Tequila. You either love it, or you cringe at the thought of it. If you’re not a fan, then chances are you and José had one rough night, after which you swore him off for good. How can you live with a man who makes you sick to your stomach and leaves a bad taste in your mouth? I happen to enjoy tequila, but I don’t typically tango with it unless I’m sipping on a margarita. I honestly didn’t know there were so many different types of the liquor until Agave Tequila Lounge arrived in Nashville.

Named after the type of plant that is the main ingredient in tequila, Agave is located one block south of Broadway on 12th Avenue in the Gulch. Agave advertises more than 175 different types of tequila and a menu of light Mexican fare.

My first trip to Agave was with a group of about 20 people for a birthday fiesta. Composed of hims and hers of different ages with different opinions on tequila, it was a true test to see if everyone could find something to sip.

Curious to try a few flavors, I ordered a Silver Flight, which includes three silver tequilas off the menu with a paleta, or Mexican popsicle. Silver tequila, or tequila blanco, is clear and has a lighter flavor. The popsicle was a nice touch — a little classier than sucking on a lime! There are several combinations of Flights to choose from where you can taste a sampling of aged tequilas, rested tequilas and select top-shelf tequilas. If you don’t know Don Julio from Don Eduardo, the Agave staff can help.
No way Josés (aka non-tequila drinkers) in our group sipped on mojitos, sangria, wine and beer, and a few friends tried flavored margaritas. Agave puts a spin on a few classics by adding tequila. Try a Bloody Maria, Mex on the Beach or a Blanco Mexicano for a change of pace. Everyone in my party was pleased with their selections, and the free chips and salsa were flowing like wine.

The atmosphere of Agave definitely makes the experience. The décor takes you south of the border (not that I’m familiar with Mexican nightclubs, but you get the point!). Star-shaped lights dangle from the ceiling, and lucha libre masks can be found all over the bar. Supposedly the masks are for sale for the right price, though we never got our hands on one!  In our server’s defense, it was very busy, and he did buy me a shot of mango flavor tequila, so all is forgiven.

My crowd called ahead to reserve a large table, which I definitely recommend for large parties. Agave also has a VIP room if that’s more your style, or you can stay in the bar area and people watch — remember it’s the Gulch; pretty people tend to congregate in this district.

If you want to check out Agave without the weekend crowd, the website —  agavenashville.com — advertises a happy hour every Monday through Thursday with $5 premium margaritas and tequila shots and $15 buckets of beer. With the happy hour specials, you can afford to add on a burrito, nachos or the shrimp and mahi chimichangas. I’m not saying you need to make up with José (or even replace him with a new blend), but I definitely recommend a visit to Agave. I’ll be back. After all, I have 172 more tequilas to try and a lucha libre mask to claim!