Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (14) good (14) Iron (13) guacamole (12) Cactus (12) tacos (11) Austin (9) friendly (8) Mexican (8) lunch (7)
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  • 5/5 Mark O. 2 years ago on Google
    Grabbed lunch on a Friday afternoon here with a group of friends. We were seated immediately, as we were there at about 11:30 ... The lunch crowd showed up a little later. They have a spacious upstairs deck which was not open for lunch but is available most evenings. They specialize in a wide variety of tequilas and margaritas; a friend of mine had a blueberry margarita and announced it was very tasty! Our table enjoyed an appetizer of guacamole and chips. The guacamole was prepared tableside and was quite delicious! A variety of lunch appetizers and entrees followed, including my chicken topped salad, cheese enchiladas, quesadillas and more. All were delicious and presented nicely. Service was very attentive and friendly, our server handled our several separate checks promptly. There is a full bar for those looking for adult beverages, and the restaurant is clean and pleasant. Your biggest issue will probably be parking as there is no dedicated parking, and the restaurant is on very busy 6th Street in Austin. But stop in, I think you will appreciate this venue.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ian F. 1 year ago on Google
    The Iron Cactus was a great stop on my tour through Austin! The staff from front to back was very friendly and courteous. Our server actually made our guacamole in front of us and kept the drinks and chips supplied until our food got there. The food itself as well was excellent. Between the sizzling skillet, and the enchiladas and the drinks, the experience was excellent. The Iron Cactus is an amazing stop for anyone looking for great Mexican cuisine, a friendly atmosphere, and an attentive friendly cast.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rachna S. 2 years ago on Google
    Decent food, good ambience with outdoor seating. Menu is slightly pricey but for 6th st it’s probably standard. They have a good selection of cocktails and I really liked the peach mule I got.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Allera B. 2 years ago on Google
    Great food!!! Love it! Love it! Love their complimentary chips and salsa. Also their table side guacamole. Loved watching the process. They have a big bar. Our server was great.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kameko B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a good spot to take visitors. Its right in the heart of downtown, food is good, and there’s a ton of seating, although the patio may have been closed when we went. Huge tequila selection. The tortilla soup was great, but I wouldn’t get the tamale pops again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sally T. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent mango margarita, possibly my favorite ever. Kudos to my server/bartender. Food and service were both fantastic. I loved that they had small plates since I'm on here for a conference and can't really take anything to go. Was a great way to try stuff without having a ton of food.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Camilo R. 10 months ago on Google
    During my recent trip to Austin, Texas, I had the pleasure of dining at Iron Cactus, and I must say it was a truly delightful experience. As a vegan, I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of options available on their menu, and the vegan tacos and guacamole left a lasting impression. First and foremost, the vegan tacos were simply outstanding. The filling was a mouthwatering combination of seasoned plant-based protein, fresh vegetables, and a burst of flavorful spices. The tacos were served on warm, soft tortillas that were perfectly toasted, adding a delightful texture to every bite. The attention to detail and the thought put into creating such a delectable vegan option was truly commendable. Accompanying the tacos was the guacamole, and I can confidently say that it was one of the best guacamole dishes I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. The avocados were perfectly ripe and mashed to perfection, resulting in a creamy and velvety texture that melted in my mouth. The addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro gave the guacamole a zesty and refreshing flavor that perfectly complemented the tacos. The atmosphere at Iron Cactus was warm and inviting, with attentive staff who were knowledgeable about their menu. They were accommodating and happy to answer any questions I had regarding the vegan options. The service was prompt, and the staff ensured that my dining experience was enjoyable from start to finish. In addition to the food, Iron Cactus also boasts a wide selection of beverages, including a variety of refreshing cocktails and mocktails. I opted for a vibrant and tangy fruit-infused water, which perfectly complemented the flavors of the tacos and guacamole. Overall, my visit to Iron Cactus was a memorable one. The vegan tacos and guacamole were a testament to the culinary expertise and dedication to quality that the restaurant upholds. Whether you’re a vegan or not, Iron Cactus is a must-visit spot in Austin, Texas, offering a delightful culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kate T. 1 year ago on Google
    Enjoyed a late lunch here mid-week. Seated immediately and had great service. The chips and salsa they serve to start is fantastic - really great flavor on both the warm and cool salsa. The stuffed Avocado was tasty and the steak fajitas were average. The star of the show was the beans for sure - the refried were best in our opinion. The chicken enchiladas were mediocre, not something I'd order again...but there are other good options.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Marcela L. 6 months ago on Google
