The food was excellent. The service stood out as amazing. Six out of five stars. I asked for a sample of the Molé Poblano to taste, and they brought me all four. This is above and beyond and much appreciated. All four moles, by the way, were amazing. I had the Chile Relleno , and it did not disappoint. The margaritas were really good as well. The decor and ambience was cool. All of the walls are clear shelves with tequila bottles all over the place. Very cool.

Outstanding margaritas, salsa, and food. The enchiladas with mole were outstanding but the yellow tuna tacos were a bit bland. The whole experience and decor, and amazing tequila selection, more than makes this five star. October 2025: this place is still so good! The food is incredible (I had the pork mole enchiladas) and my blood orange margarita was delicious. I especially enjoyed the chips with the three dipping sauces.

+5

I don’t think I’ve had a better mole sauce and flavor anywhere else. And that beats the 3000 bottle selection of tequila that they have here, which is amazing in itself! And the tequila recommendations were fantastic! Also, the recommendations by our server were fantastic. They’re very knowledgeable. they have tried to stay true to traditional southern Mexican recipes. They are kid friendly as well. I think we’re going to make this place a stop during our travels anytime we are in San Diego.

This is the place to go. Went with my mom and two kids. This is not a family restaurant. I would say a girl/ guy hangout or date place. The food was exceptional worth every penny. Our waiter was so amazing and so welcoming. We appreciated their friendly service. The atmosphere is relaxing and every single kind of tequila bottle is in that building a must see restaurant.

Every time I come to SD, I eat here. The food is fantastic, and I love being surrounded by tequila bottles. The Chile Relleno was excellent! The stuffing, the cheese sauce, and it was grilled, not fried. Chile probably could've been cooked more, but that's ok. Service was super fast and helpful. It's just a classic, all-around, excellent spot.

Absolutely amazing! Definitely worth the visit. We learned about it on the trolly tour and decided we had to try it. It was our last trip to San Diego after a month of weekly trips for my dogs for Radiation Therapy. We decided to celebrate her graduating from radiation therapy and came here. They were so kind and accommodated us by letting the dogs dine with us on the patio. The Tequila flight was amazing. Our waiter recommended the $26 one, for $6 more it was well worth it. The margaritas were delicious as was the food. Definitely an experience everyone should try. It is a bit of a walk from Old Town but very much worth it. Plus it gives you a chance to walk off your buzz and some of the the calories lol. You can also walk around the restaurant and look at all the amazing bottles of tequila they have.

10/10 Wonderful! Excellent service. Beautiful location in Old Town. A diamond in the rough. The selfish person inside me wants to keep this a secret to myself but it's so good I had to share with her world. Our food was amazing. Chips and salsa were complimentary. Their Ceviche Trio was so fresh and quality. I absolutely loved it. Their flan de cajeta (caramel) was out of this world. I mean probably the best I've had. I had to eat it as slowly as I could I savor each bite. Wow. I'm already looking forward to returning and trying other items on their menu.

+4

Came here randomly with a friend and we loved it! Food was traditional and some had a modern-Mexican twist. The Mole dish was sooooo good! Can’t remember the name of it but we loved it! The drinks were so good too.

Such a beautiful, unique Mexican restaurant! Not to mention, I have heard they have the largest selection of Tequila in the country! The restaurant is upstairs above the Tequila liquor store. We were fortunate to get an outside table with a view. The service from Javier was outstanding! The food is not your everyday tacos and burritos, different Mexican dishes and very delicious! The margaritas are even unique, I had a Guava margarita and it was great! We cannot recommend El Agave highly enough!!

+2

El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria in Old Town San Dario provides a distinguished dining experience. The ambiance and overall experience were exceptional. The waitstaff demonstrated professionalism and attentiveness, consistent with the standards of a fine dining establishment. The culinary selections were outstanding. I chose the Chili Relano, and my husband selected the Tacos de Camaron; both dishes were unique and expertly prepared. The service was exceptional. I regret not knowing our server's name, as his recommendations were excellent.

The Mexican restaurant is excellent with this décor I think they could be about 250 bottles, different shapes, different sizes, different eras. Gerardo at the counter was very good. Also help serving our table. We enjoyed the margheritas. Also, the soup salads sound Tacos and kids menu was very interesting in the desert. Mars PAN martini Flon and churros were excellent choices. Very good mexican restaurant for a relaxed dinner

+3

Recommended by local friends. This place had everything you need for a goodnight out. The ambiance and atmosphere were great. Service was outstanding. The cocktails and margaritas were near perfect. And to top it off the food was amazing. Would definitely try the mole as it is their signature dish. The mar y tierra is worth sharing. They also have a large selection of tequilas and if there are any you like in the flight the liquor store downstairs likely carries it.

+2

our server Gerardo was amazing took care my family and I! Food and dessert was amazing along with drinks!

Wonderful food and service. Tonight we had sea bass, stuffed chili relleno, camaron al tequila, a wonderful poblano cream soup, and the ensalada huerto. I like having Don Julio anejo tequila with a sangrita. My husband likes the tequila mule, another in our group had the spicy jalapeño margarita, and one had a tequila mojito. It was all delicious! We ate at an 'outside' table, which was actually mostly enclosed and quite pleasant. The servers are universally pleasant and knowledgeable. They want you to enjoy your food and your time dining. I highly recommend this restaurant!

