Authentic Mexican Cuisine
Agave Mexican Restaurant — Authentic Mexican Food in Gastonia, NC
Agave Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned authentic Mexican restaurant at 1414 East Franklin Boulevard in Gastonia, NC, about 20 minutes west of downtown Charlotte, serving handcrafted tacos, made-from-scratch salsas, birria with house-made consommé, fresh guacamole, Mexican seafood, and premium margaritas from a full bar with a premium tequila and mezcal collection. Agave is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM and closed on Mondays, with a $9.35 weekday lunch special served Tuesday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM. The restaurant opened in 2019 and is run by Ana Zarate and Ambi Acosta; 95% of the menu is prepared in-house and tortillas are handcrafted daily. Guests can dine in, eat on the dog-friendly outdoor patio, order online for pickup, buy digital gift cards, or book catering for events of 10 to 200 or more guests. Call (704) 854-4848 for reservations.
Handcrafted tacos, fresh guacamole, and premium margaritas. Made from scratch, served with soul.
Our Story
Where Tradition Meets
Flavor
It started in the summer of 2019 with a simple goal: to build something together as husband and wife. Ana Zarate was managing the restaurant at 1414 E. Franklin Blvd when she asked the owner about buying it — and he agreed. With her husband Ambi Acosta by her side, Agave Mexican Restaurant was born.
Ana grew up in Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico, spending her childhood alongside her Abuelita, learning the traditional recipes passed down on her family's farm. Those same decades-old recipes are what you taste at Agave today — her grandmother's cooking, brought to Gastonia.
Ana brings the culinary expertise from nearly three decades in kitchens. Ambi brings the management experience from years running the Charlotte Restaurant Depot. Together, with their two children Enzo and Amber, they've built a family-oriented restaurant where 95% of the food is prepared in-house and tortillas are handcrafted daily.
Community
Proud to Serve Gastonia
We pride ourselves on being a family-oriented Mexican restaurant in Gastonia where every guest feels welcome and leaves with a smile. Beyond the dining room, we donate food to local non-profits, support teachers in our school district, host elementary school field trips, and sponsor community events throughout Gastonia. We're proud to be part of the community we serve.
“Where tradition meets bold flavors, and every plate tells a story.”
Our Menu
Local
Favorites
A taste of what's waiting for you.
Birria Tacos Order (4)
$18.69Birria Tacos: Slow cooked lamb, cilantro, onions, grilled jalapeño, grilled onion knob and consomme, with or without cheese.
10" Quesadillas
$13.08Quesadilla: 10in flour tortilla grilled and filled with cheese and choice of meat(Chicken, Steak or Shrimp) then topped by another 10in flour tortilla and cut into 4 pieces. served with side salad(Lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream and smashed avocado).
Menu items and prices updated in real-time from our kitchen.
Our Menu
Weekly
Special
A taste of what's waiting for you.
Chimichanga
$13.0810'' flour tortilla stuffed with your choice of chicken or Angus beef, deep fried to perfection, and generously covered in our signature queso dip. To add a burst of freshness, we top it off with Pico de Gallo. Served with a side of rice and beans.
Mexican Bite Trifecta
$14.02Gordita – Thick corn pocket stuffed with melted cheese & your choice of meat Sope – Handcrafted corn base topped with beans, meat, fresh salad, tomatoes, sour cream & queso fresco Tamal – Traditional steamed corn masa wrapped in a husk, filled with rich meat & sauce Meat Options: Chicken or Pork Served with a fresh side salad
Chicken Jalapeño Ranch Bowl
$14.02Grilled chicken skewers drizzled with our Jalapeño Ranch, served over: Romaine lettuce, White rice, Fresh pico de Gallo, Grilled corn, Black beans and Pickled onions.
Menu items and prices updated in real-time from our kitchen.
Online Ordering
Skip the Wait.
Order Ahead.
Browse our full menu, customize your order, and pick up hot & fresh.
“Every dish made by hand. Every plate served with soul.”
Loved Locally
Tasted by Gastonia
Tried Agave? We'd love to hear what you think. Your review helps neighbors find us and helps the kitchen keep getting better.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked
Questions
What are Agave Mexican Restaurant hours?
We are open Tuesday through Sunday 11AM–9PM. We are closed on Mondays.
Where is Agave Mexican Restaurant located?
Agave Mexican Restaurant is located at 1414 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28054 — about 20 minutes west of downtown Charlotte.
Does Agave have a lunch special?
Yes. We serve a $9.35 lunch special weekdays from 11AM to 3PM — a fast, affordable Mexican lunch with your choice of popular combinations. Perfect for a quick lunch break. Dine in or order online for pickup at eatdrinkagave.com/lunch.
Does Agave have outdoor seating or a patio?
Yes. We have an outdoor patio in addition to our indoor dining room. The patio is dog-friendly — you are welcome to bring your dog when dining outside. Seating is first-come, first-served; call (704) 854-4848 to check patio availability.
Can I make a reservation at Agave?
Yes, we accept reservations. Call us at (704) 854-4848 or use the contact form at eatdrinkagave.com/contact. Walk-ins are also welcome.
Does Agave offer catering?
Yes, Agave Mexican Restaurant offers catering for events of 10 to 200+ guests. Visit our catering page at eatdrinkagave.com/catering to view packages and request a quote.
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