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The person who said the staff isn't local?

Pros: The food and staff

Cons: construction on State Street

"You must not be a local to say the staff isn't local! Everyone who works at Agave are local people. The food is better then most Mexican resturants in the area. The prices are no different then going to Margarita's. The food is much better. I love people who complain all the time just to get a free meal! What ever happened to respect? Does your corporate job have only local people? I've been going here once a week and the staff has been great. Everytime I go to the Portsmouth Brewery I see a new person on there staff. Try going over there. "

Some people are just way too critical.

Pros: Great atmosphere, great food, amazing drinks and exceptional service.

Cons: A bit noisy and cramped in the bar,

"This restaurant has proved to be one of the best in Portsmouth. I have been there five or six times since it has opened and three times within the last two weeks. Agave has consistently provided me with a great experience, with very friendly staff, amazing margaritas, and very authentic Mexican cuisine. From the minute you walk into this building you can tell that they try to satisfy every customer that walks through the door. The staff that has been there from the beginning can tell you the ins and outs of the drink and food menu. My chip bowl was always full and my drinks were always great. The prices were high, but the amount of food definitely compensated. Keep it up Agave!"

Simply fabulous

Pros: The food! In particular, the Ceviche, Guacamole, Queso fundito...my mouth is watering just thinking about it!

Cons: Parking

"I am a mexican food fiend, and this is one of the best mexican restaurants in the area.
The price is comparable to other table service in the area, including margarita prices.
They do not have a kids menu, but our kids generally get the taquitos (I think that is what they are called) off the app menu.
The decor is lovely, although Newburyport is closer to us we generally drive to Portsmouth for the high tables in the room overlooking the street."

What happened to the good staff?

"The place has gone downhill since opening. Many of the original good staff are gone, replaced by non-locals. Food is still mediocre & prices too high for american version of mexican food"

Great place

"We went to Agave for my birthday and it was great! It was our 2nd time there and the food and drinks were still good. The guac was excellent, made tableside. But the best appetizer has to be the queso fundido - a must have! It's heated up in a lava bowl and it's boiling hot but delicious! Their mole sauce is phenomenal too. I highly recommend the mole poblano. We had a great time, our server Donny was really attentive. The sangria was good too!! I'm sure we'll be back!"

Agave has to do better.

Pros: Great atmosphere. Very nice waitstaff.

Cons: Food quality is not dependable.

"I have been to Agave 4 times since its opening. At each dinner, somebody in my party has had an issue and most recently it was me. I loved the shrimp mandarin salad. This time the shrimp was an unnatural red color and so salty I couldn't eat it. The waitstaff has improved but the recipes could use a few changes . . . ex. un-smoke the refried beans, better soft tortillas, cheaper margaritas."

Agave

Pros: nice atmosphere

Cons: to expensive for quality of food and drink-bad service

"After dining at Agav'e in Newburyport MA we were excited to see them come to Portsmouth. The food is very disappointing and very over priced for what you get. Drinks are also pricey. Service is poor unless you sit right at the bar. We will not return. Loco Poco's is much better... "

$2.00 Taco's!

Pros: Atmosphere

"Monday & Tuesdays are $2.00 Taco's. Can't beat it. Great atmosphere, friendly staff."

Loco Coco's here I come!

"I used to go there last summer soley for their amazing sangria, since the food is mediocre and overpriced. I went a few weeks ago, and it was not like I remembered - too sweet, almost syrupy. No reason for me to go there now. "

One word: Carnitas

Pros: Delcious, great atmosphere

"If you're going to get anything, make sure it's the carnitas dish. It's amazing. Enough said."

Bad Service, Overpriced Food, Drinks

Pros: hand-made guacamole at your table

Cons: bad service, overpriced food & drinks

"I was excited when this place first opened in Portsmouth, I went once a week for the first few weeks it was open, but the last 5 or 6 months the service has tanked, the servers rush you out if it gets close to 9:30-10:00 and they forgot to bring us chips/salsa even though we asked 3 times. The food was okay, but not for the $14.00 I was charged for three tacos. and the Margarita I had ordered was $11.00. This is not a 5 star place, but the prices are - GO to Coco Loco's in Kittery for more authentic, cheaper, better Mexican food. Sorry Agave, but you've changed!"

Seacoast's worst Mexican restaurant

Pros: Nice space

Cons: No more Mexican than I am

"Two words--Lousy--Overpriced"

NOT GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros: choice of tequilas, service

Cons: price of everything at this establishment

"Overpriced drinks and food. Drinks start at $9 and go up to $65 for one shot. Gaucamole is $11. Lukewarm entrees, rice and beans are the only sides choices. No veg. "

Decent food, nice place

Pros: Atmosphere, Tequila Tasting Flights

Cons: Price, Average Food

"The food here is OK. It's mexican food, not really that much you can do with it. Also, we were kind of rushed out of there. We had a good sized part upstairs but since we were the last onese there for the night upstairs they just wanted us out of there.

