Casablanca!!!!!!!! I've been coming here for years, and it never gets old. Probably the best hand made tortilla you will ever have, along with their salsa verde. If you come on the weekends they'll usually have a gentleman lightly playing on his guitar for an authentic ambiance. The margaritas are pretty much out of this world, definitely get one if you stop in. Keep up the great works guys and I'll see you soon! P.S they have great parking, especially for the area!
(5)
Bruce E.
I used to be a regular at Casablanca for years when I lived on the Westside. It is a very unique Mariscos (Seafood) restaurant namesake and replicated after the famous movie classic... I had a friend in town for the weekend and we got together for dinner and settled one night on Casablanca as she had never been. OMG it was so good and brought back great gastronomic memories. TORTILLAS AND SALSA, TORTILLAS AND SALSA... Let me begin by saying the basket of homemade fresh Tortillas made in front of you (Yes made from scratch by the famous Tortilla lady in the center of the restaurant on a hot griddle) and delivered hot to your table with an incredible homemade Tomatillo cheese avocado salsa is simply the best there is. TRULY INCREDIBLE DECADENT AND ADDICTING. The food at Casablanca is good not great. The Calamari Mariscos topped with shrimp, crab and garlic butter sauce is rich and good. Unfortunately the shrimp topping wasn't very good as it was frozen and limp. The Snapper Vera Cruz was a better option. I'm not much of a drinker but The Margarita cart made tableside is a big hit and I'm told incredibly good as evidenced by the throng of enthusiastic and inebriated patrons. The star is and remains the Tortillas, Salsa and the space which is really a first class replica, with a welcoming vibe to transform you back in time to have dinner in Morocco with Humphrey Bogart. Let me repeat if you haven't been to Casablanca yet. Run, drive as fast as you can, take an Uber or beg a friend, even an ex boyfriend/girlfriend or ex spouse for gods sake to join you and Indulge. Come Hungry and savor the culinary nirvana which is the Tortillas, addicting salsa and great space / atmosphere...
(4)
Nicole O.
Good food, terrible service...meh. When I called to make a reservation, I was informed that they don't take reservations for less than 6 and when they do take a reservation it requires a deposit as well. Wait estimate of 25-30 min which was near when we were seated but other than that, service was EXTREMELY slow, to the point that my mom would walk over to the waiter for more tortillas. I think it took nearly 20 min just to get the guacamole we ordered upon being seated. Everything was just okay. I probably wouldn't come back here unless it was someone else's decision.
(3)
Brandice W.
I'm not in love with their entrees but who cares, because tortillas. Let me say that again, TORTILLAS. They are hand made in the center of the restaurant, and that woman who makes them has magical powers. They are amazing. Definitely go with a group and order family style for entrees, but on the light side because I mean priorities. You're here for the tortillas. Also, surprisingly, there's ample parking here. The ambiance is 40s Casablanca, which is a bit confusing considering the cuisine, but it's fun and different.
(5)
Michelle S.
I fell in love the moment I saw the love for tequila they have at this place. The restaurant is tiny but still has a nice vibe to it. Once you're seated you're greeted with the best green salsa I have ever had and some awesome handmade tortillas. We ordered the steak street tacos and the calamari dish. The street tacos are served on a big plate with ever ingredients in a different small plate and we had to ask for corn tortillas because they only serve you the flour ones. The corn tortillas are also hand made. I felt like there was nothing special about the steak or guac and other stuff but it still tastes good. The street tacos plate is enough for two people. You can make about 4 big tacos. My boyfriend and I got full off of just this plate. The calamari was good and not too chewy but the flavor wasn't exceptional either. The best part about this place is that they have a margarita train! So a server comes around in a little cart and you get to choose which tequila you'd like for your margarita. You should definitely try the spicy tequila! It was recommended by our waiter that we get that margarita as opposed to the house margarita since its a lot cheaper and the tequila in the margarita cart is better quality as well. The service here could have been better. We felt like our waiter would ignore us half the time and when taking our order he seemed as if he were rushing us. This definitely brought down the rating of this restaurant. I still liked trying this restaurant and their tortillas is something to look forward too... As well as the margaritas
(4)
Sherlyn S.
Randomly came here because we were craving margaritas after hiking in Malibu. Dukes had an hour wait, the Reel in was a clusterf*ck and traffic was horrid to get back to Manhattan Beach so we decided to stop here. The outside sign said "It's tequila time", we were sold. The decor on the inside transported us back to the 70's, think of your grandmother's house, with a mixture of old relics as decor in glass cases. The restaurant also had a very random clown doll sitting at the top of a lamp near the ceiling. A little weird but it was eclectic, I dug it. It had a very It happened to still be brunch. I thought about ordering a bloody mary but the waitor straight up said the sangria was better -- A+ for his honesty. We had bottomless mimosas/sangrias and warm tortillas made right in front of us while we waited for our food. I could come to this place just for their tortillas. It's that good. There was someone serenading us on a guitar while the announcer had everyone in the restaurant sing happy birthday to a nice little lady who was turning 96. This was place that obviously had a lot of regulars. It was charming. I had the squid steak. It was delicious! Not chewy, tender, perfectly salty and crispy on the outside but tender. It comes with a side of rice and vegetables. It wasn't the best mexican food I had but it was satisfying. The chicken and steak fajitas were yummy too (I stole some from my friends). Brunch came with a choice of desert but we were stuffed. Recap... bottomless drinks, handmade FRESH tortillas, an entree, desert.. all for $15! unbelievable! so glad we stumbled upon this place. I would come back for dinner to try other things on the menu. Bueno!
(4)
Lisa W.
A classic, just like the movie. It's taken a few years and a several pitchers of margarita, but Casablanca has really grown on me. I enjoy everything about this quaint Mexican restaurant: the food, the moody lighting, the mysterious atmosphere, the margarita man and the plethoric amount of Casablanca (the movie) memorabilia decorating the walls. There is nothing like Casablanca (the restaurant) in the entire city of Los Angeles and it has been one of my husband's and my favorite dining spots for the past few years. It has became a classic meeting spot with friends during graduate school and continues to be in the present. My favorite thing about Casablanca is the home-made, unlimited flour tortillas. As a rule, I generally hate flour tortillas. But at Casablanca, they are made fresh before your eyes in the dining area by the tortilla lady, who prides herself on shaping grilling each tortilla with delicate expertisse. I love that warm tortillas are served instead of chips, and the accompanying tomatillo cheese salsa is unlike anything I've had elsewhere. I could make a meal out of the complimentary tortillas, butter and salsa alone. My second favorite thing about Casablanca is the margarita man who pushes his cart from table to table during dinner service. The house margaritas are expertly crafted before your eyes, and my husband and I usually order it by the pitcher when we're with our friends. My favorite dishes are the shrimp fajitas and oddly enough, the chicken quesadilla. The fajitas are fresh, bursting with flavor, and a beautiful deep golden red hue due to the achiote. The chicken quesadilla is no ordinary quesadilla. It is heaping and stuffed generously with jack cheese, salsa and fresh shredded chicken. What puts it over the top is the fresh, delicate, home-made tortilla and side of guac. I passed judgement on my husband the first time he ordered this, berating him for choosing such a simple dish at a restaurant. But I quickly reneged my statement when I saw the resplendent quesadilla in true form, basking in its delicious glory. It was even good cold the next day. Dinner tends to be crowded and service can be a little slow during the rush. They have a private parking lot which fills up quickly, as well as limited street parking.
(5)
Joe M.
Ok, the 5 stars is not for the food but it is for the margarita cart that you can get strong and flavorful margaritas from. Don't waste your money on the pre mixed bar drinks. It is worth the wait for the cart. If you have more than 2, you better get a driver. Homemade tortillas are awesome! Guacamole appetizer is also very good. Carne Asada plate is my pic for a great dinner.
(5)
Jenn S.
Just came back from brunch here and LOVED it! The food was amazing, prices were perfect, atmosphere is welcoming, servers are friendly, and location is convenient. For brunch there is a set menu of 10 or so entrees. You also get a drink of your choice (with no limit as long as you keep yourself in check) and flan for one nice price of $14 or so. Did I mention that it was amazing? If you're looking for waffles then this isn't the place for you. Instead you'll be happy with some fish, calamari, fajitas, omelette, steak, etc. Oh, and there is a live guitar player. They have a parking lot with free parking so that is another bonus. I will be back!
(4)
Sandra L.
"He's looking at you...kid." Well, I was looking at the parking block that read "Ingrid Bergman" as I pulled into my favorite restaurant for the last 2 decades, with a smile. How many restaurants do you know, in LA, have been around for 35 years and is still shining? Casablanca is truly a legendary landmark of Venice. The black-and-white photos of old Hollywood movie stars, the vintage poster of the eternal Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, the mellow singer/ guitar player, the hand-made tortilla station, the wall paintings... If you have an old soul and taste for authentic Mexican, you'd fall in love with this place and bring back all of your gangs. I remember coming here as a college student, a mother, and with my colleagues and friends. This time I came back for the Sunday Brunch. The menu (set @$13.99) offers beverage options from Champagne, bloody marry, to juices and soft drink. Choices for main course range from breakfast omelettes to seafood, chicken, and carne asada. I picked the Calamari steak which was delicious. The champagne wasn't the best but ok. Desert was a slice of sweet dripping flan. What I like the most was the handmade tortilla that came with tomatillo sauce, so soft, so spongy, and so fresh. I'd also come back and have the regular menu with margarita (I remember that being very satisfying). "It's still the same story. A fight for love and glory." The restaurant has been the same glory, for our love of the food, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, dates, laughters, chitchats, and many more...
(5)
Stephen D.
The food was ok but the margaritas were great(be sure to want salt on the rim because even after asking twice for NO salt we got glasses with a salted rim. . A 3 star is a stretch though because of a 5 minute window when the following was observed. Can we say SAFESERVE CLASS?! 1. The waiter / bartender used his hand to scoop ice into a pitch of margaritas. 2. The lovely lady making tortillas delivered tortillas to a couple of tables and put her hand on the wall while she said hello. She then went right back to handling dough without washing her hands and without gloves. 3. Another waiter was hot and sweating and wiped his head with his hand then touched plates of food that he dropped off at a table.
(3)
Brian K.
I was a little shaky about this place but once I tasted the hand made tortillas all things changed. I had the quesadilla after having the tortillas and I must say I'm sold!!!
(5)
Raha G.
If delicious Mexican food with a home made feel is what you're after then Casablanca is the place for you. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated but it was well worth it. We ordered the chicken fajitas and carne asada plate with chile relleno. Both were delicious but I enjoyed the asada and chile relleno more. The hand made tortillas were the best I've ever had and I really could eat them just by themselves. Service was a bit spotty and rushed but they were understandably busy. I was pleasantly surprised that they had live music on a Tuesday night. It really did wonders for the whole ambiance. I left the restaurant with a full stomach and a smile on my face.
(4)
Heather D.
This is a great restaurant. I really love the made from scratch tortillas and the sauce they bring with it. You can watch the women making the tortillas from scratch in the center of the restaurant on the brick oven. There is the Tequila Cart that they bring around to you. Would love to try that next time I visit. I ordered the Cheese Quesadilla and a side of rice. My boyfriend ordered a bean burrito. The serving sizes are huge!!! And, eating a quesadilla on a freshly made tortilla was awesome!!! I'm sure the rest of the menu was awesome. But, my boyfriend is vegetarian. So, didn't stray too far from just the basic dishes. Loved the decor. Casablanca is such and awesome film. Being in movies and loving all of the classics, this was pretty cool. Will come back and eat here again.
(4)
Lisa G.
The tortillas!!!!!! First, Casablanca is located on Lincoln so traffic can get a little gnarly. Parking here is just as it is almost everywhere in Venice so expect to spend a little time looking for parking. It's probably best to uber over. They have a pretty good selection of tequila so if you have to wait for a seat, just stop by the bar and grab yourself a margarita. Big selection of margaritas and there is even a margarita cart that comes around while you are eating to make sure you're properly hydrated with enough tequila. The handmade tortillas are amazing. They just ousted my other favorite tortilla spot (Carrillos) in the valley. They make the tortillas by hand right in front of you. Only flour though and they don't sell them separately so stuff yourself with the maximum amount of tortillas while you are eating. We also had the guac - nice thick consistency and equally satisfying. We had the camarones mojo de ajo and a burrito. Both delicious. Tortillas were definitely the highlight of the meal though!!! Service was great as well. I have a feeling we will be back very soon!!!
(4)
Dan D.
Went here for Sunday brunch and it was a decent deal. I believe it was 14$ for a three course brunch and unlimited alcholic beverages of which the selection was champagne, mimosas, and bloody mary's. Pros: Cheap food Unlimited drinks cool atmosphere, lots of casablanca memorabilia friendly service right by the beach live classical guitar Cons: The food was mediocre Drinks were kind of watered down service wasn't attentive enough for us to really take advantage of unlimited drinks (there were lots of other customers) If you're on a budget and you're not overly concerned about food quality or the strength of your unlimited drinks then go for it! Definitely the best unlimited alcohol brunch for that price (and the only brunch for that price).
(3)
Russell R.
Needed a late dinner and this was open until 10:00. The atmosphere was very funky and lively with live music playing in the main dining room. We opted for that room as the bar was too noisy to hear each other talk. The waiters were great and helped with our selection. Really liked the Tequila taxi that came to the table. Good was good. Could have used a bit more flavor but overall worth the visit.
(3)
Dan B.
I think it's important, sometimes, to get the review of a place from the sober guy in the group, and that being me on this trip, I was a hair disappointed. The positives were very apparent: the margaritas a la carte were very cool, if a bit on the pricey side, and the freshly made tortillas were absolutely delicious. But beyond that, my first visit to Casablanca was filled with small complaints. The margarita cart was ready to roll right when we sat down, but no one came to take the poor D.D.'s drink order for almost 20 minutes. When I turned to one of the waiters standing nearby and rather subtly motioned that we needed assistance, he looked upset and motioned that someone was coming soon. No one showed for another 5 minutes, so I looked at the waiter again, and he again looked annoyed and walked away. We were a party of 6 and they didn't seem to have a table to accommodate, so they just stuck 2 extra chairs on the ends of a table-for-4, leaving 2 of us blocking walkways, and me seated right next to the piping hot oven where the tortillas were being made. It was a cold night, so it was nice at first, but I was sweating pretty hard by mid-meal. I got the steak fajitas. The meat was decent, the rice and beans were okay, the guacamole was very good. My wife got a filet brasero that she said was outstanding. We were at the restaurant from 7:30 to almost 10pm, partly by choice, but partly just because things move at a slower pace. And here's my dilemma. Sometimes it's nice to just relax a little, but not if you're starving and the guy not drinking. I simply can't go above 3 stars because of my issues, but I also don't think I can do below because of the unique atmosphere (Casablanca paintings and fake posters on the walls) and homemade tortillas/drinks.
(3)
Jesseca S.
Was now-I-have-a-headache-I'm-so-hungry hungry so stopped off in here to just grab a quick bite. No Tito's, which sucks, so I ordered Maker's instead (organic), and it was a V-E-R-Y heavy pour. Looking over the menu I wasn't too impressed as I wasn't in the mood for seafood, but that's what all the Yelp tips were talking about. Ended up getting a veggie burrito (which isn't on the menu) and asked them to throw in sour cream. It was gargantuan and soooooooooo delicious. Don't forget to drizzle that green salsa, that comes with the free appie tortillas, on top. Total: $20 for everything! Great service from all of the sweet employees, too. Def. Will. Be. Back.
(5)
Matt A.
This is possibly the worst service in Los Angeles. They refuse to customize any orders. They constantly make you feel like you're inconveniencing them. The rarely bring out things you ask for. In short, they're absolute jackasses with subpar food. Go here if you want an atrocious experience.
(1)
David C.
Great food for the price, awesome homemade tortillas live music and a margarita cart. This place is one of a kind. Great brunch deal as well.
(4)
Wendy G.
This was my second time at Casablanca and I was still deeply impressed. Their Sunday brunch special is definitely the best deal you can find anywhere in the area. "Bottomless" (they try to refrain from using this term due to some logistical reason, but it pretty much is unlimited) mimosas/sangrias/bloody mary's, unlimited tortillas, an entree, and flan for dessert - all for $13.99! I had the Pechugas de Pollo as my entree and my friend the Carne Asada. Both are pretty big and tasty. I love that they give out freshly made tortillas (you can even watch them being made right there in the seating area) instead of chips as an appetizer. You could easily get full off just the tortillas and drinks and take the bulk of your entree home (as my friend and I ended up doing). I'm always baffled as to why this place isn't more popular. The place is definitely pretty full on Sundays, but it isn't packed - my friend and I got a table immediately after arriving. All the servers are really nice and are attentive to your table's tortilla refills but less so for drink refills, which you usually have to ask for. Considering bottomless mimosas alone are normally $10+, this place is a godsend for bottomless brunch snobs like myself. Parking is a butt so I recommend taking an Uber. Also, Venice Beach is about 1-1.5 miles away so it's a fun post-brunch trek!
(5)
A. M.
My expectations were quite high but they were quickly diminished. The handmade tortillas were tasty but the house Margarita is pre-mixed and is quite sugary. The margarita cart that everyone raves about comes out after 6 only making 1 cocktail. The food was bland- flavorless rice, under seasoned and fishy seafood. I much prefer La Cabana located across the street. The only upside to this spot is the parking. Take your taco Tuesday elsewhere.
(2)
Yvette A.
This is an old antique place. The outside kind of looks a little discouraging. It's a little dingy building. When you walk in you are greeted immediately by a handsome male hostess. The decor is old fashioned. Casablanca movie pictures everywhere on the walls. Some of the wall are hand painted with different characters in the movie. The bathroom even have pictures and hand painted art. In the some of the corners are antique gadgets like old cash register. I love antiques. Bar area is small. There is a lady making homemade flour tortilla in the actually dining area. The also have a musician playing the guitar. This place has a romance about it. Service was good, waiter there get it done .They don't play. The food was delicious and simple. I got the calamari mojo. It was delightful. I was there for Sunday Brunch so the menu only has about 9 different plates. Sunday brunch comes with your choice of OJ / champagne /bloody mary/ sangria or a soft drink. For 13.99 you get a entree, drink and flan. Complimentary hot homemade in front of you flour tortillas and this yummy green salsa with cheese chunks in it. So good. I ordered a margarita that was out of this world, 2 sips and I was feeling fine. I will definitely recommend this place for lovers or a group of close friends.
(5)
Krystin T.
Themed after one of my favorite movies and I've never been here?! How??! Went for brunch, SO PLEASED! I was very skeptical and a little discouraged when I saw the menu, I'm a bread carbs and fruity accents breakfast kind of girl so it didn't appeal to me much at first. Went with the scramble since it was the most diner like thing I could get on the menu, which wasn't a mistake cause it was freaking delicious! Also nabbed a nibble of the boyfriends chorizo omelet, equally as impressive. They have FRESH HOMEMADE TORTILLAS BAKED ON A BRICK OVEN RIGHT IN THE RESTAURANT! Served with this avocado chile(not chili) salsa that wasn't spicy so it was perfect for the morning. Mimosas were said to fantastic as well!! LOVED the orange juice! I could keep ranting, bottom line, Go here for brunch. I was satisfied!!
(5)
Olivia T.
The homemade flour tortillas are so so SO WONDERFUL! The tequila cart and man is so exciting and a nice touch. The ambiance and music is on point. The shrimp ceviche is asi asi.... it's aight. It's a tid bit pricey (not for Santa Monica/Venice as a whole but regarding general Mexican food across the LA area) and doesn't stay open as late as La Cabana across the street but it's cute, cozy, PERFECT for a date, and perfect service (UNlike La Cabana). Consider it.
(4)
Gizelle P.
Came here with a group after work, ordered the calamari steak with scallops and shared the house margarita pitcher. Calamari steak: Would have liked a little more crunch on the steak, it would have contrasted better with the sauce. The congac sauce was really savory! Not too heavy either. Liked it, though it wasn't my favorite. As everyone else says, the tortillas are amazing. There is a stove right in the middle of the restaurant and the aroma fills the whole room- wow. They also give you both red and green salsas to dip your tortilla in. Although the red is for the chips, I personally like it better with the tortilla! They had live music come in, which is really special for a Tuesday! The atmosphere is kind of touristy as the place is dedicated to the Casablanca movie, kind of cute to walk around. I wasn't too big of a fan of the margaritas. Just nothing special to me. Also, I would like a little more light in the room, it just made the atmosphere kind of "sleepy" rather than romantic or intimate.
(4)
Robert E.
Great Sunday brunch!! It's $15 all you can drink bloody Mary's , mimosas, sangria, and champagne. The food choices that are available for that $15 are also very good. Seafood, pollo and beef selections, along with a good choice of egg based creations. Great deal, great food, good service. It's a win.
(5)
Scott M.
The food is excellent, but the staff acts like you're ruining their day by showing up. Drinks are a little pricey.
(3)
Brittany L.
Handmade delicious tortillas, tequila cart, and delicious food!
(5)
Zach L.
The best flour tortillas, freshly made in front of you. Great margaritas. Solid food. Can't beat it on the Westside.
(5)
Bryan W.
Casablanca combines an obsession with tequila and an obsession with the Bogart film of the same name in an uncanny way that works out to be a unique experience. A sign painted near the front door read "Attention you are leaving Venice, California and entering Morrocco, Algeria." I'm still reeling from the vertigo of a thoroughly Mexican restaurant themed as a North African fantasy and shrine to a great movie. Margarita Express is a table side margarita bar with a rotating selection of 100% Blue Agave Blancos, Reposados, and Anejos. I was given a taster of the blanco recommended to me before approving of its use in my Matrgarita. A woman manning a fresh, hand-pressed and immediately cooked flour tortilla station is yet another center of attention and activity in this wondrous place. Yet another entertainment was live music provided by a performer playing guitar and solo singing. The food is also good. It is not often that I get so far into a review before I mention the food. When you sit down the table already has a delicious green salsa with small dices of queso fresco in it to accompany a platter of piping hot fresh flour tortillas. You can ask for corn tortilla chips and a bold red salsa as we did, but I recommend simply enjoying the proffered flour tortillas. I ordered the carne asada platter which brings out a full flank steak which. I sliced myself and as a combination of handmade burrito and steak.
(4)
Hank B.
Another winner in my book when out in Venice Beach....must try the margaritas with a little chips and salsa. You got to stop it and try it thats all Im going to say!
(5)
Amber L.
I appreciated the kitschy decor but the food was very mediocre. The best part was the handmade tortillas, which were quite good. My party was too tired to drink but I could see how the margarita cart would be fun. There are barely any vegetarian dishes on the menu. I was surprised because most of the food seemed pretty typical for a Mexican restaurant and you usually see a lot more options. I ended up getting a plate with a chile relleno and cheese enchilada. It was among the more bland, forgettable Mexican dishes I've ordered. Pretty salty and not a lot of flavor. Everything tasted like it was pre-made and like what you might get at a non-authentic Mexican restaurant in the middle of nowhere. The salsa they give you to dip the tortillas in was also bizarre and tasteless. I was surprised to see this place has such good reviews when the food is so mediocre. I definitely expected better Mexican food in California!
(2)
Patrick B.
Went to the actual restaurant this time. The handmade tortillas are amazing. The portions were hefty, and the food tasted close to the earth. I loved it, especially the green chili salsas. The restaurant was a bit dark, and it looks a bit, how to say, dispiriting from the outside. But the food is incredible and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant was clean. The cloth napkins smelled like they had just been laundered. While the tortillas are a huge win, it's also about the small things.
(5)
E H.
My favorite restaurant in town! Wonderful food and margaritas made fresh off of a traveling cart. Must try the tortillas!!! I don''t care that it's LA and everyone is intensely image obsessed! (zombie voice) Must eat the carbsss....
(5)
Christina P.
Casablanca is one of a few Mexican joints in this Rose/Lincoln area, and I think it might be in the running for my favorite. For starters, the place is totally themed out with Casablanca props, even though it's a full on Mexican restaurant. Secondly, they have an entire wall of different tequilas, as well as a margarita cart that they push to your table to make you a cocktail. It's amazing! And let's not forget the food. I went with something from their calamari menu because I can never resist when something is touted as world-famous (I'm a sucker for flashy marketing, what can I say). I was expecting your typical rings and strings of calamari, but I was surprised to get a huge, tender steak of it. It's lightly fried then topped with all different choices of sauces and toppings. I got the garlic butter sauce, which was rich but so tasty. I was less than impressed with the side of veggies, which looked like your standard frozen vegetable medley, and I didn't love the queso appetizer. But all of this was overshadowed by their amazing hot, fresh, handmade tortillas, made right in front of our faces at the little tortilla station. They bring it out with butter, and it's just the most indulgent and addictive thing. The festive atmosphere was topped off by a talented guitarist who strummed away while we enjoyed our meal. I honestly can't believe it's taken me this long to walk through these doors, and I hope to be able to again soon!
(4)
Daniel S.
Simply outstanding for brunch. Fresh Tortillas (instead of chips) as appetizer with avocado-based dip. Unlimited Bloody Mary/Mimosa Entree (Beef Fajitas were incredible) Dessert Ambiance was really comfortable--live music, friendly staff, etc. All for $13.99!! Absolutely insane that this place is not packed every Sunday. A must-go place for the best and most affordable brunch for miles.
(5)
Scott A.
3.5 stars. Packed on a Sunday night and liked the homemade tortillas & live music. Wanted to try the seafood since they feature that and don't serve carnitas. Ended up getting talked into the calamari fajitas, but wish I went for the calamari steak with garlic/butter sauce. The fajitas were tasty, but there were as much bell peppers as calamari so it felt a bit lacking. The guacamole was good and the homemade tortillas served at our table with salsa were the highlight. Service was very good and everyone was friendly. An older looking place, but popular so gotta respect that. I'd like to come here again and try something different.
(3)
Dinesh M.
I take my mother and wife out on a Saturday hoping for a wonderful meal; however, it was just ok. Pros: Hand made tortillas, bar cart comes to every table, guitar player Cons: Food came to quick (seemed already prepared - taste like it too), not enough flavor.
(3)
Debbie K.
My employer, UCLA, ordered catering through Casablanca on numerous occasions and I have to give them five stars for always being courteous, prompt, and rationing out enough portions to feed more than enough mouths estimated. Kudos to Robert in the catering department for owning up to his mistake and rectifying his action almost immediately. The catering menu gives you the option of cookies for dessert. I requested cheesecake instead but on the day of delivery, cookies were sent. I called Robert and without hesitation he sent over a cheesecake free of charge! Thanks, Casablanca!
(5)
Katerina P.
I've been living in LA for four years now and Casablanca has never disappointed. I was at first a bit on edge because of the location and it's appearance but I was pleasantly surprised . Food: Delicious tortillas (handmade right in front of you) and the margs are to die for. Personally I wait for the margarita cart to come around for me to order mine. I usually order the two chicken enchiladas suizas (my go to plate ) .. And they are five stars here! I can also vouch for the burritos, they're huge and delicious! Attire: Ambience is casual and friendly, i recommend dinner hours more than lunch because it's a bit more crowded at night and they have someone singing live music which I found very entertaining. Two Words: Must Try!
(5)
M V.
The food wasn't that great. Best thing were the tortillas. Service was lacking. Everyone that worked there seemed so sad. An overal bizarre experience.
(2)
Ruby K.
Great restaurant and I dine here frequently. Their brunch menu is such an amazing deal considering that the portion of the dish is so large. Part of the brunch is the bottomless sangria, Bloody Mary, and champagne. Their complimentary tortillas is what this restaurant is known for. Freshly cooked tortillas that is served to you with verde green salsa with cheese, and butter. Casablanca's Cadillac Margaritas are perfectly tasty and strong. One of the best margaritas I've had. The food is great as well. I've ordered carne asada and seafood from Casablanca in the past, and everything I had ordered never disappointed me.
(5)
Gladys J.
I am so disappointed!! I used to be a big fan but now I would say go to La Cabaña across the street for a better meal. The chile relleno tasted like freezer burn, the rice was hard, the taco shell on my taco tasted stale and the chicken inside was flavorless. The only good thing left is the woman making the handmade tortillas. The bathroom had no hand soap and yes the place needs a deep, deep cleaning. Service was good too. I felt bad for he waiters that have to serve this bad, mexican food.
(1)
Michael M.
Great find. I don't live in Venice but I've driven past the restaurant many times not knowing what it is. Was in Venice for business and wanted to wait out the traffic. Did a search on yelp for Mexican food. I love the movie Casablanca and Mexican food. Great combo. It also remind me of old school Mexican restaurants I grew up with. Highly recommend.
(5)
Rich S.
Awesome! Been coming here for 30 years and still rocks! A must try for Maggie's and calamari, hand made tortillas are to die for! A must try!
(5)
Joe B.
Casablanca stands out from the hundreds of other mediocre Mexican family restaurants in LA only because of its kitschy, quaint, dingy decor. They don't do much dusting. Food is lousy. Burritos are filled with a bland beef product reminiscent of Alpo. The "calimari steak" is mushy with a definite fishy aftertaste. The fresh flour tortillas are gooey sheets of starch and carbs. Great if you just wanna fatten up. Bad food that will give you a stomachache. On the plus side the menu is very cheap. Most plates under $10. Cool if you don't give a shit what you eat. Anyhow, I won't be going back.
(2)
Mark L.
I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review about this superb kitschy Mexican restaurant. Watch while they hand-roll flour tortillas a few feet away - I'm not a huge tortilla guy but these are sublime. The Margarita cart is pure indulgence. My wife and I first discovered this when we lived in the Marina - it looks bizarre from the outside and is borderline "ornate" but the tequila bar is unmatched, the food awesome and the ambience, with the Casablanca movie memorabilia makes for a movie lovers dream eatery. We went there for our anniversary recently and the charmer on margarita cart indulged and introduced us to some super smooth, unbelievable tequilas. Magnifico Rick. Arrest all the usual Mexican restaurants and leave me this Venice gem.
(5)
Bree M.
This small place had excellent food. I ordered a pasta omelet which had shrimp, fettuccine & some peppers. I highly recommend. The bottomless mimosas are a really great deal as well. There was 5 of us and our bill was 76$ including mimosas (so 15$ a person) was a great bill! It's a on a corner and can be missed easily, but would definitely come back! Fast service & quick refills.
(5)
Josh J.
Casablanca is what I think of when it comes to the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. The atmosphere does feel similar to the Casablanca film, although not completely. Every now and then, a musician plays music on a guitar and sings in Spanish. To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of that type of music, but it is pretty relaxing and soothes you, especially after a long day. The food taste amazing and is actually worth the cost. A burrito from Casablanca will surely fill you up and not wanting more, which tends to happen at other restaurants that ask for customers to pay a lot when they don't give much food. That's not the case here. Also, Casablanca has the best tortillas in the world. Be sure to bring a bunch home if you don't finish them all. They're great. I have been going to Casablanca for years and continue to do so today.
(5)
Maria P.
I had always driven by this restaurant and wondered what it was like. A former boss of mine really enjoys the tequila cart and frequents it somewhat often so I figured I would try it out. A friend of mine walked here the other day around 3:30 pm. We weren't sure if it was open since when we walked in it was dark. That's right, they forgot to pay the electric bill kind of dark. We spotted a few employees who welcomed us in and told us to sit on the right hand side of the dining room since the bar area was closed. Still, no lights. A no name server came by and asked us for our drink order which he had to repeat a few times in the span of a minute. He had a twitch (not making this up) and seemed either hungover or just plain creepy. Somewhat later people began filtering in, including your average looking white people (ok good we aren't being roofied by strong margaritas). A Mexican woman appeared and began making tortillas in the corner of the dining room. I am sure it's more lively with music, a mariachi band, the tequila cart etc but the vibe was off putting when we first walked in. I only got queso fundido without chorizo so I can't judge the food based on that. I am all for authentic and even appreciate holes-in-the-walls but this wasn't for me. My poor friend was creeped out also and uncomfortable the whole time.
(2)
Lauren B.
Casablanca is my boyfriend's & my favorite Mexican restaurant in LA! The service is impressively quick (once you're seated...get there before 7pm if you want to avoid a wait!), the margaritas are awesome, the carne asada is out of this world, the soup of the day (no matter which type you get) is always hearty & delicious & the fresh made tortillas with the aioli dipping sauce are unbelievable. Don't forget to tip the tortilla ladies! They're the best!
(5)
DT LS D.
The homemade tortillas are BOMB! The margaritas are amazing! The margarita man who makes the margaritas for each table was very friendly and awesome! We would go back just for the tortillas and margaritas!
(4)
Jess C.
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS RESTAURANT. I loved everything about it- the live music, the margarita cart, the calamari steak, the homemade tortillas...I mean C'MON what a slam dunk. I also loved that it's a little bit divey and unexpected. I ordered the Calamari Cognac and was not disappointed. The sauce is a little heavy so I asked for light sauce which was perfect. I've never had calamari prepared this way so it was an unexpected delightful treat. My margarita was STRONG and delicious. And those homemade tortillas....I'd eat those everyday for the rest of my life. It's a great date spot as well- very low key and affordable. Trust me on this- you want to check out this restaurant.
(5)
James W.
Note: This is not your conventional California Mexican restaurant. You go to Casablanca for three things... 1. Drink: Margaritas from the margarita cart 2. Appetizer: Queso Fundido 3. Main course: Calamari Oh... and the freshly made tortillas. Margaritas. On busier nights, it may take a bit of time for the margarita man to swing by your table with his margarita cart. Don't get antsy and order a margarita from the bar. I implore you to wait for the margarita cart and you will not be disappointed. The margarita man does his best to make your margarita exactly to your liking. The margarita man can tell you about the different kinds of tequilas and find the one to match your tastes. Did he make the margarita too sour, too salty, not sweet enough? No worries, he'll fix that right up just before he moves on to the next table. The margarita man is the man! Queso Fundido. This appetizer coupled with the fresh tortillas is cheesy, yummy, glorious, om nom nom nom. Highly recommend you order this as soon as you sit down. Calamari. Say what!? Calamari? That's a chewy fried appetizer dish that only tacky chain restaurants like Chili's or Applebee's serve. No. Get those nasty thoughts out of your head. The calamari at Casablanca is unlike anything you've ever tried. It's a main course dish containing a tender calamari steak. First time I've ever tried this dish anywhere was at Casablanca and I keep coming back for more. My favorites are the Calamari Acapulco and the Calamari Cognac.
This place has been here forever and I hope it never goes away! They have the best Mexican food/atmosphere. I've been getting the calamari steaks for twelve years--never gets old.
(5)
Jane D.
Has anyone actually EATEN here lately? Yes the margaritas are on point... but damn, the last couple of times I've been here, the food was SO disappointing that I'm definitely never going back. Everything tastes old and gross and out of a bag or can, sitting under a heat lamp, etc... Everything except the fresh tortillas they bring you to start with. But that does not make up for the nasty main courses. We ordered chips and guac - the guac was not seasoned AT ALL (we literally had to add salt and pepper to it) and THERE WAS A SHRIMP IN OUR CHIPS.... yes. a shrimp. in our chips. And one of the people in our party does not eat seafood. (at least it was a cooked shrimp?). How nasty is that....?! Nothing more to say. Just don't eat here.
(2)
David M.
Been here a few times over the years and the atmosphere makes up for whatever minor shortcomings there are in the food. The fresh hot tortillas are just awesome and fans of avocado will love the accompanying salsa. I usually get a chicken poblano burrito as I simply need something substantial to soak up the margaritas served there, which is a MUST. They have a tiny parking lot but I've always managed to find a spot either there or on the nearby street.
(5)
Sunnie S.
Food was okay. Margaritas were amazing (at first). Service was very poor. I had to ask for a water 4 times. They serve a green avocado salsa and seem annoyed when I asked for a red salsa since I am allergic to avocado. They walked by our table several times without checking on us to see if everything was okay or if we needed anything. I had to put my angry face on to get their attention. My boyfriend ended up going to the bar to get us our second round of margaritas because they never asked us if we wanted another one. This round of $14 margaritas were so sweet we couldn't drink them. Luckily Chip the margarita cart man saved our drinks. Although the bartender tried, Chip was the only one to succeed. He made sure we were happy. Best part of our experience. Even after they saw we got drinks from the bar, they didnt check if everything was okay nor even checked to see if we wanted deserts or the check. This was also at 4pm on a sunday. Not too busy for such bad service.
(2)
Danny I.
Okay, so I FREQUENT this spot and let me tell you it's one my favorite places to eat. When you're seated they don't give you chips, instead they give you freshly made tortillas (flour or corn). You have to ask for corn, delicious! The salsa is a delicious green salsa with chunks of cheese and and avocado. Not sure about you, but you usually have to pay for such a salsa! On to the main course! If this is your first time you should try the steak burrito. I've never ordered anything else! The steak is some of the best I've ever had! Perfectly cooked, the meat is tender and has great flavor. They use a fresh tortilla and serve with a side of rice and beans. The rice is beautifully prepared, and the beans are fantastic! So once you've soaked in the largest collection of Casablanca memorabilia you'll notice a man with a cart serving up margaritas. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying one from my man Chip! Yes, I know his name and he knows me. That's how often I'm there... They usually switch up the tequila selection, but my absolute favorite is Dobel - nice silver with a subtle taste. Now, they might not look big, but as Chip says watch out for the shooter on top; it'll get you! I always laugh when people order anything other than a Cadillac margarita prepared by none other than Chip. They are strong yet have great flavor. The mix is made in house from a secret recipe. Great, now I want one!
