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El Agave, San Diego, CA
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

El Agave

4.7
4.7
2156 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.
Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting within
the largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 2,700 tequilas on display – also
repeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is the
perfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax and
unwind sipping find tequila with friends.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Traditional Mexican
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 220-0692
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Juan Carlos Gomez
  • Catering
    Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party facilities
    Deposit required. Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party contact
    Gimel Torre: (619) 220-0692
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town
  • Cross street
    Old Town Ave
  • Parking details
    Street parking also available.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 2,156 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Mexican

  • San Diego

    Mexican

2,156 Reviews
  1. CaroleF

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This was my first visit to El Agave in 23 years living in San Diego. It WAS GREAT! Great tacos - the Lechon and Filete y Tuetano were delicious! They have a very nice and varied menu, so I'm looking forward to my next visit. They have more tequilas than I knew existed. I enjoyed a Paloma with my dinner. If you haven't been there, and you're local --- try it!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Icelandia

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Had a blast here! Queso fundido and enchiladas verdes were awesome! Great place to hang and enjoy good food!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Rose

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Service was slow & the food was just okay. The quality has seemed to go down since my last visit.

    Is this helpful?

  4. valories

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Consistently delicious! A neighborhood gem. Delicious salsas.

    Is this helpful?

  5. KateP

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Everything was fine, but also nothing to write home about.

    Is this helpful?

  6. JALaJolla

    San Diego

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have been coming for years and totally support El Agave. The quality of cuisine and service is commended and appreciated. The tastes are unique and fun. The margaritas are superb. Thank you

    Is this helpful?

  7. BerthaC

    Orange County

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very thing was delicious. Great place, loved the ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  8. DonW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing place. Food was excellent. Atmosphere amazing. Drink choices were plentiful.

    Is this helpful?

  9. WendyG

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Excellent mole! The only place to go in San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jbell

    San Francisco

    78 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The pictures look grander than reality. The food was okay. They do not make their own tortilla chips (just reheat Tostitos). The tacos were nothing to write home about. Margaritas were fine - nothing exceptional. They do have an impressive amount of tequilas though. No music. The waiter forgot to mention specials at the beginning… overall, just an “okay” experience.

    Is this helpful?

  11. GuillermoM

    Los Angeles

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Great experience and very nice service!!! Recommend

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We enjoyed the environment & the servers. Great service. The food was nice too.

    Is this helpful?

  13. MariS

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is outstanding, as is the service. I highly recommend this restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  14. SanDiegoGirlie

    San Diego

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hidden just outside Old Town San Diego, and a local favorite. Excellent Mexican food, but definitely not for those expecting the usual enormous combo plates.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Thomas

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a great Bday dinner. Margaritas and food was excellent and service from Alberto superb! Definitely one of our favorite restaurants in all of San Diego!

    Is this helpful?

  16. jaxs

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great service. great tequila. great food. will be back

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is such a great experience for an authentic Mexico City cuisine. Our server Gerardo was absolutely fantastic. We will definitely be back. Berry salad, all the mole dishes and the Poblano soup are one of a kind. The watermelon margarita and Cadillac margarita are so tasty Thanks for a great night El Agave

    Is this helpful?

  18. GRENDELSMOM

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Just average. I wanted to love it but it was just avaerage. Service wa lacking as well.

    Is this helpful?

  19. JanetB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful family dinner!! We had great service that was friendly and unobtrusive. The margaritas 🍹 were sooo, very good! The ambience of all the displays of tequila bottles was so fun! The food was outstanding, and special. We each(6 of us) ordered something different and shared tastes. Every dinner was delicious!! The desserts were yummy, too!! A special place for sure!!

    Is this helpful?

  20. cpsd

    San Diego

    75 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Just a few steps out of the regular tourist zone and always worth it. The outside patios are nice and the indoor dining room is beautiful, decorated with hundreds of collectible tequila bottles. Food and ambience are excellent.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance here is so funky and beautiful. Gorgeous bookcases with thousands of tequila bottles from all time periods and regions - lovely decor. Attentive, kind and professional service. They made us feel important and cared for. The tequila flight was fun. Ceviche is unbelievable (they serve 3 types). You must get the ceviche. Octopus was good too. I didn’t care for the chicken in the Mole trio - but all 3 mole sauces were so delicious, and interesting to try. My sister loved the short ribs with a crazy rich and delicious corn risotto. My mom and sister raved about the catch of the day tacos. We couldn’t have loved this place more. So glad we found it. We walked to old town a couple of blocks away to shop - which was so fun.

