NEW ALBANY, Ind. — On Your Plate is a series of Louisville-area restaurant reviews conducted by WHAS11 staff. WHAS11 pays for critics' meals.
Kentuckiana is a wonderland of fabulous and tasty food. No matter where you are in the area, there’s always something that will pique the curiosity of your taste buds.
We are just days into the New Year and many of us are over holiday leftovers.
I decided I was in the mood for tacos and wanted to check out Agave & Rye. Their Baxter Avenue location in Louisville was closed for a holiday break, so I decided to cross the Sherman Minton Bridge on Jan. 3 to New Albany to check out that location. It was my first time.
As soon as you pull up to the restaurant, you can feel the vibes. The neon green color scheme and the posh outdoor décor grabs your attention. Inside, you find warm color schemes featuring artwork in tribute to artist Frida Khalo and singer Bob Marley. The space can hold large groups or parties. Very ambient.
The food is why you’re here, so let’s get down to it.
Agave & Rye is known for the “Epic Tacos,” meaning they are a little bit larger than your average, but feature unique ingredients.
The variety of offerings is what grabs your attention and no matter whether you are a serious meat eater or a vegetarian, there’s something for everyone. There are even “not a taco” options if you’re in the mood for something else.
I love to stay in my comfort zone and order their birria tacos, but decided to go rogue and try something different. I asked my fantastic server Britt what she recommended.
Instantly, she said the “Skywalker."
This larger-than-life taco features Kung Pao fried chicken, Lo Mein mix, Agave BBQ, Creamy Ranch, Spicy Crispy Carrots, puffy and soft flour tortillas. It reminds you of a fancier "Chalupa."
I couldn’t choose just one. The menu looked so good that I could have ordered much more, but decided to add “The Gangsta”. When they said “slow-braised birria,” I was sold. It also had Mexican rice, roasted corn, queso and white cheddar, chipotle serrano crema, cilantro and Tajin lime.
Agave & Rye was quick with the food (we went during the after-lunch crowd). It was out on the table in seven to 10 minutes, and it was love at first sight.
The carrots atop the “Skywalker” looked almost like some perfectly cooked bacon. Make no mistake, it packs a punch and goes well with the taco. The chicken was crispy too. When you take the first bite, those flavors blend perfectly well together. I’ve never experienced a flavor explosion like that and would order it again.
“The Gangsta” also lived up to expectations. The birria was so tender and flavorful, pairing well with the other ingredients. However, I would recommend getting more of that chipotle serrano crema on the side. That is the standout of this taco.
I would also recommend trying their Brussel sprouts. The Dijon, aioli, sliced almonds and cotija cheese fits this side dish. I would have never thought to have added these ingredients to this food. Chef’s kiss!
My visit ended with a special surprise from my server Britt. Me and a former colleague were celebrating my birthday (I did not mention it because I don’t like attention) and she found out. She came out with this amazing chocolate ice cream taco known as the “Salty Pimp Epic Taco”. She had a sparkler on top accompanied by a personalized birthday note!
This dessert is on the menu and is quite a delight. Dulce de Leche, salty caramel ice cream with spicy chocolate, cinnamon and sugar shell featuring these golden pearls on top.
I felt so special, and it made the ride to New Albany worth it.
Having worked in the food service industry many moons ago, the staff at Agave & Rye – New Albany were amazing. I appreciated them checking on me and my colleague frequently.
I will be back to try the other tacos that I didn’t get to try.
RATING: 4 stars
ADDRESS: 324 E. Main Street, New Albany, IN.
HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
AVERAGE PRICE: $$
MENU: click here.
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