 
Supersport
Member
Username: Supersport
Post Number: 10339
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 64.118.137.226
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 11:57 am: |    |
What a shame. Hopefully they find a new place, one maybe with an entrance on the street side, and reopen soon.
http://freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll /article?AID=/20060719/ENT08/6 07190302/1041/ENT |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 648
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 12.47.224.8
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:05 pm: | |
Agave was my wife's favorite restaurant and one of my favorites as well. Agave was a great place, with a truly diverse crowd, good food, and amazing margarita's. I hope they find a new location soon. My wife is going to go through withdrawal...  |
Swingline
Member
Username: Swingline
Post Number: 537
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 172.154.141.101
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:13 pm: | |
Hmmm, there's always two sides to these rent dispute stories. Wonder what the landlord says.
In any event, I hope they find another location and reopen. They filled a Latin niche that the usual Mexican restaurant can't. If they do reopen, though, I also hope they reinvigorate their staff. The old place had been slipping badly. When they opened a few years ago, they received acclaim in several national publications. That's all very nice, but the last two times I dined there in 2006, both the food and the service was very poor. I use the two strike rule when it comes to restaurants and I wasn't planning to dine there again. |
Dan
Member
Username: Dan
Post Number: 1244
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 69.216.121.73
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:13 pm: | |
boooooo |
Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 1006
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:15 pm: | |
The building was starting to look deteriorated. The bathroom was a mess.
I wouldn't put too much stock in them opening again anytime soon. They're allegedly selling the furniture. |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 650
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 12.47.224.8
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:25 pm: | |
^that sucks. |
Jfried
Member
Username: Jfried
Post Number: 866
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 209.131.7.190
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:28 pm: | |
no way!
do you think they will be willing to sell the recipe for the "donkey show?" |
Mikie
Member
Username: Mikie
Post Number: 21
Registered: 06-2006
Posted From: 69.215.206.67
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:30 pm: | |
Major Bummer! I really enjoyed the food there. Hope it'll reopen in a new location nearby. |
Spacemonkey
Member
Username: Spacemonkey
Post Number: 74
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 63.102.87.27
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:33 pm: | |
I ate there once. It was ok. |
Bobj
Member
Username: Bobj
Post Number: 888
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 65.221.183.220
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:40 pm: | |
I enjoyed the place, the setting was cool, the food was good.
I hate to see these things happen, businesses close for the wrong reasons. |
Andylinn
Member
Username: Andylinn
Post Number: 143
Registered: 04-2006
Posted From: 64.141.144.2
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 12:47 pm: | |
it is a good place, and we need more *GOOD* restaurtants in that area... but i've heard through the grape vine that they ran out of money a month or so ago, but an investor bailed them out... so this might have something to do with that... |
Gravitymachine
Member
Username: Gravitymachine
Post Number: 1177
Registered: 05-2005
Posted From: 198.208.159.18
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:04 pm: | |
I didn't much care for the food, but a mediocre restaurant that draws people to the area is better than no resaurant at all. |
Jelk
Member
Username: Jelk
Post Number: 3896
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.208.233.74
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:08 pm: | |
Now where am I going to go to overhear big-time executives from Olympia/Compuware/Rock Financial/the Illuminati discuss the inside dirt about Fremen Hendrix? |
Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 155
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:15 pm: | |
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooo, I love that place. 313 |
Detroit313
Member
Username: Detroit313
Post Number: 156
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 72.229.136.103
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:18 pm: | |
Oh. Just read the article. They plan on reopening. Sorry for the temper tantram. 313 |
Sumotect
Member
Username: Sumotect
Post Number: 214
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 64.243.32.9
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:21 pm: | |
DAMM!........My wife will be pissed. I'm pissed!. She really loved those "Donkey Shows". It was one of the few ways I could get her loosend up and in the mood.......know what I mean ; ) ; ). |
Blondy
Member
Username: Blondy
Post Number: 1058
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 68.77.163.16
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:26 pm: | |
it seems like that location is cursed. |
Valkyrias
Member
Username: Valkyrias
Post Number: 313
Registered: 02-2005
Posted From: 66.238.129.197
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:36 pm: | |
^^^^ begs the question...what was in that location before? |
Viziondetroit
Member
Username: Viziondetroit
Post Number: 585
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 69.246.10.173
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:37 pm: | |
I wanna hear the other side of the story.... |
Mbr
Member
Username: Mbr
Post Number: 76
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 152.160.42.163
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:59 pm: | |
Does anyone know what their rent was? |
Eric_c
Member
Username: Eric_c
Post Number: 794
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.76.202.10
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 1:59 pm: | |
I'll miss the Three-Milk Cake as well as the Mojitos and Flaming Cheese.
