I’ll have a Jumbo on the rocks, hold the salt, and the largest tub of queso you can find.
You haven’t been to Iowa City if you haven’t heard of Cactus- well, at least one of them. This friendly watering-hole received campus-wide attention for their odd choice to open three separate locations within a half-mile of one another.
After word spread about third location, students took to social media nicknaming the city “Cactus City, Iowa.” At the surface, this unique business decision drew suspect doubts, but Cactus’ underlying motives became clear when understanding their clientele.
Their Story
The original tequila joint resides on the corner of Gilbert Street. After experiencing an overwhelming demand for queso induced pre-games, the regular lines and waits put a dent in the Cactus experience.
Management originally looked to buy the building next door to expand their premise, but they would not sell. Cactus 2 opened just two doors down in 2014. Overcrowding continued, and management sought out a plan to open Cactus 3 on Clinton Street in fall of 2018.
Noe Tellez, Cactus Manager, explains the method to their madness- and no, tequila was not involved.
“I guess you could say having three Cactus restaurants downtown is an advantage and it gets people’s attention,” said Tellez. It ironically served as free publicity amongst students.”
A publicity stunt it was, as all three Cactus locations continue to thrive. Cheap drinks, free salsa, and sociable employees is the functioning trio that appointed Cactus as an Iowa City staple.
My Take
To me, the character of the bar is what sets the tone for the night. Exemplifying this characteristic, Cactus stands tall as an outlier to other Mexican restaurants on campus. Because of the care-free environment, I would equivelate going to Cactus to going to a friends house- you never know what type of adventure you’re gonna get yourself into. Whether I’m wearing sweatpants or a sequin bodysuit, the chill vibe always allows for some wholesome, ratchet fun.
From my first expirience after move-in day, to my latest, I can solemnly swear that I have never had a poor, or uneventful, expirience within Cactus confines.
For More information on the Cactus menu and hours, visit their website, or give them a like on facebook.
DRINKS IN THE CITY 