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Open List Home >> Washington, DC >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Cactus Cantina

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Cactus Cantina

Based on 121 votes
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Local(202) 686-7222

3300 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

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Listing
Cactus Cantina
Local(202) 686-7222

3300 Wisconsin Ave NW
Washington, DC 20016

http://WWW.CACTUSCANTINA.COM

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Business Summary  what's this?

Cactus Cantina in Washington is a two star Southwestern restaurant. This inexpensive restaurant has been around for the last 18 years, and is located in the Woodley Park neighborhood. Know before you go: this place features outdoor dining. Upon entering the restaurant, you'll find a casual atmosphere. This place features a full bar, brunch, and catering. This restaurant is good for groups.

User Reviews of Cactus Cantina

Yelp.com Review - by Molly C.

1.0 of 5 stars. This margaritas are gross - super sweet and syrupy and the bartender is borderline surly. If you are looking to order a quesadilla and a few beers for happy hour, this could be your place....
yelp.com - user review - 10/15/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ben T.

4.0 of 5 stars. Tried out Cactus Catina one Sunday morning with a friend, and it turned out to be a decent enough choice. We walked up from Cleveland Park - not too far, but it was humid - and I was surprised that it...
yelp.com - user review - 09/07/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Lorena L.

3.0 of 5 stars. Food it gets 2 stars max, but service bumps it up to 3. I'm from Arizona and more familiar with Sonoran style Mexican food, but I've also had Tex-Mex. I'm really not sure what this was. And I'm...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Rohan P.

2.0 of 5 stars. Why Cactus Cantina? I've never really got the attraction of this place. It's certainly not the food, which I would describe with the back-handed adjective of "passable." And I'm not even one of those...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Sarah S.

5.0 of 5 stars. Cactus Cantina is honestly the tex-mex food I compare all other tex-mex to. The fajitas are just to die for. The steak is incredibly juicy and served piping hot - combined with pico, guac, grilled...
yelp.com - user review - 09/01/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Evan F.

3.0 of 5 stars. Its basically the same as Guapo's. Only difference is cheap pitchers of Sierra Nevada.
yelp.com - user review - 08/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Sean M.

5.0 of 5 stars. If you're planning to go to Cactus Cantina, do yourself a favor and take a quick look down Macomb Street before you go inside. Do you see the people loitering outside of 2Amy's? They'll happily...
yelp.com - user review - 08/06/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ol' Yella B.

1.0 of 5 stars. Okay...here we go. Another Uncle Yella Angry Review. Look, I really try not to crap on restaurants...I know it's a hard business to run and you can never please everybody, plus I'm just a picky...
yelp.com - user review - 08/02/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ben B.

3.0 of 5 stars. Cactus Cantina is an OK place. A solid 3 star restaurant. They have a nice outdoor patio area. Those chips and salsa sure are addicting. Unfortunately the service was incredibly slow. On the bright...
yelp.com - user review - 07/30/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ken C.

3.0 of 5 stars. Ok la... A good location and place for anyone looking for Mexican foods. The service can't be a problem,... Overall is recommended
yelp.com - user review - 07/26/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Hannah S.

3.0 of 5 stars. Yay Frozen margaritas and chips and salsa... bought by my employed friend... Last time I ate here it was edible but not incredible.Going to bed now to sleep it off...Addendum: Now that I'm sober, I'll...
yelp.com - user review - 07/24/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Cat H.

4.0 of 5 stars. 4 stars mainly because of the margaritas. Believe me when I say the best margaritas are served here and at its sister restaurant, Lauriol Plaza. Go here and order a pitcher of swirl (strawberry ...
yelp.com - user review - 07/15/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Andrew H.

3.0 of 5 stars. as a former resident of san diego, i am disappointed at the mexican food here in dc. of course i wouldn't put cactus cantina in my book of hole-in-the-wall mexican that i love, it clearly would...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Jacqueline P.

4.0 of 5 stars. This is a very fun place to go. The margaritas are very good and reasonably priced. The chips and salsa...amazing, and they never stop bringing more ( complete diet buster). I always order the...
yelp.com - user review - 07/07/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Cesse I.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love Cactus Cantina's large outdoor seating area. The food is generic Mexican, but good and reasonably priced. Who doesn't love sitting on the patio, drinking margaritas and eating unlimited chips...
yelp.com - user review - 07/06/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ryan B.

