We used to be regulars at Cactus Rose when it was in the downtown train station in Matthews years ago. We'd lost track after it moved to various other locations, then discovered it again opening just down Monroe Road in Indian Trail. So, remembering the great meals we had there before, we ventured down to try the new location.
I'm sorry to say it was a big disappointment. The service was fine, our waitress was attentive and food arrived quickly. This was on a Saturday evening, so there were other families in there too. But the food itself was surprisingly bland. It's as if they don't add any spices when preparing the meats. The beef for my fajitas appeared totally without any seasoning. My wife said the same for her ground beef chimi. I don't recall ever having to add salt to a Mexican dish before! Oh, and tho the portion was good sized in the fajita dinner, they only bring you 3 very small flour tortillas .. absolutely not adequate to hold all of the dinner. But the clincher was, after asking for a couple more soft tortillas so I could finish my meal, finding the additional ones as an extra charge on my bill! So, under-serve the number needed, then charge when the customer asks for more? amazing. And my wife found it odd compared to other Mexican restaurants we frequent that no sides came with the Chimichanga ; no rice, no refried beans, unless you wanted to pay an additional charge.
All in all we both agreed there was no reason to drive all the way here to return, and relegated the memories of the old Cactus Rose to the past, not to be repeated.