Fat Cactus Grill and Bar

Mexican food in the East Bay has always been a controversial topic for me. Aside from select Taquerias, most Mexican food is more "Mexican" inspired food than actually great Mexican food. I've always judged a Mexican restaurant by their chips and salsa. It's the first thing you get when you sit down, and often times the food directly correlates with the quality of the salsa. Fat Cactus didn't fail to disappoint with the standard "Mexican Ketchup" they served me in place of salsa. It looked like salsa, with the pepper seed flecks, and hints of cilantro, just overall bland.

This Grill and Bar looks like an exceptional place to meet friends and co-workers for a drink after the work day. They are located in a newly developed area, pretty far from central San Ramon, and definitely a trek from the Dublin-Pleasanton area. The lunch crowd appeared to be rather slow, but started to pick up as I was leaving.

One item I was particulary impressed with was their menu. There were some interesting offerings from a Blackend Shrimp Salad, Mahi Mahi Tacos, to their "North of the Border" section including Ribs, Pasta, Burgers and Sandwiches.

I opted for the "Soft Duck Tacos":


How could I resist the menu description:

"Two slow braised shredded duck tacos with habenero cream sauce and tropical salsa."

These tacos were fantastic, and by far the standout here. The duck was not oily, or fatty but instead mild, tasted more like turkey dark meat. The first bite was full of flavor, very juicy with a nice spice kick that was not overpowering and the tropical salsa was a refreshing bonus. I Quack these tacos very much!!

I also ordered the Chile Relleno con Pollo:

I consider myself a Chile Rellano connoisseur, as I order them at almost every Mexican joint I visit. Rarely do you find this dish stuffed with meat. The choices were chicken or seafood (which I'm sure was K-rab and not Crab). I went with the chicken. The red sauce on top of the chile was more of a pasta sauce, acidic and boring. The chile was tender, the chicken inside was juicy and semi-flavorful, the portion ample. Now I know why most people stuff their chiles with cheese only, it's a simple dish and doesn't necessarily get better with additional ingredients. Also served with alonside the chile were spanish rice and refried beans. The rice and beans were just as I thought they would be, unexceptional filler.

If your looking for a bar with rich decor and a great vibe, this is your place, if you want Mexican food, might I suggest Los Pericos in Dublin? One more side note, the service is exceptional, I didn't have to ask for anything, the bartender and the server were one step ahead of all of my needs.

You can visit Fat Cactus online at:
www.fatcactusgrill.com

Or in person at:
11010 Bollinger canyon Rd.
San Ramon, CA 94582