3.0 of 5 stars. Cactus Cantina is the perfect place to take your in-laws. The food is nonthreatening, the staff generally helpful and the wait is never too long. This is the classic middle American version of Mexican...
yelp.com - user review - 06/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Celia W.

3.0 of 5 stars. What do I remember from my trip to Cactus Cantina? Not a whole heck of a lot. The food was relatively unremarkable, just your generic Mexican. Good food but not all that striking. The tortilla...
yelp.com - user review - 06/22/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Sam R.

3.0 of 5 stars. I get a very strong feeling that Cactus Cantina is the overflow dining establishment for 2 Amy's next door. 1 1/2 hour wait for pizza?!?! OMGWTFBBQ! NO! My kids can't wait that long - off to eat...
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Raymond W.

3.0 of 5 stars. After my group outing was moved from Georgetown Waterfront to Cactus Cantina, I had to due my research. I was excited for some appetizers and margaritas along with Tex Mex. Chipotle just doesn't cut...
yelp.com - user review - 06/19/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Dewey H.

1.0 of 5 stars. Debate over the origins of the chimichanga is ongoing. Debate over whether or not the chimichangas at Cactus Cantina suck is not. They suck.
yelp.com - user review - 06/11/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Sara M.

3.0 of 5 stars. I love making lists and no one knows that better than my beautiful friend and gracious host Tanya A., she is one of my only friends who really "gets" that about me. So this review is dedicated to...
yelp.com - user review - 06/09/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Eric C.

4.0 of 5 stars. you know, first time at CC last night, and it's a good place! the food isn't out of this world amazing, but i left very satisfied. guacamole was good, my mahi-mahi tacos were tasty, and the chica i...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Stuart S.

3.0 of 5 stars. Enormous place, crowded on weekends, delicious salsa, expect everything to be greasy. That about sums up my experience. The food is mediocre at best. I think this place is educational: I'd read that...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Erin S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I like the fun atmosphere and dependability of food and service at Cactus Cantina. It's right in my neighborhood, so I do go there for convenience sake mostly, but the food is good too. The fajitas...
yelp.com - user review - 05/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Cindy C.

4.0 of 5 stars. Back in college, a long time ago, it seemed like people were either Guapos people or Cactus people. I was a Guapos person. Back then, I didn't really enjoy the food at Cactus and there was always a...
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Alexandra C.

3.0 of 5 stars. Maybe the eastern US just doesnt have good Mexican. I know a lot of people love this place, but I have yet to have had a truly delicious meal. On my 3rd visit, in desperation, I ordered a...
yelp.com - user review - 05/16/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Ann L.

2.0 of 5 stars. The bottom line: Don't come here on Friday or Saturday nights because service here is maybe one step above atrocious those nights. Waiters are unaccommodating and it also takes eons to get them to...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by JuJu S.

4.0 of 5 stars. Coming here you have to know that (a) You probably are not going to have the most authentic food (b) There's a good chance you'll wait for a bit for an outside table on a nice day and (c) There will...
yelp.com - user review - 05/08/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Evan H.

4.0 of 5 stars. Living a block away from the Cactus Cantina has made me into a semi-regular customer. If I am ever in the mood for Mexican, I'll stop around the corner for the delicious fajitas or other delicious...
yelp.com - user review - 05/05/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by David G.

3.0 of 5 stars. I guess I shouldn't really complain because I do come here all the time, but this is mostly based on proximity and not because Cactus Cantina is really any good. I had to work pretty hard to come up...
yelp.com - user review - 05/05/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Irina D.

5.0 of 5 stars. I loooove this place! It is honestly my favorite Tex-Mex place in DC. They have amazing ceviche, margaritas and sangria. My favorite item on the menu are the chicken flautas. I come to Cactus...
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Barry M.

4.0 of 5 stars. As far as Mexican food goes, this place is flamosh (made up the word).I know tasty morsels of happiness when they enter my mouth! The fajitas are an array of succulent slices of heaven dripping in...
yelp.com - user review - 04/30/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Natalie K.

3.0 of 5 stars. It's been hard finding a good mexican restauarant in this town. I need good mole! This place is the best of those I've tried so far. The salsa is tasty with great home made chips. They handled a large...
yelp.com - user review - 04/20/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Rob A.

5.0 of 5 stars. Okay, it's Mexican, it's Tex-Mex, and the best tacos this side of the Mississippi. Here's why you SHOULD go. They have really good margaritas. Every other dish is okay. Get the taco platter. If...
yelp.com - user review - 04/13/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by E P.

