Cactus Mexican Grill & Cantina

It was 95 outside when I arrived at the restaurant. It wasn't very cool inside and when I asked the hostess if the AC was on, she scowled and didn't answer. Waited 10 minutes for a drink and almost 30 minutes for food. The restaurant was not busy so unsure why the long wait. I ordered 2 items from the ala carte menu - the chalupa was good, sopa ok.

Server wasn't extremely pleasant either. Getting ready to leave and she finally asks if I would like some additional water.

Due to rude hostess, inattentive server and length of wait, I will not be returning.

I am from MO and came here on a weekday around 230 pm. We were the only ones here sat outside with our dog. Service was amazing, drinks were top notch, and food perfect. We absolutely love Mexican food and this place definitely was a winner in our book.

Excellent service and great margaritas

It was average food. Our server was extremely nice. Made some special orders not on the menu.

Quick friendly service and good food - had the fish tacos and Casadores Paloma drink

My first time there and I loved it! I had the mole enchiladas, and they were fantastic!

Horrible service. Took 30 minutes to get our drinks and had to walk up to our server and another long wait time for food.

Let’s get a few things out of the way. This place has an Iowa City reputation of cheap and strong drinks. This place delivers. I had the “gala-rita” on a Thursday night for a special, and it was 6.67. It had a good amount of alcohol, and it tasted amazing. The presentation was high quality as the shooter had its own clip. Now, let’s get to the negatives. First - there is a strong odor of natural gas. I mean, this place is known for their strong drinks but I think people are getting woozy off the natural gas. If you feel nauseated and have a headache, it might not be the liquor. I urge Cactus to investigate this leak. Next, the service is subpar. I didn’t know there was a limit on the free chips and salsa. I went with a pretty big group, and the waiter gave us a warning that we had asked for a chip refill one too many times. To me, this seemed super stingy. Also, the salsa really wasn’t good. I’m not sure why it was so much worse than Cactus 3’s salsa. It tasted blander and was thinner. Last, their service is unreliable as I didn’t get my credit card back after paying and I had to go up to the front and ask. Overall, I would check this place out for a cost-effective way to drink, but it is not a quality establishment.

I love their food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chips Salsa, Chips

The absolute best Chili Colorado!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Very good food. The server was attentive. I'll be back.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Pretty good food for the location.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

As a person of Mexican ancestry I find that 95% of Mexican restaurants are meh at best. However Cactus is one of those good ones that are few and far between. Service is excellent and the decor and atmosphere are great. But what really matters is the food. Everything I've tried has been very good. Especially the Molcajete! Best in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Ice Cream, Chips Salsa, Wet Burrito, Carnitas, Fish

We always have a great experience here. Service is always great! :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great service, bartender a

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5