Welcome to Cactus Cantina
"Cactus Cantina" in Washington, DC, has been a Tex-Mex gem for over 30 years. With a menu offering delicious dishes like Guadalajara platters, ceviche, tacos al pastor, and fun options like crab quesadillas, this restaurant caters to all tastes. Customer favorites include the large portions, fresh ingredients, great margaritas, and efficient service even during busy times. The spacious venue with outdoor seating, full bar, TV, and pool table makes it perfect for groups and families. Overall, Cactus Cantina impresses with its quality food, reasonable prices, and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit in the DMV area.
- 3300 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 200163300 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 Hotline: (202) 686-7222
Welcome to Cactus Cantina, a beloved destination tucked away in the heart of Washington, DC, at 3300 Wisconsin Ave NW. This Tex-Mex haven combines the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with an inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors alike. With over 30 years of service, Cactus Cantina has firmly cemented its reputation as a go-to place for delicious meals and unforgettable experiences.
As you step inside, you are instantly enveloped by the warm décor and the enticing aroma of freshly prepared dishes. The menu showcases delightful offerings that highlight the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. Standout items include the seafood enchiladas, featuring tender shrimp and scallops nestled in flour tortillas, draped in marisco sauce and melted Monterrey jack cheese. This dish alone exemplifies why patrons rave about the quality and taste served at Cactus Cantina.
For those seeking a hearty meal, the Laredo Platter is a must-try; teeming with flavors from a shredded beef enchilada, chicken enchilada, and a savory chicken taco, it's perfect for those who appreciate variety in one sitting. As noted by satisfied customers, each dish is generous in portion, ensuring that diners leave content and satisfied.
The ambiance elevates your dining experience further. Whether you’re enjoying a lively family gathering or a casual night out with friends, the spirit of community is palpable here. Patrons often highlight the exceptional service, with staff consistently proving to be attentive and efficient, even during the busy dinner rush.
Another highlight is the drink menu which features an array of cocktails, including their standout margaritas. The perfect complement to any meal, they are renowned for both their taste and their refreshing qualities, making them a fantastic option for those looking to unwind after a long day.
Your taste buds will thank you after savoring the rich flavors and hearty portions Cactus Cantina has to offer. With each visit, it’s clear why this restaurant has become a cherished gem in the DMV area. So next time you find yourself in Washington, DC, don’t miss out on a culinary journey that promises to deliver comfort, flavor, and a true taste of home at Cactus Cantina. Enjoy your meal, and perhaps bring a friend—after all, good food is best shared!

I've been coming here for over 20 years. The food is great and the prices are reasonable. Whenever I'm in DC I go to the Cactus and enjoy

Still a gem. Been going here over 30 years on and off. Haven't been in here in a long time and nothing changed. Still high quality food and super fresh. Totally recommend except prices are getting high.

Best Tex-mex I have had in the DMV. I can see why this place has been open for like 30 years!! I got a GUADALAJARA PLATTER combo platter and enjoyed my cheese enchilada and chicken tamale. I asked for black beans instead of refried beans. Everything was tasty. I couldn't finish the beef taco and took it home for the next the day. Service was fast and efficient. The place is huge but we went on Friday night so it was busy. You do need to make reservations. I found street parking pretty easily about .25 miles from the restaurant. The price was great for the large amount of food you get!

This restaurant serves delicious tex-mex food with large portions! They also have great margaritas. Service is always fast and efficient even when it's busy.

We stopped by on a Sunday for an early dinner. We had a party of 7 so we called ahead and made a reservation. Glad we did since this spot was pretty crowded when we arrived! The service was really great! They immediately brought our chips and salsa for the table and grabbed our drink orders. I was a big fan of the frozen lemonade. Very refreshing! We started with guacamole and queso. I didn't try the queso but it seemed like the whole table really enjoyed it. I loved the guacamole! For my entree, I ordered the beef fajitas and it was served with fresh flour tortillas, bell peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and beans. My husband got one of the specials, the seafood enchiladas with shrimp and crab. We really enjoyed our meal! they were big portions so we were very full at the end and everything was seasoned and cooked really well! Would definitely come back here again

Actually a 4 star, however I'm adding a star for wifey and I dining with our favorite Aunt and Uncle that we hadn't seen for a period of time. After talking up an appetite the consensus was Mexican Quisean, so we loaded up with the A/C blasting (due to the heat) and got it in! The service and ambiance were on point and food very tasty. Needless to say, we started with Calamari and Margaritas that were superb. Surprisingly, parking is close by at the Giant Food store with a short walk. I definitely recommend this establishment if you are in the area and craving Mexican food! Lastly, as always, I only post one pic on my first visit, so stay tuned for an update.

Awesome Mexican. We had ceviche to start, plus the complimentary chips and salsa (delicious!) and frozen margaritas. Had a taco trio (brisket) with rice and beans and guacamole plus a tamale and single chilie relleno with cheese for main (it's not strictly on the men, but recommend it if you're a fan of chile relleno). All was excellent. Good service too. Was mostly empty when we arrived at noon, but packed when we left. A bit hot to sit outside today, but lovely outdoor seating in more temperate weather.

Great as usual. CC never fails. The food is always fresh & delicious. It's a bit loud but you deal. Family friendly. Lots of space. Nice patio. Food comes pretty fast. Steak is never over cooked. Homemade chips & salsa. And homemade salad dressings. Decent prices. Clean bathrooms. What's not to like!

A rather nice Mexican place that offers great options at DC prices. They have fun quesadilla options like crab quesadillas, classic fare like enchiladas and tacos. I had tacos al pastor, and I was a little disappointed that they didn't have pineapple options, but their margaritas for $11 are pretty strong and good! The space is rather large, so it is easy for a big party to visit.