Cactus Club Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

I arrived at this Cactus location feeling motion sick and light headed from an Uber ride that was very bumpy and jerky but nonetheless, I was excited for some truffle fries. My friend and I joked that it could fix or cure anything because that is how much we like dining at Cactus! We would consider ourselves regulars (not to this specific location and after this, probably never again).

Our first server, who was a woman was kind and attentive and I mentioned I was feeling light headed from the ride over. While my friend and I were trying to decide what to order, I needed to rest my head on the table for a moment. I do suffer from quite acute motion sickness and was feeling in this moment like the room was spinning. I knew that if I just ordered, ate and had a glass of Coke, I’d feel better instantly as that is always what helps me feel better when I am like this… so I was just hanging in there and pushing through to feel okay again.

A male server walks over and says I can’t rest my head on the table. This was still fine by me but in a weird turn of events, he starts to say that I flipped him off. Except because of how woozy and out-of-it I was still feeling, I could not (and still can’t) recall doing so. Even if I did do so, it was such a small and insignificant moment that even my friend seated across from me cannot recall seeing me do this. We were both very confused.

Moments later, they bring back 2 security guards, both male and white, to address me a small Asian queer-presenting woman (she/they, and on this night more “they”-presenting). The sight of them there staring down at me created a lot of anxiety in me and made me feel extremely targeted. I was now in tears.

They asked us to leave. I pulled them aside calmly and said “Would I be able to speak to you, just human to human?”. I calmly explained to them that I am not drunk, in fact I have been sober for more than 8 months. I said “I am not this person that you seem to think I am. I am merely struggling with some motion sickness”. The entire time, it felt like the 2 men were not wanting to even look at me. Like they did not even see me as a person. Like they truly believed I was a drunk and violent individual.

Being kicked out by a restaurant I deem to be one of my favs is certainly embarrassing and I could not believe my luck.. but being viewed as and treated as scum, being looked at as if I was lying when all I was trying to do was de-escalate and explain the situation calmly and politely.. it tells me that the security and white male staff who work here severely lack empathy. I see some other reviews by BIPOC, First Nations and even a refugee delivery man calling the staff here out for racism so I know I am not alone when I say that this was a racist and discriminatory incident.

I want to believe Vancouver is better than this. For the amount of diversity we have in our city, we can all do with a bit more kindness. Cactus Club Yaletown, please provide your staff with adequate training, support and accountability so that your loyal customers and lovers of your truffle fry can dine in ways that help them feel safe and accepted. Till then, I will be dining at Tap & Barrel and your other more well-run...

Definitely 1 of 5 stars, because of egregious service whilst expecting 18% minimum standard tip.

Details: I have visited Cactus Club restaurants as a paying customer since 2006 and have never complained about Cactus via Google Reviews until now. So, posting this because if you ever go to Cactus Club Yaletown and if you encounter "employee # 18" (as per receipt on the left side of photo) or caucasian lady with brown hair at the bar, then you might want to ask for a different server or go to another restaurant, because employee # 18 will treat you like a second class citizen. I think it's fair for me to complain like this since I've previously paid $881, inclusive of 20% tip, for 5 people at Cactus Club Coal Harbour on Apr 23rd this year and had no problems (reservations and paid meal are/were under my name at the Coal Harbour location on Apr 23, 2025 at 6 pm). There are two receipts in this photo: left side is Cactus Club Yaletown (my first time here in 2 years) and right side is Cactus Club Broadway (my neighborhood go to). I will gladly spend more money at the Broadway location any day or time.

When I was at the Cactus Yaletown location today, I ordered a Madri beer (all I did was try to clarify that a happy hour price for the Madri was cheaper at Broadway location, which is confirmed as per right side receipt). Apparently, I learned that the Madri happy hour price does not apply to the Yaletown location, so I paid my bill and instinctively said, I will go to the Broadway location more often because of cost savings.

Employee # 18 thinks that I offended her personally even after I tipped her for nonsense customer service, and she says: "well, you should go there then... you don't have to take this out on me." Then I get confused after having tipped her 18%, because I just don't want to be price gouged if I can save money. I told her: "I am your customer, you're the one who is offending me. I am not offending you personally." Then she says: "You're not my customer, you're my guest."... She then dragged her male colleague into this conversation and he doesn't know the context - I think she was trying to make me look like a villain or trouble-maker at the restaurant. That's why I am not okay with letting this slide (an embarrassing experience).

Employee # 18 of Cactus Yaletown is toxic and incompetent - i.e., combative, no professionalism, no critical thinking and no understanding of reading between the lines or reading the room, so to speak. I hope no one else goes through my experience. I paid about $74 in total today. I should have spent it all at the Cactus Broadway location.

If you go to Yaletown for drinks and want to avoid nonsense, then go to Earls or other pubs instead of Cactus Yaletown as per above rationale. If you disagree, then try to avoid employee # 18 because if she can treat me like this, then she's probably done this before to other customers.

Frankly unacceptable...

For the past five years, Cactus Club Yaletown has been a constant in our lives, and it never ceases to amaze us with its unwavering quality and evolving menu. Here's why we keep coming back and highly recommend this establishment:

Consistent Quality, Ever-Improving Menu: One of the hallmarks of Cactus Club Yaletown is its consistent commitment to quality. Over the years, we've seen the menu evolve and expand, always for the better. The innovation in their dishes keeps us excited to return and try something new each time we visit.

Must-Try Dishes: If you're looking for recommendations, the Green Curry, burgers, and Cajun Chicken Sandwich are absolute must-tries. These dishes consistently deliver in terms of flavor, presentation, and overall satisfaction.

Delightful Drink Selection: The drink menu at Cactus Club is another reason we keep returning. I'm a fan of the Crazy Hazy, and my wife loves their cocktails. The bartenders here certainly know their craft, and the drinks are always on point.

Welcoming and Friendly Staff: One of the standout aspects of this branch is the incredibly welcoming and friendly staff. It's not just about serving great food; it's about creating a memorable experience. Whenever we step into Cactus Club Yaletown, we feel like we're among friends.

Unforgettable Acts of Kindness: A touching moment that still warms our hearts was the time a stranger anonymously paid for our table. It's a testament to the community spirit and goodwill that seems to thrive in this restaurant. To that kind-hearted person, we hope you read this review and know how much your gesture meant to us.

In conclusion, Cactus Club Yaletown has become more than just a restaurant for us; it's a place where we've made cherished memories over the years. With its consistent quality, ever-improving menu, delicious drinks, and welcoming staff, it's no surprise that we keep returning. And to anyone considering a visit, we highly recommend this branch for a dining experience that goes beyond the exceptional food and drinks – it's a place where good memories are made, whether it's through the cuisine or unexpected acts of kindness from...