Cactus Grill and Cantina

A hidden Mexican treasure in Potsdam, New York

Story and photos by Pat Fifield

As you walk into Cactus Grill and Cantina in Potsdam, the large, open dining room with cracked paint on the walls and cement floors makes you feel as if you just walked into an old village in Mexico. A giant brightly colored sun and shooting stars cover the walls and a spiky cactus stands tall in each corner of the room. There are several wooden tables in the dining room surrounded by red, blue, and yellow chairs.

My server was at my table quickly with a bowl of homemade, chunky salsa and a basket of colored homemade tortilla chips. The first serving is on the house and another costs two dollars. The salsa has little chunks of tomatoes and onions and you'll need to take about four bites to feel the burn on your tongue.

The entrees range from $10 to $15 and include many Mexican specialties. Steak, shrimp, or chicken fajitas are served on a sizzling frying pan right at your table. Guacamole, giant taco salads, tacos, garlic quesadillas are also available. There is a kid's menu including tacos and chicken tenders.

I ordered a chicken quesadilla smothered in cheese and pesto served with a side of salsa and sour cream. The meal was so big it hung over the large, oval plate. The quesadilla was full of pesto but it was delicious. If you are not a fan of pesto, you can order the quesadilla without it. My guest also ordered a quesadilla but his was full of strips of steak and portabella mushrooms, which also hung over the side of the plate.

A limited dessert menu included flan, sugary chimichangas, and fried ice cream. I ordered the fried ice cream and when it came to the table, my eyes lit up. A larger-than-normal scoop of vanilla ice cream that was rolled in a mixture of raisin, granola and honey was placed in a fried tortilla bowl and then covered with fluffy whipped cream. The crunchy granola and honey were the main flavors of the treat and the tortilla bowl had a sweet flavor and was perfect for dipping into the ice cream. The raisins were chewy and stuck to my teeth, but there were only about 10 so I picked them out. Fried ice cream is big enough for two, but so good you may rethink sharing.

Located separately from the dining room, the Cactus Grill and Cantina's large bar continues with the Mexican theme. There is a pool table in the middle. A giant, fake cactus rises to the ceiling where domestic and imported beers are served along with Mexican beers: Corona, Corona Light, and Dos Equis. The drink specialty includes margaritas served by the glass or in pitchers, which seems to be more popular.

The bar has more of a college student atmosphere where you can go have fun and enjoy tangy margaritas. The restaurant area can accommodate families, couples and students. Families can come and enjoy the bright colors and relaxing atmosphere and children have options on the menu. Couples can have a quiet dinner in the dimly lit dining room and students can have pitchers of margaritas served at their table.

The entire meal, dessert included, cost $40, including the tip. The prices are considerably low for the generous portion sizes. The service was excellent and the servers were attentive and friendly, ensuring a perfect visit at Cactus Grill.

What did you think of Cactus Grill and Cantina?

Cactus Grill & Cantina
11 Raymond Street
Potsdam, NY 13676
(315) 265-0240

Opens Daily at 4 p.m.