Neon Cactus

A popular place to go around campus. They have a piano bar, dance floor, and a smoking bar area. Drinks were okay. They apparently dont have cups until late- 3 bar tenders told us theyre by the merch area but then the area was always closed, along with the food confession area. Was not as busy as it used to be. Typical college hangout place with those typical issues. New piano man and new owners since COVID.

With limited bar options in West Lafayette, this is my regular spot. I love the dance floor (new DJ plays good music), fun piano bar, and the drinks aren’t that pricey. Great Purdue bar, with more room to dance and hang out than Brothers or Harry’s during peak house. Really enjoying the Thursdays Just Dance too! The cover is definitely worth it compared to the other bar options.

I haven’t gone here in a few months because I frankly don’t see myself coming back here again after seeing repeated problems with Neon Cactus.Firstly, getting into the building. There’s long lines, it’s popular. I normally wouldn’t complain about this had it made up for it with good service or literally anything else. Some of the lines I’ve had to wait were atrocious, length-wise. And then when I get into the building, there were a couple of times I’ve had to deal with rude bouncers. I vividly remember one of them accusing of me of using a fake ID and he didn’t even bother to scan it. I politely told him it was real, and that the owner could come over and double check. But nope, bouncer had to be a jerk about it and only let me in after my friend yelled at him to get a manager.Secondly are prices. This place is just too expensive. Between the necessary cash needed for cover (though I guess they recently changed this and allowed you to pay digitally, but it’s higher than what it used to be) and the overpriced drinks, it just isn’t worth it. I mean seriously, I buy a cactus cup and get charged $13 for a mixed drink? Ridiculous.Thirdly is the QUALITY of said drinks. After getting tired of spending so much on mixed drinks one night, I decided to buy a cheaper beer instead. Michelob Ultra, a favorite of mine. Well, somebody wasn’t cleaning the taps I suppose, because this was DISGUSTING. Moldy, yeasty taste. Like the lines hadn’t been cleaned at all. Also, their overpriced mixed drinks don’t have as much alcohol as other bars on campus.Fourth is the rest. The music is okay. I like some of their live shows. Piano man Bruce was awesome and totally made up for everything else. But now he’s gone. However, now it seems the DJs aren’t as great (charging people for songs requests? Really???).There’s plenty of good bars near campus, and even better ones across the bridge in Lafayette. I never go here because it’s just not worth it anymore.

Racist owners, will simply kick you out for being brown but say it’s for suspicious activity after entering and only using the bathroom. Don’t waste your money on the cover for a mediocre atmosphere. Brothers and Harry’s are the go to!Edit next morning: Loved their response “Please don’t pee on the dancefloor next time.” when I was completely sober when entering and did not in fact “pee on the dance floor” just for them to try and embarrass me out of an honest review because they’re embarrassed they’re being called out for being racist and useless excuses for human beings. Grow up, get a real job! Y’all are DISGRACE!

The show was great ,but I needed to turn the air on in there it was the middle of July and cooler outside there inside the event

Cost to get in and drinks are ridiculous. Says they have the largest dance floor in Indiana when they don’t. Bartenders were rude and paid $12 for a small watered down drink. Can’t dance to music when it changes halfway through the song. People stand on the dance floor and spill drinks all over. Friends and I won’t go back.

Nice place in Purdue college area I mean this place is huge four bars inside huge dance floor and inside smoking room in the back if you want to get to party on this is the spot I had a great time..... FYI is Young croud ❤️👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽💯🎉

They said that it was Taylor Swift night but when whiny insecure men complained, they started playing “regular” music, which resulted in most of the crowd leaving. So don’t go to Cactus on a theme night hoping they will stick to it. Taylor Swift’s entire discography without repeats is over 12 hours long. Do better.

New owners are terrible. Post-2020 cactus is NOT like the Pre-2020 cactus. New owners ruined it. Self righteous, racist, will delete comments and block anyone on fb who expresses any concerns over the (racist) decisions they make.

Had a lot of fun here on a Thursday! It was crazy busy and a lot of fun!!! The staff was very nice, especially when we left but I had forgotten my purse so they let me run to grab it ahead of the really long line. We loved the drinks we got and the dancing was so much fun. The DJ even said happy bday to our friends and let us request Gangam Style!

