It’s official. The Sunshine Coast is currently on a restaurant roll, and we at The Urban List, much like you lot, are lapping up these new openings like a cat with a bowl of fresh milk.
And life hit an all-time high with the addition of another brand spanking new joint to the Coast’s dining scene—Ol' Cactus. This new, not-so-traditional Mexican restaurant straight across from the beach at Alexandra Headland. And guys, it’s gorgeous!
Coming to us from the folks behind Corbins in Maroochydore, siblings Alicia, Sam and Jake Pregnell, along with Alicia’s partner Cody Gwillim, have created a space you’ll want to linger in, a range of Mexican-inspired dishes you won’t be able to choose between and cocktails that’ll have you putting the keys away and calling an Uber.
Found on the corner where Capones used to sit, Ol’ Cactus is a breath of fresh air. Lashings of white paint, a stunning new concrete and tiled bar, greenery (hello, cactus!) and a mix of black wire chairs and timber tables have transformed this spot into a light, bright oasis with a total Palm Springs vibe. And we’re loving it!
Now, because this crew are known for their nosh at Corbins, we were expecting big things. And all it took was one look at the menu to see the food you’ll be eating at Ol’ Cactus isn’t the kind you’re going to find elsewhere on the Coast. It’s not authentic Mexican, it’s Ol’ Cactus Mexican. Which means while the foundations are from Southern California, chef Jake has also managed to wrangle in hints of Asian flavours the team are so well known for at Corbins. Sounds interesting, no?
The menu is broken into snacks, a ‘raw bar’ featuring fresh-as seafood, tacos, vegetables and sides; and we couldn’t find one thing we didn’t like the sound of. Like always though, there are standouts, and Ol’ Cactus has its fair share. The Smoked Pork Hotdog with jalapeno, chipotle mayo and Pecorino is next-level and, for the adventurous, the Ox Tongue Taco with smoked tomato and coriander has already made a name for itself as being a must-try. We also couldn’t tear our eyes away from the Salmon Tartare Tostada with wasabi, avocado and chilli—hot damn!
To wash down whatever it is you’re knocking back, there’s a steady range of American and Mexican beers, wines and, of course, cocktails. With a focus on the likes of good-quality tequila and mezcal, if you’re keen to sip on something a little bit fancy, this is the place to do it. Top of the cocks? Loco In Your Coco with Tequila Plata, coconut, strawberry and housemade vanilla syrup and the Lucha Libre with mezcal, Tequila Plata, watermelon, lime, chilli, agave and coriander. Plus, there’s a handful of very tasty margaritas on offer, as well as tequila throwbacks. We’re feeling tipsy just thinking about all the possibilities.
If you’re thinking of popping by, make sure you book a table ahead of time or you’ll suffer from a serious case of FOMO.
The Details
What: Ol’ Cactus
When: Official opening is Friday, July 28 (booked out), open Saturday and Sunday from 12pm
Where: 3/150 Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland
Book: 07 5326 1135
Want to hit up another new opening? Check out Sum Yung Guys.
Image credit: Amy Higg for The Urban List