I genuinely do not understand all the poor reviews for this place--particularly the ones complaining about price. Yes, Black Cactus is expensive, but it's not any worse in that regard than any of the other places in Avalon or Stone Harbor of a similar caliber. No one is suprised by the bill at Jay's or Diving Horse. This isn't supposed to be some cheapo taco cabana bar and I get the impression there's some misplaced expectations among some of the other reviewers. I def think Anthony Bourdain was onto something when he puzzled over the fact that people will happily spend $40 a plate at an Italian restaurant but think that Mexican food--which is every bit as complex and rich in heritage--is supposed to be dirt cheap. Anyway, off my soapbox. :) We were one of only two tables in the place on an early September weeknight evening, which was surprising--I really hope they do better in the summer months so they can stick around. We had excellent and super fresh guacamole, flavorful carnitas, fish tacos, and a very interesting and rich chocolate dessert. The drink menu was also varied and nicely done. I enjoyed the Bootsy Collins which had a nice zip and was not overly sweet, and my partner splurged on the El Jefe margarita--very smooth! The only "miss" in my book was the queso. BC's queso is a very light, runny version with no tomatoes, onions, chili, etc. that seemed intentionally aerated. The flavor wasn't bad, but I'd skip that next time as it didn't really scratch the queso "itch" and would likely work better as a sauce over something else. Service was perfectly attentive and the decor is cool. Definitely a welcome, different vibe. read more

Black Cactus - Bootsy collins (left) and El Jefe (right). - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

See all

The black cactus is a great new restaurant in Avalon. A lot of younger adults are working here and they're very kind and attentive. I loved my fish tacos there's a picture of them below. The happy hour deal is decent. It's $2 off everything on the menu & a $12 house margarita. I was supposed to get a picture of others included I also love the ambience. You have the option to sit inside or outside. I went twice within my weekend visit because it was so good! read more

Black Cactus - Happy hour house margarita - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

See all

We stumbled on this place while shopping in Avalon yesterday afternoon. Experience was so great that we went again today! The service was amazing. We came without a reservation and the host stand was very accommodating. Our waitress, Kristin, was super helpful. She made great recommendations and was beyond patient/helpful with our kids. The margaritas are out of this world. They are completely clear due to the clean recipe that the staff are super proud of and happy to elaborate on. Appetizers were our favorite. The Mexican corn Caesar salad and guacamole were fresh and well portioned. The tacos are street tacos sized and arrive 2 per order. Short rib and fish options were our faves. The chocolate brownie dessert was OUT OF THIS WORLD on flavor. Kristin also directed us on the best way to eat it (make sure you get all the ingredients in one spoonful) and it was to die for. When we went back tonight we sat at the outside bar where the service was again top notch. Bartender let us try the special frozen margarita (spiced pineapple) and it was so uniquely delicious and FRESH. If price is a concern, they have a great happy hour with drink specials and discounts on food. Can't wait to go back! read more

Black Cactus - Classic Margarita. $12 for happy hour. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

What a surprise! In the land of pizza and pasta, it was clear this place employs and supports a real chef with a culinary vision. Welcoming, authentically looking stand alone place, 2 blocks from the ocean. Simple Mexican turned top notch (with a price). Hands down, best margarita I've had at the shore, done the right way, no lime green sour mix found here. $9 at HH and $18 outside of it, was a bit of sticker shock. The locals will be up in arms about that in no time, as they should. The Espresso martini was also awesome. Expensive but awesome. Truffle guac, and tuna tartar done very creatively. Short rib (likely chuck roast as short rib chunks are not this big but who's to argue) with polenta was a bit overstated, as the polenta was either an afterthought or overly thought, served as a white foam/sauce atop the meat..quite the curveball. The thought of polenta sold us and we were a bit let down for the price, to see it served this way, and it ended up sending the dish into the sticker shock category since it lacked substance. It was almost bechamel/cheesy, not corn at all. The server confirmed that the sauce was indeed the "polenta" component and we dealt with it. We were the only table in the place for 2 hours on a Thursday evening in late September, which was concerning. Even being in Avalon, I'd say the prices leave people wondering where else they could go for cheaper. A Mexican dinner shouldn't be $300 for 2, though that may be the cost these days for quality. read more

