The Early Word on A.G. Kitchen in Silver Spring

A.G. Kitchen is the work of New York chef Alex Garcia, and has been operating for several weeks now in the Downtown Silver Spring development. The restaurant was the subject of this week's First Bite. But what are Yelpers, bloggers and other early diners saying about the place. Read on for the good and the bad about A.G. Kitchen.

Dissecting the dishes: A.G. kitchen has a whopping 66 reviews on Yelp right now, with a 3 star average. Jen M. says, "Food was terrible, a half cooked empanada, which to even call it an empanada when it was a big circle of under cooked dough. Sangeria, don't waste your time. Not even the faintest hint of a buzz after a pitcher." Zack says, "Worst mojito I've ever ordered." Zagat highlights the burger, saying, "The Royale may be a quarter-pounder at McDonald's in France, but at A.G. Kitchen, it's more like a fancy Big Mac." On Foursquare, a tip reads, "The Cubano was pretty good! Neat presentation and creative dessert menu display." [Yelp, Zagat, FS]

The Pricey News: On Yelp, Troy advises, "Diners also need to be aware that AG Kitchen is NOT a "$" restaurant. Once you purchase a side dish or two -- which are definitely needed to make a full meal in most cases -- the price range easily falls into the "$$" category." Maya W. notes, "We both ordered the fish tacos which was literally just 4 tacos. I was surprised that nothing- no beans and rice or Pico de Gallo accompanied them." Sophia N. says, "I can understand paying more when the food is good but this place charges a lot and gives you subpar quality everything." [Yelp]

The Slow News: A.G. Kitchen touts its signature guacamoles as one of its specialties. But Natalie M. says, "My friend and I ordered the classic guacamole for our starter and we waited over twenty minutes for it." Koral S. says, "Everything took way tooooo long - like triple the amount of time it should have." [Yelp]

The Haters Gonna Hate News: Tracy P. says, "I don't understand the negative reviews. I have gone twice and love everything. I want to try everything on the menu. Literally everything - the appetizers, entrees, drinks and [desserts.]" Ed S. says, "Very good food, solid service, and nice decor. The speciality cocktails are creative and large. The decor is modern and attractive and there is good outside seating on the main plaza." [Yelp]

The Menu Skepticism News: On Don Rockwell, dinoue says, "I was hoping for Topolobampo, or even Frontera, and we got Guy Fieri for Latino food." [DR]

The General Raves: Attendees to a media event seem to like the place. DMV Dining notes, "A.G. Kitchen not only offers another exciting option in the ever-expanding dining scene of downtown Silver Spring with its first NYC import, but also brings a lively atmosphere complemented by a colorful backdrop of Latin American fusion." DCFud calls it and other recent opening Blackwall Hitch "fun, hip, casual, and great additions to the area." Wonderful Wheaton Tweets, "We LOVED @AGKitchen and welcome more NY/DC chefs to consider Silver Spring and #WheatonMD!" [Blogs, Twitter]