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Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina, Lincoln, NE

Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina

4.2
4.2
530 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary Mexican
Top Tags:

Cactus by Venue is a family oriented restaurant that combines flavors of Mexican cuisine with modern ideas and fresh ingredients with a relaxing dining room, a lively cantina bar, a private dining space and a spacious outdoor patio.

May 12th, 2020
DINE-IN, CURBSIDE AND DELIVERY
With reopening our in-restaurant dining, we will still be offering carryout, curbside and delivery services at venuedelivered.com
6 FEET BETWEEN TABLES
To follow safe social distancing guidelines, we will maintain at least 6 feet between tables at all times.
NO PARTIES LARGER THAN 6
If you have a group larger than 6, you must be seated separately in groups of 6 or less.
HALF OCCUPANCY
We will only allow half of our total allowed occupancy at all times. Making reservations during this time is highly recommended.
INCREASED SANITIZATION MEASURES
Our number one priority is ensuring that every meal is prepared safe and delivered safe.
STAFF/SAFETY
They have all completed safety training per the city guidelines.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
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7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Mexican, Sports Bar, Mexican

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (531) 500-4444

  • Website

    http://www.cactusmmc.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Kyle Lamb

  • Location

    5500 S 56th St Ste 115 Lincoln, NE 68516-1834

  • Neighborhood

    Lincoln

  • Cross street

    56th and Highway 2

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 530 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2
4.2 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.2Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Nebraska

    Good for Groups

  • Lincoln

    Fit for Foodies

  • Lincoln

    Romantic

  • Lincoln

    Vibrant Bar Scene

  • Lincoln

    Most Booked

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Filters

  1. BP

    BrianP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    Service and server were outstanding. Great food and appetizers for the value. Love the setting, very upbeat and comfortable.

  2. DA

    DiningAtACertainAge

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience2

    Very, very loud… deafening. Server was excellent, food was cold, soggy & took an hour to arrive. Chips & dips were excellent & prompt but it was not a great Mothers Day experience

  3. AS

    AndreaS

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience2

    new menu bad idea cactus should of kept it the way it was

  4. MR

    MarylandRoots

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    We made reservations for lunch on Mother's Day, which was a good idea since they filled up. The restaurant didn't appear too busy; patrons were generously distanced. Our server was super and the food was really fresh and delicious. We started with the dip sampler and the kids ate it as fast as the adults. The Caribbean Shrimp bowl lasted for 2 meals and the fajitas were devoured. We were disappointed that there was no special for Mother's Day... No mimosas, no flowers, no buffet, no special menu items or dessert... That was too bad for us mommies.

  5. CR

    CurtisR

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food! The girlfriend loves the Pork rice bowls!

  6. S

    Shell

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience2

    None of the tables around us had been cleaned. Food was good but took a really long time to get. Great server.

  7. m

    mjhowes

    Minneapolis

    18 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience3

    Very odd menu for a Mexican restaurant the food was mediocre at best

  8. S

    Stephanie

    Omaha

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food, atmosphere, and server. The food took awhile to come out but worth the wait.

  9. R

    Robyn

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was great as always, as was the service. Appreciated the ability to make a reservation on Easter. Thanks!!

  10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience1

    The food and service at Cactus was outstanding, but the noise level was ridiculously high. We were totally unable to talk with our dining companions and ended up unsure if we would be back. This was even though we were seated on the dining room side rather than the bar side. The noise level is a shame, because certainly the owners have worked hard to try to develop a good product and have succeeded as far as food and service goes. It doesn’t take rocket science to adjust a restaurant’s surroundings to decrease the noise level and allow for a reasonably civilized experience. I find interesting that the preset in the review termed a high noise level “energetic“. I would term it obnoxious and aversive. If I want an “energetic” experience, I would go to a sports bar, not a restaurant trying to be a bit more upscale.

  11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin was our server and did an amazing job of making us feel welcome. The tacos were amazing and the drinks were delicious! Will definitely come back for another girls night!

  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place for all ages!!

  13. BD

    BarbraD

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    We had 2 server's. Took 20 mins to take out drinks 20 minutes to get our drink and appetizers. 1 hour before we had to ask to place our food order. Food timing was good. Had to hunt down the waiter for our checks. Waiters had a great attitude and friendly just believe poor time management and checking in guest. Over would come back

  14. SW

    ShelleyW

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 6, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    8 of us met for a birthday dinner and to play Music Bingo. We had a hard time hearing the music because we were not sitting in the bar area. A very fun time and the BINGO was outstanding!!!

  15. CD

    CoryD

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    The food was fantastic and impressed by the service.

  16. m

    mexicanfoodfoody

    Kansas City

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    The rice was not good. Why is basmati rice used at a Tex/Mex restaurant? Guac was delicious. I enjoyed the pleasing dining area with nice decor.

