Austin Downtown Restaurants Archives

Where to get Sunday Brunch in Downtown Austin

December 27, 2024

Sixth Street may be known for its bar scene, but did you know you can also get Sunday Brunch in Downtown Austin? Iron Cactus, located in the heart of Downtown Austin on the corner of 6th Street and Trinity is home to an amazing a la carte Sunday Brunch!

Every Sunday starting at 11am through 3pm, you can enjoy favorite brunch staples and Mexican classics. In the mood for something sweet? The Belgian Waffle comes with whipped cream and strawberries and a side of bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit cup. We also have pancakes!

If something savory is more your speed – you cannot go wrong with the Mexican Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Relleno or Migas. Our Migas is made with scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, pico de gallo and mixed cheese. You also get corn tortillas, refried beans and fried seasoned potatoes on the side.

There are even options for those looking for a healthier choice! The Egg White Omelet comes with avocado, tomato, and cilantro. The Vegetarian Omelet is full of spinach, red and green bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, and cheddar cheese – plus avocado slices and verde salsa on top. Both come with a fresh fruit cup and fried seasoned potatoes.

No brunch is complete without a cocktail to round out your meal. Our classic Mimosa comes with Champagne and Orange Juice. Plus – you can even get up to three $1 mimosa refills. What a great deal!

Want something a little stronger? Try one of our other classic brunch drinks like a Texas Bloody Mary or a Bloody Maria. The Mexican Coffee is another favorite! It is the perfect combination of fresh coffee, Blanco Tequila, agave, cinnamon, and topped with fresh crème.

Whether you’re visiting or you’ve lived here for years, Iron Cactus is a must-see for Sunday brunch in Downtown Austin.

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!

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.

Cocktail Bars in Austin

July 14, 2024

It may be known for its live music, but did you know there are hundreds of Cocktail Bars in Austin? If you are feeling overwhelmed – start with the Iron Cactus! A local favorite since 1996 and located in the heart of Downtown Austin.

Named one of the top 10 tequila bars in the country, Iron Cactus offers over 100 premium tequilas on its menu. From silver tequila to añejo tequila, cristalino and we even have mezcal! Enjoy your favorite tequila in a flight, a hand-crafted cocktail or mixed into one of our famous margaritas.

Not sure where to start? Choose from one of over 20 tequila cocktails on the menu, including our specialty Cactus Exclusive drinks. A favorite is our Iron Cactus Double Barrel margarita made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave. Or try our newest Cactus Exclusive drink made with Cristalino tequila! The Cristanlino Barrel Reserve features Maestro Dobel Barrel Reserve, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave.

If Tequila is not your liquor of choice – we also have you covered. Our signature cocktails feature a variety of vodka, bourbon, rum and whiskey liquor. There is truly something for everyone at Iron Cactus!

When the weather heats up, a frozen cocktail is always welcome! Enjoy an Original Margarita as it comes or make it your own with a custom swirl or top off! For only $2 extra you can swirl your frozen margarita with strawberry, mango, prickly pear or peach. Then you can top it off with Cointreau, Magdala Orange Liqueur or Chambord for an extra $3. For your non-tequila lovers, we also offer a frozen Piña Colada or Frośe.

The next time you are looking for Cocktail Bars in Austin, make sure you plan to visit the Iron Cactus. Our bar is open daily until 11pm. We also offer great Happy Hour deals on weekdays from 3PM-6PM!

Austin Mexican Restaurant

March 18, 2024

Austin is famous for many things. Live Music, The University of Texas and of course – food! You cannot come to visit without eating at an iconic Austin Mexican Restaurant like Iron Cactus. Located in the heart of Downtown Austin on historic 6th street, the location cannot be beat.

Open every day for lunch and dinner, you can dine inside our restaurant or on the rooftop patio with views of 6th street and the downtown skyline. Start off your meal with a refreshing cocktail from our extensive drink menu. Featuring hand-crafted tequila cocktails and over 100 premium tequilas – there is a reason we were voted one of the top tequila bars in the United States.

Certainly, every meal should begin with an appetizer. Enjoy traditional favorites like Chile Con Queso and our famous Tableside Guacamole hand-tossed to perfection. Or try some of our more innovative options like the Pork Tamale Pops. Made with moist pork, flavorful tamale masa, jalapeños, and pepper jack. It is a fun, unique twist on a classic!