My friends and I got kicked out last night and when I attempted to ask what policy was broke the story continued to change. The owner walked away as I tried to continue to see what happened because we weren’t even in for a total of 5 mins… all we did was go to the restroom and come out to see him getting escorted out. HORRIBLE MANNERS HORRIBLE SERVICE. Clearly racially motivated.

Management has gone downhill. My friends and I used to go a ton last year and since school started back up it’s just not the same vibe, way less friendly staff, not as packed as it used to be, closing at weird hours when they’re supposed to be open.My friend got kicked out for asking for an expensive bottle of tequila for a shot for her boyfriends birthday and because she asked for this the bartender kicked her out and made security escort them out, security telling them they didn’t agree but they had too.Went there last night and it was supposed to close at 3 AM, closed at 1:45.Went there a night a few months ago around 12 AM and they were completely closed on a FRIDAY!From what I’ve heard, management needs some help. Better fix it before you close down again.

Im seeing a lot of people bash on older country being played, or not enough hip hop. ITS A COUNTRY BAR! You morons, youre in the Midwest. Get a clue. Sounds like the staff is trash. Ive never gone, might have to try it and give my full opinion. Ive been to the Nashville bar scene so stay tuned for the real deal.

It was my first time going to Neon Cactus. I was with my other two friends. The security accused me of drunk and I got kicked out of the club. The truth is I wasnt very drunk, I was just tipsy. It was around 2:30am. I was ready to go home, so I sat and was waiting for my two friends to leave. As I was sitting, a security guy and woman came up to me and told me I gotta go because I am too drunk. I didnt agree with their reason to kick me out. I told them I am not drunk, and they can test me. I wasnt causing any kind of trouble. I am not a heavy drinker to start with. They told me they will test me in another room. I left my coat on the table, and followed them. They led me outside told me not to comeback in, and that they will bring my coat in a sec. I wasnt happy about that I asked for a manager. A manager (tall black man, sorry I didnt get to ask or see his name) came to me and straight told me to leave. I refused to leave until they gave me a better reason. I asked him why again. He said I was leaning on a wall while I was sitting and thats the reason they kicked me out.Honestly, I was a few people in much much worse condition that night, one of them was leading his friend in the restroom and threw up. For this reason, I gave it 1 star.It was March 4, Friday night.

I was there this weekend and as soon as I walked in, I ordered two drinks with only one card transaction. I didnt order any other drinks with my card. But they charged me a total of three different transactions. THEY ARE STEALING MY MONEY. Make sure you check your bank account. Im sure they have done this to other people. This needs to be stopped.*I personally went up to the bar at 9:15 and the only time. This was the only time that my card was given to the bartender and was authorized to take out the $17.60. So the other two times that you are showing me is when my money was stolen and i didnt even have to be at bar. I am just hoping you are doing everything you can to make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else. People come to the cactus to have a good time. I just hope we dont have to worry that our hard earned money is stolen from you or your employees.

Just go to brothers or Harry’sThe staff is unreasonably rude at times and feel they are above god.The crowd (sometimes, but more than forgivable) is creepy and weirdIf you want to have a good time with your pals Harry’s or brothers should be your go to

Great place except for one thing;If you decide to leave anything in the front with the security, they will give it away to random people.I went to Cactus last weekend, forgetting I had a small utility knife in my pocket (one that was of sentimental meaning to me), security said to me that they could hold it for me (big guy, used to work at where else). He took it from me and placed it in an area right by the window that I made a mental note of, awesome. When leaving after only 1 drink, I noticed that my knife was no longer there. And when asking security where it was I received the most dumbfounded responses Ive ever seen. A shoulder shrug like it wasnt their problem and they had no idea where it was. When I suggested that if you gave my property to someone else, why dont I just pick from the pile like its a free-for-all goodie bag of peoples belongings? Securitys response was, and I quote, Go for it...Having morals and self-respect I obviously did not do that, but the principle is there. They dont respect your belongings and If you have to leave something with them, dont. they will give it away to whoever. Likewise, it seems that if you do go there you can go grab a party favor of someone elses stuff up at the front since they dont care.Now I am down my special and expensive knife and a $5 cover and the security couldnt care less.