Damn. So much for their plans to expand upstairs. |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 657
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 12.47.224.7
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 2:21 pm: | |
Stewart's was there pre-Agave.
That's hallowed ground - the Graystone Ballroom occupied that block. A dance club might succeed... |
Lowell
Board Administrator
Username: Lowell
Post Number: 2796
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 66.167.211.36
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 2:45 pm: | |
Dang! Just when I was getting to like it. I loved eating under the shade of the ailantus [kitd as ghetto palms] trees in the outdoor patio. Food was good and reasonably priced.
Like Blondy says, the location seems cursed and I can figure out why. It is in the middle of everything, has secure parking and plenty or space.
Predecessors, Stewart's - Alexander's - Gregory's. All lasted about the same length of time. I had one of my first art exhibitions at Gregory's in 1980, so the site will always be special for me. |
Crew
Member
Username: Crew
Post Number: 994
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 146.9.52.12
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 2:52 pm: | |
Don't forget Canfield's. Wasn't it also the site of the Cass Corridor Food CoOp in the mid or late 70's? |
Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn
Post Number: 774
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 64.139.64.80
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:33 pm: | |
How about they move into the old Harlequin? Trade a little cuisine Française for la Mexicana?
 |
Swingline
Member
Username: Swingline
Post Number: 538
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 172.154.141.101
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 3:51 pm: | |
Brilliant, Quinn. |
Naturalsister
Member
Username: Naturalsister
Post Number: 762
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 70.8.66.88
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 4:18 pm: | |
I'd love to have them in the CBD. Sipping Tequilas, they'll be back.
later - naturalsister |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 653
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 12.47.224.8
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 4:52 pm: | |
LOL. You read my mind Quinn.
We gotta break the monopoly that the west side has on bars! Is everyone in IV and WV baptist or something?!! |
Quinn
Member
Username: Quinn
Post Number: 775
Registered: 01-2005
Posted From: 64.139.64.80
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:11 pm: | |
I've been clamoring for a decent watering hole near home forever.
Harlequin was close but sucked-A$$. I guess I can laugh now at the memory of them running out of liquor...EVERYTIME I WAS THERE.
I've always enjoyed Agave...this could be a step up for them... |
Frank_c
Member
Username: Frank_c
Post Number: 648
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 207.200.116.139
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:24 pm: | |
^^^^^^Maybe the only one making money is a greedy landlord.........only a guess. |
Royce
Member
Username: Royce
Post Number: 1716
Registered: 07-2004
Posted From: 69.209.135.5
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 6:57 pm: | |
Well, the owner had a chance to deny the accusation and didn't. The reporter did say that the owner said that he was looking for a new tenant. He could have said more. Can failing to deny the accusation indicate that it was true? |
Eric
Member
Username: Eric
Post Number: 511
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.246.29.185
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 8:22 pm: | |
If they reopen I'd like to see them downtown, but more important in any new location they should have some street presence. Which shouldn't be too hard considering they had none, the back enterance really bugged me given how nice it was otherwise. |
Taj920
Member
Username: Taj920
Post Number: 123
Registered: 01-2004
Posted From: 68.42.252.205
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 - 9:18 pm: | |
Rents have been going up in the midtown area, so don't fault the landlord. |
Morena
Member
Username: Morena
Post Number: 446
Registered: 08-2004
Posted From: 69.242.214.135
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 1:35 am: | |
You can't get some Tostito chips and salsa and call it Mexican and you can't throw some sour cream on a tortilla and call it a burrito.
