I have eaten at Mateo's regularly since its soft opening. I have mostly had excellent experiences here, but lately, something is off -- the food is slipping a bit and the service is definitely not what it used to be. At our last meal here,...last Saturday night, we ordered four tapas -- two arrived within 20 minutes, and the other two had not yet arrived after 40 minutes (and both were quick-cooking seafood items). We noticed that the table next to us, which arrived after us, received one of the same dishes far more quickly. Instead of apologizing, the waitress went to check in the kitchen and told us our food was on its way. After 20 more minutes, it finally arrived (clearly, the order had not been placed the first time). When the same thing happened with one of our two after-dinner sherries, we knew the jig was up -- the waitress was simply forgetting our orders. We still think that the food, at its best, is nonpareil -- the clams, the gambas al ajillo, the octopus brochettes with kimchi (brilliant), the pork belly and bone marrow were all superb. Other dishes are uninspired and on occasion even unpleasant (and: why put mushy, tasteless boiled peanuts in everything?). It's a tapas bar, of course, so we don't expect polished service -- but we also don't expect dishes ordered at the same time to arrive a full hour apart. With a few exceptions, the staff don't seem to know much, or to care much, about the food or drink, which is too bad, given how brilliant the wine and sherry list is. This is the first time in 4 years that I've given a tip under 18%, even for a coffee -- I will return, of course, but I really hope things improve with the service next time.More