+6

My friend & I went here in 2008 and again this year. They have wonderful mole and we tried 2 different dishes. Both were excellent. The big claim to fame is the tequila collection. Over 3000 bottles. Tons of atmosphere and great food

El Agave is a place that you need to make a reservation at if you want to not sit in the hallway. Just got in with some coworkers for business and wanted a good meal and this place did not disappoint. The complimentary salsa and chips are good and even have some beans with them. The octopus here is fork tender and wonderful to eat as we got the appetizer of it. It reminded me of the octopus I had in Mexico City at an upscale restaurant I ate at when down there. Very flavorful and the potato all with a spicy oil sauce over it went very well together. My coworkers did the mole dish which they liked but we're a little disappointed with. My beef filet tacos with bone marrow were amazing and would order again. Other than having to sit by the door it is a place I would eat at again if not often when in the area.

El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria located at 2304 San Diego Ave B, San Diego, CA 92110 is an amazing Restaurant featuring over 2000 different Tequila’s - literally! Their decor is stunning and unique displaying all of these bottles everywhere and they are gorgeous!! Food is very good, and creative too. Great date place! Service was great too - very attentive!

+6

Came back to san diego and as always the first thing I i get is Mexican food when i come back because san diego only gets beat out by Mexico itself with its Mexican food. I tried out some of the more out there menu items this time and had some great items and some less so. The pepper relleno was tasty and a hit. The tacos with the mole wasn't as good but mole is either hit or miss for me depending on ingredients used in the sauce. The chicken in the tacos however was dry and not great to eat. The cilantro soup was interesting, kind of like a split pea soup but the flavor got too much the more you eat it.

Tequila….Tequila….Tequila!!!! Love this place. My family’s roots are from the Tequila state of Jalisco Mexico, always a a place we seek for authentic “creativity “ in Mexican culinary traditions. The sopes and rib eye taquitos are my favorite appetizers; followed by the Mole Enchiladas!!!

+6

I am not the biggest fan of tequila but their cocktails are great! We had the Paloma and the guava margarita and both were excellent. They also have many tasting options if you’d like flights of tequila or more traditional drinks. Their food was phenomenal and had a Mayan flare to it. They had great dishes with color, texture, and plated very well. I had the NY strip tacos and my wife had the poke tostadas which is an app but she had it as her entre since we both weren’t very hungry after some great chips and 3 different salsas. Both dishes were excellent and our server was very efficient! They have both indoor and outdoor seating. I would highly recommend the indoor seating area it was warmer, more aesthetic, and felt like you were more included in the restaurant. The outdoor seating areas kind of seemed like you were seated in an area which primary use was a walkway rather than a restaurant seating area. There is also bar seating with 4-5 seats if you aren’t able to get a reservation online for indoor seating. We won’t hesitate to go here again as the tacos are some of the best we’ve had in San Diego and churro dessert was great following!

+3

I’m quite the newb to Tequila, so I asked Fernando to take me through the journey of appreciating good Tequila. I highly recommend asking for Fernando who took the time to explain the different drinks, understand my flavour profile and recommend drinks. The food also loves up to expectations. THIS IS NOT A SHOT BAR!! Enjoy the company, great food and over 800 types of Tequila brands. El Agave has a private collection of 3600 Tequila bottles

+2

One of the best Mexican restaurants in San Diego. Off menu queso fundido was top notch. Excellent moles and chile relleno. Good churos. Enjoyable setting surrounded by tequila bottles. Excellent cocktails. Parking a bit tight but ok after 7pm.

Incredible. Fantastic selection of margaritas. The ceviche came in three cups loaded with tuna, shrimp, and crab. The filet steak tacos were tender and tasty. Amazing ambience. Very nice people too. This is our go to spot after picking up company from the airport. Open until 10 pm is convenient.

The tacos here taste very good and the waiter was very attentive to our table. Will definitely be back when I come vist again. Definitely recommend.

+6

So I’ve been all around Old Town!!! I must say El Agave is more on the high end scale of restaurants. If you are looking for a nice window view of the sunset this place is perfect for you. If you are looking for a nice group or even couple dinner this is the perfect place for you. The drinks are definitely high quality! I love their Cadillac margaritas! You knows what’s so cool about this is they make customized finger foods for children although it is not on the menu they will make it for example chicken strips and fries. Parking is a bit small. This restaurant is one of the first restaurants when you coming down San Diego street off of the old town exit.

+6

Perfect restaurant! Delicious food : simple yet refined, with subtle, well-balanced flavors. The service was outstanding: attentive without being overbearing. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with all those tequila bottles and warm lighting. We had an excellent time!

Their food is amazing, from the mole Chilaquiles to their enchiladas verdes & the best was the Aguachile de camarón, definitely will return when we come back to San Diego. And Paulo was amazing, very talented and very professional.

Very cool atmosphere with tequilas all over the walls. The cocktails were great. We got the Hugo and a margarita with cucumber. The mole was phenomenal. My wife got the chicken enchiladas with red mole. We will certainly be back here soon.

If you love tequila and refined food, El Agave is a restaurant that will not disappoint. The duck burritos appetizer was succulent with a touch of sweetness. I absolutely loved them. Everything we ate had amazing flavors and the staff was extremely helpful if you are indecisive. Please check this restaurant out if visiting San Diego.

Went with some tequila fans (not one myself) but they gave us all a variety to sample for those who didn't want to commit to a whole portion, which was great. The tacos were delicious, the churros fresh and crunchy, the calamari well seasoned. Had a great time.

+3

El Agave in San Diego's Old Town is a fantastic spot for anyone craving authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu offers a wide range of dishes, from traditional tacos and enchiladas to more unique options like mole. There is extensive selection of tequilas. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Their cesar salad is small compared to most restaurants. El Agave is definitely worth a visit!

