Charleston native and certified sommelier Brooke Warden opened Pink Cactus with the goal of bringing a hip, fun, and casual Oaxacan-style restaurant to Charleston’s blossoming food scene. Brooke developed a deep passion for Oaxacan ingredients and cooking techniques during a series of trips there where she discovered a completely different expression of Mexican cuisine than she knew previously – one that Charleston was missing.

Having called Charleston home for her entire life, Brooke’s roots in the city run deep. Before embarking on her mission with Pink Cactus, she honed her culinary skills and refined her palate by working in some of Charleston’s most notable restaurants. Her journey included stints at esteemed establishments such as Charleston Grill, Chez Nous, Macintosh, and SNOB, where she absorbed the essence of Charleston’s culinary identity and developed her passion for fine dining.

Now, at Pink Cactus, Brooke combines her knowledge of wine as a certified sommelier and her culinary expertise to offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Her dedication to Oaxacan cuisine is evident in every dish, and her commitment to making it a casual, approachable experience has resonated with the Charleston community.