4.0 of 5 stars. Im only a fan because the drinks are good. The food is okay. California Mex is way better than Tex Mex. Im from California so I'm biased. Its a great place to watch the game, drink beer, margaritas...
yelp.com - user review - 04/11/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Amanda C.

4.0 of 5 stars. Whilst waiting for 2 Amys pizza, my party decided to grab drinks over at Cactus Cantina. Walking in, I was immediately reminded of Chevy's... there was a tortilla machine, the space was huge (a la...
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Matt S.

5.0 of 5 stars. To the people reading this review to decide if they should go or not -- Go.Its awesome food and drinks in a nice atmosphere with outdoor or porch dining available.The food comes fast and servers are...
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Allen H.

3.0 of 5 stars. If I had to recommend a place strictly for chips and salsa this would be the place to go; however, I feel it's my duty to fully report the restaurant as a whole and not just stop with the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/31/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by CW W.

4.0 of 5 stars. Was there almost a year ago. Great margaritas. Used to love walking to the place and having a seat outside. Great for people watching, except on Friday nights when the G'town college kids overload the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/22/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Bob V.

3.0 of 5 stars. The cuisine is truly not Mexican, but it is cheap. The wait for a table is often over 30 minutes, but once you get to your table, the service is fast. The quality of the food is uneven, but when the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/20/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Tracy H.

4.0 of 5 stars. Super margaritas. Strong and tasty! Great chips an salsa, too! Plus, you can get a pint or quart of the salsa to take home if you get addicted like I did. Same menu (basically) as Lauriol Plaza, but...
yelp.com - user review - 03/17/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Anouche Z.

3.0 of 5 stars. A friend of mine described this place perfectly as "solidly dependable." I eat here often because it's within walking distance of my place but would not make the trip if it wasn't. Anyone giving this...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Snicky D.

5.0 of 5 stars. This is my favorite restaurant in DC. I usually go once or twice a week - every week - during the summers.Sometimes it is quite busy, like around 6pm Friday-Sunday when every family comes with their...
yelp.com - user review - 03/12/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Nicola A.

4.0 of 5 stars. I always hit this place after a long day of zoo-visiting and other touristy things with visiting friends and family (right near the National Cathedral)Great complimentary chips and salsa!Margaritas on...
yelp.com - user review - 03/09/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Kelly D.

4.0 of 5 stars. The Tex-Mex food is decently good, and their menu gives you tons of options. I've been to both Cactus Cantina and Lauriol Plaza and have enjoyed both places. It isn't omfg best ever, but it is worth...
yelp.com - user review - 03/07/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Victoria S.

4.0 of 5 stars. CC is one of those DC restaurants that's been around since I can remember. I have been there on numerous occasions...I am surprised I never reviewed it. It's a convenient start of the night place...
yelp.com - user review - 02/27/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Alycia E.

4.0 of 5 stars. I can't help it -- I loves the Cantina. My friend and I have to get our Cantina fix every few weeks, and we refuse to go to Lauriel Plaza (primarily due to the hoards of college kids crammed into its...
yelp.com - user review - 02/02/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Mindy D.

5.0 of 5 stars. No place tops Cactus or Lauriol Plaza's fajitas! Guapos comes in second, but CC is my favorite. It's more low key than LPlaza but the food is just as good. Swirl margaritas are my favorite drink there...
yelp.com - user review - 02/01/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Nina K.

5.0 of 5 stars. I love you Cactus Cantina. I wish you existed in Chicago. But, once upon a time, I lived near you. About five minutes away. Which basically was one of the greatest things ever.First- your queso. Super...
yelp.com - user review - 01/30/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Cindy Y.

4.0 of 5 stars. For a tex-mex place, this place is pretty darn good.I cannot get over their chips and salsa. I'm drooling just thinking about them. The chips are perfectly crispy and not too greasy. You can...
yelp.com - user review - 01/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Im Han K.

3.0 of 5 stars. I prefer it to Guapos, but for reasons I don't even know.Perhaps it's because this is the place I first learned that limes go inside coronas and also that I didn't much care for coronas. For...
yelp.com - user review - 01/29/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by anika k.

3.0 of 5 stars. One of those stars is for the atmosphere - fun, family place that reminds me of Matt's El Rancho in Austin (in that it's huuuge). The food's ok - but if I'm in the area, I'm more likely to go to Alero...
yelp.com - user review - 01/28/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Carrie P.

