Just because the number of food items at Agave Lounge in Old Colorado City was overshadowed by the expansive list of available tequilas didn’t mean the menu offerings were an afterthought. Far from it!

The Menu

There was a distinct Southwestern theme to the food. Some were small-plate (tapas) options, others more sizable. Choices ranged from tamales to empanadas, from flatbread with elote (Mexican-style corn) to macaroni and cheese. Everything we ordered was easily shareable. 

Critic’s Tip

Agave is the plant from which tequila is made. Although our focus was on the food, it was interesting to learn that the Agave Lounge has more than 70 types of tequila. Even if it isn’t your beverage of choice, staff here is more than willing to answer questions about it … and about the food, of course.

On the Table

We weren’t sure how large servings were ,so we started with Brussels sprouts ($10) and empanadas ($8). The former had a tempura-batter coating  drizzled with balsamic glaze. The dollop of balsamic fig jam topping each one, while visible, was difficult to taste. Perhaps more was needed; nonetheless, the crunchy exterior layer highlighted the veggie.

Three half-moon-shaped crispy empanadas were served with spoonfuls of lush green chimichurri sauce. Filled with ground beef and cheese, the sauce featured garlic, vinegar, parsley, olive oil and spices. It was tangy and each element of its ingredients merged with one another so nothing overpowered the other. 

Feeling satisfied but more curious about other menu options, the Cubano ($14) and red chile tamales ($9) came next.

The Cubano, which was a creative variation, arrived with grilled panini marks, stuffed with ropa vieja (shredded beef), cheese, sliced green olives, red peppers, green peppers, onions and spicy mayo. Fillings oozed out of sliced, pressed Cuban bread. A more traditional Cuban has, among other ingredients, pork, ham, cheese and mustard. Still, I enjoyed Agave’s interpretation. 

Two tamales full of zucchini and corn in red chile sauce encased in masa and topped with cilantro lime crema had more kick than expected. The slice of lime on the plate helped mitigate the spiciness, which, to be honest, was pretty darn tasty.

Everything was easy to share and half was plenty. Our server said the empanadas and Cubano were popular; we were glad we ordered both. Their popularity made sense.

The Venue

The Agave Lounge is a lively, comfortable place, whether it’s full of people or not, thanks to the bright, vibrantly painted walls, bouncy music (we learned this was a house-curated playlist) and array of seating options. There are several small rooms with easy chairs and sofas, along with spaces for table seating. Artwork adorns many of the walls and west-facing windows offer views of Bancroft Park.

There’s also a small patio fronting Colorado Avenue.

Afterthoughts

There are only eight items on the bill of fare and after sampling half, I look forward to going back to try the remainder. Among them: the elote flatbread that we saw delivered to a nearby table. At that point, however, our four dishes proved to be more than enough for our appetites.

Know Before You Go

Agave Lounge

Cuban and Southwestern fare

Location: 2332 W. Colorado Ave.

Contact: 719-247-7526; agaveloungeocc.com

Prices: $8 to $16

Hours: 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday.  Closed Monday

Details: Credit cards accepted. Patio. Wi-Fi. Online ordering available.

Favorite dishes: Cubano and empanadas.

Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.

El Paso County Health Department Inspection: 55 of 56 areas in compliance April 2025.