2010 Best of Sacramento Winner - Best Artisan Tequila

Loud, boisterous and colorful, Tres Agaves Mexican restaurant is located at The Fountains shopping center in Roseville. Stylistically, the restaurant shares some similarities with Chevys Fresh Mex, but Tres Agaves serves up lustier, earthier food and an edgier ambience than its big chain compadre. The flagship Tres Agaves is located in San Francisco (another “store” is set to open in Las Vegas in 2010) and the restaurants’ real point of differentiation is their excellent tequila inventory– these are eateries devoted to educating their patrons about the finer qualities of this somewhat maligned spirit. As you might imagine, their margaritas are outstanding—served on the rocks, these smooth, captivating beverages are prepared with fresh, hand-squeezed lime juice, aged tequila and a company-produced “agave nectar” made from organically grown agaves. You won’t find any slushy, sweet-sour margaritas with a salty crust at Tres Agaves—in fact, there’s a whole lineup of the sophisticated cocktails, all highlighting a different tequila, from which to choose. Entrees (many are based on recipes from the Mexican state of Jalisco) are served up with family-style pinto beans, cooked with sweet chunks of carrot; and tasty Mexican rice. The thick, robust corn tortillas are all hand-made and formed in a traditional tortilla press, then baked in front of customers. Outstanding menu items we sampled recently included sparklingly fresh fish tacos and an enormous portion of spicy, flavorful carnitas. Other popular items are the chicken with mole sauce; and the handsome chiles rellenos. The exciting appetizer list offers dishes like a refreshing jicama, orange and cabbage salad; and the delectable-sounding queso fundido, cheese baked in an iron skillet. Tres Agaves is not a place to visit if you’re seeking serious conversation—the volume and activity is simply too loud. But if you’re in a festive mood—and love Mexican fare and a darned good margarita—you’ll be charmed by this large, cheerful establishment. — Kira O'Donnell

Insider tip: Interested in knowing more about tequila “terroir”? The restaurants’ website has a very interesting (and lively) section focusing on towns and tequila distilleries in Jalisco, Mexico.

Reservations: Recommended

Payment methods: AmEx, Discover Card, Diners’ Club, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Full bar

Corkage fee: $15

Hours: Sunday–Wednesday: Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 3–midnight
Thursday–Saturday: Lunch 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Dinner 3 p.m.–2 a.m.