P.F. Chang’s old spot in Boise to be taken over by ‘unique’ Seattle restaurant, bar
New life, with a twist of lime, is coming to a vacant anchor spot in the BoDo district of downtown Boise.
Seattle-area chain Cactus, which calls itself a “Southwest kitchen + bar,” has signed a lease to take over the former P.F. Chang’s restaurant, a roughly 6,500-foot space at 391 S. 8th St.
As of now, the target opening date is late fall, according to Cactus co-owner Marc Chatalas.
Serving a variety of Mexican- and Spanish-influenced dishes, Cactus’ marketing proclaims: “We’re not authentic. We’re uniquely Cactus.” Founded in 1990, it has grown into six locations, all in the Puget Sound area. A seventh is planned soon in Woodinville. The Boise location will be Cactus’ first expansion outside Washington.
For Boise dive bar connoisseurs, the new BoDo tenant’s name could be slightly thorny. Not to be confused with the longtime, locally owned Cactus Bar nearby at 517 W. Main St., this Cactus will offer an upscale-leaning but family-friendly vibe. (There is a “12 & Under” menu.)
“Our seasonal menus and signature craft cocktails reflect our passion for creativity, while our locally sourced ingredients help us stay connected to our community,” Cactus’ website says. “This commitment has earned us prestigious recognition, including twice being named a “Top 10 Restaurant of the Year” by The Seattle Times and voted “Best Mexican Restaurant” by 425 Magazine readers for 13 consecutive years.”
Cactus offers a variety of taco and enchilada plates, plus soups and salads. As for typical pricing? Nineteen bucks buys two applewood-smoked Brisket Tacos on housemade corn tortillas that get pressed daily — served on a plate with Spanish rice and cumin black beans. You can add a third taco to any plate for $3. Rather have lettuce cups than tortillas? No problem.
For diners hungering for something beyond a taco, entrees on the menu range from Shrimp and Jalapeno Grits ($25) and Carne Asada ($38) to Smoked Chicken Flautas ($19) and a Baja Tuna Poke Bowl ($24). Seasonal options range from Peruvian Ceviche ($16) and a Birria Quesadilla ($18) to Al Pastor Tamales ($19) and Pollo Relleno ($22).
Cactus in BoDo will have a liquor license, Chatalas said. Its bars are appropriately stocked with tequila and mezcal, so you’ll definitely be able to order an Anejo Old Fashioned ($15). There also are more than a dozen margaritas, including Lalo’s Agave ($15.50), “the best margarita we make! Made with Lalo blanco tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and 100% organic agave nectar, served up.” Cactus also offers non-Mexican-inspired cocktails, beer and wine with appeal to a wide audience.
When P.F. Chang’s closed last October, it was a blow to BoDo. The restaurant had been there for 20 years.
It remains to be seen whether Cactus will have a similar lasting impact. As the brand explores outside Washington for the first time, what it can bring is decades of experience in the Pacific Northwest.
“At Cactus, we take pride in being a place people can rely on — both for our consistency and our constant innovation,” its website says. “Over the years, we’ve developed more than 3,000 unique menu items, keeping our offerings fresh and exciting, while maintaining the quality that has made us a regular part of our guests’ dining rotation.”
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 11:57 AM.