Cactus Cantina Gulf Shores

4.4 ( 2896 reviews )

Checking... 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See Hours

3849 Gulf Shores Pkwy, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, United States

+1 251-943-8115

Cactus Cantina Gulf Shores is a vibrant gem located conveniently off Gulf Shores Parkway, specializing in Mexican cuisine that resonates with both locals and tourists alike. The extensive menu offers a plethora of options, ranging from hearty tacos to mouthwatering nachos. Many reviewers praised the generous portions; the street corn elote tacos and local fish tacos are standout favorites. One customer, Scott Andrews, noted the impressive quality of the bottomless chips and salsa, which he described as some of the best in the area, though he felt the guacamole could use a fresher touch.

Service at Cactus Cantina is consistently highlighted, with staff being described as fast, friendly, and efficient. Despite the casual attire of servers blending in with patrons, the attentiveness remained commendable. Julie K emphasized her enjoyment of the quick turnaround, citing only a 25-minute wait for a party of seven. Repeat visitors often express a strong desire to return, indicating the restaurant's capacity to create memorable dining experiences. While some reviews suggest that the authenticity may not reach peak levels, the overall ambiance, delectable food, and welcoming service make Cactus Cantina Gulf Shores a must-visit dining spot for anyone in the area.

Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great tea selection
- Live music
- Sport
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Food
- Happy-hour drinks
- Happy-hour food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar on site
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
- University students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- Parking

Scott Andrews

Jun 25,2025

Above average Mexican fare in an easy to access location off Gulf Shores Parkway. Big draw for the local community. The menu is large with a full range of options. Our menus were dirty and needed a deep cleaning. The service was fast and attentive. The servers this evening were in street clothes and indistinguishable from the patrons. First off, the large guacamole is enough for four people. It did not appear “just made” but made fresh. The chips and salsa are bottomless and some of the best you’ll find in these parts. The portions are plentiful, the food is hot, and the is on point. The local fish tacos and the basic taco salad did not disappoint. However, it is far from real authentic Mexican, but close enough for a great evening and meal. Recommended.

Julie K

Jun 24,2025

Another fantastic dinner experience here! We come every time we’re in Gulf Shores for vacation. The parking lot was full, some people were waiting, and we had a party of seven - I was sure the wait would be long. Nope!! Only 25 minutes! Our server was Riley, and he did an amazing job- fast, friendly and efficient. I had the street corn elote tacos AND THEY’RE SO GOOD!!! Can’t wait for next time!

Jon Helms

Jun 23,2025

The salsa was nice and thick with virtually no water, and as with any Mexican restaurant you can tell if it's going to be good or bad based on the salsa. This was among the best I've had, and the steak nachos were fantastic with plenty of cheese and lots of full chips, I saw almost no crumbs. Highly recommend and I hopefully will visit again next time I am on vacation here

Kevin Altic

Jun 8,2025

Food was great and their sweet tea was meh but the food made up for it we ordered the 3 barria tacos and elote tace both were great but the elite was the best

G Motes

Apr 18,2025

We ended up visiting here twice while on vacation in Gulf Shores, both times the service was great and the food was awesome. We are a family of 13 and vacation together often so we will definitely be making this place one of our regular places to eat when we are here.

Rachell Haseloff

Mar 15,2025

After a 13 hour car ride all my family wanted to do was eat and didn’t want to get back in car so i called in to go order and the kid was so helpful and polite and upon arriving yo pick up order he and another waiter ensured all was there including utensils and what might have been the guy manager/owner even gave me a bottle of ketchup! The lady manager seemed a bit frustrated with the boys which she should have been proud!! And top it off the FOOD was great!!

Morgan Rogers

Mar 13,2025

Everything was fantastic! I had the Three Amigos Cheese dip as an appetizer and the Boom Boom shrimp tacos and they were AMAZING! I can’t remember our servers name but he was tall with brown curly hair and he was very attentive and repeatedly checked on us. One of the managers came by and grabbed plates and asked how we were as well. They were busy and our food came out very quick! We will definitely be back again to this location asap! PS. The chimichanga cheesecake dessert

Jeffrey Thiessen

Mar 8,2025

Down here on Spring Break and a friend recommended this restaurant. Glad they did. Food was excellent, waitress was friendly and atmosphere was fun and comfortable.

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