If someone wants Mexican food, go to Mexicantown. If you want a real Margarita, tell the waiter to make it with Tequila as not all do.
Agave's wasn't nothing but a Chi-Chi's in the WSU area. |
Wazootyman
Member
Username: Wazootyman
Post Number: 79
Registered: 02-2006
Posted From: 68.75.220.9
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 7:06 am: | |
I only visited Agave once, but thought much higher of it than "sour cream on a tortilla". It would be nice to see it re-open downtown, especially if it had patio seating. |
Cmubryan
Member
Username: Cmubryan
Post Number: 288
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 69.246.10.215
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 7:43 am: | |
Hey, I miss Chi-Chi's! |
Danny
Member
Username: Danny
Post Number: 4594
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 141.217.174.229
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 8:23 am: | |
HAH!! Screw that Bloomfield Hills slumlord! He's wants to get rid if the owner so that he could fix up the building and sell it to some fancy developers. |
Viziondetroit
Member
Username: Viziondetroit
Post Number: 588
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 65.42.23.2
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 9:42 am: | |
Everyone wants to see another restaurant open or re-open downtown... It would be nice to see these places open in neighborhoods along major throughfares.. downtown is fine and dandy but people in dense neighborhoods like Rosedale/Grandmont area, University district, Palmer. Sherwood, IV..... and other areas. The neighborhoods can support them if promoted correctly and they are consistant.
All of the attention is directed towards downtown and we forget the other hundreds of square miles north of there.
Detroit has more patrons than those who dine out at lunchbreaks from work and those who grab a drink after work or a meal.... Come INTO the city to get your grub on an evening or weekend not just when your coming in and out the city for work or a game. |
Itsjeff
Member
Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6405
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 9:43 am: | |
...who would then turn it into a restaurant... |
Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 1008
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 10:32 am: | |
Chi-Chi's had the best mexican pizzas... |
Michael
Member
Username: Michael
Post Number: 750
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 67.38.18.67
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:22 pm: | |
quote:Rents have been going up in the midtown area, so don't fault the landlord.
and why can't we find fault with the landlord? Nobody forced him to raise his rent? Is it better to have a thriving business in your building at a lower rent rate or a vacant building asking a higher rent rate? Where's the breakeven point on that? |
Chub
Member
Username: Chub
Post Number: 344
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.60.139.30
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:27 pm: | |
Sorry, I won't miss Agave at all. Tried it twice with different friends and both times we all agreed that the food sucked. By the way, the second floor of C-POP across the street is still available for rent I noticed. |
Naturalsister
Member
Username: Naturalsister
Post Number: 763
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 70.229.254.181
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:34 pm: | |
"Agave's wasn't nothing but a Chi-Chi's in the WSU area."
NOT!!!!!!
Their beer and wine lists were GREAT, and all of those Tequilas -- you are nuts.
later - naturalsister
And...I can't dance to some of the best House DJs in the Western Hemisphere til 2:am on a Sunday night at Chi Chi's. |
Dialh4hipster
Member
Username: Dialh4hipster
Post Number: 1721
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 68.61.187.234
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:39 pm: | |
I agree the food could be hit or miss, but their margaritas were really quite good.
The thing I hated the most was being forced to drink an $8 margarita out of cheap disposable plastic cups on the patio. Last time I was there my friend and I were the only ones on the patio for dinner and I *pleaded* to be served in a glass. The message that came back from the bartender? There's a city ordinance that prohibits them from using glass outside.
Look, say it's your owner's policy, say you lose too many glasses to breakage, say you think I'm an elitist asshole because I expect a better drinking experience, but don't lie to me like I don't know better.
