The Reef Grill - Santa Cruz

Exceptional slow service. Chile verde nachos came without agitation during the brunch. Cocktails were warm. Waited over an hour for Poutine who never came. Great food and many potential but terrible execution.

Ordered the shrimps, poke shell and bbq short ribs. My question is, why does everything have a slight indication of cinnamon? Cole Slav was dry and tasteless. The potatoes had a strange light taste of cinnamon and the shrimps also. BBQ short ribs lubricated but well. Poke scarf was okay. Water was never filled again. literally 2 other tables and I got up to pay our tab at the front because the waitress came back forever to get our check. She was too distracted when her friends came in. Restaurant Decor was cool, but I would not recommend this place.

I ordered the shrimp, poke bowl, and BBQ short ribs. My main question is: why does everything have a hint of cinnamon? The coleslaw was dry and lacked flavor. The potatoes also had an odd, subtle cinnamon taste, as did the shrimp. The BBQ short ribs were juicy but not exceptional. The poke bowl was acceptable. Unfortunately, our water glasses were never refilled. There were only two other tables occupied, yet I had to go to the front to pay because our waitress was taking a long time to bring our check—she seemed more focused on her friends who had just arrived. The restaurant's decor was nice, but overall, I wouldn't recommend this place.

The service was exceptionally slow. I ordered the chile verde nachos, but they arrived without any toppings during brunch. The cocktails were warm as well. I waited over an hour for the poutine, which never arrived. The food had great potential, but the execution was quite poor.

Charming little spot! I can't wait to return for a longer visit and sample some cocktails. It's a fun place to be!