(5)
Nichole C.
One of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Instead of chips & salsa they give you hand made tortillas which are made right in front of you by a lady who looks like she came straight from Mexico lol and an avocado salsa to dip em in. My friend ordered scallops shrimp & salmon which came out on a steaming hot bowl presented on top of a lantern type stand thing but it looked awesome & she said it was delish. I had a chile rellano/ taco plate which was also delicious. I'll definitely be back if I'm ever in the area. Highly recommend :)
(5)
Ameerah A.
haven't even been here before but was trying to get information regarding brunch since there was so many great reviews. Man on the phone was rude and rushed. Makes me not want to try it at all.
(1)
Joe L.
Oh my! What a strange experience I had eating there last night with my friend Sheryl. First of all, it's called Casablanca and it's littered with movie memorabilia, but the food is Mexican. Not Moroccan...? Most importantly, the food well, sucked. Truly it was way below average. You could tell they've been dishing out the same stuff for years. One step up from school cafeteria. Re-heated tasting ingredients. The wait staff treated us like they were tired and that we were there to please them. Just bad service. We had to get up to ask to place our order, on and on. They seem to specialize in margaritas from there menu so we ordered a couple not really noticing there were prices on the menu. Surprise! $13 each. Really!!?? For a mediocre marg on the rocks? In LA? Give me a break. This place is ridiculous! Pass on it. It's a silly overpriced waste of time and money. I will research where to find great Mexican food in the Marina del Rey, Lincoln Blvd. corridor and write back. Ciao!
(1)
Michael T.
I drove by this place a few weeks ago and remembered to look it up to see if it was any good, and for my Birthday, my wife and I decided to try it out. We're glad we did! It was amazing! I'm a fan of themed restaurants that offer unique atmospheres. So while it doesn't look like much for the outside, I enjoyed the sign painted to the left of the door, "Now leaving Venice, Los Angles and entering Casablanca, Morocco"! When you walk in, you'll find the restaurant filled with Casablanca memorabilia, including many glass cases filled with actually props from the movie. There are posters and props everywhere and even a life-size Bogart statue as well as a large mural on the wall that depicts a scene from the movie. They have a woman who make HOME-MADE TORTILLAS right in front of you and they were HEAVENLY!!! Really, they were incredible. Also, they have this green salsa that you put on the tortillas that was outstanding! Some of the best I've ever had! Our meals were very good as well. I got a burrito, and my wife got this salmon dish that was piled with veggies and shrimp on top of the salmon. She enjoyed her Margarita (they also have someone going around with tequila shots, but we didn't partake). They only negative is that they didn't have beer on tap, and the bathroom was tiny. No big deal though. They had a live nylon-guitar player, and while that is a plus to many, personally it was a bit loud to me, as I was there for a romantic dinner, and he was playing with drum tracks, which I'm never a fun of. It would have been much better without the tracks and if the volume was taken down 5-7%. Prices very reasonable. Service was good. Food and atmosphere EXCELLENT! Just a tip... we went here for Dinner, than to the Buggy Whip about 10 minutes away from drinks!
Great date place if you don't actually want to talk. Every night is live music, so I always grab a booth by the bar when I want to enjoy my date's company and I grab a table in the dining room when I don't. The owner and his wife managed to enslave a Mexican grandmother for your fresh tortilla pleasure. I tried the taco special the first time and have never looked back. ¡Que lastima, abuelita!
(5)
Pete N.
Finally checked this place out. Very pleasantly surprised. This place is way more then just the food. Goods: - Fresh made tortillas, live music (acoustic guitar - very cool), margaritas (cadillac's rock), romantic/cool atmosphere, calamari (extensive calamari offerings) and Bogey everywhere. Casablanca nostalgia everywhere -- if you are into that stuff its very cool. Made me want to watch the movie again. Bads: Service is not the best - so enjoy the atmosphere. The salsa is lame -- or maybe we just did not get any. Overall -- highly recommend you check it out, I had a very cool, romantic night with my wife.
(4)
chad o.
Honestly, it's probably one of my favorite places in LA. It's a Sunday tradition that will be overrun and ruined if everyone who reads this understands the point I'm trying to convey, this place is amazing. For about $14, you get tortillas, a fruit plate, your meal (try the Charizo Omelet --life changing) and bottomless mermosas. Sometimes we'll sit there for hours. To top it all off, there's a dude, playing the guitar up front. This place in wonderfully corny.
(5)
Ryan M.
Thumbs Middle (c) SA. I vouch for the homemade tortillas, they are exactly what everyone else is raving about.
(3)
Maria L.
When I pulled up into the driveway this past Saturday I felt like I was cheating on my long time boyfriend (La Cabaña) across the street, but hey..everybody cheats, right? and besides, I just HAD to try this place. The atmosphere was nice, not as dark in here as in La Cabaña. The waiter looked at me as if I had "i will eat all yo flour torillas because I am starving" written on my forehead. I felt like he didn't let me settle in eat a tortilla or 5 and then order. He came 3 timesa and asked if I was ready to order, I kinda felt rushed to make a decision :( I ordered the carne asada which was very very good. I ate everything on my plate, the rice off of my daughters and stole a bite of an enchilada from my friends plate and EVERYTHING was scrumptious! The food here is a few bucks cheaper than La cabaña and the tortillas and green salsa were BOMBAY!! I managed to eat 3, despite my waiters watchful eye :/
(4)
Leslie W.
Everyone raves about the fresh flour tortillas here, but I think they are a bit undercooked. The table salsa, however, is a different story. I really like it and I don't know why. Casablanca is known for its calamari steaks. They are thin and crispy, with your choice of toppings and/or sauces. I love the calamar cognac, which has small scallops on top. The rest of the menu is hit or miss. I don't care for their rice, but I do like their refried beans. They have some good combination plates, that have appetizers and desserts. They have a huge variety of tequilas, one for every taste adn budget. The decor is inspired by the movie, Casablanca. Note that sodas are not refilled. They will charge you for a refill. There is no charge for iced tea refills. Parking isn't usually too bad. It gets a bit tight for strollers and high chairs. Highlights: table salsa, calamar cognac
(3)
R J.
Great food and drinks. Staff is cool and atmosphere is very laid back. They have a dining room and a small bar.
(5)
Richard L.
Awesome place! Best things to get: *Wet bean, cheese, and rice burrito (not on the menu) *Cheese deep with chorizo *Calamari steaks *And of course the tortillas with their green sauce *Shrimp tostada *The house margaritas (with just one I feel like I shouldn't drive) *The guacamole is ehhh... *Service is OK, but if you tip good they will remember you and hook you up each time you go there. I love mexican food and been to many places so if you get the above items you wont be disappointed.
(5)
Marianne J.
I am fortunate to say that I basically grew up in Casablanca. My family has been coming for over 25 years. My baptism party was held in Casablanca. This restaurant is like my second home. As I am now an adult & I go out & eat, I must say that a lot of Mexican cuisine out there does not compare to Casablanca's fine cuisine. Casablanca has the BEST margaritas in Venice, hands down. Who can forget the flour tortillas made to order, the ambiance, and the calamari? I will re-iterate again: the best margaritas in town :)
(5)
Jill S.
Their homemade tortillas are worth the drive! The soup of the day was a tortilla black bean soup. It was very, very good. I decided to try something new and chose a calamari dish with capers. The slab of calamari was covered in a thick white sauce and I barely even tasted the capers. I usually go for the carne asada which I always enjoy and will go back to.
(4)
Sabrina F.
The atmosphere takes you back in time, the food is delicious fresh, the margaritas keep you warm and taste good, the homemade tortillas are to die for, the salsa with the cheese cubes is something you have to try, and the flan was a perfect ending to a fantastic full meal experience. If you want to enjoy your food don't eat too many tortillas because you'll get full before your meal gets out.
(5)
Hugo M.
Ate at this restaurant yesterday and it was really good. Food had plenty of flavor. I order the chicken quesadilla plate. Very delicios and the hand made tortillas were the best! Not so great on calories but it was GOOD!!
(5)
Angel S.
Down the tubes! Was totally in love with this place but last two visits were horrible. Waited forever to place order, waited I/2 hour for margarita order...although man with Cart rushed over as quickly as he could load his cart! he was the jewel of this place. Carne Asada was tough. Waiter was surly!! Service was beyond unattentive and slow. Never going back.
(1)
Jessica T.
"You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply, as time goes by." Casablanca and my family go way back. Around 23 years ago my twin and I were treated to our first taste of chocolate as toddlers and nothing has ever been the same since. I am also a huge fan of the movie Casablance, which is in it's entirety a masterpiece. I love the decor save the Humphrey Bogart dummy looming out of the corner by the bathroom. Giving me the distinct feeling that I'm being watched. I still cannot articulate what a Mexican restaurant is Casablanca themed, but I still sleep well at night. As for food, drinks are solid. The best item in my opinion is the lightly fried squid steak. Tender on the inside and very crisp. There is little more I love in this world than their tortillas delivered fresh to your table. This place isn't hip, trendy, or sexy and that's all the more reason to love it. And by the way, at no point in the movie does Humphrey Bogart say, 'play it again, Sam.'
(4)
pollywog e.
How is this place 4 stars? I can only speak about the vegetarian options, but damn, this place was gross. I get it, the kitschy, themed restaurant is a dying breed, but seriously this place is like being lost in time. I've seen enough Kitchen Nightmares to know where this is going. When you are seated, they give you hot, fresh tortillas and some green salsa with weird chunks of cheese in it. It was ok, but it tasted like green peppers from a jar, you know, like pickled. I'm not a fan of flour tortillas so I just picked at it while I was waiting to place my order. There were very few vegetarian dishes on the menu, but I was with a group that came for the seafood, so I just ordered a tostada without meat. What came out was bizarre, a pile of shredded iceberg lettuce that must have been 4 inches deep, like they used half a head of lettuce. I was genuinely confused, because I didn't see a tostada anywhere underneath this mountain of lettuce. Dumped on top of iceberg mountain was salsa from a jar--complete with canned corn, I'm talking supermarket brand salsa here--and some slices of brown avocado. On the side was a scoop of grey, runny, refried beans and a scoop (literally from an ice-cream scoop) of white rice drizzled with some white sauce, wtf it was I have no idea. I was super hungry so I figured I would just mix the beans and rice and eat the good parts of the avocado. The avocado was by far the best thing on the plate. The beans were obviously from a can. A few bites later I decided that I might as well just not eat anything, it just wasn't worth it to choke down this gluey, bland concoction. Everyone else was enjoying their seafood, so I just pushed around my beans, rice and lettuce/salsa when lo and behold, there IS a tostada under that mountain! Was this some kind of game? Like, do I win a prize because I found the tostada under in the lettuce heap? It turned out to be just a soggy corn tortilla (that tasted like a supermarket tortilla) covered in the same beans and just shit-loads of lettuce and (I can't emphasize this enough) CANNED SALSA--in a Mexican restaurant, in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA! So, I guess this place isn't good for vegetarians. What I don't understand, though, is that the dishes everyone else got looked gross too. The side veg was nothing but canned corn, canned baby corn, and what looked like frozen broccoli, carrots and zucchini. WTF? How do people get by serving canned food in LA and charge out the ass for it? This place belongs on Kitchen Nightmares. That all being said, if the food was good, this place just might make a comeback. I can see it now, kids with cheeks freshly shorn, their faces still pale where a years-old lumberjack beard once sat, forming a line out the door. I now know what will next be cool in these indecisive PoHip (post hipster) times. Trendsetters, I'm on to you!
(1)
Cedrick Z.
Good late night Mexican place. The parking lot is small and gets packed so you have to look for street parking. I tried to go three twice on a weekday and a weekend night and both times the wait was going to be more than 40 minutes so they are popular. I finally went a late Sunday night around. They had a guitar singer in the main room which I didn't notice until 15-20 minutes after sitting. They have a guy who comes around with a cart to make you margarita orders, but we didn't get one. The food was good--we got two burritos that were generously sized. It's a casual and busy place. The booths in the back are a little more private and the tables in the center are close to one another.
(4)
K W.
This place is a gem! A tequila cart and hand made fresh tortillas????!!! So in love with this restaurant bringing the whole family on the next visit.
(5)
Dana M.
1. Fresh, hot, hand-made flour tortillas... 2. Avocado cheese dip with your tortillas... 3. Tequila cart man serving up some tasty cadillac margaritas... Those three things alone are AWESOME here and what keep us coming back regularly. Different types of food vary in how good they are (from average to delicious)- but by the time you get to your dinner, you already have a belly full of tortillas and good tequila.
(5)
Janet D.
32 years ago my husband & I had our first date at this wonderful restaurant. We are so impressed that it has remained opened for all these years. Whenever we are in the area, we dine here and are always happy with our food, service and ambiance.
(5)
David D.
I have been driving by this place 100's of times since 2005 wondering what goes on in there? I couldn't tell? What kind of food was it? Is it expensive? Is it greasy? Maybe it's not food and its just a club or bar? Wonder if it a mafia hangout? It always seemed crowded when I drove by. Maybe it's a bunch of locals that just go because their parents took them there, but the food sucks like Apple Pan. I just kept driving by year after year. It's probably not that good in there. Silly looking white building on a busy corner with a silly name. I am not going in there. Then a few weeks ago a great idea hit me! I am going to look up their menu on the internet! Genius! OMG! They have fajitas! My partner and I are Fajita Specialists. We eat Fajitas all over the world. And prices very reasonable! It has to be a trick! That location is expensive--they are going to get you in there for $12 Fajitas and you will walk out paying $100. I know it! I know it! I know it! So I tell my partner about Casablanca for the first time 2 weeks ago. The story above. She independently investigates to make sure this is not a trick place and she ultimately recommends a visit. We go last Sat night. Easy parking in their lot. We enter and WOW! The Party is on! The place is packed--LOUD!---birthdays all over. Drink toasts all over. Large groups of people. We can hardly hear one another talk. We wait 30 minutes for a table and here come the best part of the meal: The Homemade Tortillas! I would swear they are really French Crepes. I need maple syrup--its better than a waffle or pancake. Am I allowed to rate the Tortillas a 6 on a scale of 1 to 5? We get the Fajitas Chicken and Trout Cognac (Sauce on the side) and more Tortillas and a Salad and Rice and Beans. I am loving this meal and it's filling me up! And the damage when it was all done for all that great food? $30.00! They must own the land and the building! There is no way all this food for $30.00! The menu prices look like they are from the 1980's. I am thinking that when we get outside--we better run before they figure it out. Or maybe there will be a $25.00 toll to get out of the parking lot--that's how they must do it? So far no one has contacted us so we are safe. We will wait a while and return for another great meal.
(4)
Eric W.
Kind of a touristy vibe here, especially when the waiter asks us where we're travelling from. When i told him we were from Culver City, he seemed surprised that we were locals. The waiter seemed very proud to be working there and described with gusto any item on the menu that we had questions about. He recommended the calamari steaks and said it was what they were known for. Calamari to me has always been sliced up rings dipped in a batter of some kind and quickly fried and served with some kind of dipping sauce. But not here. The calamari here is a whole calamari lightly battered and breaded before sauteed in butter and other combinations of ingredients. I had the Calamari Camarones, which was so good - I couldn't stop eating it. Wonderful calamari texture that was nicely breaded in a fantastic butter and garlic sauce with a hint of cognac - simply exquisite. I will definitely go back. What makes this place a little odd is that all of the drinks come from the bar. So if you are like me and you don't drink alcohol or soda, then your choices are limited to juice (cranberry, orange, etc.) and water. The ambiance is tropical reminiscent of the movie, and a man discreetly plays a guitar and sings in the center of the dinning room. All in all a good experience, and we will be back.
(4)
Brandon H.
This is a place you wanna bring the boys. Margarita cart, Moroccan flair, Henry Bogart posters, avocado salad dressing. Real deal holyfield. Service is also impressive. Highly recommend.
(5)
Angelene Nina C.
I love their Tequila Man! The concept is so unique and cool! They have their own tortilla lady! The Mango Margarita is to die for!
(5)
Joyce K.
I love this place so much. My boyfriend has tried to get me to branch out and try other popular Mexican restaurants in the LA area and every time I wish we had just gone to Casablanca. The hand made tortillas are dangerous! You will not be able to stop eating them. The margarita cart provides some of the best margaritas I've ever had. The house salads that come with your meal are original and flavorful. Can't go wrong here. Also they have someone playing music there all the time. There's this one woman who is phenomenal and can probably play anything you can think of on her guitar.
(5)
Risa Y.
Girls brunching time for me again, and this time was a complete Me thinks not! experience... but I'm giving it an extra star for their freshly made tortillas and the Cadillac Margarita (only that drink). My gfs had the Sangria and they said it was too sweet. I definitely will NOT come back here to eat anything here.... There were 5 of us and nothing we ordered was good. My beef Fajitas was so tough that it wasn't edible so I ended up eating only a bite of it. The restaurant was so dark inside... it was such a waste on a nice sunny day! I suggest more openings and windows if you aren't going to turn any lights on in there... Our server was very slow. I felt like he was having a hard time understanding my orders and requests.
(2)
Annie F.
I love this place! Each bathroom stall has its own bottle of Air Wick. Plus, they have awesome tortillas, the drinks keep coming and the customer service is great.
(5)
Monica G.
I've been coming here since I was a little girl and you know what, I'm STILL coming here! Casablanca has been a neighborhood gem and I'm happy to say it hasn't changed with the hipster scum invasion that's hit Venice. Where do I start? Is it the table side margaritas? The homemade tortillas that'll go head to head with the ones your Abuelita makes? Whether you're here by yourself, with a date, or hanging out with the gang at the bar , which by the way makes potent drinks, you'll find Casablanca is intimate and lively at the same time. Also the prices are still kind on the wallet. The staff is always frIendly and on the weekends, they have a guitar player which sets a great mood. Great food, cozy atmosphere. You won't regret stopping here.
(5)
Conor S.
For the longest time, I would heartily recommend Casablanca to friends, pets, family... anyone who would listen, really, but always with a huge caveat: the margaritas are incredible, the tortillas are amazing, and the food is meh. Turns out I was wrong - there are great entree options there too - you just have to know which ones to pick. But let's start with those margaritas. Although I have a dad who I do love very much, Chip is the kind of guy anyone would secretly want as their very own pops. He's the margarita man, see, and wheels about his margarita trolley from Wednesday to Sunday, serving up incredible drinks and offer frankly unbeatable service. He always has a variety of tequilas, and though my pals and I go often enough to know what's what, he's always happy to explain the drinks and process to guests and newcomers. Then there are the tortillas. They're made in-house by this little old lady who sits next to Casablanca's resident musician (he plays a beautiful Blackbird), and they're great. Try them with the dip, try them with the soup, try them with the excellent queso fundido. You'll want more unless you're all pissy about gluten, but whatever. As for the mains, I've found a few excellent staples that I happily stick to whenever I come. The birria burrito, the brassero, and the Play It Again, Carlos. It's a steak. Again, I've ordered other things there that I've generally been meh about, but exploring the menu has landed me some gold. Oh and last but not least, I have no idea why it's themed after Casablanca. It's a little peculiar, but I frankly don't care. It's small, it's cozy, it's cute, and it's one of my go-to places with buddies and out-of-towners alike. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Sol G.
Great weekend brunch spot! First time there and was so pleasantly surprised. Great lighting, not too bright or dark, just right. The brunch is a choice of about 10 items on a set menu, they have eggs to steak, plus you get a free cocktail and comes with flan, for $15 a person. The drinks were good too, we got some bloody Mary's. They give you fresh flour handmade Tortillas, which you can see a woman making them right in front of the restaurant.. So good with butter and salsa. The service rocked, great waiter plus bus boys. The food was delish too, I got the huevos rancheros and my boyfriend got the steak calamari, both superb dishes! Also there's a guy who sings and plays the guitar, very relaxing. Definitely coming back!
(5)
Arash G.
Great deal for Sunday brunch, the chicken fajitas were really good. Enjoyed the Bloody Mary as well. Desert was decent, best part was the fresh made tortillas
(4)
Joel P.
Been driving pass this restaurant for a while now , decided to try it out based on a friend recommend . First when we walk in it was really dark and there was no one to seat us , we had to walk around bad seat ourselves . Took them a while to bring us water and even menus . Food wise the only good part was the homemade tortillas , other then that there nothing worth mentioning. Ordered queso - which was very hard and nasty , chips tasted old and stale . Had a cheese enchilada and chile relleno , they were very bad . Let me just say I will keep going pass this restaurant and not go in again. Overall service was very bad .
(1)
MacKenzie S.
First off, the host was extremely rude. Worst service ever. I look younger than my age and got treated like I was a child. My meal & my friends both came out wrong. Apparently you have to ask for a refill on drinks, but my server was never to be found to ask? Don't come here.
(1)
Purvi S.
Went here for brunch today with some friends. Food was average. I got the huevos rancheros and the eggs were cooked well, but it lacked toppings. There was only some salsa on top. The carne asada and chicken fajitas looked really good though. The flan did not melt in my mouth. But every single drink was awesome. The sangria was sweet, Bloody Mary was spicy, mimosa was perfect amount of champagne. The wait staff was also very friendly. Definitely one of the cheapest all you can drink brunches I've been to as well. Will definitely be returning!
(5)
Donna C.
I have to write this review while the food is fresh in my mouth! DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to the restaurant, but I tasted their food when they catered an event for a family member. I cannot express enough how much I love their Chicken Alex and their freshly and homemade flour tortillas (made on the spot!) The Chicken Alex is stuffed chicken breast with broccoli and this orange creamy goodness sauce that I can't get enough of it and can't seem to get out of my mind! The chicken itself is moist and soft. The homemade flour tortillas with cheese was their appetizer. It's so simple, but it competed with Chicken Alex. I'm pretty sure it had less to do with the cheese and more with how well they put together their tortillas. They had the slab of flour in a large bowl and they made the tortillas in front of us. The tortilla was soft and delicious! They also served beef fajitas, which was awesome too! The beef was tender and moist and the flavor was amazing! The stuffed salmon was also something that they served and I loved! The 2 people from Casablanca were super nice and friendly. I'm not sure if it was part of their catering service, but they came to our tables and cleaned out the dirty dishes and passed around the appetizers :) I need to try their restaurant to get more Chicken Alex!
(5)
Nate E.
Sunday brunch cannot be beat! Carlos the owner does everything possible Sunday brunch ! I live in the neighborhood and I feel like I've been to a friends Kitchen.
(5)
Riccardo C.
It's simply the most delicious mexican food I had in the US. Handmade tortillas and margaritas that will blow your mind are just two of the perks you get. On top of outstanding everything else, that is.
(5)
Lina P.
This review is for the brunch only... Live right up the street and had been curious about this place for a while. After reading other reviews, seeing the brunch menu and calling in twice to ask about their drink special (which I thought was bottomless, but was told it was 1 or 2 drinks on my first call, then told it was 3 or 4 drinks on my second call) I had very low expectations... I was super confused about how the drink deal worked...was it bottomless or not?! The menu did not sound promising and the restaurant looked outdated and boring. Anyway, now that I have totally turned you off to this place let me tell you why I was so wrong. This place is great! Came in around 1pm on Sunday with a few friends. We were seated in a comfy booth by the window. Live musician singing and playing guitar - AWESOME! It was busy with all sorts of characters, but not packed. We ordered our drinks. I got the bloody mary. It was a big glass, not watered down and perfectly spiced. Tasted great, but not strong. Although they say drinks are not bottomless and they never gave an answer as to how many we could get we drank until we didn't want to drink any more...4-5 glasses each. They also had mimosas and sangria but I was not in the mood for fruity drinks. They brought out tortillas, freshly made on the stove top in front of everyone. They were soft, warm and amazing. Green salsa with cheese chunks that was brought to the table was a bit bland. I asked for their red hot sauce, which was not very spicy either, but better than the green. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros with the sauce on the side. Food came out fairly quickly. Beans were perfect. Rice was a bit hard and boring, not the Mexican rice I prefer. Eggs were good. I was glad I got the Huevos sauce on the side because it was kinda gross. Would have been bummed to have it all over my food. I cleaned off my plate minus the rice. Had a bite of my friends Red Snapper which was well done and flavorful. Will def try next time! Lastly we all got a piece of flan but by this point I was so full off drinks and food that I could only have one bite. It was tasty. Overall for $13.99 a big meal, live music and "unlimited" drinks I will definitely be back for brunch! Especially since I can walk to this place. 100% recommend coming if you live nearby. Not so much if you are more than 5 miles away.
(4)
Erica M.
I thought about giving 3 stars, but I keep going back for Sunday brunch because: 1) it's cheap ($13.99 with bottomless mimosas, champagne, or sangria!) 2) the TORTILLAS are AMAZING. I can't get enough. I could just go there to eat tortillas and drink champagne and call it a day. Served with butter and green salsa. Mmmmmm :) 3) It's not too busy. No waiting in line for brunch always a plus. 4) Nice, low-key, live music. Yeah, I've had better food and been to MUCH snazzier places with snazzier (younger) crowds, especially on that side of town. Don't go in looking for that. Just go for what I listed above and you won't be disappointed. :) (And I'd recommend sticking with the carne asada - keep it simple).
(4)
Laurie L.
I can't believe how GREAT this place is. We regularly drive from Highland Park out to Venice for the hot, homemade tortillas and a bowl of the queso with chorisso. Have tried a number of dishes - everything has been great. What amazes me every time is how good the calamari is. It's the most tender calamari steak I've ever had - and you can't go wrong with any of the sauces. Normally a side of veggies is a throw away for me, but here the veggies are tasty and have some texture. Oh... And the margaritas are legit!
(5)
Tasha S.
This place is awesome HUGE portions. Sunday bunch is great 13.99 bottomless mimosas or sangria plus a meal. It's a steal.
(5)
Rando B.
3.5 Stars - I only come here if I'm CRAVING a margarita and tortillas. The food is not so great. You can DEFINITELY find better food elsewhere, but you can't find Chip (Margarita Cart) or the tortilla lady. If you choose to eat here and Chip is not around, you're missing out on 70% of the Casablanca experience. The Marg-ies are kind of pricey, but totally worth it.
(3)
Nick F.
This place is honestly my second office, I am surprised I haven't reviewed it years ago, but better late than never. They make their tortillas from scratch every day, they have a million different tequilas available (treat yourself to a margarita pitcher and save some money), they make the best red cheese enchiladas on the west side and all the waiters are super cool, plus they have live music nightly?! Game over...
(5)
A J.
I give this place 5 stars! -Super kitschy interior - I am confused by the Morocco meets Mexico decor but I LIKE it! -Comfy booths -Guitar player when we went on a Tues night -Very friendly staff -Margarita cart & fresh tortilla grill -Bar area - emptyish on a Tues but would be good to fill for a bday or celebration -Interesting menu items and YUMMY food! Not the healthiest, so be prepared to splurge all of your calories and sodium intake for the day - but totally worth it! -Great for dates or groups (although a picky girl would probably not want to be taken here for a first or second date) Food items: -Tortillas to start, dipped in a delicious green salsa with chunks of avocado and white cheese. Seriously the best salsa EVER. And the tortillas were super soft and buttery. They even have a tortilla grill to make them fresh! had to get some to go... -We got an item off the special Calamari menu - it was great. Lightly breaded and you can choose a lot of different toppings - crab, shrimp, veracruz, garlic, cognac sauce, etc. We tried to get the healthiest salsa one and it was super tender and delicious. -Also went for the Filet Mignon Besuela and they lit a clay pot on our table and we had very flavorful, tender filet strips with mushrooms and a thick sauce. We will be coming back. Thank you Casablanca!
(5)
Kelly N.
This place is so delicious, I don't know what to do with myself. Service can get kind of slow during busy times, but it's really a negligible complaint.
(5)
Victoria L.
it's a wonderful Mexican restaurant on a budget!! The tortillas are amazing. There is a stove right in the middle of the restaurant and the aroma fills the whole room. They also give you both red and green salsas to dip your tortilla in. The interior is dedicated to the Casablanca movie. They have an entire wall of different tequilas, as well as a margarita cart that they push to your table to make you a cocktail. Excellent menu, live music. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Zephyre L.
What a fantastic place! I love the ambiance of Casablanca. What could Africa have to do with Mexico? Nothing, other than that they come together at Casablanca. I love the booths, the pink table cloths, the easy-listening, background music, the women making fresh tortillas, and the enduring, subtle, and not-so-subtle references to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The food is good. I often order the Carne Asada or the Calamari al Mojo de Ajo. So delicious. The margarita/ tequila cart always has interesting tequilas and Chip does a lovely job mixing up a skinny margarita. The service is terrific. Waiters and busboys are friendly, kind, eager, and share their smiles easily. One of my favorite places.
(5)
Michael G.
SORRY HUMPHREY BOGART !!! You did not eat at Casablanca mexican restaurant in LOS ANGELES, CA But we did everything is just like a movie set one of the best Mexican restaurants in town over the top service on a scale of 1 to 10 its a ten !! definite a fun place to eat there's a margarita cart serves you margaritas and not water down ones best margaritas in town A+ the tortilla woman homemade tortillas Served with butter and green salsa only in mexico i have this before A + knocking out fresh tortillas you could just go there to eat tortillas omg !!! parking in back of restaurant one of my favorite restaurants in LA to top it all off everything, was fabulous all the time !!! I order the filetmignon can not wait to go back you can not cant beat the price for very fine mexican cuisine in LA MICHAEL G WILMINGTON,CA
(5)
Leo F.
I still yet to find a Mexican restaurant better than this place. In fact, I compare every new Mexican restaurant I eat at to this place. Really makes me wonder why anybody would give this place a low star rating. It's just so damn good. And then there is the margarita cart. Chip makes such good margaritas it makes my wonder if I can ever drink it anywhere else without comparing it to here.
(5)
Bhumi P.
In LA for work for a few weeks. Found this place through a Buzzfeed article that listed all the cheapest bottomless mimosas places in the city. Let me just say, this place was such a steal! $13.99 for your meals and bottomless mimosas/sangria/bloody marys! Instead of chips and salsa, we were welcomed with homemade tortillas (you can actually see them making the tortillas) and a green salsa with bits of avocado and queso fresco. Best tortillas I have ever had, so warm and so soft. I was so close to stealing the basket of the 2nd round of tortillas the waiter had brought over because they were so delicious! I ordered the huevos a la mexicana with a side of pinto beans and avocado. Lets just say, I'm not an egg person, but I loved the huevos a la mexicana! But my favorite was the refried pinto beans, probably the best decision I ever made was ordering them on the side. Lastly, the mimosas are well worth it. You taste more of the champagne than the orange juice, but it was still very tasty and well.....did the job. Service was excellent as well. I will definitely be going back in my future stays in LA.
(5)
Lynda T.
This is a terrific Mexican restaurant! I loved the tequila cart! Chip is a fantastic bartender, and a lot of fun. The Mescal tequila with the infused jalapeno made for an amazing Margarita - one of the best Margaritas I have ever had. Unique and wonderful! I had the fish tacos and my companion had the Chicken Belly Dancer - both were great dishes! I am spending a month in Venice Beach this summer - I will definitely be back!
(5)
Arti B.
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants I have been to. I am vegetarian, so for me it's hard to find good places, but the tortilla oup and red or green enchiladas are amazing! The margarita cart is also really good!!! The fresh tortilla that they give as a starter is amazing. You see them making the tortilla right there. They are really thin and delicious. Definitely will be going here often.
(4)
Anne P.
Used Casablanca for my friend and daughters birthday. They came on time, food was delicious, and reasonably priced. They also had contacts recommendations for bartenders. I use to use in the past taco carts which didn't show up on time, where unreliable, and had high minimum orders....... So glad I found Casablanca. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Eric J.
This is one eclectic Mexican restaurant. There's a fresh tortilla station, a roving tequila cart, and a live musician surrounded by decor honoring perhaps the greatest romance movie of all-time. The standard margarita mix is a tad on the sweet side, so it's probably best to order the "skinny" version. The $12 carne asada plate is a true bargain. You get a steak the size of Texas with rice, beans and guacamole to stuff those fresh tortillas.
(4)
Bacchus F.
Generally love this place. Made a reservation last week for my mom's birthday this coming Saturday. I called to confirm it today and they didn't have it. They took my name and phone number and said i was good to go. Not only that but now they were booked. How rude and unprofessional.
(2)
Hugo D.
Been here many times and love this place. I am only writing this review in hopes of the waiters understanding my experience. Sunday night I brought my daughter and wife in for a margarita because they are so darn good. The gentleman came around with his tequila cart and made us three wonderful margaritas. Well, when the waiter came around to take a dinner order and I told him we were just going to have drinks, he just immediately stormed off with an attitude. I was blown away. I asked for some handmade tortillas to buy and he said no. What the heck... That's what makes this place so famous is their tortillas. Anyway I just thought it was rude. I wasn't asking for anything free and I still tipped the guy $10.00 with a $33.00 dlls bill. I will still return but I was a little shocked by the treatment.
(2)
Jillian A.
This place is super yummy! Love the fresh tortillas that are handmade and brought to your table. I had the crunchy chicken tacos which were very good. We weren't drinking that night but if we were the Margarita cart looked great. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Yvette L.
Counting WW points.. so the salmon dish, or snapper Veracruzano.. is the best! take out the butter on top of rice.. enjoy a glass of champagne 3 points Totally eat your workout points with the flan... lol cant beat the price 13.99 See ya there soon!
(5)
Anika E.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I feel guilty when I think about Casablanca. All those years, spent driving up and down Lincoln, just passing this spot by. Never gave it a thought. Then, by the recommendation of a coworker, who boasted about the food, we went. First, everything is Casablanca themed. Apparently the owner loved the movie, and wanted to make a Mexican restaurant. Doesn't really mesh, but i'm not going to argue. Second, there's a woman in the middle of the dining room knocking out fresh flour tortillas. Holy moly. They serve them complimentary, with this verde cheese sauce. I'm drooling. Third, there's a margarita man that pushes a cart around and serves you margaritas!! At this point i'm thinking, should we get remarried here? The food, on top of everything, was fabulous. You MUST order the filet mignon brasero. It comes in a fun pottery with a candle underneath it, which keeps the sauce and meat hot. It's filet, with a sauce that I think is red wine, and mushrooms, and onions. It's like nothing i've ever had before. I have scoured the internet for a similar recipe. Nothing. Oh well, i must go back to Casablanca! We ordered the seafood brasero too, which is definitely on the lighter side. But, it's just not the same sauce as in the filet one. Mmm. You will thank me. Oh, and there's a TON of food. We ordered guac to start, and couldn't finish it. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Anne Marie B.
I have been going to Casablanca for more than 15 years. I go, with my husband and son, at least once per week. It is where we go for an easy, inexpensive, comfortable and yummy meal. The guacamole is great. The tortillas, made on premises in the main dining room, are my little boy's favorite (he won't eat any others). The service is friendly and warm.
(4)
Candice D.
This place has it's good & bad. A big part of me really liked it at first, I'm a sucker for a quiet lunchtime hideaway. PROS: big margaritas, fresh tortillas & salsa, quiet, charming location, good prices, small parking lot (good for Venice) CONS: the service is lacking, the staff seems intent on ignoring you, even when not busy. I like this place, but the service is just lacking. The food is ok, like I said great for the price, but when the service staff acts like they could care less and you as a customer have been nothing but kind & thankful...well it makes you feel unwelcome. PS- the fish here is NOT good. The burritos & tacos are good.
(3)
Krista K.
This is hands down the best Mexican food in LA I've had, and I'm a San Diego native... It's taken me forever to find a place comparable to SD's Mexican food. I finally found it! Incredible homemade tortillas and the best Sunday brunch spot for unlimited sangrias or mimosas AND a meal plus dessert for 14 bucks. Such a great deal considering how amazing their food is. Also I can't help but love the atmosphere here. No matter what day it is, there is always live music playing and sweet ladies making tortillas. Once you go here it will become a regular weekly outing for friends and family! Enjoy!
(5)
Christopher T.
