CLEARLAKE — Cactus Grill came upon my radar from a number of colleagues who live in different towns around Lake County. While being informed about this restaurant I found out that the locals in this area supported this restaurant frequently. After taking my own family to the Cactus Grill for dinner I can understand why. My husband and I actually had the time to have a conversation with each other and our children ate everything on their plates. Additionally, we were not the only family that had a great time. A number of families were at the Cactus Grill and everyone was clearly enjoying themselves. It does help that our Lake County weather is still enjoyable in the fall so we were able to dine outside.
Upon arrival at this restaurant the exterior of the building is modest and unassuming. There is no sign advertising who they are or what type of cuisine they specialize in. In all honesty, we did not know which door was the entrance. What was intriguing is that the entire parking lot was full for the middle of the week, which is always a good sign. Yet, after walking through the door the atmosphere completely changed. The Mexican tile work by the kitchen is noticeable immediately and compliments the lively music. The sounds of meat sizzling and knives chopping only added to the enticing aromas from the kitchen.
After speaking with the current owner, Roberto Jr. Reyes, the Cactus Grill has a long history in Clearlake. Roberto’s grandfather, Ralph Hernandez bought the building in the 1960s when it was known as The Snow Cap. Hernandez changed the name of the restaurant to Laguna Inn which was the local burger joint. Over time Hernandez started incorporating Mexican food into the menu until the 1980s. The building was vacant in the 1990s and in the early 2000s Reyes’ parents, Roberto Sr. and Amy Reyes completely renovated the building and opened the Cactus Grill.
“Cactus Grill is a creative fusion of southwestern and modern Mexican cuisines,” said Reyes. “Our objective is to provide you with great food, using fresh and healthy ingredients. Cactus Grill has a unique ambiance with rhythmic music and friendly service.”
For more than 20 years Reyes has been working at his family’s restaurant. As a child he was bussing tables and helped prepped food in the kitchen where his daughter is now learning the family recipes. The recipes are a combination from his grandparents where they learned to create specialty dishes from different regions in Mexico and his father whose cuisine was influenced from Arizona and New Mexico.
For more information about Cactus Grill call (707) 994-0905. Cactus Grill is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed Sundays. Cactus Grill is located at 3900 Baylis Avenue in Clearlake.
—Helena Welsh is executive director of Lake County’s Winery Association. This is the first of a new ongoing column highlighting eateries and restaurants throughout Lake County.