    If I could rate a zero, I would. My family and I ordered fajitas for one, a cheese enchilada, queso, and shrimp tacos. The taco presentation was beautiful, but the shrimp was overcooked and cold, making the taco dish a bad selection. The flour tortillas were uncooked and looked raw. My cousin brought this to the waiters attention, and another waiter came by with another batch of tortillas that were the same. I'm not sure what cheap brand of tortillas were provided, but these are not freshly hand-made and are horribly tasting tortillas. The cheese enchilada tortilla was so hard that I couldn't even cut through the tortilla. I immediately told Destiny, our waiter, and all she said was that the enchilada probably sat under the light too long and didn't offer to make the situation right by replacing the enchilada. By the time the second batch of tortillas came out, the fajitas were already cold, and at that, everyone around us that ordered fajitas all came out sizzling and hot. It just seemed like everything we ordered came out late and cold. I'm a fan of Mexican and TexMex restaurants, and this was the worst experience thus far, especially on 6th Street, Downtown Austin.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa K. 8 months ago on Google
    Excellent service by Alicia our server. My drink, the Iron Cactus Double Barrel margarita, while on the small side, was very good. I ordered the brisket enchiladas with refried beans, and it was very delicious. Just a hint of spice!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shriraam M. 6 months ago on Google
    With no doubt, their food was amazing. And the patio seating makes you feel the vibe of the 6th street at Austin. We were slightly disappointed because they took more than 20 minutes to bring our food after the order was taken. It’s ok if it was crowded, but it wasn’t. Definitely a big thumbs up 👍🏽 for their cheese quesadilla.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon H. 9 months ago on Google
    Our family of five visited Iron Cactus Mexican Restaurant for lunch while in Austin and we were very pleased. Had pollo relleno, chicken fajitas, combination chicken and steak fajitas, build your own tacos for our son and a cheeseburger for our other son. We also ordered the table side guacamole and had a few drinks. We all liked our food and were pleased. Service was a little slow but we were not in a hurry and the waiter was very friendly. We definitely recommend a visit here. Appeared clean, bathrooms were nice, cool atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marshall W. 10 months ago on Google
    Stopped by for an early dinner, hadn't been here in YEARS! Lucked out and got a window seat, downstairs. Great for people watching. The menu was great - several tempting options in each category. I just went with the Mexican meatloaf and I'm glad I did. I got two pieces, topped with a sweet and slightly tangy sauce and the meat was fantastic. It also came with mashed potatoes that had jalapeno and bacon in it, and maybe cheese. Anyway, it was a respectable portion and so tasty. The entree usually comes with Mexican corn but I felt like there was already enough Mexican on my plate so I requested a substitution to eliminate some of those carbs. They brought seasonal veggie, which was asparagus, six thin-average size pieces. It was good. The tables are comfortable and not too close to each other. There wasn't a crowd thankfully but I noticed several upstairs on the balcony. The bathrooms were sufficient with 4 urinals and 2 stalls. They were clean and as I walked in, an employee made a quick round to check the bathrooms. I appreciate that! Alyssa was my server. She was the perfect balance of well put together, friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and attentive. She did not over serve. Her service was just right!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Esmeralda “Esmi” C. 1 year ago on Google
    We headed for a quick bite before a comedy show. We parked closer to the venue the show was happening at and walked around looking for a restaurant with food. While walking we noticed a few places but ultimately just stopped at the closest place that mentioned food. We sat down and were never waited on. We were never acknowledged and just walked out in search of another place that mentioned food. We passed another place that mentioned food but was obnoxiously loud like the last place so we passed. Walking up to Iron Catcus, their was no loud and crazy music and it looked very clean. The hostess greated us and we were sat the moment we walked in. The waiter was great, all the staff was welcoming. I give the staff a 4. The food was ok. We had queso and salsa for the apps. I had a brisket quesadilla that was also an app for my dinner. It was a good portion. My husband had the ribeye. He mentioned his sides were not to his liking and he loves his ribeyes but this just wasn't hitting the mark for him. Again though, nice place, great staff and if you want to avoid loud music while you eat and actually have someone wait on you, I'd choose this place. Reviews for The Jackalope and The Vulcan Gas Company in their respective Google maps sections.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jo W. 1 year ago on Google
    Good service, they handled a party of 6 of us for dinner. Great menu. I had their meatloaf which was good. I also recommend the brisket enchiladas. I was curious of the pork tamale pops, but not real impressed with the execution- not much pork, more like hush puppies on a stick.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ian Mercier - Denver Metro R. 1 year ago on Google
    The food at Iron Cactus was decent. The Lobster Tacos that I had was good, though I felt it need more lobster in it for the price they were charging. The drinks they had on the menu were not all available. I ended up ordering 3 different drinks and they had the 3rd. I guess 3rd time was the charm.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tara M. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was cool, it had 3 floors and a pretty good menu. The food was worth a visit, I had the stuffed avocado. The flavors were ok, nothing i would come back for. The drink was the best part. It was called a cherry limeade and worth ordering.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michelle C. 7 months ago on Google
    Best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to! Cheese and shrimp enchiladas tasted DELICIOUS. The lobster tacos also tasted great! The tres leches cake was average. Recommend checking the food at this place!

