Cactus is my number 1 restaurant. Our familyâs favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Austin animalprotection
Bodily fluids exploding on a plate with tortilla chips.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Promising charley
A Family Circus Disguised as a Restaurant When we sat down, the chairs were wet â inside. Pretty sure the ownerâs kids thought melting ice cubes into seats was hilarious. They ran around screaming while staff looked the other way because, apparently, chaos is fine if itâs âfamily.â I couldnât even order before deciding to leave. If you value your sanity, skip the margaritas and go anywhere else â even a gas-station burrito would come with more respect for paying customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Philip Goen
Sat down and the table next to us had kids that shoved a chair into our friend who was on crutches. The kids kept being obnoxious so we asked to move to a table in the corner. We were told that was not allowed because there were only 3 of us and the table we wanted to sit at was a 6 top. I pointed out that the tab with the obnoxious children was only 4 people at a 6 top and they had multiple open tables (at least 3 that were also 6 tops) and they said âYes, but that is the owner familyâ Ultimately we chose to leave, they can keep their empty tables.
Alicia Khan
Walter was amazing server. We got great service, he was there for every order we needed. Amazing bartending and margaritas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Shelley Blumberg-Lorenzana
We always enjoy this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Becky Curtis
I visited Cactus Cantina recently, and overall it was a mixed experience. I ordered the crunchy tacos, which were good, but the beans and rice were pretty basic and didnât have much flavor. I also ordered two scoops of guacamole it was really tasty and fresh, but for the price, it didnât feel like it was quite worth it.
One of my friends got the crab quesadilla and absolutely loved it, while my other friend ordered the enchiladas and said they were some of the best sheâs ever had so the food seems to depend on what you order.
The chips were nice and crisp, but the salsa tasted a bit off almost like it was made with green tomatoes or something slightly under ripe. It wasnât my favorite. The margaritas were good (I had a frozen one, and my friend tried a mixed version), but unfortunately, mine gave me a bad headache afterward something that doesnât usually happen to me.
Service was very friendly, and the staff was attentive throughout our meal. However, the restaurant isnât very ADA friendly. To get to the bathrooms, you have to go down two flights of stairs, which could be difficult for anyone with mobility issues unless thereâs an accessible restroom somewhere I didnât see.
Overall, itâs a lively spot with great service, but the food was hit or miss and fairly basic in flavor.
â My Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Friendly service and fun atmosphere, but uneven flavors, pricey portions, and limited accessibility.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
oldstocks
I was in the area for business and was relatively close to the cantina. The place is a combination of young professionals, locals, and families. It was warm enough for outdoor seating but I sat at the bar. Surprisingly, the food is a deal compared to other dc venues for the quality and portions. This is especially true as a sit down with staff and atmosphere. While mine was essentially standard Mexican fare, everything was done very well. I did see quite a few to go orders so there are some loyal fans. I had the chicken enchiladas and was not disappointed on price, quality, and portion. Food delivery was remarkably fast The waitstaff is amazing - friendly, attentive, helpful, and always there! They must have great staff training program. The bartender was attentive and very friendly for being so busy. Other wait staff checked on me as well. I was there on a Sunday evening about 530 which helps with the crowds. I would anticipate busier times on weekend evenings. It would be a great night hangout with drinking friends. I can also see this as a very family friendly. I was so happy with everything that I visited several times during my week in DC. My rating and return visits are an extreme rarity so my advice is to give it a try.
A. David
Inferior to the many dime a dozen TexMex restaurants that dot the USA but nicer decor to match the expensive neighborhood. Different variations of tortillas, rice & beans, and proteins but no carnitas, so again like a fast food place. I ordered nachos but got tacos, server offered to change it but overall was not very friendly or helpful although she was good about refilling chips and water. Quesadilla was dry and below the average fast food place. Steak in the tacos was tasty and the tortilla was warm and soft but the rice was old and other sides were just ok. The meat is the only thing inside the tacos. What put our experience over the edge was that six hours after lunch, (the time it takes to feel the effects of toxic food) I had to pull over quickly and my wife vomited her fish tacos. Thanks Cactus Cantina but next time, Iâll sacrifice the cool decor, spend $10-$15 at Chipotle for mediocre food instead of $20-$30 at your place.
Pretty good food. Like the atmosphere. Service was friendly and quick. Visiting from Texas so Really liked the Texas decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James P
Very nice place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Townsend
Slow service but great food happy hour was nice $5 tacos guacamole and queso for $14 and $7 margaritas
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Nancy Velasquez
I really enjoyed the frozen margarita here. I also enjoyed the Lechuga de Pollo. The chips were good. Iâll definitely come again. Good solid Mexican place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
MICHELLE O'DOHERTY
24 years later... still soooooooooo gooooood!!! And the tortilla machine is still there!
