Stopped in for a after shopping snack and it was a enormous. Order the Del Mar which is the Beef fajitas for one plus 3 giant bacon wrapped shrimp. It was a massive plate as were the shrimp. Those were honestly my favorite. The bacon was chrisp and the shrimp moist and succulent. They were over cooked but in all fairness. The bacon needed to be crippling, which is was and the plate it hot so it continues to cook. They were still my favorite. #BaconEverything The steak was supposed to be medium but I didn't mind that it was medium well. It was a great cut however the seasoning was lacking. It came with the traditional toppings but I opted for sour cream on the side. I love a good resturant grade salas but theirs is flat. It needed some more seasoning. The port was ample and enough for 2 of us to share. The tortillas are almost like gorditas or papoosas they're so big. I had to cut mine. I didn't love it but didn't hate it either. Its definitely for a croud that wants Main stream Texmex. I love authentic with a Tia in the kitchen and abuela giving orders. It was packed for a Saturday but we ate outside. The resturant has more than enough room. Its pretty open for group seats. I didn't get a drink but they looked great. read more

Cactus Cantina - Del Mar - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Cactus is a local's favorite. You see families, couples, big group dinners, etc. Great ability to accommodate big parties. Very large interior and outdoor space. The food is definitely more Tex Mex than Mexican but has a homey feel. The tortillas are the thick style tortillas that go well with their chicken and steak fajitas (my go to and 100% recommendation for first time customers). If you like frozen margaritas, this is the place. They do swirls or single flavors and they are strong. Will always come back for a nice homey meal. read more

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This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. They make their tortillas fresh from a machine that you see when walking in the door. All of their dishes taste fresh and protions are generous. My favorite is the Salmon A La Parrilla - grilled salmon, topped with sautéed shrimp, avocados, in a light marisco sauce. The steak dishes such as steak fajitas feature tender steak cooked medium rare, not over cooked or burned to a crisp as in many Mexican restaurants. The service is always friendly and prompt. All of their drinks are on point. Not the place for a quiet or intimate dinner, so keep that in mind. This is a very busy and popular place so reservations are highly recommended. Give it a try...I'm sure that you will enjoy it. read more

Love this gem - huge restaurant, awesome service, great Mexican food & margaritas. What could one want more of? The loaded nachos are a fan favorite & the vibe of the place is spot on and fun for date night or families. Vamosss read more

This place is a staple! The queso, fajitas and virgin pina coladas are my favorite. Most recently, we ordered the gordo platter, which they say feeds 4 but it could feed 6. It is a combo of feef and chicken fajitas, costillas (B.B.Q. pork ribs), and camarones diablo (shrimp) with fresh flour tortillas, rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and frijoles a la charra. You can add on cheese and sour cream and is ~$100 and such a good deal. Ambiance This place is huge! They have indoor and outdoor seating, perfect for larger groups. Outdoor seating is covered. Dog friendly. read more

Cactus Cantina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Two margaritas for $52... $11.95 on the menu. No apologies. Minimum $18% tip? $31 for two flour tortillas with shredded chicken? Did not order the "tacos ". A neighborhood establishment disappointed read more

It's been a while I went to this part of the town. My husband's Swiss club decided to celebrate their holiday dinner here. Well, I am not gonna say no to free dinner. I ordered frozen mango margarita with salt on the rim. It was good but I wish they served it in a regular margarita glass. They served it in a beer glass instead. They do have complimentary chips and salsa. Highly recommend mixing in some green habanero sauce with the salsa. It's so good. For the entrees, they have everything you could ask for in a Mexican restaurant plus a couple of Peruvian dishes. It has been a while since I tried the saltado so I ordered beef saltado. Huge portion of meat and veggies with fritas. Everything went really well. Saltados can be salty, but this was one was great. Highly recommend it. The beef was nice and tender. For desserts, my favorite - tres leches. Best desert ever. Couldn't go wrong with this one. Nice slice tres leches cake is what I needed to end this amazing dinner. The service was great. Server was one of the best. He was very helpful and quick in bringing out food and other things we requested throughout the dinner. Ambiance was great as well. read more

