San Antonio River Walk Mexican 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.

Mexican Food Catering in San Antonio: Bringing the Fiesta to You

October 16, 2025

Planning an event in San Antonio? No matter the occasion, Iron Cactus makes it easy to serve up bold flavors and unforgettable hospitality with our full-service Mexican food catering.

At Iron Cactus, we’ve been perfecting our craft for nearly 30 years and now we bring that same passion straight to your event. From sizzling fajitas to creamy queso and our signature margaritas, we offer the best of our menu in a way that’s fully customizable.

We proudly cater:

Weddings and rehearsal dinners
Office lunches and corporate parties
Private celebrations and birthdays
Holiday events and fundraisers

Full-Service Catering You Can Count On

Our San Antonio catering team handles everything, so you don’t have to! We offer full-service setup, staffing, and cleanup for a seamless experience. Need bartenders? No problem. Want a taco bar or fajita buffet? We’ve got you. We’ll even help customize your menu to match your dietary needs or preferences.

Our food is made using high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite bursts with authentic Mexican flavor. Whether you’re serving 20 guests or 200, we deliver the same commitment to excellence we’re known for at our River Walk location.

Book Your Catering Today

Make your next event a true fiesta with Mexican food catering from Iron Cactus in San Antonio. Request a quote on our website and start planning today. Great food, great service, and zero stress. We bring the party to you!

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!

It’s Not Too Soon to Book Your Holiday Party at Iron Cactus

August 29, 2025

Are you someone who plans ahead for the holidays? Well – you should be! It might not feel like it, but the holidays are just around the corner! This means that the most memorable holiday parties in Austin and San Antonio get reserved months in advance. At Iron Cactus, we make it easy to host a festive celebration that your guests will talk about well into the new year.

Why Book Your Holiday Party Early?

The number one reason to book early is to make sure you get the date you want! Prime dates in November and December fill up fast—especially for large groups. Whether your holiday party is for your company, family, clients or friends – securing your ideal time and space now ensures a stress-free celebration later. Beat the rush and get first pick of our private and semi-private rooms in Austin and San Antonio.

Austin

Our Downtown Austin location offers the best view of historic 6th Street! The 2nd Floor Mezzanine event space is a casual setting, perfect for smaller cocktail-style events. This area is semi-private and overlooks the main dining room. If you need more privacy, The Cactus Room maintains the same industrialized nineteenth century décor as the restaurant and accommodates up to 90+ guests.

You can also reserve our 3rd floor rooftop patio for your event. Featuring a fully enclosed interior cocktail and bar area, plus access to a large exterior patio. The exterior patio is also equipped with fully radiant heaters, motorized sectional shades, and wind screens—just in case the weather does not cooperate.

San Antonio

Our downtown San Antonio location has a floor to ceiling view of the River Walk and celebrates the authentic Mexican culture with inviting vibes inside. If your event is more casual, consider booking your group in the Upper Dining area to celebrate with a cocktail party. Need something more private? Look no further than the Cactus and Agave Rooms. Each room can serve on its own or be combined if you need a bigger space.

Reserve Your Holiday Party Today

No matter the space you choose, Iron Cactus will deliver the flavor in every bite of our contemporary Mexican food! Don’t wait until it’s too late—book your holiday party now! Our event teams in both Austin and San Antonio are ready to help you plan a celebration that’s bold, festive, and truly unforgettable.

Authentic Full-Service Mexican Catering in Austin & San Antonio

July 28, 2025

Planning an event in Austin or San Antonio at a venue of your choice? Whether it’s a corporate lunch, birthday party, or wedding shower, elevate your experience with Iron Cactus Full-Service Mexican Catering. Known for our bold and unique flavors, Iron Cactus brings the same contemporary Mexican cuisine from our restaurants directly to you!

Iron Cactus is not your average caterer. We offer a variety of menu options to choose from and can provide full-service catering or delivery only. Our full-service offerings come with buffet setup, table linens, service station and two hours of buffet service.

We can help make the day of the event easier by helping arrange for anything else you may need – from china and silverware to table, chair or tent rental. And do not forget the bar and cocktail service! You do not want your guests to be thirsty!

Our team specializes in catering events of all sizes—from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas or banquets. We cater to:

Birthday parties
Anniversary parties
Wedding showers and rehearsal dinners
Corporate events
Business luncheons
Holiday parties
Family reunions
And more!

From start to finish, our catering coordinators ensure every detail is handled. Iron Cactus brings professionalism, hospitality, and flavor to every bite from Pollo Relleno and Pescado del Mar to Southwest Paella and Shrimp Parrilla. No matter what meal you choose, your guests will be sure to love it!

Ready to plan your next unforgettable event? Visit our website and complete our off-site catering request form. If you are interested in an on-site option, we have you covered there as well! Whether you live in Austin or San Antonio, Iron Cactus is your go-to partner for exceptional Full-Service Mexican catering.

