Local chain serving Mexican-inspired dishes & cocktails in a funky, art-filled space.
Brent Reynolds
I was taught to clean my plate as a young boy, it is very difficult for me to leave food but I have paid for. But it was well worth the $25 to just leave. Everything had an awkward flavor except for the horseradish dip which was very good. Yellow rice was off, black beans had a strange tang to them and the beef inside the chimichanga tasted like the air circulating inside of a refrigerator. Lastly the chimichanga was so thickly wrapped that the inside layers were not cooked and they were very doughy. I saw my waiter twice, when they took my order and when they refilled my drink for the first time as they brought me my ticket. A different way to brought me my food. I only saw mine twice. I’ve eaten a lot of Tex-Mex in my life and this is not it. I hate to leave bad reviews and it’s rare that I leave one anyway, but I couldn’t let this one slide. It’s just not worth it
… moreLance Kureba
Velvet cactus. I love the ambience of the place and the employees are really great! The food on the otherhand is not good at all. Its all basic. Its not really mexican driven. The last few times I have visited it hasnt been good.
The employees 10/10
Service 10/10
Food 2/10
Its just not great but this is just an opportunity that can be changed. like I said, Everything else is fantastic but the food is not good.
Change that and we are golden!
… morePhil
Amazing! I had the shrimp enchiladas and my wife had the cowboy quesadillas. Both were really good. The queso dip was the best we’ve had in a long time. Kathleen was our server, she was funny and took really good care of us! Would definitely eat here again! We ate outside and they had the heaters on to keep us warm since it was chilly out. Kept us nice and toasty for our meal!
… morerae
Good hospitality, diego’s fish tacos with corn tortilla were bomb. Tried both version fried and grilled. Don’t get the Mexican pizza, it’s not pleasant.
… moreRachelle Martinez
I went here for the happy hour and the margarita was absolutely terrible. It was the sweetest, worst tasting thing I’ve had yet. I ordered a few food menu things and regretted it. This was the absolute worst Mexican-inspired food and drinks I’ve had in Nola yet. I paid my tab and left it all on the bar. I couldn’t bring my stomach to finish it. On a positive side the staff was very kind!
… moreC. T.
The Velvet Cactus on Harrison Avenue is a must-visit if you’re in the Lakeview area. I had the street tacos. Really good. The tamales were equally good and tasty! Queso and chips were fresh and the charred salsa was unique, as I’ve never had salsa prepared that way.
The service was great! Everyone from the hosts to waitstaff were very friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming.
The atmosphere is cozy and energetic, with colorful decor and a relaxed vibe that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy. I highly recommend The Velvet Cactus for casual dinner or meeting friends for drinks and small plates.
… moreNick Cagle
Food, service, and staff were all excellent. Sad they did away with the warmed salsa. So much so, I asked our waitress just to heat me up some in the microwave, and she kindly obliged. Our adult beverages were great. Even after requesting something not on their drink menu, the bar staff pulled it off effortlessly. We’ll definitely continue to fancy the Velvet Cactus. Maybe one day, they’ll turn the pot warmers back on.
… moreNathalie Alarcon
It’s really late on this review from last week so sorry I can remember the waiters name.
My partner and I wanted to try the tortilla soup and the protein bowl. Felt like the the soup tasted more abit like chili with the seasoning, my partner didn’t like the plantains even though she really loves them in general (I honestly thought they were pretty drier than sweeter taste, the side of beans with queso was fantastic, the the bowl the rice was okay and the filet steak was abit chewy for my palette.
Over all the presentation was great and the place has a phenomenal vibe.
I’m gonna have to come back and give the steak another try I saw their steak fajitas after I had already put in my order.
And our waiter was amazing he was friendly and open and enthusiastic. Helped me decided with the creamy jalapeño sauce and the other habanero sauce. I remember commenting about his bottled earrings.
I highly recommend the margaritas. I had the Mango marg with salt and the strawberry marg with sugar.
… moreDad
Nice place for a casual meal. Good Tacos, Guac & Mexican style offerings. Abundant salsa & chips with great salsa. Chips were warm and flavorful. We both has Fish Tacos & sides. Tacos were excellent. had refried beans and brussel sprouts as sides – both very good. Weather was cold last night, we were seated by the closed garage doors & we were very cold. Go on a warmer day & sit outside or away from the doors.
… moreParadise Donaldson
Just left here. The margaritas were a 10 out of 10. The food was a 3 out of 10. The brisket was not brisket more like shredded beef. The chicken was rotisserie chicken. The enchiladas were tacos with cheese on top. The view was beautiful and there was a nice vibe. The service was perfect. The crab boil dip tasted just like rotel with crawfish. This place is def over hyped.
… more