So, you know, really super sorry it closed, I hate to see that happen downtown. But I was aggravated with them anyway.
And regarding the landlord ... in my experience downtown there is no shortage of landlords who would rather see their spaces sit empty than collect a premium rent.
(Message edited by dialh4hipster on July 20, 2006) |
Livernoisyard
Member
Username: Livernoisyard
Post Number: 1121
Registered: 10-2004
Posted From: 69.242.223.42
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 12:45 pm: | |
Is the original Chi-Chi's in Green Bay still in business? That is/was the original restaurant of the chain that GB Packer Max McGee started after he converted his Left Guard restaurants into Chi-Chi's. Max later became an instant multimillionaire back in the 1980s or so when he sold most of the chain. |
Jsmyers
Member
Username: Jsmyers
Post Number: 1799
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 209.131.7.68
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 2:39 pm: | |
quote:The message that came back from the bartender? There's a city ordinance that prohibits them from using glass outside.
I doubt it, does this link work for everyone else?
http://www.municode.com/Resour ces/gateway.asp?pid=10649&sid= 22
You can look for yourself.
I haven't been to Agave since they rudely refused to serve me an ice water and insisted that I buy bottled water. I stopped recomending the place to others after that night too. |
Chris_rohn
Member
Username: Chris_rohn
Post Number: 254
Registered: 04-2005
Posted From: 67.149.107.78
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 3:09 pm: | |
How can a restaurant expect to have customers when they don't even have a front door?
Hopefully the next tenant in that building will put the entrance on the street like it should have been. |
Itsjeff
Member
Username: Itsjeff
Post Number: 6418
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 208.27.111.125
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 3:42 pm: | |
I'm sure that's why they closed, Chris. Because of where the door was located. |
Susanarosa
Member
Username: Susanarosa
Post Number: 1010
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 208.39.170.90
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 3:43 pm: | |
No, it was obviously because of where the bathrooms were located. |
Rjlj
Member
Username: Rjlj
Post Number: 91
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 63.171.81.130
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 3:45 pm: | |
Front or back or side door, it is all relative and irrelevant to the restaurant's success. I hope something fills the space rather than sit vacant. |
Mbr
Member
Username: Mbr
Post Number: 78
Registered: 03-2005
Posted From: 152.160.42.163
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 4:56 pm: | |
I think people went there expecting typical Mexican food like you find in Mexicantown when in fact it is quite different. |
Ron
Member
Username: Ron
Post Number: 232
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 70.212.91.181
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:08 pm: | |
I believe one of the owners of Agave is a partner in the restaurant (can't remember the name) where JaDa's and 546 used to be (across from Opus One).
A buddy of mine was asked about being an investor in the new retaurant, but the terms were very shaky ("IF we make money, you will get your money back, plus a return"). Don't know if this has any bearing on Agave reopening, but he may be stretched too thin.
Speaking of bad locations, the location I'm speaking of (the old JaDa) seems to have bad luck as well. It may have something to do with parking. I used to drink there between classes at UD Law, but I guess my little money wasn't enough to keep 'em open. |
Jsmyers
Member
Username: Jsmyers
Post Number: 1801
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 209.131.7.68
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:15 pm: | |
You are not talking about Buzz Bar are you?
It seems to be doing great. Everytime I'm there the place is almost packed. BTW - It is in the middle of one of the "parking lot districts" of downtown, but it seems that a lot of people are walking from at least a block or two away. |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 658
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:17 pm: | |
Buzz Bar.
The problem is that Larned sucks between Beaubien and 375. People don't generally think of that as a strip to visit. But maybe that could change. I did hear that a Mexican place is going in across from it. Who knows, Agave perhaps? |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 659
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:23 pm: | |
Parking isn't the problem there. There is street parking all over that area.
