I was really happy with my experience at Agave & Rye. I met a couple of friends for lunch and the place was totally dead - I'm not sure if it's always like that at lunch or if we were just there on a slow day. It was very cold in the restaurant and the restroom was legitimately freezing! So the atmosphere definitely left a lot to be desired, at least on the day I was there. As for the food, I ordered a flight of tacos - the Alderman, the Gangsta, and the Yoda. They were all delicious. The service was top notch and they kept my water glass full which is always tough to do with me! I'll definitely be back and hopefully they'll have the heat on next time! read more

I've been to this location a handful of times, most recently for dinner last night. Atmosphere and service are consistently good. We ordered the Carne Asada Egg Rolls from the happy hour menu as an appetizer. They came out hot and had good flavor, the barbecue sauce that comes with them is a little spicy. For the entree I had a flight of epic tacos. I get The Bang Bang almost every time, the cauliflower and corn fitters on it are delicious. I tried The Brussel Hustle and The Nacho Business for the first time. Both were delicious in their own right! The Brussel Hustle may very well be my new staple vegetation taco going forward! The Nacho Business was messy, but soooo worth it!! The flavors complimented each other perfectly, may also be a staple in my order going forward! Looking forward to dining here again soon! read more

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Happy Hour at Agave & Rye. First time dining during happy hour. I feel a margarita coming my way! It's 5 o'clock somewhere! Oh, yeah, duh, it's 5 o'clock here right now! I ordered up some Epic tacos to help force these margaritas down. All of the tacos were ok. I tried one from each category: Pork, chicken, beef, and seafood. So my conclusion is...they all pretty much tasted the same. How is that possible? I honestly think I like the more simple tacos. After a while all the crazy taco combinations just become too much stuffed into a single taco. I know! I know! I'm a sucker for the simple, delicious tacos. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my meal. But I can't tell if that is more of the margaritas talking or if I really enjoyed it. I guess we will never really know. I do know, this margarita would have tasted better with some friends. Bring your friends when you come. read more

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Waitress was pleasant but a bit slow to take our order and bring the check, when the restaurant was not busy. Food is mediocre. Very thick tortilla chips with canned queso. The tacos were odd in that they all included rice or pasta IN the taco. I thought, "That's unique, I'll try it." Mistake. On top of the pile-o-Carb in each was the skimpiest protein piece allowable by law. One small shrimp. One chicken nugget. Topped by very heavy squeezes of mayonnaise-like sauces. Three of us got the 3-taco deal, and one had deviled eggs appetizer, 2 soft drinks: $120 after tax and tip. They didn't rush us out because the place was 80% empty. On Sunday at noon? There's another clue. read more

I'm from Houston and tagged along with my husband on a work trip. We stopped in here for lunch yesterday and were really impressed! We shared the Quesa-Birria Irish Nachos and I had an OG margarita on the rocks. The Irish nachos were so tasty -- they came with two types of fries, both perfectly crispy (not soggy at all!). The toppings were layered nicely, so every bite had a little bit of everything. My only wish is that there was a bit more consommé for that extra birria flavor. The margarita was fresh, balanced, and very good. We enjoyed lunch so much that we came back for dinner! For dinner, I got a taco flight with The Rooster, The Happy Pappy, and The Yoda. My husband ordered The Cat's Meow taco and the Quesabirrias. My tacos were all delicious, creative, and packed with flavor -- maybe too packed, since they were a bit tricky to eat neatly! I ended up using a fork to finish them off. My husband absolutely loved the Quesabirrias and said he'll be ordering them every time he's back in town for work. He thought The Cat's Meow was just okay, but overall, we both really enjoyed our meals. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town! read more