+5

If you are looking for refined Mexican dining in SD, there is no better place than El Agave. The location is not the best, it is on top of a liquor store, but the decor and the food are phenomenal. The perfect balance of flavors, freshness and the presentation. The duck burrito is a must try, it is actually like having Peking Duck Mexican style and without the crispy fatty skin. The mole flavor was intense and bold, the best quality of beef rib served warm, perfect temperature to enjoy the dish. This is definitely one is the best Mexican fine dining experiences we have had.

+6

Real Mexican food. Great margaritas and super service. Guac, sopecitos surtidos and chicken tacos! Paolo was the best !

I have not done many reviews lately because I find most food in restaurants these days is mediocre. El Agave is truly an exception. We had Ceviche, Sea bass, and stuffed Poblano pepper. Each was very good, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The flan for dessert was exceptional. Tremendous value for money.

Ordered the Nopal salad and Salmon main… did not disappoint!! Amazing authentic Mexican flavors, great portions, great price.

5-stars! Food is superb. Drinks are wonderful. Chips and salsa plentiful. Atmosphere is great. Cozy eatery with great staff. Alberto was a wonderful host. Located on 2nd floor. Would def go again, and would highly recommend it to friends.

+6

It is interesting that the highest rated restaurants in Old Town are not Mexican. I guess by the virtue of being at a prime location, they don’t put much effort into making good food. I had that experience when I lived in San Diego. You went to Old Town for the experience of it, not expecting good food. This time, I searched for an establishment with 4.5 stars or more. El Agave is not in the heart of Old Town. It’s not a place you find while walking around. But it is only a 10 minute walk from the Old Town Square and that is generally a nice walk. It’s situated on the second floor so there are stairs to climb. I am not sure where the elevator is (there must be one at least for supplies). The best item on the menu (out of the 4 meals we tried) is the grilled octopus. I tried the mixed green salad and for lunch, that was more than enough. The fish tacos got some praise too. The menu items were reasonably priced except for sparkling water (that was $12 for a small bottle, same price as my salad), which surprised us a bit. Overall, we paid $35 per person, including the tip for lunch (no alcohol). I don’t know if dinner prices are higher.

We had an excellent meal here! All the food and service were really good. We had the carnitas tacos, followed by flan. The cocktails are also good, and so is the beer. Our server was very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable

Food was excellent and the drinks were amazing-especially for tequila and mezcal fans. The service was prompt and attentive, though a little unenthusiastic. Highly recommend the Tacos de Ribeye-one of the best steak tacos I’ve had in SD.

We had dinner in this place and we had great experiences with food atmosphere and service. I really recommend to try this restaurant.

Everything was excellent! If you like tequila this is a must stop. The food was out of this world. I got the short rib and it blew me away. My family was equally impressed with their meals.

This restaurant is beautiful and the food and service were on point. Definitely a must stop for tequila lovers. We tried the Mexican special (once a year offered) and it was delicious. All the food we tried was excellent from salads to tacos, to corn fritters...yum!

+5

Wasn't intending on having lunch here, but extremely happy to have found El Agave. The place I wanted down the road was reservations only, and I didn't realize until my Uber dropped us off couple blocks away. El Agave reviews looked great so it was a reasonable choice to walk to. The atmosphere was wonderful. Our server very personable and attentive. Food arrived and I was elated. Fish tacos and salsas were perfect. Overall great experience and I'd return to try more items on their menu.

Nathan Alexander

The atmosphere was amazing, food was good but didn't blow me away. A great place to go talk and get drinks.

Jennifer Alexa Lee

I was pleasantly surprised by how quiet the restaurant was during my visit—perhaps it was dinner time, or maybe the prices are a bit higher than average. Either way, it worked out perfectly for me. The food and service were truly exceptional, and I can confidently say you won’t be disappointed. The Milo Don Julio was outstanding, and the portions were incredibly generous—I couldn’t even finish my meal! I also tried the quesadilla de flor de calabaza, which had a unique presentation, more like an empanada, but it was absolutely delicious. I would love to come back and try their lunch menu next time. This place is truly a hidden gem worth revisiting.

Valerie Endicott

Oh my. A Chili Relleno that bursted with tender steak, peanuts and seasonings that had me wanting to lick my plate! A perfect Tequila Mojito to wash it down and our attentive and friendly server Alberto made this special girls night out perfect. A very intimate and cool spot. Highly recommend.

Rebecca Franks

This is the best Mexican food Resturant! I love the decor(3000+ tequila bottles), service and food! Everything is the best authentic Mexico City style cuisine. Everything I’ve ever ordered is the best!

+2

Steve Engle

Parking is a little tight, but very worth it. They had a veranda open for dining when we were there and the view and breeze made for a great atmosphere. We ordered three entrees and an appetizer. Everything was outstanding. Just go, and maybe stop in downstairs for a rare tequila to go.

Agustin B

Duck tacos, stew and stuffed pepper were great. The flan was nice but too small. Spicy margarita was nothing special.

David Barrozo

El Agave boasts of thousands of tequila bottles, only issue is, they're the owners private collection. This place competes with the Museum of Tequila in Maxico City! The good news is, they do offer over 500 brands to the public and a very well stocked bar, so chances are you still get to have a shot of your favorite with your meal. So make sure you stop by and enjoy yourself.

+1

Beth-Alison Berggren

The sea bass was great. The calamari was a little over breaded but still yummy. Amazing assortment of tequila! The service was very good.