4.0 of 5 stars. This is a very decent and fun tex-mex place here in DC. I've really enjoyed the fajitas here every time I have ordered them. The chips and salsa are addicting and the atmosphere is lively. Despite...
yelp.com - user review - 01/27/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Jess L.

3.0 of 5 stars. I used to go here in high school, so I have a bit of nostalgia with this place.However, when I most recently came here, my experience was only so-so. We were seated on the "insulated" porch, which was...
yelp.com - user review - 01/19/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by Tika S.

4.0 of 5 stars. I have been eating at Cactus Cantina since i was in elementary school. The chips and salsa are delicious and addictive...there have been many times that i have spoiled my appetite for my actual dinner...
yelp.com - user review - 01/16/2009
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Yelp.com Review - by ariane h.

5.0 of 5 stars. I come here because my best friend who is a chips and salsa ADDICT forces me to come ( or so I like to say because - quite honestly - I loooove the salsa here too). So, we always end up at the bar for...
yelp.com - user review - 12/31/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sophie U.

4.0 of 5 stars. Mmmm! The food was excellent! The salmon was done just right, and the sauce was DELICIOUS -- the rice and beans! RICE AND BEANS!The place is ginormous and the service was impeccable. The only...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Mallory T.

4.0 of 5 stars. I've had mixed experiences ordering vegetarian items at Mexican restaurants and Cactus Cantina has definitely beat out the competition. The veggie fajita was a huge serving of zucchini, mushrooms,...
yelp.com - user review - 11/25/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Harvey D.

5.0 of 5 stars. Cactus rocks! I have always had great service and the food is awesome. I always order the beef chimichanga although I have also had the tacos and the burrito. The only thing left to be desired was...
yelp.com - user review - 11/25/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Natalie F.

5.0 of 5 stars. As far as Mexican food goes, this place has THE BEST food in the city. The spinach enchiladas are so fresh and delicious! The Guacamole and Queso is so amazing. Everything I have ever ordered is...
yelp.com - user review - 11/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by James P.

3.0 of 5 stars. I'm not that big into Mexican food, but I ate here before drinking one night. The food was alright, Mexican once in a while if I am hungry isn't so bad. The only thing absolutely great about Mexican...
yelp.com - user review - 11/22/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Sabrina S.

3.0 of 5 stars. The only real reason I would give this place 3 stars is for the Margaritas, which are the best part. As for the food...meh. Since it is basically Lauriol in a different location, they basically have...
yelp.com - user review - 11/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kristen S.

4.0 of 5 stars. This is one of my favorite Tex-Mex places in the DC area. It's about one block down from the National Cathedral, so if you have family in town or want to do something touristy you could park at the...
yelp.com - user review - 10/27/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Eric F.

3.0 of 5 stars. Cactus Cantina is one of those restaurants that really likes to toy with my emotions. On one hand, the fajitas and steak entrees are really good and the appetizers are decent (along with the yummy...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Deven C.

2.0 of 5 stars. This restaurant is in a good part of town with very little parking for blocks. The food is not bad, but there are better options nearby at the same prices.The service was mediocre at best; several...
yelp.com - user review - 10/22/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Subby K.

1.0 of 5 stars. Service was REALLY average, fast but the clanking of the plates on the table was not really expected. I mean, so hard that some rice fell out. Kind of like the runner dropped it, but he didn't. I...
yelp.com - user review - 10/01/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kathy D.

4.0 of 5 stars. I love their guacamole! I love their margaritas! I love the fact that you can probably get 2 meals out of the one! All yummy - you won't be disappointed. :)
yelp.com - user review - 09/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Asieh S.

1.0 of 5 stars. I've been here a few times for dinner after work with colleagues. This place is consistent in reaffirming that their food is in no way Mexican or Tex-Mex and is decidedly sub par.It is good for large...
yelp.com - user review - 08/28/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by DC H.

4.0 of 5 stars. I don't get all the negative reviews of this place. I mean, I only went there twice, but it was pretty good. I got the fish tacos both times, which I thought were top notch.
yelp.com - user review - 08/16/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Dave C.

1.0 of 5 stars. Imagine if you are making Mexican food at home, but you have no salt, cumin or pepper, only iceberge lettuce, and no peppers. That is what Cactus Cantina tastes like. Bland is an overstatement....
yelp.com - user review - 07/23/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Craig A.

4.0 of 5 stars. My family and I have eaten here at least 50 times in the past 3 years. We regularly meet friends there. My wife loves the margaritas; I enjoy the tacos al carbon, and my older son has salmon salad....
yelp.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Diana D.