The fish tacos were very good đ
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cactus is my number 1 restaurant. Our familyâs favorite!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bodily fluids exploding on a plate with tortilla chips.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
A Family Circus Disguised as a Restaurant
When we sat down, the chairs were wet â inside. Pretty sure the ownerâs kids thought melting ice cubes into seats was hilarious. They ran around screaming while staff looked the other way because, apparently, chaos is fine if itâs âfamily.â I couldnât even order before deciding to leave. If you value your sanity, skip the margaritas and go anywhere else â even a gas-station burrito would come with more respect for paying customers.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Sat down and the table next to us had kids that shoved a chair into our friend who was on crutches. The kids kept being obnoxious so we asked to move to a table in the corner. We were told that was not allowed because there were only 3 of us and the table we wanted to sit at was a 6 top. I pointed out that the tab with the obnoxious children was only 4 people at a 6 top and they had multiple open tables (at least 3 that were also 6 tops) and they said âYes, but that is the owner familyâ Ultimately we chose to leave, they can keep their empty tables.
Walter was amazing server. We got great service, he was there for every order we needed. Amazing bartending and margaritas!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We always enjoy this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I visited Cactus Cantina recently, and overall it was a mixed experience. I ordered the crunchy tacos, which were good, but the beans and rice were pretty basic and didnât have much flavor. I also ordered two scoops of guacamole it was really tasty and fresh, but for the price, it didnât feel like it was quite worth it.
One of my friends got the crab quesadilla and absolutely loved it, while my other friend ordered the enchiladas and said they were some of the best sheâs ever had so the food seems to depend on what you order.
The chips were nice and crisp, but the salsa tasted a bit off almost like it was made with green tomatoes or something slightly under ripe. It wasnât my favorite. The margaritas were good (I had a frozen one, and my friend tried a mixed version), but unfortunately, mine gave me a bad headache afterward something that doesnât usually happen to me.
Service was very friendly, and the staff was attentive throughout our meal. However, the restaurant isnât very ADA friendly. To get to the bathrooms, you have to go down two flights of stairs, which could be difficult for anyone with mobility issues unless thereâs an accessible restroom somewhere I didnât see.
Overall, itâs a lively spot with great service, but the food was hit or miss and fairly basic in flavor.
â My Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Friendly service and fun atmosphere, but uneven flavors, pricey portions, and limited accessibility.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
I was in the area for business and was relatively close to the cantina. The place is a combination of young professionals, locals, and families. It was warm enough for outdoor seating but I sat at the bar. Surprisingly, the food is a deal compared to other dc venues for the quality and portions. This is especially true as a sit down with staff and atmosphere. While mine was essentially standard Mexican fare, everything was done very well. I did see quite a few to go orders so there are some loyal fans. I had the chicken enchiladas and was not disappointed on price, quality, and portion. Food delivery was remarkably fast The waitstaff is amazing - friendly, attentive, helpful, and always there! They must have great staff training program. The bartender was attentive and very friendly for being so busy. Other wait staff checked on me as well. I was there on a Sunday evening about 530 which helps with the crowds. I would anticipate busier times on weekend evenings. It would be a great night hangout with drinking friends. I can also see this as a very family friendly. I was so happy with everything that I visited several times during my week in DC. My rating and return visits are an extreme rarity so my advice is to give it a try.
Inferior to the many dime a dozen TexMex restaurants that dot the USA but nicer decor to match the expensive neighborhood. Different variations of tortillas, rice & beans, and proteins but no carnitas, so again like a fast food place. I ordered nachos but got tacos, server offered to change it but overall was not very friendly or helpful although she was good about refilling chips and water. Quesadilla was dry and below the average fast food place. Steak in the tacos was tasty and the tortilla was warm and soft but the rice was old and other sides were just ok. The meat is the only thing inside the tacos. What put our experience over the edge was that six hours after lunch, (the time it takes to feel the effects of toxic food) I had to pull over quickly and my wife vomited her fish tacos. Thanks Cactus Cantina but next time, Iâll sacrifice the cool decor, spend $10-$15 at Chipotle for mediocre food instead of $20-$30 at your place.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Pretty good food. Like the atmosphere. Service was friendly and quick. Visiting from Texas so Really liked the Texas decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very nice place
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Slow service but great food happy hour was nice $5 tacos guacamole and queso for $14 and $7 margaritas
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
I really enjoyed the frozen margarita here. I also enjoyed the Lechuga de Pollo. The chips were good. Iâll definitely come again. Good solid Mexican place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
24 years later... still soooooooooo gooooood!!! And the tortilla machine is still there!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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