Mexican Restaurants Downtown Austin Archives

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!

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!

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.

Mexican Restaurants Downtown Austin

February 13, 2020

As times change, tastes change. There’s always a rush to crown the next greatest cuisine, but there are some flavors that stand the test of time. And the biggest flavor that will never go out of favor is that of delicious Mexican dishes. So when you’re considering the many delicious offerings at the Mexican restaurants downtown Austin has to offer, make sure you choose the Iron Cactus for fine Mexican dining.

Something great about the cuisine at Iron Cactus is that you’ll always find flavors that suit all tastes and palates, whether you seek unique or comforting offerings. Want to get a taste of something other Mexican restaurants downtown Austin won’t offer? Why not order up some Picadillo Purses? Wrapped in crispy phyllo dough, you’ll find seasoned ground sirloin melded perfectly with roasted corn, carrots and pepper jack cheese. Once you pop one of these morsels in your mouth, you won’t want to stop. Or why not enjoy a perfect combination of seafood and Mexican flavors with our fresh mussels? Steamed fresh and topped with a charred tomato butter sauce and serrano peppers, this dish will dance along your tongue and leave a smile on your face.

Comfort comes in many flavors at the Iron Cactus as well. The Mexican restaurants downtown Austin has to offer would have a hard time reaching the height of comfort you’ll get from trying our delectable Mexican Meatloaf. 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 to create a meal that evokes home cooking and Mexican sensibilities at the same time. Try it and see how delicious and comforting the Iron Cactus can be! Join us for dining today at our Downtown Austin location at 606 Trinity Street, Austin, TX 78701.

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Where to Find the Best Enchiladas

Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown Austin

Authentic Mexican Food

Mexican Restaurants Downtown Austin