My friend and I visited Casa de Reyes in Old Town, San Diego, for Easter brunch, drawn in by its vibrant atmosphere and over 7k reviews here on Google. Unfortunately, our visit was a letdown, marked by subpar service, mediocre food, and an overall touristy vibe that didn’t live up to the hype. I wanted to love this place, but it felt more like a spot banking on its location rather than delivering a quality dining experience.

We arrived during a busy brunch hour, but were seated immediately, which was a pleasant surprise. However, the table we were given was noticeably slanted, making it uncomfortable to eat or place drinks without worrying about spills. We decided to switch to another table right next to it, which was fine, but it set an awkward tone for the meal. Things took a turn when we met our server, an older woman who seemed visibly frustrated or angry from the moment she approached us. Her attitude made us feel like we were an inconvenience rather than valued customers.

When I was placing my order, I was still reviewing the menu to ensure I had everything right, but the server reached for the menu mid-sentence, as if I was done before I’d even finished speaking. It felt rushed and dismissive, which was off-putting.

Throughout the meal, she never returned to refill our water glasses or my coffee, leaving us parched and ignored. We tried to flag her down, but she was nowhere to be found for long stretches.

At one point, we needed two smaller plates to share some dishes and couldn’t locate her, so we asked another employee for help. The employee’s response was unhelpful—she asked, “Do you know where your server is or who she is?” When we said we didn’t know her name, she didn’t offer to assist further or get the plates herself, which felt like a brush-off.

The food itself was a disappointment. It wad just mid and kinda salty, to the point where it overwhelmed any other flavors.

The presentation was decent, but the taste didn’t match the visual appeal or the price. For a place with such a strong online presence, I expected a lot more care in the kitchen. It felt like the food was churned out to cater to the tourist crowd rather than crafted with passion.

With so many other dining options in San Diego, I can’t justify returning. Will I recommend Casa de Reyes? Definitely not. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food and attentive service, I’d suggest exploring other local spots that prioritize quality over tourist appeal.