El Cactus

Visited twice, fantastic twice, but don’t go there, go somewhere else, Chateauguay is too far for you anyway. I know you have a car, but save gas, go someplace else. I want to save this place for myself. It opens at 5pm. Who heard of a restaurant opening so late at 5pm? So I beat the rush and get there at 4:55 and keep asking them «Are you open yet?». I play my retired, and looking haggard card. It works, these guys are really cool even for retired people, but watch out folks, those young and spritely older people come flying in the door at 5:05. Wheel chairs, young families, old families, the great unwashed from Montréal. I have no idea what a fatita is, I ask the waiter «what’s good» and he points to the menu and says this — whatever it is has vegetables and beans, (I like vegetarian), Janette, my wife likes beef. They make it, in good time. And wow. Oh yes, get a reservation or come early.

good food, nice place, but better if you have a reservation

Can’t get enough! A bit far but absolutely worth the trip. Tortilla soup is a must, tacos al pastor are generous, filling, and tasty, and the burritos are just as good. I had a strawberry daiquiri the first time I went and it was the best I’ve ever had. Everything is fresh and delicious!

Super déco !!
Très bon service et le menu varié qui nous incite à découvrir des confections surprenantes
J’ai par contre trouvé le tout assez dispendieux
Beaucoup de monde et magnifique petite terrasse tranquille

By far the best Mexican food I’ve eaten in my life. The only thing I wish could be changed is the tapas menu on Sundays… They could make it a either/​or. I’d like to have the choice of eating tapas or having a meal from my choice on the regular menu. Anyways, still delicious and it sucks it’s closed during winter, I wish I could get a tropical moment during a cold winter ;)

This place competes with any place in the city for food and ambiance. Surprisingly hip and sophisticated for Chateauguay, yet still friendly — the owners bring Mexico to the north for a few months of the year and we are fortunate they do.

Absolutely brilliant! I grew up in Quebec. When I was a kid my parents would make old ElPaso tacos. At the time, this was treat night and the best Mexican food I knew (please don’t laugh). Then I discovered that there’s was more and better than pre-​mixed spices and hard packaged tortillas. When I got my driver I would go to Carlos and Pepe’s, 3amigos; you know, the typical places that comes to mind for Mexican food in Montréal when you’re 18 and from the country. Then I went to Mexico, and again the bar was set higher. I was thought how genuine and fresh Mexican food can be even better. AND THEN I went to ElCactus. Take all my past experience up to now with Mexican food and recalibrate. My friends will tell you, I’m not able to go anywhere else without comparing with ElCactus and simply be disappointed. They did it! They reset my standards to higher expectations. I’ll add that it’s not only for food, but they also have for genuine Mexican drinks. Their private importation of Mexican alcohol might have something to do with it. The music, décor, plates, glasses and cutlery does make you feel like you’re in Mexico. They spare no detail. There’s also an outside patio to enjoy a drink on a summer night in a great setting. Chateauguay is not much of a culinary destination but Steve, his wife and her mother as well as the ElCactus crew are giving me hope. Thank you!

Great margaritas, fab food! Make sure to make a reservation, it is a very small restaurant located on waterfront so it’s always full. Everything is festive about El Cactus, ambiance decoration is like being on vacation. Friendly staff too. Try their tapas!