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  22. shekeraA

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Francisco was a great server! He recommended delicious dishes and made our experience wonderful!!

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  23. Jacqueline

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and so was the service. We will definitely be back next time we are in San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  24. gabriela

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service and food. The “humo rojo” mezcal drink is so unique and the flan makes me come back for it every time.

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  25. SarahK

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food, esp mole and daily specials; vast selection of tequila, lively but. It loud thankfully, great service. Consistently good, been coming for a decade.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best Mexican food I have eaten. Service was fantastic at a very comfortable pace. Margarita selection is plentiful and something for everyone. Please finish your meal off with the flan, it was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  27. SteveH

    Orange County

    21 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Food was excellent, love the atmosphere and visit when in town.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Do not pace this place up! Excellent food and atmosphere!

    Is this helpful?

  29. LuckyLuke

    Dallas

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The restaurant is great! We opted to eat in the bar, which is pretty small (6 seats), but the service from Ricardo and Carlos was exceptional. They gave great recommendations for food, and they helped select some great tequilas. Couldn’t have been happier with our choices.

    Is this helpful?

  30. AndrewD

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Dined twice in the in past week...it was that good. Excellent from service, food, drinks, and atmoshere. Sitting atop a second floor, El Agave has a cozy bar, bright patio/balcony, and a main dining room featuring hundreds of tequila bottles to excite the eyes and taste buds. HUGE selection of Tequila and Mezcal, making this a GO TO place if you are looking for an enjoyable sipping/tasting experience. Food is elevated authentic mexican cuisine. Standard portions and price for an Old Town eatery, but far better flavors and ingredients than most. Everything we tried was fresh and delicious. One amazing shout out to the Sopa de Cilantro, which is refreshing and vibrant, truly a unique dish we will enjoy again. Attentive and knowledgable staff will make your visit memorable. Unlike some places impacted with staff shortages, this place is fully staffed. We are adding El Agave to our favs list...try it and you may as well. Cheers!

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  31. TamiA

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, wonderful food, and very tasty drinks!

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    10/10. Food was incredible Service attentive Drinks a little on the sweet side but then switched to just sampling tequila/mezcal as should have done form the beginning and was very pleased Will highly recommend to anyone

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent, would highly recommend. Nice French flare to Mexican food.

    Is this helpful?

  34. FoodFan

    San Diego

    151 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    151 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    great Mexican food, old school service, good value for your money. totally legit and authentic Mexican

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Loved the decor, food and cocktails were excellent!

    Is this helpful?

  36. AnneC

    San Diego

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    We love coming to Agave. The food is very good, overall, but this time the chicken I ordered was a bit overcooked. Service was good although all the servers were very busy and not as attentive as they have been other times.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    In my opinion, El Agave is the best Mexican food in San Diego. It’s not your taco shop type of food, it’s high quality, chef made. All of the food from the chips and salsa to the drinks and entrees are all well thought out and cooked to perfection. The flavors are outstanding! My only complaint is the salsa bowls need to be bigger, haha!

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  38. samford28

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Unique food options with great flavors if you're looking for something other than a burrito with red rice and beans. Awesome tequila bottles on displays that practically make the walls of the restaurant. Very friendly staff that worked together to keep the meal flowing. Fun date night spot that doesnt feel too touristy.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Was disappointed to sit in the patio which needs a bit of tending to. Inside is darling though

    Is this helpful?

  40. RhondaT

    New Mexico

    11 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    It was okay. The service took way too long. The chips were good. The restaurant seems a bit dated.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Agave does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. El Agave also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 220-0692.

El Agave is rated 4.7 stars by 2156 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Agave

2304 San Diego Ave., San Diego, CA 92110

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Old Town Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Old Town
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Fri–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Traditional Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking also available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Juan Carlos Gomez
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Liquor, BYO Wine, Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (619) 220-0692
  • Catering
    Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party facilities
    Deposit required. Please call the restaurant for details.
  • Private party contact
    Gimel Torre: (619) 220-0692
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