We've been coming to Casablanca wayyyyy before Yelp.com was even a registered domain name. I feel bad never leaving a review considering how many times we've been here. It's basically one of our "go to" places for good ol' comfort food. Not talking gourmet, $$$$ food - this is when you don't feel like all that pretense you won't have trouble finding in this part of town. Let's start with the Margaritas. Next to the margaritas at Gilbert's El Indio in Santa Monica, my favorite margarita in LA is the Bogart at Casablanca - yes named after Humphrey Bogart. I personally can't stand Grand Marnier in margaritas which is why I like the Bogart - it's mixed with Cointreau. Make sure you order a pitcher of it for max $$$ savings. They've also got a full tequila bar with over 100 different labels. Can't forget the tortilla girl. She is always slaving over the fire pit in the middle of the room, hand making the unlimited tortillas that come to your table. Dip them in the cheese verde sauce that they bring with it. I don't think tortillas anywhere beat the ones at Casablanca. There is usually a guitar man playing live music most weeknights and weekends - don't forget to tip him! Friday nights they have Albondigas soup (meatballs) and Wednesday nights are cactus soup. If you opt for a salad, don't forget to try it with their famous tequila dressing. My favorite dish is the filet mignon brasero - served in a clay pot over a candle. They also specialize in different types of calamari dishes - my favorite being the "calamar tequila". They've got a great selection of burritos although I always get the "Sam" burrito. No reservations needed but if you show up on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait!
(5)
Kristy I.
Had lunch here today with the family and can't wait to go back. Margarita on the rocks... Probably the best I've had. I had one... Left with a buzz. My son loved the decor, there is lots to look at, picture frames, art hung on the ceiling. The handmade tortillas are hot, soft snd deeee-lish. Enjoy them with a little butter and their tomatillo salsa.
(5)
Jeff M.
Okay so this place is the bomb. Go here first. The unassuming location on Lincoln blvd and rather drab exterior belie a terrific dining experience. If you are coming here for the custom-fixed Margaritas from the full-serve margarita cart, or for the delectable food, this place is a special treat. We agree with the other reviewers that the hand-made tortillas and salsa that come to the table first are a wonderful starter. And we think the Margaritas are in fact outstanding. But the seafood bracero (shrimp, scallops, salmon) cooked in a tureen with veggies is exceptional, as are the calamari steak (!) entrees. Oh, and let's not forget the shrimp Veracruz. Absolutely yummy. Everything comes with a green salad with home made avocado dressing. Top it off with waiters in bow-ties and the solid Bogart memorabilia hanging on the walls, and you come away with an extremely enjoyable evening. The price is right, too- most entrees are under $20. Have fun, enjoy, and spread the word.
(5)
Kali M.
Absolutely can't beat the fresh tortillas! I could make a meal of those alone. Otherwise, the food is good but of course there's a lot of great Mexican food to be had in LA. What sets Casablanca apart is the aforementioned tortillas combined with the friendly service, which is top notch.
(4)
Jordan B.
This place seems like it should be a hole in the wall, but it's not! The food and drinks are delicious. The customer service is outstanding. I had a great time when I came here for drinks and dinner.
(5)
Eater B.
If I only had margaritas from the margarita cart and their freshly made tortillas I would be a happy lady!
(4)
Matt H.
Oh man am I a sucker for their homemade tortillas. Above the lady making the tortillas from scratch, in the middle of the restaurant, there is a sign saying 2000000 tortillas made. I'm pretty sure they stopped counting a while ago because customers devour these tortillas like crack (I've personally never had crack before but its hard to imagine that its more addictive than these tortillas). The piping hot tortillas, straight off the press, are served along side a tomatillo salsa with large pieces of avocado and small chunks of ( perhaps cojita?) cheese. To be honest I have never eaten their main menu items while even remotely hungry. I am usually too stuffed with the yummy tortillas to even think about food by the time my entree comes out. I usually take a few bites, just so people don't judge me, and then ask for a to go box. Its hard to give the entrees a fair review, because food tastes best when your hungry, but I will say that the calamari steaks, pounded out, fried and topped with either garlic sauce, wine sauce, or salsa fresca (think pico de gaillo) are probably my favorite dishes on the menu. If it were socially acceptable I'd just eat the tortillas and then leave a very hefty tip. Too bad for social norms.
(4)
Ronald C.
Terrific restaurant. You can not go wrong with any of the Fillet Mignon or Calamari dishes.
(4)
Craig W.
Shut the front door I will stay here for a while. great appetizers great food great service hand made corn tortillas oh my goodness.
(5)
Sarah F.
This was 2-star food, but I give it an extra star for the personable service and the tortillas. I got the make-your-own chicken tacos on the server's recommendation. Relatively cheap, under-seasoned, over-cooked ingredients, in substantial quantities. Incredibly boring... could barely taste anything. I was hungry, so I ate two tacos and left the rest. The hot tortillas they bring you with butter when you order are magnificent. The margarita was strong and decent. Sadly, they aren't enough to bring me back.
(3)
Lydia D.
Good food, decent portion, and the bottomless drinks were great! Went for Sunday brunch with some friends. We were seated next to the guitar player, which I was initially worried about, but his playing (excellent, btw) was soft enough that we could still talk and hear each other over it. They hand-make their tortillas in the center of the restaurant, so you can watch them being made from your table.
(4)
Brittany B.
Casablanca truly wowed me in all aspects once we walked in the door, even though I was not in the mood for Mexican food the night we went. First of all, my sister called right before we left her place to see if they could hold a table for 7 people, and they were able to do so. 30 minutes later, we arrived. A sign outside the door tells you you are leaving Los Angeles and now entering Casablanca. The decor conjures imagery of that famous Bogart/Bergman cinematic classic. We were seated at a nice, large table in the main dining area, to the sounds of live music and with the visual of the ladies making fresh flour tortillas right beside the musicians. I knew I was in for a treat. Instead of chips, the table was given two tortilla warmers full of the hot, fresh tortillas, with green salsa and butter to accompany. My mom was reminded of her grandma's fresh tortillas. The bar did not disappoint, either. The four other adults at the table got a Margarita pitcher to start, but tequila not being my friend, I went for a Mai Tai from the full bar. It was strong and tasty. After the first round, my mom, dad, husband, and sister all got drinks from the "Tequila Express" a cart that goes around and makes you a custom drink. Hubby and Dad especially enjoyed the Jalapeno Tequila. The tender of the Tequila Express really knew his tequila and made excellent, strong drinks. He even brought my dad a complimentary sample of some amazingly smooth specialty tequila. As for the food: it did not disappoint! Mom and I got a "Play it Again, Carlos", which was a filet mignon served with XX Equis/mushroom sauce (delicious). The price was unbelievable at $17.95 for a HUGE cut of perfectly-cooked, medium rare filet that rivals some of the best I've eaten. Dad got a slightly different filet dish, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Hubby got the Calamari Acapulco and Sis got another fish dish; both enjoyed their food. No kiddie menu, but my oldest loved his Sam's Burrito, a burrito ahogada with shredded beef that re-heated beautifully the day after. Even though it's not on the menu, my 6-year old was able to order a quesadilla, which was huge. The quality of the food and the selection of top-notch meat dishes really set this place apart from other Mexican restaurants. And the rice topped with a dollop of roasted garlic certainly does not hurt. As for service, our waiter was friendly and super-on-top-of-it; and the tequila server was a class-act. I will return and tell my friends about this fabulous place!
(5)
Jill B.
amazing tortillas and the best fish tacos. Lots of food & great prices. They have music on the weekends as well. great spot for mexican
(5)
Angela C.
Their handmade tortillas are to die for. They are so addicting. They're free and you can ask for as many as you want and it comes with salsa. I got the carne asada grande burrito Which is actually like a giant wet burrito cause it's topped with red sauce. It was pretty good but I couldn't finish it since it was so big! Awesome and genuine service. since my boyfriend told the host it was my birthday they even gave us cheesecake at the end with a happy birthday song played on the guitar and sung by one of the musicians playing last night! Would definitely come back when I'm back in Venice and craving Mexican food :) next time I wanna try the margaritas!
(4)
Lynda L.
Brunch with the girls, not typically a place for us but it was a recommendation so we gave it a try. A- : Calamar Mojo de Ajo - I love the fresh garlic they used, lightly breaded, calamari texture was kind of like chicken but it was tasty. It's not a real heavy sauce so you don't feel all bloated eating it. B- : Cadillac Margartia - Boy that was a strong drink, so strong that I couldn't even finish, now that is really saying something. I mean if I was looking for a after party mode, this drink would totally offset it but it was 12PM so I wasn't ready for it. A+ : Tortillas - freshly made, so warm and tasty. I also like the green salsa that came with it, it had a lemon taste to it and there was chucks of cheese I think. F : Fajitas - I tried one of my gf's beef fajita, it was tough! and it was covered in this red oil, it reminded me of an asian stir fry dish. VERY oily. C : Sangria - it was too sweet for my taste, if only I had the combination between the sangria and Cadillac Margarita, would have been perfect D : Ambiance - Even though the food was delicious, I really didn't care for the restaurant, kind of damp and depressing. Not really my preference for brunch. I may be back here with the bf since he loves Mexican food but not for brunch.
(4)
Jason S.
Meh. Great tortillas and salsa. Chips bit stale. Service average at best. Poblano chkn burrito good flavor but sauce watery and chicken tough. Guacamole must be bought and not fresh, also bland. Decor dated, doubtful about the sanitation; few flies including one in my water glass, table dirty, menus dirty. Looks like it's in a state of neglect. Has hoped for more but will stick with la cabana across the street. Disappointing.
(2)
Justine E.
I wish I could give this 5 stars, I really do. Fresh tortillas??! I was in love before I even ordered, but I will say the service is less than attentive. I waited a full hour for my meal, which my friend and I were splitting. Luckily we were engaged in conversation so we weren't getting impatient about it, but you'd think someone would apologize or acknowledge the hour long wait for a plate of fish tacos. Now about the food, the halibut fish tacos and the homemade tortillas. No disappointment whatsoever. The taco plate was a good size and plenty to share if you aren't super hungry. It made 4 fish tacos all together and was served like fajitas where the ingredients were separated and you put them together yourself. Also the prices are reasonable which seems rare these days for restaurants in Venice. An added bonus was the spanish guitar who played throughout the evening. It's a shame about the service because I feel this is a common mistake of restaurants that get really popular. Regardless, I will be back, mexican cuisine is hands down my favorite and you can't deny the delicious food they serve here.
(4)
Dan K.
A friend told me about Casablanca and though I'd seen it many times I'd never been. Somehow I always ended up across the street at La Cabana, but after trying Casablanca it will be hard to decide from now on. I really like Casablanca. I mean, really like it. Have only been for lunch, but liked it so much the first time I came back for another try. Casablanca was great both times. Attentive service with a smile, great fresh hand made tortillas and the most amazing green salsa with avocado chunks. Most entrees are less than $10 and the food is GOOD! I'll definitely go back. Quite yummy indeed.
(5)
Narek M.
Though it is pretty authentic, I've had much better Mexican food in Los Angeles. Especially for a sit down place I expected a bit more for sure! The food is pretty good, but there is also a lot more room for improvement. One thing I liked is that instead of chips and salsa they had handmade, fresh flour tortillas offered with their house salsa verde...but at a Mexican restaurant I also like having the option of tortilla chips and salsa as well. The burritos and the entree plates are filling and their margaritas are very good as well! The service could have been a bit better, we had an extremely confused waiter who kept thinking we ordered soup and would ask us periodically who's soup that soup in his hand was and we had no answer haha. They have their own lot which is nice, but parking is fairly easy in the neighborhood. Worth a shot if you're craving Mexican food, although there is a place that looks good across the street as well.
(3)
Stephanie L.
The main reason to come here? The fresh made tortillas!! I seriously order guacamole and just eat that with the tortillas all night long. This guy also pushes around a cart full of different drink mixers for those who would like to have a margarita or some other tasty beverage. Tons of parking in the lot behind the restaurant. I want those tortillas nowwwwww.
(4)
davo w.
Tequila and tortillas do not make a place 'mexican'. What we tried was good quality, but in no way tasted like mexican food. Carne asada came out more like a french dish with mushrooms and wine sauce (even though it was tequila). Fish soup had good fish and veggies, but again, it wasn't mexican in any way I could discern. Pretty small inside, and therefore crowded and noisy on the weekends. And now you know what to expect.
(4)
Curtis M.
I love the food here and it's a great location...but why wouldn't they open their patio...I'd dine here way more often if they opened it...their missing out on so much money
(4)
Chelsea G.
The tequila cart!?! Amazing!! Food? Excellent!
(5)
Jason B.
Before I get into anything about the food, I gotta say something. Casablanca is named after the movie. There are references and posters of the movie everywhere. The men's restroom is Humphrey Bogarts instead of Men. Its decorated much like a something from Casablanca. Its Casablanca EVERYWHERE, yet they serve some pretty fantastic Mexican food? Last time I checked, Morocco was not anywhere near Mexico. Hell, I would shocked if you could get descent Mexican food anywhere on the continent of Africa. So its kinda confusing. With that said.... Casablanca is excellent. Some great Mexican food. The fresh warm tortillas they give you instead of the normal chips are so good. You can sit there all day and eat those instead of a meal. Even better with butter and some of that salsa verde they give. I had the Birria Burrito. The flavors were so good. Also loved the beans. The rice was a little weird to me. It wasnt bad, but I wasnt a huge fan. So far, its some of the best Mexican food ive had on the Westside. Plus the restaurants identity crisis/obsession with the movie makes it even more fun. I recommend it.
(4)
Emily B.
OMG. WHERE has Casablanca BEEN all my life?!??!? I'll start off by saying, no, it's not the perfect dining experience. It's a little weird to pass by a sign on the door saying "You are now leaving Santa Monica and entering Morocco", when you're expecting Mexican food. The interior is definitely old feeling. Not every single entree we had was a total hit. But none of that matters. None of it matters because I was too full before the entrees even came to care. We enter, like I said, a little weirded out, but we sit down and a margarita cart practically zooooms over to our table. None of us were in the mood for margaritas, but the cart did pass by once more just to be sure. Fresh made, right in front of you! We'll definitely be back to try them. Then after no more than a minute, a waiter comes by to drop off a tortilla warmer and a bowl of green salsa. I somehow missed the wonderful lady over in the corner when we walked in, so I was shocked when we lifted the lid to find steaming hot, literally off-the-griddle-seconds-ago flour tortillas. I hate corn tortillas (scandal!) so I couldn't believe my luck, since LA seems to only favor corn tortillas. I dug in and could not stop the obnoxious excited noises. My BF liked the green salsa, I thought it was okay, but preferred the butter instead. Until the guacamole came out. Restaurant guacamole is always either from a can or sloppily made, but this guac was perfection. The perfect balance of acid, salt and creaminess. At this point, I'd already packed away three giant tortillas, but then our salads came out and I fell in love with the avocado salad dressing. So I was quickly filling up on tortillas and salad and THEN they put out great tortilla chips and some fantastic hot salsa. I started chowing down on those, too, basically double fisting tortillas and chips, fighting the BF's family for salsa and guacomole. Well crap. I forgot about dinner. By the time our entrees came out, I couldn't even move already. I tried to eat one of the fish tacos, but I just couldn't even enjoy it because I was so full. Granted, there were some things I would've changed about it --the chipotle white sauce it came with wasn't to my liking at all, and the fish was a bit tough--but I'd still enjoy it on a normal basis. My BF's garlic butter baked salmon was really delicious, but then I'm a sucker for anything garlicked and buttered. In the end, I took home a box of leftovers from the fish tacos....and a whole box of tortillas. I'm sorry, I had to. I didn't realize I was in for such a tortilla experience, so I didn't have any cash to tip the tortilla lady, but I'll be sure to stuff her jar full of money next time!
(5)
Kyle O.
If it weren't for their tortillas this place would get one star. Dingy, dirty, shady, bad location, old and outdated, and some really bad food. But then there are the tortillas, fresh, homemade goodness! Good salsa green and red, just keep the tortillas and margaritas coming!
(3)
Mrs. M.
Crappy service for sure, the chicken burrito w some mole sauce was tasteless for sure. They had great tortillas and ok salsa. Must be more of a bar place. They also took foreverrrr to bring the tab.
(1)
Effie E.
It deserves 6 stars!! Ceviche to die for fajitas amazing!! The guy that goes around making margies is amazing!! Great service! Best Mexican place in the area!!
(5)
Amber H.
Casa blanca from the outside I was a little worried that my husband suggested this place but I'm always open. We walked inside and it's decorated just like the movie. I was reminded of this movie because I know it's Hugh Heffners favorite. They started us of with tortillas and green dip that made me very happy! I would come back just for the tortillas alone. The menu has lots of options, I asked the server what is popular dish here. He told the calamar steak. That's what I ordered. I was very confused when he put down something that wasn't steak. I cut into it, a little nerves and after one bite I realised it was calamari my favorite! My dish the Calamari Mojo De Ajo had this yummy white garlic sauce on top! A side or rice with white sauce and mixed vegetables that were seasoned really well. A delicious dish and a large portion. My husband got the Sam burrito which he enjoyed. We came here for lunch and the prices were good. Great customer service, great food I am definitely a big fan of Casa Blanca.
(5)
Wendy R.
This place is incredible. I will be here every Sunday for brunch from now on. So much food for just $13.99 and bottomless drinks.
(5)
Anne Marie B.
I had my 11th Birthday party here, because yes I was just that cool as a kid. My parents and I had been going to Casablanca since as far back as I can remember, but when I left for college and the parentals moved to the OC, we hadn't been able to make it back since 2004. There is just something about this place. The movie nostalgia, the food that isn't quite in line with the theme, but delicious nonetheless, the wooden parrots adorning the ceilings, the live music on occasion, the freshly made tortillas, and the friendliness of the staff always makes for an enjoyable meal. They specialize in their calamari steaks, so if you're a fan, you can't go wrong with those. As a kid I loved the Mexican pasta. But really, anything on the menu is hearty and tasty. I especially love the green salsa that comes out with the tortillas filled with chunks of queso and avocado. And those fresh flour tortillas really are divine. It's nothing like what you get at the supermarket. So make a little trip down Lincoln for this eclectic spot with the feel of Morocco but south of the border tastes.
(5)
Martin M.
Homemadr flour tortias best service . And gota get the long island. Brst in town Best mexican food ever
(5)
Jon L.
Incredibly rich, incredibly heavy, incredibly good sit-down Mexican. The tortillas alone are worth the trip, but I also recommend the Chile Colorado (beef) Oasis burrito, which comes with delicious rice and refried beans.
(4)
Cynthia L.
My boyfriend and I went to Casablanca Saturday night for dinner. We shared the trout and beef fajitas. They were good but we really loved the tortillas that they gave us when we first sat down. This is a very loud and very funrestaurant. If you are hoping to have an intimate dialog with someone, I suggest not going here on a Saturday night.
(4)
Charles H.
Is it just me, or are you also at a loss for ideas when the topic turns to Sunday Brunch? I sure am, but thanks to Casablanca, the options have gotten much better and the choices easier. Not sure what I can add with review #219, but I'll tell you that I've been coming here on and off for dinner since the late '90s. I've never considered it for brunch until yesterday...I didn't know if they were open for lunch! We just walked in yesterday, sat down, and were pleasantly surprised. Live music. Professional waiters working smoothly as a team. Brunch menu offered. Three courses including bottomless Bloody Marys, "champagne" (J. Roget) mimosas or sangria: $14...whaaat?!?! You can't afford to eat anywhere else at that price! Can I get you a Bloody Mary? Yes please. Would you like a refill? Yes please. And so it went. First course: lovely fruit salad with papaya...sweet! Main course: Seafood Pasta Omelette. This sounds completely random, but it was delicious, and a generous portion with a great ranchera sauce on top. I might just get it again next time, or explore one of their signature calamari options. I believe that there are 3 on the brunch menu, along with a very nice salmon portion. This place is known for its seafood, after all. Finished up with a perfect small slice of flan. So stuffed that I just had a small salad for dinner at home at 8:00. I'm definitely adding this near to the top of my go-to brunch options...you should too! Perhaps I'll make a brunch list?
(5)
Crystal R.
Love this place: love the theme, love the food, love the service! My family and I came here for my birthday dinner (its my favorite place.) My mom loves the tortillas here and I love the Calamari tequila plate. If I could eat here all the time I definitely would.
(5)
Julie K.
The make your own taco is interesting, but not exactly what I wanted. I wanted a hard shell... And the waiters kept coming back saying it will take too long to make the hard shel. LOL. (They sent me soft tortillas, even though I asked for hard shelled) So I know not to order that again. The beans and rice are just ok. Everyone else enjoyed their hard shelled taco's, because they ordered hard shelled tacos and not make your own taco....... LOL. Oh well... Strawberry marg was ok. . Nothing amazingly special about this place. There are better spots for Mexican food.
(2)
Tam D.
After reading all the reviews decided to go on New Year Day. Upon driving into the parking lot saw one of the cooks smoking and adjusting his private with the rubber gloves on used to prepare food. I'm sure after smoking he used those same gloves to cook with. How disgusting....too bad I really wanted to try this place.
(1)
Nic J.
I LOVE Casablanca's brunch. The price is awesome for all of the food you get. First off, bottomless alcoholic drinks. Unheard of!!! And the sangria is very tasty. :) Then you get a fruit appetizer, a big heaping entree, endless hand-made flour tortillas and flan dessert. Frankly, I can't ever finish everything! The servers are fast and polite, the music is beautiful and the food is excellent. Plus, the place offers loads to look at, lots of paintings and memorabilia. What more could you want?! I'll be there with friends this Sunday!
(5)
Christine Y.
In no way shape or form does the outside reflect the inside...it looks pretty unappealing driving past. Once you get inside though...its a totally different story. Sure...it's not super nice inside, instead it has the charm of a cluttered movie maniac with the smell of fresh tortillas being made in the small place. Fresh flour and corn tortillas...just magical. If it wasn't for some friends of mine who have loved coming to Casablanca for years, I would have continued to drive past, intrigued by the name, but never quite venturing inside. The inside is basically all dedicated to movies. Makes sense right because of the name? During the day (I came for lunch) the place is lit from the sunlight streaming through the windows. We couldn't help but notice the lovely entirely off perspective mural painting on the wall to the right as you walk in. We were also seated next to it and had plenty of time to ponder over it. They have large sunken booths along the wall and tables in the middle. The tortilla ladies are doing their thing on the other side of the room from the windows. It can be pretty dim away from the windows. Service was pleasant and fast. I had arrived late and my friends had already ordered, but the server promptly comes over to give me a menu and to take my order. The food comes out pretty quickly and mine didn't come out too long after theirs. Much appreciated:P Then again, I would not have minded just eating tortillas anyways. FLOUR TORTILLAS I'm a flour tortilla girl so I have no idea what the corn tortillas taste like. First off...I love fresh tortillas!!! I love it even more when its served to your table in an endless supply in place of chips! These are piping hot tortillas, soft and just delicious. Dip into the salsa or butter it up. Either way...I could have gone on eating tortillas. FISH TACOS I tried to order as quickly as possible so I would not hold up the group and just went for the fish tacos. Didn't expect them to be great, but they were! I was surprised when they came out with the tacos with all the ingredients separated! Everything I could ever want in my fish taco was all arranged nicely in little bowls and then the fish itself was nicely battered and crispy...but not too heavy. Yum yum...it was goooodd. Very pleasantly surprised! I like how they went to all the trouble of letting you do it yourself so you can get it to how you like it. Poor dishwasher though...all those tiny little bowls. Casablanca, you've definitely won me over. I'm charmed by the eclectic decor and the food is good too!
(4)
Joan P.
The food is authentic, fresh, and delicious. Their fish tacos may be some of the best I've ever had. The service is good and the atmosphere is very "family."
(5)
Christine S.
Place feels like home! :) Great margaritas from Juan! Food service can be a tad too fast at times though but definitely generous portions. Fresh tortillas being made in front of your eyes is the BEST to pair with a bogart margarita!
(4)
James J.
This has to be one of Los Angeles' best restaurants of any style of cuisine. When asked to go I was being a typical Hollywood guy thinking "this better be good if I'm going all the way to Venice on a Friday night". AND IT WAS! The whole restaurant is a spectical from the amazing tortilla makers to the bars on wheels. I am telling you - great atmosphere, great food, great drinks, and great prices. I can't wait to go back. The biggest thing I like about this place is that it is not understaffed. They are equipped to handle your dining experience. This should be a lesson to all restaurants. A guest should never have to look for help, ever. And here you are surrounded by the best staff ever!!
(5)
Jean-Luc M.
how can this place be a 4 star? the service wasn't terrible, no options provided, nothing. they are not even able to give tacos which we could fill in. I really hope this is a first and last - the plates in which we were served food weren't cleaned!!! They were used plates...I really cannot believe how can a restaurant continue in such conditions! The food was really terrible, we ordered a guacamole which apparently was prepared a few days ago (one of the waiter himself said so!)
(1)
Summer B.
My parents had been raving about this place but I had been so set on La Cabana across the street that I went kicking and screaming.. Boy was I glad they convinced us to try it. They took my fiance and I out for his birthday dinner. The tortillas were AMAZING! So fresh and delicious. My fiance and I split the Carne Asada and The Filet Mignon Brasero. He got the salad with the avacado salsa (which was really tasty) and I got the tortilla soup which I really enjoyed. It had more of a black bean flavor than your typical tortilla soup but I enjoyed the unique flavor. My only gripe was that the carne asada was a bit too cooked for me but I also like my meat on the rare side so that might have been me. However the Filet Mignon Brasero was to die for. It had the best flavor I didnt want the meal to end! My parents liked the flavor of it so much that they were even taking the sauce from it and putting it on their rice. To top it all of they had a live guitarist playing great music during our meal. The service was excellent as well. To be honest, it won me over. I would choose to go to Casablanca over La Cabana any day now. I can't wait to go back for the Fresh tortillas and Filet Brasero!
(5)
Ks J.
Tortillas are great! Food is ok. Ordered cheese enchilada and chile relleno combo. Beans were dried out. From the reviews, seems like fish is the best bet. I ordered a margarita which was just ok.
(3)
Aislinn V.
Great place. went there today for my bday brunch and loved it. good was good and so were the drinks.
(5)
B L.
Location is just ok and the outside of the building look a little rundown. The second you open the door.. wow.. it looked like you are in the movie set of the movie Casablanca. This is not a typical mexican restaurant as you won't find any burrito or taco. they specialize in a lot of seafood and if you have never had calamari for dinner before, this is the place to try it. Don't forget their freshly made flour tortillas with green salsa.. yumm.... Also, this is a really good place to go for Valentine dinner as their pri-fix menu are really good. Don't forget that you get to get a parting gift at the end of the valentine's day meal which is a bottle of mini champagne bottle with your name and your girlfriend/Wife's name on it..
(5)
Andrew T.
Got take out. Enchiladas and a steak burrito . Poor quality food, was probably one of the worst Mexican eateries I've had. would Not go back..
(3)
Nova P.
I don't know why it's taken so long for me to try this place out... definitely a winner. I ended up going two weeks in a row. From homemade fresh tortillas, tasty seafood, old school ambiance, and nice live music on weekend evenings I was sold. I am a fan of both their beef and chicken crunchy tacos. Nice they give you the option of refried or black beans in some of the meal combos. I recommend if you order a meal, get a salad and try the avocado dressing. The salmon my friend ordered was fresh and flavorful. They have dishes with Dos Equis that look interesting. Both times there was a wait, but it was worth it... and a drink at the bar helps :) You'll find the bathrooms labeled with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, very appropriate.
(4)
E C.
Yum! The tortillas are so good! While I couldn't have a margarita, my husband and friends did and loved them. The margarita cart is a nice touch! Our food was great. While my husband and I opted for enchiladas, our friends both ordered the calamari and raved about it. Service was good, too!
(5)
Mei C.
They make their own tortillas in the house! they have this cute little lady working the tortillas in the middle of the restaurant and there's always another lady singing live! I heard it's like a family oriented restaurant and everyone that works there is all related. They also have the tequila kart come by and the server makes you margaritas as you like them. Since I don't drink much, I told him to make mine on the light side and he surely did! :) The food here is good also. Instead of chips and salsa, they give you tortillas and salsa. The salsa has queso fresco in it and the sauce is green. It's good!!! I could just go for the tortillas and the margaritas alone. :) The food, however - not a big deal. Nothing special and price is a bit high for what you get.
(3)
David G.
Place feels old and kind of dingy. We went on a Sunday mid day and it was a ghost town. I had the asada which wasn't too bad, far cry from awesome. My wife's chicken was much less appealing. Pretty mediocre.
(3)
Stella B.
I really wanted to like this place. I was here about 15 years ago and the food was no bueno. I decided to give it another shot as we couldn't come up with a place to go for Mexican food that evening. No ones brain was working after a very long week. We walked in and I thought to myself that the ambiance was really great. We were brought warm tortillas with butter and salsa which I thought was pretty nice. Then we ordered dinner and I asked for an order of guacamole. They brought the dinner salads which were great. Mixed lettuce with tangerines and jicama. Very good and I thought to myself I really am glad we are giving this place another try. A gentlemen came by with a tequila cart which seemed appetizing as well but we didn't order from it but I thought it was a nice touch. Everything went downhill from there. Maybe it was because we didn't order drinks so they decided to punish us with bad food. Maybe I am just spoiled because most places are making their guacamole very fresh these days. However, the guac at Casablanca is just bad. It had clearly been pre-made and the fridge must have been on below zero because it was colder than my drink. There was a red sauce on top that was pretty nasty and then cheese??? Yuck! The chips tasted stale as well. Dinner was not much better. I ordered the shrimp de mojo de ajo and it was terrible! The shrimp seemed like they were not cooked all the way. I couldn't eat it. The rice was ok and I asked for beans instead of veggies which were ok. The staff was really nice and concerned that I didn't like my shrimp and offered to remove it from the bill which we thanked them for. As a last ditch effort we decided to order desert. We had a choice of cheesecake or flan. We went with the flan. Honestly, the flan at El Pollo Loco is better. The flan was just too heavy it seemed more like a flan cheesecake. Anyway, everyone was very nice and like I said ambiance was good but I was once again disappointed in the food. This might be a good place to go for drinks. Sorry Casablanca I really tried to give you an honest second chance.
(2)
Malcolm S.
I'm torn over this place as it is a Venice institution. Who can beat Bogart and Bergman soak up each others' deep dark melancholy eyes...? However there were food stains on the menus. But to boot there was a mobile tequila cart with a very knowledgeable chap as a bartender and the food was tasty. Food: Shrimp Ceviche Tostada, Trout Mariscos, Seafood Enchiladas and Pescado Veracruz. Drink: Various Margaritas - well made and served stiff (Strong for those in the know). Tip: Do NOT forget to eat the homemade tortillas (made by the cute granny) and salsa as an appetizer - probably the highlight of the whole evening!
(3)
Sarah B.
Favorite restaurant in the world. Great hot home-made flour tortillas. I love the pre-dinner salads, the enchilada. Their margarita mix is unreal. But my favorite dish is the Play-it-Again, Carlos. It's a thick steak in mushroom sauce. Comes with rice and beans. It's not on the menu but you can substitute either with a medley of great vegetables. Enjoy the career wait staff and bar tenders along with the Casablanca kitsch collection.
(5)
Bing H.
Ambiance: *Very low key Food: *The Tortillas, no joke, are amazing! Best tortillas I've ever had in my life. I sat right next to the ladies who were making them in a brick oven. *The Carne Asada Tacos were good, but the meat was drenched in melted cheese. Next time I would ask for no cheese with my meat.
(4)
Alicia G.
I was sooo confused walking in here! Having been to the actual city of Casablanca..in Morocco...Africa, I didn't understand the connection, but apparently the owner likes the movie? Okay... So anyway, the hot tortillas were really good, I thought it was roti, thinking it was some kind of Mexi-Afro-Asian fusion kind of deal, but no. I order the melted white cheese to start and guess what, it was a dish of cheese...Yeah I guess I could have saved myself for that one, right? Next came the calamari, which I'm pretty sure on the menu says just calamari...wait "World Famous Calamari"....what it doesn't say in the various variations of the calamari is that it's a calamari steak...yeah, wouldn't have ordered it. My was seasoned with butter and garlic. My mouth is tingling just thinking of it. It also came with rice and veggies. Good thing because that bad boy was soaked in butter. Butter, butter butter! I couldn't finish it all and my face was super shiny after we left because I couldn't handle the butter overload. It looks like a fun place to kick back and drink...maybe I was being too serious with things and was so confused about the theme of the restaurant versus the actual food that my head was spinning...then add on the butter and it was swimming.
(3)
Derick S.
Casablanca, It's a fun place to meet up friends and grab a drink, I keep trying to love this place, been back around 10 times, tried different plates and never really found that plate I crave. The service is good, prices are a bit high, The benches are a bit sticky and nasty. (I'm a bit of a germaphobe when I'm eating)
(3)
Heather S.
Food was decent and that's about it. My friend and I recently went there for dinner a couple of weekends ago (the place was nearly empty) and were not impressed. The warm, fresh tortillas were perhaps the highlight. We ordered the melted cheese for an appetizer and the cheese was thick and rubbery, not gooey and chip-friendly. It ended up being a graveyard of broken chips and every time we took another scoop hoping it'd be better, it just wasn't. I ordered the chicken tacos which were fine. My friend wanted a meat-less burrito (or enchilada). When she said "no meat" to the waiter, he looked at her like she had horns coming out of her head. She basically had to improvise and say what she DID want (all the fixings, veggies, cheese, etc. - just no chicken or beef). Again, he questioned this. This is L.A., vegetarians (and even vegans) everywhere. This can't be the first time he's heard this. Towards the end of the meal, they asked if I wanted a refill on my coke. Sure, I said. Well, they took my glass away to refill it (isn't that against health code?) and I saw the waiter go to the bar to get it refilled. Meanwhile, he was enjoying himself chatting it up with the bartender, while I, meanwhile had hot, greasy, salty food to wash down without an ounce of liquid. Our actual waiter came up to check in on us (first time and we were bites away from being done) and I told him I was waiting for my coke. He went to the bar, talked to the other guy and came back (empty handed) saying they had to change out the syrup. Fine, but don't come back empty handed you fool. Water? Do I have to ask? Apparently so. I cheated on my favorite Mexican Restaurant (Paco's Tacos) and paid the price. I'm sorry Paco's, I will never cheat again.
(1)
Michael W.
It was cool coming here. I hadn't been here in a while and as I was driving past I said to myself that I should come back here for dinner with my wife. The ambiance here is really nice, calm and romantic. They always have live music and the lighting seems perfect. They have nice and comfortable booths to sit in. Can I say that the fresh flour tortillas with salsa that they complementary bring to the table is totally awesome. Beware, and don't fill up on this, as I probably did the last time I came here. The service here is always pretty good. The time in which it takes for the food to come out is on the longer side, but that is probably because they have a lot of people to serve. As far as the food goes, it is pretty solid. I cant say that its the best, but overall its pretty good. To me the things that really make this place stand out is the Casablanca movie theme that they have, the fresh hand made tortillas and salsa that they serve, the cool live music that they play, and the chill romantic ambiance that they have.
(4)
Joel A.
The Tortillas where so delicious my favorite where the Chilies Rellenos!! Try to go on a weekday since the weekends can get crowd it.
(5)
Christine T.
I wanted to like this place because they have handmade tortillas, but they are made with beef lard. I don't eat beef. It's a good thing I asked...but that was why I went there, to try the tortillas. I was already disappointed. The Sunday Brunch is a limited menu of 15 items. You choose one entree, you get a drink (including free refills on sangria and champagne) and a small piece of flan for dessert for $13. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. It was supposed to be topped with a salsa made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and Jack Cheese. The salsa was more like a little bit of watery warm tomato soup on eggs topped with cheese. I didn't see one piece of tomato in it. Maybe it cooked down? But to me, salsa is fresh, chunky. Everything on my plate had cheese on it. The rice had cheese on it. The beans had cheese.\ on it. And the eggs were completely covered in melted cheese. I like cheese, but if everything has to be covered in cheese for flavor, I'm a little suspicious. This might have been a good Mexican place when I first moved to California, before I knew GOOD mexican food. This isn't Mexican. It isn't California Mexican. It's more like Mexican cooked by someone who never had Mexican food before. I don't even have a good analogy for it. It's edible, but nothing about it tasted Mexican. There are so many good Mexican places in LA, I'm surprised Casablanca stays in business, but maybe it's the free beef fat tortillas.
(1)
Maia D.
Okay. Apparently fusion is popular in LA so I won't sart this review like a hater. A hater that talks about the fact that Casablanca is an Italian/Mexican restaurant. Im just going to say this. When I go out for Mexican, I want straight up MEXICAN. Not cut with anything. No chiles rellenos AND pasta primavera. No carne asada AND fried calamari. Am I unreasonable?
(2)
Imran K.
Had Mexican food catered at a office in Torrance. There were about 20 people and the delivery was made by Ricardo who looks like a movie star. The best thing is that Casablanca delivers drinks with the food. They set up the table , put a disposable tablecloth and then place the food on the table. This was amazing and the chicken fajita , the cheese tamales, the chicken chimichangas were delicious. They had whole wheat tortillas, though I like their corn tortillas better. The food was awesome. We all had a great time.
(4)
Cat M.
I dont drink... which everyone goes for the margaritas..... i go for the tortillas!!!!!! They are the best homemade ones i have ever had! I go just to eat them with my meal
(5)
Sean C.
