Moved nearby during Covid and never understood why that massive space is always packed. Admittedly went twice with vegetarian family members because it was the easiest option, and the food was better than I expected. But generally lacks salt and spice. Stay away from their fish tacos for sure.

Agreed. I used to live on Idaho Avenue, and we walked to Cactus Cantina several times a month because the food was amazing! I move to Virginia and I was psyched to go back to Cactus and take a friend to experience it for the first time. It ended up being embarrassing. No amazing Masitas de Puerco, or any pork dishes. Think about that - a Mexican restaurant with no pork dishes. The server said pork dishes are seasonal now. (When exactly is pork season?) same issues as above, slimmer menu, way fewer options and combinations, and food flavors are not nearly as good as they used to be. I’m a proud Latino, and walking into Cactus Cantina used to have that amazing aroma of any of my aunts’ kitchens. It doesn’t anymore. It’s sad.

God I loved Cactus in its heyday. This is sad!!!!

Guapos is a decent backup. Fajitas and enchiladas are consistent. And the margaritas, of course.

We actually went to go to the Chuys in Rockville on Friday and had no idea it closed! What a bummer.

Anonymous wrote:Join us at Chuy's in the suburbs!!

They closed near us. And skimmed down their menu. They were great.

I’ve lived nearby for 6 years. Tried it twice, both mediocre.

Bandit Taco down the street is really good.

Join us at Chuy's in the suburbs!!

Anonymous wrote:Friend, Guapos has been going downhill for at least 20 years. Even the margaritas aren't as strong as they used to be.

I wrote Guapos, but I meant to say Cactus Cantina. I think they're very similar in quality nowadays though, unfortunately.

Friend, Guapos has been going downhill for at least 20 years. Even the margaritas aren't as strong as they used to be.

Lived in DC in the 90s and loved Cactus Cantina and Guapo's! Glad to hear they are both at least still around...

I thought this place closed years ago.

I've been going to Cactus Cantina every 5 years or so since the early 2000s. I want to like it so much, so I keep giving it another chance. It's been consistently mediocre for 20+ years. There is so much better Tex-mex to be had. I can see wanting to sit on the patio and have a margarita, but the food is just not good.

“Going downhill?” Honey, it was already there in 2010 when I had a fish taco that tasted like it was cooked 3 weeks prior and sat in some dishwater until it was served to me.

It has always been bland stodgy food for people with no class or taste.