River Walk Restaurants Archives

The Best Seed Oil Free Restaurants in San Antonio: Where to Eat Clean & Flavorful

November 14, 2025

Looking for a seed oil free restaurant in San Antonio that truly cares about what’s in your food? Say hello to Iron Cactus on the River Walk!

At Iron Cactus, they’ve made the switch to a 100% seed‑oil‑free kitchen. No canola oil, no soybean oil, no corn oil. Instead, the kitchen uses high‑quality alternatives like avocado oil and extra virgin olive oil for cooking, sautéing, and dressings.

Why Seed Oil Free Matters

Many restaurants cook with industrial seed oils, like canola or soybean, because they’re cheap and widely available. However, these oils are highly processed and rich in omega‑6 fats, which some health experts say can lead to inflammation and other health issues. Choosing a restaurant that avoids seed oils means you’re opting for cleaner fats and often a more mindful menu.

Iron Cactus delivers exactly that. With their seed‑oil‑free approach, you get bold Mexican flavors without the compromise to health. Whether you’re ordering sizzling fajitas or fresh salads – the cooking oils are clean, and the taste is delicious.

And yes, they still deliver the fun of a Mexican restaurant: tableside guacamole, flavorful queso, and even a wide tequila selection. But now it’s paired with a kitchen that takes your wellness seriously!

Make the Healthy Choice Without Sacrificing Flavor

If you’re looking for a seed oil free restaurant in San Antonio and one that goes beyond simply offering salads, Iron Cactus is a standout. It proves that eating clean doesn’t have to be boring or bland. It can be vibrant, flavorful, and fun.

So next time you crave Mexican food, head to Iron Cactus, where clean oils meet bold flavors and your health gets a nod too.

Join us for the San Antonio Ford Holiday River Parade

September 14, 2025

Start a new tradition this Holiday season and make plans for the San Antonio River Parade! Santa Clause and the Mrs. are back this year to kick off the holiday season along the San Antonio River Walk. This year’s theme, Merry Movie Magic, promises a magical experience for all ages.

The Ford Holiday River Parade occurs each year on the day after Thanksgiving. Festivities kick off this year on Friday, November 28 at 6pm. This one-hour parade includes 27 beautifully illuminated floats and 5 entertainment floats. Not to mention, the over 100,000 holiday lights that brighten the River Walk when the sun goes down!

The best way to experience the River Parade is to pair it with a great dinner at Iron Cactus! Our dinner packages offer the best view and menu to accompany the sights and sounds of the parade. Tickets for adults includes appetizers, entrees and desserts – all served buffet style. Kids can dine from the standard children’s menu.

Start your meal with some chips and our famous Iron Salsa and Queso. Top off your plate with our Iron Salad made with seasonal greens, roasted corn and tomatillo relish, cotija cheese and tortilla strips.

For your main course, enjoy our sizzling fajitas made with certified Angus Beef Skirt Steak and Tequila-Marinated Chicken Breast. There will also be Cheese Enchiladas, Mexican Rice and Refried Beans to round out your meal.

Last, but not least, Indulge your sweet tooth with our Mexican Donuts for dessert! Made with house made sweet cream filling, powdered sugar and Kahlúa fudge sauce – they are not to be missed!

Don’t miss out on this fun holiday tradition – reserve your spot now for the San Antonio River Parade! We can’t wait to celebrate the holidays at the River Walk with you!

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!

Best Brunch on the River Walk

April 14, 2025

Start your Sunday with the Best Brunch on the River Walk at Iron Cactus. Whether you’re visiting San Antonio, or you’ve lived here for years, the Sunday Brunch at Iron Cactus should not be missed.

At Iron Cactus, we go above and beyond the typical Sunday brunch. Our amazing à la carte menu is the best value in town, featuring your favorite brunch staples and Mexican classics. The best part is brunch is available from 11am through 2pm, so there is no rush to start your day.

Our brunch menu provides something to suit everyone’s tastes. Enjoy classic favorites with a twist, like our Iron Omelet or Mexican Eggs Benedict. 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.

Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try for the Belgian Waffle or Pancakes. Both come with bacon or sausage and a fresh fruit cup on the side.

Let us also not forget about a fantastic brunch cocktail to complement your meal! Start with our classic Mimosa made with Champagne and Orange Juice. Plus – you can get up to three $1 mimosa refills. Or indulge with 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.

You can choose to enjoy your brunch on our beautiful patio overlooking the River Walk, the boats and the famous Selena bridge. Or dine in the upper dining area with floor to ceiling windows that look out to the patio and river. It is the perfect way to view the lively atmosphere of the River Walk but still have a bit of privacy.

Come see for yourself why Iron Cactus is a great choice when looking for the Best Brunch on the River Walk. We hope to see you soon!

Fiesta 2025 San Antonio River Parade

March 19, 2025

Fiesta 2025 is almost here and that means so is the Fiesta San Antonio Parade! If you are looking for a package with the best view and the best menu – look no further. Iron Cactus has you covered!

