Happy Hour: El Agave Tequila Bar

Rather than stock a typical bar selection, El Agave is almost entirely tequila- and mezcal-focused, giving them a dedicated spotlight and a setting that all but guarantees you'll leave with a new appreciation for the spirits.

Owner and bartender Gerardo Hernandez is from Mexico, so there's some personal pride in the lineup at El Agave. The bar's dozen bottled beers are all Mexican, and there are half that many non-agave spirits available, along with four house wines selected by Hernandez's uncle, who owns the liquor store next door. The rest? Tequila and mezcal. Lots of it.

Knowing what you're drinking goes a long way, and a great atmosphere helps too. That's where El Agave shines. The bar's sunny interior is decorated with colorful paintings of farmers harvesting agave piñas, hanging above oversized sofas and lounge chairs, with a red-felted pool table in the front and an intimate bar in the back. At night it's less beachy, featuring weekly entertainment ranging from Latin DJs to live salsa music.