Discovering this spot was a pleasant surprise during the time I lived in DC. Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, it provides a taste of Mexico right in the heart of the city.Beyond the food, the service was friendly and attentive, adding to the enjoyable experience. Additionally, the restaurant maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jose P.
This place is near our home and is connected to Loreal Plaza in Adams Morgan (same owner). This a large restaurant with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. This is a great place to come with friends to celebrate an event or just to have a good time. Unfortunately, the food is just okay and the margaritas are not very authentic. If you want authentic or good Mexican food there are way better places. Still the prices are more reasonable here and for a large group this can be fun.
James Kimmey
As a native of Southern California I am very particular about my Mexican food. That being said, Cactus Cantina is the closest thing to home I have found in DC. From the homemade tortillas to the sizzling fajitas, they really know how to do it.On top of that, the service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fajita, Chips and Salsa, Beef
John Ford Evans
Solid DC Mexican food standard for decades.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Combination Enchiladas, Combination, Combination Beef and Chicken Fajitas
Graham Campbell
Cactus Cantina is fine. If you're looking for Tex Mex in the neighborhood then it's a good spot. Also good for groups. The food isn't that flavorful but the service was efficient and nice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Bryan Jungwirth
I dine here all the time. Great Mexican food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combination Beef and Chicken Fajitas
Satu Burke
Last time I visited Cactus Cantina was 15 years ago and I had very good memories. Today we went for lunch. I had Laredo combination platter which included chicken and beef enchiladas and a crispy chicken taco. I asked for sour cream, which comes for additional fee. The enchiladas were bland and so soggy that the crispy taco was not crispy even when it came to me. All the fillings were bland and tasted the same. Waiters forgot my sour cream which came after I had eaten half of the plate. My husband ordered chimichanga which came with equally soggy filling. On the side came beans with a lot of liquid. If you don’t take into account the food, the place was the same great space with colour and good ambiance. Unfortunately however, you go to restaurants to eat and expect to get tasty food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Kelly C.
Conveniently located on a busy street in cathedral heights, my friends and I came here for dinner. We were disappointed to find out they don't have happy hour but we were in the mood for margs. The guacamole was really good and the shrimp tacos were pretty good too. The margs seemed pretty watered down and we had gotten a few pitchers. The dishes and drinks were pretty overpriced for the portion we got. Decent spot if you really want tex mex and are confined to this area but I likely would go elsewhere next time!
Julia C.
Inedible! Fish taco of gelatinous frozen fish with raw green pepper in a doughy "taco" served with white rice. Just a plate of tasteless mush
We gathered 15 out of town families for Georgetown University parents weekend. Cactus Cantina was AMAZING! The food and drinks were delicious. The service friendly and upbeat! They let us hang school banners and put together a fajita bar with fresh hot beef, chicken and shrimp!!!! Everyone left wanting to come back!!!!!!!! Thank you Cactus
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Shrimp Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Chicken Fajitas for Two, Beef
Shannon Tchuimeni
It was okay. I ordered the Lomo Saltado, I've had better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Bryce Burgess
Incredible atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, quick service times, and one heck of a selection of tequilas. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Chips and Salsa
Jose R.
Great ambiance and service. a place to go and get apps and a couple drinks. The lomo saltado is their best dish; unfortunately it's only a brunch special. I just wish other food items had more SAZON (seasonings) for people with dietary restrictions this is a safe bet tho
Felix Brokkoli
Great place for family's & friends.Friendly & helpful staff/servers.The food menu is huge with lots of typical mexican options and dishes. Could be a little smaller, though, to not get confused while choosing what to eat. Had mixed grill Fahitas, which were tasty, but could have more Mexican spices & aromas. The portion size is more than enough to get full. Complementary Tortilla Chips with and outstanding Salsa where super good. Margherita super tasty.Overall a 5 start experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Portobello Quesadillas, Chimichanga, Guacamole, Seafood, Brisket Tacos, Three Enchilada Platter, Tortilla Soup, Chips and Salsa, Chicken Fajitas for Two, Beef
It was good. ? pretty much standard Mexican food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Discovering this spot was a pleasant surprise during the time I lived in DC. Offering authentic Mexican cuisine, it provides a taste of Mexico right in the heart of the city.Beyond the food, the service was friendly and attentive, adding to the enjoyable experience. Additionally, the restaurant maintains a clean and welcoming atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is near our home and is connected to Loreal Plaza in Adams Morgan (same owner). This a large restaurant with lots of indoor and outdoor seating. This is a great place to come with friends to celebrate an event or just to have a good time. Unfortunately, the food is just okay and the margaritas are not very authentic. If you want authentic or good Mexican food there are way better places. Still the prices are more reasonable here and for a large group this can be fun.
