We love this place! Everytime we are in Ojai we love stopping by here. The patio is fabulous and such a great environment. I love the guacamole. So fresh and seasoned. And everything we've ever ordered has been delicious. Last night I got a carne asada burrito and was hesitant. I feel like at a lot of Mexican restaurants it's overly stuffed with beans and some unseasoned meat. Not here! A large portion of carne asada was in the burrito and it was seasoned so well! And huge portion. Easily 2-3 meals! Definitely if you're in Ojai stop by and relax on this patio and hang out! read more

So we were in Ojai, wandering around, and suddenly the craving for Mexican food hit hard. You know that kind of craving where chips and salsa become a matter of survival? Yeah, that one. Enter Agave Maria's Restaurant. First of all, I have no idea why this place doesn't have higher reviews. Maybe people came on a full moon in retrograde or something, because our experience was five stars all the way. We got seated immediately, and before I could even say "where's the salsa," chips and salsa magically appeared on the table. Instant happiness. Of course, margaritas were required (weekend getaway rules). They came out fast, tasted amazing, and didn't knock us on the floor. This has perfect balance enough tequila to make you smile, not enough to make you start texting your ex. For food: I went with the beef enchiladas and cheese tamale with rice. Holy moly. The beef was shredded so tender it basically fell onto the fork by itself. You can tell it was cooked slow and with love. My husband got the street tacos , it had corn tortillas, cilantro, onions, rice and beans on the side. He didn't talk to me for five minutes straight, which is the international sign of this food is too good to pause for conversation. Service was super fast and staff were super attentive. Food came out quicker than expected. Prices are a bit higher. Remember, when you're on a weekend getaway, calories and budgets don't count. Bottom line: If you're in Ojai and want Mexican food that makes your tastebuds sing, come here. Order a margarita, enjoy the vibe, and you can thank me later for this recommendation read more

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First time here even though we've seen it so many time walking by. Originally wasn't what we had planned for lunch but with lines being so crazy everywhere else, it was time to try this place out. There was plenty of seating on the patio when we arrived. A hot day so everyone wanted to be inside and we had our little pup with us. Every tables was covered with an umbrella. Menu wise, they had pretty much everything. Some dishes didn't seemed like it belong but I guess it worked. Cocktail menu was quite nice as well. It was seat yourself when we arrived. Chips and salsa were brought out afterwards which was nice. We did have to ask for water though. Started off with some margaritas, Pixie I believe. They were very nice for this hot afternoon happening. Then to share the aquachile with nice big chunks of shrimp. The marinade was great, nice and tangy and the cucumber was the perfect crunch. Entrees, chicken enchiladas served with rice and beans. A combination for the meal. And the ahi tuna with sautéed veggies a nice glazed. Also had a shredded chicken a la carte taco. Food was good, portion was great. The place was nice. It did pick up while we were there. The staff were nice and friendly. It seemed to also be a regular place for people. We enjoyed our meal, drinks were perfect for the heat. Now we can check this place off and said that we've been. read more

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First and foremost, incredible atmosphere, very authentic and I felt like I was back at home. Food was incredible, the cooks and chefs here are phenomenal and have incredible talent. Customer service from everyone was outstanding, as someone who works in customer service this is the gold standard of service. Thank you Agave Maria's for such a great experience read more

Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina - Colorado Plate and Chips & Salsa, with flour tortillas, refried beans and fried rice - Mexican Near Me - Ojai, California

Came here for dinner on a long weekend. It was nice out and still sunny so the outdoor patio was full. We sat down right away. The whole dinner experience was very quick which could be a good thing or bad thing depending on what you want but the server was quick in the beginning before big parties showed up. It only took 10 minutes for the food to arrive which could be a little concerning but it was really good. I got a macho burrito with grilled chicken and red sauce on top. It was huge and enough for two people. Stuffed with rice, chicken, beans, etc. Also the salsa was amazing and they even offered to bring a hot salsa out as well. When the bill came, for some reason they charged an extra $3 for the chicken which was not listed on the menu. When I pointed this out to the server though she got it fixed right away. read more

Waited to be seated and they called our name and said table is getting cleaned and then seated someone else. Ridiculous! We were extremely hungry and they wasted our time and energy. Terrible people read more

Wow! This is most definitely the best Mexican restaurant's that I've ever had! The combo plate with enchilada, beef taco and chile relleno was excellent! The rice & beans sooooo good! The service was incredible & Naomi was amazing & super nice! Five stars read more

Stopped by for a delicious lunch before hitting the town for shopping in Ojai. This place is our FAVORITE place to eat Mexican food. We started with a pitcher of the pixie margarita (a must) and chips and salsa. I enjoyed the chicken tacos dorados. The patio is beautiful and our service was just right, not too slow and not too fast. The bathrooms were very clean too. read more