  17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 4, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    This visit was with family to celebrate my birthday. The noise volume made it difficult to communicate. Our waiter spent more time visiting with others than being attentive to his tables.

  18. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Kevin provided great service with a fun attitude. Great environment.

  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall1food3service1ambience2

    Brought a service issue to Mtg and was disappointed in his response. Don’t plan to return anytime soon.

  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    The whole night was special. We celebrated getting married and ate dinner here. Staff was amazing. Only had a slight issue with our food but they went above and beyond to fix it!

  21. MV

    MemeV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Very good food. Waiter had a lot of tables so we did a lot of waiting. But everywhere is short staffed.

  22. TC

    TerranC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    First time coming and will definitely be back! From start to finish the whole meal was amazing. Best guacamole we have ever had!

  23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 11, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    The Brussels sprouts are phenomenal! The steak with the chimichurri and mushrooms had such a great flavor, but unfortunately there was a huge line of gristle through most of it making it difficult to eat and enjoy. Staff are very friendly. Love having all the TV's in the bar area.

  24. S

    Susan

    Omaha

    6 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall2food3service2ambience2

    It took a loooong time to get drinks and the chips (that you *ridiculously* have to pay $5 bucks for) but... as soon as we finally had our drinks, BAM there was the food. The drinks are loaded with bar mix and utterly uninspired. This is strange since the restaurant group's two sister restaurants, Venue and Piedmont, make absolutely lovely cocktails. The food was actually pretty good but balanced with the poor drinks, service and ambiance, it's not a go-to spot

  25. B

    Bonnie

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    First time experience here. Pleased with quick ordering, arrival of our meal and quality of food. Also nice that the manager checked in on us to see if everything was ok. Only downside was that the restaurant noise level was a little high, however because the food and service were so good this would not prevent me from returning. Pleased and would recommend!

  26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My 95 year old grandmother’s first margarita!

  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 28, 2022

    overall3food4service3ambience4

    Service wasn’t great. Drinks were inconsistent and what Mexican restaurant charges for chips and salsa? Well this one does.

  28. SF

    SteveF

    Omaha

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    My carne asada steak was over cooked, the corn was soft and inedible, the rice was overpowered by cilantro.

  29. JM

    JMF123

    Omaha

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Staff were helpful and very friendly! Recommend getting the hot mess. It was delicious!

  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Birthday dinner was awesome! Food was amazing

  31. C

    Chipnsalsa

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 9, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience2

    No more complimentary chips and salsa…. Not worth it

  32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Delicious food and cocktails at a reasonable price

  33. SK

    SomyaK

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 8, 2021

    overall2food2service5ambience5

    The quality of the food has deteriorated a lot. It used to be one of our favorite restaurants in Lincoln but not anymore. The nashville hot chicken was even begging for salt yesterday. The near-death sauce is bland. It used to be an awesome order at Cactus. Kids chicken tenders were very dry and not tender at all. Overall, drinks were good but food left a lot to be desired.

  34. A

    Andrea

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an amazing dinner at Cactus last night. The drinks were definitely a highlight. We started with The Hot Mess, which was a perfect app recommendation. My friend had the Cactus Salad, which she loved! I tried the Chicken Caesar Taco (so good and different!) and the Carne Asada Taco, which was exactly what you want a Carne Asada Taco to be. Such a great night and dining experience!

  35. LH

    LisaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We reserved a table for 8, and it was all set up and ready as soon as we arrived. The service was quick and efficient. We all enjoyed the food and the atmosphere! We will be going again!

  36. G

    300Guy

    Omaha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was fantastic and our server, she did an outstanding job!!!!!

  37. L

    Lisa

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2021

    overall4food5service4ambience4

    Great food and generally good service.

  38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    The food and service was terrific as always!

  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2021

    overall4food4service3ambience4

    We came to the restaurant ready to order! Ordered right away and got food one thing after another. Great food and decent service. Must of been busy because we saw our server here and there but the food was delicious!!

  40. RE

    RoxanneE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was pretty good and the food was really good too. Wasn’t busy when we were there, but I made a reservation anyway which was easy to do.

FAQs

Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (531) 500-4444.

Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina is rated 4.2 stars by 530 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
May 2022
Sun
Mon
Tue
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Sat
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7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for Cactus Modern Mexican & Cantina

5500 S 56th St Ste 115 Lincoln, NE 68516-1834

Additional information

  • Cross street

    56th and Highway 2

  • Neighborhood

    Lincoln

  • Hours of operation

    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–4:00 pm Bar Tue–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary Mexican, Sports Bar, Mexican

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    Public Lot

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Kyle Lamb

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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