Cactus Flower Cafe
8725 Ortega Park Dr, Navarre, FL, 32566
Cactus Flower Cafe Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Navarre for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
8725 Ortega Park Dr
Navarre, FL, 32566 - Phone (850) 936-4111
- Website https://www.cactusflowercafe.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Felicity H.
Good food, great server! I wish the chips weren't out of a bag, it would be so much better if they were made to order! Also, there was no music so the busy dining room felt like a cafeteria. I would go back to try it again, the chicken tortilla soup was delicious and my husband enjoyed his entrée!
(3)Ana M.
This place was decent! It had a more upscale feel than most Mexican restaurants, but I thought it made for a nice dining experience. The queso dip was pretty bland unfortunately, and the salsa wasn't anything to rave about. All of us got chimichangas which were huge and pretty tasty, but not the best. They had a lot of cheese in them, which overpowered the taste of the meat (I had mahi mahi). I also felt they could have used more sauce on them, they were a bit dry. The rice and beans were good though. Overall I think they can satisfy a craving for Mexican food but I wasn't that impressed. I've had better.
(4)Jess J.
This is not an authentic Mexican place, more like Cal-Mex or American fusion Mex, so don't expect to have a legitimate Mexican dish here. Overall however, the ambiance, staff, customer service and food was very good and a welcome change from the usual stuff you see in the area. There is no liquor license for this place so you'll get wine and beer. They have a red sangria which is good but has no fruit in it! The point of sangria is to have cut up fruit pieces in it (mainly apples, oranges and pineapple) not just bare. If I wanted a glass of cold, sweet wine I would have added some ice and sugar to my Pinot. Chips were not made in house but were good and the Salsa and Guacamole especially were above expectations! Had the chicken tacos which were ok, shredded chicken, salty cheese, lettuce and wanna-be pico de gallo, nothing crazy, the rice and beans were very good however. The other dish ordered was a chicken quesadilla which was good but gigantic! Check the pictures attached. Few tips for the owners: dim the lights, you already have awesome candles on the tables, the lighting ruins it, way too bright for dinner. Put some music, it's a Mexican place for a reason, there should be music and a happy, fiesta vibe. PLEASE increase your hot sauce variety! It's unacceptable that all you have is Cholula!! You need to have some salsa Verde (not talking about the hot mole you have-which was a bit bland) get some tomatillo sauce, ajà Sauce etc.. Trust me, I know what I'm saying! Put Fajitas on the menu! Sizzling chicken sautéed with some onions and peppers would do wonders! Surprised you don't have this dish!
(4)Arnold N.
This is one of three of these restaraunts around the area. We have eaten at the one in Pensacola several times, but it was our first visit to this location. The service was good, the decor was pretty much the same as the one in Pensacola, and the menus were the same. Both my wife and I ordered the Fish Tacos, which are our favorites at the other location. While we both felt the food was good, we both felt that the food at the Pensacola store was better than the food that we got here. Don't get me wrong, the food is good, it just didn't quite meet the expectations that we have come to expect at the other location. For Navarre, it is a pretty good choice.
(4)Melissa D.
One of my favorite restaurants in the Navarre area. It's a little pricey, but I typically go there for more special occasions with my husband. I like to try their specials.
(5)Ashley H.
My husband and I ate here a couple weeks ago. He had the mahi tacos and loved then! I had the sour cream chicken enchiladas and thought they were good but needed more flavor- they were bland. The guacamole was delish though!!! We will definitely try this restaurant again!
(4)Mike A.
What a surprise! This place is truly some of the best mexican I have ever had. Portions are huge so sharing is recommended. We shared the chicken enchiladas verde which was such a delight. The sides of black beans and rice was also very tasty. Sangria was very fruity and refreshing. I would have given this place 5 stars but I had to deduct one star because it is located in a small strip mall that inside is a little dark with few windows. Service was excellent and next time in town we will be back
(4)Laura K.
Love the food here, it is so tasty. Ppl really need to stop complaining about how it's not authentic Mexican food tho. Take it for what it is! An authentic Mexican restaurant would not be named cactus flower cafe, it would be something in Spanish. U sound like an idiot for thinking it was real mexican. Anyway lol the queso bites are to die for & the fish tacos rule. All the locations are good so try whichever one u are closest to!
(5)Jeff H.
This place is simply awesome. From California so the "California Mexican" style was right up my alley. Initially I thought it was going to be kind of run down just by how small it looked from the outside but inside it was very nice. Light music in the background, staff dressed REALLY professional. Salsa was exceptional! My burrito with shredded pork was soooo good. Chimichanga bites appetizer was also delicious. Wife loved her enchiladas. It was all great and I'll be going back when I need some Mexican food in my life!
(5)Kim D.
This is the third year we have stopped in after our beach day. The food is always rich with lots of flavor. Coming from Texas we have had our share of Tex-Mex food. The waitstaff has always been friendly and attentive. We look forward to the sangria.
(5)Jamie H.
This place has great tex-mex food! It has fresh ingredients, yummy sangria and I crave their guacamole! Their staff has always been great, this is one of our favorites in navarre!
(4)Amber G.
One of the few places in Navarre with good service. The food is fantastic. I'm absolutely in love with their shredded beef tacos with the hard flour shell. I would love to eat there every other day but alas my husband likes more variety. The chips kinda suck but I'd rather save my appetite for my entree anyway. Prices are reasonable too.
(5)Marc E.
The best and definitely the biggest quesadilla you'll find around! Their salsa is my husbands favorite. The entire staff is SO SO nice.
(5)Renee C.
Ate here today for the first time. HAd eaten at the one in Pensacola before. Today I had the Chicken Tostados and my husband Clay had the special Blue Crab quesadilla . They were both delicious !!!! The service was wonderful and heartfelt. We will be going back again!!!
