There are plenty of Mexican restaurants in our area but this one is a bit different. I consider the food to be better than many other similar restaurants and their vibe is more hip than traditional.
You won’t find any mariachis here. Instead, it’s a lively environment largely because the center point of this place is a large bar area that serves both the interior dining room and the terrace overlooking the water.
Yup, it’s located at Waterside Place, Lakewood Ranch’s newest urban outpost. Several residential neighborhoods surround the entertainment and retail area built on Kingfisher Lake.
Agave Bandido’s dining room is decorated with very bright murals in the Calaveras imagery style, inspired by the indigenous tradition of Dia de los Muertos. Huge glass chandeliers decorated with translucent skull figures hang near the center of the room suspended from a rustic copper tile ceiling.
The whole environment is astonishing. The murals portraying mystifying characters continue around the room, ceiling, and the bar area. There is also a hidden tequila tasting room that I will reveal later.
Modern Latin pop music plays in the background and sets the mood. This is a great spot for a late-night meal, a night out with friends, or a relaxed afternoon lunch enjoying the lake.
The cocktail menu is much more than margaritas although they do have those, Mango, Spicy, Passion Fruit and Strawberry Margaritas. The Passion Fruit Margarita with a black salt rim is my favorite so far.
Cocktails like the Hibiscus Coconut with infused tequila, coconut, agave and fresh lime; Añejo Espresso Martini; or Lychee Mint Mule, all sound like good choices.
An extensive menu with Aperitivos, Fajitas, Quesadillas, Burritos, Chimichangas, Nachos, and Tacos is available at all times.
Some highlights include appetizers like Chicharrones + Tostones – a Guacamole Flight with three selected guacamole variations like corn guacamole and fuego guacamole – and Churrasco Empanadas.
On the dinner menu, you can’t go wrong with Shrimp Fajita, Mojo Chicken, Barbacoa Burrito, or the Adobo Chicken Chimichanga. Even though I haven’t tried one of these burritos or chimichangas, my friends have. They are huge and delicious and come highly recommended.
Let’s get to what we came here for, the ”Specialties” menu. This is where I consider Agave Bandido really sets itself apart.
I’ve tasted the Churrasco Chimichurri which comes rolled on your plate and drizzled with chimichurri. It wouldn’t fit on your plate if it was served any other way.
The Pollo al Carbon is another winner, made with charbroiled citrus chicken covered in sauteed onions and served with your choice of beans and rice.
As for desserts, I can recommend Churros, with warm chocolate sauce for dipping, and the Tres Leches cake. I’m seriously impressed with the quality of ingredients and food along with the first-rate hospitality of this restaurant.
Let’s talk about the “hidden” tequila tasting room that I mentioned earlier.
If you look closely toward the back wall of the dining area, you’ll find what looks like shelves stocked with bottles of tequila. This is actually a secret door to a tasting room upstairs. All you have to do is ask the host or your server for admission to the bar. The upstairs bar is a tiki bar-themed speakeasy, complete with fishing nets, ship’s portholes, and tiki sculptures. They also have a completely different cocktail menu plus a full bar. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday, so be sure to check it out next time you visit.
Agave Bandido | Lakewood Ranch
1550 Lakefront Dr., Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
(941) 260-8866
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Monday – Tuesday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 1:00 am
Sunday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
