Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar Menu

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar Restaurant Review:

The atmospheric Aztec Theater, restored and finally finding its footing as an entertainment venue, sits atop the Iron Cactus --- also thriving. Could more than 100 tequilas have something to do with IC’s drawing power? We suspect so and suggest starting with a flight of silver or reposado tequilas paired with the “street tacos” filled with pork carnitas. (A lobster version is also available for big spenders.) The main menu, however, is somewhat hit-and-miss. Baja fish tacos are safe enough, but somehow the kitchen has managed to make most chiles relatively mild --- a trick perfected in the chile relleno rustic, despite a filling of fajita-cooked chicken, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries. Platos tradicionales we’d prefer to have at a really traditional, local restaurant, but we applaud at least the invention suggested by a chipotle-sauced smoked pork chop. Outdoor seats in the shade of stalwart cypresses offer some of the river’s best people-watching potential, and attractive happy hour specials add to the entertainment aspect. Consider “El Corazon” with silver tequila, Cointreau, lime and prickly pear purée.