Beers were all very good. They had seven on tap, I had a flight of six. I’ll have to go back for the seventh later. That’s not a huge number of beers, but the variety was great. All were true to style, no flaws and flavorful.
I liked that they had both a traditional Oktoberfest and the more modern lighter Fest beer. Both were excellent, and good examples to compare and contrast the two styles. If you are a beer judge in training you must go here while these beers are on tap!
They had two west coast IPAs. I only had one—I’m going back for the other. The only slight criticism is that the one was a single hop (galaxy) beer that one might say is a bit one dimensional. But that’s kinda nitpicking. I like that the IPA didn’t have any crystal/caramel malts in it. I don’t like that in an IPA,
The Polish smoked (Grodzisk) beer had just the right amount of smoke. It was very light bodied—but that’s the style. It’s light and refreshing with just enough smoke to make it stand out.
As for the guy that gave them a two star review because he said all the beers sucked. His criticism was so inarticulate it’s impossible to tell what he found wrong with them. Maybe he was just used to Bud light, maybe he had a cold or COVID. Who knows. I also wasn’t there that day. But I can definitely say the beers did not suck today.
Max Lloyd
Nice space. Fun staff
J.B. C.
One of the coolest places I've ever been in. I had an excellent non-alcoholic IPA and enjoyed the inside and outside vibe. We'll be back regularly.
Daniel Danko
We will always love the vibe at this establishment but the recent 10.5% hike on prices for beer that isn't necessarily the best in Roanoke makes it tough to have more than one per visit.
Noah Perrin
A very fun brewery to visit. Lots of plants inside and out. I love going and sitting outside at the picnic benches and all the plants. Inside has a fun vibe with pinball and large tables for big groups. They also sell non alcoholic drinks, t shirts, stickers, totes, ect. All the beers I've had here have been great too. The RKE food hut is attached to the building if you want food too or tuccos next door.
Robert Bolling
Fun place and with pinball machines.!!!
Brian Moreira
**😁Solid spot but needs more inclusive staff interactions😁**
I’ve come back to Golden Cactus a bunch of times—great beer, chill atmosphere, low-key music—and honestly, that vibe keeps me coming back. I can walk 🚶🏾♂️ here in 5 minutes-I bike in three 🚲
However, I’ve noticed a consistent issue: one of the bartenders seems dismissive toward me and other customers of color, but always seems friendly with white customers. It’s subtle but noticeable—and it really takes the edge off what is otherwise a favorite spot.
I appreciate that Golden Cactus hasn’t recently hired a diverse staff (at least as far as I can tell), which makes the dynamic even more glaring. I’d love to see them hire more inclusively and train all staff to treat everyone with equal warmth. Until then, my experience will always feel a lil’ half-baked.
What I love: laid-back vibe, good beers, cool games-PINBALL!!
What could be better: more inclusive hiring and staff training to ensure everyone feels genuinely welcome
Hope they take this in stride and make improvements—I’d love to recommend this place wholeheartedly.
😎*sending good vibes to all*😎
Matthew Zuckerman
Immaculate vibes
beerventurers
Golden Cactus Brewing brings a vibrant energy to Roanoke's craft beer scene. Housed in a large industrial space, it mixes plant-filled decor with a lively, open layout that’s great for mingling. During our visit, they were hosting a console game night—complete with fighting games with some seriously dedicated players. I didn't know how popular fighting games were until we learned that people brought their own game pads to this event.
Out of our flight, Rye Not? was the clear favorite—crisp, balanced, and full of that signature rye character we love. Because it was a late afternoon on a warm day, the Jeff hefeweizen was a refreshing classic and second place on the flight. The subtle banana and clove notes hit. Golden is not a brewpub, but nearly everyone there was eating takeout from Tuco’s Taqueria. Order online and pick up some Tuco's on your next visit to Golden Cactus.
Plants everywhere. Pinball. Awesome building. Oh and great beer. Love this place!!
Rudy gives Golden Cactus 2 paws up!
Arianna Kuhn
Everything here is a 10/10 for vibes, brews, & aesthetic ambience
Patrick Ronan
Super dope, nuf said
Derek Via
Drove all the way there because Google said they were open, only to find they were closed for a private event. Annoying because parking was difficult and I am on crutches.
