Cactus Grill Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Fort Wayne

Let's start with 'I'm not a 5 star review guy'. I had seen a very positive review just this morning by a Nextdoor user and suggested my wife and I check it out. The place is not a standalone and is nestled in the middle of a plaza adjacent to Glenbrook and the Lima Rd address is deceiving. All to say, we'd driven by it 5+ times and didn't realize it was there. NOW WE DO ! We were greeted immediately and graciously (at ~4PM on a Tuesday). Decided to belly up to the bar although there was, for obviously 4PM reasons, not a bartender behind the bar. Within about 45 seconds we were greeted by Onofre, the owner. He greeted us like family with fresh, warm chips and delicious house-made salsa, talked us proudly through the menu and brought us our bevs while we talked and studied. I had a familiar beer. Mrs had a Pink Mojito (customized for her taste). It was clear from her face after the first sip that I would have to BEG for a sip...glad I begged ! It happened that we were there on 'Taco Tuesday' which is their $2.50 each special (all day) for an array of their signature tacos. We ordered a selection of tacos along with their Three Flavors appetizer. Fast forward less than 10 minutes. Two tacos each and a quite impressive app sampler were delivered hot, fresh, large and 100% delicious ! We also sampled two of their 3 or 4 other house-made salsas. Each outstanding ! All ingredients (food, garnish, guac, salsas and mojito) were exceptionally fresh ! More mundane; the place is well appointed and very clean, (including an impeccably clean men's room, never a given). I'll be going back often. You...

The menu is typical Mexican fare. Salsa was average. Atmosphere was ok. From the dining room you could see the back of the kitchen, so boxes puled up, empty CO2 tanks, etc. Not appealing to look at while eating. Tacos barely warm. I had Pollo Poblano, no beans. It came out with beans on the plate but also no Poblanos on it...you know the thing in the NAME OF IT 🤪 . But it did have a big cold jalapeno pepper displayed on what appeared to be a split-open hot dog, it was so weird. When I asked about the absence of the peppers, the server said oh, they're out of them. This would be good information before I ordered it. Lastly, the margaritas sucked as well. Are we all sure that Banditos still does not own this place because it felt like it. We won't be back. I give this place about 4 months...

So what enticed me on coming here was all the pictures of the food look delicious. Then after reviewing the menu I was able to find a plate that sounded delicious. Once I got there I was greeted and seated almost right away. They give you chips and salsa as a complimentary snack as you wait for your food. Upon receiving my dinner play, I was happy with how it looked and tbh I got even hungrier. Now the honest part; the rice was ok, the beans had cheese on it that made it good/ not great just good. The steak was ok too, the Mexican sausage was ok (more of a hotdog) and it was a decent amount of food on the plate for the price but it just wasn’t as tasty as I hoped for by how good it looked. Would I come here again, maybe on the weekend to try the soups but after that, it’s...