Los Reyes...standards just seem so, standard...

Let me begin by saying I want to keep all the Spanish words in this review to a minimum. I have read many reviews, some good some bad, and find myself wincing every time some reviewer finds it necessary to decorate every inch of their article with the language of the ethnic restaurant where they went to eat. This practice is pointless. If you want a feel for the food and the culture, eat at the restaurant then go meet and talk to the people from that country, get to know them. It is a rewarding experience. *Hopping off my soapbox now*
I went to Los Reyes after a long day of classes and tutoring for a beer and a great meal. The exterior and the interior had something in common, they captured the feel of every huge well-funded Mexican restaurant chain I had ever encountered before with unique and colorful decorations. The dining room with dimly lit with a star pattern over the ceiling and a bright mural over the far wall depicting a rural Mexican town and landscape dotted with some symbolic representations of the sun, corn and indigenous Americans. This visual ambiance was complemented with mariachi style music piped in through the sound system.
I ordered a 32oz dos equis beer and the "Bistec Picado Los Reyes", beef tips in a spicy sauce.
The beer as well as the complimentary chips and salsa arrived promptly. The salsa was fresh, mildly spicy and tasted of lime, not bad. The entree arrived within a few minutes on the expected nuclear hot plate that reminded me of my mortality and frailty. The flavor of the steak tips was nice, a light spice comparable to paprika (none at all), but a good combination of garlic, tomato, beef flavor, and onion with a hint of cumin. The accompanying rice was lightly seasoned with tomato and chicken stock. The refried beans were thick, tasty and a good addition. Overall, not bad. The service was okay, I did not get a check back from the server until after I finished eating and it took about 10 minutes for the bill....bad bad server, no cookie. I will not post the location etc as I actually reccomend Calzadore's over Los Reyes.