Foodies beware, there’s a new restaurant contender in town.
Los Agaves is a new Mexican restaurant in New Paltz, which opened its doors on Sept. 12.
Although new, Los Agaves already has a strong customer base, including many families, according to manager Norberto Becerril.
One of the most popular orders is the fresh homemade guacamole, which is made with avocado, cilantro, tomato, onion and lime juice, he said.
“The customers love that,” Becerril said. “When somebody orders it and it arrives at the table, others around them see it and order it as well.”
The name Los Agaves is the Spanish translation of an aloe plant used to make tequila.
The new fiesta-style eatery is located at 11 Old Route 299, near the intersection of North Ohioville Road. It is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Their appetizers vary from coctel de camarones (shrimp cocktail,) nachos, and even queso con chorizo (cheese with spicy sausage) and range from $5.95 to $11.50.
A family favorite appetizer is the botana octoteca, which is a huge mix of many appetizers. The botana ocoteca costs $11.50.
The most popular main dish at Los Agaves is the tacos tradicionales.
Main dishes cost $11.95 each. Other popular main dishes include flautas, chimichangas and enchiladas.
There are six specials on the menu, which all include steak prepared in a variety of ways. Specials are served with rice, beans and tortillas.
Salmon los agaves is a popular seafood dish served, which includes mango, red pepper and red onion. Other seafood dishes on the menu are variations of shrimp and red snapper.
The restaurant does not yet have their liquor license, but is expected to in the next three to five months. Currently they serve Mexican sodas including Jarritos and Sidral Mundet as well as non-alcoholic Sangria, Fanta and Manzanita.
“It’s a family place,” Bercerril said. “Our food is very fresh and it is enjoyable to try new things. It’s the most authentic, 100 percent Mexican restaurant in New Paltz.”
The menu includes a variety of vegetarian dishes as well, such as vegetarian fajitas and veggie burritos, including black bean, avocado and vegetarian, which are all $8.50 each.
The most popular dessert is pastel de tres leches, which is a cake that includes three varieties of milk.
Since Los Agaves is mostly a family-oriented restaurant, children can choose from a variety of dishes on the children’s menu including cheese quesadillas or hard tacos. Chicken fingers, hamburgers and a personal pizza are additional options for those less daring.
The restaurant might soon be adding live music in the next month, as well as a delivery service in addition to their current dine-in and take-out options.
Bercerril’s goal is to serve content customers and to make sure they enjoy their visit.
“We want our customers to arrive happy and leave happy,” he said.
