Austin Downtown Restaurants Archives

Raise Your Glass: Celebrate National Tequila Day at Iron Cactus

July 21, 2025

Our favorite holiday of the year is here – National Tequila Day! Every July 24, there is no better place to celebrate than Iron Cactus. Featuring some of the best contemporary Mexican food, Iron Cactus is the premier local hot spot for visitors and locals alike.

Iron Cactus isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a tequila experience. We have been rated a Top 10 Tequila bar in the country and our menu includes over 100 premium tequilas! Enjoy our tequilas in a custom margarita, as part of a curated tequila flight or just on its own.

We also have several other tequila cocktails to choose from if margaritas are not your thing. Like the Tequila Old Fashioned featuring Maestro Dobel Añejo, simple syrup, Angostura Bitters. Or a personal favorite of mine – the NEW Mexpresso Martini featuring Altos Plata, Kahlua, espresso, creamer. No matter your choice, your drink will be handcrafted by our expert bartenders and the perfect way to toast to National Tequila Day!

Iron Cactus pairs its expansive tequila selection with unique and flavorful Mexican dishes. Start your meal with our famous table-side guacamole, fixed fresh to your taste right at your table. For your entrée, enjoy classics like our sizzling fajitas, house favorites like our Mexican Meatloaf or Stuffed Avocado. You also cannot go wrong with our enchiladas – choose from veggie, cheese, shrimp, brisket, chicken and the stacked pork ones.

Whether you are rooftop lounging in downtown Austin on famous 6th Street or taking in the sights along San Antonio’s River Walk, Iron Cactus delivers the perfect ambiance for your day. Come for the tequila, stay for the memories! Make National Tequila Day a holiday to remember this year!

Things To Do in Downtown Austin

March 19, 2025

Downtown Austin is more than just skyscrapers and offices – it is full of fantastic places to spend your day. Read on for the Top Things to Do in Downtown Austin that should be on your list.

SATISFY YOUR APPETITE… AND THIRST

Voodoo Doughnuts
Portland’s iconic doughnuts have made its mark in Austin. This counter-serve bakeshop serves creative donuts in a colorful, quirky environment. Favorites include the Voodoo Doll, Bacon Maple Bar, Grape Ape and Dirt Doughnut.

Iron Cactus
In the mood for Mexican? Iron Cactus is the place to go. Its contemporary Mexican cuisine menu includes favorites like fajitas and margaritas. Plus, the rooftop patio has great views of downtown!

The Driskill Bar
The Driskill Hotel is one of Austin’s most iconic landmarks. Opened in 1886, it is known for its architectural style and its famous “ghost” stories. The bar located inside the hotel exudes sophistication and class. It is the perfect spot for a nightcap.

HAVE FUN

Esther’s Follies
A staple in the Austin scene since 1977, Esther’s Follies is a must-visit in Austin since 1977. Its unique comedy performances combine sketch comedy, musical numbers and political satire. Known for its commitment to showcasing Austin’s unique and eclectic culture, it is guaranteed to bring the laughs!

Comedy Mothership
Austin’s newest venue located in the heart of 6th Street (right next to Iron Cactus). Comedy Mothership offers a mix of stand-up shows, live podcasts, and special events. Did we mention that Joe Rogan is the owner?

DANCE AND SING THE NIGHT AWAY

Antone’s Nightclub
Holding a special place in Austin’s music history, Antone’s is often referred to as “The Home of the Blues” in the city. Located on East 5th Street, you will find live shows catering to fans of the blues, soul, rock and R&B.

Mohawk Austin
Located in the Red River Cultural District, Mohawk has become a cornerstone in the city since opening in 2010. The industrial-chic venue features an indoor and outdoor stage with an intimate feel. It is popular for showcasing Austin’s indie and underground music scenes.

No matter where you end up – you will be sure to find so many Things to Do in Downtown Austin.

Where to Find the Best Enchiladas

February 17, 2025

Enchiladas can be traced back to 1831 in the United States and to this day – they are still a popular choice at Mexican restaurants. Before you start your next search for “best enchiladas near me,” start at Iron Cactus. With six delicious options to choose from, you are sure to find one to delight your taste buds.

Did you know the word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish verb enchilar? It means “to add chili”. By definition, an enchilada is a Mexican dish consisting of a corn tortilla rolled around a filling and covered with a savory sauce.

At Iron Cactus, choose from six fillings topped with five house-made sauces to complement. Our chicken enchiladas feature white meat chicken cooked low and slow with an assortment of Mexican spices. The chicken mixes with spicy, savory hatch green chiles in fresh-made tortillas. Most important, it features a delicious verde sauce with tomatillos, onions and peppers and topped with a blanket of Monterrey Jack cheese.

For the seafood lover, there are shrimp enchiladas featuring a lobster cream sauce. If BBQ is more your thing, go for the Brisket Enchiladas that feature smoked brisket and a chocolate chipotle sauce. There are also classic cheese enchiladas with red chile sauce.

Looking for a healthier alternative? Try the veggie enchiladas featuring a charred tomato butter sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. All things considered, a personal favorite of mine is the Stacked Pork Enchiladas! Combine tortillas, pork carnitas, Monterey Jack cheese, verde sauce and a fried egg. They are stacked to perfection and offer a unique twist to a classic dish.

So, the next time you want to look for the “best enchiladas near me” – skip the search and head to Iron Cactus! In Austin, you can find us in the heart of historic 6th street in Downtown. In San Antonio, we are located on the famous River Walk. We will save you a seat!

Celebrate National Margarita Day at Iron Cactus

February 7, 2025

February 22 is a special day each year. Also known as National Margarita Day, this annual holiday is the perfect excuse to indulge in a margarita (or two) at Iron Cactus!

Start your day with a Cactus Exclusive margarita handcrafted by our highly trained bartenders. By all means the most popular margarita and a classic choice is our Iron Cactus Double Barrel. It features Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. Or try our newest margarita – the Cristalino Barrel Reserve. It features Maestro Dobel Barrel Reserve, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave.

If you are looking for a spin on a traditional margarita, try the Mezcal Margarita! It features Palomo Joven, Naranja Orange Liqueur, fresh lime, and agave. You can also customize any margarita to your liking with any of the over one-hundred types of tequila on the menu. From Don Julio to Casamigos, Herradura to Codigo 1530 – Iron Cactus has it all! Choose from blanco, reposado, añejo, cristalino or mezcal. Once you make your selection, add a choice of Cointreau, Naranja Orange Liqueur or Gran Gala to top off your drink.

Looking for something frostier? Iron Cactus has frozen margaritas too! Enjoy an original frozen margarita made with Torado Silver tequila and triple sec. Looking to cut calories? Try a top shelf skinny made with Tromba Blanco, sugar free triple sec, fresh lime and agave.

Take your frozen drink a step further by customizing it! For $2, add a swirl of strawberry, mango, peach or prickly pear. What’s more, you can even top off your frozen margarita with Cointreau, Magdala Orange Liqueur or Chambord for just $3. Check out the full drink menu here.

Iron Cactus also features numerous other signature cocktails, wine, and beer in case margaritas are not your favorite. In any event, you will be sure to have a good time at Iron Cactus. It is no wonder that Iron Cactus is a popular choice to celebrate National Margarita Day in Austin and San Antonio.

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!

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!

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SATISFY YOUR APPETITE… AND THIRST

HAVE FUN

DANCE AND SING THE NIGHT AWAY