As a native of Southern California I am very particular about my Mexican food. That being said, Cactus Cantina is the closest thing to home I have found in DC. From the homemade tortillas to the sizzling fajitas, they really know how to do it.On top of that, the service is great!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fajita, Chips and Salsa, Beef
Solid DC Mexican food standard for decades.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Combination Enchiladas, Combination, Combination Beef and Chicken Fajitas
Cactus Cantina is fine. If you're looking for Tex Mex in the neighborhood then it's a good spot. Also good for groups. The food isn't that flavorful but the service was efficient and nice.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
I dine here all the time. Great Mexican food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Combination Beef and Chicken Fajitas
Last time I visited Cactus Cantina was 15 years ago and I had very good memories. Today we went for lunch. I had Laredo combination platter which included chicken and beef enchiladas and a crispy chicken taco. I asked for sour cream, which comes for additional fee. The enchiladas were bland and so soggy that the crispy taco was not crispy even when it came to me. All the fillings were bland and tasted the same. Waiters forgot my sour cream which came after I had eaten half of the plate. My husband ordered chimichanga which came with equally soggy filling. On the side came beans with a lot of liquid. If you don’t take into account the food, the place was the same great space with colour and good ambiance. Unfortunately however, you go to restaurants to eat and expect to get tasty food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 3
Conveniently located on a busy street in cathedral heights, my friends and I came here for dinner. We were disappointed to find out they don't have happy hour but we were in the mood for margs. The guacamole was really good and the shrimp tacos were pretty good too. The margs seemed pretty watered down and we had gotten a few pitchers. The dishes and drinks were pretty overpriced for the portion we got. Decent spot if you really want tex mex and are confined to this area but I likely would go elsewhere next time!
Inedible! Fish taco of gelatinous frozen fish with raw green pepper in a doughy "taco" served with white rice. Just a plate of tasteless mush
Restaurantji Recommends
We gathered 15 out of town families for Georgetown University parents weekend. Cactus Cantina was AMAZING! The food and drinks were delicious. The service friendly and upbeat! They let us hang school banners and put together a fajita bar with fresh hot beef, chicken and shrimp!!!! Everyone left wanting to come back!!!!!!!! Thank you Cactus
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Shrimp Fajitas, Chips and Salsa, Chicken Fajitas for Two, Beef
It was okay. I ordered the Lomo Saltado, I've had better.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Incredible atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff, quick service times, and one heck of a selection of tequilas. 10/10 recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole, Chips and Salsa
Great ambiance and service. a place to go and get apps and a couple drinks. The lomo saltado is their best dish; unfortunately it's only a brunch special. I just wish other food items had more SAZON (seasonings) for people with dietary restrictions this is a safe bet tho
Great place for family's & friends.Friendly & helpful staff/servers.The food menu is huge with lots of typical mexican options and dishes. Could be a little smaller, though, to not get confused while choosing what to eat. Had mixed grill Fahitas, which were tasty, but could have more Mexican spices & aromas. The portion size is more than enough to get full. Complementary Tortilla Chips with and outstanding Salsa where super good. Margherita super tasty.Overall a 5 start experience.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Portobello Quesadillas, Chimichanga, Guacamole, Seafood, Brisket Tacos, Three Enchilada Platter, Tortilla Soup, Chips and Salsa, Chicken Fajitas for Two, Beef