Warm, friendly spot for great food

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT /// Agave Maria’s Restaurant and Cantina



PERFECTLY PLATED—Above, the delicious dishes at Agave Maria’s include, clockwise from top left, a quinoa salad, chili relleno with rice and beans and an onion-smothered rib-eye steak with veggies on the side. At right, Tracy Jeffares owns two Agave Maria’s locations.

PERFECTLY PLATED—Above, the delicious dishes at Agave Maria’s include, clockwise from top left, a quinoa salad, chili relleno with rice and beans and an onion-smothered rib-eye steak with veggies on the side. At right, Tracy Jeffares owns two Agave Maria’s locations.

’Tis the season to be with family and friends, sharing old memories, making new ones and eating great food. If you’re looking for a local spot to do all three, Agave Maria’s Restaurant and Cantina in Camarillo is a super place to go.

Like opening holiday gifts from under the tree, this restaurant offers several surprises for patrons who might not be familiar with this excellent local venue.

For one, many people might not know that on top of a huge menu of fresh, authentic Mexican favorites, Agave Maria’s also features a large range of American goodies.

Owner Tracy Jeffares says patrons can expect “warm, home-cooked food, from rib-eye to burgers to enchilada plates; there’s something for everyone. And there’s nothing we open and serve to customers from a jar.”

The freshness of the food proves itself across the board, whether you order the premium rib-eye steak topped with caramelized pearl onions and a port wine glaze, chicken breast, burgers, green and specialty salads or slow-cooked, charbroiled barbecue baby back pork ribs.

Photos by ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

Photos by ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

Favorite Mexican favorites include burritos, pork carnitas and chili verde, as well as less common authentic dishes like duck quesadilla or tiger shrimp in a smoky chipotle and morita chile sauce served with beans and rice. More faves are cheese enchiladas, chili relleno and the Chicken Campestre, a seasoned half chicken, baked then panseared with fresh grilled tender asparagus and served with fingerling potatoes and red bell peppers.

As you step through Agave Maria’s doors, the festive and colorful environs sets the mood for fun for the whole family, for office gatherings and romantic dinners for two, and for large holiday celebrations.

Since 2010, Jeffares has catered to the taste buds of Ojai residents with her first Agave Maria’s and she brought the award-winning concept to Camarillo almost two years ago.

Like her spot in Ojai, the Camarillo restaurant has a lovely, huge patio that is great for large gatherings and celebrations of up to 80 people—and there is no extra charge for using it. Opt for a buffet or open or select menu and, presto—you’ve quickly got the makings for an inexpensive party.

“We do a lot of parties for employees, holiday and birthday celebrations,” said Jeffares. “And there’s no rental cost for the space, so it’s a great way to control your costs.”

Speaking of gatherings and holiday celebrations, Agave Maria’s is offering homemade tamales like pork and green chili. Pre-order now and you’re already set for lunch or dinner festivities.

If you decide to eat in-house, you can just drop by, although reservations are recommended for weekend dining. Either way, the friendly staff can guide every person in your group to perfect palate-pleasing dishes, and you will love how fresh everything tastes.

Health- conscious diners, those on a diet and foodies too will find something just for them.

“We also offer a gluten-free menu,” said Jeffares. “All our rice, beans and tofu are vegetarian and organic.”

In addition to foods to please parents and kids alike, the family friendly Agave Maria’s festive decor beckons a fun trip to Margaritaville for the adults, but there’s no bar to attract the attention of the little ones.

Also, Happy Hour takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and Agave Maria’s offers a whole Happy Day on Thursdays.

This is the time to get beverages like house margaritas made with fresh-squeezed juices for $5 and bottled beer for $3 as well as great prices on Mexican nibblies like asada fries, taquitos and quesadillas..

Also, patrons can get a hearty breakfast at Agave Maria’s from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and Sunday. Throw in some mimosas, bloody marys or micheledas, and you have a bright start to a great weekend day.

Customers are quickly figuring out Agave Maria’s is a special place that offers lots of surprises.

Every meal starts with homemade salsa and chips—add in some of the best guacamole I’ve ever tasted—and you’re off to a fabulous start.

Additionally, this community conscious restaurant supports a boatload of local fundraisers; bring in your sports team and the restaurant will donate 10 percent of the sales from the event.

For more information, visit Agave Maria’s Restaurant and Cantina at 710 Arneill Road, Camarillo, call (805) 383-2770 or visit agavemarias.com.