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Blue Agave Club
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Blue Agave Club
8.3
Since 1997, this upscale Mexican restaurant in a 145-year-old house has been Pleasanton's pioneer of high-end Mexican cuisine. Their extensive premium tequila list and secret-recipe margaritas complement sophisticated dishes like mole poblano and enjococado made from a 100-year-old family recipe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enjococado with Family Recipe Sauce, Mole Poblano, Camarones Emperador
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Historic house setting with premium tequila collection
Who should go: Special occasion celebrants and tequila aficionados
When to visit: Friday/Saturday evenings for live guitar music
What to order: Mole poblano, premium margarita, enjococado
Insider tip: Reserve patio seating for the best ambiance
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking lot behind restaurant at St. Mary's & Peters St, street parking on Main St fills up weekend evenings
Dress code: Business casual minimum - collared shirts preferred, nice jeans acceptable but dress pants better, no athletic wear
Noise level: Quiet-moderate indoors, livelier on patio and during live music Friday/Saturday nights
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation, often fully booked by Thursday
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, business crowd peaks 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - fire roasted chile rellenos, enchiladas, Blue Agave Bowl, most dishes customizable
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian dishes, inform server for dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, many naturally GF proteins and sauces
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic historic house ambiance, intimate lighting, impressive without being stuffy. Request indoor table for quieter conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Very difficult Friday/Saturday. Bar seating sometimes available. Best walk-in chances Tuesday-Thursday or Sunday early dinner (5-6pm)
Is it kid-friendly? Better suited for teens and up due to upscale atmosphere. Well-behaved children welcome but no kids menu. Consider lunch vs dinner for families
Best For
Better for: Only true upscale Mexican in Pleasanton with 100+ premium tequilas, tableside guacamole, and refined sauces. Best for anniversaries and client dinners
Skip if: You want casual street tacos, quick service, or spending under $30/person. Head to Fiesta Taco or Don Chepe for budget-friendly authentic Mexican
Blue Agave Club
8.1
Long-running downtown institution (since 1997) pairing premium tequila lists with a patio that hums during happy hour. Tacos skew classic—think carne asada and shrimp—with careful execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Shrimp tacos, Tinga chicken tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Tequila-forward happy hour with downtown patio seating.
Who should go: Margarita lovers chasing classic tacos
When to visit: Tue–Fri late afternoon for patio tables
What to order: Shrimp tacos, asada tacos, house margarita
Insider tip: Request a heater-side patio table at golden hour.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown street parking is metered and fills fast after 5pm; public lots on Peters Ave and Old Bernal provide easier access.
Dress code: Smart casual — button-downs or nice tops fit in; patio diners often dress for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — background music and patio chatter, but conversation stays comfortable.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially on warm evenings.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; patio opens early for relaxed midday service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — enchiladas suizas and veggie tacos are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Limited — one or two salads and sides can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and most entrees are naturally gluten-free; staff accommodates requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the candlelit patio, tequila list, and lively but not loud setting make it one of downtown’s more romantic happy-hour spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually for early happy hour or smaller groups; after 6pm, especially Fridays, expect to wait unless booked ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Accepts families but skews adult — better suited for couples or groups than young children; highchairs available indoors.
Best For
Better for: Polished service, premium tequila selection, and a scenic patio that outshines most casual taquerias downtown.
Skip if: You’re after quick counter-service tacos or lower-price happy-hour specials — this is a sit-down experience.
Blue Agave Club
8.5
Downtown institution (since 1997) known for premium tequilas, polished service, and a patio that fills up for margarita-forward happy hour. Dishes lean classic Mexican with careful execution and richer sauces.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas plate, Enchiladas suizas, Camarones al mojo de ajo
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Deep tequila list and Tuesday/weekday happy hour on the patio.
Who should go: Margarita lovers and date-night planners
When to visit: Weekdays 4–6pm for happy hour and patio seats
What to order: House margarita, carnitas, enchiladas suizas
Insider tip: Ask for a patio heater table at golden hour for shade and comfort.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking along Main and adjacent side streets, though spots fill quickly during peak dinner hours. Additional free public lot behind the building via Peters Avenue entrance.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and button-downs are fine, but most guests lean polished for happy hour or date nights.
Noise level: Moderate; patio buzzes during happy hour, but interior tables remain comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer on warm evenings when the patio is full.
