of chips and salsa was free but anymore after that is a charge which is weird. read more

I found myself in Baltimore, purchasing a suit after I got fitted for a suit, once I left the tailor I was searching for something to eat in the area. I drove around about a mile and a half and found El agave it is a small Mexican restaurant. It has a small bar on the inside. Parking is about 25-30 cars it's very unassuming doesn't look like much on the outside, but once you get inside you will find authentic Mexican food. I was there on Wednesday. They have all day happy hour on Wednesday. The first thing that came out was a basket of fresh hot chips, followed by my beverages and then the Birria tacos . The Birria tacos we're not the commercial grad that you will find at your run of a mill spot. These were delectable they were delightful, they were savory I were full of so much flavor. It was just an explosion so I dipped them in the au jus that came with it. I was able to enjoy one or two and then I took an order to go. It was a great experience and I will look forward to going back again in the future. read more

El Agave - Birria Tacos (Wednesday is all day HH) - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

Do not let the exterior, or parking lot fool you. This place has alot to offer inside, I'm upset I didn't try it sooner! We visited on a Wednesday and they had awesome all night happy hour deals! Margaritas were definitely strong that you probably only need one, or two max. I highly recommend their flauntas, but honestly all their food has been good. Their prices range from $14-20 for entrees which may include rice and beans. They have a pretty large bar, but also open seating for anyone who comes with a larger group. So far, I have not been disappointed and definitely recommend anyone to come try out their happy hour for sure. read more

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Had some take out orders. Great service, delicious foods. Convenient location right off of Baltimore National Pike. Spacious seating areas inside. The 1-star deduction was because there was something inside the salad that doesn't belong there, and was not food. read more

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We did not know the area at all. Found it on Yelp and made our decision based on the reviews. Solid food and margaritas. I got the combo fajitas and was not disappointed. read more

I love the food the drinks and the all around happy atmosphere it's always refreshing when I go there!!!!

Food , drinks & service is 10/10. I like to sit at the bar, better service, in the summer time sitting outside is nice too read more

El Agave - Steak & Chicken street tacos - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

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A lovely place once discovered. The service is always good and the food is good overall. I try to come on Tuesdays for tacos since some are at a discount. The happy hour begins at 3pm during weekdays. They also have specials depending on which day of the week you decide to come. Overall I think it's worth a try as their are no places like it in the area(to my knowledge). This place has a neighborhood friendly feel to it. Now I personally have never been here after 5pm so I can't speak on how busy or crazy it may get. read more

El Agave - Taquitos Chorizo Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

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I don't know what they do with their chicken but I prefer it over their carne asada tacos. Their taquitos, chimis, flautas, fajitas are all AMAZING for take out. For dine-in I'd do their tacos. Their chicken is so savory, juicy, and just amazing and it never hurts my sensitive belly like other mexican has. They are super friendly and since take-out is an option, its SO fast to pick up!! I have enjoyed this location before and during quarantine and I hope to support them a lot so they remain open. Thank you staff at El Guave! You never disappoint. read more

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First time I went to this restaurant and they knocked of out of the park. Staff was beyond friendly and attentive. They gave you enough space to enjoy your meal without being like "man, where are they!?" As a first timer, they gave my friend and I a free appetizer. It was so good! The food portions are huge compared to the price you pay. My friend hates mangos but tried my mango margarita and she actually just ended up drinking mine, and me hers. Highly recommend. read more

Chips were stale. Over price guacamole for a very small amount. The seafood quesadilla was extremely greasy. Food presentation is basic. read more

This was a great spot to stop by for a quick drink! Right when we got seated we were greeted with complementary chips and salsa. I got a mango frozen margarita and it was super refreshing. The staff were very kind and attentive throughout our time there! read more

El Agave - Mango frozen margarita - Mexican Near Me - Catonsville, Maryland

This is not my first rodeo here. This is a nice neighborhood Mexican Restaurant close to home. We came here for Taco Tuesday's. Tacos are $2.50 each or $8.99 a platter with 3 Tacos with Rice and Beans. I got the Texas Tacos with pulled pork and my Husband got the Fish Tacos, both were delicious. Our server was polite and checked on us often. If you want Authentic Mexican food come to El Agave! read more

The dishes at El Agave are delicious. Take out us very quick. The service is excellent.

Yes, it's a hole in the wall. A dive. A shabby shack off of Ingleside Ave., in a business district that's seen better days. (Any old heads remember Garland's gardens?-well it's next to their old bones.). But the food? If you like the taste of real Mexican, you should definitely try. I had heard good things. But when hubby and I pulled up to the run down joint, I hesitated. Maybe we should just get carry out? But we pressed on. Inside wasn't quite as bad. There are tables and booths. They are spacing folks out due to COVID. Sizeable bar up front. We sat inside, though I think there's a small patio somewhere. Staff spoke great English, and of course Español también! There was a faint musty smell that told the tale that this building was a full out bar back in the day. The barbacoa is superb. Melt in your mouth, seasoned to perfection good. It brought back memories of my Mexican relatives preparing me birria in an in-ground pit. Platter comes with pintos or black beans, rice, and nopales (cactus) salad. Yum. Hubby got enchiladas and a beef taco that was flavorful as well. They also serve menudo, Tres Leches cake, and other things you can't find at your average Tex-Mex restaurant. Standard chips/salsa were average. We looked around and saw people enjoying margaritas ( in disposable cups during COVID season). I gotta let my Chicano ( California-raised Mex-American) Dad know about El Agave as he loves to find food that reminds him of home. read more

We arrived in time for happy hour. Ordered the 1/2 quesadilla, absolutely tasteless and barely any chicken or cheese. Their salsa had a strange taste for being salsa, best thing about it was it was spicy hot. Stuffed jalapeños were tasteless. Mushy, runny cheese and very bland jalapeños. The cheese, chorizo dip didn't have any chorizo in it, bland as everything else was. Ordered 3 taco platter with hard shells. Came out on soft shells. Very hard to get the servers attention. 2 other servers came by our table and tried to help but didn't understand hard shells. Finally a manager came over and we told him the problem and he sent a server to our table with 3 hard shells. Too many good Mexican restaurants close by in the Ellicott City area to ever waste time and money at El Agave. Very disappointed in the food and service read more

Nothing has changed. Actually if I could give a negative 1 star I would. This time it was a male server at the bar who continuously ignored our requests as if he had a hearing problem. However when a request was made by a Spanish female sitting f across from us he was immediately accommodating. I even made the excuse that maybe he did not speak or understand English fluently but after closely observing him it was clear that was not the issue. The parking lot is small and tight. The bathrooms had a bad odor. And the food .....from what I heard was mediocre. I only came here because I was invited but it is my goal to never frequent this establishment again. I'm not sure why others do. read more

The got to be one of the best Mexican restaurants. The Barbacoa and the Pastor platters are their money dish. This is the only Mexican restaurant that I know offers both platters. Also, The margaritas are great! read more

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