Mexican tapas and tequila bar to open at Foothills mall

A new restaurant is taking over a long-vacant space in Fort Collins' Foothills mall, bringing an array of Mexican tapas dishes and an expansive tequila and mezcal inventory with it.

Agave Underground leased the restaurant space formerly occupied by Bar Louie this spring and has been working to transform it since, according to Agave Underground chef and owner Fausto Felix.

What kind of dishes will Agave Underground serve?

This will mark the fourth restaurant for Felix and his wife, Perla Ruiz, who live in Firestone. Together, they own and operate Rosa Mexican Kitchen in Thornton, Rumbo 52 Cocina & Cantina in Frederick and a burger bar called The Dugout in Erie.

For their newest restaurant, Felix said the couple is focusing on Agave Underground's sweeping, full bar, which — if all goes as planned for Felix — will feature the largest inventory of tequilas and mezcals in Fort Collins, he said.

The menu, which is still being finalized, will focus on Mexican tapas, or small plates, as well as some traditional Mexican entrees. Hearkening back to his upbringing in northwestern Mexico, where he opened his first restaurant at 16 years old, Felix said Agave Underground's dishes will feature traditional Mexican flavors in a less traditional setting.

In other food news: Old Town Fort Collins cider taproom, restaurant goes fully gluten-free

How will the former Bar Louie space change?

The restaurant is being renovated to appear garden-like, with lush greenery spanning its walls, a fake tree built into the center of a table and pops of bright color, like neon pink, green and yellow.

When will Agave Underground open?

Felix said he and Ruiz are hoping to open the restaurant before Sept. 16, or Mexican Independence Day.

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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins restaurants: Mexican tapas and tequila bar opening soon