To advertise: 540-349-8060 www.discoverypubs.com
Discover Fauquier
August 2026
6
SHE 6894/8-26
Fauquier
KH
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Sun 11am-5pm
Giant Food Center
41 West Lee Highway, Warrenton
540-347-7563
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El Agave's 25-year history in Warrenton
began with an agreement between two
brothers. Before opening the restaurant,
Alfredo Villaseñor managed a restaurant in
Pennsylvania, while his brother, Jose Luis
Villaseñor, managed one in Charlottesville.
The brothers decided to open a restaurant
together and agreed that whoever found a
location first would determine where they
settled. Jose Luis discovered the space at
251 W. Lee Highway, and Alfredo moved
to Virginia.
El Agave initially occupied one portion of the
building before expanding into the adjoining
space. Although the restaurant and Warrenton
have changed, Alfredo says its close-knit
atmosphere remains central to its identity.
Chef Umberto has worked at El Agave since
opening day, and his brother, Antonio, joined
24 years ago at age 16. The restaurant
manager when Alfredo is away, Antonio says
his friendships with Alfredo, Umberto, and
his coworkers have kept him there for more
than half his life. Alfredo considers them
family, along with other longtime employees
who create the familiarity customers value.
Antonio remembers when Warrenton had
fewer restaurants, less traffic, and less
competition. Despite the town's growth, many
longtime customers have continued
supporting El Agave.
He has watched generations grow up,
recalling customers who visited while
pregnant and now return with adult children
and grandchildren. Antonio says employees
try to treat customers like friends, while
Alfredo credits fresh food, popular
margaritas, friendly service, and a calm,
welcoming atmosphere with keeping them
coming back.
El Agave has introduced several menu items
during its anniversary year, including the
popular King Burrito, inspired by customer
suggestions, which is filled with chicken,
steak, chorizo, and grilled vegetables, then
topped with queso. Other additions include a
grilled rib-eye steak topped with three fried
eggs and a combination dinner with two
entrée choices.
The restaurant has also added Chori con
Papas, an appetizer of French fries topped
with chorizo, queso, and pico de gallo, as
well as sopes, which feature thick tortillas
topped with chicken or steak, beans, queso,
lettuce, and tomatoes. New dessert and
drink offerings include chocolate flan and the
Margarita Mangoneada, a mango margarita
made with tequila and chamoy sauce and
finished with Tajín seasoning.
Angela and Tony Cardenas have visited El
Agave since moving to Warrenton five years
ago. They dine there at least once a week
and often twice, drawn by the friendly staff,
familiar faces, and relaxed atmosphere.
They usually request Cristóbal, whom they
call Chris, as their server and enjoy speaking
Spanish with employees. Originally from New
Braunfels, TX, they say they know good
Mexican food.
Tony usually orders a specially prepared
meal with shredded chicken, avocado, sour
cream, and pico de gallo. Because he has
diabetes, he appreciates the restaurant's
willingness to accommodate his dietary
needs. He also recommends the rib-eye
and shrimp dinners. Angela often orders a
chalupa but enjoys trying different dishes.
She also likes the lime margarita with extra
orange slices. Married for 52 years, Angela
and Tony have lived in Northern Virginia
since 1979. They value Warrenton's
w e l c o m i n g c o m m u n i t y a n d t h e
personal connection they have found
at El Agave.
Antonio is equally proud of El Agave's
long relationship with the community.
He encourages his children and
nieces to wear their El Agave shirts
proudly because of the years his
family has spent serving customers.
As El Agave marks 25 years in
Warrenton, its longtime employees
and loyal customers remain central to
its story. For more information, call
(540) 351-0011.
El Agave: Serving
Generations of Families
Marisol, Yesy, Chris, Antonio, Alfredo, Kely, Maria
Tony and Angela Cardenas
By Kristy Gillespie