Pink Cactus media night cocktails, tequila mockingmule and la sangria rosa. Justin Burke-Samson/UP

Pink Cactus, the soon-to-open SouthPark restaurant and bar, hosted their media night yesterday. We were there for the preview and collectively as a group we left still confused as to what their vision is and how all the moving parts plan to be cohesive.

A brief recap of their vision: a Southwest-inspired bar and restaurant with over 30 tequilas, margaritas and sangria by the pitcher, a coffee and macaron bar, Sunday brunch, hookah, and “one of the nicest and most inviting patios in all of Charlotte,” according to their media release. That is a lot of contrasting ideas for one concept, and to execute all of those flawlessly and cohesively the vision must be locked in and tight with well-trained staff. We were eager to see how they tackle such a challenge.

Construction was not complete; that amazing patio was not finished and the interior still had some work to be done. The two drinks offered, tequila mockingmule and la sangria rosa, were batched out with ice and were diluted and unbalanced. Food was buffet style with wings, empanadas, nachos, guacamole and chips, tacos, and fajitas. The food was standard, though because it was served buffet style without chafing dishes, the food was room temperature at best. The serving of guacamole I had was accompanied by a stowaway avocado peel. The macarons were: coffee, lemon, raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and vanilla. The texture was gummy and the flavors were mild; if we had not been told they were different flavors, we would have never known. The highlight of the evening was the staff, all of whom were incredibly kind and attentive to guests’ needs.

The overpromise was a letdown, especially given they knew the night was full of media and influencers. The soft opening is March 19 and the grand opening March 30. Given the bread and butter of their restaurant was still under construction, I would have rather received a message saying the media night was rescheduled because of construction delays versus throwing together a haphazard party for a media night preview. I respect an honest business decision driven with integrity.

I plan to go back after their grand opening to see a more accurate flow of service, to grab a drink that wasn’t pre-made, eat hot, table-side food, and sit on the patio to decide if it is indeed the best patio in Charlotte. My expectations are low, but I believe in giving them the opportunity to show the concept can work. —Justin Burke-Samson