Jari Kalevi Ollikainen

Perhaps the best Mexican restaurant I've been in San Diego, both in terms of food and service. Even drinks where authentic Mexican cola and beer!

+1

Ingrid Chen

Our go-to spot for Mexican food! Service is always excellent and the margs are fire. A bit on the pricier side, but you’re definitely paying for the ambiance. A great choice in Old Town if you want to skip the more touristy spots and enjoy a different vibe. Pictured is the short rib + mole trio.

Metadata

Service was top notch! Food was very good and the drinks were great. The atmosphere here is amazing with all the different tequila bottles everywhere. I recommend and would go back again!

+8

Jayson Hogland

I’ve been to some of the most highly recommended and rated places in San Diego on my two week trip here. This is my favorite place I’ve been and one of two places I may hit up twice on my trip. The atmosphere is awesome, the service was perfect (shoutout Daniel), and the meal… incredible. I’ve had a lot of tacos in my life, and the fillet tacos are the best tacos I’ve ever eaten. You will be doing yourself a disservice going somewhere else for Mexican food. Bonus points for how good the chips and salsa were. 10/10 would recommend

Whitney Angelo

Probably the best Mexican food we’ve ever had. It was absolutely outstanding. The service was prompt and friendly. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Drinks were delicious. We were absolutely floored by reading some less than stellar reviews bc they couldn’t have exceeded our expectations any more than they did! We loved it!

Holy Tequila! Such a cool restaurant with all kinds of tequila. Have the blood orange margarita and it was great. I would recommend the Anejo tequila flight if I came back. I don't know the name of t…

Holy Tequila! Such a cool restaurant with all kinds of tequila. Have the blood orange margarita and it was great. I would recommend the Anejo tequila flight if I came back. I don't know the name of…

We received excellent service, very prompt and attentive and he explained the menu well. The restaurant is so cool, the walls are covered in tequila bottles and some have very unique art! Our whole t…

We received excellent service, very prompt and attentive and he explained the menu well. The restaurant is so cool, the walls are covered in tequila bottles and some have very unique art! Our whole…

Amazing selection of tequila and mezcal of course! Even better was that our server (i'm so sorry that I forgot his name) was clearly so knowledgeable about them and thought through what to recommen…

Came here for dinner on Halloween night. The entrance is on the second floor. Make sure you do not park in front of the liquor store.\n\nHighly recommend reservations here. There is an inside and a…

We had such a great experience at this restaurant. Our waiter Francisco was so kind and made us feel so welcome. We ate family style so I got to try 6 different entrees and every single thing was d…

Amazing tequila selection, really cool collection of bottles, fantastic food, and excellent service! Very happy we went here for dinner.

Amazing tequila selection, really cool collection of bottles, fantastic food, and excellent service! Very happy we went here for dinner.

Amazing tequila selection, really cool collection of bottles, fantastic food, and excellent service! Very happy we went here for dinner.

We ate here last night and all four of us raved about our food, the house margaritas & the ambiance! We started with the ahi tuna taco appetizers. Delicious! My husband & I shared the fresh catch of …

We ate here last night and all four of us raved about our food, the house margaritas & the ambiance! We started with the ahi tuna taco appetizers. Delicious! My husband & I shared the fresh c…

We ate here last night and all four of us raved about our food, the house margaritas & the ambiance! We started with the ahi tuna taco appetizers. Delicious! My husband & I shared the fresh catch o…

We ate here last night and all four of us raved about our food, the house margaritas & the ambiance! We started with the ahi tuna taco appetizers. Delicious! My husband & I shared the fresh catch o…

We ate here last night and all four of us raved about our food, the house margaritas & the ambiance! We started with the ahi tuna taco appetizers. Delicious! My husband & I shared the fresh catch o…

This small upstairs restaurant, rimmed by unusual tequila and mezcal bottles, was a great find. The service was helpful and attentive and our lunch was terrific. The freshly made salsas were a high…

El Agave Mexican restaurant is very good to excellent. It is located in Old Town San Diego next to the Fairfield Inns and Suites just off the 5 freeway with off the street parking. They have an ama…

Absolutely fabulous restaurant. Costs more than your average but well worth it. Food was exceptional, service very attentive and decorated/ambiance just right. Thoroughly recommend.

Absolutely fabulous restaurant. Costs more than your average but well worth it. Food was exceptional, service very attentive and decorated/ambiance just right. Thoroughly recommend.

Overall wonderful experience: -not crowded -food was great. tacos el pastor and enchiladas verdes. Margaritas are a must and great tasting. Good quality. Recommend any of them but the blood oran…

Impressive- the location is unassuming, just a bit off the beaten old town path but still close. There is a free parking lot as a plus. The ambience is as rich and delightful as the food. The resta…

We went here for drinks, appetizers, and dessert. We had queso that was served in a skillet and it was excellent! I also had the best blood orange margarita that I’ve ever had. For dessert, I had…

Excellent food, excellent drinks, excellent service, the best Mexican restaurant I have been to abroad ! Wish it was closer to home

Food and portions were good. We had shrimp tacos and enchiladas verde to share, tap water and passion fruit margarita. Plus nachos and 3 dip sauces to start with. We felt satisfied and can recommend this place.

