Iron Cactus, Author at Iron Cactus

Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Austin

January 28, 2025

Downtown Austin is known for several things – its changing skyline, iconic landmarks, and the bustling Sixth Street. Whether you live in town or are visiting for business or pleasure, you may find yourself looking for somewhere to eat downtown. Look no further than Iron Cactus, one of the Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Austin.

Iron Cactus has been a local favorite for over two decades. Join us for lunch, dinner, or even Sunday brunch. With a prime location in the heart of 6th street – you cannot miss the historic, turn of the century building. Dine inside the beautiful restaurant or on the 3rd floor rooftop patio, weather permitting. The rooftop patio has incredible views of 6th street and the downtown skyline.

The menu at Iron Cactus is the culmination of years of dedication and passion. Enjoy traditional Mexican favorites, as well as some more unique house favorites. The Mexican Meatloaf is a popular choice. Combine sirloin, chorizo and bacon and you will find yourself in comfort food heaven. This dish comes complete with green chile bacon mashed potatoes and Mexican street corn. Most important, it pairs perfectly with a hand-crafted margarita mixed with one of the 100+ tequilas offered.

If traditional classics are more your thing, try one of our sizzling fajitas! Choose from Angus beef skirt steak, tequila-marinated chicken, shrimp, and herb-grilled veggie fajitas. Your choice will be served on a sizzling hot platter with Mexican rice and beans. Enjoy with flour or corn tortillas and accompanied by shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream.

Do not forget to complete the meal with an Original Frozen Margarita! You can even make it your own. Swirl it with strawberry, mango, peach and prickly pear and top it off with Cointreau, Magdala Orange Liqueur or Chambord!

Check out the full lunch and dinner menu. Of course there is sure to be something for everyone! The next time you find yourself on Sixth Street, stop by Iron Cactus when you are looking for Mexican restaurants in Downtown Austin. Above all, you will find it deliciously Mexican and authentically local!

Best Restaurants on the River Walk

January 15, 2025

No trip to San Antonio is complete with checking out some of the best restaurants on the River Walk. Whether you are craving a steak, the perfect slice of pizza or fresh seafood – the River Walk has you covered.

Our favorite cuisine to indulge in? Mexican obviously! If you are looking for sizzling fajitas or refreshing margaritas, the Iron Cactus should be first on your list! This local favorite restaurant features a beautiful patio overlooking the River Walk and views of the river, boats and the Selena bridge. Not to mention the delicious contemporary Mexican menu and and the over 100 premium tequilas they offer.

Start your meal off with the famous table-side guacamole. It is hand-tossed to your liking using avocados, onions, peppers, tomatoes, citrus and cilantro. Next, try one of the specialty items such as Stuffed Avocado, Pescado Del Mar, and Southwest Paella. The Stuffed Avocado is a favorite and features smoked chicken, blended cheeses, and verde sauce. It comes with Mexican rice and your choice of beans on the side.

Complement your meal with a tequila cocktail – the Iron Cactus Double Barrel is a favorite and a Cactus exclusive. It is made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. If you are not in the mood for tequila, try one of our other signature cocktails featuring vodka, whiskey or rum! Not to mention, we even have some NEW mocktails for those looking for alcohol free options.

Lastly, don’t forget dessert! The Margarita Key Lime tartlet is a twist on the classic dessert and comes with mango coulis sauce. It is a great way to finish off a delicious meal. Looking for something a more shareable? Try the Mexican Donuts, which are exclusive to the San Antonio location. They feature house made sweet cream filling and topped with powdered sugar and Kahlúa fudge sauce.

There are so many great options to choose from! Come see for yourself why Iron Cactus is one of the best restaurants on the River Walk! We are open every day for lunch and dinner.

Top reasons to visit the River Walk during the Holidays

December 10, 2024

The holidays are a magical time of year and holidays at the River Walk are no exception! Read on for a few of our favorite reasons to make a trip to the River Walk during this special time of year!

Holiday Lights

Each night throughout December, enjoy the famous holiday lights that shine brightly in the downtown portion of the River Walk. 2,250 strings of light are draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the water. It is truly a spectacular experience to witness the over 100,000 lights!

