San Antonio Archives - Iron Cactus

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!

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!

Join us for the San Antonio Ford Holiday River Parade

October 14, 2024

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, Toy Box Adventures, promises a whimsical and 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 29 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!

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.

San Antonio River Parade

February 23, 2024

Celebrate Fiesta San Antonio with Iron Cactus! With our prime spot on the River Walk, there’s no better place to witness the San Antonio River Parade. Enjoy the sights and sounds of decorated floats going by while dining from the special Fiesta Parade menu.

This year, Fiesta returns to San Antonio from April 18 through April 28. Fiesta has grown over the years to become a 10-day celebration with over 100 events. Enjoy music, food, sports, pageantry, exhibits and of course, parades!

The Texas Cavaliers River Parade is a popular event with over 250,00 people lining the banks to enjoy the event. Save yourself the struggle and reserve yourself a seat and a delicious meal at Iron Cactus. Reserve your spot here. You can choose from two seating options. Patio Dining includes a 2nd row seat for the parade. Main Dining includes a seat on the 1st row of the parade.

The special Fiesta Parade Menu includes Chicken and Steak Fajitas, Mexican Rice, Refried Beans, Chile Con Queso, Chips and Salsa. Plus – Mexican Donuts for dessert! You can also enjoy one of our premium tequilas or hand-crafted cocktails to complement your meal. Kids can order from the kids’ menu that includes a scoop of ice cream.

Make sure to mark your calendars for Fiesta this April, so you don’t miss the San Antonio River Parade! Join Iron Cactus on this occasion to celebrate Fiesta San Antonio alongside delicious food, tequila drinks, and an amazing view.

Cocktails on the River Walk in San Antonio

May 29, 2023

Come visit Iron Cactus for delicious cocktails on the River Walk in San Antonio! This summer, escape the heat by stopping by our establishment and enjoying a cool, refreshing drink. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat! Enjoy the view from our shaded patio with a view of the River Walk, boats, and the famous Selena Bridge, or step indoors for some air-conditioned fun. Either way, you can enjoy authentic Mexican food favorites like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas.

However, your experience isn’t complete without a taste from our award-winning tequila bar. In fact, we’ve been named one of the top tequila bars in the country. Sip on premium tequilas or have them mixed into our various margaritas, martinis, and specialty cocktails. You’re in luck because this season, we’ve updated our drink menu to add even more unique flavors.

From mixes you can’t find anywhere else to classic editions, the Iron Cactus drink selection has everything you need for a perfect night out. We’ve bolstered every aspect of the menu, including mezcal cocktails, frozen drinks, and wine, so you’re sure to find something new to try. Test out the Cactus Exclusive Tromba Barrel Select with orange liqueur, lime, and agave, or select our twist on the classic Pina Colada. No matter what you choose, we guarantee a good time at Iron Cactus.

This summer, relax, unwind, and enjoy yummy cocktails on the River Walk in San Antonio. With the gorgeous scenery, specialty drinks, and fantastic food, you’ll have a dining experience to remember. Thanks to Iron Cactus, your summer has never been more delicious.

Private Event Rooms in San Antonio

June 15, 2022

Looking for the perfect place to host your birthday party, corporate event, or wedding rehearsal dinner? Iron Cactus has the private event rooms in San Antonio for your next event! Iron Cactus offers 3 different, unique spaces for private and semi-private parties.

The Cactus Room and Agave Room offer a similar overall theme as the Mexican restaurant and can be used together or separately. Cactus Room seats up to 48 people and the Agave Room serves up to 72 people. These two rooms combined, serve 120 people or 168 cocktail style. These private event rooms in San Antonio include a private bar, white tablecloth and black napkins, a wireless microphone, and 70-inch flatscreen TV with HDMI inputs.

If you are looking for something more casual for your event, the upper dining area is an amazing choice. This area is semi-private and has windows that look to the patio and River Walk so you can still enjoy the lively atmosphere. The upper dining area seats up to 40 people or 70 people cocktail style.

Are these options not big enough for you? Not a problem, you can rent out the entire restaurant! This entirely private event seats up to 500 people, has 3 private bars, and includes the beautiful outdoor patio. Iron Cactus also has private rooms available in Downtown Austin. Fill out the event request form here and let’s get the celebration started at Iron Cactus!

Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio

January 5, 2017

Did you know that finding the right Mexican restaurants in San Antonio could be a healthy escape for your New Year’s resolution? Iron Cactus is one of few award winning Mexican restaurants in San Antonio that serves up fresh, made from scratch dishes that is perfect for your New Year’s resolutions. It’s time to start burning fat and eating healthy at Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant in San Antonio…your destination for nutritious and delicious food.

When searching for Mexican Restaurants Near Me, be sure to click on Iron Cactus in the results. You won’t be disappointed.

For instance, Iron Cactus makes all of our own guacamole from scratch. Did you know that avocados are full of healthy nutrients and have more potassium than a banana? Avocados are also full of heart-healthy Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and eating avocados can help lower your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels. Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurants in San Antonio uses only the freshest avocados in our house made guacamole and dishes. Try our delicious table-side guacamole made with fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and citrus. You can see this in our Mexican restaurants in San Antonio menu.

Fish and seafood are also great alternatives for living a heart-healthy, low fat diet. Fresh seafood can help you maintain a healthy heart, ease arthritis symptoms, and helps boost brainpower. Iron Cactus in San Antonio offers numerous fresh seafood dishes that are sure to please your taste buds and your waist line. Try our Pescado Del Mar. This dish features seared Mahi Mahi, jumbo shrimp, bay scallops and sautéed spinach for that extra delicious touch of greens (a great source of iron).

If you’re cutting out carbs or looking for a gluten-free menu, then Iron Cactus has you covered. Try our Pepper-Crusted Tuna or our amazing Pollo Verde featuring roasted corn, chorizo, green chilies, black beans and more. If you are counting carbs, on the Atkins diet, or in the zone…Iron Cactus is your best Mexican restaurant in San Antonio offering a robust gluten-free menu.

Ring in the New Year and new you by enjoying a fresh meal from Iron Cactus in San Antonio. When looking for Mexican restaurants in San Antonio, look for the ones that can help you eat healthy while also tasting delicious. With food this good, you have no excuse to give up on your resolutions.

Iron Cactus is located on the San Antonio Riverwalk at 200 River Walk Suite-100, San Antonio, TX, 78205

Remembering the Heroes of 9/11

September 11, 2014

It’s been 13 years today since the Twin Towers in New York City crumbled to the ground and forever changed our way of life. As we commemorate 9/11, we, at Iron Cactus, salute our own brave firefighters.

Iron Cactus Firefighting Crew

Last Sunday, we sponsored a team of firefighters, who honor their fallen brethren by climbing the equivalent of 110-stories at a building in downtown Austin. What is known as the Memorial Stair Climb for Texas Firewalkers, our team and the rest of the firefighters who participated, carried their full firefighting gear walking up 110-stories. They do this Memorial Stair Climb every year to honor the 343 brave heroes of the FDNY. Say thank you and hug a firefighter today. Never Forget!

Iron-Cactus-Gluten-Free-Plate-stacked pork enchiladas

Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good!

June 26, 2013

Gluten-free is not just a diet craze.

According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, about 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease. For these individuals, staying gluten-free is a matter of life and death.

The rest of the population who are going on a gluten-free diet are doing so because they may be gluten sensitive or simply want to cut the amount of gluten foods they eat. Removing gluten from one’s diet may benefit some more than others.

In a recent article in CNN.com by Dr. Arthur Agatson, author of The South Beach Diet Gluten Solution, he declares that “as a society, we are in a state of ‘gluten overload,’ and millions of people of all ages and all walks of life are suffering as a result of a condition that was recognized only a few years ago, called gluten sensitivity.” [To view the complete article, please click here.]

One common complaint by many who have decided to try being gluten-free is the lack of taste in gluten-free dishes. At Iron Cactus, its gluten-free menu includes dishes that even the non-gluten-free guest would find delicious.

“We want to ensure that our gluten-free guests are able to experience the same tasty dishes that we create for our non-gluten-free guests, “said Iron Cactus Executive Chef Jaime Chozet. “Our gluten-free menu includes appetizers, entrées and desserts.”

The stacked pork enchiladas is one of the many gluten-free menu items at Iron Cactus.

Iron Cactus has been serving gluten-free dishes since 2008, years before other restaurants started to offer it.

So if you’re gluten-free, be sure to check out our gluten-free menu the next time you visit Iron Cactus.

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