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    The Purple Cactus

    3.5 (391 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican, Fast Food
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm

    The Purple Cactus Photos

    Business Info

    THE PURPLE CACTUS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Classy
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - The Purple Cactus

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    Santa Fe Chicken Salad mixed together. It does not come like this. It comes neatly organized. I just like to mix all of my stuff :P
    Arisbel M.

    I've been buying at the Purple Cactus for about 10 years now and it never fails to satisfy my cravings. The food is AMAZING. Some of my favorites are the Santa Fe chicken salad, the quesadillas (chicken and carne asada) burritos, Caesar wrap. CANNOT forget their chips with guac and salsa OMGeeee. It's quite a drive for me but it's worth it each time. The parking kind of sucks because of the area being busy all the time. Most of the time I go for take out so I either go with someone and leave on double park or risk the car being alone. It's worth the risk :P Staff is nice! They all have been throughout the years so nice job at hiring people who care :) the ambience is welcoming, great and fun.

    Riley H.

    I would like to start off by saying I ordered online and had the food delivered to me so I don't have much to say about the ambiance or the service. What I can say is that the food itself was okay. If you're in the area and you need a quick fix for some Mexican food I think this would do the trick. It's nothing to really write home about but the price was right, and I would go again if I needed a quick bite and didn't feel like going any where crazy!

    Purple Cactus Ceasar Salad with Grilled Steak
    Dana D.

    I ordered the Purple Cactus Caesar Salad with grilled steak (Mixed lettuces, aged parmesan cheese, and baked tortilla croutons tossed in eggless caesar dressing), added brown rice and salsa; when I tell you it was DELICIOUS! The Caesar dressing is different than the usual Caesar's dressings I've had, it's almost like an Italian Caesar type of dressing, it's pretty good! I also had the Mango Mama smoothie which contains pineapple juice, mango, bananas and strawberries. Usually smoothies that contain bananas are overpowered by the banana (which I hate!) BUT this one I could taste of the other fruits/juice and the banana was very light so it wasn't too much. I ordered off of Uber eats. The restaurant made sure to secure the bag tight with samples, added napkins, straws and even extra plastic fork and knifes. My smoothie was also wrapped in a plastic bag for delivery. I am so impressed with this place. 10/10 highly recommended. I can't wait to try more items off of their menu! Thank you for an amazing lunch Purple Cactus! Update: ordered purple Cactus again and added more photos! This time we got the steak burrito, Thai wrap, green goddess and mango mama smoothies! My smoothie cup was broken when delivered (as if it was squeezed) and was spilling out hence why I changed it to a glass cup! But once again, everything was delicious! The that wrap could use a little more sauce (added some of my own) as it was more on the dry side.

    Santa Fe Salad
    Michelle C.

    We ventured into the Purple Cactus for the first time in years last evening. We ordered 2 burritos, a chicken quesadilla and a Santa Fe Chicken Salad. The burritos and quesadilla were gobbled up within 5 minutes of the first bite. The salad was fresh but overpacked. I had to empty it into another bowl to toss it. I wish that there was more chicken. I honestly don't get how this salad made the "Best of Boston", there was nothing special to it.

    chicken burrito, chips and salsa (small), steak quesadilla
    Rachel L.

    Staff is SO friendly. A real shame that they cannot be tipped via credit card.. in todays world! I would've tipped 25%. They are all working very hard on a busy Friday night, they deserve tips! Who carry's cash these days? I'll know for when I come back. Food ROCKED!

    a burrito wrapped in aluminum foil
    Davi S.

    Very clean place with a very attentive and efficient staff. I came here not sure of what I would want so I asked for what would she recommend, she said the Steak Burrito so I went for it, with hot sauce. Very good indeed, steak was juicy and ingredients fresh. I sat at the table on the corner and went downtown. Not too big, not too small, just ideal for me, way better than Chipotle... The lady came back to check on me and ask if it was good... This is one of the reasons I like supporting local business, they care.