Do you think youre better off alone? Love that song

I had a disappointing experience at the Neon Cactus. The management is lacking, and the staffs rudeness left a bad impression. Waiting in line for 2 hours only to be kicked out for using the restroom is unacceptable. The new management doesnt uphold the friendliness and reasonability the old owners had. The double scanning and shirt-lifting felt like entering a prison, making the night uncomfortable for everyone present.

I live behind it and every weekend I get to experience the music from the comfort of my apartment while I’m trying to sleep. Every weekend it’s a struggle not to go and throw tomatoes at the DJs. They’re horrible. It’s 2:00am on the weekend before finals and they’re blasting country music so loud I can’t sleep. I hope they go out of business and profanities alone cannot describe the depth of my hatred for the Neon Cactus.

Owner blocked me from their Facebook page since I called them out for partnering with a known problematic fraternity that was in legal trouble at the time

This is my first time at the Cactus and I pretty impressed by the atmosphere! Their is lots of space and available seating. The issue is the lack of bartenders that are staffed. I am spending a majority of my time waiting on getting a drink. So if you want to dance and not drink the cactus is great but if you want to drink I suggest other reputable bars on Purdue’s campus. What a shame 😔

The cactus has always been my favorite bar if/when I go out, but the DJ lately has been quite disappointing! The music selection was not great; we had to really work on enjoying the music and to find a rhythm to dance to. But ‘Sweet Carolina’ isn’t meant for a spot that has the dance floor in the middle of their bar, in my opinion.

The security guard reached into my pockets without asking and took out everything and when brought to a managers attention she couldn’t care less

Awesome to have a place like this in Indiana.Will be coming on Weekends all the time to get drunk on the dance floor!

Okay, so i went three times to give this place a good shot, but its just not worth it. The music is terrible. Really sad you cant dance to it. Im not saying they wont play a good song, but theyll kill the vibe with something that came out in 2006, and they usually just play weird top pop 100s music to dance to in a nightclub?

Treat yourself to the piano bar here!! free popcorn thats perfectly salted and buttered and hot! several bars throughout the establishment. One bar has frozen octane (get this) and buckets of bud lights! pizza gets delivered after 11 and its sold by the slice (cheese or pepperoni)the vibes are impeccable. everyone is so friendly. cover is 5$ cash only and as of today their atm isnt working so you have to bring it with you.my friend hyped it up and i did not believe. its worth the hype.

I didnt have a single drink, just went to have a little fun for my bday and I told the bartender I was having fun and havent had anything to drink and didnt want anything to drink and she kicked me out when I didnt even do anything wrong? I just said I was having fun, had no complaints about me, even had other people say they enjoyed my company there and she kicked me out. So never coming again!

They kicked me and my friends out after having quite literally one beer. Terrible judgement of drinking. The security needs fired. Very rude. Very power driven. Long hair guy is all about having power over people.

Hadnt been to the Cactus in almost 25 years... it was still a great time!

My undergrad experience wouldnt be the same without the cactus. My best memories (or lack there of) are from Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. Bruce is by far the best piano bar player that Ive ever encountered, and I have been searching since moving away from campus. The drinks are about as cheap as they come and the dance floor also has good music if you get bored of the piano bar (dont know how thats possible). The one thing to note, I would suggest anticipating your needs. Dont get up for the bathroom when its urgent, theres always a line, same with the drinks and the piano bar.

Whenever I’m in town I always make it a point to go to Neon Cactus the DJ I believe his name is DJ Endy is always 🔥🔥🔥 he is friendly he’s energetic plays current music and makes old music fun to hear he’s definitely the best DJ they have on there roster!! Great service got my drinks fast bartenders are super friendly and good looking 😀 If u want a great time check Neon Cactus out!!!