Moving onto the entrée – there are so many to choose from! Undeniably, you cannot go wrong with one of our Sizzling Fajitas. Choose from Angus beef skirt steak, tequila-marinated chicken, shrimp, or herb-grilled veggie fajitas. Other house favorites include the Stuffed Avocado, Mexican Meatloaf, and Baja Fish Tacos.

Additionally, we even have options for your vegan friends and family – our Vegan Tacos! Made with portabella mushrooms, black beans, lettuce, fresh avocado, sun-dried tomatoes, and pico de gallo.

Lastly, make sure to leave room for dessert! Enjoy the vanilla bean expresso crème brulee with fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries. Also, try our twist on a classic dessert – the margarita key lime tartlet.

With a deep passion for creating flavorful Mexican dishes, Iron Cactus stands apart as the premier Austin Mexican Restaurant. Check out the full lunch and dinner menu here and make your reservation today!

Austin’s Favorite Cocktail Bars

February 15, 2024

Austin is home for live music, college football, Mexican food and of course, Austin Cocktail Bars! Located in the heart of Downtown Austin on historic 6th Street, Iron Cactus is the perfect place to start your night out on the town. A local favorite for over two decades, Iron Cactus is known for its contemporary Mexican cuisine, as well as its premium tequilas and hand-crafted cocktails.

There is truly something for everyone at Iron Cactus! Enjoy one of over twenty delicious tequila cocktails – including the exclusive Cactus Double Barrel Margarita or the popular Strawberry Cactus cocktail. You can even upgrade select drinks on the menu into a Mexican Martini if that is more you speed! No matter what you choose, we guarantee a good time at Iron Cactus.

Looking for something a bit more special? The drink menu offers over 100 premium tequilas to taste – from silver, to reposado to añejo, mezcal and even cristalino! If you are unsure where to start, try a tequila flight! Each tequila flight comes with three 1 oz. glasses of Blanco, Reposado and Añejo Tequilas.

Once you find your favorite tequila – make it into a margarita! For only an additional $2.50 – you can create a margarita from any tequila on the menu, complete with your choice of Naranja Orange Liqueur, Gran Gala, or Cointreau. Not a tequila fan? Try one of our hand-crafted Signature Cocktails made with vodka, bourbon, rum and more.

The next time you are Downtown and looking for the best of Austin Cocktail Bars – stop by the Iron Cactus! Enjoy Happy Hour deals on weekdays from 3PM-6PM and the bar is even open every day until midnight! Come see why the Iron Cactus stands apart as the premier Mexican restaurant and drinking destination in Austin!

Sunday Brunch Near Me

January 29, 2024

The weekend is just around the corner and when you search for Sunday Brunch near me – be sure to pick Iron Cactus! Iron Cactus serves à la carte brunch every Sunday starting at 11am at both of our locations. With brunch running in Austin till 3pm and San Antonio until 2pm, you will have ample time to join us with your crew! Whether you are an early bird to brunch or you prefer to sleep in late, let the day happen at a leisurely place at Iron Cactus.

No matter what time you arrive, you will find your favorite brunch staples and Mexican classics. Whether you are you craving something sweet or savory for brunch – our brunch menu has options for both! If you want something sweet go with the Belgian Waffle or Pancakes. Both come with bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit cup on the side.

If you are looking for something more savory – try the Mexican Eggs Benedict, Iron Omelet, or the Breakfast Relleno. The migas is another popular choice! Made with scrambled eggs, tortilla strips, pico de gallo and mixed cheese served with corn tortillas. You also get refried beans and fried seasoned potatoes on the side.

What is brunch without a cocktail to complete your meal? Start with our classic Mimosa made with Champagne and Orange Juice. Plus – you can get up to three $1 mimosa refills. What a great deal! Or try one of our other classic brunch drinks like a Texas Bloody Mary or a Bloody Maria. The Mexican Coffee is another favorite! It is the perfect combination of freshly brewed coffee, Blanco Tequila, agave, cinnamon, and topped with fresh crème.

The next time you ask yourself, “where can I find a great Sunday brunch near me,” let your taste buds guide you to Iron Cactus Grab your friends, bring your appetite and get ready to relax and enjoy a brunch worth your time and money.

A dimly lit city street at night with street lights

Downtown Austin Mexican Restaurants

October 6, 2023

Searching for Downtown Austin Mexican restaurants? Iron Cactus is here to make your day! Located in the heart of the iconic 6th street district, we’ve been a local favorite Austin Mexican restaurant for over two decades. In fact, we’ve perfected our craft and continued to deliver the best Mexican food in the city.