In my opinion I'll take Loco Coco's over Agave any day. For a burrito, go next door to Dos Amigos. Probably not authentic but it's better. For a good choice of mexican food try Hermano's in Concord, NH."

Ok but Margaritas is better

Pros: Atmosphere, Chips were warm and tasty and the Salsa was flavorful and just hot enough.

Cons: Price, bad margaritas, Chile Rellenos were undercooked.

"My wife and I wanted to try out Agave and were not overly impressed. I had the Chile Relleno, which was undercooked and rather bland. The Chile was still crunchy and the Cheese did not offer a contrast to the the chile and instead was quite bland. I lived in New Mexico for a few years, so perhaps I am biased. Our server had minimal personality and made few appearances. Our $11 Margartias were subpar and tasted as if they were made from a premade mix, I had to water mine down it was so overly sweet. My wife had the Chicken Burrito and was satisfied. If you want an authentic Mexican meal, I would stick with Margaritas as the food is better and you'll save a lot of money in the process."

Great Food

Pros: Food, Service and clean!!!!

Cons: Some customers can be rude!!!!

"I have to say that if you want the real thing in any culture for example, mexican food, you have to travel to mexico to get the real thing. I have dined in many resturants in Portsmouth and they mostly all do a great job. Agave on the otherhand is putting out some great food. The prices are no different then other Mexican resturant in the area and they give the customer Taco's for $2.00 each on Monday and Tuesday night. The services was great, but it was packed! The only thing is that you have to order a beer or a margarita in order to get taco night. Who wouldn't order at least one drink for as many taco's for $2 each. I have read some comments about this place, but decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did! The staff was freindly, the food was great and the place has a nice look. This isn't a place for kids. They don't have a kids menu, but there isn't a kids menu at the Green Monkey or others a like. Kids should go to Margaritas! I give this place a thumbs up.... :)"

Not Authentic

"This is not authentic mexican food. It has a beautiful atmosphere but that is all."

Great Atmosphere,but food mediocre,way over priced!

Pros: Guacamole,draft Dos Equis

Cons: Main meals and entire pricing strategy

"Nicely furnished and warm interior. Nice
staff,but isn't a restaurant about food? Out of four of our meals no one thought their meal was special. Margarita's were pricey $11 ea.
Awesome guacamole. Go for appetizers and skip the main meal."

Loved the food ,decor and service!

Pros: Not your typical Mexicon joint, decor is mod and swank and dishes were not overdone.

"We went for lunch last Thursday and had a wonderful greeter who gave us details on the menu and recommendations. She was very friendly and made us feel welcome. Fresh, hot chips with a great cilantro salsa arrived at our table and as soon as we finished the first chips, she was bringing us another basket. My husband had a beef burrito and I had beef and cheese enchiladas. The salsa verde entree topping was great--very tasty. The refried beans with Chihuahua cheese was superb--and I'm not even a fan of beans, but would love these again. Fried rice my husband loved, as well as our meals. We had the house margaritas and thought they were yum. Honey had a second. The server raved about the churros so we shared a bowl for dessert. Freshly baked and very nice with sides of a homemade ice cream. The presentation was beautiful. We had a wonderful exp. I would go back in a heartbeat. "

Absolutely Love It

Pros: Great Food, Warm Atmosphere, Generous Portions

Cons: Pricey, No Children's Menu

"I have eaten at Agave on several occasions and I absolutely love it! Though I agree that it is pricey, I think it is worth it. However, if you have kids, you really shouldn't bring them. They do not have a 'real' children's menu, so it makes the meal very expensive if you bring them. I love the atmosphere, the staff and, especially, the food."

Authentic Mexican

Pros: Fish Tacos, Good Service

Cons: No salt shakers on table.

"My wife, 14 mo. old and I enjoyed an exceptional lunch this past weekend at the AMB. We usually go to Poco Loco in Kittery, but decided to give AMB a try. We were greeted by a pleasent server who was attentive,knew the menu, and was inviting ( I think his name was Mike.)My wife had the Fish Tacos, I the Tamales. The food was served prompt, hot (temp.), and had overall good flavors. My wife's fish tacos were very tasty, my tamales were good but felt the tamales could benefit from a little salt. Both meals came with mexi rice and refried beans, though personally not a big fan of refried beans, these were appealing and enjoyable. The prices aren't the least expensive, but the food is good, authentic, and the atmosphere is great. "

Decent

Pros: tasty guacamole; great margaritas

Cons: No hot sauce on the table! Need Chalula.

"DELICIOUS guacamole! Made tableside, it is fresh and delicious. Other items were bland, so just OK. Plain cooked chicken definitely needed some hot sauce. Margaritas were great too- no syrupy prepackaged sour mix, just fresh juice as a mixer."

Portsmouth Agave

Pros: Who ever is the person who set up and runs that bar

Cons: Cost of meals too high

"Good food, although a bit expensive. Great bar, although a bit expensive. They need more daily specials at the bar"