2.0 of 5 stars. I don't know why anyone would pick this place when 2 Amy's is next door. This place is EXACTLY the same as Lauriol. I mean since they're owned by the same people, I suppose that is why the menu is...
yelp.com - user review - 05/09/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Amy B.

5.0 of 5 stars. i LOVE cactus cantina! it's always bustling when i head in for a dinner, but if you have to wait, you can always get chips and salsa and some drinks from the bar (which has a nice two level area with...
yelp.com - user review - 05/09/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Kristina D.

4.0 of 5 stars. Cactus Cantina is great place to hang out with friends and enjoy a lively environment. It may not have the best Mexican/Tex-Mex food, but I still think it is much better than Guapos. Few reasons why I...
yelp.com - user review - 05/02/2008
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Allways good food...every time!

I have been going here for 5 years. Yes, it will be crowded at times...but hey the place is great so that is to be expected. We have tried many dishes on the menu with great success. Service is usually good...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/12/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Alicia G.

3.0 of 5 stars. ***3.5 Stars***I l o v e chips and salsa. And I love the chips and salsa here. Like I get cravings for them on random days. I don't care if you don't like anything else at Cactus Cantina - you will...
yelp.com - user review - 04/09/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Caroline P.

3.0 of 5 stars. I have a soft spot for the Cantina. I used to live right down the street, and I've spent many a Saturday night sitting on the patio with some of my most favorite people, downing margaritas. The...
yelp.com - user review - 04/06/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Lauren S.

2.0 of 5 stars. Oh cactus cantina, I want to like you so much. And I will tell you why. Honesty is the best policy. I want to like you better than your Adams Morgan-20 something shrieking-prettier step sister, but...
yelp.com - user review - 04/03/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Stephanie L.

4.0 of 5 stars. Good, affordable, tex mex place (DC standards at least). I went here with a party of 40, and all the waiters were really great. I had some delicious cubed steak that I sometimes still fantasize about....
yelp.com - user review - 03/08/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Erin M.

4.0 of 5 stars. Disclaimer: I am not from CA or TX, home to authenticators of "good Mexican food" so the following may not be accurate in any way... but...I looooove Cactus Cantina. It may be the only place that I...
yelp.com - user review - 02/20/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Hue K.

1.0 of 5 stars. I have tried CC at least once a year for almost 4 yrs because I forgot why I didn't like anything at CC so I thought to give it a shot again and then I realized again that I didn't like CC for...
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by George M.

3.0 of 5 stars. The outside patio is a great place to put your tax dollars to work on a Snow day. Hey the Margaritas would always be chill. I lived in DuPont Circle and this place was always packed at night. As you...
yelp.com - user review - 02/19/2008
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Best Mexican Food EVER by Sherri V. at InsiderPages

We used to eat here once a week at least, before moving out of the area. The restaurant is often crowded with sometimes a wait of over an hour but there is a reason for that - the food is amazing. This is true...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/09/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Oliver N.

5.0 of 5 stars. Before I moved to California, Cactus Cantina was most of what I knew of Mexican food. And it's not even exactly Mexican food.Regardless, this place holds a very special place in my heart. I have...
yelp.com - user review - 01/17/2008
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Yelp.com Review - by Nick B.

4.0 of 5 stars. I'm not sure why more of my friends I bring here don't care for this place...it's pretty decent Tex-Mex food, and definitely a step up from Guapo's nearby. It's a bit of a walk from Tenleytown, but it...
yelp.com - user review - 12/26/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Karen A.

4.0 of 5 stars. I can't believe I haven't yelped earlier about my love for Cactus Cantina...the sister restaurant for Lauriol Plaza, which is a popular DuPont hot spot, this place is more casual, laid back, and...
yelp.com - user review - 12/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ace G.

4.0 of 5 stars. For all you margarita fans out there, allow me to introduce the following two adjectives: tasty and lethal. The staple of this establishment is their margaritas. What I also like is that you have a...
yelp.com - user review - 12/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Naoko M.

3.0 of 5 stars. I've been to Cactus Cantina a couple times and it's always been a pleasant experience. It's usually very crowded so it's important to show up before you think you're going to be starving for some...
yelp.com - user review - 12/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Ellen A.

4.0 of 5 stars. This is in my favorite neighborhood resto, so I go there quite often. I love this place. Super crowded but doesn't matter. Great food. One star is missing because it's not that clean and bathroom...
yelp.com - user review - 12/06/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Mary M.

4.0 of 5 stars. Okay Mexican food, WONDERFUL margaritas. It almost exactly the same as Lauriol Plaza (they are owned by the same people). I tend to order the fajitas, the meat is always tender, and the kitchen seems...
yelp.com - user review - 12/06/2007
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I love their grilled chicken!

This place has huge portions, lots of options and really great grilled chicken. The atmosphere is your typical mexican restaurant and there are a lot of kids around, but it's a pretty good value for the area.
menupages.com - user review - 10/27/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Rachel E.

4.0 of 5 stars. Ah, Cactus Cantina.... How I love thee....I love thee for thy chicken fajitas, which are grilled, juicy, and do not taste all green peppery like some other fajitas.I love thee for thy queso with a...
yelp.com - user review - 10/16/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Sarah F.

3.0 of 5 stars. I love Mexican food and Cactus Cantina isn't a bad place to get it from. The place is freaking huge so there never seems to be a bad wait for a table except for outside. The chips and salsa and good...
yelp.com - user review - 09/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gracie B.

3.0 of 5 stars. There was often debate in the AU world over which was better - Cactus or Guapos. I'm pretty much in the Guapo's camp. But I think both are better than Alero in Cleveland park. It's not that there's...
yelp.com - user review - 08/19/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Stephanie S.

2.0 of 5 stars. I am always on the lookout for good mexican food. After trying lauriol plaza, I was disappointed. So, after the line was too long at two amy's (right next door), i suggested to my boyfriend that we...
yelp.com - user review - 07/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by amy p.

4.0 of 5 stars. This place gets four stars simply for its margaritas. The frozen swirl are the best I've had in DC thus far, and pack a strong alcoholic punch. Foodwise, I really like the queso, beef enchiladas and...
yelp.com - user review - 07/05/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Nadine F.

3.0 of 5 stars. The place has a nice atmosphere, tons of seating, and the service was very good. The food was nothing special. To drink, our table got a pitcher of sangria, which was pretty good, especially toward...
yelp.com - user review - 07/03/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Patrick B.

5.0 of 5 stars. I thoroughly enjoyed Cactus Cantina. It's a great place to stop for Tex Mex in NW. It serves a pretty large crowd, as it's popular. It's located just a couple of blocks from the National Cathedral....
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Steve G.

3.0 of 5 stars. Cactus is almost always lively, and in warm weather, the wrap-around porch is a giant tortilla filled with patrons laughing away job worries, ther work-day stress flowing out on the slush of a good...
yelp.com - user review - 06/20/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by MiRIAM w.

3.0 of 5 stars. I prefer Lauriol Plaza. And not just because it's mere blocks from home. I prefer the energy of Lauriol, with people spilling out onto the street with margaritas in hand. I like the way Lauriol feels...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Laura C.

2.0 of 5 stars. If you can make it to some other Tex Mex or Mexican joint, do so! I'd rather go to some of the "dives" in Adams Morgan or Mt. Pleasant or Lauriol Plaza or Rosa Mexicano. Being from Texas and having...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Heather H.

3.0 of 5 stars. An old haunt of my husband's Georgetown days, we stopped in for an early meal. While not great "Mexican" food, it is certainly good "food". I loved the nachos and was really happy that the guacamole...
yelp.com - user review - 05/21/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Jaime H.

3.0 of 5 stars. I like the Cactus Cantina. Their food is good, their portions are HUGE, and their margaritas are decent. The only problems I have had there is occasional slow and inattentive service and the NOISE...
yelp.com - user review - 05/11/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Tim P.

5.0 of 5 stars. If it were in any other neighborhood, I might give them 4 stars. I live right around the corner and there is a major derth of good hangouts in the neighborhood - this is definitely the place to go. If...
yelp.com - user review - 03/15/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Shawn H.

4.0 of 5 stars. Agree with the other locals about this place on politico-watching, the very good guacamole, the fresh chips and excellent smoky salsa... and the steps! They have excellent Cuban style dishes as well...
yelp.com - user review - 02/22/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Steve B.

3.0 of 5 stars. Oh, that sweet smokey salsa and the Cadillac Margaritas... Not a bad way to spend a night. The food is typical Americanized Mexican food, but it tastes way better after the first pitcher. Just watch...
yelp.com - user review - 02/09/2007
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina Editorial Review

fantastic Mexican food in a low-key setting... staff is always nice to us even when a lot of good ends up on the floor... delicious grilled dishes... kids get to play with raw tortilla dough during the wait......
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/08/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Liam D.

3.0 of 5 stars. Every AU student went through this debate: "Cactus Cantina v. Guapo's?" Personally, I have decided that mexican is one of my least favorite cuisines (except for chipotle--in love with chipotle). I...
yelp.com - user review - 01/24/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Gayle G.

3.0 of 5 stars. If you like politico-watching with your salsa and fajitas, then head to this spot. When you walk in, you'll see a "lineup" of cowboy boots. Don't worry about not having enough time to bond with this...
yelp.com - user review - 01/12/2007
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Yelp.com Review - by Yan Z.

4.0 of 5 stars. Nice Mexican restaurant near the National Cathedral. I like the Fajitas al Carbon (Mesquite grilled beef, chicken or combination, as well as grilled jalapinio pepper and bell peppers). Of course the...
yelp.com - user review - 12/30/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Maxwell S.

3.0 of 5 stars. This place is owned by the same people as is Lauriol Plaza but the atmosphere doesn't match up. The interior definitely strikes me as more of a Mexican kind of place though. The menu is pretty much...
yelp.com - user review - 11/13/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by amy b.

4.0 of 5 stars. I know I have eaten here before, but not for years. I did however have the opportunity to try both the frozen and on the rocks margaritas yesterday. They were both good, not too salty, and come with...
yelp.com - user review - 10/20/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by Jennifer S.

3.0 of 5 stars. This sister restaurant to Lauriol Plaza is clearly, well, related. I'm not a raving fan (of either place), but they do some things well: frozen margaritas, outdoor seating, and great chips with salsa....
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2006
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Yelp.com Review - by alexis g.

4.0 of 5 stars. I only eat very basic Mexican foods, even though I claim it's one of my favorite types of food. While a lot of people might not think Cactus Cantina is terrific, the salsa alone keeps me coming back....
yelp.com - user review - 08/11/2006
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Good Place by Elizabeth C. at InsiderPages

Cactus Cantina is a very good restaurant. The queso is delicious as are the entrees. The margaritas are also very good and the atmosphere is fun. This is a great place to go for a happy hour and stay for...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/21/2006
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

The best salsa, and good food. The bathroom is tricky to get to - especially with a baby!
lilaguide.com - user review - 04/15/2006
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

This place is perfect for kids. It's big, it's loud, there's a children's menu and no one cares if you make a mess. Plus, the tortilla machine provides free entertainment for the toddler set. The downside is...
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/02/2006
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

This restaurant has good food...good help and is loud and perfect for a family!
lilaguide.com - user review - 01/22/2006
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great place for kids! great pricepoint, chips and dip at the table and good food!
lilaguide.com - user review - 11/15/2005
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Yelp.com Review - by Candace H.

3.0 of 5 stars. Nice Mexican style restaurant with good salsa. Sometimes the service can be pretty bad, though. It seems their entire wait staff is made up of high-school kids that don't really care about their...
yelp.com - user review - 11/08/2005
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Great Food, quite pricey by Ross D. at InsiderPages

Cactus Cantina offers some very good food. The decor of the restaurant is your traditional Tex-Mex, and the smell when you enter is strong and gorgeous. The food is very good, they make especially good...
citysearch.com - user review - 09/22/2005
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Great food, but pricey

I have been to Cactus Cantina many times and have found the food to be on the whole very good. Though occationally a dish won't be great, most of the time it is of a high standard. The service is pret...
judysbook.com - user review - 08/31/2005
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huge menu, kickin' margaritas

For a large group Margarita and Mexican outing you really can't beat Cactus Cantina. Okay, for atmosphere, it's sister restaurant, Lauriol Plaza just north of Dupont, JUST might have it beat, but let...
judysbook.com - user review - 06/24/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Stairs make strollers a bit difficult.
lilaguide.com - user review - 03/17/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Lively atmosphere. Limited kids entrees
lilaguide.com - user review - 03/14/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Yummy food (and strong margaritas). Early dinners are packed with families.
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/15/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

These folks are very accommodating toward children, even parties with multiple children.
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/02/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