Food and atmosphere were fantastic!! Delicious food, great flavor, great drinks! Fantastic tequila selection! Atmosphere was great! Loved all the bottles! Great spot for dinner! Service wasn't terrible but our waiter was unpleasant. His attitude got worse through the evening, heavy sighs, snide comments, eye rolling etc. For the cost of our table/meal his attitude was sad and disappointing. Several at the table that were locals said they wouldn't return or recommend due to his attitude which I found disappointing as the food was really good, location was good, and Atmosphere was nice!

Drinks are good, got a pasión fruit margarita and it’s was exquisite. I ordered chicken enchiladas don Julio, delicious 😋😋😋. We waited for the food for over 30 min and it wasn’t busy. Be prepared to wait longer if you come for dinner. We got chips and salsa twice that was the key to have patience to get your main entree. Overall I gave them 4 out of 5starts because of the wait

The food was good, but very disappointed there was no strawberry margarita on the menu and no burritos or chimichangas. I had steak tacos and they were ok, but under seasoned and a very small portion for the price. There are lots of better options just a couple blocks away.

Cool atmosphere with tequila bottles of every kind everywhere! Their Mole was incredible! Carnitas tacos were good but a little bland. Street taco size, so a serving of three may not fill you. I asked for a side of avocado and shockingly. They told me it would cost $22 due to market prices. Loco! We got takeout so I Went to the grocery store and picked up an avocado for three dollars.

Good, They have a varied menu for those looking to enjoy dishes with a Mexican flavor. the cocktail bar is varied with the main ingredient our so distinguished tequila. Perfect place to celebrate some special occasion.

+3

Came in for lunch after spending the morning outside. The restaurant is located on the top of this building, which allowed for a nice breeze coming through where we were seated. The inside of the restaurant is artfully decorated with bottles of tequila, but it felt hot and stuffy. I'm thankful we were seated next to the windows. We were greeted and seated quickly, with a basket of chips and a small 3 item flight of salsa brought out. I liked the taste of all of the salsas that were presented. They also had these neat little wooden spoons. (P.S. I need these in my life.) My wife ordered the Pepino Margarita ($14) and I got an iced tea. The margarita was good, but I'm not a fan of tequila. For food, we skipped appetizers and went straight for main courses. I ordered the Taco De Camaron Enchilado ($14), which is basically shrimp tacos. They were interesting and good. They had these pickled red onions sprinkled with dried thyme, which gave it a really different taste profile. Not sure if it really works together, but it wasn't bad at all. Based on the description of the item, I'm not entirely sure that I got what I ordered. My wife ordered the ceviche trio ($16) which was pretty good. Three types of ceviche in small glasses served with blue chips. We enjoyed the tuna version the best. Huge chunks of raw ahi tuna, reminiscent of a poke bowl. The other two were okay. Overall a good experience that wasn't overly expensive. Check the photos for the food we ordered and the decor of the restaurant.

+6

Overall a solid choice. If you want gourmet Mexican food with an opportunity to taste a wide range of tequila - you can’t go wrong. The service here can be hit or miss. Some servers aren’t the most friendly but they get the job done effectively. I’ve been a couple of times for dinner and once for lunch. Lunch wise - wasn’t the best experience as they do a tequila tour and really didn’t care for having people standing around our table while trying to eat.

It is a really nice place, my boyfriend and I went to celebrate his birthday and we had a good time. Food was great and service was really nice. The only downside of our visit was that as we were eating some contractors were working on some light fixtures and both my boyfriend and myself thought that was a little bit inappropriate. Especially, because they were using power tools. So forget about the nice quiet time :/. Other than that, we had a nice time.

Old Town restaurant worth checking out. Colorfully decorated, gets your attention as soon as you walk in. Service is outstanding. The waiters are very attentive and treat their long-time customers with care. Went there with an old friend who has been trying to get me to go there for a while, and it didn't disappoint. Started with a Paloma, chips, and the trio of salsas/black beans, and that alone was satisfying, but I'm telling you the octopus was to die for. Soft (not chewy), flavorful with a hint of spice, it was delicious. I can't wait to go back for that. There are plenty of appetizers, salads, ceviches, and tacos to choose from. Vegetarian options are available. Small parking lot, but it's old town, so find parking and walk around this historic part of town.

+5

This is THE Tequila Bar you want to visit. The menu has something for everyone. The drinks are well crafted and balanced. The staff is friendly and courteous.

The overall vibe of the restaurant is gorgeous. Old tequila and mezcal bottles line the walls and the textures are stunning. It seems the restaurant specializes in mole and the different mole sauces did not disappoint. My chicken was a bit overcooked but not so much that it ruined the dish. All of the servers were very nice and helpful to our large party, but the service was definitely slow. Many of our party went without drinks for 15-20 minutes at a time and it took a long time to get the check at the end of the meal. Overall, I would come back for a date night but probably not as part of a large group.

I think this is the best restaurant in the area of the old town.the appetizer was good, than I order the ribeye tacos, delicious.y wife ordered mole and was above the expectation, very good. My son ordered a ribeye steak that was was perfectly cooked but was bland. On my next trip to San Diego I will be back.

+3

Nice little cozy spot. I had the mole with chicken and he had mole with duck. The chicken or duck does not feel fresh. A little too dry and too hard to chew and.. but the drinks were great. Also, their churros were a 10. Those were fresh and crunchy. The service was excellent and on point.

+3

Yu Miao

Atmosphere: great! We sat at a corner, so it was not too noisy. The decorations and lighting were also good. Staff were friendly. Importantly, they are also dog-friendly. Food: not bad. We enjoyed the fish tacos, octopus was tender. However, we waited for 40min for the dishes. The dessert is delicious. I had the best churros here.

