Best tacos Miami – I know I’m going out on a limb here, naming this my favorite taco spot in South Florida which has an increasing number of options and, as you read last week (see part 1), more on the way. But I’m ready to commit, as is Mr. W, who found the place. He went there twice a month from work in Doral, and always measures other tacos in Miami against these. Agave Taco, whose owners hail from Monterrey, Mexico, started in Fort Lauderdale and now have two other locations in Davie and this one in Miami. What most impressed me was the very fresh tasting ingredients (they say on their website a point of difference is their philosophy – “we only use ingredients that we ourselves are proud of eating”. Then there’s the wide variety of fillings with maximum customization possible , and the thin flour tortillas that were a cross between a tortilla and a crepe – not like the thick, mealy tasting ones.
Start with any of popular appetizers ranging from melted Mexican cheese with tortillas and roasted corn with chile aioli, to other Mexican favorites including “sopes” – corn cakes with chicharron (pork skin) in green sauce, refried beans, cilantro, onions, cream and cheese; nachos and burritos.
But let’s get to the main event, tacos.
You can choose their signature offering, with trompo, an adobo marinated pork and beef combo on corn tacos, but the best way to go is build your own. First step is what will be holding the delicious fillings. Choose five small tacos for more variety, sopes, tostados (crisply flat tortillas), quesadilla, burrito or a salad plate. Step 2, the filling – chicken with different levels of spicy and sauces; beef- marinated, shredded or ground; pork – belly or shredded; vegetarian- mushrooms or poblano peppers; or seafood – fish or shrimp. Step three are the 10 toppings, everything you’d expect and hope for. Order as many tacos as you’d want, and all the toppings are included in the one price except the guac and avocado slices. Prices range from $3.79 for one taco to $9.79 for the salad or sampler. For a $2 upcharge get extra filling. We each ordered two tacos which we found were enough, even without an appetizer.
Wash the tacos down with what also has to be the best horchata in town –a traditional Mexican beverage made with rice. It is flavored with lime and cinnamon and sweetened with sugar. Originally horchata was made with the chufa nut and sometimes melon or squash seeds. The rice, nuts or seeds are ground and mixed with water to make a milky looking drink. In most eateries it’s thin. Here it’s so creamy,it’s like a milkshake. Alternatively, you can order Mexican craft and draft beer; signature cocktails including margaritas and the michelada, a spicy Mexican beer bloody mary; and fresh pressed orange juice (and wine). They also have organic Mexican coffee. Dessert anyone? Pick out one of the paletas, Mexican ice pops in fun flavors.
On Sundays they’re now offering brunch at their Doral and Fort Lauderdale locations form 10 to 2 pm. with offerings including breakfast tacos and burritos, chilaquiles (corn tortilla chips simmered in red or green sauce with chicken and garnishes) and Mexican egg specialty dishes.
The very casual restaurant is small, seating at high top and standard size wooden tables, with the centerpiece the open counter. Part of a shopping mall, there’s ample free parking.
If you don’t want to go to Doral just for tacos (though as you can see, I think it’s worth a detour), team it with a visit to City Place and the Latin American boutiques I wrote about earlier.
Agave Taco, 9739 NW 41st St, Doral, T( 786-616-8119)