Fun themed restaurant with Casablanca movie memorabilia and great Mexican food. I liked that instead of chips and salsa they serve warm tortillas made in the center of the dining room while you watch, along with a green chile sauce with cotija cheese. The tequila cart was also great and actually makes better margaritas than the bar, and for some reason cheaper. The food was great. I had the carne asada combination with a cheese enchilada. The carne was a nice portion and cooked perfectly, so it did not taste like an old shoe. The enchilada was also very good. There was too much food and I couldn't finish everything. The service was also excellent. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Amiee H.
Food: 1) complimentary homemade tortillas: Really soft and super fresh! It was like a round, doughy, flat bread of chewy goodness! Really worth coming here just to try the fresh, homemade tortillas! 2) Seafood enchiladas (comes with beans and rice): I'm pretty sure they make the enchiladas, sprinkle cheese on top and then pop it back in the oven. I like the concept, but it was poorly executed. I was not crazy about the type of cheese they used, it didn't really compliment the taste of the seafood enchiladas. It was almost a little too strong and detracted from the dish. The seafood comprised of small shrimp and crab. I'm pretty sure the small shrimp was frozen and it almost tasted like it was borderline going bad. The crab was good but it was overpowered by the shrimp and the cheese. I wasn't crazy about this dish. The rice had a special "white sauce" on top of it that made it heavier and creamier. The beans were ok. Service: Difficult to get their attention and once we did get their attention and asked for something, they seemed kinda annoyed.... Ambiance: Dim with a moderate amount of noise. Just because it's dimmer, it seems more like an intimate/date type of restaurant, but there were big tables for families and group gatherings. Price: Taking into consideration the food quality, I'd say it was kinda expensive for Mexican food. Overall: I'd perhaps come back for the tortillas, but I wasn't crazy about my main dish.
(3)
Teri B.
Nice little place with SUPER yummy fresh made tortillas. The salsa verde was great too - very garlic-y. I had the chile relleno and enchilada which were both delish but not very spicy. I got some red salsa though that helped get some heat into the dish. The rice and beans were good too but way too much cheese (I know, there's never too much cheese - right?). The staff were excellent - always right there when you needed them and loved the margarita cart that came along. Nice touch. The ambiance was fun and campy - looks like you are right there on the movie set of Casabanca. Funny having a Moroccan theme serving Mexican food but somehow it all works! Would have given 5 stars but found the food a tad on the bland side (except the tortillas). Maybe they cater to more of a touristy crowd so they tone down the spice level. Still a great place!
(4)
Tim B.
I know I'm pretty liberal with stars (if a place sucks, I don't bother writing about it), but this one lives up to the four star rating I've given it- probably more like 4 1/2 all things considered. It's simply one of those restaurants that has gives exact attention to all the details and does it in a casual and fun-loving way. The decor is fantastic and cheesy, with beautifully detailed murals of scenes from the movie Casablanca (thus the name, duh), a crazy Bogey mannequin in a glass booth by the bar and framed autographs and letters from everyone in the movie. A letter from Claude Rains on his stationary? You can't fade that shizz. The live spanish-style guitarist was backed by a yacht-rock smooth prerecorded jam which whisked me away to some Love Boat episode, some local thespians hung out for the happy hour speaking in theater code, and I sat watching the tortilla woman make delicious wheat and corn tortillas all night long- she was so good she had a tip jar by her oven! I was there with in-laws, so went with the fish tacos that was on the lower end of the menu at $13.99. It comes with the deep-fried hallibut, homemade pico de gallo, cabbage, salsa, and of course, those heavenly tortillas. Nothing fancy, just fresh, quality food. Gotta talk about the Margs, because they were knock-you-on-your-keister strong, and a dude in a little pushcart came table to table to serve them up. Watch out!! They push them hard, and if you have more than one you might be stumbling out the door. Overall, a harmonic convergence of taste, sight, sound and smell that made for a singular and exemplary culinary experience.
(4)
Ali W.
Oh my god, the tortillas! Absolutely amazing and worth the trip, served with cheese. You can watch them be made too. Chips and salsa are available upon request though. The queso fundido was really good and so were cheese enchiladas when I got them. The people I was with seemed very please with their entrees involving meat as well.
(4)
Joan L.
Cute interior, kinda kitschy (not a bad thing) Casablanca theme. Food was pretty mediocre Mexican food. Not terrible but not great either. The fish (snapper) tasted like frozen fish not fresh fish (not necessarily bad but not the best either). It's cool that they make the tortillas in house but they're not the best fresh tortillas I've ever had so they don't win too many points for it from me. Price is a bit much for what you're getting
(2)
David P.
My wife and I were introduced to Casablanca over 20 years ago by her parents, when we first got married. They raved about the food and "tortilla's" and they were right! We live in Orange Co. now and haven't been back for quite a while. It was my wife's birthday, so we decided to make the trip for this special occasion. I decided to check Yelp to check the menu and the recent reviews. I was shocked by the 1 star reviews, complaining about the lighting, poor service, wait time for service, long wait time for food and poor food quality. These negative reviews concerned me, but they proved to be very "erroneous". My wife and I arrived at about 7:15pm and it was very busy. That wait would be about 15min. We went to the bar and had drinks. In about 12 mins we were told our table was ready. We were taken to a nice booth and the restaurant area was "well lighted". I quietly told the host that it was my wife's B-day. We were only seated for a couple of minutes when a waiter brought us their great salsa verde and hot tortillas. We no sooner started eating our hot tortillas when our waiter was there to take our order. We weren't ready to order yet, so he just said to take our time. When we made our dinner choices, I caught his eye and he came right over and took our order. My wife got the Calamari natural and I got the carne asada with the cheese enchilada. While we waited, the waiter constantly checked tortilla bowl and brought us more hot tortillas if we were out. Our food was excellent. My wife's calamari was tender and very flavorful. My carne asada was tender and very flavorful, and the enchilada was very good. After clearing away our dishes, the waiter surprised my wife with a "delicious" slice of cheese cake & candle, while the guitar player sang happy birthday. It was a memorable experience for my wife and I thank the staff at Casablanca for their great service and good food!
(5)
Kendra F.
BUGS!!!!! I went during the lunch hour and after I had finished eating I saw a one bug that appeared to look like a termite. Then there was another crawling across the table. I went with a couple friends of mine and as we got up 2 bugs were crawling on me. Sooo I don't think I will be returning. Food wise, it was ok. I enjoyed the handmade tortillas as well as the green salsa.
(1)
M H.
Quesadillas that even my Mexican wife said were AMAZING!... I had the fajitas which were great, guac was incredible, rice & beans were also great... what you cant beat is the price, all you can drink during brunch (11-3)!!! plus they serve a small piece of flan. Live music, all you can drink sangria, champagne, bloody marys, etc... How can you beat that? Only complaint was the service, our waiter was not the friendliest, kinda didnt care about taking our orders in a timely matter.
(4)
Tahira S.
Things you need to know: 1. This is a Bogart-lover's paradise. 2. Bogart + Mexican food. 3. Tortillas and margaritas made in front of you. 4. There is a free parking lot in the back! 5. Did I mention the delicious green sauce that comes with the fresh tortillas?
(5)
Shayla R.
I've been meaning to rate this spot as I often go to Casablanca to get my flour tortilla fix. The handmade flour tortillas are hands down the realness! The Bogart margarita is the best damn margarita I've ever had in my life and trust me when I say, "all you need is one." I give three stars only because I feel the food isn't as authentic as I expected.
(3)
Kemi A.
I really don't get why people give this place a bad review based on the decor. The folks there love the movie Casablanca. They serve Mexican food. Works for me. Anyhoo, went there with a friend for lunch after hitting Venice beach. Yes, they do have kitschy stuff from the movie, but I think that's what makes it cute and stand out from the rest. And really, are you there for the decor or there for the food? The biggest thing this place has going for it is the FREE HOT TORTILLAS. Yeah, you heard me, FREE? At first I thought it was the, "Here's some free food that we'll tack on your bill later" switcheroo, but nope, free. And boy, where they delicious! I think a person can live alone on them and not order anything else, but that would be just plain wrong. So thus I ordered a mango frozen margarita which hit the spot, then I had two beef tacos that came with rice and beans. Both were fantastic and satisfied my appetite! I would absolutely come here again!
(5)
Jacob R.
Excellent food. Prob the best Mexican in the area. Fresh and good quality. Good drinks.
(4)
john H.
My new favorite restaurant, I want to have my birthday here. Best service. Amazing food. Amazing tortillas. And who could resist the tequila express, a cart that comes to your table.
(5)
Monique M.
Ohhh Casablanca. How I love thee... Firstly this place has the best atmosphere ever. Awesome ambiance, with beautiful paintings on each wall and odes to Morocco throughout. The drinks are so good. Theres a guy that pushes a bar cart around serving drinks so flag down dude for a tasty beverage. (If you can stand it, it the shot boat; it's 3 shots of different brands of Tequila.) Enjoy the Live band or even the one lady band with a beat box and guitar; She's awesome too. (no joke) And Those tortillas. Those damn tortillas. Hot diggity, those tortillas should be served in church on Sundays. Its that real. Just go inside. It's Morocco. Like you've set adrift of bliss... With a side of tortillas. And three shots of tequila. Salute!
(5)
Rachel E.
This place is so delicious! Came here on our last trip and had to come back! The made to order (right in front of you) tortillas are amazing and the food never disappoints. Not to mention their margaritas are 5 star and the waiters are always friendly and were very helpful when I told them I was vegan. Directed me to a wonderful meal option and made sure I knew if there was dairy in something ordered for the table!
(5)
Nicole J.
I want to love this place. It's so cute and cozy, with amazing handmade tortillas. It's a mainstay in ever-changing LA, and I really really want to love it. But, aside from the tortillas, I find the food inedible. Bland, and well, there's no nice way to say it, worse than hospital cafeteria food. Being around as long as they have, I'm sure they have a strong following of devoted fans, so am I missing something?
(2)
Sara P.
One of my favorite restaurants in LA. I just happened to stumble upon it when I was nearby one day. You MUST have a margarita from the cart. Chip the bartender is super friendly, and he makes one tasty drink. The fresh tortillas are to die for. And if you get a salad - get the house avocado dressing on it. So yum!
(5)
Brooke P.
This is a review for the catering. It worked perfect! We hired Casablanca to cater my mother-in-laws 75th birthday. They did such a great job, I would recommend them to anyone looking for a taco lunch or dinner party. When we called for information on the catering, they promptly sent us all of the information and answered our questions quickly and correctly. They confirmed the week before the event, just as we hoped - I appreciate that. The day of the party, the two workers were on time (maybe early) and had everything that they needed, burners, tables, tablecloths, all the food, and promptly set up their station. The tortilla lady makes GREAT tortillas. We asked for extra corn tortillas since I have a gluten-intolerant brother. They were very accomodating, friendly, personable and efficient. They didn't stop the food making until all of our guests were full and then they cleaned up everything and were on their way. I would recommend them to anyone, and would be happy to give a positive review to anyone that needed an independent opinion. It was great!
(5)
Bomi S.
My husband and I have been here three times solely for the homemade tortillas and the green salsa. The tortillas are so chewy, fresh, and delicious. The other food items are average, but the ambiance and atmosphere are quiet and intimate.
(3)
Jay M.
A+ for homemade tortillas. Everything else was decent, but not blow your socks off. 3.5*
(3)
Ivy L.
I'm confused as to why on earth or how this place has 4 stars on here. This was the most disgusting "Mexican" food I've ever had. I wouldn't even call it Mexican cuisine. It was bland and I've had better airplane food Mexican food then from this joint. I ordered the "shrimp ceviche" which as basically a pile of tiny frozen grocery store bought from a big bulk bag shrimp on top of a grocery store bought tostada with some brown avocado slices. That was pretty funny to see and tasted like thawed out pink mush. Then I order something else I can't remember what it's called but it was nasty low quality store bought crap that was cold and slimey with more of those amazing pink mush shrimp slathered all over it! But this time they had pared it with a lovely brown gravy sauce that tasted like that gravy in a jar from the grocery store! Man they really love not hand making anything. There's no love, no flavor, no authentic Mexican taste that Mexican food should have. Eff this place...
(1)
Morgan R.
Yes, this place is weird. But the tortillas are AMAZING, the calamari is solid & the margaritas from the cart are delicious. That being said, the reason to come here is the brunch! Oh the brunch! For $14 you get fruit, an entree, flan AND unlimited bloody mary's, mimosas, champage, or sangria... they're not watered down & you can mix and match! Then to sober up go thrift door shopping next door & hopefully you too will score a tokidoki thermal and a barney's sweater like I did. My friends and I had a blast here this past Sunday and I hope to return as soon as possible.
(4)
Shweta S.
The food is so so but that's not why you come here. You come here for the Tortillas, margaritas and the atmosphere.The Tortillas are hand made on the spot, as is your margarita from the cart that rolls on by. And there's live music. It's divey but a great find and a great after work spot. Highly recommended.
(4)
Annie W.
Have you ever been? You should at least try it once. It's a lovely little restaurant that offers good Mexican food. I heart the fact that they prepare their tortillas right over the oven in the middle of the room. The mild verde dipping sauce with chunks of cheese is to die for when married with the fresh large tortillas. It's better than any cut up baguette bread that the standard restaurants serve. The refills alone is worth it, because it goes so well with any entree. The calamari is prepared in a flat pancake style, nothing like the standard deep fried tentacles that we're familiar with. It might be a bit odd, but still appetizing. The burritos are served in massive portions. It is mostly filled with all meats, cheese and beans, so you might need to be wheeled out after this meal. The soup specials were not that impressive, but overall I would stick with their meat versus seafood dishes. The bar is filled with more tequila bottles than your eyes can feast on. The service is great, nothing fancy, but still serve with friendly smiles. It's an intimate restaurant that is separated by a wall and the live entertainment is on one end of the restaurant. For us, it's worth the drive to the west side to have gatherings and introduce our friends to this restaurant.
(4)
Alison B.
Used Casablanca to cater a party and couldn't have been happier. Delicious food, excellent and quick communication, very reasonable prices. They really made my party a success
(5)
montezuma k.
Looks soooo old school outside but never fear, cool funky vibe inside. Handmade tortillas are to die for say the girls and there is a yummy dipping sauce too. We had salmon two different styles and both were really flavorous. Fish tacos crunchy-best I've ever had! Not "fishy" tasting in the least. Carne asada looked like a steak. Best of all, a cart full of tequilas comes by your table... :-;
(5)
Jolene H.
If you're going for a musty smelling old kitschy museum smell kind of ambiance, come to Casablanca. If you like a creepy Humphrey Bogart replica in a glass case staring at you while you eat, come to Casablanca. If you want to be fattened up, come to Casablanca! They serve you piles and piles of their homemade tortillas - which are good - but don't make up for the astoundingly bad decor of the restaurant. I love their catering - which is why I came to the restaurant...but, man, I think I'm going to stick to the catering. My allergies can't take dining in!
(2)
Zeni C.
Our new favorite place! I've lived in Santa Monica for YEARS and I've driven past Casablanca a million times, but I never stopped in until 6 months ago. Oh My Goodness, I've been missing out. It's our new Friday night dinner spot. His favorite is the calamari steak and I enjoy pretty everything else. I had to leave this reveiw, the service there is the best. We'll continue to enjoy Casablanca regularly.
(5)
Margarita K.
Very tasty Mexican food. The restaurant also has very tasty homemade tortillas prepared on the grill and a margarita cart with custom made drinks. The only thing I don't like is the decor. I know it has the Casablanca movie theme, but it has not been updated for 40 years and needs some work. Also, the chips are a bit stale.
(4)
Chris P.
The tortillas are amazing. I called to order some to take home and they would not allow. Not only would they not let me buy any, they were EXTREMELY rude on the phone. I would have paid top dollar, but now they won't be getting any of my business!
(2)
James R.
I love this place...get the house margarita, it won't disappoint!
(5)
Vanessa W.
Great food! The chicken poblano burrito was very tasty and seasoned very well with dark mole sauce on top. And to wash it down I had one of the best Cadillac Margaritas ever, that came in a nice big glass! And best yet was the sweet green chili salsa that had chunks of mozzarella cheese and avocado inside that was accompanied with homemade large flour tortillas that are to die for! I will definitely be visiting this place again!
(5)
Pa M.
Lovely, delicious dinner. Fun atmosphere, music, warm fresh tortillas, parking lot. Very good house margaritas and yummy food
(5)
Chatty B.
You should definitely try it once if you have not been there yet. The place is small so make sure you make the reservations, otherwise the wait time is about 30 mins. I love the decor, lovely murals, old movie pictures/posters and Mexican style decor Their strawberry margarita $8 is made from frozen strawberries and is delish. Didn't like the mango margarita much. The food is appetizing. The complementary tortillas are sooooo heavenly and soft. They make fresh tortillas in the dining area where you can watch them making it on the brick oven. They come with mild verde dipping sauce with cubes of montery jack cheese (yumm) The fajitas, burritos are served in big portions. They also have live music right in the middle of the room, I dont like dancing in public but I have seen lot of couples to slow dance there. The service is pleasant and fast.
(5)
Mike P.
This is a great place for Mexican food. The tortillas are excellent. Amongst the best I have ever had. The food also very good and quite reasonably priced. Enjoyed the atmosphere as well. Friendly service. I will be back.
(5)
Candy C.
Fresh, hot, delicious handmade tortillas? Live guitar? Wacky decor? I love LA
(4)
Michelle L.
Hands down, Casablanca's brunch is one of the greatest things I've ever experienced ever. Bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, champagne, or sangria AND brunch all for around $14. You seriously can't beat that pricing. Usually at brunch places bottomless mimosas cost around $20 and you have to pay for your food on top of that. The food is decent (not the greatest, but the more alcohol you consume the better it tastes) and the fresh tortillas made by the tortilla lady in the middle of the restaurant are bomb dot com. I love how they have very breakfast-y brunch items, as well as more substantial food like beef fajitas (i'm not a big fan of breakfast foods). Also, the live music adds a nice touch to the meal. Will definitely be back for brunch very soon at Casablanca.
(4)
J P.
This place is the best. Gotta get a margarita or three from the table-side cart! ("skinny" = more fresh lime, less mix). And those fresh made tortillas? Bomb. If you haven't been, make it a priority next time you want some good american-style mex.
(5)
Charito L.
First off, the flour tortillas were AMAZING. I am not a big fan of flour tortillas but I fell in love with these, they are handmade and you can watch the lady make them. I went during lunch time, it was pretty quiet and calm. The service was good and the waiter assisted us well. He was very sweet and even offered that the lady can make corn tortillas. My favorites. It was amazingly good. The food was a big portion I had to take the rest home. It was extremely good. I come from a Mexican family and the food was amazing! The decor was beautiful and we were treated well. The flan was soo good I wanted to take a bigger piece home. But most of all the tortillas are definitely worth going back to. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Sean M.
This is hands down one of my favorite places to eat. Probably in my opinion the best Mexican food in LA to me. The tortillas are made fresh there in the seating area all night and are brought to you fresh. The green salsa they have with cheese chunks in it is absolutely delicious. Their burritos are great. Stuffed full and with delicious. This trip I had the make your own tacos. It comes with a bowl of meat (asada, chicken) ontop of their melted cheese, a side of beans, rice and guacamole (personally I dont eat guacamole but my family said it was delicious). The drinks there are really good also. The vibe inside is done up very nicely. Its themed after the movie casablanca with paintings and such. It is dimly lit and can be a semi-romantic atmosphere if you bring the right person. I will absolutely be eating here for many years to come!
(5)
Katrina W.
I've never had a tortilla like this. And to see them made in the middle of the restaurant -- !! Not to even mention the pitch perfect service, and dogged adherence to a beloved-but-potentially-played (again and again, Sam) theme.... Casablanca, friends. It's been said, but tonight was indeed the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
(5)
Sasha N.
I've walked by this place often and usually pass by it to go to La Cabana because I love their margs so much. But last night I ended up cheating on La Cabana with this place. My group of 6 and I walked in around 830 and were immediately seated. There were only two other tables (I guess not a lot of people crave mexican on easter sunday?) with people. The tortillas were warm and delicious. I had to hold myself to just one since we ordered the queso fundido - i love cheese! And this cheese had chorizo on it. It was delicious! I got the enchilada suiza. They were pretty good. the portions were pretty large so I have an entire enchilada sitting at home just waiting to be eaten. I would recommend this place for a nice quiet evening of better than average mexican food.
(3)
KC P.
Comfy atmosphere and food. Margaritas were tasty, as were the homemade tortillas! Large portions, too, if I gauge anything by the size of the appetizer quesadilla I ordered. Couldn't even finish the whole thing... But it was yummy!. And yeah, I'm a person of simple taste... give me a good ole' quesadilla, any day. :)
(4)
Terrius K.
Not sure what it is about this place that has me coming back. It could be that it is a Mexican Restaurant named after an American movie which takes place in North Africa located in Venice, CA. It could also be that it has a great, strong margaritas [Apparently it is always "tequila time"]. Maybe it's the cute live music they have on some nights, the woman who sings in spanish playing classical guitar is tip-worthy. Actually, it is DEFINITELY the fresh, handmade flour tortillas. Put some butter and their salsa verde on it and munch while waiting for your food. Love me some carbs and butter. The food itself, besides the tortillas, would probably place the restaurant at a solid 3 stars on their worst days but combination of everything else that makes this place special raises it to a 4.5 for me. Go for their kitschy atmosphere, their tortillas, margaritas, and their seafood enchilada. Their burritos [mmmm mole sauce] are also quite tasty and remember to add just a pinch of salt to their side of rice.
(4)
Jody F.
I have been here several times and definitely return for the tortillas, they are the best! My family of 12 went on Mother's Day this year and had a great experience! The service was amazing with everyone so attentive I had to tell the owner how great everyone was and we left a big tip. The food was hot and delicious and the endless mimosas were great. They also asked who all the 'moms ' were and gave each of us a small personalized bottle of sparkling wine with a pink bow wishing us a happy Mother's Day, it was truly a special touch! I don't live that close but my family does so we will be back next year, it's a new tradition.
(4)
Joey K.
so great i have been going here since i was a kid and its always great the fresh tortillas are the bomb and everything on there menu is delicious extremely good service never had an empty glass of water which is my scale of service
(5)
Picky Eater H.
This is a Mexican restaurant that serves food less spicy than the usual El Lay place. Lots of good flavor, though. As with a lot of places, it has hits and misses. Tortillas 5 stars....as good as it gets. They are made on the spot. The green sauce accompanying the tortillas is sometimes a little too vinegar-y for us, but that might be personal preference. Other times, it is just the right balance. Your mileage may vary. We ended up using butter, which allowed us to experience the full flavor of the tortillas. Most tortillas are not that great when eaten with just butter. However, they are not generous with the butter, which are not full pats, but star-shaped, so you are not served very much, and have to ask for more. Other times, the butter is in adequate supply.. Calamari mojo de ajo 4 stars.........Quite good as calamari. Perfectly cooked, but the sauce is mild, as mojo de ajo goes, but still quite flavorful. . Chili Verdi 4 stars. ................I've had better, but not often. I dumped the rice into the sauce and rolled it and the meat up in a tortilla to make a superb burrito. Beans...........4.5 stars. Hard to beat. Rice..........2 stars.........good as plain rice, but the weak and tasteless sauce makes it a disappointment.. Particularly when such a small quantity of sauce is put on the rice. More sauce would have made it better, perhaps another star. I sometimes ask for extra sauce, and mix in the green sauce (on days when it is not too vinegary) Flan 4 1/2 stars. Much better than most. The right balance of flavor and sweetness. Champagne.....5 stars .Cooks Brut is not 5 star Champagne, but it gets 5 stars compared to brunch offerings at many other places. Sangria.......1 star.............The saddest I have ever had. Slightly better than Kool Aid and slightly stronger. Perhaps a cheap box wine mixed with Kool Aid powder and a lot of water. Carne Asada..3 stars....tough and overcooked, but still good flavor. Tender would rate one more star, as would not overcooked. Seafood bracero 5 stars. Really great. Siete Mares.. This "7 seas" soup has a 5 star broth and 1 star fish. Wonderful scallops and OK shrimp. And, Oh Yeah, there was a piece of clam. It was OK, but nothing special. But the fish ranged from tough to REALLY TOUGH. Ever had fish jerky? Some was tougher than others, but it is probably the worst fish we have ever been served. I was flossing for half an hour afterward. I would advise using a fork to remove the fish and eating the rest. Save the fish for your dog or the guy who steals food from the fridge at work. The fish gave its life to flavor the soup, anyway. Unlike others, we did not find the music loud. The guitarist/singer sang at about the right volume. He plays VERY well and sings OK. The place itself is often full of loud people having a good time, anyway. Especially during Sunday Brunch. The service is always good. Even if you don't drink, you should take a look at the bar. It is really something. And, bring a penlight after dark. Menu reading is tough, but the lighting is OK for eating. Parking is inadequate during busy periods.
(3)
Amna S.
There is nothing bad I can say. You must go to find out how amazing the food, margaritas and music can be at this unique place. And the service was 5 stars.
(5)
Kristopher K.
We came with a group of five for a little birthday bash and boy were we impressed with this place. Fresh tortillas, salsa second to none and a rolling margarita cart that comes right to your table, it's mexican restaurant heaven. If I were closer I'd go once a week more than likely. I'm looking forward to my next visit for sure.
(5)
Rachel H.
We have eaten here many times and Casablanca is always on the mark. You can find excellent food and service other places, but the calamari steaks, the tortilla lady, the tequila cart, the owners outstanding tequila collection, the life music and the unique decor put Casablanca on the top.
(5)
Steven R.
Love the Mexican food here. This is a place where you can sit down place I expect to be sure the quality of the food is the best you'll get in LA. I DEEPLY recommend this place.
(5)
Erica J.
The homemade, flour tortillas are incredible! If you don't eat anything else, these tortillas will capture your heart. I think I had two to myself and the staff appreciation day luncheon had everyone raving. The boss even said it was the best tortillas he had ever eaten and would go back just for that. I got a very simple burrito, chicken, but it was scrumptious and filling. It also came with a side of rice and beans - I cleaned my plate completely. If anyone wants authentic, delicious, techincally Moroccan(?) Mexican food, I'd recommend this place hands down. You will not be disappointed.
I have been eating at Casablanca for years. There fresh made tortillas are great. This place serves Mexican food even though there is a Moroccan feel to it. Everything is good here. The steak, beans, drinks. I could go on and on. I used to use Casablanca weekly for catering about 10 years ago so if you have an event you can always get their food brought to you.
(5)
Mimi E.
Because this place looks cheap (read:unappealing) from the outside, I've always driven by thinking "I should stop in one day...but not today." Lucky for me, after three years of driving past the place, I finally decided I would try it out. I was happy to find that the place has plenty of parking around back. The place is a homage to the movie Casablanca, and as you walk in there are signs saying you are leaving Venice, CA and going to Morrocco. Yes. Africa. And I'm eating Mexican there. Yes as some of the reviews mentioned, the menu has a picture of Africa on it. It's all part of the decor. Just go with it folks!The restaurant has a lot of pictures and hand paintings on the wall. Some are famous actors from the movie Casablanca, but some are paintings of the owners of this family owned restuarant. The father, grandfather, son, daughter are all painted in various murals on the wall. Kind of a neat touch. Instead of your traditional chips, you get a warm plate of handmade, deliciously soft, flour tortilla's. Seriously, some of the best tortilla's I've ever had. It also comes with an Avocado/Cheese salsa which is so purrrfect, it will have you purring. I ordered a strawberry margarita. IT WAS SO GOOD. Eventually, I wished I ordered a pitcher because 3 margaritas is the price of a pitcher and I wanted to drink margartia's until I fell over since they were so tasty. The food was good, but the prize of the table was the tortillas, and the margaritas made me forget what I ate everytime I went there.
(4)
Ashley P.
Get the Cadillac margarita! They come in pitchers and single glasses. When you get the single glass they make it right in front of you which is fun and they have a nice kick to them for a good price. One glass and I get a nice buzz going. Instead of chips, they bring warm homemade tortillas that are really yummy. You can watch an older lady make them in the center of the restaurant. She is so cute! I get the enchiladas*** so good! My boyfriend gets a wet carne asada burrito which is also delicious, and I'm normally not a burrito person. Since they don't have a very traditional menu, you can also order things like pasta or cooked fish. They usually have a live guitarist, and combined with the dark lighting, it makes a perfect place for date night. My boyfriend and I come here almost every week. To top it off everyone is super friendly and have smiles from ear to ear.
(4)
Catherine T.
My coworker and I usually go here for good Mexican food in marina del rey. The restaurant is themed like the Casablanca movie. There are murals of the movie on the walls along with pictures. Even the bathrooms are named after the name main actor and actress. The best thing: fresh flour tortilla! Served piping hot and made right on the spot. If you want more, the servers are more than happy to fill the containers! The tortillas are served with a green mozzarella and avocado salsa. The salsa is mild and chunky enough to complement the tortilla. Some people put butter in it. However, I think the tortillas don't need anymore butter. They have great lunch special choices that are about $8. The Sam burrito is ginormous and filled with your choice of meat, beans, and rice. It's big enough for two people to share. The Birira is tender and well flavored. The mole has a nice smokey flavor to it that does not overwhelm. My new favorite dish is the broiled chicken. It us served with an excellent dos equis sauce that adds all the flavor the chicken needs. The chicken is tender and a huge cut of breast meat. I usually get it with beans and seasoned vegetables. The servers are attentive and nice. They are always checking in and refilling the drinks. The for comes out pretty quick and is piping hot. Perfect for lunch, especially with the prices!
(4)
Rory H.
THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST TORTILLAS EVER. I consider myself a connoisseur of Los Angeles Mexican cuisine, and Casablanca is one of my favorites. Seriously, the homemade tortillas are to die for. Also the margaritas are fantastic (I mean, when half of your menu has "Tequila" as an ingredient, your margaritas have to be good). On weekends, they will sometimes someone cruise through the restaurant making margaritas for you at the table. As for entree dishes, I would seriously recommend any of the calamari, but everything on the menu is good. Also, if you get a salad, be sure to order their homemade dressing! I give this place five stars and an "Eat it again, Sam" for good measure.
(5)
Alexandra H.
Ambiance is a bit weird, music a bit too loud, couldn't hear myself think but the music was still beautiful. Not trying to be negative but the service was off too. My boyfriend and I weren't even noticed when we walked in for a solid 5 min standing at the hostess stand with no one around. We had about 4 different servers helping our table throughout the night which can be a little confusing when you're trying to get help or talk to one of them. One of the servers was def not my favorite waiter of all time as we couldn't get the friggin tortilla warmer open and he tried opening it with one of our knives and ended up literally throwing it on the floor and voila it popped open. Tortillas are bomb, margaritas were pretty good as well. Food was okay, we had the fish tacos and the chimichangas. I just felt like we had had the same dish before and wasn't standing out much. The people were nice minus the one snappy tortilla warmer dude and I hate to be a negative nancy but it just wasnt for us and were pretty big foodies.
(3)
Sarah B.
2.5 stars. I've been here a few times for brunch. On the plus side, the Casablanca murals and general theme were cool, and the brunch price and bottomless drinks can't be beat. But... the food is never very good aside from the great handmade tortillas, and there are always flies everywhere. Two visits we had to send back mimosas after a fly drowned itself in the glass. I'm pretty much over it.
(2)
Jess C.
it's dark and kitchy inside, and sure the food is whitewashed but it's still tasty! the servers aren't the best of the lot. they sure do mean well. i love the guy pushing around the tequila cart. he seemed to be enjoying himself a ton. sometimes i come here and get dinner to go, then ignore the main dish and just eat the tortillas and salsa alone at home. nom nom nom. plenty of parking too, definitely appreciated!
(4)
Angie P.
Meh. Everything was good but that's it. Nothing special. The homemade tortillas were probably the best thing, although I've had better. The service was pretty bad even tho the place was almost empty.
(3)
Eric R.
Great mexican food. I used to eat here a lot when I lived in the south bay.
(4)
Ami D.
Come here for the homemade flour tortillas! That green salsa they come with is the best! I always fill up on it before my super cheesy food arrives. This place might serve the best Mexican food on the west side. Gilberto's on Pico is super good too, but, they don't serve homemade tortillas so it's a deal breaker!
(4)
Bee R.
Casablanca is a great restaurant. Homemade tortillas taste just like my moms and are hot and fresh. Food is very delicious and affordable. I ordered catered food to go for my moms birthday. They packaged the food nicely with all utensils and serving utensils and had paper for tablecloth. Food was yummy and had tons left over after feeding 8 people. Price was beyond reasonable. Casablanca is definitely a good choice.
(5)
Brad K.
LOL, reading all the GLOWING reviews of this place makes me question if I'm in the right restaurant. Unfortunately, I am in fact in Casablanca on Lincoln Blvd. I'm sorry, but I don't get what all the hoopla is about. I'll ignore the ridiculous Casablanca theme, which as other reviewers have noted, makes no sense for a Mexican restaurant. Frankly, I wouldn't care if the theme was "nuclear holocaust" with pictures of atomic bombs being exploded, so long as the food was good. It is not. I ordered a burrito, surely the most basic of Mexican fare. If they can't get a burrito right, is there really any hope? I think not. The "Sam Burrito" I ordered was frighteningly enormous, but no, I'm not complaining about the portion size. I'm complaining about the utter lack of taste and the disgusting, chewy meat contained within. It's advertised as "beef", but that's an insult to cows. I don't know what kind of meat they use in this thing, but let's just say that Taco Bell's "textured beef protein" puts this to shame. I asked for some homemade hot sauce, you know like HOT sauce, hint, hint. The sauce they brought me may have been homemade, but Tabasco is better and hotter. I could go on and on.... The homemade tortillas were overly starchy and not hot and what's with the Casablanca theme? Oops, I forgot, I wasn't going to complain about that. 'Nuff said. Disregard the hype and skip this joke of a restaurant.
(1)
Badalona P.
Service was really good. Best margaritas ever and the guy serving them in the kart was really nice. Fresh made tortilla is a must. But there is a reason why people in yelp only talk about theirs tortillas and margaritas. Food was not good. Do not come here if you want to eat well.
(3)
Hue W.
our school had a fundraiser here on a tuesday night. i made reservations for 7 at 6pm. we arrived about 10 minutes past and the place was packed. we ended up having to wait another half an hour to be seated. during that half hour, they seated another party of 7 before us. mind you they were our friends from school, but our reservation has to count for something. during our wait, one server overheard my frustration and offered to get us something to drink. the mrs. had a margarita and i had an iced tea. i kind of presumed that these were going to be complimentary, but when we got the check at the end of the evening, we were charged for the margarita. service was less than desirable. supporting our school was good gesture. the food was ok. the handmade tortillas and green chile salsa were actually very good, but didn't make up for the fact that we had to wait so long for a table that i had reserved.
(2)
Christopher S.
Love Mexican seafood, but I have had better. Pros -Warm home made tortillas -table side margarita maker -good prices Cons -Place could use a remodel -There put cheese on my calamari steak (big no no). -not the friendliest staff -uses the cheap freeze dried shrimp
(3)
Fabiana H.
I can go to Casablanca and just have the tortillas all night!! They are the best part of this place and the reason I like it so much. They are fresh, warm and delicious!! The meals are all pretty tasty and large portions. Service is good and fast. I recommend!
(4)
Anthony Z.
ok, well first off I would like to say that the food was good. I actually enjoyed my fish quite a bit. It wasn't anything over the top, but it hit the spot and the homemade tortillas were a nice touch. SO, you ask why the two stars.. Its basically for the dead fly that was in my wife's salad. She spotted the fly while eating her salad and I immediately waved the waiter down and he quickly grabbed the plate, and didn't say a word. He then went into the back and returned with the question if my wife would like the soup instead? but he still did not apologize. she denies the soup and we eat our main courses.. satisfied with the main dishes, we get the bill and no discount for the tainted salad, or any note of it on the bill. Our waiter then picks up the bill and still doesn't mention the fly.. and we exit the restaurant. here I am now.. 20 minutes later, sharing my experience at Casablanca... I would give one start, but I actually enjoyed the food. The dead fly and the unapologetic staff are completely unacceptable!!
(2)
Cristina C.
Pros: * Delicious fresh tortillas * On the west side * Big margaritas (seemed a tiny bit watery, but maybe that was just mine) * Food came out promptly * Combo with chile relleno and cheese enchilada is great, cheesy but not overwhelmingly heavy * Free parking * Unique Casablanca-themed decor (yes it's a little weird but at least it doesn't look like a Chevy's inside!) Cons: * Green salsa was a little mild for me, but next time I'll ask if they have a hotter one I can't wait to go back to try their Sunday brunch!
(4)
Ousman J.
Casablanca hit the spot! Food was delicious. Had to do take out so I can't speak to ambiance but they definitely killed it with generous portions, reasonable prices and tasty entrees. I might even put it a notch up past El Cholo (heresy!) for king of the hype on the West Side. Definitely worth trying at least once and worthy of a go to LA Mexican food destination for out of town friends.
(4)
Albert L.
