Agave - Columbus Ave

- 688 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a lively, flavorful, and authentic Mexican and Southwestern dining experience on the Upper West Side, Agave on Columbus Avenue is a dynamic and essential choice. Located at 688 Columbus Ave, this restaurant has swiftly become a local hotspot, perfectly blending a fun, energetic atmosphere with a menu full of carefully seasoned and generously portioned dishes. Agave is not just a dinner destination; it is a full-service culinary hub offering everything from classic Mexican staples like tacos, enchiladas, and house-made guacamole to unique Southwestern twists and an acclaimed brunch service.

The restaurant's vibe is defined by its vibrant orange décor, a beautiful bar area, and a consistent focus on creating an enjoyable, welcoming environment. Crucially, Agave is renowned for its exceptional drinks program, a key feature that has earned its margaritas high praise, including being crowned "NYC's Best Margaritas" by Food Network and acknowledged as one of "America's Best Tequila Bars" by USA Today. This strong reputation for quality cocktails, particularly its frozen margaritas in various flavors—with strawberry being a customer favorite—is perfectly complemented by its celebrated Bottomless Brunch, making it a fixture in the local weekend social scene. With friendly, attentive staff and a commitment to quality food, Agave - Columbus Ave delivers a consistent and memorable dining experience that keeps locals coming back.

Location and Accessibility

Agave is strategically located at 688 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025, placing it on the bustling corridor of the Upper West Side. This address ensures excellent access for residents and easy transportation for visitors from across the city. The restaurant’s proximity to major transit lines is a significant advantage for local users.

For subway riders, Agave is conveniently located near several stations that serve the Upper West Side. It is a short walk from the 72nd Street and 81st Street - Museum of Natural History stations, which both service the B and C lines along Central Park West. Additionally, it is within easy reach of the 1, 2, and 3 lines along Broadway, specifically the 72nd Street and 79th Street stations. These multiple connection points make Agave highly accessible from both downtown and other uptown neighborhoods. For a pleasant seasonal option, the restaurant also features lovely outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere. While specific parking information isn't noted, as is common in NYC, paid street parking and nearby commercial garages would be the typical options for drivers.

Services Offered

Agave - Columbus Ave provides a full suite of dining services tailored for the busy New York lifestyle:

• Dine-in: Available for both brunch and dinner with comfortable seating and dedicated table service.
• Outdoor Seating: A highly sought-after feature for enjoying meals and happy hour drinks al fresco on Columbus Avenue.
• Bottomless Brunch: A main attraction offered on weekends, including a main dish and 1.5 hours of unlimited drinks (Traditional Margarita, Frozen Margarita, Mimosa, House Wine, Agave Brew Beer) for a fixed price of $30.
• Happy Hour: Features special pricing on a variety of acclaimed alcoholic beverages, including margaritas and other cocktails.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, highly recommended given the venue's popularity, especially for dinner and brunch service.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options for enjoying Agave’s full menu at home, including curbside pickup for added ease.
• NFC Mobile Payments: Accepting modern payment methods for a quick and seamless transaction experience.

Features / Highlights

Agave stands out in the competitive New York restaurant scene due to several unique and popular highlights:

• Award-Winning Margaritas: Officially recognized as some of the "NYC's Best" by Food Network, their frozen and traditional margaritas are a must-try, available in a variety of tempting flavors like strawberry.
• Live Music: The restaurant often features live music, which significantly enhances the atmosphere, making it a vibrant and entertaining destination for a night out.
• Bottomless Brunch Value: The $30 bottomless drink option for 1.5 hours is considered an exceptional deal in the New York market, featuring margaritas and other popular brunch beverages, ideal for large groups (note: 20% gratuity is added for parties of 8 or more).
• Authentic Cuisine: Specializing in Mexican and Southwestern fare, the kitchen delivers expertly seasoned dishes, with customer favorites including hand-hacked guacamole, various taco sets (like the Crispy Fish Tacos and Carne Asada Tacos), and specialty quesadillas such as the Truffle Mushroom & Spinach option.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: The beautiful orange-themed decor, combined with the presence of a lively bar and spacious outdoor seating, creates a fun, energetic, and attractive spot for dining and socializing.
• Diverse Menu Options: The extensive menu covers everything from small plates (For The Table) to traditional and specialty entrees like Sizzling Fajitas and the Agave Paella, ensuring a meal for any appetite at any time of day.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to plan a visit, make a reservation, or place an order, here is the essential contact information for Agave - Columbus Ave:

Address: 688 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025

Phone: (212) 901-9970

What is Worth Choosing

For the local New York user, choosing Agave - Columbus Ave is about prioritizing a fun, high-value, and consistently high-quality experience, particularly in the realm of Mexican and Southwestern cuisine and cocktails.

The Bottomless Brunch is arguably the most compelling feature to choose. For a flat rate of $30 for 90 minutes of unlimited mimosas, wine, or their award-winning margaritas, alongside a full menu of hearty brunch entrees (including Steak and Eggs, Southwestern Benedict, and various pancakes and tacos), this stands as one of the best weekend deals on the Upper West Side. It’s an ideal choice for group celebrations or a lively weekend outing with friends.

Beyond brunch, the dining focus should be on the restaurant's strengths: the appetizers and signature dishes. The Hand Hacked Hass Avocado Guacamole is a mandatory starter, known for its freshness, and should be paired with the highly-rated Agave Jumbo Wings or the Queso Fundido Con Chorizo. For the main event, diners rave about the variety of tacos; the Crispy Fish Tacos and Carne Asada Tacos come highly recommended. Finally, to truly experience Agave’s highlight, take advantage of the Margarita Happy Hour for a taste of their famous frozen or traditional cocktails, with the strawberry flavor being a particular customer favorite. The combination of excellent food, exceptional drinks, and the added bonus of live music creates a standout New York dining destination.

Agave - Columbus Ave

688 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA