Restaurants

Agave Bandido in Pembroke Pines – REVIEW

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2024

Coach

Join the Flavor Revolution at Agave Bandido – Your Taste Buds Will Thank You!

September 21st, 2024

Nestled in a lively corner of The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, Agave Bandido has quickly become a culinary treasure since its inception just before the pandemic. Under the passionate guidance of Director of Operations Alicia Beninson, this vibrant restaurant presents an unforgettable fusion of authentic Mexican flavors and modern flair, captivating diners from all walks of life.

One bite of their signature Bandito tacos reveal why they’re a crowd favorite. Featuring a unique cheese-crusted taco shell crafted from a flour base, diners can customize their taco with a choice of protein, beautifully complemented by rich avocado crema, pickled onions, and house-made red garlic sauce. As Alicia perfectly describes it, it’s more than just a taco; it’s an experience that has won the hearts of many.

At Agave Bandido, quality is paramount. The restaurant sources its ingredients with care, using locally sourced tortillas and fresh produce from Mr. Greens. Almos everything is made from scratch, with daily preparations of marinades and fresh cuts of meat. This dedication to quality ensures that every dish bursts with authentic flavor, drawing inspiration from traditional Mexican cuisine thanks to their talented chef from Mexico City.

The menu features a variety of delightful options, including the beloved street corn topped with homemade chipotle sauce and cotija cheese, made fresh each day. However, for a truly memorable meal, try the Mojo chicken—grilled marinated chicken breast served with avocado crema and vibrant pico de gallo. Other must-try dishes include the slow-cooked barbacoa and shrimp poached in butter with refreshing pineapple salsa.

To elevate your dining experience, the cocktail menu shines as a highlight. Tequila aficionados will love the Chill and Go, a refreshing twist on a piña colada made with fresh pineapple juice and coconut cream. The Fueguito, which combines berries, jalapenos, agave and Patron Silver Tequila, is another standout, alongside their house margaritas crafted from fresh lime juice.

The atmosphere at Agave Bandido is electric, particularly during lively events such as Ladies’ Night every Thursday, where women enjoy complimentary drinks in the bar area from 6 PM to 9 PM. The restaurant draws a diverse crowd, from families enjoying a meal to business meetings, all seeking great food in a welcoming environment. Sports fans will appreciate the numerous TVs showcasing major games, ensuring there’s always something exciting to watch.

A standout dish that should not be overlooked is the Queso Fondido, a delightful blend of poblano peppers and onions served with house-made salsa verde, perfectly paired with fresh tortillas or chips.

However, Alicia also encourages diners to explore the menu further, particularly the barbacoa and carne asada, assuring that there’s something to please every palate.

As Agave Bandido approaches its fifth anniversary, with recent expansions in Sarasota and an upcoming location in Atlanta, the future looks bright. Alicia’s enthusiasm for her team and their culinary creations is palpable, underscoring that this restaurant is not just about food—it’s about community and the joy of sharing memorable meals.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the delicious offerings at Agave Bandido and be sure to grab dessert—you won’t be disappointed! Mark your calendar for National Taco Day on Friday, October 4, where fantastic promotions will entice taco lovers. For those seeking a great deal, Taco Tuesday offers all-you-can-eat tacos for just $19.99 (dine-in only). Plus, families can enjoy the restaurant’s friendly atmosphere with the Kids Eat Free promotion from August 1 to August 31, where children 12 and under eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

To unwind, take advantage of the Weekday Happy Hour, running Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM, featuring food starting at just $2, shots at $3, and select margaritas, liquors, wines, and bottled beers at $5 or $3, respectively. There’s even a Late-Night Happy Hour from Monday to Thursday, making Agave Bandido a perfect spot for night owls.

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Coach

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Restaurants

Arc Culinary Where Every Bite Gives Back

Published

1 week ago

June 20, 2026

McKaela Lulic

This intimate chef-driven tasting experience in Broward blends elevated cuisine, live culinary artistry, and a mission that transforms lives.

June 20th, 2026

Not every memorable night out in South Florida happens at the trendiest Miami hotspot or the newest Fort Lauderdale restaurant. Sometimes, the most unforgettable dining experiences are hidden in places you’d least expect.

Arc Broward’s Arc Culinary is one of those rare gems.

More than just a dinner reservation, Arc Culinary delivers an immersive chef’s table experience where guests enjoy thoughtfully curated multi-course meals while watching talented chefs prepare and present each dish right in front of them. The result feels part fine dining, part live performance, and entirely unforgettable.

With limited seating and rotating themed menus, every event feels exclusive like being invited to an intimate dinner party hosted by some of South Florida’s most passionate culinary talent.

The real magic begins once the first course arrives.

At Arc Culinary, dinner becomes an experience. Instead of dishes quietly appearing from behind kitchen doors, guests get a front-row seat to the craftsmanship behind every plate. Watching the chefs work adds a level of connection and appreciation that transforms the meal into something far more interactive and personal.

For its recent Fresh SoFlo Summer Flavors dinner, Arc Culinary showcased a four-course tasting menu celebrating seasonal Florida ingredients with elevated technique and thoughtful presentation.

The evening began with a refreshing Florida blue crab starter served with avocado, ruby red grapefruit, hearts of palm, and a bright key lime vinaigrette. Light, citrusy, and beautifully balanced, it captured South Florida summer on a plate.

Course two brought a stunning pan-seared Florida snapper, perfectly crisp on the outside and paired with sweet corn purée and blistered cherry tomatoes. The standout element, however, was the sauce. A swap to miso chili oil added layers of umami, subtle spice, and richness that completely elevated the dish. It was one of those bites that makes the entire table pause.

The third course featured a beautifully cooked grilled filet mignon, served with roasted summer peppers, shaved fennel, arugula, and key lime chimichurri. Rich yet balanced, it delivered the kind of bold, satisfying flavor you hope for in a main course.

Dessert ended the evening on a classic South Florida note: a stunning key lime tart that was equal parts creamy, tart, and sweet.

While the food alone makes Arc Culinary worth visiting, what makes the experience truly special lies beyond the plate.

Founded in 1956, Arc Broward has spent nearly seven decades serving individuals with developmental disabilities and life challenges throughout Broward County. The nonprofit supports individuals from ages 1 to 91, offering programs that include education, employment services, behavioral health support, residential programs, and family resources.

Arc Culinary operates as one of Arc Broward’s most innovative social enterprises, using food as both a source of funding and a pathway to opportunity.

Proceeds from dinners, private events, catering, and culinary programming directly support Arc Broward’s life-changing services while also helping create hands-on training and workforce opportunities in hospitality and culinary arts for individuals with special needs.

In other words, this isn’t just dinner.

It’s a chance to support inclusion, independence, and meaningful opportunity—all while enjoying an exceptional meal.

That’s what makes Arc Culinary so special: you come for the chef-driven menu, the intimate atmosphere, and the creative flavors, but you leave with something deeper.

In a region filled with restaurants competing for attention, Arc Culinary offers something increasingly rare a dining experience that feels personal, purposeful, and genuinely impactful.

Because at Arc Culinary, every course tells a story and every bite gives back.

Learn more about Arc Culinary and upcoming dinners