(5)Jazzy Q.
As someone who has had very good Mexican food, this was a travesty.
(1)Audra R.
Went here with a coworker on a business trip on cinco de mayo. You'd think it would be overly crowded so the service would suffer, right? Nope. Service was great, but the food was even better. Highly recommend the queso and bean dip! And the margarita was excellent - not fake and overly sugary like at some places. It was authentic and delicious. I wish I had a Mexican place near home that I loved as much as this one! Loved it!
(5)Melissa T.
Not sure if I was so famished that I imagined this place was awesome or if it truly was. I'm gonna say it was pretty great. Beginning with the service...our server Scotti was wonderful. Truly helpful, friendly and very efficient. The food was delicious, hot and fresh. The portions are massive and you will not have room for dessert nor is there a need to order an app. I do highly recommend the Queso though, it was mouth watering delicious. You can pick mild, medium or hot. We chose medium but I'm betting the hot would be the best choice if you like spice. Bonus for you vegans/vegetarians, they use no animal fat in their beans! Also, any menu item can be adjusted for you, quite a rarity in this area. I'm knocking off one star for not having in house made chips and for charging extra for sides of sour cream and guacamole. All Mexican style restaurants should offer these staples as far as I'm concerned. I also was charged for sautéed onion/peppers and beans for my vegetarian burrito, would have thought these items belonged in there not that I would be charged extra. Anyways, I will definitely be coming back to work my way through the menu.
(4)Katie F.
Best restaurant in Navarre, and I'd venture to say the best Mexican food I've ever had. Cactus Flower is the perfect mix between your typical Mexican joint and something more gourmet. Even though our host couldn't estimate how long the wait would be (odd), we waited about 45 minutes and it was totally worth it. Our server knew what she was doing, she was really knowledgable and was very attentive. We order the guac (great), I got the Burrito (even better), and the family ordered one of every dessert (oh my god I've had dreams about the banana butter cake ever since). Everyone in the family of seven, ages 10-45, LOVED their meal. The best part? The three course meal plus drinks was cheaper than any other dinner we had in vacation. Atmosphere a bit odd, but every restaurant in Navarre struggles with this I realized. Besides that, I cannot recommend this more highly!
(5)Rachel W.
Pretty good! Went for lunch and had the fish tacos. They were good. Will definitely remember this place for the next time we come to Navarre.
(4)Bob E.
We look forward to Cactus Flower during our vacation every year. The Mahi tacos are AMAZING - you will not be disappointed! Very attentive service staff and always friendly. This is a definite favorite for our whole family.
(5)Marie H.
A hidden gem in a small shopping area, amazing food. The inside is a bit small not a lot of tables. Service/staff are very friendly. Love the Mexican salad & the Santa fe sauce that accompany it! Only thing I didn't really like was that the chips came from a bag :( but other then that the salsa is great, love the queso with bean dip is amazeballs!!! Other then that a great place!
(5)M B.
I really like this place! The salsa is delicious, the wine margaritas are to die for and the food is always amazing! I don't mind driving from FWB to Navarre to eat here. Totally worth it! I can honestly say this is the best Mexican food that I've had in this area! I think the only downfall is the small size. The lack of tables can make for a bit of a wait. If you don't mind that, it's wonderful.
(5)Jeff M.
We ordered verde enchiladas, both pork and chicken as well as fish tacos. The enchiladas were very good but the fish tacos were not. The tacos sauce tastes like ranch dressing and neither I nor my daughter could eat them. The waitress immediately offered to take the tacos off our bill which we appreciated. Overall, the service was very good and we enjoyed our food except for the tacos.
(3)Gary J.
It's just Mexican food right? Big deal....except it's Mexican food kicked up a few notches. All 4 of us ordered different dishes and all 4 were spot on good. Everything is plated nicely, the food is professionally put together and everyone in the building gave us a smile. The chips and salsa were excellent too! Too much food to eat in one sitting.
(4)John R.
Second trip to this restaurant enjoyed both trips the mahi-mahi tacos maybe the best thing on The menu
(4)Alycia C.
The fish tacos are the bomb, you can never go wrong with the corn hardshell tortillas & pinto beans that come with the meal. Super filling & light! Also the house margs are amazing. They use fresh lime juice!
(5)Clint R.
We really wanted to love this place, but it didn't do the job in the end. The chips seemed cheap and the queso was chalky. Sangria tasted more like fruit punch, very light on alcohol. Guacamole was good, but lacked spice or flavor and the burrito was great. The general experience was ok. They forgot to seat us and sat multiple people before us which left us waiting 45 min when there were only a few people before us. So it didn't start off great abd never really recovered. Our waiter did a great job and he was even new so that did help.
(2)Morgan H.
I cannot find one bad thing to say about this place! My husband and I searched high and low for a restaurant in the area that had GOOD Mexican food. Growing up in California has spoiled us and there is nothing in this town that compared... Then we found cactus flower! The sign says California style Mexican food and we were ready to give it a shot! It is beautiful inside which you don't expect from looking at the outside! You can dress up or go in casual and you'll fit in either way! The staff always looks nice and professional and every time we've gone the service has been great! Chips and salsa is amazing and they always offer refills! The burritos are so big the can feed me three times! It is definitely worth the drive from fort Walton out to Navarre for us to have some Great food and great service!
(5)James D.
Excellent food, modern decor and friendly and efficient service. Be prepared to wait some nights because it's a popular place. One of the better restaurants in the area although it is a little on the small side.
(5)Jessica H.
I found this place on yelp while on vacation, we hit the food jackpot!! The shrimp appetizer was incredible, I had the shrimp quesadilla and others had the enchilada and mahi mahi tacos- the tacos won hands down! I even went back for lunch the next day and got the chicken tortilla soup, absolutely delish!! The staff were great, service was excellent... The art displayed is even fun to look at. Great place!!
