Casa Almenara: Best of Mexican and Mediterranean Cuisine & Bar — Restaurant in Atlanta

When I first moved to Atlanta seven years ago, 10th & Piedmont was one of THE places to be for brunch on a Sunday or tapas at dinner in Midtown Atlanta. It was special. I have no idea what has happened to this place since, but it's not what it once was.

Last week, we visited for the Thanksgiving dinner buffet. Remembering what the restaurant used to be, I had planned to treat my parents to a dinner here. We made reservations through OpenTable, and prepaid. There were supposed to be four of us. Unfortunately, my dad had Covid and could not come with us. So, there were only three of us. Upon arrival we were asked to wait for a table. The music was really loud for a restaurant - it was difficult to hear anyone talking even if they were right next to you. We waited a short time, but within three minutes a server showed us to our table. Within 30 seconds of sitting down, an aggressive man jumped in our faces and demanded to know why we were sitting at the table. He then identified himself as the General Manager and would not get out of my face until we all got up and gave up the table. We went back to the waiting area. If we had not been waiting for another guest, I would have left at this point.

Our other guest arrived, and we were then seated again - at the same table. Our server was nice. She wasn't to blame for the experience. The food was cold - cold turkey, cold salmon, cold vegetables. Some decent flavors here or there (such as the sweet potatoes and the pecan pie) but otherwise just chilly food served in clumps like you're in a school cafeteria. We did our best to just enjoy the meal. We had a great conversation. We ordered some drinks. We made the best of it.

The bill comes. They've added gratuity (which we've already paid when we made the reservation) on top of the original four person reservation, although there are only three of us present. There is no credit/refund for the prepaid meal for the fourth person who couldn't come. Fortunately, my credit card company refunded me the added gratuity because we were able to show that it had been paid when we made the reservation.

I don't know what has happened to make this once fabulous spot so sad, but I was disappointed to...

I had time so I wanted to take a minute and share an amazing experience in recently had. For all my ATL folks if you’re looking for an unforgettable evening in Atlanta, you absolutely must experience the exceptional bartending duo, Ty and Jeremy, at Casa Restaurant Lounge. Their talent and hospitality elevate the entire dining experience, making every visit a memorable occasion. Ty and Jeremy craft drinks with precision and flair, whether it’s a classic cocktail or one of their unique creations, each drink is a work of art, bursting with flavor and creativity. They take the time to get to know their patrons, asking about preferences and making recommendations to ensure that every guest feels special and catered to. Their genuine friendliness creates an inviting atmosphere, engaging with guests and making everyone feel like part of the Casa family.

With meticulous attention to detail, from garnishes to glassware, they enhance the overall presentation of each drink, showcasing their dedication to quality. Their extensive knowledge of spirits and cocktails shines through as they enthusiastically share stories behind each drink, making every order feel unique. The energy they bring to the bar is contagious, creating a vibrant atmosphere that keeps guests coming back. Despite the bustling environment, Ty and Jeremy are incredibly efficient, ensuring that drinks arrive quickly without compromising quality. They have a knack for creating signature drinks that are not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy, encouraging patrons to share their experiences online. If a guest is unsure about what to order, they skillfully suggest alternatives, ensuring everyone finds something they’ll love. Beyond just drinks, Ty and Jeremy foster connections among patrons, making the bar a social hub where laughter and conversations flow freely. Every time we visit Casa, Ty and Jeremy transform an ordinary evening into something magical, and their combination of skill, warmth, and charisma creates a wonder-filled atmosphere that keeps us returning. If you’re in Atlanta, don’t miss the chance to enjoy an evening with these two...

During our recent visit to Casa Almenara in midtown Atlanta, my brother and I were initially impressed by the warm and inviting decor that enveloped the establishment. The ambiance created a cozy atmosphere that seemed promising for a delightful dining experience.

However, our enthusiasm was quickly dampened by the service we received. Not even 5 minutes after being seated at our table, a gentleman with glasses, seemingly of importance to the staff, rushed over to us in a frantic manner. Clutching menus and the mobile credit card machine, he loudly inquired about our reservations, creating a rather uncomfortable moment. Despite the fact that the restaurant had only five other patrons at that time, he seemed perturbed by our lack of reservation. After explaining that we didn't have one, he dramatically sprinted over to the host, throwing his hands in the air as he expressed his disapproval.

Once the initial chaos subsided, our waiter, a taller gentleman, managed to salvage some positivity with his pleasant demeanor. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for the food. My brother's order of chicken and waffles, while featuring a fluffy waffle, left much to be desired. The chicken lacked the desired crispiness, it was chewy and its lukewarm temperature made it less than appetizing.

I opted for an omelette with crispy house potatoes. Regrettably, the house potatoes fell short of their promised crispiness, and throughout our meal, it became apparent that certain items felt as if they had been frozen and hastily reheated through a microwave.

As we concluded our meal and settled our interactions with the waiter, a young lady thanked us for visiting on our way out. While her gesture was appreciated, it couldn't fully offset the subpar experience we had just endured. Perhaps it was an off day for the restaurant, but this visit fell below expectations, casting a shadow on the prospect of returning in the future. The inconsistency in service and the lackluster quality of the food have left me hesitant to recommend Casa Almenara to others.

Pictured is how we left our plates on...