Ive only ever been on Thursday nights or Saturday mornings for breakfast club: A very twenty-something person sort of place. Nice bass in the music, awesome lights. Music selection isnt my thing but dancing with friends is fun! Drinks are great just because they are so large and have stellar Thursday discounts. Not a lot of other places to go dancing in general really lol

Giana is the best shot girl around!! She’s so adorable and pretty! We got her on her first day! She belongs here! (:

Wont let non students in after 11:30. Dumbest rule ever. You clowns dont deserve my money anyway

Hands down my favorite college bar I gave been to. I havent even explored all of it yet. I went there for breakfast club and wont deny there is a rather long line during the popular hours but it is absolutely worth it.The dance floor and lighting is sublime, music is fluctuating between hot dance and throwback, the size is pretty big.There is an outdoor patio/smoke room and something called the Piano Bar which I do still need to check out and hopefully I will soon.Finally the tradition of getting a cactus cup, its just all in all perfect.

The Neon Cactus is a staple at Purdue. If dancing all night isnt your thing then the piano bar will be sure to bring you back again and again. The piano bar is truly epic and you must get there early to get a good seat (and youll want a good seat). You will be laughing, drinking, and singing all night with Bruce who has been behind the piano for more than 17 years. Note, if you leave the piano bar for any reason you will need to wait in line to get back in. Did I mention that you get a large 30 oz mug (collect all colors) and refills are college-level-cheap.

Lots of country music which makes it hard to dance too. I tried asking the DJ to play some other genre music to which I got a no node, so unless you are a die hard country fan. This place is just cringe.

One of the worst Latin nights I’ve ever been honestly. No actual latin dances or anything just techno and not even good pretty bad

Saw that this place had a DJ charging people $25 to $45 just to request a bad bunny song. To me, this is racist because they wouldn’t do this with other artists. Shows the lack of diversity and variety this place has.

Nice place for a dance bar. Bruce the piano man is amazing and the biggest reason I go to the cactus. Unfortunately they were not expecting the size of crowd for his show that night so they only had one waitress for the entire room full of patrons. She was so overwhelmed it seemed she had to ignore some of the customers for what looked like the more paying patrons over those of us who just wanted water or soda, which was so watered down it was like brown soda water. I understand her dilemma but mgmt should have called in more staff for a Sat night.

This place is a nightclub that opens on selected days throughout the week and remains open till 3 am at night.I went there for the Bollywood DJ Night and the place was quite full. There was a reasonable crowd till about 1 pm after which most of the people started to leave. I would recommend going to this place at about 10 pm and spending about 3 hours because thats when it is liveliest in my experience.The entry charge is 5 USD which is quite nominal. I have also heard that there is cheap beer on Thursdays but I havent confirmed that.Overall I would say that this is a nice place to spend time with your friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

Cactus it the place you hate to love. Many people begrudgingly agree to go here after being dragged by one or two ambitious friends, but then everyone ends up having a good time. Thursday is the best night to go to get the Cactus Cup specials. The cover charge is annoying, but the great drink specials make up for it. Many bars, good music and dancing, and the Piano Bar all make this a popular spot in West Lafayette.

Traveling from Alabama looking for a place to have a good time stopped here and it was amazing. The guy on piano was GREAT!!! Very entertaining great drinks a must go if u r from out of time u will really enjoy!!! We need a place like dis down south!!!

There is not a single other club in the entire country that could consistently hire the worst possible DJs ever. Otherwise, yeah it’s great.

If you are visiting Purdue and want to experience the college bar scene, the Neon Cactus is one of the key bars you have to visit. With the biggest dance floor in town, pretty epic piano bar, and 30oz mugs of beer for $1 each, it is hard for a group of friends to NOT have a great time at this place.The dance floor is huge so Ive never seen it get so crowded that every group cant have a enough room to do their thing comfortably, but not too open that youd feel exposed (on a busy night).The piano bar is hosted by the one and only Bruce (locals know who this is) and he is a master at working the crowd up and getting everyone to sing along. Dont be looking at your cell phones in here or else you might lose your side of the room the title of Party Side, in which you might have to get up on a stool and sign a line or two in order for the save. Lines can get pretty long to get in, so show up earlier than later if you want in without a wait.There is a $5 cover (last I checked) and in order to get the mug special you have to buy one of their ($5 and comes in all colors) but even then it is a pretty solid deal. This is also a non-smoking town, so you can feel free to go here and not worry about stinking afterwards.