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

Caroling may be a timeless tradition, but in San Antonio it is done with a twist! Throughout most of December, you can rent a caroling boat with a selection of popular holiday songs and songbooks on each boat. Bring your friends and family, dress up in festive attire and spread some joy by singing your heart out!

If you cannot carry a tune, you can also enjoy the caroling for free from the banks of the river!
Caroling boats will float along the river in the downtown area starting around 6pm and running later in the evening the closer to Christmas.

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

Experience the illumination of 2,000 luminarias at your feet along the banks of the river. It is truly a serene sight to see! This centuries-old tradition occurs on select weekends in December. Luminarias are traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns originally consisting of a candle set in sand, inside a small bag.

Food & Cocktails

Located among the winding pathways and bridges, you will find Iron Cactus – a favorite among locals and visitor alike. Known for its delicious contemporary Mexican menu and tequila bar with over 100 premium tequilas, it is a must-visit destination! Not to mention it sits in a prime location, with a beautiful patio overlooking the River Walk, the boats and the famous Selena bridge.

As you spend your time in San Antonio, we hope you enjoy the holiday spirit and cheer of the season. Whether you are visiting from out of town, or live nearby, there is nothing more special than Holidays at the River Walk!

Mexican Catering for Your Next Event

November 15, 2024

Planning an event takes a lot of work. You must pick a date. Find a location. Consider a theme for the event. Invite your guests. And most important of all, decide on food and drinks. If you are not sure where to start, let us point you in the right direction. The love of Mexican food in Texas is universal! Save yourself time searching for “Mexican catering” near me and start with the Iron Cactus.

An Austin staple since 1996, Iron Cactus has years of experience in handling catered events across the Hill Country. Whether it be a corporate event, graduation party, wedding reception, office training or family gathering – we have done it all! We have even worked with many popular venues across Austin and San Antonio.

Iron Cactus provides both full-service catering services, and delivery only services. If you decide on full-service catering, it includes buffet setup, buffet table lines, a service station, and two hours of buffet service. We offer a variety of menu options to choose from for your event. Your guests will enjoy our bold, unique, and flavorful Mexican dishes – from Fajitas to Pollo Relleno and Pescado del Mar to Southwest Paella.

In addition to food, our catering service experts can also help you arrange additional services to enhance your event. We can help with china and silverware, rentals for tables, chair or tents, bar and cocktail service, linens, and cake-cutting service.

Delivery-only packages are a great choice if you already have everything else covered for your event. No matter what option you choose when you want Mexican Catering, we pay attention to details and are committed to making your event a success! Start the process by filling out our off-site catering request form and one of our catering services experts will get back to you shortly!

What it is and How to Make Queso

November 10, 2024

You have probably seen it on the menu before, but do you know what it is and how to make queso? A staple food at many Mexican restaurants, by translation, queso is simply Spanish for “cheese”. According to the Merriam Webster, queso is short for “chile con queso.” The definition refers to it as a dipping sauce of melted cheese and chopped chili peppers.

To make it yourself, start with thick and creamy melted cheese as a base. Add in a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out and achieve the desired consistency. Once the cheese is fully melted – this is where it gets fun! Add in some spices to enhance the flavor – a pinch of cumin, garlic, or chili powder really complement the cheese. Then add some toppings: diced tomatoes, green chiles, onions, ground beef or even some chorizo for a heartier variation! If you like it spicy – add some sliced jalapenos and hot sauce to give it a kick.

If you are not looking to make your own and want to enjoy some unique cheesy goodness, head to Iron Cactus. The menu has you covered with 3 different options to choose from. The basic Chile Con Queso is made with hatch green chiles, pico de gallo and roasted jalapenos. Swing by during Happy Hour and you can even get it for a discount!

Looking for something a little heartier, try. The Queso Compuesto that includes your choice of grilled chicken or steak, in addition to the guacamole and pico de gallo. Or try the newest option – the Brisket Queso. One of my personal favorites, it consists of hatch green chiles, pico de galla, roasted jalapenos and smoked brisket.

Whether enjoying as an appetizer with chips or added as a topping for your meal – queso is the ultimate comfort food. No matter if you find it at your favorite Mexican restaurant or learn how to make queso – you and your friends will be fighting over who gets the last bite!