The service can be very slow, but at least the staff and other patrons d not mind having kids there.
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/02/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Good for toddlers--the place is always hopping so no one notices if your child is loud. Patient, accomodating staff
lilaguide.com - user review - 01/26/2005
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great food and atmosphere for families with children. They are very accomodating.
lilaguide.com - user review - 11/28/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great place to let the kids do their thing without getting in the way of other diners. Very kid friendly. The only downfall is that the staff is very slow.
lilaguide.com - user review - 11/14/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Good family-friendly restaraunt. has plenty of room, but is very often packed so the wait can be long during the busy times. The food is good and the service is excellent. Always have crayons and coloring book...
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/23/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great place to take children. It is loud so children making noise is not an issue. The food is good, the margaritas are great! The only negative is there can be a long wait
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/22/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Very kid friendly with fast service and fun kid foods.
lilaguide.com - user review - 08/12/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

We have been going to Cactus Cantina since our twins were babies (they are now 5). They were ALWAYS nice to us regardless of how much food went on the floor, what tantrums there were, etc. The grilled food is...
lilaguide.com - user review - 07/01/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great kids menu and they can play with the raw tortilla dough. We go there at least 2x per month with our three kids.
lilaguide.com - user review - 05/12/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Fantastic food in a low-key setting. Kids love the food and the activity. They have placemats with crayons for drawing, and kid specific cups.
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/25/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Stoller access is inconvenient unless eating outside. They make no exceptions to the wait list but do provide crayons/coloring book once you are seated to occupy the little ones while the food is prepared....
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/23/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Kid central. Are there anything but outta conrtol families or are they all seated together?!
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/23/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

This is a great place to go with the kids. They're clearly used to it; unlike the sister Lauriol Plaza on 18th, the tablecloths are waxed and the water tumblers are plastic. The food comes fast and is really...
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/23/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great place to go for lunch, much less crowded
lilaguide.com - user review - 02/23/2004
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

I have tried it twice and they are totally unaccomodating about how things are prepared (not great for picky kids). ie Could not make a plain quesadilla, no plain black beans etc. Also I thought food was...
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/17/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

so easy with a baby- loud and noisy- no one notices if the baby cries!
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/02/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Children get crayons and even their own ball of tortilla dough to play with.
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great place for toddlers. The tortilla machine and after-dinner mints make this a favorite for my daughter.
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Great to sit outside with baby! Great food and relaxed atmosphere.
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Try to visit at off times. This restaurant can be very busy. The steps into and out of the restaurant and it's crowded entryway make it tough for strollers.
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Outdoor cafe area is great - indoor is spacious, too
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Sometimes sooo crowded -- and thus too long of a wait for little ones. Stroller access difficult b/c of stairs to enter and tables packed in. Fun decor, though, and food!
lilaguide.com - user review - 10/01/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

If you take your kids, go early - it can get crowded with University students later on.
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/30/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Loud ambiance drowns out children when they get a bit fidgety! Great kid friendly food as well.
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/29/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

with 2 Amys and Cafe Deluxe on the same block, Cactus Cantina is right in the middle of the family dining block of Cleveland Park! loud and boisterous crowd so children blend right in, lots of outdoor dining,...
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/03/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Staff was very friendly to baby. Can sit outside with stroller.
lilaguide.com - user review - 09/02/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

This is a very good choice for a night out with baby if your baby doesn't mind a lot of noise and hearing other children scream and play. They were very attentive to my 5 month old and since there were other...
lilaguide.com - user review - 07/14/2003
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lilaguide | Cactus Cantina

Not a child environment
lilaguide.com - user review - 06/10/2003
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Yahoo! Travel

Find valuable restaurant information including descriptions, photos, reviews and interactive maps for Cactus Cantina in Washington, DC, District of Columbia. Locate additional information on sights,...
travel.yahoo.com - user review
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Epinions

this is a festive, family style restaurant serving fresh-baked tortillas and excellent margaritas...
epinions.com - user review
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Epinions

cactus cantina.....washington, d.c....north of the border in cathedral heights...
epinions.com - user review
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AOL CityGuide

tex-mex mecca near the national cathedral...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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Wcities

this tex-mex restaurant draws college students, families and area residents to its upper-northwest location...
wcities.com - user review
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Open List

After living 18 years in Houston, I thought I would never find a descent Mexican Resturant. Thank god we found Cactus Catina. I thought I was back in Houston. Great food and atmosphere.
openlist.com - user review

RestaurantRow.com

great margaritas! great fajitas! great atmosphere for a cheerful gathering!
restaurantrow.com - user review
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Gayot

cactus cantina is a colorful and always-crowded spot to take the family for lusty tex-mex in cleveland park. tortillas are made in an elaborate glassed-in machine that may interest the kids while theyire...
gayot.com - user review
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