Endless Summer, Cactus English Bay

Tonight we were gathered at Cactus Club’s, most photogenic location, across from English Bay. My favourite of all their restaurant locations, and the one I visit the least due to its popularity. However, today I was glad I made the effort to come down and attend their Endless Summer Party. This was a event, where they closed their entire two-story and two open patio space for.

RSVP-ed guess were invited to explore the entirety of the restaurant in a stand-up mingling style. All under the theme that although summer may be short-lived, with beach side sunsets daily, it is “Endless Summer” at Cactus Club English bay.

There was a special drink menu in collaboration with Casamigos tequila. Three summer fuelled, sweet cocktails with either slush or ice to help keep you cool for the duration of the hotter days.

We were greeted with and started with their frozen margarita at the door. A refreshing number that was icy cool with bold lime. Casamigos blanco, triple sec, lime, and agave.

The Casamigos Ranch Water was similar, just less potent. Casamigos blanco, soda, and lime margarita slush.

The Blood ‘N Blanco was Casamigos blanco, triple sec, mango soju, blood orange, lime, and orange. The punchiest of all the drinks, where you felt the strength of the spirit,
and the attempt to hide it behind syrup. I preferred the classic margarita.

With drink in hand we decided to walk the floors, taking in the view of the beach of each. Casamigos branded and coloured lifeguard chairs, coolers, inflatable, beach balls, surfboards, and towels, decorated the top floor in sea foam green. There is a photo booth for keepsakes with your friends.

Between the two, the top floor was more peaceful, ideal for private conversations and catching up with friends, as small groups gathered between booth seats.

The bottom floor with standing room only and the bar with direct access to the 3 free-flowing cocktails of the evening was naturally more rowdy. Hear rambunctious conversation, loud laughter, and plenty of glasses clinking in cheers could be heard throughout the open space. A lively gathering as people walked pass on the sidewalk next to the sandy beach.

Here, there was another photo booth, dedicated to the only beer option of evening, from Spain. Madri Excepcional (1602) at 4.6% ABV.

Its red motif separates itself from the green. There is also an artist live painting, a Madri themed beer scene, for spectators to take in.

As we mixed, mingle, and drank, small bites from Cactus Club’s kitchen came out steadily.

There were skewers of a Nashville-style, crispy chicken and sweet pickles which I liked. Spoons of fried falafel balls, which I passed on.

Herb and lemon seasoned grilled shrimp on skewers, which was your regular shrimp offering.

Spoons of tuna ceviche to be taken in one mouthful, which has cooked fish and shrimp.

I enjoyed their fried chicken slider with sheets of lettuce, a whole slice of tomato, and plenty of condiments to dress the thick and crispy fried chicken nugget patty.

I missed out on the curls of steak, only taking the photo and not thinking to grab a serving before it walked away.

I also enjoyed their modern take on sushi. Two different varieties topped with either fried shrimp, or a spoonful of diced and marinated avocado. No traditional seaweed wrap here, instead, a more steadfast sheet of what appears to be bean curd, holding the rice and filling together. And in the end it tasted like rice, protein, and a sweet soy sauce.

And for dessert a crispy chocolate peanut butter square that I did like, but could use more peanut butter than gummy chocolate, for my tastes.

Overall, this was a wonderful reason to get together with friends and a wonderful way to enjoy the send off of the last few days of summer. Cactus Club has definitely cemented itself as a go-to for group gatherings that ensure great food and drinks for everyone’s tastes.

Cactus Club Cafe English Bay
1790 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6G 0A8
(604) 681-2582
cactusclubcafe.com