News - Iron Cactus

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.

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.

Guacamole How To

August 30, 2024

Guacamole is a staple component of any Mexican meal and if you are looking for a “Guacamole How To” – you have come to the right place!

Guacamole was invented in Mexico in the 1500s by the Aztecs. It was first created by mashing avocados in a mortar and pestle. Research shows that the word comes from the Aztec Nahuatl words āhuacatl (avocado) and mōlli (sauce). This literally translates to “avocado sauce.”

Guacamole is a great addition to any meal. We also love it served as an appetizer with fresh chips! Did you know it even has its own day? September 16 is now celebrated as National Guacamole Day!

If you want to try making your own, read on for our favorite recipe!

INGREDIENTS:

2 ripe Avocados
Diced Tomatoes
Diced Onions
Diced Jalapeños
Chopped Fresh Cilantro
Salt & Pepper
1 Lime
1 Orange

DIRECTIONS:

Prepare all ingredients and set-up your station.
In a medium-sized bowl, add fresh squeezed lime juice from one lime.
To add a little sweetness, we also like to squeeze ½ of a fresh orange.
Add a little bit of salt and pepper to the juice and mix that around in the bowl.
Slice & scoop out fresh avocado into the bowl.
Mush the avocado with a fork and mix with the juices and salt and pepper.
Add mix-ins (tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, cilantro) per your liking.
Mix all ingredients in the bowl and fold it over each other gently.

If you are craving some fresh guacamole, but not interested in making your own with our Guacamole How To – we can help with that! Iron Cactus is proud to offer Tableside Guacamole made by hand and tossed at the table according to your likes. It is one of our most popular items!

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.

Cocktail Bars in Austin

July 14, 2024

It may be known for its live music, but did you know there are hundreds of Cocktail Bars in Austin? If you are feeling overwhelmed – start with the Iron Cactus! A local favorite since 1996 and located in the heart of Downtown Austin.

Named one of the top 10 tequila bars in the country, Iron Cactus offers over 100 premium tequilas on its menu. From silver tequila to añejo tequila, cristalino and we even have mezcal! Enjoy your favorite tequila in a flight, a hand-crafted cocktail or mixed into one of our famous margaritas.

Not sure where to start? Choose from one of over 20 tequila cocktails on the menu, including our specialty Cactus Exclusive drinks. A favorite is our Iron Cactus Double Barrel margarita made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave. Or try our newest Cactus Exclusive drink made with Cristalino tequila! The Cristanlino Barrel Reserve features Maestro Dobel Barrel Reserve, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave.

If Tequila is not your liquor of choice – we also have you covered. Our signature cocktails feature a variety of vodka, bourbon, rum and whiskey liquor. There is truly something for everyone at Iron Cactus!

When the weather heats up, a frozen cocktail is always welcome! Enjoy an Original Margarita as it comes or make it your own with a custom swirl or top off! For only $2 extra you can swirl your frozen margarita with strawberry, mango, prickly pear or peach. Then you can top it off with Cointreau, Magdala Orange Liqueur or Chambord for an extra $3. For your non-tequila lovers, we also offer a frozen Piña Colada or Frośe.

The next time you are looking for Cocktail Bars in Austin, make sure you plan to visit the Iron Cactus. Our bar is open daily until 11pm. We also offer great Happy Hour deals on weekdays from 3PM-6PM!

Margaritas

June 21, 2024

Margaritas were made for summer and Iron Cactus was made for margaritas! Enjoy your margarita on the rocks or try it frozen on a sunny day! With over 100 types of tequila on hand, we have something for everyone.

If you are not sure where to start, look to one the Cactus Exclusive margaritas handcrafted by highly trained bartenders. By and large the Iron Cactus Double Barrel is always a popular choice! It features Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime, and agave. Or try our newest exclusive drink – the Cristalino Barrel Reserve. It features Maestro Dobel Barrel Reserve, Cointreau, fresh lime and agave.

Want a spin on a traditional margarita? To that end, try our Mezcal Margarita, made with Palomo Joven, Naranja Orange Liqueur, fresh lime, and agave. You can also create your own margarita from any of the over 100 types of tequila offered! Start with your favorite tequila or mezcal and add your choice of Cointreau, Naranja Orange Liqueur or Gran Gala.

At any rate, if frosty drinks are more you speed – we have those as well! 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.

Even better? If you stop by during happy hour on weekdays from 3PM-6PM, you can sip on our house margaritas at a discounted price! No matter what you choose, in any event you will be sure to have a good time at Iron Cactus. It is no wonder that Iron Cactus is known for its margaritas in Austin and San Antonio.