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I don't know what has happened to Cactus Cantina. The bar service was awful and they charged 50 dollars for two margaritas and a regular shot! Plus the bartender and staff were more interested on a soccer game than the patrons at the bar. Not the same bar restaurant. Plenty of better options around! read more

This is a long time local's favorite. I love the opportunity to come here. The food is consistently delicious. The menu is big and varied. The service is great. It's wonderful for large and small groups. It's got high energy, and quieter corners. Perfect for children. It's got bars, it's got crayons, it's got boots. It's fun to just walk around and look. But come for the food, you won't be sorry. read more

Quite possibly the worst Mexican food I've eaten in many years. Everything, including the guacamole looked like it came out of a can.....tasted like it too. We ordered a pitcher of margaritas for $71, and I couldn't drink it because it was sweeter than kool aid. The service on the patio was fine but this noisy corner was really annoying with all the horn honking. I have no idea how this place stays in business......I couldn't even finish the chicken quesidilla cuz it was so tasteless. Never again! read more

Cactus Cantina is one of my go-to spots because there's almost always a table available, which makes it super convenient. It's very kid-friendly and even has a kids menu, which is a huge plus. The margarita is always great--I order it every time. Portions are generous, and the food doesn't disappoint. I've tried the fajitas, which were sizzling and flavorful, and the shrimp quesadilla was also really good. The servers are okay, nothing exceptional, but overall it's a solid place for a casual meal with family or friends. read more

Most of the service staff was great, and seemed genuinely attentive. Others... not so much. They tried their best to fix my order, but there's really only so much they could do. On the plus side, if you're looking for nostalgia, start here. Are you craving the same hard tacos from elementary school? This is your place! Do you want a pool of melted cheese? Go here! Do you want the same food that your mom made in 1979 with recipes found in Sunset Magazine? This is where you should go. Do you want Mexican food with no spice, garlic, or other traditional Mexican flavorings? Then this place is definitely for you. read more

Cactus Cantina - rice, pool of melted cheese, elementary school taco, tomato and lettuce salad - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I recently tried out this local institution for the first time. Wow. Possibly the worst food I've had at a restaurant in Washington and some of the worst food I've had anywhere. Beef and chicken enchiladas were flavorless. The ceviche was absolutely disgusting. Totally inedible. I will say that the service is good and they were very kid friendly. Frozen margaritas were good and they do have a good drinks happy hour. But unless you're desperate, don't go here. read more

Worst Mexican food I've ever tasted- anywhere. Beef enchilada tasted like vegetable soup from elementary school. Chicken enchilada was just completely tasteless- like there were no flavors at all in it. Just weird. Salsa was just warm tomato puree. Not just the worst Mexican food in DC but literally the worst I have had anywhere in America lol. Just go anywhere else and it will be MUCH better. read more

We stopped by on a Sunday for an early dinner. We had a party of 7 so we called ahead and made a reservation. Glad we did since this spot was pretty crowded when we arrived! The service was really great! They immediately brought our chips and salsa for the table and grabbed our drink orders. I was a big fan of the frozen lemonade. Very refreshing! We started with guacamole and queso. I didn't try the queso but it seemed like the whole table really enjoyed it. I loved the guacamole! For my entree, I ordered the beef fajitas and it was served with fresh flour tortillas, bell peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and beans. My husband got one of the specials, the seafood enchiladas with shrimp and crab. We really enjoyed our meal! they were big portions so we were very full at the end and everything was seasoned and cooked really well! Would definitely come back here again read more

Cactus Cantina - Beef Fajitas for One - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Came here with my family for dinner and while the food tasted fine, we were disappointed by the portions. The nachos bring exactly 6 chips, we had no words for that. The guacamole lacked lime and salt, and no, it's not a preference thing it literally tasted like nothing. We also had the brisket tacos, those were good. They give you free chips and salsa, that was good too. The margaritas are bigger, I had one of the non alcoholic drinks and it was really good. Service was super nice, everyone had a smile and great attitude. read more