Weekday lunch: Typically seated immediately; happy hour crowd builds by 4pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several mains like enchiladas suizas or veggie fajitas can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be adjusted if requested, but most sauces include butter or cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn-based dishes are available and staff can advise substitutions for most entrées.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the patio setting with string lights and attentive service creates an easy, upscale atmosphere without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for weekday afternoons; on weekends or sunny evenings, join the waitlist early or call ahead for patio seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately – families are welcome, but the focus is on cocktails and adult gatherings. Early dinners before 6pm work best for kids.
Best For
Better for: Premium tequila tastings, upscale happy hour vibes, and polished service set it apart from more casual Mexican options nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking fast-casual tacos, loud sports-bar energy, or budget-friendly pricing.
Blue Agave Club
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Downtown landmark for elevated Jalisco-leaning plates and an expansive tequila list, with a roomy patio that works well for families. Since 1997, it’s been the special-occasion Mexican option locals book when they want table service and broader menus than a taqueria.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole poblano enchiladas, Carnitas plate, Camarones al ajillo
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Long-running downtown spot pairing regional Mexican dishes with serious tequila service.
Who should go: Families celebrating birthdays or graduations
When to visit: Early evening before peak patio demand
What to order: Mole enchiladas, carnitas, house margarita
Insider tip: Ask for patio seating facing Main Street for lower noise inside.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Main Street and nearby side streets; easiest before 6pm or after 8pm. Free public lots within a 2–3 minute walk behind the building.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests dress up slightly for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, especially on the patio; indoor rooms stay conversational during early dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except on Fridays around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple options such as veggie enchiladas, chile relleno, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 dishes can be modified; confirm with server for substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many items can be made gluten-free upon request, including corn-based entrées.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – the twinkle-lit patio and upscale setting create a warm, festive mood without being overly formal. It’s better suited for relaxed but special evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights before 6pm or after 8pm, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and holidays due to long patio waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families with kids of all ages are welcome. High chairs are available, and the menu includes mild dishes suitable for children.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Mexican dining with premium tequila and full table service, ideal for celebrations or family milestones.
Skip if: You’re looking for a quick taco lunch or grab-and-go experience; nearby taquerias are faster and less formal.
Blue Agave Club
8.5
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Girls Night Out Approved
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Birthday & Celebration Central
Long-running downtown Mexican dining room serving sauced, plate-style burritos alongside regional specialties and a deep tequila list. A sit-down alternative when you want burritos with service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile Verde Burrito (sauced), Chile Colorado Burrito, Carnitas Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Full-service, sauced burritos in a downtown dining setting.
Who should go: Sit-down burrito seekers with cocktails
When to visit: Weeknights 5–6:30 for patio seating
What to order: Chile verde, chile colorado, carnitas
Insider tip: Ask for half-and-half red/green sauce on burritos.
Blue Agave Club
7.8
Downtown sit-down Mexican with a sizable tequila list and patio seating. Tacos appear alongside seafood and combo plates—useful for mixed groups seeking a fuller dinner experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Fish Taco, Carne Asada Taco, Chicken Tinga Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Sit-down atmosphere with cocktails and a patio right on Main.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos plus a full bar
When to visit: Golden hour for patio and lighter crowds
What to order: Grilled fish, carne asada, chicken tinga tacos
Insider tip: Ask about taco options at lunch; dinner leans entrée-forward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Main Street can be tight during dinner hours, but there’s a free public lot behind the building off Peters Avenue.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but many guests dress up a bit for evening drinks or dinner.
Noise level: Moderate—patio tables stay lively but conversation is comfortable indoors or early evening.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes without a reservation, especially for patio seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie enchiladas, quesadillas, and customizable tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos or enchilada options can be made vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and several entrées are gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially on the patio at sunset with margaritas or tequila flights. It’s relaxed yet polished, ideal for a casual but memorable first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually at lunch or early dinner, yes. For prime weekend evenings, a reservation is strongly advised, particularly for patio tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately—there’s a kids’ menu and family seating indoors, though the tequila-focused atmosphere leans more adult in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down taco meals with cocktails and ambiance, ideal for groups who want more than counter-service tacos.
Skip if: You’re looking for quick, budget tacos or a purely street-style experience—try Bronze’s Taqueria instead.