When in Cincinnati, Eat Epic Tacos at Agave & Rye
Agave & Rye is a young restaurant located in Covington, Kentucky, just under 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati, and made of a team of “brilliant misfits,” the owners and staff promise an epic experience served with friendly service.
On a work trip to Cincinnati with my co-worker and friend, she promised to deliver the perfect dining experience. So, we settled into our hotel rooms and then Ubered to Agave & Rye. The name alone piqued my curiosity. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the shabby chic black exterior, dressed in striped black and white awning. Had I not been with my friend, I would have been intrigued enough to at least walk in and ask to see a menu. As expected, when we walked in, I was equally fascinated. What I saw hit me all at once. Agave & Rye is a fantastical bistro that any artist would fall in love with. On the walls were painted vivid murals emblazoned with exotic women’s faces. Like the exterior, the bar and seating were all black. It was hard to focus on just one thing because of the superfluous tricked-out eclectic art: pewter statues, fancy crystal chandeliers fit for a castle, and amber-colored blown glass light fixtures, to name a few. It was a hipster’s haven.
After the hostess sat us down at our booth, I saw wait staff, clad in black ensembles, delivering beautiful peach, yellow, and red-colored alcoholic beverages served in large mason jars. Patrons’ tables overflowed with monstrous dishes, and the aroma wafting throughout the restaurant had me salivating.
I was ready to eat.
The menu cover also matched the restaurant’s black exterior, and underneath the restaurant name read the words “epic tacos.” My friend had briefed me on the taco selection on our ride there.
But, first? Order libations.
Not surprisingly, the signature drinks’ main ingredient is bourbon; after all, rye is in the eatery’s name. Drinks like Bourbon, Cherry, Mango-Habanero Slushie, Little Red Corvette, Bee Sting, and Hibiscus Habanero Margarita teased me. I chose the latter. To my delight, I got this rich purplish maroon cocktail adorned with dried hibiscus, much to the liking of vampire blood. The first few sips bit as hard and seductively as Dracula himself.
My already relaxed self was finally ready to order. But, oh my, what shall I get? Chef Robert Harrison is not stingy with his menu offerings. Under big munchies (the appetizers) are selections like birria Irish tacos and mac ‘n cheese beignets. No taco joint menu is complete without chips and dip, and Agave & Rye does not skimp on its pickings. For the main dinner course, Agave & Rye offers non-taco items like burgers, enchiladas, burritos, and even lo mein. But I was there for the “epic tacos!”
I was happily overwhelmed with twenty-one epic taco options filled with Agave & Rye’s “love cushion” between two shells. Taco names like The Swipe Right, The Crown Jewel, The Love Shack, The Ménage à Trois, and The Bang Bang tell naughty (love) stories. Other taco names like The BFF of Karen, The Skinny B, and The Big Thumper playfully reveal that the owners — husband and wife duo, Yavonne and Wade Sarber— do not take themselves seriously.
My friend ordered the Bang Bang, her favorite, chock-full of crispy cauliflower, corn fritters, queso, and spicy, crispy carrots. I opted for the Bees Knees, crammed with herb chicken, mango habanero, cowboy candy (candied jalapenos), and pico, which is gluten-free. Indeed, the Bees Knees lived up to its name. It was love at first bite, taking moments of silence to enjoy each delectable chew.
The evening’s exceptional experience ended with a piece de resistance: The Salty Pimp Epic Taco. A sugary confection, comped by our personable and attractive waiter, overflowing with dulce de leche, salty caramel ice cream cloaked with spicy chocolate enfolded in a cinnamon sugar shell, adorned with party pearl candy.
My friend made good on her promise. Agave & Rye served up epic tacos to make for one epic dining experience. And the next time I’m in the Cincinnati area, I’ll be sure to drop in for more of the same.
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