Good beer , nice people. Food is good. Pinball.
Beers were all very good. They had seven on tap, I had a flight of six. I’ll have to go back for the seventh later. That’s not a huge number of beers, but the variety was great. All were true to style, no flaws and flavorful.
I liked that they had both a traditional Oktoberfest and the more modern lighter Fest beer. Both were excellent, and good examples to compare and contrast the two styles. If you are a beer judge in training you must go here while these beers are on tap!
They had two west coast IPAs. I only had one—I’m going back for the other. The only slight criticism is that the one was a single hop (galaxy) beer that one might say is a bit one dimensional. But that’s kinda nitpicking. I like that the IPA didn’t have any crystal/caramel malts in it. I don’t like that in an IPA,
The Polish smoked (Grodzisk) beer had just the right amount of smoke. It was very light bodied—but that’s the style. It’s light and refreshing with just enough smoke to make it stand out.
As for the guy that gave them a two star review because he said all the beers sucked. His criticism was so inarticulate it’s impossible to tell what he found wrong with them. Maybe he was just used to Bud light, maybe he had a cold or COVID. Who knows. I also wasn’t there that day. But I can definitely say the beers did not suck today.
Nice space. Fun staff
One of the coolest places I've ever been in. I had an excellent non-alcoholic IPA and enjoyed the inside and outside vibe. We'll be back regularly.
We will always love the vibe at this establishment but the recent 10.5% hike on prices for beer that isn't necessarily the best in Roanoke makes it tough to have more than one per visit.
A very fun brewery to visit. Lots of plants inside and out. I love going and sitting outside at the picnic benches and all the plants. Inside has a fun vibe with pinball and large tables for big groups. They also sell non alcoholic drinks, t shirts, stickers, totes, ect. All the beers I've had here have been great too. The RKE food hut is attached to the building if you want food too or tuccos next door.
Fun place and with pinball machines.!!!
**😁Solid spot but needs more inclusive staff interactions😁**
I’ve come back to Golden Cactus a bunch of times—great beer, chill atmosphere, low-key music—and honestly, that vibe keeps me coming back. I can walk 🚶🏾♂️ here in 5 minutes-I bike in three 🚲
However, I’ve noticed a consistent issue: one of the bartenders seems dismissive toward me and other customers of color, but always seems friendly with white customers. It’s subtle but noticeable—and it really takes the edge off what is otherwise a favorite spot.
I appreciate that Golden Cactus hasn’t recently hired a diverse staff (at least as far as I can tell), which makes the dynamic even more glaring. I’d love to see them hire more inclusively and train all staff to treat everyone with equal warmth. Until then, my experience will always feel a lil’ half-baked.
What I love: laid-back vibe, good beers, cool games-PINBALL!!
What could be better: more inclusive hiring and staff training to ensure everyone feels genuinely welcome
Hope they take this in stride and make improvements—I’d love to recommend this place wholeheartedly.
😎*sending good vibes to all*😎
Immaculate vibes
Golden Cactus Brewing brings a vibrant energy to Roanoke's craft beer scene. Housed in a large industrial space, it mixes plant-filled decor with a lively, open layout that’s great for mingling. During our visit, they were hosting a console game night—complete with fighting games with some seriously dedicated players. I didn't know how popular fighting games were until we learned that people brought their own game pads to this event.
Out of our flight, Rye Not? was the clear favorite—crisp, balanced, and full of that signature rye character we love. Because it was a late afternoon on a warm day, the Jeff hefeweizen was a refreshing classic and second place on the flight. The subtle banana and clove notes hit. Golden is not a brewpub, but nearly everyone there was eating takeout from Tuco’s Taqueria. Order online and pick up some Tuco's on your next visit to Golden Cactus.
Restaurantji Recommends
Plants everywhere. Pinball. Awesome building. Oh and great beer. Love this place!!
Rudy gives Golden Cactus 2 paws up!
Everything here is a 10/10 for vibes, brews, & aesthetic ambience
Super dope, nuf said
Drove all the way there because Google said they were open, only to find they were closed for a private event. Annoying because parking was difficult and I am on crutches.
friendly welcoming staff
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