Not long ago, Los Agaves Mexican Grill opened in downtown Sisters. What was once home to two different Japanese restaurants (first Soba, a popular regional chain, then Soji, which moved to the former Coyote Creek Cafe location but closed there too) is now a rustic, well-designed paean to true Mexican fare. Notice I didn’t say Tex-Mex. No standard-issue beef tacos or cheese nachos here.
Instead, you’ll find a refreshingly inventive menu studded with both classic Mexican staples (enchiladas verdes, carne asada, fajitas, chile relleno) and sophisticated regional fare (osso bucco al mole, petite game hen, breaded pork loin). Everything we tasted was first-rate.
The setting is warm and inviting, with plenty of homey Western touches (in fact, much of the cowboy-inspired decor came from nearby Open Range Western & Lodge Decor). That’s another nice thing about Los Agaves: the focus on local influences (the works of area artists are also featured).
Los Agaves is open seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. We’ve been to both; lunch is great too and is a great deal, with entrees priced at $7 or $8.There’s also a nifty happy hour from 3-5, with both drink and food specials. (291 E. Cascade, 541-549-0777)
Here’s a closer look:

The bar at Los Agaves.

The main seating area.

Fajitas Los Agaves (marinated chicken breast with sauteed vegetables, served with black beans and poblano rice, not shown here). Yummy.

Milanesa de Puerco (breaded pork loin served with fresh avocado sauce & baby red potatoes, with a side of poblano rice). Delish.

Pollito al Horno (Petite Game Hen rubbed with chipotle cinnamon spice and topped with avocado sauce. Outstanding.

The bar area..

The back room at Los Agaves.

The exterior view from Cascade Avenue.

About the Author:
Lisa Broadwater, GRI, CDPE is a Central Oregon-based real estate professional who specializes in listing and selling homes, especially in Sisters, Tumalo, Redmond and Bend.