(5)Lisa B.
Good service, but the food is not as good as their other locations. It wasn't bad, just not good.
(3)Cortney P.
Got the mahi mahi tacos on soft corn tortillas and they were perfect. I think it's the lime vinaigrette. The mahi mahi comes fried but I got them to grill it for a $2 up charge. The wine margaritas were good. Only complaint was the wait time to get a table. But we did go on a Friday night at 630. Also wish their chips were homemade. Small restaurant, but they've got the food part perfected.
(4)Brook V.
The chicken tortilla soup was amazing. Fresh and tasty, with nice amount of chicken and fresh lime. The lime vinaigrette was by far the highlight of the meal! Fish tacos were good, made even better by adding the lime vinaigrette! Highly recommended. Service was great also!
(5)Lisa L.
Cactus Flower was a nice surprise as we drove back to Texas from Disney World, via the scenic route. We found this restaurant while searching on Yelp and the four of us were completely satisfied. Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere with a waitress who was genuine and delightfully funny. Would definitely return if we are in the area again!
(5)Aaron F.
Their Mahi Mahi tacos are amazing. We stopped in because we had an angry 3 year old who wanted food now!!! Talk about a lucky break. The mango shrimp appetizer was perfect. Their prices are good. The environment was nice, and best of all they made the other two critics with me very happy!
(5)Marcia M.
The vegetarian burrito was one of the best I've had! So good!! Came as a recommendation and was pleased with the food and service! This was defiantly a great find for Cali-Mex food! We will be back!
(5)Gary H.
Just ate there with friends. Great service and the food was outstanding. Fresh chips and salsa refilled without our having to ask. We didn't have an appetizer or dessert but next time we will. All of us liked it very much.We arrived about 8pm
(5)Jo Ann J.
Food was great and different from mexican food back home. Then again I live in St. Louis and Mexican restaurants are scarce. Anyway, I had the Santa Fe enchiladas and they were awesome. Went back with friends and ordered them again. The sauce they pour over the enchiladas is unlike anything I've ever had before. It's creamy, kinda orange brownish and flavorful but not hot. It was delicious. per my friends, the Shrimp or pork (or probably any meat) quesadillas are huge and very good. The guacamole was outstanding, chunks of avocado and the appetizer size is substantial. Chimichanga was good. Pork tenderloin with Verde sauce was excellent but the server said the sauce was not hot at all but it definitely had a bite. Service was very good as well. Oh, and the Flan is to die for. The only drawback is the menu and the bar. the menu is pretty limited and there are no options for combo dinners so no...one taco, one enchilda, and chimi platter :(
(4)Bre P.
Absolutely LOVE this restaurant! Their cheese dip is AMAZING and I look forward to going there. The service is wonderful as well!
(5)Jessica C.
Yummmmm. Delicious food, great service and excellent ambiance. Only complaint is a lack of flavor in the queso, we added a lot of salsa. The chicken tacos are phenomenal, for the record!
(5)Nathan P.
Ignore all the negative reviews. If you are like me, you scroll through these reviews to read, specifically, the bad ones. The negative reviews a quite mind-boggling. The food here is exceptional. The ingredients are fresh. Nothing comes out of a can. They do not use lard. If you love chimi's, let me put it to you like this. I don't ever eat in at restaurants. I just prefer eating at home. So, as usual, I order the chimi to go. I have about 10 miles to drive between Cactus Flower and my house. If you ever frequent 98 you know the traffic is always bad. It takes me 20 minutes to get home, another 5 to sit and eat. The chimi is STILL crispy. The interior STILL melty. Outstanding. If you are visiting, eat here. If you are a local, eat here. Don't think about it, just do it. The service is friendly. The food comes out quick. An ideal experience.
(5)Matthew K.
This place reminds me of the restaurants in San Diego, great food, fresh and the proportions are perfect. I really can't say anything that is bad with it. Prices are very reasonable.
(4)K L.
Great mexican food. A little variation on it (They call it Californian Mexican). Whatever they call it -its delicious. I have been here a few times when visiting the area. The servers always friendly as well. Its kinda hard to find but people are finding it since there has always been a full restaurant each time I have been there. The location in Pensacola Beach is good as well !
(4)Meghan S.
NOM NOM NOM! What a great find. As everyone also has posted, it's the Cali take on Mexican food. It was exactly what I was looking for. They are accommodating for gluten free customers. I ordered the enchiladas and they were amazing! I really with this place was in VA b/c I'd choose this place over Chipotle. The ingredients were fresh, the sangria was delicious, and they had gluten free options. YUM!
(5)Steve T.
I was at the beach this morning, and decided to stop by here on my way home. I wasn't craving mexican but this place had the best rating based on where i was. I'm here on business travel for about a year, so I figured I'd try to find unique local spots. I didn't realize this was a chain, so I would have probably picked something else. I know they definitely don't have these back up north. I really felt out of place when I walked in. I came in wearing a sleeveless shirt, while the place will sorta filled with older couples. I say sorta because there was only like 4 other tables there at 11:30. I think they automatically thought I was some beach bum who didn't have money to spend. But they were nice, and boy they had an attractive staff working. I might have gotten more smiles if I remembered to throw a polo on before entering. Service was still okay though. The guacamole appt was decent, although I think they tried to mash an unripen avocado. I had a few hard chunks in there that I couldn't even mash myself at the table with a fork. It was about $5 for that I think. I got the vegetarian quesadilla with sour cream on the side. They charged like 75 cents for a little sample cup size of it, which I didn't even use in the end. Sour cream is free at Chipotle, so why is it not free here? This isn't a fancy restaurant, and I know it isn't homemade sour cream. I think that's kinda petty of them to charge for it. Food was about average, service was average, but price was a little more expensive average, so I don't know what all these 4 and 5 star revews are talking about. I think Tijuana Flats is the better pick if you want to spend $16 for a mexican lunch.
(3)Linda T.
We were seated quickly by a cheerful hostess. The space is cozy and nicely decorated. Our waitress, Elizabeth, was great. She was pleasant and helpful, answering all our questions. The mango shrimp appetizer was out of this world delicious ,almost enough for a meal. I think next time I go I will get a double order and call it a meal! our only complaint is that the margaritas were very weak on the tequila .we should have said something but did not. Would definately go here again.
(4)Jeff T.
Wait staff was very nice (4 stars) and the wait time for our group wasn't very long....considering the fact that it was the day before Thanksgiving and a lot of people eat out that day for dinner. However, our group (of 8) was seated at a table appropriate for 4 average adults.....making me wonder what the fire code standards are for the restaurant. On to the food... Chips and Salsa: Salsa was good, but out of the bag Tostitos! Chimichanga: Presentation gets "4 stars"; however it was filled with gelatinous goop called chicken. Tortilla Soup: Good taste, but it had more of the whole Tostitos chips mixed in...which isn't close to being authentic Mexican.
(2)John C.
If you are accustomed to real Mexican food, do not try it. Cal-Mex will be disappointing. Without sounding like Gordon Ramsey, "It is Mexican food for snobs"!
(2)Arlet J.
The guacamole was delish, the pork tenderloin wrapped in a tortilla was very yummy! Definitely will go back and try the fish tacos, they looked yummy!
(4)Marcus K.
My wife had been pressing me to try out The Cactus Flower Cafe, and I must say I walked away impressed. When we entered the venue, its atmosphere felt like a combination of a restaurant previously visited in Las Cruces, New Mexico combined with that of the modern experience. The tables were nicely set, and servers were very classy. I am a firm believer that the restaurant experience begins with presentation, so we were off to a good start. Our waitress, Vanessa, was very pleasant and helpful. We were given the customary chips and salsa to start out. If you are a fan of fresh salsa, you may be disappointed here. The salsa tasted of preserved tomatoes, cumin, and oregano. This may be a classical Tex-Mex flavor, but my wife and I were not satisfied (perhaps I am too judgmental here as my wife is Mexican, so I get the real deal at home). For our appetizer, we ordered the queso dip. The queso was a great concept, and the flavor was there. It was so close to being good, except the thickening agent they chose to use ruined the dip. We could actually taste the flour in the dip (add to that the texture was grainy). Now, I am fair, we did stroll in about one hour before closing so it is possible that they just threw something together as the dip came out slightly cold. Nonetheless, if a business is still within it's hours of operation I expect to get my money's worth. The entrees were chose were the Sante Fe Enchiladas, and the Enchiladas Verdes. Both were outstanding; any complaints about the appetizers were soon forgotten. These two dishes absolutely made the review positive. My wife always says that the quality of a Hispanic-influenced restaurant must be judged by the quality of it's rice, beans, and tortillas. I usually view them as filler. Not this time around, the flavor was outstanding, and textures just right. I'm big on texture, and these dishes had the perfect smoothness, gooey cheeses, and tender meats. The enchilada sauces were great. No one ingredient stood out, except for the differentiation of the verde sauce vs. the orginal. Overall, The Cactus Flower Cafe is a great place to take your date. If you are a fan of fresh salsas, and good queso, you may be out of luck. I would urge you to try during peak hours however, as you may get their best. The entrees, are fantastic, and we will certainly be back to try different dishes!
(4)Marlana S.
Wow! We're visiting Navarre on vaca and looked for a fresh Mexican place and this one hit the spot. This restaurant was fantastic. First, our server (actually all the staff) was very attentive. She kept our drinks full, chips loaded and was super friendly. Next, the food was delish! We ordered the medium queso dip, beef tacos, mahi mahi tacos, and the enchiladas verde. All were flavorful and plate sizes allowed us to bring some of the goodness home! Kudos to this little gem!!
(5)Greg B.
Our family took a trip to the Florida panhandle last week and I was excited to try this restaurant as the reviews were excellent. The food lived up to our expectations, but unfortunately the service did not. We sat for ten minutes before our server even approached our table and then we waited almost 30 minutes for our food to arrive. My 9 year old received his meal after the rest of us were finished and our server (Ashely) did not even offer to have his meal removed from our bill. Also, the manager was around but he never bothered to stop by and ask how we were doing. I hate to give this place only three stars but the service was just that bad.
(3)Vivienne S.
Not good at all! I ordered the Mahi-Mahi Tacos and they were overly slathered in sauce. When I tried the fish alone, it was not too great either. Additionally, the tortillas were AWFUL. Calling it "Cali-Mex" isn't a good excuse to make terrible Mexican food. Overall, avoid this place if you want good food and wonderful customer service.
(1)Colleen D.
Cactus Flower and I are friends. They're definitely one of the best little places in the Navarre area. The food is always fresh, delicious, flavorful, but light California style Mexican food. The whole menu is pretty much vegetarian or vegan friendly except for a few items. The staff is always friendly, the interior is cute, and prices are good. They've always got a steady stream of people! They also have a selection of beer and wine.
(4)Barry M.
My wife and I were here for dinner during Christmas 2012. We went back last night with four other people. The service, food, and especially the presentation of the food was incredible!!!!!! It was my wife's birthday - they sang to her and brought her cake. Everyone loved the food and the ambience. Thankful this restaurant is still here and hope and pray they continue to serve great food for a long time to come.
(5)Allison D.
