Salsa & Agave Mexican Grill | Vancouver, BC

With new restaurants springing up nearly every day in Vancouver, competition ought to be fierce. You'd think restaurant owners would strive to keep customers coming in. Not always so. Last week, Marcelo and I stopped at an unnamed oceanside bar/restaurant for a drink and a light snack. It was a seat-yourself environment so we sat down on the patio and waited?and waited?and waited.

The servers were too busy entertaining their friends at the bar inside to realize other customers were trying to get their attention. Noticing the frustration on their faces, it didn't take us long to figure out we needed to move on. It's not like this establishment had no competition either - with packed restaurants on either side of it, this one was barely a quarter full.

I'm thankful it happened because after we left, we discovered Salsa and Agave, a marvelous little Mexican restaurant that opened just over 3 weeks ago. Now this is what a restaurant should be like - warm and hospitable. Family-owned and operated, I knew the moment I walked in and heard "mama from Mexico" was cooking, it was going to be great. When you eat food like this, it's obvious it comes from someone who loves to cook and wants to share it with you.

Salsa and Agave's service is super friendly and attentive; the food is fresh and tasty. I ordered the pozole soup (available only on weekends), which was based on a flavorful pork stock, containing corn grains. It was served with crunchy corn tortillas, fresh lime, and lettuce, which you sprinkled into the bowl. Our server was kind enough to bring by some oregano because she thought it gave the dish an extra touch, and it did. Marcelo had the plate of 3 rolled tacos - shredded chicken, shredded beef, and potato. All were scrumptious.

We were back again this evening and tried the Azteca soup - a tortilla soup containing chipotle pepper, freshly diced avocados, cheese, and sour cream. I can't decide which soup I like more because they were both fantastic. The chicken enchiladas were authentic, spicy, and satisfying.

This has quickly become one of my favorite places for a casual dinner out. I feel happy when I leave and am glad they offer take-out. The restaurant is already packed and should brace for lineups. I have no hesitation to give this kind of establishment my business.

Salsa and Agave is situated in the heart of Yaletown and is open from 11:00am to 9:30pm. It's sadly closed on Mondays, but mama needs to rest too!

Tagged as: [ mexican restaurants review vancouver ]