Round 2 of Mexican Spots-Week #1: Cactus Blue

Cactus Blue
2915 Schoenersville Rd.
Bethlehem, PA  18017
610-814-3000
Hours: M-Th 11a-9p; F-Sat 11a-10p 
Reservations Suggested

Writing these blogposts is an encouraging reminder that the Lehigh Valley truly does have an increasingly wide variety of cuisine offerings for those who are willing to take the time to step out of the box and look for it.  One evidence of this is this month's second round of featured Mexican Restaurants.  Since our first round of reviews, we have been able to enjoy some others worth sharing. 

Cactus Blue has often been mentioned to us.  We had two previous attempts of going but each time there has been a long wait (They suggest reservation on their website!)  Last night we hit it early enough that we were seated.  It was a perfect opportunity to support Bethlehem's Restaurant Week and determine why it's so popular.


We both have agreed that it must be the aesthetics and not the authentic cuisine that have added to the hype.  The food was decent but didn't leave me with the impression that I was walking into an authentic Mexican kitchen.  Of course, the service may have added to our impression that Cactus Blue was overrated.  Our server was definitely fast-working, but so fast that he failed to listen to our correct drink and food orders.  


One of us chose the 3 course restaurant week feature for $20 so we enjoyed an appetizer and dessert with our entrees.  After our guac and the complimentary salsa fresca, generous portions of our entrees' supplied us with an extra meal of leftovers of our fish tacos and chicken mole (was supposed to be enchiladas de mole but I figured I had my share of tortillas with our appetizers so I didn't send it back).   I enjoyed the mole sauce, a mexican tradition with a touch of cocoa to add to its rich, dark, dense coloring and flavor.  The side of black beans and rice were a fitting touch--but again did not ring true compared to us other spots in the area that I look forward to sharing with you in future weeks.

             We chose the chocolate bread pudding which came with the Restaurant week feature.  Delicious ending. 

What is your favorite Mexican Restaurant in the LV & B and what makes you choose it?  We value authenticity over aesthetics but would love to hear the opinions of others.