Cactus Club Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

My partner (person of color with dreadlocks) and I went out for my birthday dinner this past Saturday Jan 4th.

We booked the reservation online and booked for the "window seat" section. When we booked the reservation it noted that in order to be sat in the window seat area there was an 80$/person requirement. We had no issues with this and provided the credit card online to secure the reservation. The confirmation email that we received also noted the 80$/person requirement.

When we arrived at the restaurant and checked in with the hostess, she called for a manager to come seat us on her little ear piece and the manager came. She walked us to our table and looked at my husband and said, "Do you have any questions about the $80/person requirement for dining at this table?" My husband replied "no" because we didn't but this rubbed both of us the wrong way as it had already been made very clear online and in the confirmation email.

We typically order appetizers, mains, drinks and dessert when we go out so we knew we would meet the 80$/person requirement.

While we were seated at the table for our meal there were six other couples/groups that were sat at various tables along the window section. Not a single one of these other groups were sat by a manager, it was the hostess who sat them, and not a single one of them was asked if they had any questions about the 80$/person requirement. The rest of these couples were either white or Asian. So essentially they saw my husband and assumed that he was not able to pay the bill I guess which prompted them to call a manager to seat us and awkwardly ask him if he knew there was an $80/person requirement 🤦🏼‍♀️

The service was sub par:

Our drinks emptied twice we asked for more the first time but by the 2nd time we just wanted to leave so we decided to forget about it. They didn't clear the previous courses before bringing the next. For example, we had our appetizer plates still on the table infront of us when the main course came and then we had the main course plates on the table when the dessert was delivered so my husband and I were holding plates trying to make room for new plates everytime. Typically the plates from the previous course are cleared before the new course is delivered to the table... Am I wrong? Or is this new? I mean at other restaurants that's how it works usually but hey... What do I know?

My husband ordered a steak "medium well" and the center was COMPLETELY RARE and bloody. We literally brought it home and cooked it more on our own. We thought about sending it back but after the first few red flags we were not sure we wanted to complain and send it back out of fear of what might happen to it in the kitchen if you know what I mean.

Other tables were offered free cake for their celebration (there was one couple celebrating their anniversary and another one celebrating a birthday) we were not but had no issues paying for our own it was just funny to me.

Overall it was a really disappointing experience. I will not be going back and if you are a person of color I do not recommend this location for you. We still tipped well, and held our tongue because we wanted to enjoy my birthday celebration but I must say the many "red flags" that happened in this experience kind of ruined my birthday dinner and I wouldn't go back.

Also, if you go to this location in the winter months don't worry about sitting next to the window... You can't see anything anyway cause it's dark so there is literally no gain for you.

In the future we will stay away from these chain restaurants (Cactus, Earls, Joey's - all owened by the same people). We have had a much better experience with locally owned places. We had a gift card for Cactus Club and thats why we went to try it. In the future, I will just try to sell any Cactus Club gift cards and take that money to a locally owned restaurant where we know we will enjoy...

I had tried to book this place for one of the three Celebration of Lights events and had been access denied. So I was kind of surprised that I was able to snag a reservation on the day of the Pride Parade with relative ease.

This Cactus Club gets business no matter what, just by dint of the fact that they are located right on English Bay. And it doesn't hurt that they have innovative dishes and flamboyant drinks. It's one of the busiest hotspots that has a constant turnstile of customers.

We started off with their new Zero Proof drinks. My girlfriend was tempted to try their Hey Hibiscus drink, but after a few sips, she deemed it extremely carbonated and noted that it seemed to have only a hint of hibiscus in it. I chose the Little Pearl, which sadly did not come with Jack Sparrow but nevertheless was very refreshing. I was familiar with popping pearls, albeit in alcoholic form, but these passion fruit pearls were just as good. I had a swell time popping them individually in my mouth, and they added a fruity kick to the drink.

Beef Carpaccio's and Avocado Dips are my favorite appetizers, so when I found out Cactus was offering their own spin on both as part of their new dishes, I had to try them out. The Beef Carpaccio was buried in arugula, and the garlic crostini was pretty stale. The beef itself was alright, even though the slices were a bit thinner than most carpaccio's. The Avocado Dip was unfortunately a miss for us. My girlfriend found the chips overly salty, and I found the dip a bit too spicy, but I will say it was blended quite smoothly and wasn't your typical chunky dip.

I fared better with my main Hunter Chicken dish. It was just as juicy and flavorful as I remembered. I don't normally like mushrooms, but there are certain dishes where the mushrooms have been cooked so skillfully that I can't help but love it. This was one of them. I loved drenching the mashed potatoes in the mushroom sauce as they were a fiesta for my tastebuds.

The Spaghetti Portofino my girlfriend had looked really appetizing, and she did finish most of it, but she didn't touch the garlic crostini that came with it. Probably because she already knew that the ones which came with my carpaccio were harder than rocks.

The restaurant was actually quite cramped to the point where my chair was literally back to back with someone else's, so I couldn't move around. At least the ambiance was one of casual yet sophisticated relaxation. It was almost like being on an island getaway, complete with the sandy beach, the crashing waves, and the hot as Hell sun. The wrap around effect of the glass windows was a smart choice as it capitalized on the beach and allowed you to see the spectacular view.

It was really busy, but our server managed to keep up with everything, so kudos to her. A solid choice for any food connoisseur, this is one Club that is worth...

I had the pleasure of dining at Cactus Club on English Bay recently, and I must say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The restaurant's location offers breathtaking views of the bay, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal or a night out.

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed by the warm and welcoming staff. Their attentiveness and friendly demeanor set the tone for the evening, making me feel like a valued guest. The service throughout the evening was impeccable, and the staff's dedication to ensuring a pleasant dining experience was evident in every interaction.

The cocktail menu was a delightful surprise, featuring an array of creative concoctions that catered to various preferences. From classic mixes to innovative blends, the bartenders clearly knew their craft. Each cocktail was expertly crafted, beautifully presented, and packed with flavor, truly enhancing the overall dining experience.

Reservations were recommended, and I understood why. The restaurant's popularity was evident as I saw a steady stream of patrons arriving. The ambiance was vibrant yet comfortable, making it an ideal setting for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

Let's talk about the food – it was a true highlight of the evening. The menu boasted a diverse selection of dishes, and each item I tried was a testament to the chef's skill. Not only was the food delicious, but the prices were also surprisingly reasonable for the quality and presentation. The flavors were well-balanced, and the ingredients were clearly fresh and carefully chosen.

One aspect that stood out to me was the friendliness of the staff. Every member of the team seemed genuinely happy to be there, creating an atmosphere of positivity and hospitality. It was evident that the staff enjoyed their work, which undoubtedly contributed to the overall positive vibe of the restaurant.

In conclusion, Cactus Club on English Bay is a must-visit for anyone seeking a fantastic dining experience. From the stunning views to the outstanding staff, delectable cocktails, and impressive food selection, it truly checks all the boxes. The restaurant's commitment to excellence and their personable staff make it clear that this is not only a great place to dine but also a great place to work. I eagerly await my next visit to this hidden...