Black Cactus - Short rib (likely chuck roast) with "polenta" aka the white foam - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

See all

1st time there and it was spectacular Our server was so helpful the food and drinks were amazing. Loved the vibe and the decor. I had the yellow fin tuna special for dinner and it gets 5 stars. Great drinks!! A wonderful experience read more

Service was wonderful! I had wine but those at the table who had margaritas said they lacked the fruit flavor they were supposed to be. Strawberry and Mango tasted exactly the same and not fruity. The classic margarita was pretty watered down or at least tasted like it. We only did appetizers and they were all good! Coming from Southern California when I saw a Tamale I was excited but this is very NOT traditional however... it was very tasty! Nachos were the best thing we got but everyone said the tacos were good too! Overall decent.. can't say anything about the entrees but I'd go again to try a full dinner read more

Very good food and service! Great atmosphere especially silly the outdoor area! Would go back in a second

Service was great but food was not. It had no flavor at all. Did not even finish our small portioned meals. Overpriced tourist spot. Won't be back. read more

This place is hands down my favorite place in Avalon. The frozen margaritas are insanely delicious along with the cuisine. I had to order one of everything. The late night happy hour is a great deal as well with very friendly service all around. The ambiance makes for really good pictures with your favorite people. read more

Black Cactus - Arcadian pearl oysters, wood fired shrimp, and crispy fish tacos - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

Wow. My friend ordered a Bulleit old fashioned, the manager whispered to him that they didn't have bulleit, but had blantons, which he had never heard of. He said sure, and was charged $40 for a single old fashioned. If that sounds like your kind of restaurant then please go. I definitely will not. read more

The prix fixe menu is $85 a person. For this price and the claim of upscale dining, I was expecting more from this place. We had a terrible dining experience here. We made a reservation, we were on time, and we were seated immediately. We waiting over 20 minutes to be greeted by a server or staff member. After 20 minutes, I went to the host stand and reminded them we have been waiting a while and a server came over immediately. The hosts were very kind and very apologetic. The server was very nice, but she was definitely overwhelmed with the amount of tables she had to handle. The pacing of the meals was slow between some courses and other times they were running the next course before we were finished with the previous one. The cocktails were terrible and extremely overpriced. I sent back a $20 paloma. I could not finish it. I left hungry. I got the lobster tacos and found a shell in my meal. The portions were very small. The pictures attached are the main course of the tacos. The steak tacos were okay. The steak tacos were flavorless and with an interesting tasting sauce. Overall the food was average at best. You would think we would at least get real strawberries in the dessert. The service was bad. By the end of the meal, the server could tell we were unhappy and became rude. The outdoor dining space is very nice! The overall vibe of the place is cool. I would not recommend this place. read more

See all

The place is very nice, sat outside didn't look at the inside. Service was pleasant and attentive. Had a specialty margarita but really wasn't special, nothing exceptional about except the price. I had a street corn caesar salad which was very good. Next was a summer squash tostada, not a bad little appetizer but unfortunately was my only choice since there were zero entree options for vegetarians. read more

Ordered guacamole and chips. two people. Asked for more chips to finish the guac up and they literally told me they would have charge for them! The original bowl was small with no more than 15 chips to begin with. Not special either. just chips. No thanks. Pricy margaritas and chips with tip was $100.00. read more

Our waitress was really nice but it took a little too long to get our drinks out. All the food we ordered ranged somewhere between just fine and very good (never great), but the prices are honestly outrageous for the quality and portions of what they're serving. It looks like a nice place to listen to live music in their outdoor patio but nobody was playing the night we went. I'm not sure if anyone ever plays there at all, but that's what it would probably take to get me to go back and give it another chance read more

