What Makes Blue Agave One of Downtown Vero Beach’s Most Loved Local Restaurants?

Blue Agave stands out in downtown Vero Beach because it blends hospitality experience, fresh Mexican-inspired food, and a genuine sense of community. What started as a small tequila bar has become a place where locals gather, celebrate, and feel known — thanks largely to owner Steve Cataldo’s people-first approach.

Who Is Behind Blue Agave?

If you’ve ever felt welcomed the moment you walked into Blue Agave, that’s no accident. Owner Steve Cataldo grew up in the restaurant business. His father owned restaurants and nightclubs, and Steve started working at just 12 years old — washing dishes, bar backing, and eventually bartending. Over the years, he built a career with major hospitality brands including Grand Lux Café (by Cheesecake Factory), Bertolini’s at Caesars Palace, and other high-end restaurant groups across New England and Las Vegas.

After decades in the industry, Steve found his way to Vero Beach through family ties and an unexpected opportunity to join Blue Agave as a partner. Eight years later, he’s now the majority owner, bringing everything he’s learned into one small but intentional space.

How Did Blue Agave Get Started in Vero Beach?

Blue Agave began with a simple idea: a tequila bar inspired by similar concepts in Brazil. Early on, the focus was nightlife, not food. When Steve stepped in, that shifted.

Drawing on his background in scratch kitchens and efficient restaurant systems, Steve reworked the menu, refined the experience, and leaned into something Vero Beach does well — relaxed atmosphere, good conversation, and food that keeps people coming back.

What Is the Dining Experience Like at Blue Agave?

Steve describes the goal in two words: fun and comfortable.

Blue Agave is colorful without being overwhelming. The space feels lively but not cluttered. Sugar skull artwork, warm lighting, and a compact layout create an atmosphere that works just as well for a girls’ night out as it does for a casual family dinner.

One thing that stands out quickly is how present the team is, especially Steve himself. He regularly walks the dining room, checks on guests, and knows many by name. That visibility isn’t about control, it’s about connection.

As Steve shared, when owners stay engaged, they notice the small things — empty glasses, food timing, guest reactions — before they become problems.

The Menu & Why Size Matters

Blue Agave’s menu is intentionally focused. Rather than offering dozens of dishes, the kitchen works from a core set of ingredients that can be combined in different ways. This keeps execution tight, quality high, and food fresh.

A smaller menu allows the team to become really good at what they do — and it shows. Guests often comment on how fresh everything tastes. Steve explains it simply:

People eat with their eyes first, then their nose, then their taste buds. When all three line up, the experience works.

What Should You Try at Blue Agave?

A few items come up again and again when guests talk about their experience:

• Shrimp ceviche — bright, fresh, and beautifully presented with crisp tortilla strips
• Infused margaritas, especially the mango habanero, cucumber watermelon, and pineapple jalapeño
• Mexican lasagna (also called drunken lasagna) — a creative twist inspired by family recipes, topped with sauces styled after the Mexican flag

What surprises many first-time guests is not just the flavor, but the presentation. The food looks as good as it tastes.

Why Does Blue Agave Fit Vero Beach So Well?

Steve describes Vero Beach as a town that values character over skyline.

Low-rise buildings preserve ocean views. Downtown still feels walkable and familiar. People leave, experience the world, and often come back — especially once they’re raising families.

Blue Agave reflects that same rhythm. It’s not trying to be flashy or oversized. It’s rooted, relational, and comfortable in its lane.

From Friday night football conversations to downtown regulars sharing stories at the bar, it’s a place where small-town energy still feels alive.

Be sure to visit Blue Agave in Vero Beach

📍 Location: 1979 14th Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960
🌐 Website: www.blueagavevb.com
📱 Instagram: @blueagaveverobeach