Time for Happy Hour!

June 11, 2024

Summer means sunshine, hotter weather, and time for happy hour! If you are searching for Happy Hour Near me, look no further than the Iron Cactus. In Austin, we are conveniently located downtown at the corner of 6th Street and Trinity. Or find us on the famous River Walk in San Antonio, right next to the Selena Bridge.

Happy Hour at Iron Cactus runs Monday to Friday from 3pm-6pm at both locations. Enjoy specials on small house margaritas and chile con queso. Our frozen house margarita is made with Torada Silver Tequila and Triple Sec. It is sure to cool you off in the heat! It also goes perfectly with some chips and our tasty chile con queso. This cheesy goodness is made with hatch green chiles, pico de gallo, and roasted jalapenos.

Are you looking for views to go with your Happy Hour? Iron Cactus has you covered there as well! Our Downtown Austin location’s patio overlooks the excitement of 6th Street. Or take in the views of boats and the lights on the River Walk in San Antonio!

Once Happy Hour is over, stay for dinner and enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine that is as authentic as it is delicious. Enjoy traditional classics like our Cheese Enchiladas, Chicken Fajitas, or Baja Fish Tacos. Feeling adventurous? Try one or our house favorites, like the Mexican Meatloaf or the Stuffed Avocado.

You are sure to have a great time at Iron Cactus whether at brunch, dinner or when you are on the search for “Happy Hour Near Me”!

Iron Cactus Happy Hour Specials
Monday – Friday: 3pm – 6pm
$7.00 – Small House Margaritas
$7.00 – Chile Con Queso

*Available everywhere in our restaurants, for dine-in only. Happy Hour will not be available in Austin during special events, including SXSW, ACL and Formula 1.

Book An Event in San Antonio

May 24, 2024

Are you looking for the perfect spot to book an event in San Antonio? Look no further than the Iron Cactus! Located directly on the River Walk in San Antonio, Iron Cactus is the perfect place for your next birthday party, corporate event, or wedding rehearsal dinner!

Enjoy contemporary Mexican cuisine and specialty cocktails in one of our three different and unique spaces. The Cactus Room and Agave Room are private rooms with their own bars that can be used together or separately. Individually, the Cactus Room seats up to 48 people and the Agave Room seats up to 72. When combined, you will be able to accommodate up to 120 people sitting down or 168 people for a cocktail-style event when combined. The space also comes with A/V capabilities, including wireless microphone, DVD player and a flat screen TV.

For smaller events, our Upper Dining area is the perfect location. It is a semi-private space with floor to ceiling windows that look out to the patio and River Walk. Not to mention, the view is incredible! This area holds up to 40 people seated, or 70 people cocktail-style. If you are need of something a bit larger, you can even rent out the entire restaurant! With seating for up to 500 people and 3 private bars – it will be a night to remember.

The best part of having an event at Iron Cactus is not only the great location, but the Mexican dishes and cocktails that go above and beyond. Enjoy classic favorites from sizzling fajitas to enchiladas or some of our specialty items like our Stuffed Avocado, Mexican Meatloaf or Stacked Pork Enchiladas. What’s more, no meal is complete without one of our hand-crafted tequila or specialty cocktail from our extensive drink menu.

To learn more and book an event in San Antonio, submit the event request form on our website. Our team will get back to you and help you kick-off your celebration at Iron Cactus!

Full-Service Catering in Austin

May 16, 2024

Event planning can be stressful! From picking a date to finding a venue, your to-do list is probably a mile long. Let Iron Cactus take one thing off your list with our full-service catering in Austin.

Iron Cactus has years of experience in handling a wide range of catered events and we have worked with many popular venues across Austin. We have catered all types of personal events, from graduation parties to wedding reception, birthday parties and more! We also cater for office luncheons, training, or corporate events.

Our full-service catering packages include buffet setup, buffet table linens, a service station and two hours of buffet service. When an event is in your space, it is all about the infusion of flavors and pleasing your guests. Your guests can dine on our bold, unique, and flavorful Mexican dishes – from 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.

If you have everything already covered for your event, we also offer delivery-only packages as well. No matter what option you choose, we pay attention to details and are committed to making your event a success!

Start the process today by completing our off-site catering request form. All you need to provide is the date, venue and expected number of guests to get started. From there, our experts will work with you to assemble the perfect menu for your event. Just know that when you choose Iron Cactus for your full-service catering in Austin, you and your event will be in great hands!