Wild Cactus Cantina & Grill — Restaurant in Denton

This would be a 4-star review if not for the money owed and zero-communication from the restaurant after my event.

I contacted Wild Cactus to host my company holiday party last month. I informed them we'd be needing a reservation for roughly 12-15 people. They invited me over one evening for a sampling menu which was great and we solidified what we wanted. We agreed on a family-style dinner, with the full cocktail menu available.

In the initial conversation, they mentioned there'd be a partial deposit due to reserve the evening, but after menu our tasting, they wanted the full price paid in full. I asked, "If I have less or more people show up, will the new amount be refunded or charged?" I was told, yes, the final total would be updated depending on what's ordered (drinks) and how many show up, and refunded. Great.

Once we arrive, I inform the staff I'm expecting 13 people tonight and we are seated. Unfortunately, only 10 show up due to partners/dates cancelling. We didn't have the full drink menu available, but only 3 or 4 regular cocktails and then beer/wine. The main course was also not family-style, like we discussed, but just same plate for everyone (except for vegetarians).

The wait-staff was great and food was good. At the end of the night, I went to the bar to ask for the final tally and was told that management would reach out and let me know, but we did have a lot left on our bar tab allotment. I said ok, and left.

Being the holidays I gave it a couple weeks and emailed Wild Cactus because I hadn't heard anything yet. I have emailed them twice in the past weeks with no response. Setting up the evening, I would easily get a response within 24 hrs.

Based on the estimate I paid, I'm estimating I'm owed a refund of at least $200 (not counting bar tab difference, required tip, and taxes) but have heard nothing. I understand 10 is not 15, but I've heard nothing and I was told if some people didn't show, I'd be refunded. If 18 showed up, I'm sure they'd charge...

I really wanted to lo e this place. Just based on the name of the establishment, one has certain expectations. As in all of Denton, parking is a problem. Had to drop my wife off at the door and find a place to park. Ended up a block away. Once stepping foot in the restaurant, I expected to be greeted at the front to be seated with my wife. I had to walk in as no one noticed me. I was finally directed to where my wife was already seated. She had been there for 10-15 minutes already and had not been greeted by a server or asked what she wanted to drink. We had to get the attention of another server to get someone to our table. Once he came, we asked for water and put in our drink order. The water was room temperature with no ice. From this point, things got a a bit better. Once we ordered and the food came, it was decent. The stars at this place are the numerous margaritas and bar drinks. I had numerous choices to take my wife out for her birthday, and I chose Wild 🌵 Cactus. I probably would not go again. I know they are still under kitchen construction, so I give them a bit of a pass. The food was good and plentiful. I would have liked more chicken alternatives as my spouse is not as prone to eat beef or brisket. The menus don't necessarily let one have chicken/beef opportunities. The presentation was just okay. The atmosphere and other patrons seemed to be upbeat, and the background music was pleasant. I think this would be a good spot. Once they get their act together, I think they might be a great place to dine...

The food and drinks were great, it seemed fairly priced and the atmosphere was nice. But the service left a lot to be desired.

For starters, the hostess asked if our group of three wanted to sit at the bar. It’s kind of hard to talk as a group at a bar. So we asked how long it would be to wait for a table. She then told us there was a high top we could sit at. We said we’d like to sit there. Walking around the restaurant there were at least three other tables (but I know maybe they didn’t have staff for all of them…) As we got to the table, she asked if we were sure we couldn’t just sit at the bar. We said we’d prefer to sit at the high top. It seemed like she didn’t want us to sit there even though she offered it to us in the first place.

Our waiter was nice but there were several times I started to think he forgot about us. We spent over 2 hours there and the majority of that was waiting 10+ mins for him to take our orders, 40+ to bring us salads, 15+ to bring us the bills after we asked, and 15+ to bring back our cards (these are just estimates, of course). I’d get if the hostess hesitated to sit us there because she knew they’d be less attentive. But she didn’t say anything like that and there was another group in that section. They forgot to give us a drink menu until after we ordered food. But the drinks did come out quickly. So kudos to the bar staff!

Overall, I might try it one more time because I liked the food and drinks. But if the subpar service wasn’t just a one-time fluke, I don’t know that I’d return...