It’s Southwestern fare with varieties of tequila you aren’t going to find just anywhere.

Agave Restaurant and Tequila Bar has opened in Eastsound inside the building that used to house Ecotopian. Owner Kathy Lunde has painted the walls a light terra-cotta color, put up colorful paintings by Sadie Bailey, and opened the patio for outdoor seating.

“We are specializing in tequila that most other bars won’t carry,” said Lunde, whose daughter Sara Kissel is managing the restaurant and cooking the meals.

The menu has carne asada tacos, crab enchiladas, chile rellenos, and chicken mole as well as burgers and fish and chips. The bar menu has items like tiger prawns, mussels, sliders, quesadillas, and guacamole. In addition to a wide range of tequilas, the bar also offers liquor and beer.

Lunde worked in various restaurants while raising Kissel, who got her start in the restaurant business at 13. Six years ago, Kissel purchased Bilbo’s Festivo with business partner Heather Thomas, who left the restaurant in early 2010. Lunde worked for Kissel during the summers, making desserts and waitressing. Bilbo’s closed in April 2011, at which point Kissel and her mom began thinking about opening a new place.

In addition to launching a new business, this year also marks Lunde’s 20th year at the Orcas Island Library, where she is the adult public services librarian.

Agave opened on July 2 and 3 for what Lunde called “their practice days.” The restaurant will now be open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m. Happy hour is from 5 to 6 p.m.

Many former Bilbo’s employees are now at Agave. Lunde’s husband Tim is a bartender as is her library co-worker Holly King.

“It’s a relief to be open,” Lunde said. “It feels good and I really hope we are successful. We are trying to keep the prices decent and affordable. We plan to be open year-round and have events for locals in the winter.”

How to reach Agave

Call the restaurant at 376-1422. It is located between the post office and Enzo’s Caffe.