What can I say? This is one of my favorite restaurants in Pensacola. In fact, we (almost) have a standing reservation here every Friday evening. Cactus Flower is charming in many ways, but the focus is on the food.
The food is “California-Style Mexican” as opposed to Tex-Mex. This means that you get more than beans, rice, tortillas, and pseudo-cheese. The food tastes healthy, is filling, and has been cared for by someone. Think of it as gourmet American-Mexican. While the recipes are continually evolving, they are becoming more delicious. Try the taco salad with chips, not the shell. For a huge discerning appetite, try the El Hefe burrito.
However, to really taste the essence of why Cactus Flower is one of the defining restaurants in Pensacola, you must order the fish tacos (“soft, flour” when they ask). The seafood and produce are oh-so-fresh, and the special sauce is exquisite. Precede this with a order of fresh-made chunk guacamole, and you will wonder why you ever eat Tex-Mex. Wash it down with the best selection of Mexican beer in town. I’d like to see them bring in some more light beers, such Dos Equis Light, but I am not going to complain. If you are feeling adventurous, try a Negro Modelo.
The decor is tasteful, Southwest, an eccentric mix of colorful art and metal religious icons. What you’d expect from Mexico, is? The booths on the south wall are prime seating. The restaurant is small, so on the weekends get there before 6PM or call ahead to reserve a spot. The service staff has been there for a long time. They know the drill, are often overworked, but respond well to friendliness and will remember your favorites once you become a regular. Tip: call them by name (which is stitched on their shirts, a nice measure of their loyalty). Millie and Cookie are our favorites. We wonder why Al always seems so distressed.
The shopping center that Cactus Flower sits in has been torn down around it. it is in the midst of a major renovation. This means lots of construction in the parking lot. No worries. It is still well worth your time to check out this restaurant. Note that they could have leveled the entire build and compelled Cactus Flower to move, but they are going out of their way to keep them there.
Name: Cactus Flower Cafe
Location: 3425 N. 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL, 32503
Phone: 850.432.8100
Price: $-$$
Website: http://www.catusflowercafe.net
4 responses so far ↓
Jack // August 11, 2007 at 4:30 pm
My meal at the Cactus Flower was so salty that my companion and I walked out. It was inedible.
Seven // August 12, 2007 at 1:44 pm
Wow. Frankly, I find this shocking and beleive it to be outside the norm rahter than a predictable experience. Yes, as with all restuarant, The Cactus Flower Cafe is going to have down days, but too salty sounds like an honest mistake on the part of a cook.We ate there again last evening. The crowd was thin and the food was delicious as always. The construction is getting to be a nuisance with all the red dirt, but the Cactus Flower is still worth it.
Kevin // November 15, 2007 at 3:43 am
Wow is right, I eat there about once a month and the food is always great! You should and let them know about the salty food, i’m sure they would have takin care of the problem. I hope the new location is as good.
Mark // November 15, 2007 at 4:05 pm
We asked about the construction and what it means for Cactus Flower. Millie reported that when the new shopping center is complete, Cactus Flower woudl have an additional room to the north side of the restaurant. This room will be used for parties or overflow! It will almost double the dining area.