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    The food is ok. They mistakenly brought extra food and then charged me for it. Seems a little shady.

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    4 years ago

    Simply the best! Great flavor, love their salads. My child loves their chicken quesadillas!!

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    Quick and easy food. Not able to make adjustments to my order but the food was good and the service was attentive

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    Abuela's Table

    Abuela's Table

    4.4
    (54 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    ** Salmon Tacos + Limonada**…read more These salmon tacos were outstanding. The salmon itself was cooked perfectly -- juicy and flaky, not dry at all. I was a little worried going in since the description mentioned it was fried, but there wasn't a trace of oiliness. Each taco was topped with a bright pickled red cabbage and a secret sauce that was applied with a light hand -- just enough for flavor without drowning the taco. On the side, a cup of black beans rounded out the plate perfectly. The limonada was refreshing and the perfect pairing for the meal. Beyond the food, the restaurant itself has such a great energy -- simple, colorful, and unpretentious. It genuinely took me back to little spots in Mexico before things got so commercialized. The prices were reasonable for the quality you get, and the whole experience left me already planning my next visit. Honestly can't believe it took me over 10 years to finally eat here. Don't make my mistake -- go now!

    I stopped by on a Friday evening. It was empty inside and I assumed they were closing. I ordered…read morethe elotes, beef empanadas and churros to go. Everything came out fairly quickly. Elotes - 6/10. The flavor was good/typical, but the corn was hard and the kernels were too short to get proper bites. Beef empanadas - 5.5/10. They were so small, dry and NOT worth the price. Churros- 7/10. They were basic and nothing special. Overall, the food wasn't impressive or worth the price. Although it's close by and convenient, I doubt I'll return.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Grasshopper tacos
    Grasshopper tacos
    Elote

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    Chilacates Mexican Street Food

    Chilacates Mexican Street Food

    4.4
    (617 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    I was in there just now and the guy at the register had the best customer service I've experienced…read morein 20 years of going to restaurants. He's a natural. I think his name was Izhar M. Wow. Great food as always (Chicken Tinga Torta and Birria Tacos Trio with a Grapefruit Jarrito) but that dude is ON POINT. I didn't have any problems or anything that might need good customer service but I see a bright future with him. Just wanted to report that because of how much it blew me away.

    Coming from California, I wasn't sure what to expect from a local taco spot in Boston, but…read moreChilacates pleasantly surprised me. We visited the location near Samuel Adams Brewery, and the moment you step inside, you're practically face-to-face with the cashier. The place is tiny, with just a few barstools along the wall, but it doesn't seem like a spot where people linger. It has the feel of a true neighborhood taco shop. Locals stop in for a quick bite or grab their food to go, and workers come in, order, and are back out the door in no time. I ordered a carne asada taco and a veggie taco. The carne asada was flavorful, but the veggie taco completely exceeded my expectations. Instead of the usual peppers and onions, it was loaded with fresh corn, eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, and a mix of peppers that added great flavor and texture. It was colorful, fresh, and filling without feeling heavy. The real standout, though, was their homemade habanero salsa. It packed incredible flavor with a serious kick. I could still feel the heat lingering on my tongue long after I finished eating. I loved every second of it.

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    Small space
    Small space
    Chilacates Mexican Street Food
    Menu

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    Tres Gatos

    Tres Gatos

    4.2
    (644 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    We always have a nice experience at Tres Gatos. The food is great, the service is kind, friendly,…read moreand attentive (but not at all rushed), and the store in the back is always fun to browse after a nice dinner. Our recent favorites: - The Sao Miguel cheese (came with a quince jam + grilled bread) - Patatas Bravas - Piri Piri Chicken Everything was good though, and we also enjoyed: - Blistered Shishitos - Seared Halibut - Hanger Steak Between four of us, this was plenty of food and we sadly didn't have room for dessert this time around, but can't wait to be back!