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So disappointed how can a Mexican restaurant ruin a "house dish".I ordered chicken mole and it was super salty from the mole to the chicken (cook separately). read more

I've heard great things about this place from neighbors and finally got to confirm their praise of it today. The service was great: attentive, kind, and helpful. The atmosphere was pleasant: we sat on the patio for lunch and the music, fountain and patio decor and layout, and cleanliness made the whole experience appealing. I got the tostada in the big ol' tortilla bowl. It was fantastic: the crispness of the bowl, the freshness of the lettuce and tomato, and the tastiness of the chicken and refried beans. Not to mention they give a good amount of sour cream and guacamole on it. I've found my tostada place in Ojai now and that's important for me. Id recommend this place over Jim and Rob's a few block up and across the street. Agave Maria's Restaurant has great variety of unique dishes too which gives us that bonus star for me. I can't wait to try their Duck Quesadilla next time. Our table also loved the fresh salsa, but it was a little spicy for me. All the fresh ice teas were a table favorite as well. We also got a macho burrito (50/50) which was A+ and a combo plate with beef taquitos and chicken enchilada. My husband really liked the beef taquitos: simple, crunchy and tastey. read more

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Shockingly terrible. No decor or charm at all. I have no doubt that the chips and salsa are from the grocery store. (The salsa looked and tasted like Pace...) I often order enchiladas when trying a new Mexican restaurant because I feel like it's a pretty good test of their food. Here, I got the enchilada plate with verde sauce. They were swimming in grease and the rice was completely flavorless. And I hate to say, but the service was not great either. One positive was that the signature margarita menu was good! The Pixie and Pink Moment were delicious. read more

The food was alright, but let's talk about the server for a moment, or should I say the lack of him doing his job. Brian, do better if you want to earn a tip. I spoke to the owner and advised her of his poor service, and the reviews on Yelp, her response was, I do read them Yelp anyway. She did remove the items we didn't get and gave us a discount. Look around Ojai for better food options and an establishment that truly cares about the guests experience. read more

OJAI: Attractive and nice front patio lured us in. Next time, I would skip this place and head elsewhere to eat in this quaint & lovely town. Chili Colorado Plate was very good, but it was extremely salty. Cutting it with rice and black beans with a tortilla certainly helped. If they were easier on the salt, this would be a solid four star dish. Chile Relleno plates were also ordered, they seemed average but decent enough. I found the chips lacking. Could be more authentic to go with the good salsa. Prices were decent. Service was average - overall I would head on down the road and find someplace else. read more

I went to Agave Maria's in Ojai last week and mama mia, it was incredible. I ordered the birria and it was everything you want in a comforting meal. Warm, rich, and deeply satisfying. The meat was juicy and packed with flavor, perfectly tender without being greasy. And the salsa? Hands down the best in the county. Bold, fresh, and balanced with just the right kick. It is the kind you keep going back for even when you are already full. I sat outside right by the fountain. It was beautiful! Perfect spot on a beautiful sunny day. Agave Maria's absolutely delivers. If you are in Ojai and craving something flavorful and comforting, this is the spot. read more

My wife and I spent the weekend up in Ojai, and for lunch we decided to stop at Agave Maria's. There was a sign out front saying they'd been voted best Mexican restaurant 10 years in a row, and that was all the encouragement we needed to give it a try. We walked in and were seated right away. The place had a comfortable, easygoing feel to it that set the tone for the meal. Margaritas showed up at the table within minutes. They were cold, smooth, not too sweet. Chips and salsa followed, and from there the food just kept hitting the right notes. My wife enjoyed a beef enchilada and a cheese tamale. Both were excellent, packed with flavor, and clearly made with care. I ordered the carnitas plate for myself, which came with rice, beans, and fresh tortillas. The carnitas were tender and seasoned just right, and everything on the plate worked together. It was one of those meals where every bite reminded you why you came. Service made the experience even better. Our server checked in often enough that we felt looked after, but never hovered. They let us relax and enjoy our afternoon without interruption. Yes, the prices are higher than your typical Mexican restaurant, but you don't go to Ojai expecting bargain dining. You go for good food, good atmosphere, and a chance to enjoy yourself, and that's exactly what we got. We left full, happy, and ready to take on the rest of the day. If you're in Ojai and craving Mexican food, Agave Maria's is absolutely worth a stop. It lived up to the sign out front, and we'd go back without hesitation. read more