A rather nice Mexican place that offers great options at DC prices. They have fun quesadilla options like crab quesadillas, classic fare like enchiladas and tacos. I had tacos al pastor, and I was a little disappointed that they didn't have pineapple options, but their margaritas for $11 are pretty strong and good! The space is rather large, so it is easy for a big party to visit. read more

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Had to go back to my old favorite cactus Cantina on a visit to Washington DC. I had the same platter that I've been getting for the last 20 years. The food had no flavor at all. The beans were bland. The rice was bland. Everything was as bland as can be except the endless rounds of margaritas. I forgot about the horrible food! read more

The tortilla chips are delicious. The service is always friendly. The portions are huge. Only once have i had a not great meal. Twas the crab quesadilla which was a special- and it tasted like tuna fish. I didn't say anything about it though cause, ya live you learn. But also, warning you, unless you love tuna fish- don't get the crab quesadilla. Their fajitas are fantastic. They make their own tortillas and they will even wrap some up to take home with your leftovers. No extra charge! Hell to the yes Also, great margaritas both frozen or in the rocks. And options for those looking to not drink but be included I wish street parking was a tad easier, if so I'd be here all the friggin time. Recommend for a small or large group!! read more

This place is an all time FAVORITE!!! Amazing FOOD, service and what else.....MARGARITAS!!!! Whether you order frozen or classic on the rocks, they never disappoint!!! Always a great spot to meet up with friends for chips and salsa and margaritas! The music also always gets me in the mood to enjoy the ambiance. read more

Niece's 28th bday celebration; Monday, 11/11/24. #PartyOfSix This restaurant is one of her fav's. We're not newbies but it's been a looong time. Super happy to return and we were not disappointed. Delicious food, prompt friendly service and fabulous pitchers of Margaritas ... mad at myself for how long it's been. If I'm not mistaken ... I think this is a family owned restaurant. Not an important detail but absolutely worth the visit. Tell them you saw it on Yelp. read more

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As someone who's very serious about Mexican food, Cactus Cantina hits all the right notes: warm, homemade tortillas, bottomless chips that actually keep coming, and frozen margaritas that are dangerously good. The vibe is always lively but never overwhelming, and the service is fast and friendly. It's my go-to for casual lunches, bringing out of town guests, or whenever I need a Tex-Mex fix that feels both fun and familiar. Bonus points for that sizzling fajita platter -- a true crowd-pleaser. read more

Mediocre food and I ordered Hennessy and ginger ale and they gave me something else that gave me a headache.

I love this place!!! Delicious! Fast service , pleasant environment and professional staff!

Chicken tacos were unseasoned and bland. Wife says the beef burrito had a generous portion of meat, and was good, but I would not go there again. First impressions are hard erase, and I'm not going to give them another opportunity to disappoint...at least not if I'm paying for it. read more

So upset been going here for years and one of the most favorable things was the fresh salsa and chips. They have definitely changed their salsa it was nasty like out of a jar. How very sad. Made me not even want to order food and just leave. I would have paid for the real salsa. Please bring back the salsa you've had for over 15 year read more

Great as usual. CC never fails. The food is always fresh & delicious. It's a bit loud but you deal. Family friendly. Lots of space. Nice patio. Food comes pretty fast. Steak is never over cooked. Homemade chips & salsa. And homemade salad dressings. Decent prices. Clean bathrooms. What's not to like! read more

Cactus Cantina - Drinks - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Used to be very good. Not anymore. Everything tastes different in here now. The soup is basically chicken broth, a few pieces of carrots and a couple of pieces of chicken and a whole bunch of chips. Sad to see it goes south..... read more

Appetizers, food, and service are consistently good. Will not hesitate to visit again

Been going to Cactus Cantina forever! It is absolutely amazing! Big tables, little tables it can handle it! Best Fajitas, and love the tortilla machine...the kids love it. We've since moved over an hour away but my daughter request CC for her birthday every year! She even had her 21st birthday and drank shots with her Dad!! read more