Yelp led is here as we need a meal on our drive from Pensacola to Destin. The food and service were both excellent. Wine-based margaritas were delicious. Our server, Kelly, was exceptional. Get the queso with smashed pinto beans.
(5)Keith F.
This place was somewhat busy when we walked in. It was very clean like several other people have mentioned. When we received our chips and salsa it wasnt very spicy but had a nice authentic taste. I asked our server if they had anything spicier and she said "no but I will go make you some fresh". I thought that was wonderful, and it was PERFECT! The burrito here was HUGE and very tasty.I would highly recommend it. The sangria was super easy to drink. It reminded me of grape kool aid. Our service was efficient, and I felt it got better as the meal went on. I would suggest this place to others and I would gladly eat here again.
(5)Robert P.
First off the setup on the inside of the restaurant was nice. I ordered the Mahi - Mahi Tacos, they were pretty good. The service was also great our waitress was really nice. The whole atmosphere and environment was really good, whether it was for a family going out or a one on one lunch.
(5)Bobby K.
We arrived saturday night about 8pm. The restaurant was full except two tables. We were quickly greeted and seated in a booth. The decor is artsy nice and clean and the staff is friendly and efficient. The other guests were a mix of families, young couples, and groups of older couples at a few tables. We wanted to try the sangria before ordering and the waitress brought us a small sample. Good service, very nice. Sangria was a little too sweet for me. They serve beer and wine only but they have a good selection. Snack on chips and salsa while you look at the menu. My girlfriend and I shared a bowl of the tortilla soup since we were starving and wanted something quickly. Very good, large enough potion for a meal. Then we ordered the queso bites which were also good: gooey, cheesy and hot mini-chimichangas. We shared the mahi mahi fish tacos since they had good Yelp reviews and we agreed they are delicious. Portions here are fairly large so we overate a bit, we share food so we could have had one appetizer and one entree and been satisfied. Definitely give it a try.
(4)Debra S.
Beware this place uses MSG! The food tasted wonderful & service was great however they need to disclose their use of MSG. Violent reaction for those with allergy & sensitivity to this substance.
(1)Jennifer B.
This has been the best Mexican food in the Navarre area that I've had, and I used to live in San Diego, CA. I had a cup of tortilla soup, which had a nice hint of lime, and the blue crab quesadilla, which was very creamy. This is my second time here, and both experiences have been great. I will definitely be back!
(5)TJ G.
It was good. More tex-mex than I like. Had the chimichanga which was decent. Best TeX mex in the area.
(4)Jaime G.
Great food! I especially loved the shrimp appetizer. Will definitely return! Note: Came with a friend. She has two small children and I have one three year old. The service was excellent and our kids were well fed!
(5)Jason C.
Portions are huge. 2 average eaters could share an entree and appetizer. We had the fish tacos and chile relleno, and they were just average tasting. The guacamole was very good, but the chips that come with it are just store bought and aren't fresh.
(3)Bob C.
We had 3 different dishes for lunch and we all enjoyed it. Ask for the spicy salsa and be prepared to sweat.
(5)Cole Y.
*
(4)Jessica J.
We were up in Navarre visiting family and they raved over the Cactus Flower Cafe. Now, I can see why! Great atmosphere, friendly staff and wonderful food! I had the chicken chimichanga and my husband had the pork tenderloin wrap (special of the day) with tortilla soup. All were phenomenal. Another popular dish with rave reviews at our table was the Mexican salad. It looked delicious. We are definitely looking forward to coming back during our next trip up.
(5)Ken L.
The black pinto beans are exceptionally good as a side for the Mahi Mahi fish tacos. Service was prompt and polite. One negativity found, was the very acidic flavored chips and salsa, though the hostess said it was consistently different, being freshly made each morning. Also, advertises as a Cal-Mex restaurant. And doesn't serve a California Burrito.. Great wine selection overall.
(4)Larier C.
Really!!!!...where the heck have you guys been?...yep, hiding!...small hidden treasure right here in Navarre. Not your run of the mill Mexican restaurant with the same menu options...it's Culinary!!! YOU gotta try this place! Enough said!!!!...no joke.
(5)Sean R.
Great fish tacos and pork verde. Salsa with chips is a little tomato-y. Not enough spice for me. And the sangria is sweet. More like juice, and doesn't give much of a kick. Great for Navarre though and this place will be packed if you don't show up early.
(4)Lacy C.
Your average Tex-Mex, just more pretentious. I understand that they were going for classy with the all black uniforms and overly detached attitudes, however it just came off as snobby and cold. The restaraunt is small and overcrowded. We were seated at a small table near the drink station as no booths were available. It felt very "elbow to elbow." I understood the reason for the uncomfortably long wait upon seeing the very large table as I left. However, in retrospect the wait would have been more bearable if the waitress had dropped the cold and pretentious act long enough to explain that. The food was mediocre. Perhaps the hype set me up for disappointment, but I was underwhelmed. If anyone asked me personally what I thought about this restaraunt, I would refer them instead to Burrito Del Sol in Fort Walton Beach which is a much more original and tasty take on Tex Mex for a far more realistic price.
(1)JJ A.
Excellent service and great food. The best in the area. We were taken by the cost and the appearance of charges that were not on the menu. Kinda ruined the whole experience.
(3)Tess B.
Small place with about 15 tables. If you get there after 6 will probably have a small wait. Salsa was great and the Best fish tacos ever. Great service and friendly waitress. It was my daughter's birthday and they don't do anything special for birthdays. 5 of us dining and we all loved our food. We got blue crab quesidilla, tortilla soup, Mahi Mahi tacos and shrimp quesidilla.
(4)Piiglett R.
