Cactus Kirkland — Restaurant in Kirkland

Flavors that impress, drinks that refresh, and vibes that make you stay longer than you planned—Cactus is a standout in every sense.

Food: Cactus brings bold Latin flavors with thoughtful plating and generous portions, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and visitors. • The Jackfruit Tinga Tacos were an absolute delight. As a first-time jackfruit experience, it hit all the right notes—smoky, savory, tender, and perfectly balanced with rice, beans, and house toppings. A 5/5 dish that even meat lovers would enjoy. • The Chimichanga, while crispy and golden on the outside, leaned heavily on cheese for the vegetarian version. While satisfying with sour cream, guacamole, and hot sauce, on its own, it felt a bit one-note. Still enjoyable, but best as a base for customization (3/5). • The Nachos were vibrant and texturally on point—perfect crunch, generous toppings, creamy guac, and a drizzle of crema that brought it all together. It was a wholesome, shareable favorite (5/5). • The Hibiscus Mango Sour (non-alcoholic) was a showstopper in a glass—vibrant, perfectly balanced between tangy and sweet, with a refreshing fizz. Easily one of the best mocktails around.

• The Three Milk Cuban Flan was a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth finale to the meal. Subtly sweet with a hint of caramel and a creamy, custard-like texture, it didn’t feel overly rich—just enough to round out the flavors of the evening beautifully.

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Service: The service was warm, upbeat, and attentive throughout the evening. Staff offered helpful suggestions, checked in regularly, and ensured a great pace of service. The only downside—they don’t accept reservations, so be prepared for a bit of a wait during busy hours, especially weekends.

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Ambience: Cactus gets full marks for its charming, moody, and inviting interiors. The décor is rich with wood textures, patterned tiles, soft lighting, and a mix of cozy booths and street-facing seating. It’s both lively and intimate, making it perfect for dates, group dinners, or even solo wind-downs. The presentation of each dish and drink only added to the vibe—colorful, clean, and Insta-worthy.

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Pricing: While the pricing leans toward the higher end, the portion sizes are generous and the ingredients feel fresh and premium. For the quality, ambience, and service, it’s a well-justified splurge for a great night out.

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Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Cactus in Kirkland checks all the boxes—from flavorful dishes and eye-catching cocktails to atmosphere that invites you to linger. A few small tweaks for vegetarian options would perfect the experience, but it still earns a full 5-star rating for its consistency,...

Right in the downtown of Kirkland, Washington, Cactus Southwest Kitchen offers a vibrant and flavorful journey through the American Southwest. With its warm, inviting atmosphere and authentic cuisine, this restaurant has quickly become a local favorite.

Authentic Southwestern Flavors: The menu at Cactus Southwest Kitchen is a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. From sizzling fajitas and mouthwatering enchiladas to savory tacos and hearty burritos, every dish is prepared with care and attention to detail. The restaurant's commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients shines through in every bite.

A Vibrant Atmosphere: The interior of Cactus Southwest Kitchen is designed to transport diners to a sun-soaked desert oasis. Warm, earthy tones, colorful artwork, and rustic decor create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a casual lunch with friends or a special occasion dinner, Cactus Southwest Kitchen provides the perfect setting.

A Full Bar and Extensive Drink Menu: In addition to its delicious food, Cactus Southwest Kitchen offers a full bar and an extensive drink menu. Guests can choose from a variety of classic margaritas, handcrafted cocktails, and refreshing beers. The restaurant also features a selection of tequila and mezcal, perfect for those who enjoy a more sophisticated beverage.

Community Involvement: Cactus Southwest Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it's a place where people can come together to enjoy great food and drink. The restaurant is actively involved in the local community, supporting various charitable organizations and events.

Conclusion: If you're looking for a taste of the Southwest in Kirkland, Washington, Cactus Southwest Kitchen is the place to go. With its authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and commitment to the community, this restaurant is sure to become a favorite destination for locals and...

Went to Cactus for the first time with my family. We were a group of 5 but weren't allowed to do online reservations since it requires 6 or more people. We waited an hour and walked around kirkland before we could be seated. When we did eventually get seated we were told the menu is on your phone. They have a QR code you scan. Personally I am not a huge fan of this but since having everyone on their phones just doesn't feel right. I will say being able to see the food on your phone was nice. We also asked for a real menu but they only brought one for the whole table. One thing that first struck me was how expensive just getting chips and salsa is. When you go to a Mexican restaurant, you should be given free chips and salsa. It's like getting bread and butter. Anyways we ordered salsa, queso, and gauc. The salsa was decent and the queso and gauc were very good. I also tried one of their non alcoholic drinks which tasted good. If you ordered a drink they would let to get 1 other drink for free which is nice. They were very busy but it took a long time for our serve to come take our order. I got the carna asada which tasted really good but i do wish there was more. For the price it seemed pretty small. Overall it was a great time (especially if you aren't paying) and the food all does taste really good. Only thing I would wish for would be free chips and salsa and a little faster service. ALSO.... if it is something you care about which i do, it was given 3/4 on food safest. This is concerning since 90% of restaurants get a 4/4 but there was nothing i noticed about the food or utensils that seemed unclean just something to...