Great food, we especially enjoyed the guacamole and the duck wings. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for good Mexican food down the shore. read more

Black Cactus - Guacamole - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

Very cool outside setting and even cooler bar. Nice bar snacks Tequila frozen drink very good read more

Black Cactus - Frozen Marg. Good & strong Kane Head High Salsa & chips Guac Overall very good and cool place - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

Amazingly good food and drinks. Upscale dining like this is new to New Jersey Shore but it's about time. Tired of the same old mid level food and drinks. They have their place but when we really want to go out we want to eat well in a take you away atmosphere with great service and food To think about as you enjoy it. The chef is Jason Cichonski who is one of Philly's top rated superstars in the culinary world. Folks in NJ will learn soon enough what has just landed for the better in beautiful Avalon! First class all around. More limes please! read more

Black Cactus - View from the corner of 26th and Dune. Changed the whole atmosphere there. Beautiful. - New Mexican Cuisine Near Me - Avalon, New Jersey

See all

The did a nice job with decor but the food was average but extremely overpriced. The tacos are better at buckets and 1/2 the price.

We went to BC on Saturday night, 6/21. We had a party of eight and sat outside. Although we loved our waitress Emma, our dinner tacos were tasteless and very small. They (2) arrived on a small plate with no salsa or sour cream and nothing else. The only dish we enjoyed was the street corn appetizer. We ordered calamari, which was chewey, and the sauce with it was way too spicy for dipping. The margaritas were not good either. We will not go back again. read more

Usually don't post a lot of reviews but this place was definitely deserving of one! Ambiance was awesome, food delicious and somehow service topped it all. No need to go into specifics but both our waitress and the manager went above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant dining experience without us having to say a word. As non locals coming here for the weekend only I can't recommend this place enough, and will definitely be coming back every time we're in town! read more

Great frozen margaritas. I always get the salsa/chips and the guac. Husband likes the caesar salad. Both the inside and the outside of the restaurant are great. Our server Lauren was attentive and nice. read more

Wow. What a great experience. From the food, to the service and the cocktails, everything was wonderful. The Duck carnitas and guacamole were highlights. Perfect end to a holiday weekend. read more

Our Server was excellent very attentive and pleasant. Food was excellent as well. We had the chicken tinga and short rib tacos for lunch. Prices are a bit high for portions but very tasty if that matters more! read more

Visited "black cactus " avalon,nj-stopped in during happy hour at a "10" seat bar -was never approached by bartender and a bartender coming on at 5pm was setting up -was never ackmowledged at bar by anyone -asked the bartender" coming on" next shift if coujd get a drink and response was extremely abrupt and says she was not "om " work, just setting up bar ...not people friendly --very disappointed !!!!!! read more

Ten out of ten for service and atmosphere. And the food... OMG I'm so happy this place is here. We went for brunch on a Sunday and they had awesome live music too. We had the chilaquiles, the roasted corn caesar with grilled shrimps, the guacamole with white truffle and the ceviche fruit salad. I will remember and crave all these dishes for a long time. read more

Food is extremely overpriced, and one time I went and tried to order drinks and they didn't believe that one of our ID's was real so they refused to serve any of us. We asked them to bring out the scanner and the general manager said he wouldn't serve us even if they scanned (so why have a scanner?). Extremely rude service and you can get much better food for significantly cheaper elsewhere. Would not recommend to anyone. read more

Rude! We attempted to go here for happy hour and sit in the bar area. Apparently, you have to have reservations to even sit at the bar. Nasty host and hostess. Drinks were not good and certainly not worth the price. We had previously been here during the off season when it was a different bartender and wait staff and it was a much better experience. Not worth it! Save your money and go where people will actually treat you respectfully. read more

This food was amazing the churros were very good. The service was very good our waiter was nice. The restaurant inside was very cool and outside looked nice. Would recommend. read more

$40 for 2 drinks served with palpable disdain from the bartender & an overwrought, overpriced menu. Skip.

