Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen Gastonia — Restaurant in Gastonia

I’m a huge fan of Mexican food, and living in Gastonia it’s tough to find a good spot. Unfortunately, Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen is a hard pass for me. The Phone Disaster: I first tried calling to make a reservation for a party of ten. I was hung up on three times—by the same gentleman. Each time, I simply asked his name so I could reference it when arriving. Instead of answering, he hung up. By the second call, I confirmed I had the right place because he answered, “Thank you for calling Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen,” and then still hung up on me. By the fourth attempt, no one even answered. If you can’t manage to pick up the phone or handle a reservation, you don’t deserve my business. The In-Person Experience: About a week later, while my truck was in for service, a friend suggested we try this “new Mexican spot” down the street. I didn’t want to crush his excitement with my phone fiasco story, so I gave Casa Azul one more chance. To be fair—the place looks great inside. A beautiful mural greets you at the entrance and the vibe is kind of tropical, almost rainforest-like. We walked up to what we assumed was the hostess stand and waited. After five minutes, a man appeared, mumbled in a monotone voice, “Someone will be right here,” and disappeared. We waited another 10 minutes. Employees were everywhere—setting tables, moving menus, cleaning—yet not a single person acknowledged us. Even when I waved at a couple of staff members (including an older woman who might have been an owner), they ignored us. The guy who told us “someone will be right here” just stood by the door flirting with a girl. Zero effort. Zero hospitality. Not on the phone, not in person. And this is a new restaurant! If they don’t care about customers now, I can only imagine what it’ll be like later. Needless to say, we walked out and we won’t be back. Honestly, Hooters offered way better customer service, and that...

I don't get what's all the fuss about this place. I went here with my woman shortly after they opened. Yes, this place is set up impressively, staff is superb, everything is top notch except one thing: food. Food is mediocre quality but with top shelf prices. No joke, their prices are ridicilous compared to any competition for same thing, but portions are smaller. 2 of us, meals for two, plus one soda and queso was $50, plus I left tip for a server $15 as she was obviously new, but still handled situation impressively even though kitchen kept messing up my order (mistake then delaying).Also, their salsa tastes weird, like its full of flower. Texture is just awkward. So, in short, to summarize: If you want a fancy spot for Mexican food, look no further. If you want great food, pick another place. I prefer superb Mexican food, because once you get used to good stuff as we all know, can't accept anything less, so I will keep going to my usual place in Dallas or Lincolnton (I don't mind driving a bit for awesome food). Up to you, I just said what I prefer. I was hoping this would be my new spot for Latino food so I don't have to drive,it is what it is... So, two stars just because staff is impressive, otherwise.... By the way, as someone who has past experience working in 5 star restaurant, even I know that floor manager should know that if he want to critique or push his staff, he should pull them on a side where people can't see or hear, not in front of everyone, thats just bad because some of us do understand a tiny...

I tried this place despite the negative reviews because I wanted to judge for myself — but unfortunately, the concerns were valid.

We began with the guacamole, which was decent but lacked lime flavor, making it taste a bit plain. Thankfully, the chicharron added some needed texture and taste. The Tostones Rellenos Zaza were good as well, but the shrimp portion was extremely disappointing — they actually split a single shrimp, which made no sense.

My husband ordered the carne asada, which was just a very thin slice of steak no taste to it very bland. I ordered the cochinita pitbil — the seasoning was nice, but the waitress served it with corn tortillas without asking my preference, and I don’t even like corn tortillas.

For drinks, we had a Traditional Mojito that tasted more like a mocktail considering the price. I ordered the Smoke Bubble Azul, but the bubble popped within seconds after being placed on the table, so I didn’t get the full experience.

The service was the biggest issue. The waitress brought appetizers after we ordered drinks, but then rushed the main entrees to us within seconds — making it feel like they wanted us out quickly. After that, she disappeared, and we sat there waiting for the check, surrounded by both appetizers and dinner plates.

And just a heads-up: no refills on regular drinks — which we found appalling given the already disappointing service. This place should not be considered...