I came here for the 1st time in 1997 and it was amazing!! So good that it stuck in my mind and since we were in the area (we're from AZ), I had to bring my family back 15 years later. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite as "amazing". It looks exactly the same, which I guess is ok since it's look is part of the restaurant's charm however, it definitely smelled 15 years older. We went at 5:00pm and the waiter seemed bothered by our arrival. The "fresh" tortillas were taken from a hot container thats located were the lady normally makes the fresh tortillas. This was a huge disappointment, since I had been bragging about these "hand made right in front of you" flour tortillas all day. Don't get me wrong, they were tasty but just not the same than when you have them brought to you directly from the grill. I guess my tip is to maybe go a little later when the dinner crowd prompts the restaurant to offer the service that it's known for.
(2)
Nancy O.
We were in the mood for Mexican food, so decided to give it a try. Loved the feel of it- the coziness, the live music and the smacking of the tortilla dough by the woman sitting nearby with the big tip jar making tortillas, which were delicious. After being immediately seated in a cozy booth, the three of us initially didn't understand the margarita cart, so asked for a minute to look at the menu - once we went for a pitcher of margaritas, waiters were at our beck and call. Had quesadillas, a tortilla salad and chicken burrito- all okay, but the calamari is the specialty, so if you are a fan, go with that. All in all, a nice casual place with a nice atmosphere for any age.. Total damage for pitcher of house margaritas, and entrees and tip was exactly $66.66. Devilish!
(3)
Joseph A.
Casblanca was one of our rotation spots for lunch years ago. There's an old lady on the tortilla grill always making fresh tortillas and served warm on your table. Goes well with the salsa verde and mexican cheese and butter.. Good but bad for you, I'm sure. Waiters are always friendly, not too packed during lunch either. I go there for the dos equis chicken.. This place has some character with some old school theme..
(3)
Shannon F.
The cheesy "salsa" and tortillas alone give this place 5 stars. I love that they make your margaritas right in front of you too. The carne asada is also GD delish.
(5)
Laurent P.
This place is just amazing. We are here on sunday morning, having bottom less mimosas, bloody mary but you could choose from so much more. Tortillas are delicious and their entrees are just as good. If this were it, it would definitely be one of my favourite places to visit but they didn't stop there. They had a live Bossa Nova Guitarist in the background. Right? If you miss this place, I dont know what to tell you...and all of this for under $15...
(5)
Paul S.
Food was great. We got fish tacos and a chicken burrito, couldn't have been better. Tortillas to start the meal were great, as was the tequila cart! Service was a little slow, but not enough to take away from the great food. Would recommend it to anyone.
(4)
Daniel Y.
I've been coming to this restaurant for 10 years and nothing has changed. The traditional Mexican dishes are excellent, the seafood is always great, and the tortillas are homemade and habit-forming. If you haven't tried this place yet, you are missing out on one of the truly great restaurants in LA.
(5)
Scott S.
Great tortillas. Awful service. Whatever food. Skip it
(2)
Kate R.
Went back to Casablanca after many years. Restaurant has been beautifully maintained. The movie memorabilia and murals were fun. Margarita cart staff member very knowledgeable. Large menu and food was good. Very enjoyable evening.
(4)
Peter A.
Their tortillas and cheese up front is better than most Mexican food meals you will ever have.
(4)
Tricia P.
How can you resist a restaurant with a sign at the entrance that boldly proclaims, "You are now leaving Venice, California and entering Casablanca, Morocco"? I'd lived in Los Angeles for decades, driven Lincoln Boulevard countless times, yet never stopped into Casablanca restaurant, but when recently I found myself in the area at lunchtime, I decided to check it out. The sign didn't lie. Once inside, I was transported to another place and time. Huge murals with likenesses of the stars of Casablanca--Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid and the rest--immediately set the tone.There is even a piano like the one played by Dooley Wilson, aka "Sam" in the film, where from seven to ten p.m. a piano player provides Bossa Nova, Folklorica and in general, according to my server, "romantic" music. Greeted promptly and seated in a comfortable booth, I looked up to see a mock Tiffany lampshade featuring camels, pyramids and palm trees, contributing to the mood, and the menu did the same. On the back, "Dateline Casablanca" relates the history of the film (originally entitled Everybody Comes to Rick's) beginning with playwright Murray Burnett's visit to the South of France in the summer of 1939. Other info includes the fact that original choices for the roles of Ilsa and Rick were Hedy Lamarr and George Raft. I opened the menu and here came the surprise: expecting to find lamb tagine with artichokes and couscous, I discovered beef enchiladas with rice and beans. Almost immediately, a basket of fresh tortillas appeared with salsa. and although I usually pass on starches, I made an exception. Good idea. Maria, who lovingly pats and prods her creations into submission, has a cooking station right in the middle of the restaurant, and she clearly knows her business. A sign above the area reads, "Tortillas served since November 22, 1986: 2,000,000." Ruben, who waited on me part of the time. He's been working at Casablanca since he was in the ninth grade, and as bartender, explained they have a tequila cart that can be brought to the table, offering, as it says on their website, "one of the largest and most exquisite selections of tequilas in California." My food was topped with authentic Mexican white cheese--queso fresco or asadero?--and was not only excellent, but set me back a mere $6.99. A glass of very nice house red wine was even less. Dinners are priced accordingly, with a specialty being calamari steak. Whether you say sawa wa hana or que aproveche (or even bon appetit), you are sure to enjoy your meal, the ambiance, and staff at Casablanca. (Casablanca Restaurant and Catering Services, 220 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291; 310-392-5751; bestflourtortillas.com ; info@casablancacatering.… , 310-505-5091)
(5)
Amber B.
It's my last week at the job and for my going away luncheon one of the pharm reps ordered our office a gigantic spread from Casa Blanca. We all happily noshed on mini shredded beef burritos, (white meat) chicken enchiladas, CHILE RELLENOS(!), refried beans, rice, chips, salsa, guacamole, FRESH tortillas (almost as amazing as bomb-ass ones straight from Mexico), salad stuff, and a tray of flan! So much food was ordered that even as stuffed as my belly is I want to gather up more of the food to save for later out of sheer greed. Highlights for me were the chile rellenos, beans, guac and tortillas. The only complaint from anyone in the office was when my Indian boss said "where's the spice? This stuff is too bland" Nothing a healthy splash of Tapatio can't fix. I have an extra special place in my heart for any restaurant that serves me white meat chicken enchiladas to save my picky palate from the nastiness of grisly chicken fat. The only thing missing was the tequila...where's my margarita??
(4)
Montezuma D.
Awesome awesome awesome!!! Had the calamari cognac!! The steak, the sauce...words cannot describe the greatness. Judge not the exterior or decore cause jesus! That dish was phenomenal! Gonna go every weekend and try everything! Prices are right great too. Great food and good prices. Can't go wrong with this place
(5)
Ana F.
Why is this place rated lower than Lares?! What the hell?! Casablanca is one of those classic Venice restaurants that's been around forever and you never bother to try, because it's Venice, and it's old, and it's themed after a movie completely unrelated to the cuisine. But then you try it. And fall in love. Again, I'm a huge fan of theming. I love kitsch, I love effort, I love the commitment that goes into making a restaurant one thing on its own. I love the murals of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart and camels, the wooden bar, and all the other Casablanca themed memorabilia. The staff here is incredibly friendly and fast; I've never had a complaint on service at all. Also, I always sit next to the women making fresh tortillas in the center of the restaurant. I'll give them the occasional thumbs-up, they wink back, and I get INSTANT FRESH TORTILLAS. And then I cream my pants. Too graphic? Whatever, best tortillas on the Westside (more so than Lares or even Paco's). I always get my food promptly and love it. I come here for seafood dishes all the time, and I also came for their very affordable Valentine's Day Pre-fixe dinner (for only $18 with three courses!!!). Food is always fresh and well-made; I always get a non-cream based dish and unlike other Mexican restaurants, it really isn't creamy or fatty. I think some other places sneak fat and lard into dishes even if you don't ask for it; Casablanca doesn't do that. It's healthy and well made if you order the right things, and everything tastes absolutely divine! I can't speak for their mixed drinks but their tequila bar does look extensive! Thank you Casablanca for all the lovely dinners and memories. I'll be back for many more years as long as I'm living in Venice. I absolutely adore you, and the fact that your tortilla-making ladies respond to my winks.
(4)
Dusk B.
For those that give this place a bad review I don't understand it. I've gone here for years and they redefined mainland mexican style cooking (as opposed to Baja). You will not find chips and salsa on the table here, only soft fresh moist tortillas and butter. Unreal. The rice is an unexpected reward for the plates that have it. The salmon and veggies are fresh and moist, the various burritos have a great flavor and the tacos have an authentic south of the border taste to them. They have this great tomato chaser to the Casadores sampler. It's indescribable and in it's own league. Really I don't think you can go wrong here...
(5)
John N.
Very nice, low key and good food. The Cadillac margaritas can't be beat, so bring a designated driver and enjoy! We look forward to sampling other menu items in the future.
(4)
Amanda P.
So far, I'm in love with this place. I was confused at first by the picture of Morocco on the menu; then upon reading the menu, noticed it didnt strike as typical, straight up Mexican greasy fare, thus further confusion. But, it is authentic Mexican, it just happens to include traditional and less known Mexican plates; the ode to Morocco is a nod to the theme of the entire restaurant, Casablanca, which scores even more points. Seriously? A restaurant named after one of the greatest, most romantic movies of all time?! Everywhere you look is memorabilia referencing the film (life size statue of Humphrey Bogart!) It actually looks kinda run down and divey from the street, but once I looked in the windows, I saw a packed house dining among dim lighting and white tablecloths; three snaps up for ambiance! The menu is, again, traditional Mexican and some less known items; for example they have a whole section of calamari dishes, from which I ordered the Calamari Fajitas. Ian got shrimp tacos, his friend ordered a ridiculously huge burrito, which he inhaled in about 10 minutes. We were seated immediately next to the tortilla makers, who were dishing out the most AMAZING homemade flour tortillas EVER. DONT FORGET TO TIP THESE LADIES!! (though I'm sure they get tipped out, its a kind gesture to add a personal touch and toss it in the cup.) -If given a choice, opt for the tortilla soup! It was so simple and minimal, but so full of flavor. -The salsa was amazing- and had bits of cheese and avocado in it! -Try a calamari dish if thats your thing- it was lightly breaded for my fajitas and DELISH. -There was a tequila cart that rolls by for your margaritas; I dont think he's there every day. I cannot rave enough about this place; I am excited to go again, and again.
(5)
Amanda M.
This is my favorite restaurant in LA, however, you need to know what to order. The standard mexican fare (burritos, tacos, ect) are not that good here. YOU HAVE TO GET THE CALAMARI STEAKS! They are amazing. I get the same thing each time I go. I swear you will not be disappointed. Also, if you are going to get margaritas, order them from the margarita cart. The guy knows what he is doing and they are amazing. Word of advice, when he asks what kind of tequila you would like say "Silver." He gave me the low down that silver tequila makes the best margaritas. I agree! The homemade tortillas are out of this world. I don't miss the chips at all.
(5)
Jenny M.
I've never had a bad experience here. I am in LOVE with their handmade flour tortillas. A lady makes them all day in the middle of the restaurant, it is soooo good! The salsa they give with the tortillas is very good too, it's salsa verde with chunks of avocado and cheese in it. Now, at heart I'm a Jersey Girl.. and avocado isn't very big there, so I've never even really liked guacamole. When I moved to LA everyone would constantly get me to eat it. Afterwards, I always find that I am never wowed by it. Casablanca's guacamole was the one to change my mind. The avocados are so ripe and fresh, and the guac is chunky and very flavorful. After trying a lot of their different menu options, my fave is the Chile Rellenos. This place has great food and the prices are very reasonable. I'm not really sure how the movie Casablanca ties in to Mexican food, but it's a nice change of pace from the usual Mexican decor. The dining room is not huge, but the wait isn't that long if the place is full. The parking lot is also a little tight, but you'll always be able to get a space. Love this place!
(5)
STARR M.
Love this place! We drive by it all the time on our way to Costco, Home Depot and Target in Marina and have always said we were going to go here. So, last night we went and it exceeded our expectations. I guess this place has a tendency to get crowded but, we went on a rainy Wednesday night so there was virtually no wait time. Sat down and within 5 minutes had a made from scratch Cadillac Margarita and fresh made flour tortillas from the Tortilla lady! They were amazing! Remember to bring some cash to tip her amazingness! The soup was delicious and it was cactus which I've never had before. Then we got the Play it Again Carlos steak which was cooked to perfection and the sauce was rich and delicious. We also ordered the Seafood Braseo and the salmon was the best thing! Romantic atmosphere with amazing food. Definitely going on our places to frequent list! Next stop...brunch!
(5)
Myra R.
This review is for the catering. When it came to deciding on a menu for my wedding reception I immediately knew I wanted Mexican fare. I wanted to be diffeent then the rest of the brides there. I started gathering quotes from all the notable Mexican eateries and was in shock on how much they wanted to charge for a taco bar. After my disbelief it donned on me that I didn't inquite about Casablanca. My husband and I love the tortilla lady they have in the restaurant. I contacted them and they were quick to respond with a quote. I did an immediate happy dance when I saw the final tally. I was coming under my food budget for the tortilla lady, taco bar offering 3 kinds of meats, carne asada griller, and flan. Day of the wedding the staff did a great job of keeping my guests fed and EVERYONE loved the tortilla lady. If you are looking to think outside of the box when feeding your wedding guests, please consider Casablanca. Your guests will appreciate it.
(5)
Jake L.
This place is so cool. Such an old school vibe within. Thanks to our friend Diana for introducing us to the place! The tortillas to start off the meal are something special indeed. Salsa to go with...outstanding. The best part was the man who comes around with the tequila cart. This is outstanding and should be mandatory at more restaurants. Parking's a bit tight, and some may not go for the old school vibe, but if you can tolerate both, this place is simply outstanding.
(4)
Kay Y.
Where are you Humphrey Bogart? Obviously not at Casablanca's because it's not good enough for you. Casablanca's is an old-time LA restaurant based on the famous Bogart movie with some Moroccan decor and a blue-white theme. It is pretty dated but at one time was a very unique idea. There is a mural on the wall from a scene at Rick's place so if you are a fan you might want to go and check it out. All this might lead one to think they serve Moroccan food but, no, it has morphed into a Mexican restaurant served by angry men. If I were to eat here again, which I doubt, I would eat a ton of the homemade flour tortillas and salsa, and drink mucho Silver margaritas then go because this is what they do best. IMHO, it would be better if they turned it into a full Moroccan Casablanca experience, serve Moroccan food, hired some happy, more professional workers, add the fez's back, play Bogart-era music, and the movie on a loop in the background. Then the name and decor would match the place and movie. Guess, I wish for too much...but it is a great idea.
(2)
Kevin T.
I agree with Christina C.'s review. The kids loved the fresh handmade tortillas. The wife loved the Margarita. Their specialty is the calamari, which i ordered, so good and tender. I got the calamari acapulco. the service was great, my wife thinks it was because it was a seasoned experienced staff, not just some out of work actors or college kids. The ambience is nice not to loud, but not too stuffy, nice live guitar music. I think the menu is unique, not the same stuff that you see at most maariscos restaurants. I think the place has a nice balance of authenticity with california convenience/style. Would recommend to my friends, In fact the wife alerady told one of our friends she want to take them there.
(5)
Lucinda B.
Fresh, handmade tortillas and green salsa as the starter were incredible! Plus, they have a margarita cart that isn't shy on the tequila. I ordered the carne asada with rice and beans. The carne asada was decent, the rice was bland, and the black beans could've used some more pizazz. Atmosphere has a lovely buzz to it. I'd go again.
(3)
Kyle K.
Don't let the name fool you, this is a Mexican restaurant with a Morocco theme. The hand-made tortillas are wonderful, as well as the home-made salsa. They have an amazing tequila bar. I love the calamari steaks - big and delicious. I will say, for the tequila bar, DO NOT GET THE TEQUILA DRESSING on your salad. YUCK...very bitter. Get the avocado dressing instead. Very good.
(4)
Matt C.
We've been going to Casablanca for years now. It's a great, old Mexican restaurant in LA, with the BEST handmade tortillas around, made right before your eyes. It's also a pretty nice tequila bar, and I still don't understand why it isn't busy every night. They should probably make a happy hour or something. This used to be a go-to for a Monday/Tuesday, with their unbeatable make your own taco special. It's still on the website, so we were excited to have out of town guests coming in, asking for good tacos. We asked the server where the special went, since they usually leave a flyer menu on the table. It wasn't there, so we asked if we could get one. He said, "It's very popular, so we put it on the menu." He kept pointing at something, but there was nothing there. Finally, he said, "Well, it's the same as the taco special, only without tequila and dessert, but it's the same thing." So the taco, tequila, and dessert special is still there, only there's no tequila or dessert; don't worry, it's the same price. It was all kinds of fun to try three of their tequilas and their amazingly creative desserts (the strawberry-tequila drizzled cheesecake was too good!). They really should bring it back. Most people in my group were excited for it, so they went with the taco plate anyway, which was always good thanks to their tortillas. Well guess what: looks like they changed their corn tortillas. They're not as hearty as they used to be; more like the store variety. I tried the Salmon Ivonne, and really did not like it. The fish was bland, and the tomatoes were the worst part. I never did like their salads, but I tried their avocado dressing and found it to have a strange, liquidy consistency. They would have been better off just topping with avocado slices and onions. Without the tacos and tequila special, I probably won't be coming back here. It's bad enough they don't have it, but to keep it on the website and not accommodate our group when we brought it up, well that's just false advertising and bad customer service.
(2)
George Z.
Went there on a Tuesday night with some anxiety from the negative reviews which proved to be unfounded. The staff was extremely courteous and helpful. There is soft live music every night slightly amplified but not intrusive. The margaritas are fantastic; not too sweet with lots of fresh lime juice and potent besides. I hadn't been there in many years but I'm glad I went. The price was quite reasonable and the chicken fajitas I shared was delicious with the incredibly fresh flour tortillas made on the spot. I'm always suspicious of negative reviews about anything, but I didn't see any evidence of inept staff at all. Everyone was trying very hard and very courteous. Casablanca's strong suit is fish and calamari. I want to try their fish soup, Siete Mares, next time. I don't think anyone will be disappointed. I loved turning around in the bar and having Bogie stare at me.
(5)
Amanda E.
Tortillas are the new chips. That's my position and I'm sticking to it. If you've stepped inside Casablanca and noticed the stone-setup in the middle, that's for homemade tortillas - which they make hot and fresh and keep 'em coming as long as you're eating. The other food is great, too - I went for Sunday brunch and was astounded at the number of options (from vegetarian huevos to full-on carne asada) for one flat rate - $13.99 - INCLUDING booze (all-you-can drink sangria, champagne, and bloody Marys). Yep, I'm that serious. Cap it all off with a lovely, campy, half-Moroccan half-Mexican "Casablanca" movie-themed ambiance, and you've got yourself a true L.A. gem - right in the middle of Venice. If you've got friends visiting, family in town, or want a casual and fun first date, Casablanca meets all needs. I can't wait to go back for more...tortillas. :)
(4)
cassandra s.
I was not very hungry when I met up with my brother in law at this restaurant, and from the outside, I did not have high hopes for its interior. But boy was I surprised! I loved the theme of the place, although we were a little confused as to why there were italian pictures on the front of the menu. Really though, the whole theme was a little confusing, but who cares! It was good food, my husband and I split a meal, I can't even remember which one. But the cheese and beans and rice was SO GOOD. And the tortillas and guacamole with chunks of cheese was devine. Great food, cool spot. I'm diggin it ;)
(5)
Elizabeth P.
just ordered two chicken tostadas to go. $18.00. One didn't have a tortilla under the soggy iceberg and they only gave me one salsa/dressing and one set of utensils. I expect more for this kind of money. and what kind of mexican restaurant doesn't make nachos? Lame.
(1)
Spencer K.
I came here last night after spending the day in the westside. After spending time in the water and hiking around, the tortillas are amazing. They're amazing even if you've just been a couch potato for the day too. I got the carne asada combo with a cheese enchilada. They didn't ask how I wanted it cook, but cooked it to a medium rare...Perfect! My brother got a burrito, which he devoured. And my gf got the stuffed snapper, also pretty good.
(4)
Nicole S.
Last night my husband and I decided to try Casablanca for the first time (based on the reviews of "great margaritas" "amazing tortillas" "good food"). We were given tortillas and green salsa with chunks of cheese, and I was excited to taste these exalted tortillas. Verdict: pretty good, good smoky flavor. We ordered two house margaritas. I guess the "awesome" margaritas that were reviewed were not house margaritas. Because, these two margaritas were watered down, and sweet (not even tart). Previous reviews said that the margaritas were made in front of you, and these were not. Another server took our order, a different server dropped them off, and then we never had a waiter check on us again. If another waiter had checked on us, I would have told them that the avocado dressing was super bland and that I would love some Italian dressing (Ok, I probably would have just asked for a side of Italian, but that is what I was thinking). What is weird is that there were at least four servers, and only about 9 tables, so I don't understand why we were overlooked for soooo long. My husband had the bellydancing chicken dish, which he said was good, and loved the rice. I had suiza enchiladas, and they were fine...not really special. We had to flag down a server (not ours, but at this point we had no idea who our server was) to get a to go box, and then we ended up waiting for 15-25 minutes to get the check. Our waiter disappeared, and we flagged down another waiter for the check, and he told our waiter about it 5 minutes later, and we finally got the check. We felt like we had fallen through the cracks (which can be expected when a place is packed, but Casablanca wasn't) and somehow ended up in waiter purgatory (where nobody knows who is supposed to take care of you). Probably will not come back again because the drinks were weak, the food ok, and the service terrible. The Good: The place is super cute and you are surrounded by Casablanca paintings, memorabilia, and Casablanca ads. There was a woman making the tortillas in the middle of the restaurant (who had a tip jar) and there was a man playing live guitar. Loved that Casablanca had parking. The Bad: Service, meh food.
(2)
Jewel L.
I love this place. Calamarie 13 different ways, fresh tortillas, and an excellent tequila selection. I've been coming to this place since I moved to California in 1984.
(5)
West D.
its pretty good Mexican food the only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that my girlfriend and i had to drive around for 17 minutes to find a parking spot and that made her really angry and pretty much ruined the date. we wanted to park at whole foods but the risk of getting towed was too high even at 11am. i talked to one of the guys that worked there and they said they only had a few parking spots but they were already taken up. the parking is hellish but the food is Delicious.
(4)
Angie K.
Awesome tortillas! They're so fluffy and tasty, and you can see the cute tortilla lady working hard to make such carby goodness. The food is decent. I got the calamari steak with butter and garlic sauce. It was average, but I think it's been hyped. The servers are a bit "off"... I ask for something, the server disappears, then another server comes by asking me if I need it (i.e., the check).... and then they forget about it altogether. They're "friendly" but slightly condescending/rude, and they laughed at me because I was trying to swat one of their MANY flies away. Gross.
(3)
Oksana G.
This place is cute. Extremely decorated. Food was good. The rice was different than ive ever had. Not your typically mexican rice. There is cheese on almost everything, which I dont mind since I love cheese. haha I ordered carne asada tacos and the meat ws so soft and tender, there wasn't any fat on it at all. They were 2 pretty big tacos that I got full on just one. OH actually it might have been all the freshly made flour tortillas I had before. Which is probably why I give this place 5 stars because you dont find places that serve tortillas like they do. This place is underrated.
(5)
Kristina A.
Food is mediocre, prices are high, service is poor. The tortilla lady and margarita cart guys are ok, but aside from that everyone here has a bad attitude. The only redeeming factor here is that the hand-made flour tortillas are DELICIOUS. Even they have a draw-back, though, as Casablanca won't give you tortillas to go, or as an a la carte side with another purchase. I try to support my neighborhood businesses like this, but after continued bad experiences I'm just sticking to the place across the street now.
(2)
Elizabeth E.
This place is great, I am always tempted to just eat their fresh tortillas and drink margaritas for dinner. Their specialty is calamari steaks which people that like calamari I have eaten with love. Everyone from my dad, to my friends, to my grandma LOVE this place when I take them. It is great for large groups or an intimate date. There is often a live performer there to add to the ambiance as well.
(4)
Priscilla L.
I would go here just for the tortillas. They are AMAZING. And huge. They also have this salsa that comes with it that's also pretty good. The food here is pretty good, nothing too impressive but it's good.
(4)
Zed A.
Any place that has a life-sized mannequin of Humphrey Bogart is a friend of mine. They should have Woody Allen's "Play It Again, Sam" playing in the background at all times. Plus, this is where the Rose Ave. pub crawl ends. As it says on the front of their building: you are now leaving Venice, CA!
(5)
Diana V.
Had a burrito from here after a long day of thrift shopping with my very good friend Amanda A. God, it was the right way to end the day. I do remember it being very dim and steamy in there. It was a very hot day too. Aka, there was no AC:/ There were lights on. I felt high in there...and I wasn't-_- The service was quick. Waiters were friendly also. Our food came out right away. it was delicious. But again, no AC. Like, really? I still can't get over that. Cmon people! This is Venice on a summer day. Get it together.
(4)
Penny O.
I really like this place. We go here for brunch. Ok first they have this cool menu to chose from, you get fruit, entree, desert and champagne all for about a very good price!! ohhh and the best thing about going here is to enjoy their delicous unlimited homemade flour tortillas!! when i say delicious i mean it!! those are real delicious flour tortillas, soft and tasty :P and when i say homemade i mean theres a lady in the main room making them in front of you!!! this plus their chesse and salsa they serve you while you wait for your food! mmmmmm yummy. Im craving those tortillas while i write this! LOL Food and service is very good! The only bad thing is they serve flan as dessert but it isnt that good, but honestly who cares?? is like you get a free flan with your food and by that time im so full of tortillas and tasty mexican food that i cant eat it. There was a guy playing the guitar last time i was there, he was singing guantanamera! hahaa so it was a joyfull and tasty brunch. The restaurant is decorated obviously with casablanca movie pictures. Parking isnt that great. So i will keep going here to enjoy good mexican food at good price, music and the best homemade flour tortillas (outside mexico of course) :P
(4)
Mike N.
I've closed this place many times. Love it. Every time. If you genuinely enjoy the taste of tequila, this place is for you. If you love creative tequila-laden Mexican food, this place is for you. If you love fresh made tortillas, this place is definitely for you. The unique atmosphere is delightful. Live music is just right. I recommend the Calamari Steak and the Enchilada Suizas. And, of course, the Carne Asada. Mmmmmmm! First-rate service, consistently for years. Closes surprisingly early.
(5)
Porsche C.
I come here for lunch often. The parking is bad and the service is slow. However, the fresh made tortillas are worth the hassle. They are delicious. The portion size is very good. It is enough to split among two people. I get the cheese enchiladas. They are yummy!! The prices are really decent as well.
(4)
Aaron M.
Bomb! Love coming here for the great margaritas, excellent food, fantastic service, delicious home made flour tortillas,and the live guitar playing.
(5)
Adriana M.
I have been going to Casablanca for about 5 years now and I will continue to go back. The place is definitely kitschy, but that's the point. They have live music sometimes and a lady making fresh tortillas, which are sooooo good (with their chile & cheese). Everything I have ever tried here is delicious. Service is great and it has a sort of romantic feel to it. Love it!
(5)
Egan Y.
I had dinner with friends here recently and we all immediately fell in love with the fresh flour tortillas. They were like hot, soft, perfect disks from heaven. I ordered chicken enchilada suize entree. It was ok, very averge and unremarkable. The restaurant was dark and noisy. Add to that the live guitar player, and it was hard to have a conversation with the friends at your table. Normally, I would have given Casablanca a 2.5 - 3 stars, but the fresh tortillas saved it, and earns a solid 4-star rating. I don't know how much they pay the tortilla lady, but they better keep her happy because this place sinks to mediocrity without her.
(4)
denise m.
Love this place. Used to come here all the time when I lived in LA and now I'm back in town for a visit and would not miss a chance to eat at Casablanca while I'm here. I have been dreaming of the tortillas ever since I left. They are truly decadent and delish! I have to take a moment to vent. I'm surprised and perplexed by some of the really meanspirited yelp reviews for a family-run restaurant. If you don't get the kitsh factor here (Casablanca movie memorabilia, old time LA weird restaurant on Lincoln, Mexican seafood -- not your standard sort of restaurant), then you shouldn't eat here. Based on some of these reviews it's like you guys thought you'd wander into this weird old joint on Lincoln and it would be all perfect and decked out like Houston's inside with Wolfgang Puck making your perfectly presented, color coordinated plate of food piled vertically with a drizzle of some sort of reduction. It's a weird old time LA restaurant. Get used to it. That's what makes it cool! Now, back to the food...aside from the tortillas... I always get the calamari steak here. It is the specialty of the house. They take a calamari steak and pound it out pretty flat, dredge it in flour and then lightly pan fry it. There are lots of different sauces you can top it with. I usually get the calamar al mojo de ajo (butter and garlic) but have also had the veracruzano (which is a red sauce with peppers and capers) and the salas fresca (which is a cold pico de gallo, which would be the least fattening, I'm sure). I think they all come with rice and some sort of side veggie and a choice of soup or salad. Yummy! The frozen margaritas are great as well. They are not too icy and slushy. Just perfectly creamy and blended. I'm usually stuffed by this point but if you have room, their flan is delicious. There is sometimes music but not sure of the schedule. If you like kitshy, old timey LA restaurants and delicious warm tortillas and calamari steak you will most definitely love this place.
(5)
Marilynn L.
Went for the $13.99 all-you-can-drink brunch with fruit, entree, and flan for dessert. The drinks were virtually non-alcoholic if not entirely non-alcoholic. They didn't even taste good without the alcohol. Like those frozen cans of HFCS juice that you find in the grocery store freezer aisle. Very sweet. The tortilla lady was there and the tortillas were exceptional with the green salsa which had something similar to paneer cheese cubes in it. This filled us up decently and it was a good thing, too, because the party of 12 was all across the board disappointed with the entrees. The tortillas were like the store bought kind (a huge disappointment after such fresh tortillas as an appetizer), almost every plate looked like a monotone of cream color (cheese, eggs, tortilla, rice all the same bland color), and mine tasted plain salty. Worse than using Trader Joe's premade enchilada sauce or frozen entrees. Way worse. Sad, because this would have been a fun place to go back to!
(2)
Tehmin L.
Went on a recommendation from a friend. Overall a good experince...not great but I would go back again to try some other dishes. I really wanted to give this place 5 stars, but the food was just ok which was disappointing. The ambiance is very unique so at least check it out for that. Pros: - Very unique atmosphere with the Casablanca theme. I felt like I was inside a theme restaraunt at Disneyland. - Very nice and attentive staff - Homemade tortillas were so freakin tasty Cons: - I got the Steak Tacos with the cheese. Wasn't too impressed. Kind of bland. There just wasn't much flavor. Plus the steak seemed sort of low quality. I had to get some salsa to kick up the flavor-o-meter. - My wife got the Calamari something. Once again, kind of bland.
(3)
Erica F.
Basic solid mexican food. It ain't no fine dining. Delicious home made tortillas - they keep them coming! I love their salsa verde with chunks of cheese in it that come with the tortillas. Their queso fundido is steamy and delicious. This is another place that feels super busy and claustrophobic, it's always been busy when I've gone. The servers are fast and efficient, but I end up feeling rushed because the food comes out super fast (entrees often overlap the apps and you're left with this awkward graveyard of half-eaten plates, piping hot entrees, and beer bottles when everything comes out nearly simultaneously.) Parking is rare in their lot, usually have to find street parking. Pricing is cheap though. Note, you won't need to get a huge entree if you eat a bunch of tortillas, guac, and salsa verde... be warned... the shrimp tostada will be plenty for ya!
(3)
Kammi B.
Casablanca has the best tortillas EVER! They make them fresh right in front of you and bring out as many as you want (but be careful- eat more than one before dinner and you won't have any room for your delicious meal!) The fajitas are the best deal, you get so much filling that you can have enough for 2 people and STILL have leftovers the next day. Make sure you make it worth your waiter's time and order and app or some drink along with it though. Also make sure to tip the tortilla lady! Also, if you go on a weekend night there is usually someone playing live music, or on Tequila Tuesdays they bring a cart of a variety of tequilas and make margaritas for you right at your table.
(5)
Jason H.
The place changed ownership and I've been there twice since but I just wasn't impressed. The fresh torts and salsa is still awesome, but the meal just wasn't.
(2)
Max P.
The funky vibe, the tortillas & the margaritas. Hands down best margs and tortillas in town! The food is just okay - but I love the casual atmosphere - and did I mention the tortillas and margaritas? I typically order simply - chicken or steak enchiladas. A basic yum. :) If you know what you're in for, it's fanstastic for a weeknight easy meal.
(4)
Ryan J.
Homemade tortillas. Is there anything more exciting than that? Well, yes, perhaps that first kiss, or the Lakers winning a championship, and perhaps a few other things. But homemade tortillas is definitely up there. Having grown up in West LA, I've only driven or biked by Casablanca a hundred million times. But, for some reason, I've never eaten there. Perhaps it's because I used to be so faithful to La Cabana across the street (before it went down the toilet as far as quality is concerned). So when my friend and his fiancee suggested that we hit Casablanca for dinner, I was all ears. Homemade tortillas? Sure, I'm in. Double-date it was. We waited a few minutes for our table, and had a beer at the bar. No sweat. Sat down, and the server was pleasant enough, in that "I don't really have a personality" kind of way. But hey, it's all about business, and business is food. We ordered, and then got down to it. There's a little old lady who stands in the middle of the restaurant making fresh homemade tortillas. They were fantastically delicious. A little butter, and some of the salsa that they put on the table, and voila! a nice little appetizer. I ordered the chicken poblano burrito ($10.50), which was an all-meat burrito with chicken cooked in a mole poblano sauce. It was very meh. The flavor was bland, the ingredients were questionable, although the portion was large. And, unfortunately, they apparently don't use those fresh tortillas for their burritos. Party foul. My girlfriend ordered the "world famous calamari," which was a fried calamari steak. She got the calamari mariscos, with crab (although I didn't see any) and the tiniest canned shrimps you've ever seen ($14.99). It was tasty, because anything tastes good when it's deep fried, but it was only okay. All in all, the food was subpar, although the portions were large. Would I go back? Only if someone really wanted to go there. The only saving grace were the tortillas, which again (to reiterate for the twentieth time) were phenomenal. It's standard Americanized Mexican food, and doesn't really get me going. I'm debating 2-3 stars, but since the tortillas are so good, hmm... I'll still go 2 stars.
(2)
Brendon D.
This place is trippy. Everything is from the movie Casablanca. There is a wax statue of your boy Humphrey Bogart. The handmade tortillas are killer. The margaritas are good too. There is a small parking lot, but the street on Lincoln is better. This area is known for drugs, homeless folks, gangs and hookers. Be careful. Don't half step. Watch Casablanca before you go to the restaurant.
(3)
Jerry P.
We had the Calamare Congac (it's topped with baby scallops) and the Bracero Seafood ( salmon, shrimp, and scallops in a veg melange). Comes with soup or salad. TE.............RRIFIC. With two margaritas on the rocks, came to $48.00. Live guitar music every evening.
(3)
Jose V.
Westwood needs a family owned Mexican restaurant like this one. I've driven by this place a million times and had the good fortune of going in today. Felt like I had stepped into a 1950s Mexican movie, though I've never actually seen one. Anyway, I believe you can tell the quality of a Mexican restaurant by tasting their salsa and tortillas. In this case, they hit the mark on both, hence the 4 stars. In my opinion, it's very hard to mess up any Mexican meal if you use fresh tomatillos for salsa and make your own tortillas. I had the chicken quesadilla, which truly wasn't adventurous, but good nonetheless. Waitstaff was helpful and parking a breeze. I'll be back.
(4)
Janet T.
I was intrigued by other yelpers reviews of fresh tortilla's. I personally like eating flour tortilla's with my mexican dishes but my bf believes authentic mexican dishes should be served with corn tortillas. In any case, I've been driving up and down lincoln for the past year and never really noticed Casablanca's until recently. I decided to look it up on yelp to see what others thought and even though it received a 3 1/2 stars I decided to go any ways. Upon walking in, I already knew it wasn't going to be authentic mexican food but rather something with a twist to accommodate the majority of their clientele's. The place definitely lived up to it's name. Everything consisted of Casablanca memorabilia and it was a bit tacky. I ordered the carne asada which came with a side of beans, rice with some kind of cheese on top and a glop of guacamole, which wasn't the best but edible. Quite frankly, I wasn't very impressed with the food and it reminded me of this mexican restaurant back home called Azteca, which was a huge franchise and served up americanized mexican food. Anyways, other than the fresh tortillas I don't think I'll be back for a second try.
(2)
Mama K.
Driven by 3000 times over the years. Decided to finally check it out. Freshly made tortillas, 5 stars. Everything else (food and pitcher of marggies) 2-3 stars. Service, what you'd expect. Inside kitchy goodness. Perfect for kids. Worth another visit if only for those steaming hot tortillas.
