Cactus Mexican Grill

What a great mom and pop shop! The owner gave my friends daughter free fries! Delicious and homey

This is one of those amazing, but true, "Only in America" stories. A Middle-Eastern couple, living in Canada, move to Southern California and look for a way to make a living. Well, they are driving down Ventura Boulevard when they notice a recently closed counter restaurant. So, they reopen it, and this warm, friendly Iranian/Canadian/American couple start serving...Mexican Street Food.

Their menu includes steak, fish and chicken tacos, burritos and tostadas. All meals are made to order. Salads are crisp. Perfectly separated grains of white rice contrast nicely with the elegant beans. The beans, pinto and black, are sweet and soft. Servings are large. Vegan versions are offered.

There are also burgers on the menu. Topped with veggies and your choice of salsa. An unlimited refill, salsa and pickled vegetable bar is included in your meal.

Catering services are available with a two to three hour notice.

Regular customers measure a restaurant's success by quality of the food and the length of the queue. During lunch, the queue stretches out the door.

Parking is free, although it is often crowded. The limited seating area is wheelchair accessible. There is no patio seating. The gender neutral bathroom is not wheelchair accessible.

Cactus has limited hours: open Monday thru Thursday 9:30 to 5:30, on Friday till 4:00. Cactus is closed on weekends.

So there you have it. As I said, "Only in America."

great food, and the fish tacos are super fire