IMH Financial Corporation, the ownership group behind L’Auberge de Sedona and the Orchards Inn, has announced the opening of 89Agave along Highway 89A in Uptown Sedona, bringing delicious Sonoran Mexican cuisine and specialty 100% blue agave Tequila cocktails to locals and visitors alike. The new 89Agave occupies the space previously known as Taos Cantina, also owned and operated by IMH. The venue recently underwent a complete overhaul to create a fresh and vibrant experience for guests to gather over great food and intriguing drinks.
“We’re excited about the opening of 89Agave because it will provide Sedona locals and visitors with a new and improved dining option featuring Sonoran-style cuisine inspired by the authentic flavors of Mexico,” says Chairman and CEO of IMH Financial Corporation, Lawrence Bain. “The restaurant design, like the menu, is vivid, colorful, and energetic, generating a warm ambiance, nostalgic of guests’ favorite south of the border establishments. The name 89Agave pays respect to our stellar location in the heart of Sedona on Highway 89A, and also the blue agave which signifies our passion and dedication to curating a collection of superior Tequilas for our patrons.”
The menu includes a mix of traditional Mexican dishes with a Southwestern flare, offered by Executive Chef Mark May. Standout 89Agave favorites include traditional street tacos, freshly prepared on grilled soft corn tortillas with your selection of chile marinated chicken, steak, or slow- roasted pork, garlic and lemon sea bass, or achiote-citrus marinated white shrimp, topped with all of the Mexican fixings. Additionally, 89Agave’s signature guacamole is set to be a hit, a classic preparation with the benefit of optional enhancements, such as bacon, charred poblanos and cotija cheese for the savory set, or pomegranate, mango and almonds for a sweeter approach. Other notable starters include grilled street corn, ceviche del mar, and a Sonoran quesadilla. Entrees range from sizzling fajitas, tamales, and carne asada, to the machaca burger, an eight-ounce short rib burger with beef machaca, green chili sauce, goat cheese, and roasted poblano pepper with avocado aioli, served with chili dusted fries.
Equally significant to the delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, 89Agave also features an expansive Tequila collection and an innovative list of specialty cocktails. These signature margaritas range from spicy spins such as the Jalapeño Margarita or the Serrano Pineapple Margarita, to refreshing renditions like the Prickly Pear Margarita – an Arizona must, to a Cucumber Mint Margarita. Spirits abound, guests can also enjoy cocktails including the Southwest Lemonade, with a house infused sweet tea vodka recipe, and fresh lemonade, or a Rum Horchata, a boozy version of the beloved Mexican beverage.
“89Agave welcomes visitors and locals to gather over delicious yet approachable cuisine and spirited cocktails while enjoying all we have to offer here in beautiful Sedona,” says Jordan Rogers, general manager of 89Agave. “Guests have the choice of dining in the lively bar area, the quieter Mexican art-centric rear dining room, or on the outdoor patios that line the bustling streets of Uptown. Tequila is definitely at the forefront of our cantina; to make sure we are delivering the best-in-show varietals, we make an annual voyage to Jalisco, Mexico to meet with educators and purveyors. From the extensive infusions we concoct, to the urban street art being designed for guests to enjoy, the blue agave is the centerpiece of the restaurant.”
In line with the sensational and playful food and beverage program, the 89Agave restaurant design boasts vibrant and interactive features, generating a welcoming and energetic atmosphere. A copper clad bar showcases an industrial display of diverse, specialty Tequila offerings, meant to emulate guests’ most admired Mexico memories. Colorful, brick enhanced walls are intercepted by chalkboards where guests can scribe live reviews of their visit, creating memories that last beyond their meal. Hanging star-pierced tin light fixtures adorn the ceilings, while boldly patterned fabric booths set with vivid table settings and chairs liven the bar area.
“The opening of 89Agave coincides with the current renovation of neighboring L’Auberge de Sedona’s restaurant offerings, as we prepare to present two new impressive creekside culinary experiences within the coming months,” adds Bain. “We are confident that we will bring Sedona’s dining scene to a new level with the launch of these three new restaurants, and 89Agave is the first step along the way.”
89Agave restaurant is the first to open of the three new L’Auberge de Sedona culinary concepts, offering a casual, Uptown alternative to the two high-end creekside dining experiences that are currently undergoing renewal at the hotel.
89Agave is located at 254 N. Hwy. 89A and will be open daily for lunch and dinner, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
