The Prickly Cactus — Restaurant in Launceston

When you have a huge party to feed, Mexican is the best way to go. We booked for the Prickly Cactus at 7pm and let's just say we had one unforgettable night here.

We were assigned to a room upstairs alongside another group which wan't an issue at all if we weren't in a warmer Launceston. Few minutes in, the upper loft was boiling with no air-conditioning and the only reprieve being the open windows. The numerous hot bodies in the room didn't help with the suffocating atmosphere and displeasure hovering around. Merely two servers were allocated to cater two tables of 20+ people which is unbelievable considering the tough demand. As a result, we were light-headed and restless trying to remember our orders by the time the waitresses came to our table. The wait was so excruciating, I began to imagine that the calacas artwork on the walls were telling of my doom!

Eventually, our orders were rapidly placed and came out by 8pm to our groans of excitement.

Firstly, I have to applaud the servers for managing both tables with patience, zeal and a smile throughout the night. It's no easy task to keep a crowd happy while running up and down the stairs delivering food and communicating with the kitchen. Such a momentous effort deserves endless praise and earns my respect.

We finally dug into our food and the chimichanga immediately stood out with its gorgeous deep-fried sheen and a robe of salsa draped upon it. You'll be living like a king once you get a mouthful of the delicate pulled beef intertwined with stringy cheese. The rich flavour is off the charts and even better with the crunch of the deep-fried tortilla. Although the salsa and sour cream helps with reducing the heaviness, the magnificent chimichanga speaks for itself. Each dish comes with nondescript side salad and a bed of rice with corn and carrots mixed in. The rice has an uncanny orange tinge that resembles with Uncle Ben's microwave rice, lacking in pungent seasoning to elevate it as supplementary rather than secondary.

Despite being somewhat underwhelming, the rice feels more integral to the Avocado Mariscos, a massive baked plate of fish, prawns and cheese over a whole avocado. The avocado was perfectly ripe to serve as a creamy paste spread on the succulent prawns or flaky fish. From the nuttiness of the avocado to the fatty cheese, all the layers and textures demonstrate the cohesion of the scrumptious dish.

We had a side of frijoles that startlingly came in a tiny dipping bowl, a portion not enough to feed a baby. The frijoles were pinto beans wallowing in the tepid salsa with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top. I guess for $4 that may be most you get but the presentation needs to be drastically improved.

Although you won't get an authentic and culturally resonant experience, Prickly Cactus competently opens a small window into Mexican cuisine for the Tasmanian locale. Too bad upstairs dining is hotter...

The waiting staff were friendly and helpful. Only one Vegan item on the menu that I could see which was an entree Mushroom Salad dish. As I needed something more filling, I was suggested, and I accepted another dish which they would Veganise for me. I really appreciated that. When I received and started eating my meal, I soon realised it had chicken pieces in it though the dairy had been removed. They took it back, replaced it and gave me my meal for free which I really appreciated. When it came to the meal, it seriously lacked flavour of any kind and was very light on ingredients, it was the same with the meal that got sent back as well. I would have enjoyed some spice of some kind and more generous filling, I had to make myself some food when I got home as it was not filling at all. In fairness to them, I just didn't get the impression that much focus was put on vegan options really. That being said, hats off to the waiting staff for their help and really did their best to make our experience a good one. Some restaurants get creative and come up with creative takes on the original dish. This is awesome when it happens but that wasn't the case here. It would be really cool if The Prickly Cactus creates a couple of nice Vegan options (as well as the Mushroom entree) for the menu . This can present a nice choice for non Vegans as well. In short, the service staff were excellent but I did find my dish completely unappetizing and based upon the current menu, I cannot recommend The Prickly Cactus for Vegans or parties with...

Stepping into The Prickly Cactus is like being transported to a vibrant Mexican fiesta. From the moment you’re greeted with warm smiles, the hospitality is second to none. The staff are attentive and personable, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued. The culinary journey is an explosion of flavors. Each dish is a masterpiece, crafted with the freshest ingredients and an authentic touch that honors traditional Mexican cuisine. The guacamole is a must-try, rich and creamy, while the tacos al pastor are a delightful harmony of savory and spicy. The ambiance is lively and inviting, with colorful decor that captures the essence of Mexico’s rich culture. Very nice vibes and atmosphere. The drinks menu is equally impressive, featuring an array of tequila-infused cocktails that are both innovative and delicious. The signature margaritas, with just the right balance of sweet and tart, are the perfect accompaniment to the bold flavors of the food. Hygiene is clearly a priority, with spotless surfaces and a well-maintained dining area that speaks volumes of their commitment to cleanliness. In summary, The Prickly Cactus offers an exceptional dining experience that tantalizes the taste buds, lifts the spirits, and leaves you longing for your next visit. A true gem that deserves every one of...