Agave Bandido Set to Bring Vibrant Flavors and High Energy to Hamlin

Agave Bandido's Beginnings

Horizon West’s dining scene is heating up with the upcoming opening of Agave Bandido, a modern Mexican restaurant and tequila bar slated to debut in early June at Hamlin Town Center. 

Founded by Mat Baum and business partner Matt Faul in 2020, this new hotspot promises to deliver an unforgettable fusion of bold flavors, lively experiences and a fun community-centered vibe.

Already a South Florida favorite with locations in Pembroke Pines and Lakewood Ranch, Agave Bandido is set to make its mark in Horizon West with a menu that blends authentic Mexican inspiration with creative flair. 

Baum’s journey to Agave Bandido began with a craft beer venture 13 years ago, opening a Brass Tap franchise in Pembroke Pines.

“I loved entrepreneurship and wanted to do something of my own,” Baum said in our exclusive interview. 

That passion evolved into a desire to create something unique.

Inspired by high-energy concepts like Rocco’s Tacos, El Camino, and STK, Baum and his wife, Jenna, envisioned Agave Bandido as “a full-service, high-energy, upscale Mexican restaurant” that pairs margaritas and authentic Mexican eats with a fun, urban edge.

Artist rendering of Agave Bandido's exterior patio shows its elevated design and entertainment potential

Bringing a Downtown Energy to Horizon West

Baum sees Horizon West as the perfect fit for the community-driven approach that has made his other Agave Bandido ventures successful. 

“There’s already a lot of good, quick service restaurants in Horizon West,” Baum said. 

“We find that people want the experience of a high-energy, downtown restaurant, but they don’t want to drive to Orlando or Dr. Phillips. We’re bringing that vibe closer to home.” 

Unlike transient downtown spots, Baum aims for longevity in Horizon West.

“We’d rather have people come two or three times a week, get to know them, and be in Horizon West for 10 to 15 years. We like Horizon West because it’s growing, with a fun family environment,” Baum said. 

Some of the food that diners can expect to enjoy at the new Agave Bandido in Hamlin Town Center

Fun-filled Food + A Secret Worth Discovering

Diners can look forward to standout dishes like slow-cooked beef birria tacos with house-made consommé dip, guava tamarind-glazed pork belly on tostones and their signature Bandido Tacos, featuring a Parmesan-crusted tortilla shell. 

“It’s melted on there, almost like the cheese on a French onion soup bowl,” Baum explained. “It’s something unique to Agave and it sets us apart.”

Inside, interior design gets a boost with LED skull lighting from Mexico that provides diners with a full “eye candy” experience, while roaming margarita carts aim to bring Agave Bandido's full tequila bar and fresh pressed limes tableside.

“For food, we’re sticking with over-the-top. We have tableside guacamole that allows for easy customization. We can add more jalapenos in there and spice it up to your taste,” Baum explained.

For an added twist, Baum hinted at a hidden “MayaSpeaktiki” lounge within the new location — a speakeasy-style room with an indigenous-inspired island vibe that will feature a secret drink and tapas menu, unique to each Agave Bandido location.

Muralist Ruben Ubiera's signature flair, shown here at other Agave Bandido locations, comes to Horizon West

An Elevated Dining and Entertainment Experience

The Hamlin Town Center location will feature a 4,000-square-foot covered patio adorned with an urban street-side mural by artist Ruben Ubiera, crafted entirely with spray paint.

“It sets the tone before you even walk in,” Baum noted. “You see these over-the-top murals and think, ‘This looks like a place that’s going to be a lot of fun.’”

Agave Bandido hopes to amp up the entertainment with half-off Taco Tuesdays featuring live mariachi bands and weekend DJ sets, making good on their promise of delivering a downtown energy to Hamlin’s suburban landscape.

Future events like Cinco de Mayo hope to garner huge entertainment value, with stilt walkers, fire shows and ice luges for tequila.

“Nowadays, people want an experience,” Baum emphasized. “UberEats can deliver food, but it can’t deliver this over-the-top, fun environment.” 

Larger parties are also in luck, as Agave Bandido’s expansive patio space is designed to accommodate groups of 20 or more without disrupting indoor dining crowds.

For Baum, the heart of Agave Bandido lies in its ability to lift spirits. “When you walk out, you’re better off for it in terms of your attitude and mental state than when you walked in,” he said. 

“That’s what I take pride in personally, and it’s what we try to deliver.” 

Artist rendering of Agave Bandido's proposed 4,000-square-foot patio, slated to open early this summer

Stay in the Know

As Agave Bandido nears its grand opening in June, be sure to click on the eNewsletter signup link below to receive our monthly SPOTLIGHT emails, as we continue to offer updates on Agave Bandido’s food, fun and events.