Cactus Kirkland: Discover Delicious Tex-Mex Delights in Kirkland

Came for an early dinner on a Sunday. The host was super friendly and let us pick whichever outdoor seat we wanted since there were options. Our waitress came not long after and she asked if we want chips, salsa, and guacamole for the table (only later to find out on the bill that it costs $11.) We ordered house fajita with skirt steak and chimayo enchilada. Both dishes were mediocre for us, we had better elsewhere and at home tbh. The location of the restaurant is convenient and nicely tucked away where you can see cars driving by and people walking past. The atmosphere inside also seems nice, restroom was clean so that's a plus. All in all, good experience thanks to the friendliness of the host and the waitress but we will try elsewhere for Mexican food. The sign did say along the lines of "We are not authentic, but we are Cactus."

The food at Cactus Kirkland is outstanding. Every dish we ordered was beautifully presented and packed with flavor — the kind of Mexican-inspired cooking that goes well beyond the expected. Portions are generous and the ingredients clearly fresh and high quality. The bar program is equally impressive with a great selection of margaritas and specialty cocktails. If you haven't tried Cactus yet, you are genuinely missing out on one of Kirkland's best restaurants.

Cactus was exceptional. We came here for a managers dinner after a workout class and everyone’s meal turned out amazing. Portions are generous and service is so kind and on top of it. Would definitely recommend and plan on returning!

TL;DR: Great first experience — fantastic carne asada, fresh Austin-style guac, strong margaritas, and thoughtful service (including a complimentary dessert). Had a fantastic first visit to Cactus in Kirkland. From the moment we sat down, the service was warm and welcoming — they even surprised us with a complimentary dessert to celebrate it being our first time dining there, which was a really classy touch. The Austin-style guac was fresh and packed with flavor, and the carne asada was perfectly cooked and well seasoned. Both were standout dishes. We also really enjoyed the margaritas — balanced, strong, and exactly what you want with a meal like this. Great food, great drinks, and great hospitality. We’ll definitely be back.

Overall, it was a good experience trying a couple of appetizers and an entrée, and the service was very attentive!

We had such a wonderful meal at Cactus in Kirkland. The atmosphere was lively yet welcoming, and the staff made us feel right at home. • The Vegetarian Loaded Nachos were a perfect start—crispy chips piled high with fresh toppings, flavorful beans, and just the right amount of cheese. • The Vegetarian Chimichanga was hearty and delicious, with a golden crisp outside and a savory filling that was packed with flavor. • The Chicken Chimichanga was equally impressive—juicy, well-seasoned chicken wrapped in a perfectly fried tortilla, complemented by their tasty sauces. • The Veg Quesadillas were simple yet satisfying, with gooey melted cheese and fresh veggies that made every bite enjoyable. Overall, the food was vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s clear that Cactus puts care into both their ingredients and preparation. We left full, happy, and already planning our next visit. Highly recommend for anyone looking for delicious Southwestern-inspired cuisine in Kirkland!

Visited this Cactus location in Kirkland on a busy weekend night during the November 2025 holidays. Service throughout was helpful and quick and we didn't have to wait too long to be seated as a party of 2 in the bar area. Unfortunately, I think the kitchen was having an off night - the carne asada and quesadilla we received just wasn't as well prepared as we've had at other Cactus locations. Queso was fine, but my steak was bland and the quesadilla too wet. Will still give a 4/5 for the overall experience and the fact that the food wasn't actually bad - but other Cactus locations have given us better meals.

Some of the food was really good and some of it was really mid. This specific location is kinda squished inside but the servers take good care of you here