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I met with an old friend here on a Thursday evening. Despite it being a work night, we had to wait 15 minutes for a table, which I took as a good sign that the place was popular. Once seated, it took a while for anyone to greet us, then a while to get drinks, and even longer to order food. We all simply got waters, which were rarely refilled. I got chips and salsa for the table, which came, were eaten, and taken away all before someone took our tacos orders... All this to say, the tacos were fantastic! I tried three different tacos: the alderman's escort, gangsta, and the happy pappy. These had chicken, steak, and carnitas respectively, and various toppings. They were soo tasty, fresh, and all the flavors went so well together. Even the chips and salsa were great! I love a chunky salsa and there's hit the spot, and the chips seemed to be freshly fried corn tortillas which was awesome. The wait was frustrating, but caused simply because they were understaffed. We were there longer than anticipated, but we left full and happy. Our server who had ran himself ragged that evening even comped our chips due to the wait. All this to say, even with the wait, the food is so worth it. I highly recommend trying this place, and I personally want to come back for more tacos and margaritas. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Service at bar good but food is just ok. We split the chicken salad and the kitchen was nice enough to split it for us. The barbecue sauce was way too sweet. Not much chicken. We also ordered the appetizer tater tots. Tots were big on a layer of pimento cheese bacon and pickled onions. Again just ok but very splittable. Margs were very sweet. Overall not sure I'll be back. read more

I had a friend in town from DC and I wanted to just give him some good food. And I know I can always get some good tacos at agave and rye! We came here at lunch time on a Sunday. It wasn't horribly busy but there was a lot of people there. Still a lot of empty tables as well. We were sat in the bar and I don't know why but for some reason service was just horribly slow. It just took forever for anything to really get done. So maybe they were just short-staffed? I don't know. The ambience here is pretty cool and I feel like it's better than the Covington location. Every taco they have is just always amazing. Usually the go-to's I get are the alderman and the flight of the Becky. I also tried the NOLA this time which was pretty good. They're all just so good! Give the most random taco on the menu a chance and you will be impressed! Hopefully the service will be better when you come. read more

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The food was great. Had the grilled crispy chicken burrito. First time having it and it was delicious. Our server was very attentive and made sure we were well taken care of. The restaurant was nice but not too loud. We had a meeting for Cincinnati Pride. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Menu - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Went late at night and the place was decently busy. This one has an arcade in the back which is super cool ! We were seated in the bar, the tender was super nice. I got the birria grilled cheese with fries they forgot my consume at first but otherwise this was so delicious and flavorful. The fries were good also nice and crispy with a nice seasoning but a little confused on why there are 3 different types on one plate. I'd come back as the place was nice and clean and I want to try the margaritas! read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Birria grilled cheese w/ fries - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Super tasty tacos! The flight was a great idea since you get 3 different tacos at a decent price. And the tacos are a decent size. The meat in the gangsta taco is delicious. The bomb was spicier than I expected, but still very tasty, and the alderman was also very good. The tacos are crunchy and toasted. I would definitely come back. read more

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Food was not so good. The black bean fritters in my taco were nothing more than a tasteless dried out hunk of black beans. The mushroom tacos were overpowered by too much balsamic glaze. Yhe service was okay. The ambiance was cool. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Taco flights Sounded good Looked good Didn't taste so good. - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Our visit was amazing! This was my friend and neighbors first time coming to agave and rye and he loved it and will 100% be back. He wanted a beanie that was on one of the sculptures and they allowed him to purchase it. Customer service was great per usual. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Epic art throughout! Long live the king! - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I want to like this place, I really do. The atmosphere is nice, the food is tasty, and the prices aren't bad. However. The food is served on these metal trays, and the employees clean and stack the trays in the main dining room. The noise from them slamming those metal trays around is ALL you can hear in the restaurant. The din is so utterly annoying, you can't have a quiet conversation, or just sit quietly and enjoy your food. All you can hear is the constant slamming of the metal trays. Good restaurant made unknowable by not simply moving the noise to the kitchen. read more

Have heard about this place for a while and finally made it to check it out. The inside is crazy, lots of art and sculptures all over the place which definitely give it unique character. Our server was newer and so sweet and helpful, she gave us her recommendations and we tried some of them. The tacos are not your streamline tacos, they're for sure unique. My friend had one that was basically a Chinese dish in a taco. I had the The Gangsta and The Plain Jane. Both were pretty good. Experience altogether was good, I'm sure some other people would love it, personally I'm just not itching to go or have it again. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - The Gangsta and The Plain Jane - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Was staying next door and decided to try this place. I walk over and entered the restaurant. First impression, very vibrant and colorful which I love. I stood there a while waiting to be seated but no one greeted me (place was empty mind you) I decided to sit at the bar where there were several seats. The bartender was really nice and welcoming. He made me a watermelon margarita which was really strong! (THANK YOU). I next ordered the buffalo cauliflower bites and the taco flight. The bites were really good and the flight I ordered was just ok. I think traditional tacos was more my speed but I wanted to try something different! I wanted to give 4 stars but bc I wasn't initially greeted that made me sad (especially after another poor experience at a nearby coffee shop). If I'm ever in the Cincinnati area again, I'll come back! read more