Best Mexican Restaurants in Austin

October 29, 2024

The city of Austin is known for many things, including having the Best Mexican Restaurants! There is no shortage of options in town, from Tex-Mex to regional Mexican, Mexican fusion to fast-food Mexican. Austin really does have it all!

Not sure where to start? Look to the restaurants that have stood the test of time. Matt’s El Rancho, El Patio, Juan in A Million, and Fonda San Miguel are all popular choices. Iron Cactus has also been a local favorite in Austin for over two decades!

The story of Iron Cactus began when the owners restored a historic, turn of the century building on 6th street in downtown Austin. Their mission was to create a warm, friendly and unique environment and provide guests with the best Mexican food and fresh lime margaritas!

The menu at Iron Cactus is the culmination of years of dedication and passion by a team of renowned chefs. Join us for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch. Enjoy traditional favorites like Tableside Guacamole, Chicken Fajitas, and Tortilla Soup. Or try some of our newer items with bold, unique flavors – such as the Vegan Tacos or Mexican Meatloaf. With such a comprehensive menu, you will be sure to find a meal to satisfy your taste.

Another feature that sets Iron Cactus apart from others is our location. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, enjoy the happenings of 6th Street from inside the gorgeous restaurant interior featuring industrialized nineteenth century décor. On select evenings, you can also enjoy the downtown skyline or watch the world below from the skies on our 3rd floor rooftop patio.

If you’ve been looking for the best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Austin, then the search is officially over. Stop by Iron Cactus on historic to see why we stand apart as a premier destination for dinner and drinks.

Authentic Mexican Food

September 25, 2024

If you are starting your search for Authentic Mexican Food Near Me, make sure to include Iron Cactus on your list. We are proud to be local and authentic to our communities, with a deep passion for creating bold, unique and Authentic Mexican dishes.

Iron Cactus’ menu is the culmination of countless hours in the kitchen and years studying the distinctive cuisine of Mexico and the Gulf Coast. The results are dishes that are equal parts fresh, mouth-watering and delectable. Not to mention, our Signature margaritas and tequila-influenced cocktails are the perfect companions to our culinary selections.

The perfect start to a meal is the Ahi Tuna Ceviche! Always a crowd-favorite, it is made with ahi tuna, fresh avocado, and pico de gallo that is marinated in blanco tequila and lime juice.

For your main course, try one of our enchiladas! We have traditional favorites like the Chicken Enchiladas or Cheese Enchiladas. Feeling a bit more adventurous, try our Veggie Enchiladas, Shrimp Enchiladas and or the Brisket Enchiladas. All things considered, our most unique option is the Stacked Pork Enchiladas and a personal favorite of mine! Made with pork carnitas, Monterey Jack cheese, verde sauce and topped with a fried egg. They will certainly delight your taste buds! They are of course served with Mexican rice and your choice of beans to round out your meal.

One of the best parts of the unique Iron Cactus experience is our locations. In Austin, you can find us in the heart of historic 6th street in Downtown. Enjoy the excitement of 6th Street from the restaurant or our 3rd floor rooftop patio with a view of the downtown skyline. In San Antonio, we are located on the famous River Walk. Enjoy the River Walk from inside or on the beautiful patio with views of the boats and the Selena bridge.

So, the next time you are looking for Authentic Mexican Food Near Me, start at the Iron Cactus.

Main room2 Holiday Event Space in San Antonio

Office Christmas Parties

September 19, 2024

It is almost that time of year! Is your office manager frantically searching online for “Office Christmas Parties”? Are you in need of the perfect venue to host your upcoming holiday party? Let Iron Cactus save the day!

With locations in San Antonio or Austin, Iron Cactus brings life to office parties with various private and semi-private dining rooms to choose from. Coupled with our contemporary Mexican food menu, there are many options for delicious food and drinks to satisfy your staff.

San Antonio

Our downtown San Antonio location has a floor to ceiling view of the River Walk and celebrates the authentic Mexican culture with the inviting vibes inside. If your office party style is more casual, consider booking your group in the Upper Dining area to celebrate with a cocktail party. Need something more private? The Cactus Room and Agave Room both have private settings and have been a top event space in the Iron Cactus family. If you need a bigger space, these two rooms can be combined with one goal in mind: party! These rooms also showcase a private bar as a unique experience to treat your trusted employees for a great year.