River Walk Dinner Cruise at Iron Cactus

June 30, 2025

Looking for a unique way to enjoy cocktails or dinner on the historic San Antonio River Walk? You do not want to miss your chance to book a private dinner cruise with Iron Cactus. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines flavorful Mexican dishes with the charm of a private boat tour.

Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, corporate event, or group celebration, Iron Cactus delivers an unforgettable River Walk dining experience. Take in the historic sights, twinkling lights and lively sounds while you glide down the river. It’s one of the most immersive dining experiences you can find in San Antonio.

Perfect for Any Occasion:

Date Nights
Birthday Parties
Corporate Events
Wedding Events – Rehearsal Dinners, Bachelor or Bachelorette Parties

Iron Cactus offers two experiences to choose from. The cocktail cruise accommodates up to 25 guests and will last for one hour. The dinner cruise provides one and a half hours on the boat for up to 20 guests.

Iron Cactus is in a prime location in San Antonio. It features a beautiful patio overlooking the River Walk, the boats and the famous Selena bridge. The event coordinator will handle all the logistics—from boat reservations to menu options—all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride!

Ready to set sail on an unforgettable night? Booking your River Walk dinner cruise is easy – just fill out the request form to get started.

Gluten-Free Mexican Food: Flavor Without Compromise

May 29, 2025

If you’re gluten-free and craving authentic Mexican food, look no further than Iron Cactus. We are proud to offer a wide variety of items on our menu that can be made without gluten. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, Iron Cactus makes it easy to dine out without worry.

Start your meal off with the Ahi Tuna Ceviche featuring ahi tuna, fresh avocado, blanco tequila, pico de gallo and lime juice. Follow that with our sizzling fajitas – Certified Angus Beef® Skirt Steak, Combination Steak and Chicken, Tequila Adobo-Marinated Shrimp, Herb-Grilled Vegetables, and Tequila-Marinated Chicken Breast.

Or try some of our other house favorites items on the menu! Our Southwest Paella features Jumbo shrimp, mussels, bay scallops, roasted poblanos, jalapeño Texas sausage, lobster cream, and cilantro-lime rice. Pescado Del Mar is another great choice featuring seared Atlantic cod, gulf shrimp, bay scallops, citrus butter sauce, sauteed spinach, and cilantro-lime rice.

Looking for more classic Mexican dishes? Enjoy our enchiladas – veggie, shrimp or chicken – all can be made gluten free. We also have tacos! Enjoy shrimp tacos, baja fish tacos or a favorite – the vegan tacos that feature portabella mushrooms, black beans, lettuce, fresh avocado, sun-dried tomatoes and pico de gallo.

All things considered, do not forget a cocktail to round out your meal. Most of Iron Cactus’s signature margaritas and tequila cocktails are naturally gluten-free. Try the Prickly Pear Margarita or a simple Ranch Water made with 100% agave tequila.

Remember, when you arrive at Iron Cactus, ask your server for the gluten free menu and let them know about your dietary restrictions or other food allergies. We look forward to seeing you at our Downtown Austin or San Antonio River Walk location!

Please note that our gluten free menu options are based on the most current ingredient information from our food suppliers. Our normal kitchen operations do involve shared areas. The possibility exists for food items to come in contact with other food products. Due to these circumstances, we are unable to guarantee that any menu item can be completely free of allergens.

Sip in Style with Mocktails at Iron Cactus

May 22, 2025

This summer, mocktails are the newest trend taking over local restaurants. If you are looking for delicious non-alcoholic drinks in Austin or San Antonio – look no further than Iron Cactus. The recently launched line of mocktails are bold, flavorful, and alcohol-free beverages that are perfect for your next night out.

What Are Mocktails?

To put it simply, mocktails are essentially alcohol-free cocktails. At Iron Cactus, they are handcrafted by our highly trained bartenders with the same creativity and attention to detail as our traditional cocktails. Whether you’re a designated driver, staying health-conscious, or simply refraining from alcohol, our mocktails offer full flavor without compromise.

Featured Mocktails at Iron Cactus

Mexican Food and Margaritas just go together. Luckily, you can still indulge in one without the alcohol! Our Strawberry Cucumber Margarita features strawberry, cucumber, lemon and sugar. It is the perfect combination for a hot summer day! If you like things spicy, then the Habanero Pineapple Margarita is a perfect choice. It is made with habanero, pineapple, carrot, lime, butter and Tajin.

If you enjoy your drinks with a more tropical feel, you do not want to miss our Mango Mojito! It features mango, fresh mint, lime and Tajin. We also have a Cinnamon Pineapple Tini that features pineapple, cinnamon, lime, bitters, and foam.

No matter which one you choose, enjoy our handcrafted mocktails whether you’re relaxing on the Iron Cactus rooftop patio in downtown Austin or dining by the San Antonio River Walk. They’re a perfect pairing with our signature Mexican dishes, like our tableside guacamole, tequila-marinated chicken fajitas, stuffed avocado or pollo relleno. Come in and try one today!

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!

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!

A seed-oil-free restaurant

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