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Extensive menu in a very kitschy environment. Very good service for our three top at a Tuesday lunch. But really, $17 for three tacos? I had the vegetarian smashed tacos. Different. Pretty good. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Didn't know what to expect. I call it eclectic Mexican. Tacos galore along with burritos and quesadillas. They are not traditional. They have many twists in them. Lots of sauces and creams. You can even get a burger here. Great specials each night food and drinks. Free arcade games in the back, but didn't have time to play. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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My husband and I had an excellent lunch here last weekend. This location is so fun and over the top inside; the patio is also great when the weather is nice. We had the Mac and cheese beignets to start and they were excellent. They are large and cheesy. The guacamole had a great flavor but bigger tomato chunks than I prefer. I just ate around them though because it was so tasty! Our tacos were delicious but we forgot how big they were and we could only eat half. I had the grogu which had an excellent Asian-inspired flavor. Our service was quick and accurate. Another great Agave & Rye experience! read more

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I really want to like this place but...The service is good and the staff are very nice and attentive. However that doesn't make up for the food. I ordered a "luxe" taco supposed to be coconut shrimp but all I could find was one small piece of shrimp. The rest was just coleslaw and the whole things was cold! Who wants a cold taco filled with coleslaw? Then just about everything has mac and cheese in it. What is that? Then the price! $11.50 for one cold taco. Friends with me had the same experience. Mac and cheese filled everything from tacos to quesadillas then a tiny bit of meat or seafood. Margarita didn't seem to have much in the way of alcohol and again was very pricy for the size. Won't be going back. read more

Agave & Rye in Rookwood is such a good time. The whole place is loud, colorful, and full of energy. It feels like a mix between a taco joint and an art show--in a good way. The tacos are wild (in size and flavor). I got the "Love Shack" and the "Bad Wolf"--both were packed with flavor and super filling. Definitely not your basic taco situation. But the real win for me was the Tequila Mockingbird cocktail. It had tequila, watermelon, lime, and a little chili salt on the rim. Super refreshing with just the right kick. You could tell it was made with fresh stuff, not sugary mix. It tasted like summer in a glass. Service was fast, everyone was nice, and the food and drinks were worth it. If you're into bold flavors and strong drinks, this is the spot. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Festive! - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

We went after it snowed and it was hard to find parking up close. (Not the restaurants fault) We parked in the garage which is a little bit of a ways to get to the front door. Food is always good and it comes out quick. We shared queso and corn fritters. The corn fritters were a little bit crunchier than I was expecting. Probably will order the elote instead next time. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Tortilla Chips & Queso - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Great food and atmosphere, excellent service Would definitely recommend it Would love to take friends read more

Wow! Such a unique spot! All the interior decor from the lavish lights, to the wall graffiti, and random statues made the ambiance so electric. The taco choices were so unique, and kangaroo and alligator tacos were an adventurous choice. read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - Bayou Baddie and Big Thumper - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The worst customer service I've ever experienced. The food was extremely bad, and the waiter's behavior was unacceptable and felt racist. This was a very disappointing experience read more

Came for a carry out order and stood at the front desk that no one was attending. The bartender walked past me multiple times without even acknowledging me. After 5 min of being ignored I finally walked up to the bar and asked who I needed to talk to about getting my carry out order. This was at 3pm also while they were completely dead. Terrible customer service Rookwood location read more

Very inviting atmosphere. Staff were friendly and waitress was great. Food was really good and definitely enjoyed the experience. Really good chips and queso! read more

This place exceeded my expectations! We made happy hour & had $7 margs and they did not disappoint! Leona (our waitress) was exceptional! She set the tone of what to expect, while also providing great suggestions! 10/10 read more

