Reyes Mezcaleria, Downtown

I went to this Mexican restaurant on N Orange Ave (the old Citrus locale - north of 50) today at lunch. I had three starters. Raw Chesapeake Oysters at $12. Red Snapper Ceviche at $12. Tuna Tostada at $9. The oysters were the worst. I think they pre-shuck them. There were only five and they lost all their liquor on the way to the table. I just saw a thing on oysters and they said that the wholesale price is 60 to 90 cents. They sell them for $2.40. The ceviche was very good. Maybe the best I've ever had. Lots of fish. A mild leche. Some little quirks like thinly shaved green olive, cubes of jicama and thick golden tortilla chips sprinkled with sugar. The ceviche also had some jalapeno and red onion and very fresh avocado. A real winner. It could be an entree. The tuna was very fresh and plentiful. Cut in thin squares. They topped it with a spicy dust that was a distraction. This quality of fish doesn't need masking. The tostada was crisp and supported avocado, crema and cilantro. The place has the same foot print as Citrus. They tinkered around the edges (decor). It looks crisp and modern. The guy from Saito Sushi and Osprey Tavern runs it. It has been open for five months. The clientele was hip, young and well heeled. It seats over one hundred. They have a large private room and patio. The one criticism (other than underperforming oysters and unnecessary spicing) centers on the service. My waiter forgot my soda order and then disappeared until the tostada was presented. Other wait staff had to bring out the oysters and ceviche for him. He then disappeared again until the end of the meal. He only offered a refill (made necessary by the spicy tuna) after everything was consumed. I needed it half way through the meal. I have a new passive aggressive response to the "late refill". Say that you want it and then just leave it there untouched. And adjust tip accordingly of course. Parking is a bitch around there, but, I recommend it. The rest of the lunch menu was pretty standard high end Mexican. The dinner is probably more ambitious. They also do the tequila/mezcal thing. I found them much better than F&D Cantina for instance (who may not be updating the prices on their menu).