I've been to Palomar a few times over the past year. I enjoy playing poker and have made runs to the local casinos before, but I don't play that often. Before I made the first trip to Palomar, I had seen it on Google maps and thought it would be great to go to a place so close, but I wasn't convinced it was for me since the reviews were up and down. It seemed like it was a place for gang members or card sharks.
However, when I finally decided to try it out, I found it to be a simple and functional card room and nothing more. The people there are just normal card players. I never felt unsafe or duped. I'm sure a person can lose money if he plays poorly, or if he plays well and is unlucky, but it's not like there is a conspiracy or anything unfair going on.
I'm not a connoisseur, but I do grant that the etiquette at the tables is not quite the same level as the casinos I've visited. And the place is a bit cramped and utilitarian. On the whole I've never felt it affected my ability to play cards. But I'm not picky or very experienced, so if you like things "just so", perhaps it isn't your cup o' tea.
TLDR; if you like to play poker, give this place a try.