Cactus Cantina, Washington DC
Address 3300 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016 Map, Tel (202) 686-7222 Call, Website
This is a forever favorite of mine. Before kids, I would go for margaritas with my girl friends and now that I have a toddler, I can appreciate it as a family friendly place.
There is lots to look at on the walls, the food is affordable, and I've yet to meet a kid who doesn't like a quesadilla. There is outdoor seating - weather permitting. It can get busy and the wait is long later in the evenings, so if you have little ones, go early.
They have excellent Margaritas, wonderful chips and salsa and great mesquite grilled beef fajitas. Everything at this restaurant is made fresh, with fresh ingredients. If you have kids, they'll love watching the tortillas made as you wait for your table.
IF you are used to good Tex-Mex, you will be disappointed, it's not Texas and as a displaced Texan I speak from experience.
But if you are visiting DC, want to eat at a unique non-chain restaurant that will be a winner with kids and adults alike, this is a great choice.