"The Bubble is Back" was what a good friend said when walking into Tres Agaves for the first time. The brick and wooden support beams, the open kitchen, the vibe of entitlement and money... and I had to agree, it just feels like the sort of monied-hipster joint that were scattered around in SOMA during the 1999-2002 Internet Bubble Era.
Since then, I've been back four times, both for lunch and dinner, and overall, the food is above par, even if you have to deal with a gaggle of PR chicks and marketing execs who seem to be constantly clogging the bar area. The food, tequila selection and masterful margaritas are what you would expect from the love child of Tommy's Mexican Restaurant and Globe. The riblets and carnitas are excellent, as are the fresh tortillas - but watch out, the portions are uneven - with the carnitas being massive (but tasty) but other dishes leaving people at the table still hungry.
The margaritas are, as you would expect, made to Julio's specifications (the master of the Agave from Tommy's) - fresh lime, agave nectar and tequila... and are some of the best in the city. However, get a pitcher, because it can take a while to get drinks out of the bar when the place is packed.
Overall, it's recommended. The drinks get a definite 4 stars and the food gets 3.
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