Fat Cactus at The Plaza
About This Spot
Nestled quietly within the charming confines of The Plaza in Ajo, Fat Cactus offers a comfortable refuge where the pace slows just enough to appreciate the simple pleasures of good company and thoughtfully prepared food. Upon stepping inside, you’re greeted by a warm, unpretentious vibe—part neighborhood spot, part casual eatery—that invites you to settle in and savor the moment.
The atmosphere strikes a balance between lively and laid-back, with an inviting buzz from the laughter spilling out of the game room in the back where families gather, and the hum of easy conversation flowing around tables laden with plates of hearty, satisfying fare. There’s a sincerity here that comes from genuine care, whether it’s in the perfectly chewy crust of their pizzas, the punchy tang of freshly tossed sauces, or the soft, garlicky pull of their signature Ajo knots. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself unwinding over an ice-cold draft beer that’s freshly rotated through the taps, always feeling like a discovery rather than a routine stop.
Beyond the thoughtfully crafted menu that honors real ingredients with bold, balanced flavors, Fat Cactus carries the feel of a local tradition in the making—a spot you’ll want to revisit not just for the food but for the comfort of belonging somewhere that celebrates the small joys of a shared meal. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, lingering over a sweet chocolate chip cookie skillet, or watching kids light up at the arcade, the experience here is quietly rich in those human moments that make travel and dining memorable.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Kerbside pickup
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Serves local specialty
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Sport
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Tourists
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
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Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | Closed | |
| Wednesday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM - 09:00 PM |
Steven T. Schaefer 02 Jan 2026
We ate here 2 nights in a row. First nite we had smash burgers and second night pizzas. Both were very good. They have a very nice selection of draft beers as well.
Gina Stivahtis Lowe 15 Dec 2025
You need to stop here when traveling through! I can't say enough good things about this place. We stopped here twice in one week on our way to and from Rocky Point. The food, drink and atmosphere are amazing. The garlic knots are to die for. REAL ingredients and fabulous flavor. The pizza was delicious with a perfectly chewy crust. A nice selection of VERY COLD beers on tap that rotate. This is a small family-owned business and it shows in every detail, from the friendly greeting when you walk in the door, to the charming outdoor seating area. This is our new favorite spot whenever we travel through town.
Natasha Stout 06 Dec 2025
Cool little game room in the back for the kids. Gluten free option, cauliflower crust pizza, excellent. Sauce on point. Toppings flavorful and fresh. Service prompt, polite and professional. 10 out of 10
Henry Lanouette 18 Nov 2025
5-Star Review for The Fat Cactus pizza and Arcade We stumbled upon The Fat Cactus Pizza while passing through town, and we’re so glad we did! It seemed like the only place open for a solid meal, and it absolutely delivered. While they offer a great variety of sandwiches and subs, we went with the pizza—and wow, it was outstanding! Cooked old world style on cornmeal, the crust had the perfect crunch and flavor. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with friendly, attentive staff who made us feel right at home—even as out-of-towners. Multiple TVs around the room were showing various sports games, which added to the lively vibe. And for a bit of extra fun, they have some awesome retro games tucked around the edges of the room, including a slide disc bowl machine, pinball, and darts. If you’re in town and looking for a great place to eat and relax, we definitely recommend The Fat Cactus Grill. We’ll be back next time we’re in the area!
Charlie Kotcher 29 Oct 2025
I really enjoyed it! Kind of hard to see where it was in the plaza since I imagine they want to keep the historical look and not with signage all over the place. But once we found it, it was better than I expected. Got the usual bacon cheeseburger with two patties this time and garlic Ajo knots. Damn those were good! Soft and a lot of garlic flavor. I got ranch to dip them in! For the cheeseburger, the bacon was crisp and plentiful. And the fries were tasty too. The Diet Coke, however, wasn’t up to par and I sent that back. But it wasn’t enough to lose a star. Definitely stop by if you are in the area on the way to Rocky Point! Oh, forgot to mention, the owner was super nice and came by the table multiple times! Really invested in his business!
Dawn Scriber 12 Oct 2025
What a hidden gem! Rolled into Fat Cactus after a day of hiking in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and was thrilled to discover a dog friendly establishment. Our sweet and kind server fed our pooch enough dog treats that he was ready to stay and help in the kitchen. Delicious margarita pizza, cold craft beer, and delightful atmosphere will bring us back each time we’re in the area. The owner’s brother even came out to introduce himself. Amazing service! Didn’t leave until we finished every bite of a comped chocolate chip cookie ice cream dessert :) Photo is view across the plaza from a window table in the front.
ViVa AlTerran 20 Sep 2025
First the staff were so welcoming and immediately got to us. After we received our drinks, our order was taken, and no more than 5 minutes later, we received our appetizer, the Ajo (Garlic) Knots. They were amazing, perfectly made, soft on the inside, and so flavorful throughout (the bowl is half empty because we couldnt wait lol). Then out 16' Margherita Pizza came and again perfectly made. Freshly cut basil was the first thing I smelled and then the marinara sauce which I swear tasted home made. The inside of the crust was so soft that I didn't have to force it down like other pizza places, I cleaned my plate of marinara and basil with it. 10/10 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Carolyn Askew 16 Sep 2025
EDIT: After leaving my previous review, the owner reached out and said they would love to make it right, so we went back and had an excellent pizza and experience! I can now say I would definitely go back. It's a great family business and I'm really glad our bad experience was just a one-off. I hate to leave less than stellar reviews, but we ate at their previous location last winter and the pizza was SO good. We were excited to come back. But this time we ordered a medium half meat lovers half margherita pizza, and the crust was soggy in the middle and charred on the edge. Like a black, burnt piece fell off onto the table. Plus, they gave us the cheapest, thinnest paper plates to eat on. The pizza about soaked through the plate. So disappointed. And the way they calculated the price, it was close to $30 for the pizza. The new location is a nice atmosphere and staff was very friendly, but the pizza was really not good. We had hyped it up to my sister in law and had to apologize to her