A bright new flavor has landed in Lee’s Summit, and it comes wrapped in bold colors, scratch-made cooking, and a tequila program that would make any agave lover grin. Ancho & Agave, the vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant concept launched in 2019, is officially opening its first Kansas City–area location, and Managing Partner Vernon Blazek says guests can expect an experience that’s both elevated and completely approachable.
The concept was created by the owner of Biaggi’s, the fine Italian chain with 16 locations across the country. After nearly three decades in that space, he introduced Ancho & Agave as a fresh, modern, high-energy brand centered around what he calls “tacos, tequila, and togetherness.” The first location opened in Bloomington, Illinois, where the company’s corporate office is based, and the Lee’s Summit restaurant marks the seventh unit for the growing brand.
“We’re definitely an upscale Mexican restaurant,” Blazek says, emphasizing the atmosphere as much as the menu. “The building is beautiful, very aesthetic, and very bright. We have over 600 lightbulbs in the space, plus a gorgeous lounge area. It’s a place where you feel the energy the moment you walk in.”
That energy carries directly into the food. Every single dish is made from scratch, a detail the team takes great pride in. Even the chips and salsa served at the table are prepared fresh daily. The expansive menu offers a wide range of classic and contemporary Mexican-inspired dishes—enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, dips, and of course, a long list of tacos.
One of the most buzzworthy menu items is the taco board: a shareable spread of 14 tacos, either mixed and matched or made with one preferred style. “It’s something people really love to share, especially if they’re sitting at the bar watching a game or just enjoying a night out,” Blazek says.
If there’s one dish destined to become the Lee’s Summit favorite, Blazek doesn’t hesitate. “The Birria is probably our most popular item,” he shares. “You can get it as a taco or a quesadilla, and it’s just consistently a hit.”
To pair with the food, Ancho & Agave offers a deep and carefully curated tequila lineup—at least 40 tequilas plus mezcals—along with eight house-batched margaritas that are already top sellers.
Despite the elevated vibe and attention to detail, the restaurant is built to welcome guests of all kinds. “We’re very, very family friendly,” Blazek says. From after-school tacos to date nights and group outings, the space is designed to flex with the moment. A large square bar seats 30 and offers full service, while the covered patio is fully equipped for all seasons, with heaters for winter and fans for summer.
Customization is another hallmark of the brand. Because everything is made fresh and to order, modifying a dish is never a problem. “We can make almost anything vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free,” Blazek explains. A detailed chart in the kitchen helps staff adjust each dish appropriately. “If there’s anything on the menu you don’t want, we can take it out. Really, the only things we can’t change are a few of the sauces.”
Ancho & Agave also leans into convenience. The restaurant partners with Easy Cater for delivery, offering a large catering menu for office lunches, events, and family gatherings. They also provide taco packs and to-go options for busy weeknights.
With its from-scratch kitchen, lively design, and commitment to making every guest feel at home, Ancho & Agave is primed to become Lee’s Summit’s newest go-to for bold flavor and good times.