For lunch today I visited the newest Mexican restaurant in Memphis, that just so happens to be walking distance from my office.

The Mexican “kitchen and cantina” opened a few weeks ago. It’s in an unfortunate location under a parking garage where several restaurants have previously opened and failed. I’m wishing good things for this new restaurant concept!

As soon as it was mentioned for lunch, I pulled up the menu on their Facebook page. Looking at the menu I knew I’d love it!

Fun color, awesome branding, and a menu of delicious sounds tacos and tapas. Tapas places are popping up all over Memphis right now because it’s the trendy concept at the moment. I’ve always liked ordering multiple items and sharing food so I’m perfectly happy with this trend!

I also loved the decorating they did inside the restaurant, including all of these awesome Memphis icon posters.

I noticed these awesome posters on the walls in the restaurant and wondered they were all about. According to the Facebook page, “At Agave Maria, we have canonized famous Memphians.” They took famous Memphians like B.B. King and Jerry Lawler and made them into saints of the city. Pretty cool little idea for representing famous Memphians who have contributed so much to the city!

I also really loved the lights and decor with the pink accent and walls. Even the music they chose to play while we were there contributed perfectly to the atmosphere. Overall the restaurant has an awesome vibe that made me want to go back again just to have a few drinks.

For lunch I ordered the Asada Tacos for myself.

The asada tacos featured seared filet, jalapeno aioli, caramelized red onions, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. I loved the generous application of cilantro – it’s a favorite herb of mine but many restaurants hold back because of it’s strong flavor profile. The beef was cooked perfectly and the jalapeno aioli was a real standout for me – it added a lot of flavor and creaminess to the taco.

I also swapped one of my asada tacos for a coworker’s duck carnitas taco which featured some amazing salsa verde.

I also tried a couple chips and some of the guacamole shared by the table. The guacamole was the only item I tried that was … underwhelming. I had a few bites but it simply didn’t live up to the amazing guac I’ve had elsewhere in town or even made at home. Everyone has a style of guacamole they prefer and this just wasn’t mine.

I also didn’t test out their extensive selection of tequila since I was working, but I definitely think a taco and tequila night at Agave Maria sounds fun.

If you’re in Memphis and would like to try Agave Maria Kitchen & Cantina out, check out their website or Facebook page!