Agave & Rye - Rookwood - This place exceeded my expectations! Leona was exceptional! She set the tone of what to expect, while also providing great suggestions! - Tacos Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I'm not typically inclined to give reviews, but I had the absolute worst bartender I've ever seen in my life tonight. They were generally short and abrasive throughout the experience, which no big deal I don't need a talkative bartender, but I saw this person stick their bare hands inside a slushee machine full of product multiple times to scoop some out. They then decided to put what they scooped out in the other side of the slushee machine, contaminating both sides of slushee. It didn't stop there though, they actually dropped the top of the machine on the floor, and put it right back on. People are going to drink that, it's absolutely disgusting and 100% contaminated. I was thinking of having another drink, but while they were having small talk with the other staff they forcefully threw my check down on the table while I was finishing my meal. I still tipped 20% because I've been in the industry, but it was astonishingly bad service. Hopefully, if I come back, I'll get someone else. It was very clear they were more interested in leaving than serving the guests. This person should probably find a job better suited for them. Tacos were good. read more

This was my first time at Agave and Rye. I really enjoyed the Thumper, Bayou Baddie, and Cats Meow. That bacon and sauce with those Mac Donuts, wow! read more

Amazing tacos. Just absolutely amazing. The ambiance is great. The servers are super friendly. The bourbon list is very good. There isn't much more ypu cab possibly ask for. read more

Quirky atmosphere and menu. Good service. Tried it twice and disappointed with the food both times.

Food is always great and Taco Tuesday deals are a bonus. Service is always exvellent as well.

The food is great. Reasonable prices The atmosphere is nice. The servers are awesome. No complaints.

It was my first time here while in Cincinnati for Labor Day weekend. The service and atmosphere were incredible. I ordered the chunky salsa and the swipe right taco. The salsa had the right amount of spice, and tortilla chips were delicious. One taco got me full quickly. I forgot to order a bag of the tortilla chips to go, they were just that good. Definitely want to try the one Indy to try more things. I forgot to take pix of my food but got some of the inside of the restaurant. read more

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Wonderful meal and wonderful service. I picked up lunch for a meeting at the office for out of town visitor. They were very impressed by the quality and flavor! Big hit!! Thank you Agavr & Rye-Rookwood. read more

The server was outstanding - she checked on us to make sure we understood all the appetizers mains etc. We had options to include or not many items from the tacos. We decided to try frozen margaritas and the fruit punch - yum and yum. We decided to start with the Crispy Brussel Sprouts and the shrimp Rangoon. Yum and yum on both counts. We got the Queen E tacos - they grilled the fish for me instead of fried - served with a great sauce and fries. It was great and I'd get it again!; the polo street tacos - chicken was cooked perfectly!; The swipe right was devoured (and I almost didn't get to take a photo) - he loved it; and the filthy fajita - which was consumed so quickly there are no photos - he loved every bite!! They also played great music inside and out! Highly recommend. read more

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The food was great. I had 3 tacos, chicken, fish, and beef. They all had great flavor that melded well with their toppings. The guac was really good as well. Not a fan of how thick the tortilla chips are but they are fine. Our waitress Sophia was amazing, very friendly, great hospitality. read more

I came for Cincinnati Taco Week. I have been to Agave and Rye before and to many of their locations. Today I sat at the bar and both the male and female serving at the bar were awesome. They were very attentive. The tacos were amazing as always. The female bartender was super helpful. She explained to me about one of the sauces and let me know that it wasn't super hot. She even went out of her way to get me a Jarritos Pineapple from her person stash!! Above and beyond in service. The restaurant's decor is super cute and the vibe is chill.! read more

We chose to stop by the Rookwood location of Agave and Rye following the afternoon XU game on New Year's Eve. We arrived for an early dinner and the restaurant had plenty of open tables for our party of five. We remembered that it was a Tuesday (which is tough over the holidays when every day feels like Saturday), and therefore were able to take advantage of the Taco Tuesday deals they had to offer. We ordered a round of margaritas for the table (1/2 off), chips and queso to share ($4.75), and a few people selected from the discounted taco offerings. I opted instead for the Dae-Bak Clucker flight, which was a Korean fried chicken based taco. The chicken was really flavorful but a bit messy. The crispy carrots added a nice crunch but not much flavor unfortunately. Everyone loved their dinner choices and we know we will be back in the future to try more of what they have to offer. read more

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