Pink Cactus Could Give Millennials a New Reason to Frequent SouthPark

Boasting the area’s most expensive mall, the SouthPark neighborhood is known for its posh reputation. Just far enough from the city to be quiet, but close enough to charge an arm and a leg for living expenses, it doesn’t attract many millennials other than those who simply favor being close to their SouthPark office.

The area is growing at a rapid pace, and restaurants like Treehouse Whiskey and Fork felt the need for a refresh. Enter, Pink Cactus. The new 3,000 sq. ft. concept maintains the same owners, only with more options – 35 tequilas and 25 beers to be exact. The food menu offers everything from burgers ($11) to street tacos ($5-$8) to empanadas ($10, and admittedly the best empanada I’ve tasted in my lifetime).

Pink Cactus will seat 200 inside, and occupy the anticipated overflow on their newly renovated patio that will debut itself March 19 at their Grand Opening. Of course, you can’t mention a patio without touching on the bar menu. Quite possibly the one thing that would deter millennials – drink cost. While they are pretty fairly priced for the quality ingredients, it’s definitely not your typical Montford bar offering $3 Bud Lights. On the other hand however, it’s far cheaper than venturing into uptown.

The Tequila MockinMule (pictured) is a certified go-to, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t intrigued to come back and try the Smoking Rose (Montolobos mezcal/lunazul reposado/rose/Grapefruit – $14). The inside bar back opens up to a patio window, duly serving both locations.

There are plenty of patio spots in SouthPark, but there’s something about a Southwest menu (an Instagram story of a margarita and a taco with a location tag reading “Pink Cactus CLT”) that pulls in millennials from all surrounding neighborhoods. The real social media-worthy feature? A hostess stand that that doubles as a coffee and macaron bar.

Due to the text messages and tags on Instagram I’ve received, I’m expecting to visit Pink Cactus again very soon. Will it become a millennial-infested hangout or fulfill its tagline of a “neighborhood gathering place?” Stay tuned to your Instagram feed to find out.

Pink Cactus hours are Monday – Thursday, 11 am – 12 am; Friday – Saturday, 11 am – 2 am; and Sunday, 10:30 am – 12 am. Follow them on Instagram for specials and updates.