As a contemporary Mexican food restaurant, our cuisine is as authentic as it is delicious. Our comprehensive menus include lunch, dinner, and brunch options alongside the extensive drink menu. Enjoy traditional favorites like Tableside Guacamole, Chicken Fajitas, and Tortilla Soup.

Our bold, unique flavors, like our new Vegan Tacos with portabella mushrooms and Crab-Stuffed Jalapeños, set us apart from the rest. We just updated the menu, so there’s a whole new selection of dishes for you to taste and savor. This includes Mexican Meatloaf made from Angus sirloin and chorizo, Stuffed Avocado, and Pollo Relleno stuffed chicken breasts.

One of the best parts of the unique Iron Cactus experience is our location. With us, you can enjoy the happenings on 6th Street without having to join in the fray. Dine in the gorgeous restaurant interior, which features industrialized nineteenth century décor, private event spaces, and a warm atmosphere. Not to mention, you can also choose to watch the world below from the skies on our 3rd floor rooftop patio.

This view overlooks the 6th Street district and the downtown skyline. There is a bar on the patio as well as our full menu so you can take in dinner, drinks and the unforgettable scenery. There’s a reason this is the spot the TV stations visit when it’s time for New Year’s, Halloween or Mardi Gras celebrations. In fact, we’re at the intersection of fun and Austin!

Visit Iron Cactus for one of the best Downtown Austin Mexican restaurants. We’re a city staple and a premier location for good food, good vibes, and good company!

Best Tequila Bar in Austin

July 25, 2023

Searching for the best tequila bar in Austin? Iron Cactus is the answer! Located in the heart of Downtown Austin, we are a local favorite. When you want delicious Mexican food and yummy drinks, we’re the restaurant to stop by. Our unique experience is second to none, and there’s a reason we’ve been voted one of the Top 10 Tequila Bars in the U.S. by many publications. Our restaurant is any tequila fan’s paradise!

Iron Cactus offers over 100 premium tequilas to taste or have mixed into margaritas and martinis. Try a specialty tequila cocktail from our drink menu or create something that’s all your own. For an additional $2.50, you can create a margarita from any tequila on the menu, complete with your choice of Naranja Orange Liqueur, Gran Gala, or Cointreau.

With over 20 tequila cocktails for you to sip on, there’s truly something for everyone at Iron Cactus. This summer, we even updated our drink menu, adding brand new tequilas to our stacked selection. Check out our Cristalino Flights or the recent additions to the specialty tequila section.

Iron Cactus is a city staple, and we just keep getting better and better. To sweeten the deal, we have a bar inside and one on the rooftop patio, so you can take in the view of historic 6th Street while you drink and enjoy. We also offer great Happy Hour deals on weekdays from 3PM-6PM. Stop by Iron Cactus to see the best tequila bar in Austin!

Father’s Day Brunch

June 9, 2023

Bring your dad over to Iron Cactus to celebrate Father’s Day brunch! Before you get ready to fire up the grill, barbecue, and relax in the beautiful summer weather, a good brunch is a great way to kick off the day. Dine with us to celebrate your loved ones and enjoy one of the best restaurants in Austin. As you spend quality time with your family, experience a delicious and delightful meal that you’ll never forget!

At Iron Cactus, we go above and beyond the typical Sunday brunch. Whether your party includes the extended family, multiple generations, or it’s just you and the kids this year, our brunch menu provides something to suit everyone’s tastes. In fact, our contemporary Mexican food includes meals to impress every type of dad. Satisfy a sweet tooth with yummy Waffles and Pancakes or savor classic favorites like Omelets and Migas that you know and love.

Additionally, check out our specialty dishes that are twists on traditional fare such as Mexican Eggs Benedict and Breakfast Relleno. Plus, no brunch is complete without a refreshing Mimosa, savory Bloody Mary, or any of our signature 100% Agave Margaritas or Tequila cocktails. If you’re searching for a private Father’s Day dining experience, then look no further. Our Austin restaurant has private event spaces and dining which are a unique setting for your special event. Contact us today to book your own!

This June, stop by Iron Cactus for Father’s Day brunch. It’s the perfect thoughtful touch to a day dedicated to the fathers in your life. After all, dads love brunch too!

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