About Fiesta

Fiesta® San Antonio dates back to 1891 and started as a one-parade event. More than a century later, Fiesta continues to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures that make up San Antonio. The most popular event each year is the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. The parade began in 1941 after Texas Cavaliers were inspired by the boats and barges decorated with flowers in Mexico City. Now, over 250,000 spectators annually visit the River Walk to watch it come to live the first Monday of Fiesta each year in April. The parade and all money raised supports local children’s charities through the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation.

Fiesta River Parade Package

This year’s parade takes place on Monday, April 28 from 6pm-9pm. Enjoy the sights and sounds of decorated floats going by while dining from the special Fiesta Parade menu at Iron Cactus. Tickets for adults includes appetizers, entrees and desserts – all served buffet style. Kids can dine from the standard children’s menu.

Your meal with start with some chips and the famous Iron Salsa and Queso. Enjoy an Iron Salad made with seasonal greens, roasted corn and tomatillo relish, cotija cheese and tortilla strips. The main course includes sizzling fajitas made with certified Angus Beef Skirt Steak and Tequila-Marinated Chicken Breast. There will also be Cheese Enchiladas, Mexican Rice and Refried Beans to round out your meal. Plus – indulge your sweet tooth with Mexican Donuts for dessert! Featuring house made sweet cream filling, powdered sugar and Kahlúa fudge sauce – they are not to be missed!

Don’t miss out on this fun annual tradition – reserve your spot now for the Fiesta San Antonio Parade!

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!

Best Mexican Food on the River Walk

April 29, 2024

San Antonio always ranks as a top travel destination for both in-state and out-of-state travelers. Did you know that the River Walk recently made the top 20 list of beautiful sights around the world? When you plan your visit, do not forget to stop, and enjoy the best Mexican food on the River Walk at Iron Cactus!

This local favorite restaurant offers a lively atmosphere, flavorful Mexican dishes, and refreshing cocktails. Enjoy the outdoor patio and take in the scenic views of the world-famous Selena bridge. Sip on a freshly made Cactus exclusive margarita while watching the boats float by on the historic river.

Start your meal off with some chile con queso or the tableside guacamole! Both are served with fresh chips and the hand-tossed guacamole is made to your liking with avocados, onions, peppers, tomatoes, citrus and cilantro.

For your main course, try one of our specialty items such as Stuffed Avocado, Pescado Del Mar, and Southwest Paella. You cannot go wrong with our sizzling fajitas! Choose from high-quality options such as certified Angus beef® skirt steak, tequila-marinated chicken or shrimp, and herb-grilled vegetables. Each platter contains everything you could ever want in a fajita, including your choice of flour or corn tortillas. Not only do they come with Mexican rice and beans, but they’re also accompanied by shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and sour cream at no extra cost.

A meal is not complete, without a hand-crafted specialty cocktail from our extensive drink menu! With over 100 tequilas to choose from, sip on premium tequilas, in a flight or mixed into a custom margarita. The Cantarito is a San Antonio cactus exclusive drink with El Jimador Reposado, fresh lime, orange, and grapefruit soda. It also comes in a souvenir cup!

When you finish enjoying your meal, you can go right back to strolling through the picturesque scenery San Antonio has to be offer. So be sure to stop by Iron Cactus when you’re looking for the best Mexican food on the River Walk.

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 in San Antonio. With brunch running 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.

San Antonio River Walk Restaurant

December 28, 2023

No visit to San Antonio is complete without a stop at an iconic San Antonio River Walk Restaurant! 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!

Iron Cactus sits in a prime location, with a beautiful patio overlooking the River Walk, the boats and the famous Selena bridge. There are great views from both the patio and inside the restaurant. The upper dining area has floor to ceiling windows that look out to the patio and river. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the River Walk but still have a bit of privacy.

Iron Cactus is a great spot to enjoy a meal or just grab a drink and an appetizer. The tableside guacamole is a must and is made fresh and hand-tossed to your liking with avocados, onions, peppers, tomatoes, citrus, and cilantro. Looking for something a little more filling? Try one of our specialty items such as Stuffed Avocado, Pescado Del Mar, or the Southwest Paella. The Stuffed Avocado is a favorite and features smoked chicken, blended cheeses, verde sauce, Mexican rice, and your choice of beans.

Our drink menu also has an option for everyone! Choose from a variety of specialty cocktails, tequila flights, wine, and beer. Cantarito is a San Antonio cactus exclusive drink with El Jimador Reposado, fresh lime, orange, and grapefruit soda. It also comes in a souvenir cup! Another cactus exclusive drink is the Iron Cactus Double Barrel with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. These are just two of the many tasty drinks to enjoy on the patio!

Come see for yourself why Iron Cactus is a great choice when looking for a San Antonio River Walk Restaurant! Lunch and dinner is served daily and we even offer brunch every Sunday from 11am-2pm.

A seed-oil-free restaurant

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