I love this place. I always order the quesadillas. Which by the way are huge!! The pinto beans are mashed not refried and they have cilantro lime rice!!! Amazing!! The guac is ok. But this place is definitely worth trying
(4)Eric D.
Awesome food and great service. Enchiladas verde were great. Their mashed pinto beans are awesome. I went there three times in a week thats how much i like it.
(5)Mary F.
Love this place. Yummy red sangria! Our goto's are the fish tacos and pork medallions. The lime dressing is good on everything. You can't go wrong. Seriously it's one of those places where you can believe the server when they say 'everything is good'. Super consistent, too, which ranks high for us. Fresh Veg, fresh jalapeños. They'll bring extra spicy salsa on request.
(5)Lesley R.
Very good lunch with the best guacamole. Quesadilla with salad and tortilla soup and the chimichanga were all delicious. Server was super friendly too.
(4)Brian D.
Awesome establishment!! I have been here several times since moving to Navarre. The staff are friendly and the food is terrific. The ground beef tacos on corn tortillas are the best! They have a good selection of beer in bottles and a few other cocktail selections. The salsa is very good and they will just keep filling up your container with it. The chips come from a bag which would be my only negative note. They are good chips but I think they should go with house made like a lot of other similar establishments. Great Mexican restaurant! I highly recommend it. It gets very very busy on Friday nights.
(5)Jamie N.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in Navarre. My husband has had the Mahi Mahi tacos which he loved. I ordered the blue crab quesadillas which are amazing. The chicken corn tortilla soup is delicious as well. Everything is fresh and delicious!
(5)Chelle B.
UPDATE I ate around a bit, and have to add a star, just for being one of the only places that didnt make me sick afterwards.
(3)Jolene B.
Wasn't that great, it was OK. Nice place, great service...but the food was a little disappointing. HOWEVER the soup was GREAT!! I should have just had a bowl of the soup and stuck with that.
(3)Dallas C.
Went here while we were on vacation in Navarre two different vacations and this place is seriously AMAZING! It's definitely more of a California-based Mexican style cuisine... I really enjoyed the queso. It's different than any other queso I've had at the millions of other mexican restaurants I've experienced! Definitely the best place to go eat in Navarre. Great atmosphere and service as well!
(4)Heather F.
This was a great find on our way back home to New Orleans. A big thanks to all who left positive reviews, otherwise we would not have stopped. I had the Chimichanga and my husband had the Huevos Rancheros, neither of us were disappointed in our meals. If you have room after eating, I highly suggest having the Flan, it is some of the best I have ever had.
(4)Dena S.
Another fantastic meal at the Cactus Flower last night. I decided to try the fish tacos this time. You can pick the shell you like, so I chose soft corn tortillas. They were sooooo good! I didn't think I'd like the flash frying of the Mahi Mahi, but it was terrific. The creamy lime sauce and citrus dressing were great compliments to these tacos. The portions are big. I got black beans and rice as sides and with the three tacos, my plate was practicall over flowing. YOU MUST GO!
(5)Patty J.
Have only eaten here once, but it was out of this world. I had the taco salad. The price is reasonable for the amount of food they give you. I loved it.
(5)Nancy S.
On a Tuesday night in September it was full, but the service was great as was the food. Very fresh and not too heavy. I recommend Cactus Flower.
(5)David H.
It is fine. Seems a little bit "out of the can" as opposed to really fresh. No liquor license too, which stinks. Beer and wine but no margaritas. Boo.
(3)Dave B.
We went to the Cactus Flower after a long day of fun in the sun on Navarre Beach. It is located so close to the beach, right over the bridge. We thoroughly enjoyed our meals, and the great service. Our sweet teas never ran dry, and the wine margaritas were to die for. The apps are amazing, and the burritos are a foot long and six inches wide! If you want Mexican food that is different than all the rest, has unique Cali flavor, this is the place to go.
(5)Matthew A.
The dinner size Quesadilla at the Cactus Flower is a must for anyone experiencing a busy week at work, doesn't have time to cook, and looking for some awesome takeout! Where else can you find a quesadilla the size of a medium pizza hearty enough to eat for two or three days. This thing isn't only HUGE, it is delicious! Espcially when dipping it into the sause that comes on the side. So, the next time you are hungry and tired of pizza from Helen Back, call the Cactus Flower and give this mighty quesadilla a try... And tell them Matt the Yelp Review Guy sent you!
(5)Ski R.
Good Cali-Mex food.
(4)Jenn W.
get the mahi tacos...best.thing.ever.
(5)Penny D.
I thought the food at Cactus Flower was good but nothing to rave about. The homemade salsa was very good. I didn't like the fact that I couldn't order a margarita, since they don't have a liquor license. I also didn't like the way they had dining tables crammed into the entrance area. People were sitting at the tables eating, and people waiting for a table were standing around in that same area. I wouldn't have wanted to be seated at one of those tables in the entryway. It seemed like they were trying to cram as many tables into the restaurant as possible, at the expense of ambiance and comfort of patrons. Also, I would suggest that the restaurant put some type of room divider in place to screen the "waiting area" from the "dining room". If they did that, the restaurant would have a much better look. Don't get me wrong; the food we had was good. However, when it was time for dessert, I was disappointed that they had already run out of their signature dessert, and I had to order something else.
(3)Angie M.
Horrible service. We were seated and chips and salsa were dropped off, quite literally. Then we sat for almost 10 minutes and we were never greeted, no drink order, nothing. They seemed mire concerned about clearing the 2 tables near us instead of taking our order. That would be understandable if there were people waiting, but there wasn't! We got up and left. We won't be back. Went to El Paso and had a server at our table within 30 seconds. Oh and at least El Paso doesn't serve chips from a bag!
(1)Lonnie R.