Cactus Cantina - My daughter getting carded on her 21st birthday! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This restaurant serves delicious tex-mex food with large portions! They also have great margaritas. Service is always fast and efficient even when it's busy. read more

Cactus Cantina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Awesome Mexican. We had ceviche to start, plus the complimentary chips and salsa (delicious!) and frozen margaritas. Had a taco trio (brisket) with rice and beans and guacamole plus a tamale and single chilie relleno with cheese for main (it's not strictly on the men, but recommend it if you're a fan of chile relleno). All was excellent. Good service too. Was mostly empty when we arrived at noon, but packed when we left. A bit hot to sit outside today, but lovely outdoor seating in more temperate weather. read more

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One of our favorite places. Great tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos and margaritas. Always delicious. Cute and clean environment with outside seating. read more

No idea what happened with this. Got the chicken fajitas. Margaritas werent mixed properly and the churros were undercooked and had a potato feel. To say the least, I am potatoed out. read more

Cactus Cantina - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We came for lunch on a Sunday and we able to sit outside. It was somewhat rainy but it stayed dry under the red tents. The food and service were great! read more

Cactus Cantina - Carne Asada A La Parrill - Tex-Mex Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Consistently a favorite place for our family to eat. Love the fajitas - all types and the quesadillas are sooo good. Homemade fresh tortillas are the best! We've all liked everything we've ordered and have found the service to be friendly and good. read more

Cactus Cantina was a 3.5 star venue (wish we could rate.5 increments!). It was opened later than most restaurants in the DC area on a cold week night. Aside from the 2 of us, there were 3 gentlemen at the bar. We were seated in a back room by the tortilla maker. Their service was friendly and prompt. Their shrimp tacos was a 5 for sure especially with their "pink" sauce (was it mayo and catsup??) Their chicken enchiladas were a 3. Their chips and salsa were typical - thin, crispy... accompanied by warm salsa verde. read more

Great place! Awesome friendly service! Had some appetizers and a few drinks. Bartenders were super friendly and great service

I came here I think a decade ago with my parents while I was at American University and we loved their food and Sangritas. I remember them having a Washington Post article with George W. Bush having eaten here and while we weren't fans of him at the time though we knew he loved good Tex Mex so it was a good sign. I finally came back here and took my wife for the first time a couple of weeks ago after a pre-Christmas memorial service at her church in Tenleytown and we were very impressed. We were greeted by wonderful holiday lights as well as Spanish and English holiday music a well as friendly service. To drink we had both a half pitcher of the Sangrita followed by a half pitcher of the frozen Mango Margarita and the Sangrita our waitress suggested we mix. For appetizers we shared the Tortilla Soup with Chiand Guacamole. For dinner my wife had the Chile Rellenos which were her grandpa's favorite and I had the special which I believe were Filet Mignon Fajitas. We also shared a dessert but I forget the name though it was some warm pastry with apples which was delicious. We definitely look forward to returning! read more

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Cactus Cantina used to be the best Mexican food in the DC area, but it has really fallen off in recent years. I used to pine for their veggie fajitas and long for the next time I could take a sip of my mom's frozen sangrita (sangria margarita), but the last several times I went, it was not just disappointing - it was actually bad. Did ownership change? The last two times my family has gone, the food was borderline flavorless and the service (which has always been overworked but friendly and accommodating) was particularly unhelpful. Food we asked to be well-cooked was actually borderline raw, half the dishes were honestly flavorless, there was a hair in the beans (which we got comped and replaced but begged the question of whether the hair was in the larger vat of beans or just in my bowl), and we had to ask for extra tortillas multiple times before they were brought. We are devastated by these changes. The me of six years ago would be SHOCKED that I would rate this restaurant anything other than a 5/5, but the me of 2025 wouldn't even consider including this once-staple on a food tour for visitors. We were intentionally frequent visitors during the pandemic to help keep the doors open, and now the food is even worse than when we had COVID-dulled taste buds. Please please please get back on track, Cactus Cantina, this isn't like you! read more