(3)
Max W.
I can only speak for the brunch. Top notch! I believe it was $14 for their brunch special- homemade tortillas with salsa verde, fresh fruit cup, a big portion entree, flan for dessert, and of course, bottomless mimosas/bloodies. Best deal I've ever had for brunch and it was delicious! Talk about one of the best morning after brunches on the planet.
(5)
Joey M.
Best brunch in Los Angeles for the money. For around $13 you get unlimited mimosas or bloody Mary's and a awesome menu to choose from. I don't even like flower tortillas but they make them right in front of you and they are amazing. Plus live music. Great place and great food and service. I don't understand why there's no line to get in this place.
(5)
Lulu P.
I've driven by this place many times and I finally got to try it last night! When we walked through the door there was no one to greet us, but finally a waiter saw us and had us seat ourselves. It is very dark, kind romantic and on some nights they have a guitarist playing music, which I loved! I had the BEST beef Quesidilla ever!!!!! The meat was seasoned to perfection and the homemade tortilla was amazing, throw in the onion, bell peppers and cheese and it's perfection! The only reason I gave them 3 stars and not 5 is that the wait staff there was kinda rude, especially the waiter that took our order!!! AND the beans and rice were not great, the beans tasted like canned and the rice had no taste. I will definitely go back, but I'll think I'll stick with the Quesidilla!!!
(3)
Emilia S.
The restaurant is a wonderful combination of movie memorabilia and Mexican flare, although I still don' get how a movie set in Morocco was the inspiration for a Mexican restaurant. Classic, I guess. Anyway, the decor/atmosphere is fantastic. The food is also really good, which is of course more important. I ordered the Salmon Ivonne which came with steamed veggies and rice. Ate the whole freaking thing. The bf got the other salmon, with crab on top or something- and it looked unpleasant but he said it was great. The tortillas are also really good, although the green (salsa?) that comes with it was so-so. Definitely a fun restaurant with good food, so I'd suggest going-- even if it's out of the way.
(4)
Jenny R.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Casablanca, having been going there for the past twenty years or so. They serve homemade flour tortillas in place of bread, and they are the BEST flour tortillas I've ever eaten. In fact, they might be one of the best things I've ever eaten. That being said, they are a bit weird and stingy with their tortillas. In the last stages of our meal, we asked for more tortillas. The server brought us ONE tortilla. After eating, we wanted to take some extra tortillas home with our leftovers. The server gave us a dubious look. We offered to pay for the tortillas. The manager (?) told us that they don't sell their tortillas, but said that he would give us two more. You would think that a business would want to profit off the food item that it is known for. Why wouldn't they sell the tortillas as a side or something? It just makes no sense.
(4)
Kendra S.
The tortillas are AMAZING! I get the calamari steak here and it's always so tasty. The Cadillac margaritas are yummy and strong, plus they always have a guitar player. The ambiance is interesting to say the least :) This is a great place to bring out of town guests. Love it!
(4)
Tisha C.
Very disappointed. Got there, the barstools didn't even match...So, we traded with the two other girls that were there because one was bar height and the other was counter height? (Annoyed factor #1) We ordered their Cadillac Margarita's...and PUKE, they use Jose Cuervo, which basically makes me vomit by just the smell of it. (Annoyed factor #2) Okay, maybe if I hold my breath while I down this thing I can actually tolerate it. (Annoyed factor #3) So, we're TRYING to enjoy ourselves and we order their Guacamole and Chips...the Guacamole with brown, and it was priced at MARKET VALUE...WHAT does that mean!? Honestly, it's NOT seafood? It turned out to be $8.00...Market Value for Browning Guacamole. Wow. (Annoyed factor #4) "And what in Heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?"
(2)
Caitlin S.
My meal was no bueno, unfortunately. I had fish stuffed with unidentifiable crab and shrimp drowned in a creamy sauce. I was reminded of meals eaten in Puerto Rico and Baton Rouge/New Orleans. I had visions of myself having a coronary in the parking lot. Our waiter was a sweetie. The ambiance is comfortable. It's possible that there are other items on the menu that are more aligned with my palate. I'm willing to go back for a second shot, but that probably won't happen for a long time.
(3)
Taylor G.
Best tortillas ever!! Oh and the margarita cart is a must. Best Mexican food I've had on the Westside. YUMMM!
(4)
liza s.
This morning when I knew we were going to be spending the afternoon in Venice, I rang the alarm and got the hubby out of bed. I said, "We're going to eat at Casablanca where they have THEE best handmade flour tortillas EVER!" He didn't believe me but he was in for the ride. When we got there and the server smacked down our serving of hot tortillas, butter and salsa verde, the hubster went for it. Then he pulled the entire container of tortillas closer to him and guarded them with one arm, blocking me every time I would try to go in for a kill. If it were up to him, he would marry the tortillas. He spent more than half of our lunch time making out with each and everyone he ate. I was right. Wifey is ALWAYS right. They were the best tortillas EVER! I think I ate my weight in tortillas before our food even came out. We both ordered the steak soft tacos with rice and beans. The rice was pleasantly light and fluffy and topped with what I think was cotija cheese. The beans were your average refried kind, and the tacos were served in the lovely, handmade flour tortillas; steak was good to. Next time we're just going to order a side of refried beans, rice and eat pounds of the tortillas. If you stop by, don't forget to leave a nice tip for the hard-working tortillas ladies...they deserve it! P.S. We smuggled our leftover tortillas home with our leftover tacos, and the hubby has already eaten one taco, but blamed it on the dog, and one of the tortillas (and shared it with the dog). Four paws up from our dog on the tortillas.
(4)
Gus R.
TORTILLLASSSS are the BEST EVER!!!!!! if i could just sit there eatting tortillas and a coke or a beer i would! but that would not be fair. I get the carne azada plate. sooogood super super super cheap prices service is always greaaaat you get like 4 servers. no joke. reffils, more tortillas, etc they treat you like a king anyone giving this less than 4 stars is just bitter... this place OWNs and you know it!
(5)
Jun V.
Great fish tacos! Tortillas made fresh. Margarita cart and great service.
(5)
Tran T.
I want to give Casablanca 4 stars solely based on their incredible handmade tortillas. As for the rest of the food, easy 3 stars. Their regular menu food is good, but not fantastic or anything to have a culinary orgasm over. However, wherever you happen to sit down, take note of the woman in the middle of the restaurant. She's got her own tortilla station all set up and she just makes tortillas. Complimentary tortillas are served to you when you're seated, along with some sauces. And I don't know what it is about these tortillas, but they're so incredibly warm, soft, and the taste is enough to make you satisfied if you were only to be served tortillas. And I seriously would not mind just coming in for their tortillas. They're that good. I had an enchilada and a chile relleno, which were both very good, but tasted just like any other food from a decent mexican restaurant.
(4)
Ken N.
We ALWAYS go to La Cabana, and to tell you the truth, as much as we love the margaritas and the atmosphere, the last few times we went, the service was not so great. We drive past this oddly named restaurant about two or more times a day (that busy, busy corner of Rose and Lincoln) and I've always wondered if a place called "Casblanca", with parking spaces named for the iconic actors, could possibly be any good? Our good friend told us that their Sunday brunch was outstanding, so on this one particular night, when we ducked out of a play because it was so awful we just couldn't stand it, we decided to extend our little date night by stopping by for a drink. The bar walks this fine line between kitsch and cool, with various props or faux props from the movie, including maps and old projectors and lobby cards and Casablanca paraphernalia. The presence of Bogie and Bergman and Henried wafted through the air like Moroccan spice. It would've been nicer if there was a grand piano and an African American piano player named Sam, but that would probably be too much. The restaurant was about half full of families and older couples, possibly on a married date like us, and a woman played guitar and sang Spanish songs as well as American pop standards with a most definite Mexican lilt. The music was hermoso. The bartender and an apparent regular/friend were deep in conversation on one end, and we took up residence on the other. We ordered margaritas, just because that's sort of the acid test, right? For us, anyway. They were OK - not as potent as La Cabana, nor as good as Gilbert's (apparently, an extended family owns all of these places, but they are all as different as can be). Maybe the bartender thought we were just some sort of china turistas and made 'em weak, but they were weak. However: When life gives you limes, you make limeade, right? So, I asked for a tequila shooter, just to round off the evening, since we were going to call it a night soon. The bartender delivered a round oaken caddy with a shot of some nice gold tequila, a tiny bowl with a wedge of lime, a tiny bowl full of rock salt, and a tube of something that looked and smelled like Clamato juice. NICE presentation! Per his instructions, I dipped the lime wedge in the salt, bit and sucked it, shot the shooter, then drank the Clamato-ey chaser. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, toasted! It was good. Happily, we settled up, and we walked out. Someone almost hit us in the crosswalk, and I flipped him off and yelled, and Sharon said, "Give me the keys." OK, I said. It was a nice evening, after all.
(3)
Chelsea W.
This place has the best homemade tortillas!!! They come fresh off the grill to your table with this yummy salsa and they disappear very quickly at our table. The service is great, the food it good, but the main reason I love it is for the tortillas. : ) The wait is never too long, they are good at accomodating groups and they usually have a live musician which is fun. I would reccommend this place.
(4)
Hallie R.
This place is so wonderful! It's a hole in the wall restaurant with a delightfully cheesy Casablanca theme. And they have a little Mexican woman making the tortillas by hand. I came here on Cinco de Mayo, so they had live music too. They also have a tequila cart that rolls up to your table to make you a premium margarita (although we ended up passing on this due to our budget... Next time though!) Their green tomatillo sauce in one of the best things I have ever eaten! Couple that with their amazingly warm, soft, and doughy fresh tortillas, and you've got a pre-dinner snack to die for (so much better than chips and salsa!) The Enchiladas Suizas are so delicious! They are topped with that yummy tomatillo sauce and with a dollop of cool sour cream with each warm forkful, it's the perfect bite!
(5)
Mike L.
Very Tentative... As I walked in they escorted me to a table. Always making sure my order was fine. Taco Tuesday Special was great... Drinks were a bit costly but overall not a bad Mexican Joint to enjoy a nice Thursday Night.
(4)
Ms T.
Went today with my friend wanted some great food and some drinks. This was a great spot cute ambiance and the food was amazing. Try the Salmon!
(5)
Natalie H.
5 STARS!!!...This is truly a hidden gem. I love the food, drinks, atmosphere and service. It's a shame that Casablanca Restaurant is so far away from my hometown. You won't be disappointed; this is fine Mexican food, made with quality ingredients. If you leave a bad comment for food, perhaps you are accustomed to Taco Bell?
(5)
jenna w.
This is my go-to place for Mexican food and incredible margaritas. Instead of the typical chips and salsa, they start you with freshly made tortillas and a great avocado sauce. We have tried most of the items on the menu - it's pretty typical California Mexican food, but it definitely hits the spot. I usually get enchiladas, but we've tried the calamari, which is great, and a friend told me the fajitas are amazing. Other than the tortillas, the main reason we go is the incredible margaritas. Don't order them from the waiter, wait until the man with the tequila cart comes to your table and he will make them to your specific requests. Always on the rocks with salt, the way they should be. For the price and the taste, these are the best margaritas i've had other than making them fresh at home (Alton Brown's Margarita Recipe!!). This place is cute and comfortable, not too dressy, great for dates or a group.
(5)
Hahnmade H.
this place has great service and a friendly host, i wish i loved the food as much as i loved tortillas... RECOMMENDATION: tortilla which is served in lieu of chips, it melts in your mouth, and i am still thinking about it! JUST OKAYS: calamari (totally not what i expected). this was recommended by the waiter but i was expecting real calamari NOT a process version. if anyone has tasted TEMPERA (fishcake) in a korean, japanese, or vietnamese version, this is exactly what it tasted like. i'm not a fan of anything process so this left me very disappointing. second dish we got was their "popular" dish -- chicken enchilada. it was too blend and not enough sauce. i asked the hostess after dinner if this cuisine comes from a specific region, she told us it's from parts of north, east, and south?? overall the dishes could have used more sauce and spices. so a VERDICT? go for handmade tortillas -- sit at the bar, order margaritas and get free tortillas with verde sauce. you got yourself a satisfying meal. if anyone can educate me on what went wrong with the dishes i ordered, i'd really appreciate it. perhaps you can give me your recommendations because i really really wanted to like this place more..
(3)
William F.
The tortillas are as good as fellow Yelpers rave about but otherwise Casablanca has uninispiring food. It seems popular with locals but if I'm driving I'll head to Lares...worth the few extra minutes.
(2)
Diana R.
Best Mexican restaurant in town! The flour tortillas are the absolute best. Fantastic margaritas from the drink cart, where they are made completely from scratch. Everything is home made ( salad dressing, salsas, etc). Ask for the avocado dressing and be sure to order a calamari steak. The wait staff is very attentIve and friendly. We've had them cater a party and the service and food was top notch. We bring all visiting friends here and it's always a hit!
(5)
Bekka U.
The tortillas go for the tortillas. If you are NOT Mexican and never had grandma making you fresh tortillas, then go to Casablanca to try and capture that feeling. They are always fresh and super yummy, yet sometimes the waiters can be stingy on seconds. The food is like any other good Mexican food. Not do die for or anything. But the ambiance is cute, and the tortillas are amazing, so I would say its worth the drive. ( I went hungover once and all the food I usually enjoy repulsed me...so if you are easily repulsed by food when hungover I dont recommend this place)
(4)
Leslie C.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is exceptional. The calamari dishes are fantastic. The green salsa and fresh tortillas they give you are to die for. They usually have a live musician or singer playing. Intimate atmosphere. Great for dates.
(5)
Molly M.
I had a fish craving last night and found myself at Casablanca. It was a toss up between this and La Cabana, and having been to neither, we went with the former. Confusing as it may be (Mexican but... a sign at the front reads "you are now leaving LA and are now entering Morocco) I was more concerned about my pending margarita and fish plate. Warm tortillas (some of the best I've had in a while) were served with salsa verde, ole! And my large and in charge margarita came out quickly. Red Snapper with congac, garlic and capers was stuffed with crab and baby shrimp. Delish! A bit heavy but for my first time eating red snapper, it was great. Their "World famous" calamari was a good choice too, accompanied by rice and tomato, corn and broccoli sides. Side salads are included as well. Reasonable prices, festive decorations, friendly waitstaff. Not crowded on a Thursday night.... and I left full and pretty drunk after 2 margaritas. Not sure what that says about me or their bartender....
(3)
Min T.
I thought the tortillas made in the center of the dining room was the greatest thing ever. Unfortunately, the food was just so-so. It seemed more expensive than La Cabana caddy corner from it so we would wind up there more. However, Casablanca has better decor and way better service so perhaps it's worth the extra dollars and parking lot fiasco hassle. I read a while ago in the AAA magazine they're known for abalone. I tried it and it seemed a bit too oily to me. It was interesting though, very different from a thicker cut, with brown gravy Chinese style abalone. Though oily (and garlic-y, mmm), Casablanca's abalone was light. I'd say this is a great date place or slightly more dressy family dinner.
(3)
BridgetLoves L.
I am from Detroit and we have a weird addiction to a little place called Mexican Town. I haven't found anything comparable in my entire life. I can't explain it- it is AWESOME. In any case Casablanca finally cured me of having to fly back to the little area by the Ambassador Bridge for a fix. I had the enchilado and beef taco with beans (with cheese on them), rice (white- and so amazing) and the amazing green salsa. TRY it- you won't be disappointed. It's an LA institution.
(5)
Isaac I.
Started out with a house margarita...homemade fresh tortillas are awesome! And I ordered a second round of them without a problem. (table of six)
(4)
Sarah K.
I like their soups. I iknow I ordered other items at this place a few years back but their soups really stand out.
(4)
Donald B.
This is a 1940's style building inside and out with Moorish style (California style) archicture. I would never have gone there if I was just driving by but was brought by friends and am I glad. !. There is a lady making tortillas in the center of the restaurant and you get them hot off the grill instead of bread. Excellant 2 The margaritas are great and big. 3. The Calimari dishes are all fantastic. There is a mariachi band and it is crowded and noisy but pleasantly so. It is a kind of Mexican/Spanish restaurant but not at all typical of a "Mexican" restaurant. The age makes this place kind of classy in a campy kind of way. If you take a date there she /he will feel that you really know great-off-the beaten path kinds of places.
(3)
Mike R.
I went here last weekend with a group of friends. We were originally going to La Cabaña across the street but our friend Jose recognized Casablanca as soon as he saw it. He told us he had been coming here with his family for years, and that they used to have him play piano inside the restaurant to entertain the guests. He wasn't lying. As soon as we walked in, an old man (presumably the owner) immediately recognized him and seated us immediately, even through there were several other couples waiting. Jose showed us the piano in the corner, and made his rounds to talk to all of his old friends that were still there. They make their own tortillas in the traditional way, using a brick encased oven. They were absolutely ridiculous. They serve them with butter and salsa verde, and you don't even need to chew them because they melt in your mouth. I ordered the Carne Asada which was very delicious. It was served with refried beans and rice, and we had plenty of extra tortillas brought to the table so I could make my own tacos. The meat was well seasoned, and cooked just as you'd expect a good carne asada to be prepared. I also ordered a taco durado (hard shelled shredded beef taco) because I will often use this menu item as a litmus test the quality of the mexican food relative to my San Diego standard (LA's mexican food just doesn't even come close). The taco was pretty solid, but not great. Casablanca's atmosphere is great. You might question yourself, "a Moroccan themed Mexican restaurant? WTF?"... but somehow it works. It was a great family owned and operated restaurant within 2 minutes of my house, so I'm definitely going to make my way back there to experience the godly tortillas once again.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Katherine B.
Casablanca!!!!!!!! I've been coming here for years, and it never gets old. Probably the best hand made tortilla you will ever have, along with their salsa verde. If you come on the weekends they'll usually have a gentleman lightly playing on his guitar for an authentic ambiance. The margaritas are pretty much out of this world, definitely get one if you stop in. Keep up the great works guys and I'll see you soon! P.S they have great parking, especially for the area!
(5)Bruce E.
I used to be a regular at Casablanca for years when I lived on the Westside. It is a very unique Mariscos (Seafood) restaurant namesake and replicated after the famous movie classic... I had a friend in town for the weekend and we got together for dinner and settled one night on Casablanca as she had never been. OMG it was so good and brought back great gastronomic memories. TORTILLAS AND SALSA, TORTILLAS AND SALSA... Let me begin by saying the basket of homemade fresh Tortillas made in front of you (Yes made from scratch by the famous Tortilla lady in the center of the restaurant on a hot griddle) and delivered hot to your table with an incredible homemade Tomatillo cheese avocado salsa is simply the best there is. TRULY INCREDIBLE DECADENT AND ADDICTING. The food at Casablanca is good not great. The Calamari Mariscos topped with shrimp, crab and garlic butter sauce is rich and good. Unfortunately the shrimp topping wasn't very good as it was frozen and limp. The Snapper Vera Cruz was a better option. I'm not much of a drinker but The Margarita cart made tableside is a big hit and I'm told incredibly good as evidenced by the throng of enthusiastic and inebriated patrons. The star is and remains the Tortillas, Salsa and the space which is really a first class replica, with a welcoming vibe to transform you back in time to have dinner in Morocco with Humphrey Bogart. Let me repeat if you haven't been to Casablanca yet. Run, drive as fast as you can, take an Uber or beg a friend, even an ex boyfriend/girlfriend or ex spouse for gods sake to join you and Indulge. Come Hungry and savor the culinary nirvana which is the Tortillas, addicting salsa and great space / atmosphere...
(4)Nicole O.
Good food, terrible service...meh. When I called to make a reservation, I was informed that they don't take reservations for less than 6 and when they do take a reservation it requires a deposit as well. Wait estimate of 25-30 min which was near when we were seated but other than that, service was EXTREMELY slow, to the point that my mom would walk over to the waiter for more tortillas. I think it took nearly 20 min just to get the guacamole we ordered upon being seated. Everything was just okay. I probably wouldn't come back here unless it was someone else's decision.
(3)Brandice W.
I'm not in love with their entrees but who cares, because tortillas. Let me say that again, TORTILLAS. They are hand made in the center of the restaurant, and that woman who makes them has magical powers. They are amazing. Definitely go with a group and order family style for entrees, but on the light side because I mean priorities. You're here for the tortillas. Also, surprisingly, there's ample parking here. The ambiance is 40s Casablanca, which is a bit confusing considering the cuisine, but it's fun and different.
(5)Michelle S.
I fell in love the moment I saw the love for tequila they have at this place. The restaurant is tiny but still has a nice vibe to it. Once you're seated you're greeted with the best green salsa I have ever had and some awesome handmade tortillas. We ordered the steak street tacos and the calamari dish. The street tacos are served on a big plate with ever ingredients in a different small plate and we had to ask for corn tortillas because they only serve you the flour ones. The corn tortillas are also hand made. I felt like there was nothing special about the steak or guac and other stuff but it still tastes good. The street tacos plate is enough for two people. You can make about 4 big tacos. My boyfriend and I got full off of just this plate. The calamari was good and not too chewy but the flavor wasn't exceptional either. The best part about this place is that they have a margarita train! So a server comes around in a little cart and you get to choose which tequila you'd like for your margarita. You should definitely try the spicy tequila! It was recommended by our waiter that we get that margarita as opposed to the house margarita since its a lot cheaper and the tequila in the margarita cart is better quality as well. The service here could have been better. We felt like our waiter would ignore us half the time and when taking our order he seemed as if he were rushing us. This definitely brought down the rating of this restaurant. I still liked trying this restaurant and their tortillas is something to look forward too... As well as the margaritas
(4)Sherlyn S.
Randomly came here because we were craving margaritas after hiking in Malibu. Dukes had an hour wait, the Reel in was a clusterf*ck and traffic was horrid to get back to Manhattan Beach so we decided to stop here. The outside sign said "It's tequila time", we were sold. The decor on the inside transported us back to the 70's, think of your grandmother's house, with a mixture of old relics as decor in glass cases. The restaurant also had a very random clown doll sitting at the top of a lamp near the ceiling. A little weird but it was eclectic, I dug it. It had a very It happened to still be brunch. I thought about ordering a bloody mary but the waitor straight up said the sangria was better -- A+ for his honesty. We had bottomless mimosas/sangrias and warm tortillas made right in front of us while we waited for our food. I could come to this place just for their tortillas. It's that good. There was someone serenading us on a guitar while the announcer had everyone in the restaurant sing happy birthday to a nice little lady who was turning 96. This was place that obviously had a lot of regulars. It was charming. I had the squid steak. It was delicious! Not chewy, tender, perfectly salty and crispy on the outside but tender. It comes with a side of rice and vegetables. It wasn't the best mexican food I had but it was satisfying. The chicken and steak fajitas were yummy too (I stole some from my friends). Brunch came with a choice of desert but we were stuffed. Recap... bottomless drinks, handmade FRESH tortillas, an entree, desert.. all for $15! unbelievable! so glad we stumbled upon this place. I would come back for dinner to try other things on the menu. Bueno!
(4)Lisa W.
A classic, just like the movie. It's taken a few years and a several pitchers of margarita, but Casablanca has really grown on me. I enjoy everything about this quaint Mexican restaurant: the food, the moody lighting, the mysterious atmosphere, the margarita man and the plethoric amount of Casablanca (the movie) memorabilia decorating the walls. There is nothing like Casablanca (the restaurant) in the entire city of Los Angeles and it has been one of my husband's and my favorite dining spots for the past few years. It has became a classic meeting spot with friends during graduate school and continues to be in the present. My favorite thing about Casablanca is the home-made, unlimited flour tortillas. As a rule, I generally hate flour tortillas. But at Casablanca, they are made fresh before your eyes in the dining area by the tortilla lady, who prides herself on shaping grilling each tortilla with delicate expertisse. I love that warm tortillas are served instead of chips, and the accompanying tomatillo cheese salsa is unlike anything I've had elsewhere. I could make a meal out of the complimentary tortillas, butter and salsa alone. My second favorite thing about Casablanca is the margarita man who pushes his cart from table to table during dinner service. The house margaritas are expertly crafted before your eyes, and my husband and I usually order it by the pitcher when we're with our friends. My favorite dishes are the shrimp fajitas and oddly enough, the chicken quesadilla. The fajitas are fresh, bursting with flavor, and a beautiful deep golden red hue due to the achiote. The chicken quesadilla is no ordinary quesadilla. It is heaping and stuffed generously with jack cheese, salsa and fresh shredded chicken. What puts it over the top is the fresh, delicate, home-made tortilla and side of guac. I passed judgement on my husband the first time he ordered this, berating him for choosing such a simple dish at a restaurant. But I quickly reneged my statement when I saw the resplendent quesadilla in true form, basking in its delicious glory. It was even good cold the next day. Dinner tends to be crowded and service can be a little slow during the rush. They have a private parking lot which fills up quickly, as well as limited street parking.
(5)Joe M.
Ok, the 5 stars is not for the food but it is for the margarita cart that you can get strong and flavorful margaritas from. Don't waste your money on the pre mixed bar drinks. It is worth the wait for the cart. If you have more than 2, you better get a driver. Homemade tortillas are awesome! Guacamole appetizer is also very good. Carne Asada plate is my pic for a great dinner.
(5)Jenn S.
Just came back from brunch here and LOVED it! The food was amazing, prices were perfect, atmosphere is welcoming, servers are friendly, and location is convenient. For brunch there is a set menu of 10 or so entrees. You also get a drink of your choice (with no limit as long as you keep yourself in check) and flan for one nice price of $14 or so. Did I mention that it was amazing? If you're looking for waffles then this isn't the place for you. Instead you'll be happy with some fish, calamari, fajitas, omelette, steak, etc. Oh, and there is a live guitar player. They have a parking lot with free parking so that is another bonus. I will be back!
(4)Sandra L.
"He's looking at you...kid." Well, I was looking at the parking block that read "Ingrid Bergman" as I pulled into my favorite restaurant for the last 2 decades, with a smile. How many restaurants do you know, in LA, have been around for 35 years and is still shining? Casablanca is truly a legendary landmark of Venice. The black-and-white photos of old Hollywood movie stars, the vintage poster of the eternal Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart, the mellow singer/ guitar player, the hand-made tortilla station, the wall paintings... If you have an old soul and taste for authentic Mexican, you'd fall in love with this place and bring back all of your gangs. I remember coming here as a college student, a mother, and with my colleagues and friends. This time I came back for the Sunday Brunch. The menu (set @$13.99) offers beverage options from Champagne, bloody marry, to juices and soft drink. Choices for main course range from breakfast omelettes to seafood, chicken, and carne asada. I picked the Calamari steak which was delicious. The champagne wasn't the best but ok. Desert was a slice of sweet dripping flan. What I like the most was the handmade tortilla that came with tomatillo sauce, so soft, so spongy, and so fresh. I'd also come back and have the regular menu with margarita (I remember that being very satisfying). "It's still the same story. A fight for love and glory." The restaurant has been the same glory, for our love of the food, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, dates, laughters, chitchats, and many more...
(5)Stephen D.
The food was ok but the margaritas were great(be sure to want salt on the rim because even after asking twice for NO salt we got glasses with a salted rim. . A 3 star is a stretch though because of a 5 minute window when the following was observed. Can we say SAFESERVE CLASS?! 1. The waiter / bartender used his hand to scoop ice into a pitch of margaritas. 2. The lovely lady making tortillas delivered tortillas to a couple of tables and put her hand on the wall while she said hello. She then went right back to handling dough without washing her hands and without gloves. 3. Another waiter was hot and sweating and wiped his head with his hand then touched plates of food that he dropped off at a table.
(3)Brian K.
I was a little shaky about this place but once I tasted the hand made tortillas all things changed. I had the quesadilla after having the tortillas and I must say I'm sold!!!
(5)Raha G.
If delicious Mexican food with a home made feel is what you're after then Casablanca is the place for you. We waited about 30 minutes to be seated but it was well worth it. We ordered the chicken fajitas and carne asada plate with chile relleno. Both were delicious but I enjoyed the asada and chile relleno more. The hand made tortillas were the best I've ever had and I really could eat them just by themselves. Service was a bit spotty and rushed but they were understandably busy. I was pleasantly surprised that they had live music on a Tuesday night. It really did wonders for the whole ambiance. I left the restaurant with a full stomach and a smile on my face.
(4)Heather D.
This is a great restaurant. I really love the made from scratch tortillas and the sauce they bring with it. You can watch the women making the tortillas from scratch in the center of the restaurant on the brick oven. There is the Tequila Cart that they bring around to you. Would love to try that next time I visit. I ordered the Cheese Quesadilla and a side of rice. My boyfriend ordered a bean burrito. The serving sizes are huge!!! And, eating a quesadilla on a freshly made tortilla was awesome!!! I'm sure the rest of the menu was awesome. But, my boyfriend is vegetarian. So, didn't stray too far from just the basic dishes. Loved the decor. Casablanca is such and awesome film. Being in movies and loving all of the classics, this was pretty cool. Will come back and eat here again.
(4)Lisa G.
The tortillas!!!!!! First, Casablanca is located on Lincoln so traffic can get a little gnarly. Parking here is just as it is almost everywhere in Venice so expect to spend a little time looking for parking. It's probably best to uber over. They have a pretty good selection of tequila so if you have to wait for a seat, just stop by the bar and grab yourself a margarita. Big selection of margaritas and there is even a margarita cart that comes around while you are eating to make sure you're properly hydrated with enough tequila. The handmade tortillas are amazing. They just ousted my other favorite tortilla spot (Carrillos) in the valley. They make the tortillas by hand right in front of you. Only flour though and they don't sell them separately so stuff yourself with the maximum amount of tortillas while you are eating. We also had the guac - nice thick consistency and equally satisfying. We had the camarones mojo de ajo and a burrito. Both delicious. Tortillas were definitely the highlight of the meal though!!! Service was great as well. I have a feeling we will be back very soon!!!
(4)Dan D.
Went here for Sunday brunch and it was a decent deal. I believe it was 14$ for a three course brunch and unlimited alcholic beverages of which the selection was champagne, mimosas, and bloody mary's. Pros: Cheap food Unlimited drinks cool atmosphere, lots of casablanca memorabilia friendly service right by the beach live classical guitar Cons: The food was mediocre Drinks were kind of watered down service wasn't attentive enough for us to really take advantage of unlimited drinks (there were lots of other customers) If you're on a budget and you're not overly concerned about food quality or the strength of your unlimited drinks then go for it! Definitely the best unlimited alcohol brunch for that price (and the only brunch for that price).
(3)Russell R.
Needed a late dinner and this was open until 10:00. The atmosphere was very funky and lively with live music playing in the main dining room. We opted for that room as the bar was too noisy to hear each other talk. The waiters were great and helped with our selection. Really liked the Tequila taxi that came to the table. Good was good. Could have used a bit more flavor but overall worth the visit.
(3)Dan B.
I think it's important, sometimes, to get the review of a place from the sober guy in the group, and that being me on this trip, I was a hair disappointed. The positives were very apparent: the margaritas a la carte were very cool, if a bit on the pricey side, and the freshly made tortillas were absolutely delicious. But beyond that, my first visit to Casablanca was filled with small complaints. The margarita cart was ready to roll right when we sat down, but no one came to take the poor D.D.'s drink order for almost 20 minutes. When I turned to one of the waiters standing nearby and rather subtly motioned that we needed assistance, he looked upset and motioned that someone was coming soon. No one showed for another 5 minutes, so I looked at the waiter again, and he again looked annoyed and walked away. We were a party of 6 and they didn't seem to have a table to accommodate, so they just stuck 2 extra chairs on the ends of a table-for-4, leaving 2 of us blocking walkways, and me seated right next to the piping hot oven where the tortillas were being made. It was a cold night, so it was nice at first, but I was sweating pretty hard by mid-meal. I got the steak fajitas. The meat was decent, the rice and beans were okay, the guacamole was very good. My wife got a filet brasero that she said was outstanding. We were at the restaurant from 7:30 to almost 10pm, partly by choice, but partly just because things move at a slower pace. And here's my dilemma. Sometimes it's nice to just relax a little, but not if you're starving and the guy not drinking. I simply can't go above 3 stars because of my issues, but I also don't think I can do below because of the unique atmosphere (Casablanca paintings and fake posters on the walls) and homemade tortillas/drinks.
(3)Jesseca S.
Was now-I-have-a-headache-I'm-so-hungry hungry so stopped off in here to just grab a quick bite. No Tito's, which sucks, so I ordered Maker's instead (organic), and it was a V-E-R-Y heavy pour. Looking over the menu I wasn't too impressed as I wasn't in the mood for seafood, but that's what all the Yelp tips were talking about. Ended up getting a veggie burrito (which isn't on the menu) and asked them to throw in sour cream. It was gargantuan and soooooooooo delicious. Don't forget to drizzle that green salsa, that comes with the free appie tortillas, on top. Total: $20 for everything! Great service from all of the sweet employees, too. Def. Will. Be. Back.
(5)Matt A.
This is possibly the worst service in Los Angeles. They refuse to customize any orders. They constantly make you feel like you're inconveniencing them. The rarely bring out things you ask for. In short, they're absolute jackasses with subpar food. Go here if you want an atrocious experience.
(1)David C.
Great food for the price, awesome homemade tortillas live music and a margarita cart. This place is one of a kind. Great brunch deal as well.
(4)Wendy G.
This was my second time at Casablanca and I was still deeply impressed. Their Sunday brunch special is definitely the best deal you can find anywhere in the area. "Bottomless" (they try to refrain from using this term due to some logistical reason, but it pretty much is unlimited) mimosas/sangrias/bloody mary's, unlimited tortillas, an entree, and flan for dessert - all for $13.99! I had the Pechugas de Pollo as my entree and my friend the Carne Asada. Both are pretty big and tasty. I love that they give out freshly made tortillas (you can even watch them being made right there in the seating area) instead of chips as an appetizer. You could easily get full off just the tortillas and drinks and take the bulk of your entree home (as my friend and I ended up doing). I'm always baffled as to why this place isn't more popular. The place is definitely pretty full on Sundays, but it isn't packed - my friend and I got a table immediately after arriving. All the servers are really nice and are attentive to your table's tortilla refills but less so for drink refills, which you usually have to ask for. Considering bottomless mimosas alone are normally $10+, this place is a godsend for bottomless brunch snobs like myself. Parking is a butt so I recommend taking an Uber. Also, Venice Beach is about 1-1.5 miles away so it's a fun post-brunch trek!
(5)A. M.
My expectations were quite high but they were quickly diminished. The handmade tortillas were tasty but the house Margarita is pre-mixed and is quite sugary. The margarita cart that everyone raves about comes out after 6 only making 1 cocktail. The food was bland- flavorless rice, under seasoned and fishy seafood. I much prefer La Cabana located across the street. The only upside to this spot is the parking. Take your taco Tuesday elsewhere.
(2)Yvette A.
This is an old antique place. The outside kind of looks a little discouraging. It's a little dingy building. When you walk in you are greeted immediately by a handsome male hostess. The decor is old fashioned. Casablanca movie pictures everywhere on the walls. Some of the wall are hand painted with different characters in the movie. The bathroom even have pictures and hand painted art. In the some of the corners are antique gadgets like old cash register. I love antiques. Bar area is small. There is a lady making homemade flour tortilla in the actually dining area. The also have a musician playing the guitar. This place has a romance about it. Service was good, waiter there get it done .They don't play. The food was delicious and simple. I got the calamari mojo. It was delightful. I was there for Sunday Brunch so the menu only has about 9 different plates. Sunday brunch comes with your choice of OJ / champagne /bloody mary/ sangria or a soft drink. For 13.99 you get a entree, drink and flan. Complimentary hot homemade in front of you flour tortillas and this yummy green salsa with cheese chunks in it. So good. I ordered a margarita that was out of this world, 2 sips and I was feeling fine. I will definitely recommend this place for lovers or a group of close friends.
(5)Krystin T.
Themed after one of my favorite movies and I've never been here?! How??! Went for brunch, SO PLEASED! I was very skeptical and a little discouraged when I saw the menu, I'm a bread carbs and fruity accents breakfast kind of girl so it didn't appeal to me much at first. Went with the scramble since it was the most diner like thing I could get on the menu, which wasn't a mistake cause it was freaking delicious! Also nabbed a nibble of the boyfriends chorizo omelet, equally as impressive. They have FRESH HOMEMADE TORTILLAS BAKED ON A BRICK OVEN RIGHT IN THE RESTAURANT! Served with this avocado chile(not chili) salsa that wasn't spicy so it was perfect for the morning. Mimosas were said to fantastic as well!! LOVED the orange juice! I could keep ranting, bottom line, Go here for brunch. I was satisfied!!
(5)Olivia T.
The homemade flour tortillas are so so SO WONDERFUL! The tequila cart and man is so exciting and a nice touch. The ambiance and music is on point. The shrimp ceviche is asi asi.... it's aight. It's a tid bit pricey (not for Santa Monica/Venice as a whole but regarding general Mexican food across the LA area) and doesn't stay open as late as La Cabana across the street but it's cute, cozy, PERFECT for a date, and perfect service (UNlike La Cabana). Consider it.
