Agave Bandido in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is a popular Mexican-inspired kitchen and tequila bar known for its lively ambiance, contemporary cuisine, and extensive drink menu.
Here is a breakdown of the restaurant:
What Makes it Unique
Agave Bandido aims to bring a “downtown large city vibe” to the suburbs. Its uniqueness stems from several key features:
- Vibrant and “Over-the-Top” Atmosphere: The decor is described as moody, sophisticated, and vibrant, featuring colorful spray-painted murals on the walls and ceilings, and unique light fixtures. The Pembroke Pines location notably debuted with the city’s first-ever illustrated wall mural.
- Contemporary Mexican Cuisine: It offers a modern take on Mexican dishes, with a focus on quality, often using locally sourced ingredients, and making most items from scratch.
- Hyperfocus on Tequila: The bar features an extensive collection of tequilas, with a creative cocktail menu that emphasizes tequila and mezcal.
- Lively Events and Deals: The restaurant maintains a spirited atmosphere with regular happenings like daily Happy Hours, Taco Tuesday with an all-you-can-eat option, and a popular Ladies’ Night on Thursdays.
History
Agave Bandido’s first location was established in Pembroke Pines in October 2020 by business partners Mathew Baum and Matthew Faul. Since its inception, it has quickly grown and expanded to other locations in Florida and beyond, reflecting its success in the South Florida market.
Customer Feedback Highlights
Customer feedback generally praises several aspects of the Agave Bandido experience:
- Atmosphere and Vibe: Patrons frequently describe the atmosphere as “electric,” “vibrant,” “trendy,” and “fun,” with many enjoying the music and sophisticated design.
- Food Quality: The cuisine is often praised as being fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with a good balance of authentic Mexican inspiration and modern flair.
- Drinks: The cocktails, particularly the margaritas and tequila-based drinks, receive high marks for being flavorful and inventive.
- Deals and Specials: Deals like the Taco Tuesday all-you-can-eat promotion are highly popular and cited as a major reason for visiting.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu offers a variety of contemporary Mexican dishes and signature cocktails:
Food:
- Bandito Tacos: A crowd favorite, often noted for their unique cheese-crusted taco shell and customization options.
- Birria Tacos: Slow-cooked beef served with a rich consommé for dipping.
- Elote Street Corn: Topped with house-made chipotle aioli and Cotija cheese.
- Queso Fondido: A blend of poblano peppers and onions served with house-made salsa verde.
- Mojo Chicken: Grilled marinated chicken breast with avocado crema and pico de gallo.
Drinks:
- Chill and Go: A popular, refreshing cocktail described as a margarita/piña colada twist.
- Fueguito: A mildly spiced margarita combining berries, jalapeños, agave, and Patron Silver Tequila, sometimes served with a smoking dome for a dramatic effect.
- Guava Margarita and Mango Rita: Variations of their house margaritas using fresh ingredients.
- Extensive Tequila List: A wide selection of tequilas and mezcals.
Significant Events
Agave Bandido hosts regular and recurring events that contribute to its dynamic atmosphere, rather than historical one-time events. Key recurring events at the Pembroke Pines location include:
- Happy Hour: Offered on weekdays in the late afternoon/early evening and a late-night Happy Hour on select days.
- Taco Tuesday: Featuring an all-you-can-eat taco deal.
- Ladies’ Night: A popular Thursday event, where women may receive complimentary drinks in the bar area during specific hours.
- Margarita Fest: The restaurant may host special ticketed events focused on tequila and cocktails, often featuring live music.
Contact Information and Links