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First time here and we will definitely come back! Not only is the food delicious and I'll get to that in a minute, but the ambience is relaxing and beautiful and if you are fortunate enough to get Naomi as your server you're in for a treat! Naomi was kind, patient and knowledgeable on the menu and options. All the staff was welcoming, friendly and ready to assist. The food was delicious, we had the chile relleno (mine was spicy and delicious and my husband's was not ) both were cheesy and flavorful! We also tried the chicken enchiladas and they were filling and yummy according yo my little one! The rice and beans were fantastic! Don't forget to the margaritas you can't go wrong!! read more

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The food was good. The server Nohemi and ambience was excellent. Our only concern was the water they serve is horrible with a terrible smell and taste, they need a water filtration system. read more

My whole party received food poisoning. Anybody who had the asada meat was subject to this. Placed an order for takeout and ate it very promptly after returning home. Grew up in Ojai, unfortunately can't trust to eat here again... read more

Avoid. Just avoid. The fajitas were served on a warm iron thingy, not hot, with some sort of soup dumped over it. The seasoning reminded me of Lawry's crap. The chips came from restaurant supply. The salsa, a jar. Can't get a lemon in my iced tea to save her tip! Not sure why this place is so busy, except the patrons don't know any better!!! read more

Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina - Very sucky fajitas!! - Mexican Near Me - Ojai, California

We are regulars at this great restaurant! We love the atmosphere, patio, the servers and Tracy! And love the drinks! I had never tried the ribeye and I ordered it tonight. It was perfect and delicious, came with perfectly cooked snap peas, yummy mashed potatoes and a bunch of sauté mushrooms, and perfectly cooked medium rare that I asked for!! Highly recommend, especially if you tried to find a steak here in ojai, it would cost a quite a bit more! I have plenty of leftovers for another meal tomorrow. Thank you Agave Maria's !! read more

Went here for Friday Date Night, the lighting with the fire pit and heaters made it pleasant to eat outside. Service was quick and very helpful with drinks and menu options. I ordered the chicken mole and it had a small kick to it which was a nice change to the sweet mole restaurants usually offer. My wife ordered the carnitas enchiladas and that combo worked, I would probably order them next time. The drinks were very flavorful and smooth. On the sensory level i would give this a 4 out of 10. Lightning was low and quiet enough to be able to have a conversation. Will be back for some pixie drinks! read more

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Great food, efficient and friendly service and a nice covered patio. This deserves a solid 3.25! Expensive for Mexican food. $20 margaritas is $5-$7 too much. They can get these prices in Ojai. We split the taco dorados. Really good! read more

A local favorite, we have spent many happy afternoons sipping cocktails on their sunny patio. There are also plenty of shady tables with an inside bar and tables available as well. My husband and I have enjoyed several group dinners, as well as cocktails for two, along with their chips, salsa, and freshly made guacamole. Appetizers, salads, quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas, etc. are all tasty and filling. For local flavors, be sure and order their delicious Pixie (tangerine) margarita Service is consistently friendly and low-key. Located a block from the arcade, we usually find parking on Montgomery St. read more

Agave Maria's Restaurant & Cantina - Vodka cranberry - Mexican Near Me - Ojai, California

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We have a long history with this restaurant dating back to it's previous owner when it was Tony's for over 25 years. With the current management, food and service has been inconsistent. More recently the place has become horrendous. We have ordered appetizers, and waited extended periods to be able to order our entrees. on server delivered our orders and then the check, never trying to get an entre order. Last visit, was the straw that broke the camel's back. We were asked for drink orders, and I asked for water. They brought us paper cups at a sit down restaurant. The waitress told me they always did this for water. I have never seen this in 28 years of going there. They are trying to embarrass people into ordering other beverages. Normally our ticket is $100 plus 20% tip. We walked out. Nevermore! read more

Wow I am shocked at the 3.5 score for this place. We had the Latin shrimp $23 and the bbq chicken salad $15 and both were delicious. Prices high but shrimp was cooked perfectly Service was nice and quick. We ate outside which was nice. Food came out fast. Would definitely go back. read more

Food is so good this is my first review but I'll do another and add a pic of the food! It's so yummy and truly one my favorite stops to go. I've gone three times in a row and I'm obsessed with their enchiladas with chicken. My boyfriend loves them too and he's quite picky about enchiladas. The drinks are good and service is great. Definitely a must visit on your trip to Ojai. read more

We came here for Father's Day since we decided to take a weekend trip here to Ojai. You know my opinion my review. I'm from Los Angeles and I had read, and also told by locals, that this WAS the place for great Mexican food. I was very disappointed!! My margarita, mango, had no taste and no liquor. My carne asada plate was just average. My hubby had the strawberry margarita and he also said it was just average. His plate, the shrimp enchiladas, tasted like the shrimp was frozen and no taste. We also ordered a guacamole which we never got but were charged for it. The service was average but the staff was friendly. They weren't that overly busy so not sure why the service was just average. Not sure if I'll ever visit here again but at least I can say we tried it. read more

