Santo Agave, the new Mexican dining destination from longtime restaurateur Damian Rangel, is opening its doors in Peoria this February. The restaurant reimagines traditional Mexican cuisine with modern flair, paired with warm, high-energy hospitality inspired by the service culture of Mexico City and the Riviera Maya.
“People can get food anywhere,” Rangel, who has 26 years of experience operating successful restaurant concepts across Mexico and the U.S., said. “What they remember is how a place made them feel. At Santo Agave, the experience is personal, emotional, and welcoming. The kind of place where you can relax, stay awhile, and feel like it’s your spot.”
The concept emphasizes deeply personal Mexican hospitality, encouraging guests to linger in a casual environment, with staff who know diners by name. Tequila takes center stage as an educational experience. A curated three-tequila tasting paired with chocolate highlights regional flavor differences.
The menu showcases regional Mexican influences, from Sinaloa-style seafood and Jalisco beef to Yucatán seasoning, alongside elevated takes on traditional dishes such as dry fideo noodle soup.
Guests can enjoy raw bar offerings, soups, salads, tacos, seafood, coal-fired steaks, bone-in tomahawks, and premium ribeye tacos. Everything is made from scratch, including bread and desserts, and cooked in a Josper charcoal oven for intense heat and smoky flavor.
The beverage program features Latin American wines from Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, as well as California and Napa Valley selections. Cocktail prices range from $14 to $22, with tableside presentations for select menu items, including mixology carts, flame-finished steaks, and sub-zero ice cream. A team of chefs and managers from Mexico ensures seamless service and attention to detail without interrupting conversation.
Santo Agave also offers themed evenings to elevate the weeknight experience. Tuesdays feature a luxurious steakhouse date night for two, including a prime porterhouse, sides, dessert, and a bottle of wine. Mondays offer bottomless sangria with light bites, while Sundays highlight happy hour with premium agave-forward cocktails paired with fresh oysters, creating a coastal-inspired, relaxed vibe.
The restaurant’s design reinforces the sense of escape, featuring a dramatic teak tree-root installation from Indonesia, bamboo accents, basket-woven pendant lighting from Indonesia, India, and Mexico, tropical plants, and tables crafted from reclaimed tree roots. Earth tones, natural textures, and greenery create a high-end Tulum-inspired atmosphere.
Santo Agave also plans a club membership program offering private cubbies, no-reservation access, and exclusive off-menu experiences. The restaurant features a patio with misters and shade, and garage doors open to the space for an indoor-outdoor feel. Latin house DJs perform Thursday through Saturday evenings, enhancing the atmosphere without overpowering conversation. For more: elsantoagave.com.