Luke Qian

This restaurant and bar showcases an impressive collection of tequila, with shelves of colorful bottles lining the walls and even the ceiling—an atmosphere designed to immerse you in the spirit long before the first drink arrives. The cocktail program naturally leans toward tequila and mezcal. While not boundary-pushing enough to compete with award-winning bars, the drinks are well made and offer thoughtful, appealing flavor profiles. Service was initially discouraging; we waited more than 30 minutes for food. But once the dishes arrived, the kitchen quickly redeemed the experience. Highlights included the aguachile de camarón, the short rib poblano, and the arroz a la tumbada—each vibrant, spicy, and deeply seasoned. One disappointment lingered: a guacamole listed at $22, a price neither stated on the menu nor easily justified. The server’s attempt to explain it by citing avocado costs of $3–5 apiece felt unconvincing, especially given that even retail prices fall below that range. Still, despite a few missteps, the restaurant delivers strong flavors and a memorable setting for anyone drawn to agave spirits.

+6

Khvat Alexander

Place to visit in San Diego Old Town if you want to try some tequila. They have best selection of tequilas and mezcals to try in San Diego and fantastic bottles display in the rooms. But food is nothing special and the prices are quite steep.

Jing

The service was great, and we went around noon when it wasn’t too busy. Still, it took a little while for the food to come out. The flavors were decent overall, though the grilled octopus was a bit overcooked and slightly bitter. Otherwise, a nice spot for lunch with friendly service.

Atmosphere: great! We sat at a corner, so it was not too noisy. The decorations and lighting were also good. Staff were friendly. Importantly, they are also dog-friendly.\nFood: not bad. We enjoyed t…

Atmosphere: great! We sat at a corner, so it was not too noisy. The decorations and lighting were also good. staff were friendly. Importantly, they are also dog-friendly.\nFood: not bad. We enjoyed…

atmosphere: great! We sat at a corner, so it was not too noisy. The decorations and lighting were also good. Staff were friendly. Importantly, they are also dog-friendly.\nFood: not bad. We enjoyed…

Made reservations for 5 people - had requested 'inside', the 'inside' turned out to feel just like outside as it was near the door and the glass panels are just a retrofit along their balcony with …

Excellent service, delicious tacos, tasty guacamole, and lovely drinks. The ambiance was delightful and we will return as we Love Old Town and this establishment will now be in our rotation.

Excellent service, delicious tacos, tasty guacamole, and lovely drinks. The ambiance was delightful and we will return as we Love Old Town and this establishment will now be in our rotation.

Excellent service, delicious tacos, tasty guacamole, and lovely drinks. The ambiance was delightful and we will return as we Love Old Town and this establishment will now be in our rotation.

Diners beware: they ask for guacamole at the start. Then the menu says MP. Market price for guacamole is $22 per order. Actually a scam. food wise, nothing special. chicken was dry, fish wasn't f…

The mole is ok, the atmosphere is great and the the service is mid range. \nWe came for mole, but it lacked authentic flavor

Made reservations and was seated quickly as we walked through the restaurant eyeing the sights of tequila bottles displayed and history. we were seated at the high top near the window which was nic…

We ate here last year and it was phenomenal. This year, the food was really underwhelming. The octopus tacos were tasteless and the seafood rice was OK. The highlight of the meal was the margarita an…

We ate here last year and it was phenomenal. This year, the food was really underwhelming. The octopus tacos were tasteless and the seafood rice was OK. The highlight of the meal was the marg…

We ate here last year and it was phenomenal. This year, the food was really underwhelming. The octopus tacos were tasteless and the seafood rice was OK. The highlight of the meal was the margarita …

We ate here last year and it was phenomenal. This year, the food was really underwhelming. The octopus tacos were tasteless and the seafood rice was OK. The highlight of the meal was the margarit…

Yes! Truly a high-end Mexican restaurant. Cool and eclectic floor to ceiling walls of tequila bottles help the lively albeit loud atmosphere. Food was SUPERB. The Sopacitos Surtitos app was jus…

Excellent ambience, great genuine decorations of many different types of tequila. Everything else goes downhill. The prices are extreme, the flavors are subpar. They don't even offer queso for the overcooked chips they give. The appetizers are best for sharing amongst two people, not a large group. Come here to impress a date, not to have a night out with a group of friends.

+6

If you have been previously in the past years it is clear the quality has gone down dramatically. The salsas they serve in the beginning are watered down and lack any spice at all. We ordered a side of guacamole naively and not only was it terrible (no seasoning at all/looked a little oxidized), but it was $22! The mole is good, but now they are only offering the mole with rice and tortillas and adding any meat is $10 extra ($40 for their mole which if you tried mole is not even close to worth that much if you've been anywhere in Mexico and tried it). I used to recommend this place to people to try good, authentic, high-end Mexican dishes in San Diego, but I think even they would admit they have cut corners and reduced their quality and raised prices to make larger profits. Pretty sad too because they used to have EXCELLENT food (we've been multiple times in the past two years trying to give it another chance and keep getting let down). Now I would say this is a glorified tourist trap that serves some good drinks.

Dave R

I wished I could give El Agave 5 stars, but sadly the host is very rude and condescending and lets down the whole experience. We had a reservation and once there, was told it would be another 15 minutes. Since the host area is small and there was line behind us, we told the host we’d wait downstairs. 5 minutes later the host is calling on my phone and complaining that he cannot see outside the host podium and in aggressive tone, asked we still wanted a table or not. I’m sure that there is a better way to say your table is ready, so would encourage some training on courtesy. Once seated however, our server Sebastian was great and was really helpful on advising us on the type of mole dishes they had. Everyone in our group enjoyed the appetizers and entrees along with the cocktails. For the food it’s worth going again, but would also explore other options in the area first due to the initial experience.

