San Antonio River Walk Mexican Restaurants 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!

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 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!

Mexican Catering for Your Next Event

November 15, 2024

Planning an event takes a lot of work. You must pick a date. Find a location. Consider a theme for the event. Invite your guests. And most important of all, decide on food and drinks. If you are not sure where to start, let us point you in the right direction. The love of Mexican food in Texas is universal! Save yourself time searching for “Mexican catering” near me and start with the Iron Cactus.

An Austin staple since 1996, Iron Cactus has years of experience in handling catered events across the Hill Country. Whether it be a corporate event, graduation party, wedding reception, office training or family gathering – we have done it all! We have even worked with many popular venues across Austin and San Antonio.

Iron Cactus provides both full-service catering services, and delivery only services. If you decide on full-service catering, it includes buffet setup, buffet table lines, a service station, and two hours of buffet service. We offer a variety of menu options to choose from for your event. Your guests will enjoy our bold, unique, and flavorful Mexican dishes – from Fajitas to Pollo Relleno and Pescado del Mar to Southwest Paella.

In addition to food, our catering service experts can also help you arrange additional services to enhance your event. We can help with china and silverware, rentals for tables, chair or tents, bar and cocktail service, linens, and cake-cutting service.

Delivery-only packages are a great choice if you already have everything else covered for your event. No matter what option you choose when you want Mexican Catering, we pay attention to details and are committed to making your event a success! Start the process by filling out our off-site catering request form and one of our catering services experts will get back to you shortly!

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!

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!

Main room2 Holiday Event Space in San Antonio

Office Christmas Parties

September 19, 2024

It is almost that time of year! Is your office manager frantically searching online for “Office Christmas Parties”? Are you in need of the perfect venue to host your upcoming holiday party? Let Iron Cactus save the day!

With locations in San Antonio or Austin, Iron Cactus brings life to office parties with various private and semi-private dining rooms to choose from. Coupled with our contemporary Mexican food menu, there are many options for delicious food and drinks to satisfy your staff.

San Antonio

Our downtown San Antonio location has a floor to ceiling view of the River Walk and celebrates the authentic Mexican culture with the inviting vibes inside. If your office party style is more casual, consider booking your group in the Upper Dining area to celebrate with a cocktail party. Need something more private? The Cactus Room and Agave Room both have private settings and have been a top event space in the Iron Cactus family. If you need a bigger space, these two rooms can be combined with one goal in mind: party! These rooms also showcase a private bar as a unique experience to treat your trusted employees for a great year.

Austin

Our Downtown Austin location offers the best view of downtown 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. Our patio includes a fully enclosed interior cocktail and bar area and access to an exterior patio. We also equipped the exterior patio with fully radiant heaters, motorized sectional shades, and wind screens—just in case Mother Nature does not cooperate with our event plans.

As you can see, Iron Cactus’ offers many catering and private event opportunities to suit your need. The next time you need to book Office Christmas Parties – look no further than Iron Cactus. We would love to share our space with your team and show you all a great time. We also have A/V capabilities to add to your experience. Our customer service team is happy to help you plan, prep and party! Get started by filling out an event request form here.

Best Fajitas

August 18, 2024

It is August 18 – also known as National Fajita Day! Once again, you search for the “Best Fajitas Near Me” and come up with a huge list of restaurants. But where do you start the celebration?

Look no further than Iron Cactus! Our two Texas locations offer bold, unique and flavorful Mexican dishes combined with amazing views, beautiful patios and historic locations. In Austin, we are in downtown on historic 6th Street and our San Antonio’s location is on the famous River Walk.

Our menu is the culmination of years of dedication and passion by our renowned chefs. One of our more popular items just happens to be our Sizzling Fajitas! We offer a variety of fajitas to please everyone’s taste. We have Certified Angus Beef® Skirt Steak, Tequila-Marinated Chicken Breast, Tequila Adobo-Marinated Shrimp, Combination Steak and Chicken, or Herb-Grilled Vegetables.

Our fajitas can be ordered for one person or for two! They come on a sizzling hot platter with both Mexican rice and beans. You will also receive shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. Plus, warm flour or corn tortillas of course!

While you are savoring your fajitas, make sure you complete your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail from our extensive menu. Tequila is our most popular spirit and we are proud to feature over 100 premium tequilas. You can even create your own margarita from any tequila, mixed with either Cointreau, Naranja Orange Liqueur or Gran Gala.

We also have over 20 specialty tequila cocktails if you are looking for a tried-and-true option! The exclusive Iron Cactus Double Barrel is made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. It is the perfect complement to any meal!

The next time you want to look for the “Best Fajitas Near Me” – skip the search and head to Iron Cactus! We will save you a seat.

Private Dining in San Antonio

July 30, 2024

Take your event to the next level with Private Dining in San Antonio at Iron Cactus. We have experience hosting all types of events – from birthday parties to anniversary celebrations or even wedding rehearsals.

Iron Cactus offers three unique spaces suitable for private or semi-private events. Our most popular choices are the Cactus and Agave Rooms. These rooms offer the best in private dining in San Antonio! The rooms both display a similar theme as the Mexican restaurant and are available as separate or combined areas. They even each have their own private bar available!

When combined, the Cactus and Agave Rooms can seat up to 120 people for a sit-down event. If your event is a cocktail-style one, it can accommodate up to 168 people! Smaller events are also no problem. The Cactus Room is perfect for groups up to 42 people and the Agave Room will handle up to 72 people.

If you are looking for a space that is more casual, our upper dining area offers semi-private dining as well. This space offers floor to ceiling windows overlooking the patio. The space is large enough to fit up to 70 people for a cocktail-style event, and up to 40 people for a seated event.

No matter what space you choose, we have everything to meet your needs! All events include white table linens and black napkins to complement your event. Enjoy unique and flavorful dishes from our contemporary Mexican food menu. Plus, complete your meal with our premium tequilas and hand-crafted cocktails. Not to mention, our location on the River Walk provides instant ambiance with live music, river boats and San Antonio’s year-round Fiesta!

Are you ready to get started? Fill out the event request form to start the process of securing private dining in San Antonio.

News

Holiday Lights

Ford Holiday Boat Caroling

Ford Fiesta de las Luminarias

Food & Cocktails