Had a great dinner with friends. Did a la carte. Branzino was delicious- maybe the best I've had. Guacamole is very good as is the "Caesar" salad. All shareable so the price isn't as high ... read more

Flawless execution from the staff last night Food came out without a hitch Upscale dining experience in Avalon, New Jersey. It was awesome. read more

Cool vibe! Prix fixe menu of $85 each is crazy for Mexican. $40 PER PERSON cancellation charge for reservations. $18 margaritas was just ok too. So after spending $300 for 2 on a Mexican dinner, we were still hungry. Hopefully they go to an al a carte menu and drop the crazy high $ cancellation fee. read more

I was so excited to hear that a Mexican restaurant was coming to Avalon since we seem to mostly have only Italian eateries. I initially didn't make a reservation because it was a prix fixe menu of $85 per person, which I thought was very steep for Mexican food. However, on our last trip to NJ, I noticed they are now allowing customers to order a la carte. (Prix fixe is still available but everyone at your table has to order from it - they don't allow the rest of your party to dine a la carte if one person is prix fixe). I have to be honest: the food was just okay. I had lobster tacos (3) and the lobster meat was almost unbearably sweet. My husband ordered 3 short rib tacos and he enjoyed them. Since we're used to other Mexican restaurants with the bottomless chips/salsa, we ordered guacamole as a starter and we were only given about 5 homemade tortilla chips. When we asked our server for more so we could finish the guac, she only brought out 3 chips! The cocktails were delicious and the ambiance is really nice - especially outside (inside is nice, too, but very small). The bill for 3 of us was $236. We each had tacos, one order of guacamole to share, one tomato salad to share, one beer, and a margarita. My daughter drank water. I know there's always a premium to eat at restaurants in Avalon but this just seems over-priced and under-delivered. I don't see us returning. read more

excellent food, really good drinks and a friendly staff. short rib tacos were incredible, la medicina marg is a must for ginger lovers! indoor and outdoor bars are really cool. great spot for a drink and apps read more

Food was delicious, would definitely try other items on the menu. However, service was very poor. Server was rude and we felt extremely rushed despite many tables available. One person came to collect our plates, dropped food on my seat and looked at me without speaking until I picked it up and put it on their tray. No apology. Friends of ours also had dinner there the same night and commented how poor their service was as well. Cocktails were good, just pricey. I will just go to the bar next time to order food and drinks. read more

Outstanding dining experience. In particular the special old fashioned had outstanding flavor, and the lobster tacos were off the charts. Beautiful setting as well, outstanding ambiance! read more

This was our first time at the restaurant. We went for a Sunday night happy hour. Service was great, friendly and attentive. The margaritas were very well made. Two of our party tried the holiday special margarita and the Jingle Juice abd really enjoyed them. We tried most of the happy hour menu and it was all tasty and well presented. The highlights were the duck wing carnitas, the tacos and the Guacamole. All had a unique twist from what you might get other places. We will certainly be back. read more

Very disappointed. I was so excited to try this new restaurant in Avalon. The setting is beautiful but the food, beverages and service were definitely not worth the high prices. This establishment won't last. read more

so surprised with the relatively low reviews. I ve been there six times! yeah I looked up menu first so I knew the prices. food was great! service was great. pretty sure everyone checks out menu before booking. if it's too expensive- don't go. one lady gave them a bad review and she hadn't even eaten there! I hope they do well because I don't want to go back to Italian or seafood as my only choices. everyone begs for a new kind of restaurant and then trashes it? Food prices have gone up for everyone - or haven't you noticed? And I'm spending just as much per person with takeout seafood and Italian. If you can't afford it- you don't have to go. read more

Everyone was so excited to go to this restaurant. On first glance, ambiance is amazing. Beautiful, warm and fun space! The $85.00 price fixed menu was overpriced. The food was ok but very small portions for the price. The guacamole was enough for one person (not expensive to make, but they charged too much. The one thing I will say was excellent was the Branzino - very good, but overpriced. We will try Taco Tuesdays and hope for the best! read more