My wife and I love the Cactus Flower Cafe. She is partial to the Mexican Salad and the Chimichanga, while I tend try different items on the menu. We are from Navarre and usually go a couple of times a month. If you are down on vacation and looking for some good California/Mexican style food, it's a great place. We love the sangria!
(5)Lucas D.
Coming from California, I wouldn't call the Cactus Flower Cafe 'authentic' Mexican food, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. The food was flavorful and so tasty. I ordered the chicken tacos. They did not disappoint. The lettuce was fresh and the sauce on top was good (though not traditional by any means). Don't come here if you want traditional Mexican fare, but do come if you want a good meal. I'm back in California, now months later, and I regret not going back to that place at least one more time before I left.
(4)Gabriel H.
This place was spectacular! Loved the Blue cheese crab Quesadia. ;) I will defiantly be back.
(5)Loren C.
Beautiful CLEAN interior (unlike most Mexican restaurants in the area) with local art work displayed on the walls. Friendly superior service. The food, starting with the homemade salsa served with chips is wonderful with large dinner portions served with presentation flair. Having tried almost all of the menu selections the chimichanga is my personal favorite although the others are great too. The rice is moist, fresh and tasty, The black beans are perfectly seasoned. They have a large wine selection but a limited dessert choice. Try the Mexican wedding cake which is homemade and large enough to share. And, as a bonus it is AMERICAN owned and operated so you don't need a translator to order ;)
(5)Erin E.
Pretty good California-style Mexican food, especially for a small town like Navarre. The grilled pork tenderloin wrap from their lunch menu is my favorite! I only wish they would let you order it for dinner (and although they have a similar menu item for dinner, they refuse to make the lunch version). Home made salsa and smashed pinto beans are very good. Prices are reasonable for portion size. We often have them cater for our work functions as well and they always do a good job. And to reviewer Loren C - wow you are ignorant. Most AUTHENTIC Mexican restaurants have MEXICAN staff. And at every other Mexican restaurant I've visited from Pensacola to Destin, I have never had an issue translating my order. Keep your small-minded comments to yourself :)
(4)Hugo G.
Chimichangas were delicious! My wife was sure between the Mahi Mahi Tacos or the Santa Fe Enchiladas. She went with the tacos but was a fan of them, sauce was too strong, so the waitress came back with the enchiladas. Excellent service!
(4)Melissa H.
I've been there once at lunchtime and once at dinner. It has a relaxing style and great staff with more then reasonable prices. It was a nice experience and I will go again!!
(4)Gisa D.
I recommend the mahi mahi tacos,enchiladas with shrimp, jumbo mango shrimp (appetizer), chicken tortilla soup, wedding cake for desert, and blue crab quesadilla. You can ask for the soup served hot, which is slightly spicer than the salsa. All of the ingredients are fresh and it is apparent in each bite of the meal. The only item that does not seem fresh are the chips. Furthermore, margaritas are made with wine not tequilla. I will definitely be coming back to cactus flower cafe during my stay in Navarre.
(5)Donna M.
I love this restaurant. AMAZING. The best fish taco's in town in my opinion. I only gave 4 stars because they can not serve "real" margarita's but the food makes up for it.
(4)Shawn W.
Wow! Looks are deceiving. It is a very non assuming place, but has incredible food and service. I came to Navarre for fresh seafood, but ended up at a Mexican joint one night. I'm glad I did. It was the best meal we had all week. The service was also incredible. I don't understand how anybody wouldn't give this 5 stars. The prices are great and the portions are big. This is a must for our family now.
(5)Alyssa D.
HUGE and tasty portions. So good. I had the pulled beef quesadilla and the leftovers fed me for three days. The cheese, beef and santa fe sauce were all perfect and flavorful and the tortilla was butter. Best Mexican food in the area!
(4)Amanda N.
Excellent! When we walked in it was a much smaller place than we expected but the food and service was exceptional. Our waitress Scottie was efficient and did a great job. We had the mahi mahi fish tacos and as suggested here on yelp, they were awesome! We were very satisfied with our dining choice.
(5)D K.
Everything here is very tasty! Some things may be a little pricier, but you definitely are taking a to-go box!! The only thing I would say I dislike is that the chips are pretty much Tostitos out of the bag. They have the best queso and this is the only place I will get it!!
(4)Danielle M.
As others have said, this is not traditional Mexican food, but it is really fresh, really tasty California style Mexican food. My husband had the Mahi Mahi Tacos and loved them, I had teh Pork Tenderloin Wrap and was pleasantly surprised with their green sauce. We tried the Mini Chimis as an appetizer, and those were perfectly fried and very tasty as well. Portion sizes are generous, but not so huge that you feel like you're wasting huge amounts of food. Still, both my husband and I brought home a box of leftovers.
(5)Sarah K.
Went here with a friend from out of town. It was our first time going. I am a big fan of fish tacos and they did a pretty good job with them. I would definitely go there again. They offer four types of tortillas which I really appreciated. I love corn tortillas quite a bit and hardly anyone has them, let alone a choice for four. The queso was interesting but good. The ambiance was pretty quiet but pleasant. Will definitely be going back, especially since I can finally get goo fish tacos around here!!
(4)Jadajada M.
We stopped in after reading good reviews here on Yelp while we were vacationing in Navarre recently. It was a pleasant surprise after being disappointed in other Navarre restaurants. Very friendly staff! The food is very fresh, creative and delicious. You can tell the kitchen staff cares about what is served. This isn't touristy at all. It has integrity and a plenty of choices on the menu. If I lived in Navarre I would eat there on a regular basis.
(4)Chas W.
I've eaten here twice. Excellent both times. The mahi mahi tacos, guacamole and sangria make an awesome combination!
(5)Bill B.