(4)Gizelle P.
Came here with a group after work, ordered the calamari steak with scallops and shared the house margarita pitcher. Calamari steak: Would have liked a little more crunch on the steak, it would have contrasted better with the sauce. The congac sauce was really savory! Not too heavy either. Liked it, though it wasn't my favorite. As everyone else says, the tortillas are amazing. There is a stove right in the middle of the restaurant and the aroma fills the whole room- wow. They also give you both red and green salsas to dip your tortilla in. Although the red is for the chips, I personally like it better with the tortilla! They had live music come in, which is really special for a Tuesday! The atmosphere is kind of touristy as the place is dedicated to the Casablanca movie, kind of cute to walk around. I wasn't too big of a fan of the margaritas. Just nothing special to me. Also, I would like a little more light in the room, it just made the atmosphere kind of "sleepy" rather than romantic or intimate.
(4)Robert E.
Great Sunday brunch!! It's $15 all you can drink bloody Mary's , mimosas, sangria, and champagne. The food choices that are available for that $15 are also very good. Seafood, pollo and beef selections, along with a good choice of egg based creations. Great deal, great food, good service. It's a win.
(5)Scott M.
The food is excellent, but the staff acts like you're ruining their day by showing up. Drinks are a little pricey.
(3)Brittany L.
Handmade delicious tortillas, tequila cart, and delicious food!
(5)Zach L.
The best flour tortillas, freshly made in front of you. Great margaritas. Solid food. Can't beat it on the Westside.
(5)Bryan W.
Casablanca combines an obsession with tequila and an obsession with the Bogart film of the same name in an uncanny way that works out to be a unique experience. A sign painted near the front door read "Attention you are leaving Venice, California and entering Morrocco, Algeria." I'm still reeling from the vertigo of a thoroughly Mexican restaurant themed as a North African fantasy and shrine to a great movie. Margarita Express is a table side margarita bar with a rotating selection of 100% Blue Agave Blancos, Reposados, and Anejos. I was given a taster of the blanco recommended to me before approving of its use in my Matrgarita. A woman manning a fresh, hand-pressed and immediately cooked flour tortilla station is yet another center of attention and activity in this wondrous place. Yet another entertainment was live music provided by a performer playing guitar and solo singing. The food is also good. It is not often that I get so far into a review before I mention the food. When you sit down the table already has a delicious green salsa with small dices of queso fresco in it to accompany a platter of piping hot fresh flour tortillas. You can ask for corn tortilla chips and a bold red salsa as we did, but I recommend simply enjoying the proffered flour tortillas. I ordered the carne asada platter which brings out a full flank steak which. I sliced myself and as a combination of handmade burrito and steak.
(4)Hank B.
Another winner in my book when out in Venice Beach....must try the margaritas with a little chips and salsa. You got to stop it and try it thats all Im going to say!
(5)Amber L.
I appreciated the kitschy decor but the food was very mediocre. The best part was the handmade tortillas, which were quite good. My party was too tired to drink but I could see how the margarita cart would be fun. There are barely any vegetarian dishes on the menu. I was surprised because most of the food seemed pretty typical for a Mexican restaurant and you usually see a lot more options. I ended up getting a plate with a chile relleno and cheese enchilada. It was among the more bland, forgettable Mexican dishes I've ordered. Pretty salty and not a lot of flavor. Everything tasted like it was pre-made and like what you might get at a non-authentic Mexican restaurant in the middle of nowhere. The salsa they give you to dip the tortillas in was also bizarre and tasteless. I was surprised to see this place has such good reviews when the food is so mediocre. I definitely expected better Mexican food in California!
(2)Patrick B.
Went to the actual restaurant this time. The handmade tortillas are amazing. The portions were hefty, and the food tasted close to the earth. I loved it, especially the green chili salsas. The restaurant was a bit dark, and it looks a bit, how to say, dispiriting from the outside. But the food is incredible and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant was clean. The cloth napkins smelled like they had just been laundered. While the tortillas are a huge win, it's also about the small things.
(5)E H.
My favorite restaurant in town! Wonderful food and margaritas made fresh off of a traveling cart. Must try the tortillas!!! I don''t care that it's LA and everyone is intensely image obsessed! (zombie voice) Must eat the carbsss....
(5)Christina P.
Casablanca is one of a few Mexican joints in this Rose/Lincoln area, and I think it might be in the running for my favorite. For starters, the place is totally themed out with Casablanca props, even though it's a full on Mexican restaurant. Secondly, they have an entire wall of different tequilas, as well as a margarita cart that they push to your table to make you a cocktail. It's amazing! And let's not forget the food. I went with something from their calamari menu because I can never resist when something is touted as world-famous (I'm a sucker for flashy marketing, what can I say). I was expecting your typical rings and strings of calamari, but I was surprised to get a huge, tender steak of it. It's lightly fried then topped with all different choices of sauces and toppings. I got the garlic butter sauce, which was rich but so tasty. I was less than impressed with the side of veggies, which looked like your standard frozen vegetable medley, and I didn't love the queso appetizer. But all of this was overshadowed by their amazing hot, fresh, handmade tortillas, made right in front of our faces at the little tortilla station. They bring it out with butter, and it's just the most indulgent and addictive thing. The festive atmosphere was topped off by a talented guitarist who strummed away while we enjoyed our meal. I honestly can't believe it's taken me this long to walk through these doors, and I hope to be able to again soon!
(4)Daniel S.
Simply outstanding for brunch. Fresh Tortillas (instead of chips) as appetizer with avocado-based dip. Unlimited Bloody Mary/Mimosa Entree (Beef Fajitas were incredible) Dessert Ambiance was really comfortable--live music, friendly staff, etc. All for $13.99!! Absolutely insane that this place is not packed every Sunday. A must-go place for the best and most affordable brunch for miles.
(5)Scott A.
3.5 stars. Packed on a Sunday night and liked the homemade tortillas & live music. Wanted to try the seafood since they feature that and don't serve carnitas. Ended up getting talked into the calamari fajitas, but wish I went for the calamari steak with garlic/butter sauce. The fajitas were tasty, but there were as much bell peppers as calamari so it felt a bit lacking. The guacamole was good and the homemade tortillas served at our table with salsa were the highlight. Service was very good and everyone was friendly. An older looking place, but popular so gotta respect that. I'd like to come here again and try something different.
(3)Dinesh M.
I take my mother and wife out on a Saturday hoping for a wonderful meal; however, it was just ok. Pros: Hand made tortillas, bar cart comes to every table, guitar player Cons: Food came to quick (seemed already prepared - taste like it too), not enough flavor.
(3)Debbie K.
My employer, UCLA, ordered catering through Casablanca on numerous occasions and I have to give them five stars for always being courteous, prompt, and rationing out enough portions to feed more than enough mouths estimated. Kudos to Robert in the catering department for owning up to his mistake and rectifying his action almost immediately. The catering menu gives you the option of cookies for dessert. I requested cheesecake instead but on the day of delivery, cookies were sent. I called Robert and without hesitation he sent over a cheesecake free of charge! Thanks, Casablanca!
(5)Katerina P.
I've been living in LA for four years now and Casablanca has never disappointed. I was at first a bit on edge because of the location and it's appearance but I was pleasantly surprised . Food: Delicious tortillas (handmade right in front of you) and the margs are to die for. Personally I wait for the margarita cart to come around for me to order mine. I usually order the two chicken enchiladas suizas (my go to plate ) .. And they are five stars here! I can also vouch for the burritos, they're huge and delicious! Attire: Ambience is casual and friendly, i recommend dinner hours more than lunch because it's a bit more crowded at night and they have someone singing live music which I found very entertaining. Two Words: Must Try!
(5)M V.
The food wasn't that great. Best thing were the tortillas. Service was lacking. Everyone that worked there seemed so sad. An overal bizarre experience.
(2)Ruby K.
Great restaurant and I dine here frequently. Their brunch menu is such an amazing deal considering that the portion of the dish is so large. Part of the brunch is the bottomless sangria, Bloody Mary, and champagne. Their complimentary tortillas is what this restaurant is known for. Freshly cooked tortillas that is served to you with verde green salsa with cheese, and butter. Casablanca's Cadillac Margaritas are perfectly tasty and strong. One of the best margaritas I've had. The food is great as well. I've ordered carne asada and seafood from Casablanca in the past, and everything I had ordered never disappointed me.
(5)Gladys J.
I am so disappointed!! I used to be a big fan but now I would say go to La Cabaña across the street for a better meal. The chile relleno tasted like freezer burn, the rice was hard, the taco shell on my taco tasted stale and the chicken inside was flavorless. The only good thing left is the woman making the handmade tortillas. The bathroom had no hand soap and yes the place needs a deep, deep cleaning. Service was good too. I felt bad for he waiters that have to serve this bad, mexican food.
(1)Michael M.
Great find. I don't live in Venice but I've driven past the restaurant many times not knowing what it is. Was in Venice for business and wanted to wait out the traffic. Did a search on yelp for Mexican food. I love the movie Casablanca and Mexican food. Great combo. It also remind me of old school Mexican restaurants I grew up with. Highly recommend.
(5)Rich S.
Awesome! Been coming here for 30 years and still rocks! A must try for Maggie's and calamari, hand made tortillas are to die for! A must try!
(5)Joe B.
Casablanca stands out from the hundreds of other mediocre Mexican family restaurants in LA only because of its kitschy, quaint, dingy decor. They don't do much dusting. Food is lousy. Burritos are filled with a bland beef product reminiscent of Alpo. The "calimari steak" is mushy with a definite fishy aftertaste. The fresh flour tortillas are gooey sheets of starch and carbs. Great if you just wanna fatten up. Bad food that will give you a stomachache. On the plus side the menu is very cheap. Most plates under $10. Cool if you don't give a shit what you eat. Anyhow, I won't be going back.
(2)Mark L.
I can't believe it's taken me this long to write a review about this superb kitschy Mexican restaurant. Watch while they hand-roll flour tortillas a few feet away - I'm not a huge tortilla guy but these are sublime. The Margarita cart is pure indulgence. My wife and I first discovered this when we lived in the Marina - it looks bizarre from the outside and is borderline "ornate" but the tequila bar is unmatched, the food awesome and the ambience, with the Casablanca movie memorabilia makes for a movie lovers dream eatery. We went there for our anniversary recently and the charmer on margarita cart indulged and introduced us to some super smooth, unbelievable tequilas. Magnifico Rick. Arrest all the usual Mexican restaurants and leave me this Venice gem.
(5)Bree M.
This small place had excellent food. I ordered a pasta omelet which had shrimp, fettuccine & some peppers. I highly recommend. The bottomless mimosas are a really great deal as well. There was 5 of us and our bill was 76$ including mimosas (so 15$ a person) was a great bill! It's a on a corner and can be missed easily, but would definitely come back! Fast service & quick refills.
(5)Josh J.
Casablanca is what I think of when it comes to the best Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. The atmosphere does feel similar to the Casablanca film, although not completely. Every now and then, a musician plays music on a guitar and sings in Spanish. To be honest, I'm not the biggest fan of that type of music, but it is pretty relaxing and soothes you, especially after a long day. The food taste amazing and is actually worth the cost. A burrito from Casablanca will surely fill you up and not wanting more, which tends to happen at other restaurants that ask for customers to pay a lot when they don't give much food. That's not the case here. Also, Casablanca has the best tortillas in the world. Be sure to bring a bunch home if you don't finish them all. They're great. I have been going to Casablanca for years and continue to do so today.
(5)Maria P.
I had always driven by this restaurant and wondered what it was like. A former boss of mine really enjoys the tequila cart and frequents it somewhat often so I figured I would try it out. A friend of mine walked here the other day around 3:30 pm. We weren't sure if it was open since when we walked in it was dark. That's right, they forgot to pay the electric bill kind of dark. We spotted a few employees who welcomed us in and told us to sit on the right hand side of the dining room since the bar area was closed. Still, no lights. A no name server came by and asked us for our drink order which he had to repeat a few times in the span of a minute. He had a twitch (not making this up) and seemed either hungover or just plain creepy. Somewhat later people began filtering in, including your average looking white people (ok good we aren't being roofied by strong margaritas). A Mexican woman appeared and began making tortillas in the corner of the dining room. I am sure it's more lively with music, a mariachi band, the tequila cart etc but the vibe was off putting when we first walked in. I only got queso fundido without chorizo so I can't judge the food based on that. I am all for authentic and even appreciate holes-in-the-walls but this wasn't for me. My poor friend was creeped out also and uncomfortable the whole time.
(2)Lauren B.
Casablanca is my boyfriend's & my favorite Mexican restaurant in LA! The service is impressively quick (once you're seated...get there before 7pm if you want to avoid a wait!), the margaritas are awesome, the carne asada is out of this world, the soup of the day (no matter which type you get) is always hearty & delicious & the fresh made tortillas with the aioli dipping sauce are unbelievable. Don't forget to tip the tortilla ladies! They're the best!
(5)DT LS D.
The homemade tortillas are BOMB! The margaritas are amazing! The margarita man who makes the margaritas for each table was very friendly and awesome! We would go back just for the tortillas and margaritas!
(4)Jess C.
I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND THIS RESTAURANT. I loved everything about it- the live music, the margarita cart, the calamari steak, the homemade tortillas...I mean C'MON what a slam dunk. I also loved that it's a little bit divey and unexpected. I ordered the Calamari Cognac and was not disappointed. The sauce is a little heavy so I asked for light sauce which was perfect. I've never had calamari prepared this way so it was an unexpected delightful treat. My margarita was STRONG and delicious. And those homemade tortillas....I'd eat those everyday for the rest of my life. It's a great date spot as well- very low key and affordable. Trust me on this- you want to check out this restaurant.
(5)James W.
Note: This is not your conventional California Mexican restaurant. You go to Casablanca for three things... 1. Drink: Margaritas from the margarita cart 2. Appetizer: Queso Fundido 3. Main course: Calamari Oh... and the freshly made tortillas. Margaritas. On busier nights, it may take a bit of time for the margarita man to swing by your table with his margarita cart. Don't get antsy and order a margarita from the bar. I implore you to wait for the margarita cart and you will not be disappointed. The margarita man does his best to make your margarita exactly to your liking. The margarita man can tell you about the different kinds of tequilas and find the one to match your tastes. Did he make the margarita too sour, too salty, not sweet enough? No worries, he'll fix that right up just before he moves on to the next table. The margarita man is the man! Queso Fundido. This appetizer coupled with the fresh tortillas is cheesy, yummy, glorious, om nom nom nom. Highly recommend you order this as soon as you sit down. Calamari. Say what!? Calamari? That's a chewy fried appetizer dish that only tacky chain restaurants like Chili's or Applebee's serve. No. Get those nasty thoughts out of your head. The calamari at Casablanca is unlike anything you've ever tried. It's a main course dish containing a tender calamari steak. First time I've ever tried this dish anywhere was at Casablanca and I keep coming back for more. My favorites are the Calamari Acapulco and the Calamari Cognac.
(5)Giles S.
In this day an age, it's nice to see tried and true LA landmarks still around. This place is one of them. They make your tortillas on the spot in front of you and they are delicious. The place looks the same for decades, with old Casablanca movie portraits and super friendly staff. Their seafood pasta is delicious and so is their Seafood Brasero - Salmon, Shrimp and Scallops seasoned with lemon and pepper and sautéed with vegetables (onions, red and green peppers, tomatoes, green onions) and a salsa made with garlic and tequila. Served hot tableside I usually get the Brasero as it's relatively healthy. At $16 it's a steal. This is where I go with my older uncle as it's near his house and my dad used to go here. It's a fun festive place with tasty reasonable food and a pleasant staff.
(4)Ingrid G.
This place has been here forever and I hope it never goes away! They have the best Mexican food/atmosphere. I've been getting the calamari steaks for twelve years--never gets old.
(5)Jane D.
Has anyone actually EATEN here lately? Yes the margaritas are on point... but damn, the last couple of times I've been here, the food was SO disappointing that I'm definitely never going back. Everything tastes old and gross and out of a bag or can, sitting under a heat lamp, etc... Everything except the fresh tortillas they bring you to start with. But that does not make up for the nasty main courses. We ordered chips and guac - the guac was not seasoned AT ALL (we literally had to add salt and pepper to it) and THERE WAS A SHRIMP IN OUR CHIPS.... yes. a shrimp. in our chips. And one of the people in our party does not eat seafood. (at least it was a cooked shrimp?). How nasty is that....?! Nothing more to say. Just don't eat here.
(2)David M.
Been here a few times over the years and the atmosphere makes up for whatever minor shortcomings there are in the food. The fresh hot tortillas are just awesome and fans of avocado will love the accompanying salsa. I usually get a chicken poblano burrito as I simply need something substantial to soak up the margaritas served there, which is a MUST. They have a tiny parking lot but I've always managed to find a spot either there or on the nearby street.
(5)Sunnie S.
Food was okay. Margaritas were amazing (at first). Service was very poor. I had to ask for a water 4 times. They serve a green avocado salsa and seem annoyed when I asked for a red salsa since I am allergic to avocado. They walked by our table several times without checking on us to see if everything was okay or if we needed anything. I had to put my angry face on to get their attention. My boyfriend ended up going to the bar to get us our second round of margaritas because they never asked us if we wanted another one. This round of $14 margaritas were so sweet we couldn't drink them. Luckily Chip the margarita cart man saved our drinks. Although the bartender tried, Chip was the only one to succeed. He made sure we were happy. Best part of our experience. Even after they saw we got drinks from the bar, they didnt check if everything was okay nor even checked to see if we wanted deserts or the check. This was also at 4pm on a sunday. Not too busy for such bad service.
(2)Danny I.
Okay, so I FREQUENT this spot and let me tell you it's one my favorite places to eat. When you're seated they don't give you chips, instead they give you freshly made tortillas (flour or corn). You have to ask for corn, delicious! The salsa is a delicious green salsa with chunks of cheese and and avocado. Not sure about you, but you usually have to pay for such a salsa! On to the main course! If this is your first time you should try the steak burrito. I've never ordered anything else! The steak is some of the best I've ever had! Perfectly cooked, the meat is tender and has great flavor. They use a fresh tortilla and serve with a side of rice and beans. The rice is beautifully prepared, and the beans are fantastic! So once you've soaked in the largest collection of Casablanca memorabilia you'll notice a man with a cart serving up margaritas. Whatever you do, don't leave without trying one from my man Chip! Yes, I know his name and he knows me. That's how often I'm there... They usually switch up the tequila selection, but my absolute favorite is Dobel - nice silver with a subtle taste. Now, they might not look big, but as Chip says watch out for the shooter on top; it'll get you! I always laugh when people order anything other than a Cadillac margarita prepared by none other than Chip. They are strong yet have great flavor. The mix is made in house from a secret recipe. Great, now I want one!
(5)Nichole C.
One of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to. Instead of chips & salsa they give you hand made tortillas which are made right in front of you by a lady who looks like she came straight from Mexico lol and an avocado salsa to dip em in. My friend ordered scallops shrimp & salmon which came out on a steaming hot bowl presented on top of a lantern type stand thing but it looked awesome & she said it was delish. I had a chile rellano/ taco plate which was also delicious. I'll definitely be back if I'm ever in the area. Highly recommend :)
(5)Ameerah A.
haven't even been here before but was trying to get information regarding brunch since there was so many great reviews. Man on the phone was rude and rushed. Makes me not want to try it at all.
(1)Joe L.
Oh my! What a strange experience I had eating there last night with my friend Sheryl. First of all, it's called Casablanca and it's littered with movie memorabilia, but the food is Mexican. Not Moroccan...? Most importantly, the food well, sucked. Truly it was way below average. You could tell they've been dishing out the same stuff for years. One step up from school cafeteria. Re-heated tasting ingredients. The wait staff treated us like they were tired and that we were there to please them. Just bad service. We had to get up to ask to place our order, on and on. They seem to specialize in margaritas from there menu so we ordered a couple not really noticing there were prices on the menu. Surprise! $13 each. Really!!?? For a mediocre marg on the rocks? In LA? Give me a break. This place is ridiculous! Pass on it. It's a silly overpriced waste of time and money. I will research where to find great Mexican food in the Marina del Rey, Lincoln Blvd. corridor and write back. Ciao!
(1)Michael T.
I drove by this place a few weeks ago and remembered to look it up to see if it was any good, and for my Birthday, my wife and I decided to try it out. We're glad we did! It was amazing! I'm a fan of themed restaurants that offer unique atmospheres. So while it doesn't look like much for the outside, I enjoyed the sign painted to the left of the door, "Now leaving Venice, Los Angles and entering Casablanca, Morocco"! When you walk in, you'll find the restaurant filled with Casablanca memorabilia, including many glass cases filled with actually props from the movie. There are posters and props everywhere and even a life-size Bogart statue as well as a large mural on the wall that depicts a scene from the movie. They have a woman who make HOME-MADE TORTILLAS right in front of you and they were HEAVENLY!!! Really, they were incredible. Also, they have this green salsa that you put on the tortillas that was outstanding! Some of the best I've ever had! Our meals were very good as well. I got a burrito, and my wife got this salmon dish that was piled with veggies and shrimp on top of the salmon. She enjoyed her Margarita (they also have someone going around with tequila shots, but we didn't partake). They only negative is that they didn't have beer on tap, and the bathroom was tiny. No big deal though. They had a live nylon-guitar player, and while that is a plus to many, personally it was a bit loud to me, as I was there for a romantic dinner, and he was playing with drum tracks, which I'm never a fun of. It would have been much better without the tracks and if the volume was taken down 5-7%. Prices very reasonable. Service was good. Food and atmosphere EXCELLENT! Just a tip... we went here for Dinner, than to the Buggy Whip about 10 minutes away from drinks!
(5)Josué G.
Great date place if you don't actually want to talk. Every night is live music, so I always grab a booth by the bar when I want to enjoy my date's company and I grab a table in the dining room when I don't. The owner and his wife managed to enslave a Mexican grandmother for your fresh tortilla pleasure. I tried the taco special the first time and have never looked back. ¡Que lastima, abuelita!
(5)Pete N.
Finally checked this place out. Very pleasantly surprised. This place is way more then just the food. Goods: - Fresh made tortillas, live music (acoustic guitar - very cool), margaritas (cadillac's rock), romantic/cool atmosphere, calamari (extensive calamari offerings) and Bogey everywhere. Casablanca nostalgia everywhere -- if you are into that stuff its very cool. Made me want to watch the movie again. Bads: Service is not the best - so enjoy the atmosphere. The salsa is lame -- or maybe we just did not get any. Overall -- highly recommend you check it out, I had a very cool, romantic night with my wife.
(4)chad o.
Honestly, it's probably one of my favorite places in LA. It's a Sunday tradition that will be overrun and ruined if everyone who reads this understands the point I'm trying to convey, this place is amazing. For about $14, you get tortillas, a fruit plate, your meal (try the Charizo Omelet --life changing) and bottomless mermosas. Sometimes we'll sit there for hours. To top it all off, there's a dude, playing the guitar up front. This place in wonderfully corny.
(5)Ryan M.
Thumbs Middle (c) SA. I vouch for the homemade tortillas, they are exactly what everyone else is raving about.
(3)Maria L.
When I pulled up into the driveway this past Saturday I felt like I was cheating on my long time boyfriend (La Cabaña) across the street, but hey..everybody cheats, right? and besides, I just HAD to try this place. The atmosphere was nice, not as dark in here as in La Cabaña. The waiter looked at me as if I had "i will eat all yo flour torillas because I am starving" written on my forehead. I felt like he didn't let me settle in eat a tortilla or 5 and then order. He came 3 timesa and asked if I was ready to order, I kinda felt rushed to make a decision :( I ordered the carne asada which was very very good. I ate everything on my plate, the rice off of my daughters and stole a bite of an enchilada from my friends plate and EVERYTHING was scrumptious! The food here is a few bucks cheaper than La cabaña and the tortillas and green salsa were BOMBAY!! I managed to eat 3, despite my waiters watchful eye :/
(4)Leslie W.
Everyone raves about the fresh flour tortillas here, but I think they are a bit undercooked. The table salsa, however, is a different story. I really like it and I don't know why. Casablanca is known for its calamari steaks. They are thin and crispy, with your choice of toppings and/or sauces. I love the calamar cognac, which has small scallops on top. The rest of the menu is hit or miss. I don't care for their rice, but I do like their refried beans. They have some good combination plates, that have appetizers and desserts. They have a huge variety of tequilas, one for every taste adn budget. The decor is inspired by the movie, Casablanca. Note that sodas are not refilled. They will charge you for a refill. There is no charge for iced tea refills. Parking isn't usually too bad. It gets a bit tight for strollers and high chairs. Highlights: table salsa, calamar cognac
(3)R J.
Great food and drinks. Staff is cool and atmosphere is very laid back. They have a dining room and a small bar.
(5)Richard L.
Awesome place! Best things to get: *Wet bean, cheese, and rice burrito (not on the menu) *Cheese deep with chorizo *Calamari steaks *And of course the tortillas with their green sauce *Shrimp tostada *The house margaritas (with just one I feel like I shouldn't drive) *The guacamole is ehhh... *Service is OK, but if you tip good they will remember you and hook you up each time you go there. I love mexican food and been to many places so if you get the above items you wont be disappointed.
(5)Marianne J.
I am fortunate to say that I basically grew up in Casablanca. My family has been coming for over 25 years. My baptism party was held in Casablanca. This restaurant is like my second home. As I am now an adult & I go out & eat, I must say that a lot of Mexican cuisine out there does not compare to Casablanca's fine cuisine. Casablanca has the BEST margaritas in Venice, hands down. Who can forget the flour tortillas made to order, the ambiance, and the calamari? I will re-iterate again: the best margaritas in town :)
(5)Jill S.
Their homemade tortillas are worth the drive! The soup of the day was a tortilla black bean soup. It was very, very good. I decided to try something new and chose a calamari dish with capers. The slab of calamari was covered in a thick white sauce and I barely even tasted the capers. I usually go for the carne asada which I always enjoy and will go back to.
(4)Sabrina F.
The atmosphere takes you back in time, the food is delicious fresh, the margaritas keep you warm and taste good, the homemade tortillas are to die for, the salsa with the cheese cubes is something you have to try, and the flan was a perfect ending to a fantastic full meal experience. If you want to enjoy your food don't eat too many tortillas because you'll get full before your meal gets out.
(5)Hugo M.
Ate at this restaurant yesterday and it was really good. Food had plenty of flavor. I order the chicken quesadilla plate. Very delicios and the hand made tortillas were the best! Not so great on calories but it was GOOD!!
(5)Angel S.
Down the tubes! Was totally in love with this place but last two visits were horrible. Waited forever to place order, waited I/2 hour for margarita order...although man with Cart rushed over as quickly as he could load his cart! he was the jewel of this place. Carne Asada was tough. Waiter was surly!! Service was beyond unattentive and slow. Never going back.
(1)Jessica T.
"You must remember this, a kiss is still a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh. The fundamental things apply, as time goes by." Casablanca and my family go way back. Around 23 years ago my twin and I were treated to our first taste of chocolate as toddlers and nothing has ever been the same since. I am also a huge fan of the movie Casablance, which is in it's entirety a masterpiece. I love the decor save the Humphrey Bogart dummy looming out of the corner by the bathroom. Giving me the distinct feeling that I'm being watched. I still cannot articulate what a Mexican restaurant is Casablanca themed, but I still sleep well at night. As for food, drinks are solid. The best item in my opinion is the lightly fried squid steak. Tender on the inside and very crisp. There is little more I love in this world than their tortillas delivered fresh to your table. This place isn't hip, trendy, or sexy and that's all the more reason to love it. And by the way, at no point in the movie does Humphrey Bogart say, 'play it again, Sam.'
(4)pollywog e.
How is this place 4 stars? I can only speak about the vegetarian options, but damn, this place was gross. I get it, the kitschy, themed restaurant is a dying breed, but seriously this place is like being lost in time. I've seen enough Kitchen Nightmares to know where this is going. When you are seated, they give you hot, fresh tortillas and some green salsa with weird chunks of cheese in it. It was ok, but it tasted like green peppers from a jar, you know, like pickled. I'm not a fan of flour tortillas so I just picked at it while I was waiting to place my order. There were very few vegetarian dishes on the menu, but I was with a group that came for the seafood, so I just ordered a tostada without meat. What came out was bizarre, a pile of shredded iceberg lettuce that must have been 4 inches deep, like they used half a head of lettuce. I was genuinely confused, because I didn't see a tostada anywhere underneath this mountain of lettuce. Dumped on top of iceberg mountain was salsa from a jar--complete with canned corn, I'm talking supermarket brand salsa here--and some slices of brown avocado. On the side was a scoop of grey, runny, refried beans and a scoop (literally from an ice-cream scoop) of white rice drizzled with some white sauce, wtf it was I have no idea. I was super hungry so I figured I would just mix the beans and rice and eat the good parts of the avocado. The avocado was by far the best thing on the plate. The beans were obviously from a can. A few bites later I decided that I might as well just not eat anything, it just wasn't worth it to choke down this gluey, bland concoction. Everyone else was enjoying their seafood, so I just pushed around my beans, rice and lettuce/salsa when lo and behold, there IS a tostada under that mountain! Was this some kind of game? Like, do I win a prize because I found the tostada under in the lettuce heap? It turned out to be just a soggy corn tortilla (that tasted like a supermarket tortilla) covered in the same beans and just shit-loads of lettuce and (I can't emphasize this enough) CANNED SALSA--in a Mexican restaurant, in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA! So, I guess this place isn't good for vegetarians. What I don't understand, though, is that the dishes everyone else got looked gross too. The side veg was nothing but canned corn, canned baby corn, and what looked like frozen broccoli, carrots and zucchini. WTF? How do people get by serving canned food in LA and charge out the ass for it? This place belongs on Kitchen Nightmares. That all being said, if the food was good, this place just might make a comeback. I can see it now, kids with cheeks freshly shorn, their faces still pale where a years-old lumberjack beard once sat, forming a line out the door. I now know what will next be cool in these indecisive PoHip (post hipster) times. Trendsetters, I'm on to you!
(1)Cedrick Z.
Good late night Mexican place. The parking lot is small and gets packed so you have to look for street parking. I tried to go three twice on a weekday and a weekend night and both times the wait was going to be more than 40 minutes so they are popular. I finally went a late Sunday night around. They had a guitar singer in the main room which I didn't notice until 15-20 minutes after sitting. They have a guy who comes around with a cart to make you margarita orders, but we didn't get one. The food was good--we got two burritos that were generously sized. It's a casual and busy place. The booths in the back are a little more private and the tables in the center are close to one another.
(4)K W.
This place is a gem! A tequila cart and hand made fresh tortillas????!!! So in love with this restaurant bringing the whole family on the next visit.
(5)Dana M.
1. Fresh, hot, hand-made flour tortillas... 2. Avocado cheese dip with your tortillas... 3. Tequila cart man serving up some tasty cadillac margaritas... Those three things alone are AWESOME here and what keep us coming back regularly. Different types of food vary in how good they are (from average to delicious)- but by the time you get to your dinner, you already have a belly full of tortillas and good tequila.
(5)Janet D.
32 years ago my husband & I had our first date at this wonderful restaurant. We are so impressed that it has remained opened for all these years. Whenever we are in the area, we dine here and are always happy with our food, service and ambiance.
(5)David D.
I have been driving by this place 100's of times since 2005 wondering what goes on in there? I couldn't tell? What kind of food was it? Is it expensive? Is it greasy? Maybe it's not food and its just a club or bar? Wonder if it a mafia hangout? It always seemed crowded when I drove by. Maybe it's a bunch of locals that just go because their parents took them there, but the food sucks like Apple Pan. I just kept driving by year after year. It's probably not that good in there. Silly looking white building on a busy corner with a silly name. I am not going in there. Then a few weeks ago a great idea hit me! I am going to look up their menu on the internet! Genius! OMG! They have fajitas! My partner and I are Fajita Specialists. We eat Fajitas all over the world. And prices very reasonable! It has to be a trick! That location is expensive--they are going to get you in there for $12 Fajitas and you will walk out paying $100. I know it! I know it! I know it! So I tell my partner about Casablanca for the first time 2 weeks ago. The story above. She independently investigates to make sure this is not a trick place and she ultimately recommends a visit. We go last Sat night. Easy parking in their lot. We enter and WOW! The Party is on! The place is packed--LOUD!---birthdays all over. Drink toasts all over. Large groups of people. We can hardly hear one another talk. We wait 30 minutes for a table and here come the best part of the meal: The Homemade Tortillas! I would swear they are really French Crepes. I need maple syrup--its better than a waffle or pancake. Am I allowed to rate the Tortillas a 6 on a scale of 1 to 5? We get the Fajitas Chicken and Trout Cognac (Sauce on the side) and more Tortillas and a Salad and Rice and Beans. I am loving this meal and it's filling me up! And the damage when it was all done for all that great food? $30.00! They must own the land and the building! There is no way all this food for $30.00! The menu prices look like they are from the 1980's. I am thinking that when we get outside--we better run before they figure it out. Or maybe there will be a $25.00 toll to get out of the parking lot--that's how they must do it? So far no one has contacted us so we are safe. We will wait a while and return for another great meal.
(4)Eric W.
Kind of a touristy vibe here, especially when the waiter asks us where we're travelling from. When i told him we were from Culver City, he seemed surprised that we were locals. The waiter seemed very proud to be working there and described with gusto any item on the menu that we had questions about. He recommended the calamari steaks and said it was what they were known for. Calamari to me has always been sliced up rings dipped in a batter of some kind and quickly fried and served with some kind of dipping sauce. But not here. The calamari here is a whole calamari lightly battered and breaded before sauteed in butter and other combinations of ingredients. I had the Calamari Camarones, which was so good - I couldn't stop eating it. Wonderful calamari texture that was nicely breaded in a fantastic butter and garlic sauce with a hint of cognac - simply exquisite. I will definitely go back. What makes this place a little odd is that all of the drinks come from the bar. So if you are like me and you don't drink alcohol or soda, then your choices are limited to juice (cranberry, orange, etc.) and water. The ambiance is tropical reminiscent of the movie, and a man discreetly plays a guitar and sings in the center of the dinning room. All in all a good experience, and we will be back.
(4)Brandon H.
This is a place you wanna bring the boys. Margarita cart, Moroccan flair, Henry Bogart posters, avocado salad dressing. Real deal holyfield. Service is also impressive. Highly recommend.
(5)Angelene Nina C.
I love their Tequila Man! The concept is so unique and cool! They have their own tortilla lady! The Mango Margarita is to die for!
(5)Joyce K.
I love this place so much. My boyfriend has tried to get me to branch out and try other popular Mexican restaurants in the LA area and every time I wish we had just gone to Casablanca. The hand made tortillas are dangerous! You will not be able to stop eating them. The margarita cart provides some of the best margaritas I've ever had. The house salads that come with your meal are original and flavorful. Can't go wrong here. Also they have someone playing music there all the time. There's this one woman who is phenomenal and can probably play anything you can think of on her guitar.
(5)Risa Y.
Girls brunching time for me again, and this time was a complete Me thinks not! experience... but I'm giving it an extra star for their freshly made tortillas and the Cadillac Margarita (only that drink). My gfs had the Sangria and they said it was too sweet. I definitely will NOT come back here to eat anything here.... There were 5 of us and nothing we ordered was good. My beef Fajitas was so tough that it wasn't edible so I ended up eating only a bite of it. The restaurant was so dark inside... it was such a waste on a nice sunny day! I suggest more openings and windows if you aren't going to turn any lights on in there... Our server was very slow. I felt like he was having a hard time understanding my orders and requests.
(2)Annie F.
I love this place! Each bathroom stall has its own bottle of Air Wick. Plus, they have awesome tortillas, the drinks keep coming and the customer service is great.
(5)Monica G.
I've been coming here since I was a little girl and you know what, I'm STILL coming here! Casablanca has been a neighborhood gem and I'm happy to say it hasn't changed with the hipster scum invasion that's hit Venice. Where do I start? Is it the table side margaritas? The homemade tortillas that'll go head to head with the ones your Abuelita makes? Whether you're here by yourself, with a date, or hanging out with the gang at the bar , which by the way makes potent drinks, you'll find Casablanca is intimate and lively at the same time. Also the prices are still kind on the wallet. The staff is always frIendly and on the weekends, they have a guitar player which sets a great mood. Great food, cozy atmosphere. You won't regret stopping here.
(5)Conor S.