+2

The mole enchiladas that my friend and I shared were served cold. Couldn't get the waiter's attention. His assistant finally came and said he will take it back to the kitchen. He came back two minu…

I ordered the shrimp tacos and I give them a 4/10.\nFlavorless and very underwhelming. One taco had two pieces of shrimp but another had 3. Service was reaaaaally slow. Drinks were good.

The food was fairly good. The portion size of the ribeye tacos was small for the price. The sea bass was very good. The seafood risotto and salmon were OK. The service was horrid-very slow an…

We came for a late lunch and a drink and had awful service. It took over 45 minutes of sitting before we got our drink, then finally we ordered at the 1.5 hour mark. After 2.5 hours we hadn't received our food so we got it to go. No apologies, no acknowledgement of the slow service, it felt like we were inconveniencing our waiter by being there. The restaurant wasn't even that busy, maybe half full. We tried this place after seeing that they won best margarita in San Diego, but I disagree. They might have the most tequila bottles on display but the margaritas were just ok, definitely not worth the awful service. If you're looking for good Mexican food or a tasty agave cocktail then head elsewhere

Even after making a reservation it took about 30 minutes to be seated. It took 15 minutes for someone to get our drinks and 30 minutes for someone to take our order. We actually started eating an hour after we were seated. The chips and salsa were complimentary and they asked if we wanted some guacamole and of course we said yes. (They charged us $22 for a cup size) I asked for water and they brought a glass bottle of room temperature water. I asked for a cup of ice 3 times and never received it. I ordered the shrimp tacos ($24) I imagined it would come with beans and rice and it didn’t. I just received 3 TJ style tacos with 2 shrimps in each. Every time we called the waiter he seemed to be bothered. They charged $49 for gratuity which is bullshit since the service was terrible. Very sad and disappointed with the whole experience. Next time I’m in the mood for shrimp tacos I will go to my local food truck. Faster service, cheaper and tastes better. Also felt very small and crowded.

My GF and I walked in on NYE last night without a reservation and found 2 lucky spots at the bar. Good and bad experience here. First, the good: The chips and salsa (3 different dipping stuff) were excellent and so was Surtidos (highly recommend!). The bad: The short young gal that was the bartender was the worst. We had to ask for napkins and plates. Something that is automatic at other places. We ordered 2 margs, total cost a whopping $34 and both were pretty much a mocktail with hardly any liquor. There was no need to order another drink cos they sucked. We asked for water twice and didn't get it so I raised my voice on the 3rd attempt to another fella to get us some water and finally got it. This short gal with black hair with the biggest attitude didn't ask us once how the food and drinks were. On top of that, we saw her take 3 shots of tequila with other waiters in the 90 mins of time we were there. Do not order the carnitas tacos. They are tasteless, even aftersprinkling salt on them. When it came time to pay for the bill that is when her attitude changed and she's buttered up to us and offered two free shots after noticing how upset I was. I was not planning to leave her one dime in tip, but I ended up giving her $5 on the $75 bill. It was evident that this place prides itself after selling high priced liquor. More so than the food. If you're going to charge $16 to $20 for marg, please make sure people are getting their money's worth cuz you're ripping them off. Avoid this overpriced, bad service of a place.

The food was okay, I had some type of risotto with seafood, one shrimp, and the rest was octopus, and maybe some calamari. Spicy, not described on the menu. They close early on Tuesday when I was there, I got there 9pm and they said it was okay to take care of me, five minutes after they started sitting everything down including the music, I felt awkward eating in a place empty and no music. I didn’t finish my food, spicy and bad. Never had a Mexican risotto, never going back!! I can’t believe I paid 29 dollars for that plate, not worth it. Drinks are okay, I had a tequila mule, very sweet, i did not taste the ginger. Just stick with tequila an d beer

I recently visited this Mexican restaurant, and honestly, I’m confused by the 4.5-star rating. The margaritas were the only redeeming quality—they were fantastic, perfectly made and refreshing. However, everything else was a major letdown. The tacos were absolutely horrible. The meat was dry, the toppings were bland, and the tortillas were chewy and not fresh at all. I just don’t understand how this place is so highly rated when the food quality is so poor. It's frustrating when a restaurant gets so much praise for things that don’t live up to expectations. Price does not match up the quality, bot even a bit! I won’t be coming back.

We were sat at a two top table in a hallway pressed against a wall with a post that runs along it at head height and it felt very cramped. The cucumber margarita was delicious but without any taste of tequila for $16, the beer selection wasn’t our favorite and they didn’t have our first choice from their menu available. The beer glass looked to be 12-14oz. $10 drafts and $9 bottles. Complementary chips and three salsas were very good. Ordered a plate of ribeye tacos and of fish tacos for $23 each which took close to 40 min to be served. The tacos tasted good and looked appealing but there were several pieces of ribeye that had big pieces of inedible fat and the portions were very small even for light eaters. The server was nice but disappeared without checking in for a long time while we waited for our entrees. For some reason the “total” bill amount on the receipt says subtotal, maybe because some people tip on the subtotal amount? The main dining area looked to be a much nicer atmosphere than the hallway and the service might be more attentive there.