    We really enjoyed our visit to Tres Gatos. It's a small, intimate space, but it's cute inside. We…read moremade a last minute reservation so we were sat at the high top by the kitchen. The table was a bit tight, but we made it work. Our server was kind. We started with chorizo and cheese. The chorizo was similar to meat from A charcuterie board, so for the price, we would definitely skip ordering the cheese and chorizo. Other than those 2 dishes, we would order everything again! The potatoes, carrots and mushrooms were bomb! They were each so good. I'd order all 3 again. The chicken was also really good. The potatoes tapas is the same as the potatoes that come with the chicken, so no need to order both, unless you love potatoes. that being said, the potatoes were so good that we couldn't stop eating them. We'll definitely come back since this is in the neighborhood. I recommend giving it a try.

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    Tres Gatos
    Lamb Bocadillo
    Lamb Bocadillo
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    Yucatan Tacos

    Yucatan Tacos

    4.1
    (122 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $

    Yesterday, I ordered from this location. Full disclosure, I'm currently a veteran inpatient at…read morethe VA Hospital. I heard good things about this place foodwise. I used Square Up since it said it was preferred by the business. I will never again use this service. My delivery driver, Humberto, did not follow directions. He texted me and stated he was at reception. A picture is worth a thousand words. This clearly was not delivered to the main reception area. My food was left somewhere in the hospital. Now. I did contact the restaurant, and they stated they would refund me. I'll have to wait and see. Apparently, it can take a minimum of 7 business days. In the future, I will go in person or use Grubhub or a more customer friendly service. Do not use Square Up. UPDATE: FOOD LOCATED! First things first. Contacted restaurant to let them know food located. They were very gracious. Secondly, the food was lukewarm at this point. I was still hungry, so I tried it. Oh. My. Goodness. The Carnitas Tostados were Bomb! Loaded with tender pork and fresh fixings. I also added jalapeños and pickled onions. I ordered a Chicken Plate as well. That was fire, too! The chicken is expertly grilled and flavorful, Pico, guacamole, and refried bean, it was just bursting with flavor. I repeat. This food was LUKEWARM but still tasty! I will definitely try them in the near future in person and, if delivery, will use a more well-known delivery app.

    Really yummy breakfast burritos! We got one vegetarian and one chorizo. Very nice interior and…read morefriendly workers.

    Photos
    Counter and dining area
    Counter and dining area
    Chicken Plate
    Chicken Plate
    Side of Queso. Basically the canned nacho cheese sauce you get at the movie theater.

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    Side of Queso. Basically the canned nacho cheese sauce you get at the movie theater.
    La Taqueria Taco Bar & Grill

    La Taqueria Taco Bar & Grill

    4.2
    (275 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    This place is delicious. We went twice last week. The…read morepastor and carnitas soft tacos are sooo good and the combo comes with a good amount of mixed rice and beans. Also had the grilled chicken bowl which was excellent. This has probably earned go-to status for when we visit our friends in Rozzie. They have some nice booths and tables though it's more of a really nice takeout place.

    Ordered food to go from here and I'm happy I did. I placed the order online with a few requests and…read morethey followed the special instructions perfectly. I will say my order took about 10-15 minutes longer than anticipated (timing provided online) Inside the restaurant is spacious and clean. Queso fries : 9/10 I added ground beef and tomatoes (and sour cream when I got home) because I wanted to remake the border fries from Taco Bell, and these were amazing. Fries could've been a little crispier and tomatoes spread out or on the side so the fries don't get soggier. Chicharron taco 4/10 Nothing special and pretty dry and lacking flavor Chicken shrimp steak fajitas 8/10 Everything was seasoned very well but the shrimp was a little over cooked. The rice Spanish rice they provide is flavorful along with the black beans. Grilled chicken bowl 7/10 Would've given it an extra star but the cheese melting and just sticking to everything drives me nuts. I also don't like having to cut up my own chicken, but that's a preference. ((I asked for the sour cream and pico on the side so they wouldn't be hot)

    Photos
    Ambiance
    Ambiance
    Pechuga
    Pechuga
    Ambiance

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    Ambiance

    The Purple Cactus - mexican - Updated August 2026

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