After much anticipation, the new Centerville Agave and Rye opens the doors to their 16th restaurant today. As general manager Charity Walls says, “We make epic tacos here at Agave and Rye, all of our food is made 100% from scratch, fresh daily. We also fresh squeeze our margaritas every day so they are the perfect taste. We provide an escape-ism for your every day life, you can come in here and forget what your worries are for the day, enjoy some tacos and some epic margaritas.”
The decor is best described as “urban grunge” and the background music wafting through the place is an eclectic mix of music that spans everything from 80’s pop to current hits of today.
Beyond the eye-catching space and EPIC experience, the menu delivers with an eclectic array of choices. You can start your meal by selecting from six dips to go with your chips, or from the munchies section of the menu. I highly recommend the Elote which is Cotija Cheese, Serrano Aioli, Tajin, Cilantro and Lime.
The Sweet Corn Fritters are another great starter.
When it comes to tacos, they are indeed epic and each one is double shelled with a crunchy corn shell surrounded by a soft flour tortilla. With about 15 options, I chose (pictured from left to right below) The Plain Jane -Seasoned Ground Beef, Shredded Lettuce, Aged White Cheddar, Diced Tomato, Sour Cream, The Beekeeper – Herbed Chicken, Matchstick Green Apple Slaw, Strawberry Jalapeño Tequila Salsa and The Alderman – Carne Asada Steak, Street Corn Salad, Cotija Cheese, Spicy Chile de Arbol Salsa. Gotta tell you- I couldn’t finish the three of these- they are stuffed so full.
Not a taco fan? The menu does offer a burger, chopped salad, taquitos and a couple of burrito options. There are also half a dozen grilled taco options.
But I did manage to save a little room for dessert and I gotta tell you The Salty Pimp Epic Tacos – Dulce de Leche, Salty Caramel Ice Cream Draped with Spicy Chocolate, Cinnamon & Sugar Shell, Party Pearls were mind blowing! A serving includes two, so you can share.
Looking for a good cocktail to compliment your tacos- I suggest the Strawberry Bombshell -Bacardi Rum, Vodka, Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade, Strawberry Purée, Cream of Coconut, or as the staff refers to it Danger Juice. It goes down so easily, without a boozy taste.
Be prepared to wait, as Agave & Rye does not take reservations, and we know that the crowds are coming. The restaurant seats about 200 inside and another 80 or so on the patio.
Agave and Rye
11 North Main Street
Centerville, OH 45458