Downtown Cafe Bar & Grill — Restaurant in El Cajon

I am really disappointed in my experience last night. I have been to this place a couple times before and enjoyed the food; HOWEVER, last night (Valentines Day) was a complete and total disaster. My best friend (who is an African American female) and I (a Caucasian female) went in to have a nice dinner together but, left after being completely and totally ignored. The vibe and energy WERE NOT welcoming in the least. We seated ourselves because the sign said to take a seat. We found a seat in the back but were completely ignored by staff. She felt uncomfortable so, we left. She and I have been here with each other for lunch ( a few years back) and we never treated so rudely. I dont know if it is a staffing matter but, I dont think I will be going back to this place. I am disappointed because I really enjoyed the food the last two times I was there (once with her and once on my own for jury duty). She and I live in El Cajon together for years and frequent lots of restaurants in the East Co and have never been treated this way. I have read the other reviews and it looks like I am not the only one to notice the staffing issue. Needless to say I will have to rethink going back...

Had eaten here a couple of times before and food was ok. The waitress complained about being short staffed but the visits were ok. Decided to try again on Tuesday. Waited as the sign said for the hostess. There were 2 parties of 2 seated in the patio, one was getting up to leave. We could see one couple inside at a booth. After no hostess came for a good 5 minutes we just went inside and sat down at a booth. Waitress had her back to us talking to another employee. My daughter went up to the bar to get us some menus. That is when the waitress noticed us, "Oh, you just snuck in!" My daughter laughed and said we waited but decided to just come in when no one came. That is when the waitress got very upset and sniped, "Well that's because I'm the only one here!" In a very rude tone. So I told her we would make it easy on her and leave. She replied, "Well, you have a fantastic night!" Again in a very rude and insulting tone. I understand the difficulty with dealing with short staffing, but with only 3 tables of 2 people I would think a waitress could handle that. And rude to the people that support your...

If I could give O stars I would. Got there at 10:15. Server...,with an attitude, finally showed up. I asked if I,and my son, could have a separate check. The server said...and I quote " yeah..what do you want to drink?" Ok....I know it was busy. In my opinion...as an ex server and manager I get it! You were understaffed to begin with but why did we get a server with a flippin attitude!!?? Our drink order took a long time. Our food ordering took forever. We finally got to order at 11:30! Several people were served but there were several, including me and my son, who did not.We had to ask a busser if he could check on our food. I tell you...I almost wanted to ask the server to step outside for an attitude check. My tab was over $100. He got nothing!! I would have tipped 30 plus! You lose! Bottom line...if you hate your job there are so many others that are willing to work hard. Shame on Management for keeping these ungrateful people! There is so much more to this! We all felt the same...it wasn't just me. Thank goodness for family, friends, and a beautiful day...otherwise it would have been a...