  • 3/5 Bri Z. 2 years ago on Google
    We were recommended the shrimp enchiladas and my husband chose the meatloaf. The shrimp on top of my dish were big and very tasty. The shrimp inside my enchilada were tiny and overcooked. The sauce was ok but not great. The corn side was just corn with mayo on top. Overall the meals were meh at best but they picture well. The bartender made us 2 of their reposado margaritas. They were small and not awesome for the $14 price. We probably won't go back as the good and service were not great.

  • 5/5 Brittany A. 2 years ago on Google
    OUTSTANDING! Visiting from out of town and did a quick Google Search for Diners Driveins and Dives places. Iron Cactus was right down the street from where we stayed, great location on 6th street in the middle of the bar scene. Bartenders were friendly, made AMAZING drinks and could hold a good conversation. Table side Guac was wonderful! Spicy Margarita’s we’re made perfectly!

  • 5/5 megan h. 6 months ago on Google
    Came across this place last night by chance..We don’t live here but needed to eat before our concert. Waitress was attentive, friendly and personable. Smokey salsa is amazing along with cornbread stuffed chicken! Spicy jalapeño margarita was smooth and delicious!!

  • 5/5 Shenelle P. 7 months ago on Google
    Went last weekend. Food was amazing, tableside guacamole was amazing. Drinks and server was amazing. We had been at galaxy con all day Saturday and that was a refreshing place to go. My kids enjoyed there food as well. They had this stuffed jalapeño with lobster and cheese that was fried. It was heavenly.

  • 5/5 Sara G. 5 months ago on Google
    I recently dined at Iron Cactus on Trinity Street in Austin, TX, and it was a delightful experience. The bartender was fast and accommodating because I was pressed for time. The ahi tuna sandwich blew me away, and the lobster tacos were equally impressive. The restaurant's iconic status in both Austin and San Antonio is well-deserved, offering a warm, unique environment and delicious Mexican cuisine. Can't wait to return!

  • 4/5 Jason H. 4 months ago on Google
    Neat place. Brisket queso was flavorful but a little thick. Fajitas were good We came early lunch hour right at opening sp this may ne a much livelier place during evening hours.


Call (512) 472-9240 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Happy hour food
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
    • ✓️ Private dining room
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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