Austin

Our Downtown Austin location offers the best view of downtown 6th Street! The 2nd Floor Mezzanine event space is a casual setting, perfect for smaller cocktail-style events. This area is semi-private and overlooks the main dining room. If you need more privacy, The Cactus Room maintains the same industrialized nineteenth century décor as the restaurant and accommodates up to 90+ guests.

You can also reserve our 3rd floor rooftop patio for your event. Our patio includes a fully enclosed interior cocktail and bar area and access to an exterior patio. We also equipped the exterior patio with fully radiant heaters, motorized sectional shades, and wind screens—just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate with our event plans.

As you can see, Iron Cactus’ offers many catering and private event opportunities to suit your need. The next time you need to book Office Christmas Parties – look no further than Iron Cactus. We would love to share our space with your team and show you all a great time. We also have A/V capabilities to add to your experience. Our customer service team is happy to help you plan, prep and party! Get started by filling out an event request form here.

Guacamole How To

August 30, 2024

Guacamole is a staple component of any Mexican meal and if you are looking for a “Guacamole How To” – you have come to the right place!

Guacamole was invented in Mexico in the 1500s by the Aztecs. It was first created by mashing avocados in a mortar and pestle. Research shows that the word comes from the Aztec Nahuatl words āhuacatl (avocado) and mōlli (sauce). This literally translates to “avocado sauce.”

Guacamole is a great addition to any meal. We also love it served as an appetizer with fresh chips! Did you know it even has its own day? September 16 is now celebrated as National Guacamole Day!

If you want to try making your own, read on for our favorite recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

2 ripe Avocados
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Onions
Diced Jalapeños
Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Salt & Pepper
1 Lime
1 Orange

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare all ingredients and set-up your station.
In a medium-sized bowl, add fresh squeezed lime juice from one lime.
To add a little sweetness, we also like to squeeze ½ of a fresh orange.
Add a little bit of salt and pepper to the juice and mix that around in the bowl.
Slice & scoop out fresh avocado into the bowl.
Mush the avocado with a fork and mix with the juices and salt and pepper.
Add mix-ins (tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro) per your liking.
Mix all ingredients in the bowl and fold it over each other gently.

If you are craving some fresh guacamole, but not interested in making your own with our Guacamole How To – we can help with that! Iron Cactus is proud to offer Tableside Guacamole made by hand and tossed at the table according to your likes. It is one of our most popular items!

Best Fajitas

August 18, 2024

It is August 18 – also known as National Fajita Day! Once again, you search for the “Best Fajitas Near Me” and come up with a huge list of restaurants. But where do you start the celebration?

Look no further than Iron Cactus! Our two Texas locations offer bold, unique and flavorful Mexican dishes combined with amazing views, beautiful patios and historic locations. In Austin, we are in downtown on historic 6th Street and our San Antonio’s location is on the famous River Walk.

Our menu is the culmination of years of dedication and passion by our renowned chefs. One of our more popular items just happens to be our Sizzling Fajitas! We offer a variety of fajitas to please everyone’s taste. We have Certified Angus Beef® Skirt Steak, Tequila-Marinated Chicken Breast, Tequila Adobo-Marinated Shrimp, Combination Steak and Chicken, or Herb-Grilled Vegetables.

Our fajitas can be ordered for one person or for two! They come on a sizzling hot platter with both Mexican rice and beans. You will also receive shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. Plus, warm flour or corn tortillas of course!

While you are savoring your fajitas, make sure you complete your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail from our extensive menu. Tequila is our most popular spirit and we are proud to feature over 100 premium tequilas. You can even create your own margarita from any tequila, mixed with either Cointreau, Naranja Orange Liqueur or Gran Gala.

We also have over 20 specialty tequila cocktails if you are looking for a tried-and-true option! The exclusive Iron Cactus Double Barrel is made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. It is the perfect complement to any meal!

The next time you want to look for the “Best Fajitas Near Me” – skip the search and head to Iron Cactus! We will save you a seat.

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