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Welcome to Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus

Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus, nestled in Chateauguay, Quebec, offers an authentic Mexican dining experience that delights the senses. With its vibrant decor and riverside views, this cozy eatery is known for its rich flavors and hearty portions. Guests rave about the standout tacos—particularly the pork al pastor—as well as creative tapas offerings on Sundays. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by carefully curated music and attentive service, making every visit memorable. Whether you're sipping a refreshing Chelada or savoring homemade tortillas, El Cactus is a celebration of culinary passion that invites you to indulge and unwind.

Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus: Reviews & Ratings

Julissa V. Grant
Julissa V. Grant

Great service, nice music, good cocktails. We stopped here just as a random pick on the road, but we were really impressed with the yummy food and cocktails. The Sunday menu is a set menu tapas style, highly recommended

Lamar
Lamar

Honestly the best Tacos I’ve had this far. We got shrimp, chicken, pork and beef tacos, my personal favorite was the pork (Al pastor). Took a while which makes me think that everything is prepared from scratch. It’s also located next to the river, and in the summer you can sit outside. And on Tuesdays their Tacos are 5 each, perfect for if you want to give them all a try

Emily Berg Johnson
Emily Berg Johnson

We went on a Friday evening, arriving a little bit before opening and there was already a group of people waiting. I'm not sure if they take reservations for only 2 people or small groups, but I suggest you get there before opening on typically busy nights if you don't have one, cause seats fill fast!! The decor is colorful, authentic and maximalist. I really love the tile work throughout, and the restaurant is as much of a feast for the eyes as it is your mouth. It also has a fun, upbeat atmosphere and nice view of the water out of the back windows. The food was hot, flavorful and hearty and came quickly. We split the queso fundido and the bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp to start. Not pictured are the homemade tortillas they also gave us for the queso. The Chelada Papi I got to drink was refreshing and tangy. I had the Quesabirria as my main, and my partner got the Ensenada. Don't be deceived by the size of the quesabirria, it's dense and rich making it quite filling. We both left quite full, and it came to a bit over 50 per person including drink, tax and tip. I look forward to going back next time we have something to celebrate!

Rocky Singh
Rocky Singh

Great place, amazing atmosphere & super delicious food. Authentic, flavorful and drinks on the side are perfect match. Be prepared to wait, but wait it totally worth it.

Annie Laurin
Annie Laurin

Loved our experience there. Food was very good so was the service. Took the nachos and guacamole app. The guac was very good! Quesadillas for meal, also very good and churros for desert, SO good. Mojito to drink, SO good! Very polite and friendly staff. The music wasn't too loud so we could hear ourselves talk whitout yelling. The decor was very cute..it's a small restaurant, so I'm assuming maybe on weekends it gets very busy. There's a bar and also tables to sit and eat.

Mathieu Poirier
Mathieu Poirier

The food was great, I had a plate of Taco, the only thing I would maybe add with the dish Mexican rice or beans, i was still hungry after

Skeye Gage
Skeye Gage

Super lively atmosphere, tons of fun cocktails and the food was amazing. There was a line when we arrived at about 6:45 on a Saturday night but we only waited 25 minutes or so for 2. The watermelon & chorizo salad was interesting and really flavorful. The Mediterranean Seabass, on special, was light and citrusy with tons of complimenting flavors, definitely our favorite. And the filet carpaccio was delicious. No complaints!!

Natalia
Natalia

Really amazing Mexican food! We had a drink each. I had roasted vegetarian tacos and my husband had the enchiladas mixtas. We both ate every single morsel of food. Followed by the most delicious tres leche cake. Beautiful terrace right next to the Chateauguay river; the atmosphere is fun.

Location

Welcome to Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus, a vibrant culinary gem nestled along the scenic banks of the river in Chateauguay, Quebec. Known for its exceptional authenticity and bold flavors, El Cactus delivers an unforgettable dining experience that delights all the senses.

The moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a colorful atmosphere that bursts with personality. The decor, rich with intricate tile work and playful accents, beautifully reflects the heart of Mexico, creating a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. This intimate setting is not only ideal for food lovers but also fosters a lively backdrop for gatherings with friends and family.

El Cactus has earned rave reviews from food enthusiasts. Customers like Julissa V. Grant have praised the restaurant for its “great service, nice music, and good cocktails,” highlighting the tapas-style Sunday menu as a must-try. The focus on fresh ingredients is palpable, as echoed by Lamar, who dubbed the tacos—especially the pork al pastor—some of the best he has ever tasted. "Everything is prepared from scratch," he noted, which enhances the flavors and overall dining experience.

Embark on a culinary journey with delectable starters such as the queso fundido and bacon-wrapped stuffed shrimp, which are guaranteed to set the stage for your meal. As Emily Berg Johnson discovered, the hearty portions and rich flavors of the main dishes, like the quesabirria, are bound to leave you fully satisfied. The homemade tortillas provided for the queso ensure that every bite is a perfect indulgence.

And let's not forget about the drinks! The refreshing Chelada Papi stands out as the perfect companion to any meal, enhancing the zesty Mexican flair. Meanwhile, cocktails like the mojito add an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience, as noted by Annie Laurin in her glowing review.

As you soak in the ambiance, prepare for a bit of a wait—especially during popular dining times. But rest assured, at Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus, every minute spent is worth it for the delicious food served fresh from the kitchen. The enthusiastic atmosphere, coupled with the friendly staff, ensures that your visit will be both memorable and enjoyable.

Whether you are unwinding on a warm summer evening by the riverside or indulging in a cozy dinner during the chillier months, Restaurant Mexicain El Cactus welcomes you with open arms and an inviting menu that promises to ignite your passion for Mexican cuisine. Over the years, it has built a reputation as a beloved community staple, and it's easy to see why. Dive into the vibrant flavors and let the experience of El Cactus captivate your culinary heart!