Neon Cactus — Restaurant in West Lafayette

I haven’t gone here in a few months because I frankly don’t see myself coming back here again after seeing repeated problems with Neon Cactus. Firstly, getting into the building. There’s long lines, it’s popular. I normally wouldn’t complain about this had it made up for it with good service or literally anything else. Some of the lines I’ve had to wait were atrocious, length-wise. And then when I get into the building, there were a couple of times I’ve had to deal with rude bouncers. I vividly remember one of them accusing of me of using a fake ID and he didn’t even bother to scan it. I politely told him it was real, and that the owner could come over and double check. But nope, bouncer had to be a jerk about it and only let me in after my friend yelled at him to get a manager. Secondly are prices. This place is just too expensive. Between the necessary cash needed for cover (though I guess they recently changed this and allowed you to pay digitally, but it’s higher than what it used to be) and the overpriced drinks, it just isn’t worth it. I mean seriously, I buy a cactus cup and get charged $13 for a mixed drink? Ridiculous. Thirdly is the QUALITY of said drinks. After getting tired of spending so much on mixed drinks one night, I decided to buy a cheaper beer instead. Michelob Ultra, a favorite of mine. Well, somebody wasn’t cleaning the taps I suppose, because this was DISGUSTING. Moldy, yeasty taste. Like the lines hadn’t been cleaned at all. Also, their overpriced mixed drinks don’t have as much alcohol as other bars on campus. Fourth is the rest. The music is okay. I like some of their live shows. Piano man Bruce was awesome and totally made up for everything else. But now he’s gone. However, now it seems the DJs aren’t as great (charging people for songs requests? Really???). There’s plenty of good bars near campus, and even better ones across the bridge in Lafayette. I never go here because it’s just not...

Great place except for one thing;

If you decide to leave anything in the front with the security, they will give it away to random people.

I went to Cactus last weekend, forgetting I had a small utility knife in my pocket (one that was of sentimental meaning to me), security said to me that they could hold it for me (big guy, used to work at where else). He took it from me and placed it in an area right by the window that I made a mental note of, awesome. When leaving after only 1 drink, I noticed that my knife was no longer there. And when asking security where it was I received the most dumbfounded responses I've ever seen. A shoulder shrug like it wasn't their problem and they had no idea where it was. When I suggested that if you gave my property to someone else, why don't I just pick from the pile like it's a free-for-all goodie bag of people's belongings? Security's response was, and I quote, "Go for it..."

Having morals and self-respect I obviously did not do that, but the principle is there. They don't respect your belongings and If you have to leave something with them, don't. they will give it away to whoever. Likewise, it seems that if you do go there you can go grab a "party favor" of someone else's stuff up at the front since they don't care.

Now I am down my special and expensive knife and a $5 cover and the security...

It was my first time going to Neon Cactus. I was with my other two friends. The security accused me of drunk and I got kicked out of the club. The truth is I wasn't very drunk, I was just tipsy. It was around 2:30am. I was ready to go home, so I sat and was waiting for my two friends to leave. As I was sitting, a security guy and woman came up to me and told me I gotta go because I am too drunk. I didn't agree with their reason to kick me out. I told them I am not drunk, and they can test me. I wasn't causing any kind of trouble. I am not a heavy drinker to start with. They told me they will test me in another room. I left my coat on the table, and followed them. They led me outside told me not to comeback in, and that they will bring my coat in a sec. I wasn't happy about that I asked for a manager. A manager (tall black man, sorry I didn't get to ask or see his name) came to me and straight told me to leave. I refused to leave until they gave me a better reason. I asked him why again. He said I was leaning on a wall while I was sitting and that's the reason they kicked me out.

Honestly, I was a few people in much much worse condition that night, one of them was leading his friend in the restroom and threw up. For this reason, I gave it 1 star.

It was March 4,...