I'd guess that the problem with that stretch of Larned is most everyone driving on that stretch is going to or from some other part of downtown to 375. It's a one way street full of parking lots, which encourages people to drive very fast and not stop to check out the surroundings. |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 660
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:24 pm: | |
BTW, the Buzz Bar has great pizza, it's a cool place and mix of people but the service can be spotty. |
Ron
Member
Username: Ron
Post Number: 234
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 70.212.91.181
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:34 pm: | |
ESD,
Yeah, the Buzz bar it is. I agree about the food. I had a clazone there that was great.
Re: the parking, while there are quite a few parking lots, I believe the one right next door is locked down by Opus, isn't it? I hope they do well. I was in there for lunch (on Monday) and it was nearly empty. Great food, though.
I agree with you on that span of Larned. Your observation is one of the reasons why the proposed new building for UD Law probably isn't going to happen. They wanted to put some ground floor retail in there to offset the costs of construction, but a "market analysis" indicated that it would get very little to no foot traffic, and would thus not be profitable. They also looked at putting in office space geared towards lawyers, but because of the availability of office space in the CBD, that too would not be profitable enough to offset the high anticipated construction costs.
Still praying for a miracle, as I want my alma mater to build something there, but realistically, it probably won't happen. |
Eastsidedog
Member
Username: Eastsidedog
Post Number: 665
Registered: 03-2006
Posted From: 68.20.140.8
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 5:55 pm: | |
Agreed Ron. Congress and Larned are essentially long exit and entrance ramps from the CBD to 375. It's too bad. |
Viziondetroit
Member
Username: Viziondetroit
Post Number: 595
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 69.246.10.173
| | Posted on Thursday, July 20, 2006 - 7:40 pm: | |
I knew the owners of Jada... one of the main reasons they closed was competition from the Casino's for customers... Greektown Casino won nonetheless... |
Mani
Member
Username: Mani
Post Number: 7
Registered: 07-2006
Posted From: 68.60.182.26
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:18 pm: | |
The only thing I liked was their mashed potatoes. I hate to see something unique fold in Detroit. |
Pffft
Member
Username: Pffft
Post Number: 1057
Registered: 12-2003
Posted From: 71.144.116.238
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 10:34 pm: | |
The Buzz Bar has a great idea for lunch ... a pizza and salad buffet ...no waiting for your order, you just go up and make your salad, and they always have several gourmet, hot pizzas waiting. All you can eat in theory...
Dang now everybody's going to go... |
Jimg
Member
Username: Jimg
Post Number: 663
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 205.188.116.137
| | Posted on Saturday, July 22, 2006 - 11:09 pm: | |
Jada offered good jazz, for a while. |
Mudflap
Member
Username: Mudflap
Post Number: 158
Registered: 08-2005
Posted From: 75.10.4.241
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 12:54 pm: | |
Agave is moving to Woodward and Alexandrine in the old Blue Moon. |
Jt1
Member
Username: Jt1
Post Number: 7616
Registered: 10-2003
Posted From: 198.208.159.19
| | Posted on Friday, July 28, 2006 - 12:56 pm: | |
Nice - That block needs some help and if that block were redone it would be a nice step for Midtown. |
Smogboy
Member
Username: Smogboy
Post Number: 3566
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 69.47.100.44
| | Posted on Saturday, July 29, 2006 - 11:21 pm: | |
That was one of the cool places around town that also took in cool new emerging artists and had their work up on the walls as well. I'm going to miss that Agave space. I hope that in the new space the owners of Agave will allow more art to appear. |
Bobj
Member
Username: Bobj
Post Number: 909
Registered: 11-2003
Posted From: 68.40.89.238
| | Posted on Saturday, July 29, 2006 - 11:53 pm: | |
Great news - good luck to them |
Steelworker
Member
Username: Steelworker
Post Number: 698
Registered: 02-2004
Posted From: 70.227.14.202
| | Posted on Sunday, July 30, 2006 - 11:57 am: | |
right before agave closed it looked as if they finally took the wood off the windows on the upstairs. Always wondered why the upstairs wasnt used. |
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