Azul Agave Mexican Cuisine in Sanford, Maine

Azul Agave is a small, owner-run spot in Sanford where Louis and his crew cook serious Mexican food. The menu leans into house-made foundations: corn tortillas, fresh ceviche, and a homemade hot sauce worth asking for. You'll find regulars returning for carne asada and Baja tacos, and the drinks menu has lime margaritas done right. It's tight quarters and street parking, but most who find it come back.

• House-made corn tortillas and homemade hot sauce.
• Carne asada, Baja tacos, ceviche done right.
• Owner Louis and staff Tracy, Jennifer know their regulars.
• Fresh lime margaritas, fair pricing for portion size.

Start with ceviche and chips with salsa. Get the carne asada (so good you won't need tortillas, according to one regular) and the Baja tacos. Order the Rojas enchiladas. The classic tacos come with red rice and beans and are plentiful. Ask for the house hot sauce on the side.

Small, tight seating that puts you close to the staff and other diners. Lighting is fairly bright. It's a bar-restaurant hybrid, so evening noise leans social.

The kitchen focuses on quality over breadth. You won't find combination platters here. Instead, order the carne asada, Baja tacos, Rojas enchiladas, or the ceviche. Portions are generous, prices reasonable. Ask for the house hot sauce. A recent visitor said the flavors in the Baja tacos "dance in your mouth." It's the kind of place that inspires repeat visits.

Guests call this their new favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. One recent visitor said "some of the absolute best Mexican food I've ever had." People return for the owner Louis, staff members Tracy and Jennifer by name, and the food quality. Street parking takes a walk, but regulars say it's worth it.