Coke - fire. Chips and salsa - fire Water - COLD AF - therefore fire Ceviche was simple and tasty. Shredded chicken enchiladas - fire. Music and AC in the background. Can't beat this place. read more

Drove up to Ojai for the day, cute town. Asked Google where to eat and it took us a short walk to this place. Only after we were seated and waiting and waiting were we told "oh, we are short staffed" Food was had was ok, but the service was really slow and crappy. I ordered a Diet Coke, I had it refilled once and then the waitress who brought the food took it, never asked if I wanted a refill, just took it. Won't be going back. Margarita was also good. read more

You walk in not really a host. You sit where you want to service was quick. Would have like a little better service at the table. Ford was excellent pork fried bites are delicious hot and great taste. Served with guacamole. Mission from this plate we're homemade corn tortillas. Nevertheless delicious. Combination place was great. Chicken enchilada saucy and. These stuffed with chicken. Port tamale good. Beef burrito was small but tasty. Enjoyed the outside environment read more

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This was my second visit there and I think this restaurant really depends on what you order. This time I ordered right and got the chicken fajitas. The pixie margarita is fantastic! Service is very nice. The toast tab thing makes it easy to split the bill. The patio is very nice and dog friendly. read more

Yikes! The quality of this place's food has taken a drastic plunge! Everything I ordered was amateurish compared to most Mexican restaurants. The salsa and hot sauces were really bland and unattractive and my burrito was dry and tasteless. Even the glass of water they served me tasted terrible. Hard Pass!! read more

I was quite impressed with how the staff worked together during an extremely busy time. I also loved the dog friendly patio! The bartender came out to bring our dog some water. The portions are rather large (burritos in particular) and the margaritas are too! Good bang for your buck read more

The food was awesome. We had the agave salad, tacos, chile verde, tri tip burrito and it was all excellent. The staff was super friendly. No reason not to come back!! read more

Agave's is in a great location, right off the main street of shopping. They have a large patio, great for taking a break and grabbing a bite while walking around. Unfortunately besides a great location and great patio I don't have much else nice to say. The chips were stale and unsalted, the salsa tasted like it was from a can. The tacos were not good, the tamale was so dense and dry it had to be cut with a steak knife, the burrito tasted microwaved with a canned enchilada sauce poured on it. The staff were all very nice but we had to often ask for things three or four times before someone would remember to bring it. Come for great patio and location, don't expect good food. read more

Agave Maria's was our night one dinner during our recent trip to Ojai. There were several different options throughout town for some Mexican cuisine but the patio here really drew me in and the photos looked nice with plenty of quality options. We initially had reservations here but we arrived a bit early and they were relatively unbusy upon arrival. We were greeted and told to take a seat anywhere that was not reserved and found a nice little two seat table tucked away in the corner that once the sun settled was quite nice. We were brought chips and salsa and they were quite good and our drink order was also taken. We both went with two item combination plates (Chile relleno and chicken enchilada for me) and the food came out quickly and piping hot. I can say my chicken enchilada was very good with plenty of chicken and the Relleno was decent as well. Unfortunately the rice and beans that came with the combo for me, were completely flavorless and really dry and I couldn't eat them. This was a decent meal but nothing really stood out for me as a must try but perhaps I am just spoiled by Mexican food back home. I would probably come back again as they did have some Margarita options that sounded quite good but we did not imbibe on them this time around and the enchilada was quite good. read more

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Good variety in the menu, crowded and loud restaurant. Children and families are welcome. Nice patio area

We love to top off any visit to Ojai with a meal at Agave Maria. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is terrific and their prices are reasonable. The wait staff are friendly and helpful. We were also able to bring our dog and sit on their enchanting patio with a nice fountain and beautiful lighting. Love this place and can't wait for our next visit! read more

After a day of exploring in Ojai- my aunt and I came here for margaritas. We had the pixie and made it a Cadillac- it was good until the last drop (literally) and the orange wedge on the side was incredible- taste like it was from your backyard. We were going to order Ceviche BUT the chips they gave us for the salsa were very stale. We ordered another basket of chips (unfortunately they were also stale). BUT the salsa was good that I could have drank it from the bowl. It was super fresh and full of good flavor. Our bar tender was super kind and very cheerful they took good care of us and were responsive to our questions and request. I didn't try the food but I can say the salsa was awesome, margarita good until the last drop, and service was cheerful. read more

Great atmosphere, service, food and they serve plant based cheese. What more could I want?