I didn’t think it was possible to be disappointed by Mexican food in San Diego, but unfortunately, El Agave proved me wrong. The ambience is nice, with bottles of alcohol lining the walls and warm lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere. Even on a busy Saturday night, our party of five was seated right away, which I appreciated. Chips and salsa came quickly, though the salsas and bean dip were under-seasoned despite looking pretty. Things took a turn when our water glasses went empty. We asked our waiter, who assured us more was coming, but about 20 minutes passed with nothing, even as he repeatedly walked past our table. We had to ask again before another staff member finally brought it. Apparently, servers don’t handle drinks or table setups here, which feels like a major service flaw for something as simple as water. About 40 minutes later, our appetizer plates were cleared, but bizarrely, the staff member wiped down the table with my mom’s cloth napkin instead of a rag which was strange and unsanitary. Then came the entrées. My mom and I ordered the ribeye tacos, which looked great but were shockingly bland. The ribeye itself had zero seasoning, not even salt or pepper, despite being cooked well. My brother’s shrimp tacos had some flavor, but the so-called “cream sauce” was literally just mayonnaise. My dad’s mole enchiladas had the same issue: chicken with no seasoning inside. The only way I could salvage my tacos was by adding the salsas from the chips earlier. Never in my life have I been so confused by Mexican food so devoid of flavor. We were hungry, so we ate, but at $23 for three tacos smaller than street tacos, it felt like an overpriced tourist trap. El Agave clearly prioritizes presentation and atmosphere over the two things that matter most in a restaurant: service and flavor.

Eddie L

$22 for guacamole, it’s listed as “market price” on the menu and they don’t tell you the price when they causally ask if you’d like any for the table. This is robbery. They said it’s a “fancy” restaurant but it’s a total scam. The chicken was really dry and worse than what you get at Chipotle. The service was fine and not going to penalize the servers for really horrible management

Visually, the restaurant is impressive and clearly has a lot of potential. The drinks are good but not memorable. The food, however, raises serious questions about who is approving the menu.\n\nWe …

Visually, the restaurant is impressive and clearly has a lot of potential. The drinks are good but not memorable. The food, however, raises serious questions about who is approving the menu.\n\nWe …

Over priced and very little food. I got our order to go. I was shocked when I arrived home. Very tiny tacos for $23.00. Never ever again.

Waited about 20 minutes to give our waiter the benefit of the doubt despite the fact that they were not busy whatsoever. The only thing we received were chips and water from the bus boys. Our suspe…

I usually don't write negative reviews but after eating here and seeing all the rave reviews I felt I needed to. The place is above a liquor store - it's "different" esthetically but more importa…

This place is great for those who really do not like real simple flavorful Mexican food. This is an upscale expensive place doing its best to turn what could be great into something overblown and failing the taste test. Sauces taste like a chef guessing at what it might taste like after graduating from the culinary institute in french flavors. Stake chips, bland salsa, chicken in a red sauce void of flavor. Beautiful presentation -expensive. Wish i had found a taco truck

Personally, this was one of the worst Mexican restaurants I have been to. Every dish needed salt and seasoning. This would be good if you don’t like flavor. The salsas were mid except I asked for a spicy salsa which ended up being good. We ordered ceviche trio which all needed salt and the octopus had a strange flavor. We ordered the lamb which was nice and tender but lacked spices and salt. Then we ordered the ribeye tacos which did not have a good sear or crust and also lacked SALT. The ribeye seemed like it was steamed ans the tacos were extremely small for $23??? Is crazy. Go to your local taco family joint. On the plus side, the blood orange margarita was the star of whole dinner. Service was okay not too bad.

Was excited to try it as reviews were good BUT when the chips and salsa are BAD it makes you wonder, what's going on here!? Chips came from a bag, were stale, and had no salt. We ordered the ceviche trio and felt the same about the lack of flavor, except for the octopus ceviche, which was decent. Ordered the poblano mole served with chicken and brown rice and plantains - chicken was dry and the plate was bland even though the mole had some kick- could have used some pickled red onions for some bite. Also ordered the poblano short rip served with risotto which was the only flavorful part of the dish (and our entire meal) as the meat was naked - literally like straight out of a pressure cooker - no seasoning at all. It was tender though ill give them that. Ordered a house, Cadillac, pepino, and Tamarindo margarita, which were just okay. The decor is eye catching with liquor bottles displayed from floor to ceiling but overall a very underwhelming and disappointing experience. They may be able to fool the gringos but authentic Mexican food lovers beware!

This place has amazing atmosphere, and we were very excited to go here, but our server Gerardo greeted us at the door with the most disinterest I have ever received from a waiter. Once seated, when we asked for help with a tequila, first answer was for us to scan the QR code and look for ourselves. Not like they were that busy on a Monday to give us attention. They were out of ingredients for ceviche, so the alternative was a bunch of fresh cubes of tuna with chips. Meh. We have a favorite sushi place already. Our shrimp tacos were bland street tacos, with the corn tortilla & shrimp not grilled enough. Like the last guest said, wish we had gone to our food truck. For the price, this was a very disappointing experience. All the other staff seemed friendly. If we weren't asking for a special tequila experience the right way, some guidance would have been appreciated. Total bummer to make reservations for. We won't be back.

Shelly Groshens

We were shown to our table, our first server brought us water and chips, then didn't come back. After 20 I flagged down another server. It was 2pm, and it wasn't busy so we don't know what was going on. It also took longer than expected to get our margaritas and food, but they were delicious! The atmosphere is great! There are tequila bottles lining every wall, and it has a cozy feel. If the service was faster, it would have earned a much higher score.