A purdue classic. You cant say your a boiler maker unless youve been to the cactus. The best place to dance in West Lafayette and great place for breakfast club. Well worth the wait to get in. And I dont know of anywhere where you get more for your money when it comes to drinks.

Cactus cup $5 and mixed drinks with the cactus cup are $2.25 on Thursdays. Thursdays are when all Purdue students flood the scene and most townies are left in the dust. Bruce plays in the piano room (highlight of the bar) Thursday to Saturday nights. Pool tables and happenin dance floor right outside the piano bar. Enclosed smoking room.

Your classic college bar with a big dance floor

Awesome piano bar experience

Dj was charging to play bad bunny knowing well that he’s #1 right now & that everyone wants to hear him. This is latinophobia! Never going back to this racist place.

I have been coming to the cactus for thirsty Thursday for the last 2 years, and have never had a bad experience. My friends always go to see Kyle by the piano bar, and he has been the best bartender a college student could ask for!! I will miss the cactus, but I will miss Kyles Kyle Special most of all; its been real cactus!

Last saturday first time in a bar. The service was great. Loved my bartender Brian. When asking for recomendations he kept in what flavors you enjoyed. Was a really fun night out with friends and fiance

Typical college dance club

This place is super fun if you are going on New Years or on Thursdays. Pact wall to wall. Otherwise, it is fairly dead. I went on St. Patricks day and it was a total bust cause it was a Friday.

If you want to get drunk on Thursdays cheap, and be allowed to be overserved until you die this is the place to go. Cheap beer and liquor with some of the finest people filling the bar looking to start drama.

Best club in town. Prices are great on Thursday and reasonable the rest of the time its open. The piano bar is unmatched in the area and always a great time.

Great place to go on Thursday and Friday for a dance club atmosphere. As well has great live music from resident musician Bruce in the piano bar.

Love this place, but i wouldn’t live behind it (i chose an apartment further away)

It’s the lack of music. Playing the same old songs from 7-8 years ago. In need of a DJ who going to play update mixes,but everything else is good

Probably the best place to go and dance. The music isnt always the best and the beers are cheap, but the atmosphere is always great. Plus the cups are pretty awesome!

Fast and friendly service. Moderate priced drinks and two separate live events. A D.J in the bar area and live music with comedy. I had a good time and would go back.

The bartender, Jarred, is absolutely amazing! The dj was not very nice considering we were the only people there and he wouldnt play our songs but the drinks made up for it!

The go to bar at Purdue. Has dancing, pool, a piano bar and cheap drinks. If youre visiting Purdue you should head to the cactus! Thursday is students night and Friday is for locals.

Best club in Lafayette to go out. You have to go on a Thursday though. And the drinks are very cheap, so I would recommend it 110 %.

Stop by Thursday night for cheap drinks and fun. The laughs in the piano bar are worth the cover, and the cactus cup drinks are a good value.

Paino bar is cool. overall its a bit run down, full of drunk college kids... which is fine! but not my scene. very loud

Country music night is kind of bad. Nothing good to dance to. I thought this was a night club?

The piano bar gets 5 stars and the rest of the place gets about three and a half. Drink prices arent too bad and the service is ok.

Cheap drinks, huge dance floor, what more could you want? If your a college student, go on a Thursday when all of the other Purdue students go.

Dance floor is amazing and the drinks were priced nicely on Thursdays. Had a blast. Definitely worth it.

Dont go here unless you are a Purdue student. Otherwise, they wont let you in. Definitely a waste of time and energy.

Great place to go and have a good time. Very crowded on Thursdays. Drinks are different strengths per bartender.

This is definitely the spot for undergrads at Purdue during the academic year over the weekend. It can be very fun here with the carefree atmosphere.

By the time you read these reviews you might be a little closer to paying your cover. Read these reviews again and again and you might get the bar tender to fill your drink. Lots of waiting here

Bruce at the piano bar is fantastic. Hes very talented, funny and keeps the crowd involved all night.

