Prickly Pear is just terrific ? the food, service, atmosphere, music, location, and prices were above our expectations. The restaurant is located in a converted church and has a lot of charm. There is plenty of parking and no valets are required. NO SMOKING is allowed in this restaurant, which for me ? a non-smoker ? is wonderful! The restaurant is also very comfortable in terms of temperature. I can?t tell you how many times I have literally frozen in a restaurant because they keep it so cold. Not so at Prickly Pear, (but also not too warm, either). \r
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The night we visited, they were playing this wonderful, light jazz on the radio ? no pop music here (thank goodness!). The waiter was attentive and helpful in choosing our first meal. We both ordered pre-dinner martinis, which were larger than you usually get, and absolutely delicious! For starters, we ordered the guacamole, which is prepared table-side, and the chipotle queso dip. While both were delicious, two appetizers were really too much and we will probably just go with the guacamole the next time. We also did not realize that soup or salad and dinner rolls came with both of our meals, which were good but not really needed.\r
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For dinner, I ordered the Marbella ? a shrimp/crab mixture served enchilada-style in flour tortillas and topped with a delicious lobster sauce, and cilantro rice on the side. I cannot explain how good this dish was. It was so utterly unexpected and my mouth is watering just thinking about the dish. My husband had the chicken fajitas, which he told me were the best he had ever had. \r
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We have also been to Soiree, another fine dining restaurant in Mooresville, but felt that Prickly Pear was far better -- especially if you like Mexican cuisine. It?s definitely worth a trip even if you are not in the area. We plan to go back many times!\r
Pros: Unique menu, service, atmosphere, NO SMOKING
Cons: None!
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