When it comes to comfortable dining environments, a cactus doesn’t sound too appealing. But The Velvet Cactus promises to serve its customers without harm.
A new Tex-Mex restaurant that opened last Monday, The Velvet Cactus offers a funky atmosphere mixed with popular music and art.
Located at 7655 Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge, the restaurant is an extension of the New Orleans location and is an ideal setting for a variety of people ranging from families to college students.
Partners Rusty White and Herb Dyer started the business venture together more than a year ago after purchasing the property that once was home to
Another Broken Egg Cafe.
As far as inspiration goes, there wasn’t a specific reason as to why the duo wanted to start the restaurant other than to branch out into something new. The success of the previous location was the motivating factor in opening one locally.
Their biggest goal was to create a family-friendly atmosphere most restaurants don’t have but to also be a convenient place for younger audiences as well. 
The décor of the restaurant has traditional Mexican influences, featuring Dia de los Muertos art with many contrasting colors and textures. However, this is not the only genre of art present. The inside walls are also covered with pieces by local artists. The works range from portraits of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain to original and abstract pieces.
 “A lot of it just kind of comes to you. I do a lot of research, but there is no set way. Sometimes things work, and sometimes they don’t,” Dyer said.
Anyone can submit their artwork for approval by the owners. Dyer and White showcase the art for free and allow the full sale to go back to the artist. Prospective artists can ask a server in the restaurant or contact the owners directly from the information provided on their website if they want their art to be shown.
This was an idea to not only partner with the community but also to have an ever-changing atmosphere as the art sells.
The Velvet Cactus’ menu features traditional Tex-Mex dishes, but its drinks will serve as its main staple.
“It’s not high-end food. We’re still talking about tacos in the end, but we get to try different things,” White said.
However, there are still a variety of choices on the menu. Customers can order items such as Crawfish Banditos, Shrimp and Chorizo Cheesecake and Smokin’ Pork Ribs. If customers prefer, they can keep it traditional with burritos or a taco plate.
The restaurant features a new system for producing drinks at a faster pace. There will be several house margaritas offered that are pre-mixed and can be prepared quickly. 
There are also 12 fresh cocktails on tap thanks to a system specially designed for the restaurant. It uses nitrogen to pump the drinks so they are not exposed to air and remain fresh all night.
The restaurant operates weekdays for dinner but also provides lunch specials Friday through Sunday.
Customers are able to dine inside and admire the artwork and funky atmosphere or out on the concrete patio next to the fountain. No matter where customers choose to be seated, they will enjoy a mix of modern alternative music.
So far, the owners have not participated in much advertising besides word-of-mouth because they want to ease its staff and the community into the idea. The duo said their main focus is getting their staff up to speed and trained well before business starts to pick up too much.
“It’s a good progression,” Dyer said. “Around 6 o’clock there are a lot of families, and by 9 o’clock, it’s a lot of adults.” 
You can reach Ashlyn Rollins on Twitter @ash_r96.

Gallery • 19 Photos

Emily Brauner

Velvet Cactus, a new Mexican dive and art joint, opened on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, on Old Hammond Highway.