Too much cousin kissing country music. Ill get hate crimed elsewhere lol

Pretty large night club, drinks are cheap which is the best part and if you go you gotta check out the piano bar.

This place is so cool! The environment is upbeat and truly one of my favorites here at University!

Best time to go is Thursdays. Get there early if you want to get seats at the Piano Bar.

Ethan Brown the owner made my night by finding my diver’s license!!! Taylor is also mad cool

Cheap entrance and drinks, relatively clean bathrooms. Loud, lots of liquid on the ground from spilled drinks so watch your step. Crowded, and a bit disorienting

Country night with 5 regular cactus songs in between country songs, great dj but cmon :(

Friday night DJ is just simply not it. I’ll stick to Thursdays and Saturdays :/

The only real club in Lafayette, its a fun night. Piano bar is awesome!

The music is not it. (Sweet caroline) SMH. I got kick out for wearing sunglasses shades! I’m Never going back!

Got kicked out when I never had a drink??l I was legit sitting at am empty table waiting for friends?

Its so loud in the piano bar no-one can hear if my singing isnt stellar. Its theraputic to have a singing / screaming session once in a while

Played a show here with Nate Venturelli! Great staff! Great venue!

Loved coming here for the dancing and drinks when I attended Purdue!

Add mine to the list of terrible DJs...Thurs....Fri.........Hit the Piano Bar those nights!

Pretty cool joint. Thursdays are the day to go, well priced drinks and beautiful women by the bunch.

Never seen a worse staff in my life... never happier that I go to IU

Enjoyable place! I love crowds so Thursday is a great time for me to go.

Always loved going on Cactus Runs from Wabash to Purdue with my fraternity brothers every Thursday night...never disappointed

So much fun. this place is fantastic. the piano bar is great!!!

Fun place to go out with a lot of space. The piano bar area is the place to be.

This place is usually good for healthy fun a good weekend in the company of friends but always runs the risk of a drunk out wanting to look for problems is always good to be careful

Wonderful staff, the dj on Saturday was *alright*

The perfect place to get drunk, vomit, and go deaf. All in one night. Perhaps even in one hour.

I love watching the children with the fake ids get rejected and cry. Also, Bruce is pretty great.

Cactus is a friendly environment for all to enjoy from newbie to seasoned alcoholic.

Great Piano Bar really good Long Islands and great prices staff was great

Great place for thirsty Thursday, campus bar, expect a wait on that day

Good bar to go to on Thursdays but the cover fee is annoying

Don’t put your head down for even one second they’ll kick you out .

Thursdays are absolutely nuts, get there very early to make it inside.

I work here! Its a great environment & good time... Update... Unfortunately, I no loner work here...

Great place to hang out piano bar is Awesome

Dance club thru and thru. Be sure to stop by the piano bar for a few laughs.

Great place to hangout and dance with your drunk friends 😉

Great bar! Bruce is an amazing entertainer!

Good staff and 1 dollar beer on Thursday

Lit afBut for really, it just a bar with a dance floor, kar

Great place to dance and hang out with friends.

Dont know real ID from a fake, bouncer was rude. Wasnt worth it!

Love dancing and hanging out with friends here!

Chill enjoyable environment cheap drinks

5 stars on Thursdays and 2 on the other days of the week

Play more popular modern music

Great place to go on Thirst Thursdays and Friday Nights!

Great place to just Dance and sing!

Nice place but the music should be improved.

Country night is a terrible idea

Good atmosphere, good and cheap drinks

Thursdays at the cactus are the absolute best.

Good drinks and piano bar

Best breakfast club ever!

Bam! No line!

Great initiative re-using plastic jars

Sing along with Bruce, then ride the Bull!

Whenever youre here its party time!

Had fun

Piano bar is the place to be .....

Fun times

Place is dog water.

Best nightclub in the area

Great place on a Thursday

Piano guy is awesome

Nice place for fun

Boooooo. country night 👎🏾🍅🍅🍅🍅

Piano room is awesome

Smells like bleach and sweat.

Best environment

Lit on thirsty thursdays

Good!

LIT

Line was too long

Sexist

Honestly

Thursdays only

Get turns for $2.50

Piano bar!