We walked in expecting a hole in the dining experience but we were pleasantly surprised. We had a quality dining experience. The food was excellent. I had a bowl of chili soup. It was a meaty dish with just the right amount of spice. Eve had the chicken chimichanga which was just the right size for lunch. We were very pleased with the service and the price. We will definitely be back.
(4)Dawn M.
Yeah, it's Mexican food at The Beach, but you don't have to eat seafood every day... And, frankly, it can be difficult to find good food around here. Cactus Flower was thoroughly satisfying. The special blue crab quesadilla was excellent. The service was friendly and attentive. We'll definitely put it on our list for future beach trip meals.
(4)Lindsey W.
My husband and I just ate here for dinner. While it may be the best Mexican food in the area, my experience was not all that great. We were told there was a five minute wait as we were with a larger group (6 people). This turned into a fifteen minute wait which obviously didn't give us a good first impression. And let's be clear: This is not "mexican food" - this is CALIFORNIA STYLE Mexican food and they advertise it everywhere. And be forewarned that if you order a quesadilla, it will come drizzled with ranch dressing. I had the chicken enchiladas verde. It was OK. I wouldn't get all excited and call my mom telling her it's better than hers, but it was good. The salsa was not good. It was very bland and tasted like regular enchilada sauce was mixed in for filler, but it was paired with decent chips. Would have appreciated homemade chips better... Also as a side note, I found it extremely tacky that I got to watch them unbag the chips and dump them into a big chip heater. The portions are large, and come with rice and beans. The rice is pretty legit and tasted great, however the black beans were rubbery and not cooked all the way through. I was very disappointed in my 50 cent flour tortilla - it was soft taco size and tasted store bought. Service was mediocre. Waitress was pleasant, but not anything special. I've had better service from McDonald's drive through. It was frustrating that she brought everyone's plates out one at a time with a minute or more between trips... this meant the first people had cold food by the time everyone's had arrived. Overall, it was definitely meh. Tasted pre-packaged. None of my dinner mates were impressed. Seem to focus on Quantity vs. quality. Definitely will not eat there again.
(2)P C.
Our favorite place for Mexican, with some touches of California style, in the area. I usually order the crab quesadillas and can never decide on a salad dressing because they are both delicious! I also have no complaints about the sangria, atmosphere and service.
(5)Jeffrey F.
Best kept locals secret! Food is awesome!! My wife and I have eaten every thing on the menu over the year, and I can say I haven't been disappointed yet!
(5)Marisa F.
After frequenting Cactus Flower on a weekly basis, I need to update my review. I owe it to Cactus Flower. Cactus Flower delivers continuous quality of food served. Food is always delicious. The service is always above superior. Atmosphere is always nice. I'm really digging their Mahi Mahi tacos, I order them now every time I go, along with whole wheat tortillas for a small charge. Another one of my favorites is their tortilla soup. Best tortilla soup I've ever had and I also order that for a main entree. I love their beer selection. I'm always able to get a nice cold beer in a frosted glass. Always great service...can't say enough great things about Cactus Flower.
(5)Vincent M.
Some great fish tacos. The portions on the plate are generous and the beans and rice sides are great too. They're not just slapped onto the plate as afterthoughts to add variety. Quality foods at decent prices. Definitely worth multiple visits.
(5)Big D.
Fish tacos were 100% traditional! Great fish in soft corn tortilla, cabbage, and an awesome cream lime sauce. Not like every other place around here with bad fish in a flour tortilla.
(5)Erin I.
The food, drinks and atmosphere are great. I'll be back for the Mahi Tacos and Wine Margaritas soon. This place is a real find.
(5)Heather V.
I LOVE Cactus Flower. I've had great service and amazing food every time I've been there. They are very accomodating to vegetarians, as well as a good selection for those of us that are gluten free. If you're looking for a good weekend brunch offering, their Huevos Rancheros are out of this world. The only word of caution I have is this: the portions are HUGE. I never finish my meal in one sitting.
(5)Vicki B.
I loved the Santa Fe enchiladas, though I could have done without the black olives. The portion was large (3) plus beans and rice. My husband enjoyed his chimichanga; my sons enjoyed their meals. What a fabulous dinner!
(4)Tim G.
Good food and lots of it. Not authentic Mexican food, pure west coast style. Service is slow.
(3)Ryan F.
On our way back to Louisiana from Destin we stopped at Cactus Flower Cafe in Navarre Beach for their fish tacos. We read great reviews on their website so we had high expectations. Those fish tacos DELIVERED!! They were the BEST we ever had. Having lived in California, i know a good fish taco and these were excellent! The only bad thing is that we don't have one of these places in Louisiana so now we are thinking of a weekend trip to FL just so we can enjoy them again!! Definitely a MUST TRY!!
(5)Laura K.
Never go to the Cactus Flower in Navarre! It is NOT the same as 12th Ave...the menu may look similar but the Service is horrible and the food is way too spicy. We did take out and was treated rudely by the hostess/manager. She had an attitude when I first walked in and requested the dressing for the salad be replaced with salsa. I was told there would be an extra charge! And wow, what bad behavior when I asked to check the order. When discovering only one pico for 2 orders of fish tacos, I was told I would be charged for another! Never again.
(1)Renee J.
California style, maybe not so much as Fresh-Mex. The chips may have come from a bag, but they were good. The salsa was good. The server kept refilling our drinks. The food was AMAZINGLY delicious. I had the chicken chimichanga and my husband had the sour cream enchiladas. They were really good, balanced flavors, well cooked, well seasoned. The rice and beans were good. We cleaned our plates. No complaints. It's definitely a gem in this area. Wished we had a nice place like this near our home.
(5)Randall B.
Service with a smile and very accommodating. The food is made fresh so it sometimes takes a few extra minutes but it is well worth the wait. We eat there at-least once a week
(5)