Lily and the Cactus

Southwestern restaurant (US) · NoMa

Lily and the Cactus

Southwestern restaurant (US) · NoMa

1

1225 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002

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Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null
Lily and the Cactus by null

Highlights

Lily and the Cactus is a vibrant bar and bistro in NoMa offering a lively mix of Southwestern flavors and friendly vibes, perfect for gatherings and happy hours.  

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1225 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002 Get directions

$$ · Menu

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1225 First St NE, Washington, DC 20002 Get directions

+1 202 534 1350

$$ · Menu

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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"The second-level restaurant tucked inside NoMa’s Hilton Garden Inn, originally overseen by Equinox founder Todd Gray, now has another hospitality star behind the scenes: Top Chef alum and Kora founder Morou Ouattara. At his Crystal City restaurant Ouattara focuses on approachable Italian food. But he’s already begun mixing influences from his native West Africa into Hilton’s Southwestern-style bistro." - Tierney Plumb

‘Iron Chef’ Alum Morou Ouattara Weaves West African Spice Into NoMa’s Dining Scene - Eater DC
View Postcard for Lily and the Cactus

Chef Lisa Givens

Google
Stayed at the hotel and decided to try the restaurant for 1st night. I wanted someone light, yet healthier so I went with the chipotle shrimp with salsa and corn cake and went with a side of collard greens to round it out. Those collard greens looked a little different from what I cook myself and then I took a taste. Of my, they were perfect. A good bit of heat and that sauce. My my. I enjoyed the shrimp and the corn cake was okay. The salsa was a good balance to the heat of the shrimp. I am definitely going to get more greens before I leave for home.

Gary

Google
For a hotel bar, they offer decent lunch choices and friendly service. A bit pricey, but that's expected here. Tell Lamar I sent you. 😉

Brenda

Google
The staff is fabulous with LeMar (bartender) the best ever. He reads everyone perfectly and yet everyone with a few minutes feels like being at with friends and family. The manager Charo is amazing to watch. Her smile is infectious. The food, wow the food is amazing! I could have gone anywhere to eat each night of my stay, but I could not wait to try another wonderful dish from this amazing restaurant. The chef is amazing. This is a he hidden gem! I will return every chance I get!!!

Tish McGhee

Google
Met a friend here for happy hour and all I can say is: The bomb! The drinks were really good, the food was diverse and tasty. It’s located in the perfect location and even has a rooftop. This will more than likely be one of my new favorite happy hour spots.

Lia Brehm

Google
The mussels were good, but not much curry flavor. The tortilla soup was weird, it was pureed?? The service was fine. It's a hotel restaurant, and the food was fine. I probably wouldn't recommend it, there's a lot of really good food at other places nearby.

Esse Darden

Google
Nice, partial loft-style upper level to the boutique lobby upon entering the hotel. Also has an adjacent outdoor patio section that extends lengthwise, with seats surrounding a couple of firepits. A bartender was personable, but had a funny disposition upon me asking about the available selection (new Ketel One organic flavors) to order a drink. Restroom was not adequately accommodating and attention to this was delayed.

Rudy Zamora

Google
The food was horrible. Normally I don't take the time to write a review, I am staying for two weeks at the @hiltonGardeninnCapital. They suggested me the restaurant. I order fried calamari and medium rare hamburger and the pictures don't lie. It taste like water with charcoal. Like they just grab the meat from the freezer end put it for one minute and put it 9n a burger, Dont go, worst food ever

David W. Miller

Google
This restaurant provided some of the most disappointing service that I have had in a long time. Long Waits, mistakes with the food and drinks, and then charging me for drinks that I didn't have. There were miscommunications and misunderstandings all around. The table next to me complained vociferously about the service as well, so it wasn't just me. Perhaps it was an off night, and I get that. However it was definitely below standard service.