For the longest time, I would heartily recommend Casablanca to friends, pets, family... anyone who would listen, really, but always with a huge caveat: the margaritas are incredible, the tortillas are amazing, and the food is meh. Turns out I was wrong - there are great entree options there too - you just have to know which ones to pick. But let's start with those margaritas. Although I have a dad who I do love very much, Chip is the kind of guy anyone would secretly want as their very own pops. He's the margarita man, see, and wheels about his margarita trolley from Wednesday to Sunday, serving up incredible drinks and offer frankly unbeatable service. He always has a variety of tequilas, and though my pals and I go often enough to know what's what, he's always happy to explain the drinks and process to guests and newcomers. Then there are the tortillas. They're made in-house by this little old lady who sits next to Casablanca's resident musician (he plays a beautiful Blackbird), and they're great. Try them with the dip, try them with the soup, try them with the excellent queso fundido. You'll want more unless you're all pissy about gluten, but whatever. As for the mains, I've found a few excellent staples that I happily stick to whenever I come. The birria burrito, the brassero, and the Play It Again, Carlos. It's a steak. Again, I've ordered other things there that I've generally been meh about, but exploring the menu has landed me some gold. Oh and last but not least, I have no idea why it's themed after Casablanca. It's a little peculiar, but I frankly don't care. It's small, it's cozy, it's cute, and it's one of my go-to places with buddies and out-of-towners alike. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Sol G.
Great weekend brunch spot! First time there and was so pleasantly surprised. Great lighting, not too bright or dark, just right. The brunch is a choice of about 10 items on a set menu, they have eggs to steak, plus you get a free cocktail and comes with flan, for $15 a person. The drinks were good too, we got some bloody Mary's. They give you fresh flour handmade Tortillas, which you can see a woman making them right in front of the restaurant.. So good with butter and salsa. The service rocked, great waiter plus bus boys. The food was delish too, I got the huevos rancheros and my boyfriend got the steak calamari, both superb dishes! Also there's a guy who sings and plays the guitar, very relaxing. Definitely coming back!
(5)Arash G.
Great deal for Sunday brunch, the chicken fajitas were really good. Enjoyed the Bloody Mary as well. Desert was decent, best part was the fresh made tortillas
(4)Joel P.
Been driving pass this restaurant for a while now , decided to try it out based on a friend recommend . First when we walk in it was really dark and there was no one to seat us , we had to walk around bad seat ourselves . Took them a while to bring us water and even menus . Food wise the only good part was the homemade tortillas , other then that there nothing worth mentioning. Ordered queso - which was very hard and nasty , chips tasted old and stale . Had a cheese enchilada and chile relleno , they were very bad . Let me just say I will keep going pass this restaurant and not go in again. Overall service was very bad .
(1)MacKenzie S.
First off, the host was extremely rude. Worst service ever. I look younger than my age and got treated like I was a child. My meal & my friends both came out wrong. Apparently you have to ask for a refill on drinks, but my server was never to be found to ask? Don't come here.
(1)Purvi S.
Went here for brunch today with some friends. Food was average. I got the huevos rancheros and the eggs were cooked well, but it lacked toppings. There was only some salsa on top. The carne asada and chicken fajitas looked really good though. The flan did not melt in my mouth. But every single drink was awesome. The sangria was sweet, Bloody Mary was spicy, mimosa was perfect amount of champagne. The wait staff was also very friendly. Definitely one of the cheapest all you can drink brunches I've been to as well. Will definitely be returning!
(5)Donna C.
I have to write this review while the food is fresh in my mouth! DISCLAIMER: I haven't been to the restaurant, but I tasted their food when they catered an event for a family member. I cannot express enough how much I love their Chicken Alex and their freshly and homemade flour tortillas (made on the spot!) The Chicken Alex is stuffed chicken breast with broccoli and this orange creamy goodness sauce that I can't get enough of it and can't seem to get out of my mind! The chicken itself is moist and soft. The homemade flour tortillas with cheese was their appetizer. It's so simple, but it competed with Chicken Alex. I'm pretty sure it had less to do with the cheese and more with how well they put together their tortillas. They had the slab of flour in a large bowl and they made the tortillas in front of us. The tortilla was soft and delicious! They also served beef fajitas, which was awesome too! The beef was tender and moist and the flavor was amazing! The stuffed salmon was also something that they served and I loved! The 2 people from Casablanca were super nice and friendly. I'm not sure if it was part of their catering service, but they came to our tables and cleaned out the dirty dishes and passed around the appetizers :) I need to try their restaurant to get more Chicken Alex!
(5)Nate E.
Sunday brunch cannot be beat! Carlos the owner does everything possible Sunday brunch ! I live in the neighborhood and I feel like I've been to a friends Kitchen.
(5)Riccardo C.
It's simply the most delicious mexican food I had in the US. Handmade tortillas and margaritas that will blow your mind are just two of the perks you get. On top of outstanding everything else, that is.
(5)Lina P.
This review is for the brunch only... Live right up the street and had been curious about this place for a while. After reading other reviews, seeing the brunch menu and calling in twice to ask about their drink special (which I thought was bottomless, but was told it was 1 or 2 drinks on my first call, then told it was 3 or 4 drinks on my second call) I had very low expectations... I was super confused about how the drink deal worked...was it bottomless or not?! The menu did not sound promising and the restaurant looked outdated and boring. Anyway, now that I have totally turned you off to this place let me tell you why I was so wrong. This place is great! Came in around 1pm on Sunday with a few friends. We were seated in a comfy booth by the window. Live musician singing and playing guitar - AWESOME! It was busy with all sorts of characters, but not packed. We ordered our drinks. I got the bloody mary. It was a big glass, not watered down and perfectly spiced. Tasted great, but not strong. Although they say drinks are not bottomless and they never gave an answer as to how many we could get we drank until we didn't want to drink any more...4-5 glasses each. They also had mimosas and sangria but I was not in the mood for fruity drinks. They brought out tortillas, freshly made on the stove top in front of everyone. They were soft, warm and amazing. Green salsa with cheese chunks that was brought to the table was a bit bland. I asked for their red hot sauce, which was not very spicy either, but better than the green. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros with the sauce on the side. Food came out fairly quickly. Beans were perfect. Rice was a bit hard and boring, not the Mexican rice I prefer. Eggs were good. I was glad I got the Huevos sauce on the side because it was kinda gross. Would have been bummed to have it all over my food. I cleaned off my plate minus the rice. Had a bite of my friends Red Snapper which was well done and flavorful. Will def try next time! Lastly we all got a piece of flan but by this point I was so full off drinks and food that I could only have one bite. It was tasty. Overall for $13.99 a big meal, live music and "unlimited" drinks I will definitely be back for brunch! Especially since I can walk to this place. 100% recommend coming if you live nearby. Not so much if you are more than 5 miles away.
(4)Erica M.
I thought about giving 3 stars, but I keep going back for Sunday brunch because: 1) it's cheap ($13.99 with bottomless mimosas, champagne, or sangria!) 2) the TORTILLAS are AMAZING. I can't get enough. I could just go there to eat tortillas and drink champagne and call it a day. Served with butter and green salsa. Mmmmmm :) 3) It's not too busy. No waiting in line for brunch always a plus. 4) Nice, low-key, live music. Yeah, I've had better food and been to MUCH snazzier places with snazzier (younger) crowds, especially on that side of town. Don't go in looking for that. Just go for what I listed above and you won't be disappointed. :) (And I'd recommend sticking with the carne asada - keep it simple).
(4)Laurie L.
I can't believe how GREAT this place is. We regularly drive from Highland Park out to Venice for the hot, homemade tortillas and a bowl of the queso with chorisso. Have tried a number of dishes - everything has been great. What amazes me every time is how good the calamari is. It's the most tender calamari steak I've ever had - and you can't go wrong with any of the sauces. Normally a side of veggies is a throw away for me, but here the veggies are tasty and have some texture. Oh... And the margaritas are legit!
(5)Tasha S.
This place is awesome HUGE portions. Sunday bunch is great 13.99 bottomless mimosas or sangria plus a meal. It's a steal.
(5)Rando B.
3.5 Stars - I only come here if I'm CRAVING a margarita and tortillas. The food is not so great. You can DEFINITELY find better food elsewhere, but you can't find Chip (Margarita Cart) or the tortilla lady. If you choose to eat here and Chip is not around, you're missing out on 70% of the Casablanca experience. The Marg-ies are kind of pricey, but totally worth it.
(3)Nick F.
This place is honestly my second office, I am surprised I haven't reviewed it years ago, but better late than never. They make their tortillas from scratch every day, they have a million different tequilas available (treat yourself to a margarita pitcher and save some money), they make the best red cheese enchiladas on the west side and all the waiters are super cool, plus they have live music nightly?! Game over...
(5)A J.
I give this place 5 stars! -Super kitschy interior - I am confused by the Morocco meets Mexico decor but I LIKE it! -Comfy booths -Guitar player when we went on a Tues night -Very friendly staff -Margarita cart & fresh tortilla grill -Bar area - emptyish on a Tues but would be good to fill for a bday or celebration -Interesting menu items and YUMMY food! Not the healthiest, so be prepared to splurge all of your calories and sodium intake for the day - but totally worth it! -Great for dates or groups (although a picky girl would probably not want to be taken here for a first or second date) Food items: -Tortillas to start, dipped in a delicious green salsa with chunks of avocado and white cheese. Seriously the best salsa EVER. And the tortillas were super soft and buttery. They even have a tortilla grill to make them fresh! had to get some to go... -We got an item off the special Calamari menu - it was great. Lightly breaded and you can choose a lot of different toppings - crab, shrimp, veracruz, garlic, cognac sauce, etc. We tried to get the healthiest salsa one and it was super tender and delicious. -Also went for the Filet Mignon Besuela and they lit a clay pot on our table and we had very flavorful, tender filet strips with mushrooms and a thick sauce. We will be coming back. Thank you Casablanca!
(5)Kelly N.
This place is so delicious, I don't know what to do with myself. Service can get kind of slow during busy times, but it's really a negligible complaint.
(5)Victoria L.
it's a wonderful Mexican restaurant on a budget!! The tortillas are amazing. There is a stove right in the middle of the restaurant and the aroma fills the whole room. They also give you both red and green salsas to dip your tortilla in. The interior is dedicated to the Casablanca movie. They have an entire wall of different tequilas, as well as a margarita cart that they push to your table to make you a cocktail. Excellent menu, live music. Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Zephyre L.
What a fantastic place! I love the ambiance of Casablanca. What could Africa have to do with Mexico? Nothing, other than that they come together at Casablanca. I love the booths, the pink table cloths, the easy-listening, background music, the women making fresh tortillas, and the enduring, subtle, and not-so-subtle references to Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The food is good. I often order the Carne Asada or the Calamari al Mojo de Ajo. So delicious. The margarita/ tequila cart always has interesting tequilas and Chip does a lovely job mixing up a skinny margarita. The service is terrific. Waiters and busboys are friendly, kind, eager, and share their smiles easily. One of my favorite places.
(5)Michael G.
SORRY HUMPHREY BOGART !!! You did not eat at Casablanca mexican restaurant in LOS ANGELES, CA But we did everything is just like a movie set one of the best Mexican restaurants in town over the top service on a scale of 1 to 10 its a ten !! definite a fun place to eat there's a margarita cart serves you margaritas and not water down ones best margaritas in town A+ the tortilla woman homemade tortillas Served with butter and green salsa only in mexico i have this before A + knocking out fresh tortillas you could just go there to eat tortillas omg !!! parking in back of restaurant one of my favorite restaurants in LA to top it all off everything, was fabulous all the time !!! I order the filetmignon can not wait to go back you can not cant beat the price for very fine mexican cuisine in LA MICHAEL G WILMINGTON,CA
(5)Leo F.
I still yet to find a Mexican restaurant better than this place. In fact, I compare every new Mexican restaurant I eat at to this place. Really makes me wonder why anybody would give this place a low star rating. It's just so damn good. And then there is the margarita cart. Chip makes such good margaritas it makes my wonder if I can ever drink it anywhere else without comparing it to here.
(5)Bhumi P.
In LA for work for a few weeks. Found this place through a Buzzfeed article that listed all the cheapest bottomless mimosas places in the city. Let me just say, this place was such a steal! $13.99 for your meals and bottomless mimosas/sangria/bloody marys! Instead of chips and salsa, we were welcomed with homemade tortillas (you can actually see them making the tortillas) and a green salsa with bits of avocado and queso fresco. Best tortillas I have ever had, so warm and so soft. I was so close to stealing the basket of the 2nd round of tortillas the waiter had brought over because they were so delicious! I ordered the huevos a la mexicana with a side of pinto beans and avocado. Lets just say, I'm not an egg person, but I loved the huevos a la mexicana! But my favorite was the refried pinto beans, probably the best decision I ever made was ordering them on the side. Lastly, the mimosas are well worth it. You taste more of the champagne than the orange juice, but it was still very tasty and well.....did the job. Service was excellent as well. I will definitely be going back in my future stays in LA.
(5)Lynda T.
This is a terrific Mexican restaurant! I loved the tequila cart! Chip is a fantastic bartender, and a lot of fun. The Mescal tequila with the infused jalapeno made for an amazing Margarita - one of the best Margaritas I have ever had. Unique and wonderful! I had the fish tacos and my companion had the Chicken Belly Dancer - both were great dishes! I am spending a month in Venice Beach this summer - I will definitely be back!
(5)Arti B.
One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants I have been to. I am vegetarian, so for me it's hard to find good places, but the tortilla oup and red or green enchiladas are amazing! The margarita cart is also really good!!! The fresh tortilla that they give as a starter is amazing. You see them making the tortilla right there. They are really thin and delicious. Definitely will be going here often.
(4)Anne P.
Used Casablanca for my friend and daughters birthday. They came on time, food was delicious, and reasonably priced. They also had contacts recommendations for bartenders. I use to use in the past taco carts which didn't show up on time, where unreliable, and had high minimum orders....... So glad I found Casablanca. Would highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Eric J.
This is one eclectic Mexican restaurant. There's a fresh tortilla station, a roving tequila cart, and a live musician surrounded by decor honoring perhaps the greatest romance movie of all-time. The standard margarita mix is a tad on the sweet side, so it's probably best to order the "skinny" version. The $12 carne asada plate is a true bargain. You get a steak the size of Texas with rice, beans and guacamole to stuff those fresh tortillas.
(4)Bacchus F.
Generally love this place. Made a reservation last week for my mom's birthday this coming Saturday. I called to confirm it today and they didn't have it. They took my name and phone number and said i was good to go. Not only that but now they were booked. How rude and unprofessional.
(2)Hugo D.
Been here many times and love this place. I am only writing this review in hopes of the waiters understanding my experience. Sunday night I brought my daughter and wife in for a margarita because they are so darn good. The gentleman came around with his tequila cart and made us three wonderful margaritas. Well, when the waiter came around to take a dinner order and I told him we were just going to have drinks, he just immediately stormed off with an attitude. I was blown away. I asked for some handmade tortillas to buy and he said no. What the heck... That's what makes this place so famous is their tortillas. Anyway I just thought it was rude. I wasn't asking for anything free and I still tipped the guy $10.00 with a $33.00 dlls bill. I will still return but I was a little shocked by the treatment.
(2)Jillian A.
This place is super yummy! Love the fresh tortillas that are handmade and brought to your table. I had the crunchy chicken tacos which were very good. We weren't drinking that night but if we were the Margarita cart looked great. We will definitely be back!
(5)Yvette L.
Counting WW points.. so the salmon dish, or snapper Veracruzano.. is the best! take out the butter on top of rice.. enjoy a glass of champagne 3 points Totally eat your workout points with the flan... lol cant beat the price 13.99 See ya there soon!
(5)Anika E.
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. I feel guilty when I think about Casablanca. All those years, spent driving up and down Lincoln, just passing this spot by. Never gave it a thought. Then, by the recommendation of a coworker, who boasted about the food, we went. First, everything is Casablanca themed. Apparently the owner loved the movie, and wanted to make a Mexican restaurant. Doesn't really mesh, but i'm not going to argue. Second, there's a woman in the middle of the dining room knocking out fresh flour tortillas. Holy moly. They serve them complimentary, with this verde cheese sauce. I'm drooling. Third, there's a margarita man that pushes a cart around and serves you margaritas!! At this point i'm thinking, should we get remarried here? The food, on top of everything, was fabulous. You MUST order the filet mignon brasero. It comes in a fun pottery with a candle underneath it, which keeps the sauce and meat hot. It's filet, with a sauce that I think is red wine, and mushrooms, and onions. It's like nothing i've ever had before. I have scoured the internet for a similar recipe. Nothing. Oh well, i must go back to Casablanca! We ordered the seafood brasero too, which is definitely on the lighter side. But, it's just not the same sauce as in the filet one. Mmm. You will thank me. Oh, and there's a TON of food. We ordered guac to start, and couldn't finish it. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Anne Marie B.
I have been going to Casablanca for more than 15 years. I go, with my husband and son, at least once per week. It is where we go for an easy, inexpensive, comfortable and yummy meal. The guacamole is great. The tortillas, made on premises in the main dining room, are my little boy's favorite (he won't eat any others). The service is friendly and warm.
(4)Candice D.
This place has it's good & bad. A big part of me really liked it at first, I'm a sucker for a quiet lunchtime hideaway. PROS: big margaritas, fresh tortillas & salsa, quiet, charming location, good prices, small parking lot (good for Venice) CONS: the service is lacking, the staff seems intent on ignoring you, even when not busy. I like this place, but the service is just lacking. The food is ok, like I said great for the price, but when the service staff acts like they could care less and you as a customer have been nothing but kind & thankful...well it makes you feel unwelcome. PS- the fish here is NOT good. The burritos & tacos are good.
(3)Krista K.
This is hands down the best Mexican food in LA I've had, and I'm a San Diego native... It's taken me forever to find a place comparable to SD's Mexican food. I finally found it! Incredible homemade tortillas and the best Sunday brunch spot for unlimited sangrias or mimosas AND a meal plus dessert for 14 bucks. Such a great deal considering how amazing their food is. Also I can't help but love the atmosphere here. No matter what day it is, there is always live music playing and sweet ladies making tortillas. Once you go here it will become a regular weekly outing for friends and family! Enjoy!
(5)Christopher T.
We've been coming to Casablanca wayyyyy before Yelp.com was even a registered domain name. I feel bad never leaving a review considering how many times we've been here. It's basically one of our "go to" places for good ol' comfort food. Not talking gourmet, $$$$ food - this is when you don't feel like all that pretense you won't have trouble finding in this part of town. Let's start with the Margaritas. Next to the margaritas at Gilbert's El Indio in Santa Monica, my favorite margarita in LA is the Bogart at Casablanca - yes named after Humphrey Bogart. I personally can't stand Grand Marnier in margaritas which is why I like the Bogart - it's mixed with Cointreau. Make sure you order a pitcher of it for max $$$ savings. They've also got a full tequila bar with over 100 different labels. Can't forget the tortilla girl. She is always slaving over the fire pit in the middle of the room, hand making the unlimited tortillas that come to your table. Dip them in the cheese verde sauce that they bring with it. I don't think tortillas anywhere beat the ones at Casablanca. There is usually a guitar man playing live music most weeknights and weekends - don't forget to tip him! Friday nights they have Albondigas soup (meatballs) and Wednesday nights are cactus soup. If you opt for a salad, don't forget to try it with their famous tequila dressing. My favorite dish is the filet mignon brasero - served in a clay pot over a candle. They also specialize in different types of calamari dishes - my favorite being the "calamar tequila". They've got a great selection of burritos although I always get the "Sam" burrito. No reservations needed but if you show up on a Friday or Saturday night, be prepared to wait!
(5)Kristy I.
Had lunch here today with the family and can't wait to go back. Margarita on the rocks... Probably the best I've had. I had one... Left with a buzz. My son loved the decor, there is lots to look at, picture frames, art hung on the ceiling. The handmade tortillas are hot, soft snd deeee-lish. Enjoy them with a little butter and their tomatillo salsa.
(5)Jeff M.
Okay so this place is the bomb. Go here first. The unassuming location on Lincoln blvd and rather drab exterior belie a terrific dining experience. If you are coming here for the custom-fixed Margaritas from the full-serve margarita cart, or for the delectable food, this place is a special treat. We agree with the other reviewers that the hand-made tortillas and salsa that come to the table first are a wonderful starter. And we think the Margaritas are in fact outstanding. But the seafood bracero (shrimp, scallops, salmon) cooked in a tureen with veggies is exceptional, as are the calamari steak (!) entrees. Oh, and let's not forget the shrimp Veracruz. Absolutely yummy. Everything comes with a green salad with home made avocado dressing. Top it off with waiters in bow-ties and the solid Bogart memorabilia hanging on the walls, and you come away with an extremely enjoyable evening. The price is right, too- most entrees are under $20. Have fun, enjoy, and spread the word.
(5)Kali M.
Absolutely can't beat the fresh tortillas! I could make a meal of those alone. Otherwise, the food is good but of course there's a lot of great Mexican food to be had in LA. What sets Casablanca apart is the aforementioned tortillas combined with the friendly service, which is top notch.
(4)Jordan B.
This place seems like it should be a hole in the wall, but it's not! The food and drinks are delicious. The customer service is outstanding. I had a great time when I came here for drinks and dinner.
(5)Eater B.
If I only had margaritas from the margarita cart and their freshly made tortillas I would be a happy lady!
(4)Matt H.
Oh man am I a sucker for their homemade tortillas. Above the lady making the tortillas from scratch, in the middle of the restaurant, there is a sign saying 2000000 tortillas made. I'm pretty sure they stopped counting a while ago because customers devour these tortillas like crack (I've personally never had crack before but its hard to imagine that its more addictive than these tortillas). The piping hot tortillas, straight off the press, are served along side a tomatillo salsa with large pieces of avocado and small chunks of ( perhaps cojita?) cheese. To be honest I have never eaten their main menu items while even remotely hungry. I am usually too stuffed with the yummy tortillas to even think about food by the time my entree comes out. I usually take a few bites, just so people don't judge me, and then ask for a to go box. Its hard to give the entrees a fair review, because food tastes best when your hungry, but I will say that the calamari steaks, pounded out, fried and topped with either garlic sauce, wine sauce, or salsa fresca (think pico de gaillo) are probably my favorite dishes on the menu. If it were socially acceptable I'd just eat the tortillas and then leave a very hefty tip. Too bad for social norms.
(4)Ronald C.
Terrific restaurant. You can not go wrong with any of the Fillet Mignon or Calamari dishes.
(4)Craig W.
Shut the front door I will stay here for a while. great appetizers great food great service hand made corn tortillas oh my goodness.
(5)Sarah F.
This was 2-star food, but I give it an extra star for the personable service and the tortillas. I got the make-your-own chicken tacos on the server's recommendation. Relatively cheap, under-seasoned, over-cooked ingredients, in substantial quantities. Incredibly boring... could barely taste anything. I was hungry, so I ate two tacos and left the rest. The hot tortillas they bring you with butter when you order are magnificent. The margarita was strong and decent. Sadly, they aren't enough to bring me back.
(3)Lydia D.
Good food, decent portion, and the bottomless drinks were great! Went for Sunday brunch with some friends. We were seated next to the guitar player, which I was initially worried about, but his playing (excellent, btw) was soft enough that we could still talk and hear each other over it. They hand-make their tortillas in the center of the restaurant, so you can watch them being made from your table.
(4)Brittany B.
Casablanca truly wowed me in all aspects once we walked in the door, even though I was not in the mood for Mexican food the night we went. First of all, my sister called right before we left her place to see if they could hold a table for 7 people, and they were able to do so. 30 minutes later, we arrived. A sign outside the door tells you you are leaving Los Angeles and now entering Casablanca. The decor conjures imagery of that famous Bogart/Bergman cinematic classic. We were seated at a nice, large table in the main dining area, to the sounds of live music and with the visual of the ladies making fresh flour tortillas right beside the musicians. I knew I was in for a treat. Instead of chips, the table was given two tortilla warmers full of the hot, fresh tortillas, with green salsa and butter to accompany. My mom was reminded of her grandma's fresh tortillas. The bar did not disappoint, either. The four other adults at the table got a Margarita pitcher to start, but tequila not being my friend, I went for a Mai Tai from the full bar. It was strong and tasty. After the first round, my mom, dad, husband, and sister all got drinks from the "Tequila Express" a cart that goes around and makes you a custom drink. Hubby and Dad especially enjoyed the Jalapeno Tequila. The tender of the Tequila Express really knew his tequila and made excellent, strong drinks. He even brought my dad a complimentary sample of some amazingly smooth specialty tequila. As for the food: it did not disappoint! Mom and I got a "Play it Again, Carlos", which was a filet mignon served with XX Equis/mushroom sauce (delicious). The price was unbelievable at $17.95 for a HUGE cut of perfectly-cooked, medium rare filet that rivals some of the best I've eaten. Dad got a slightly different filet dish, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Hubby got the Calamari Acapulco and Sis got another fish dish; both enjoyed their food. No kiddie menu, but my oldest loved his Sam's Burrito, a burrito ahogada with shredded beef that re-heated beautifully the day after. Even though it's not on the menu, my 6-year old was able to order a quesadilla, which was huge. The quality of the food and the selection of top-notch meat dishes really set this place apart from other Mexican restaurants. And the rice topped with a dollop of roasted garlic certainly does not hurt. As for service, our waiter was friendly and super-on-top-of-it; and the tequila server was a class-act. I will return and tell my friends about this fabulous place!
(5)Jill B.
amazing tortillas and the best fish tacos. Lots of food & great prices. They have music on the weekends as well. great spot for mexican
(5)Angela C.
Their handmade tortillas are to die for. They are so addicting. They're free and you can ask for as many as you want and it comes with salsa. I got the carne asada grande burrito Which is actually like a giant wet burrito cause it's topped with red sauce. It was pretty good but I couldn't finish it since it was so big! Awesome and genuine service. since my boyfriend told the host it was my birthday they even gave us cheesecake at the end with a happy birthday song played on the guitar and sung by one of the musicians playing last night! Would definitely come back when I'm back in Venice and craving Mexican food :) next time I wanna try the margaritas!
(4)Lynda L.
Brunch with the girls, not typically a place for us but it was a recommendation so we gave it a try. A- : Calamar Mojo de Ajo - I love the fresh garlic they used, lightly breaded, calamari texture was kind of like chicken but it was tasty. It's not a real heavy sauce so you don't feel all bloated eating it. B- : Cadillac Margartia - Boy that was a strong drink, so strong that I couldn't even finish, now that is really saying something. I mean if I was looking for a after party mode, this drink would totally offset it but it was 12PM so I wasn't ready for it. A+ : Tortillas - freshly made, so warm and tasty. I also like the green salsa that came with it, it had a lemon taste to it and there was chucks of cheese I think. F : Fajitas - I tried one of my gf's beef fajita, it was tough! and it was covered in this red oil, it reminded me of an asian stir fry dish. VERY oily. C : Sangria - it was too sweet for my taste, if only I had the combination between the sangria and Cadillac Margarita, would have been perfect D : Ambiance - Even though the food was delicious, I really didn't care for the restaurant, kind of damp and depressing. Not really my preference for brunch. I may be back here with the bf since he loves Mexican food but not for brunch.
(4)Jason S.
Meh. Great tortillas and salsa. Chips bit stale. Service average at best. Poblano chkn burrito good flavor but sauce watery and chicken tough. Guacamole must be bought and not fresh, also bland. Decor dated, doubtful about the sanitation; few flies including one in my water glass, table dirty, menus dirty. Looks like it's in a state of neglect. Has hoped for more but will stick with la cabana across the street. Disappointing.
(2)Justine E.
I wish I could give this 5 stars, I really do. Fresh tortillas??! I was in love before I even ordered, but I will say the service is less than attentive. I waited a full hour for my meal, which my friend and I were splitting. Luckily we were engaged in conversation so we weren't getting impatient about it, but you'd think someone would apologize or acknowledge the hour long wait for a plate of fish tacos. Now about the food, the halibut fish tacos and the homemade tortillas. No disappointment whatsoever. The taco plate was a good size and plenty to share if you aren't super hungry. It made 4 fish tacos all together and was served like fajitas where the ingredients were separated and you put them together yourself. Also the prices are reasonable which seems rare these days for restaurants in Venice. An added bonus was the spanish guitar who played throughout the evening. It's a shame about the service because I feel this is a common mistake of restaurants that get really popular. Regardless, I will be back, mexican cuisine is hands down my favorite and you can't deny the delicious food they serve here.
(4)Dan K.
A friend told me about Casablanca and though I'd seen it many times I'd never been. Somehow I always ended up across the street at La Cabana, but after trying Casablanca it will be hard to decide from now on. I really like Casablanca. I mean, really like it. Have only been for lunch, but liked it so much the first time I came back for another try. Casablanca was great both times. Attentive service with a smile, great fresh hand made tortillas and the most amazing green salsa with avocado chunks. Most entrees are less than $10 and the food is GOOD! I'll definitely go back. Quite yummy indeed.
(5)Narek M.
Though it is pretty authentic, I've had much better Mexican food in Los Angeles. Especially for a sit down place I expected a bit more for sure! The food is pretty good, but there is also a lot more room for improvement. One thing I liked is that instead of chips and salsa they had handmade, fresh flour tortillas offered with their house salsa verde...but at a Mexican restaurant I also like having the option of tortilla chips and salsa as well. The burritos and the entree plates are filling and their margaritas are very good as well! The service could have been a bit better, we had an extremely confused waiter who kept thinking we ordered soup and would ask us periodically who's soup that soup in his hand was and we had no answer haha. They have their own lot which is nice, but parking is fairly easy in the neighborhood. Worth a shot if you're craving Mexican food, although there is a place that looks good across the street as well.
(3)Stephanie L.
The main reason to come here? The fresh made tortillas!! I seriously order guacamole and just eat that with the tortillas all night long. This guy also pushes around a cart full of different drink mixers for those who would like to have a margarita or some other tasty beverage. Tons of parking in the lot behind the restaurant. I want those tortillas nowwwwww.
(4)davo w.
Tequila and tortillas do not make a place 'mexican'. What we tried was good quality, but in no way tasted like mexican food. Carne asada came out more like a french dish with mushrooms and wine sauce (even though it was tequila). Fish soup had good fish and veggies, but again, it wasn't mexican in any way I could discern. Pretty small inside, and therefore crowded and noisy on the weekends. And now you know what to expect.
(4)Curtis M.
I love the food here and it's a great location...but why wouldn't they open their patio...I'd dine here way more often if they opened it...their missing out on so much money
(4)Chelsea G.
The tequila cart!?! Amazing!! Food? Excellent!
(5)Jason B.
Before I get into anything about the food, I gotta say something. Casablanca is named after the movie. There are references and posters of the movie everywhere. The men's restroom is Humphrey Bogarts instead of Men. Its decorated much like a something from Casablanca. Its Casablanca EVERYWHERE, yet they serve some pretty fantastic Mexican food? Last time I checked, Morocco was not anywhere near Mexico. Hell, I would shocked if you could get descent Mexican food anywhere on the continent of Africa. So its kinda confusing. With that said.... Casablanca is excellent. Some great Mexican food. The fresh warm tortillas they give you instead of the normal chips are so good. You can sit there all day and eat those instead of a meal. Even better with butter and some of that salsa verde they give. I had the Birria Burrito. The flavors were so good. Also loved the beans. The rice was a little weird to me. It wasnt bad, but I wasnt a huge fan. So far, its some of the best Mexican food ive had on the Westside. Plus the restaurants identity crisis/obsession with the movie makes it even more fun. I recommend it.
(4)Emily B.
OMG. WHERE has Casablanca BEEN all my life?!??!? I'll start off by saying, no, it's not the perfect dining experience. It's a little weird to pass by a sign on the door saying "You are now leaving Santa Monica and entering Morocco", when you're expecting Mexican food. The interior is definitely old feeling. Not every single entree we had was a total hit. But none of that matters. None of it matters because I was too full before the entrees even came to care. We enter, like I said, a little weirded out, but we sit down and a margarita cart practically zooooms over to our table. None of us were in the mood for margaritas, but the cart did pass by once more just to be sure. Fresh made, right in front of you! We'll definitely be back to try them. Then after no more than a minute, a waiter comes by to drop off a tortilla warmer and a bowl of green salsa. I somehow missed the wonderful lady over in the corner when we walked in, so I was shocked when we lifted the lid to find steaming hot, literally off-the-griddle-seconds-ago flour tortillas. I hate corn tortillas (scandal!) so I couldn't believe my luck, since LA seems to only favor corn tortillas. I dug in and could not stop the obnoxious excited noises. My BF liked the green salsa, I thought it was okay, but preferred the butter instead. Until the guacamole came out. Restaurant guacamole is always either from a can or sloppily made, but this guac was perfection. The perfect balance of acid, salt and creaminess. At this point, I'd already packed away three giant tortillas, but then our salads came out and I fell in love with the avocado salad dressing. So I was quickly filling up on tortillas and salad and THEN they put out great tortilla chips and some fantastic hot salsa. I started chowing down on those, too, basically double fisting tortillas and chips, fighting the BF's family for salsa and guacomole. Well crap. I forgot about dinner. By the time our entrees came out, I couldn't even move already. I tried to eat one of the fish tacos, but I just couldn't even enjoy it because I was so full. Granted, there were some things I would've changed about it --the chipotle white sauce it came with wasn't to my liking at all, and the fish was a bit tough--but I'd still enjoy it on a normal basis. My BF's garlic butter baked salmon was really delicious, but then I'm a sucker for anything garlicked and buttered. In the end, I took home a box of leftovers from the fish tacos....and a whole box of tortillas. I'm sorry, I had to. I didn't realize I was in for such a tortilla experience, so I didn't have any cash to tip the tortilla lady, but I'll be sure to stuff her jar full of money next time!
(5)Kyle O.
If it weren't for their tortillas this place would get one star. Dingy, dirty, shady, bad location, old and outdated, and some really bad food. But then there are the tortillas, fresh, homemade goodness! Good salsa green and red, just keep the tortillas and margaritas coming!
(3)Mrs. M.
Crappy service for sure, the chicken burrito w some mole sauce was tasteless for sure. They had great tortillas and ok salsa. Must be more of a bar place. They also took foreverrrr to bring the tab.
(1)Effie E.
It deserves 6 stars!! Ceviche to die for fajitas amazing!! The guy that goes around making margies is amazing!! Great service! Best Mexican place in the area!!
(5)Amber H.
Casa blanca from the outside I was a little worried that my husband suggested this place but I'm always open. We walked inside and it's decorated just like the movie. I was reminded of this movie because I know it's Hugh Heffners favorite. They started us of with tortillas and green dip that made me very happy! I would come back just for the tortillas alone. The menu has lots of options, I asked the server what is popular dish here. He told the calamar steak. That's what I ordered. I was very confused when he put down something that wasn't steak. I cut into it, a little nerves and after one bite I realised it was calamari my favorite! My dish the Calamari Mojo De Ajo had this yummy white garlic sauce on top! A side or rice with white sauce and mixed vegetables that were seasoned really well. A delicious dish and a large portion. My husband got the Sam burrito which he enjoyed. We came here for lunch and the prices were good. Great customer service, great food I am definitely a big fan of Casa Blanca.
(5)Wendy R.
This place is incredible. I will be here every Sunday for brunch from now on. So much food for just $13.99 and bottomless drinks.
(5)Anne Marie B.
I had my 11th Birthday party here, because yes I was just that cool as a kid. My parents and I had been going to Casablanca since as far back as I can remember, but when I left for college and the parentals moved to the OC, we hadn't been able to make it back since 2004. There is just something about this place. The movie nostalgia, the food that isn't quite in line with the theme, but delicious nonetheless, the wooden parrots adorning the ceilings, the live music on occasion, the freshly made tortillas, and the friendliness of the staff always makes for an enjoyable meal. They specialize in their calamari steaks, so if you're a fan, you can't go wrong with those. As a kid I loved the Mexican pasta. But really, anything on the menu is hearty and tasty. I especially love the green salsa that comes out with the tortillas filled with chunks of queso and avocado. And those fresh flour tortillas really are divine. It's nothing like what you get at the supermarket. So make a little trip down Lincoln for this eclectic spot with the feel of Morocco but south of the border tastes.
(5)Martin M.
Homemadr flour tortias best service . And gota get the long island. Brst in town Best mexican food ever
(5)Jon L.
Incredibly rich, incredibly heavy, incredibly good sit-down Mexican. The tortillas alone are worth the trip, but I also recommend the Chile Colorado (beef) Oasis burrito, which comes with delicious rice and refried beans.
(4)Cynthia L.
My boyfriend and I went to Casablanca Saturday night for dinner. We shared the trout and beef fajitas. They were good but we really loved the tortillas that they gave us when we first sat down. This is a very loud and very funrestaurant. If you are hoping to have an intimate dialog with someone, I suggest not going here on a Saturday night.
(4)Charles H.
Is it just me, or are you also at a loss for ideas when the topic turns to Sunday Brunch? I sure am, but thanks to Casablanca, the options have gotten much better and the choices easier. Not sure what I can add with review #219, but I'll tell you that I've been coming here on and off for dinner since the late '90s. I've never considered it for brunch until yesterday...I didn't know if they were open for lunch! We just walked in yesterday, sat down, and were pleasantly surprised. Live music. Professional waiters working smoothly as a team. Brunch menu offered. Three courses including bottomless Bloody Marys, "champagne" (J. Roget) mimosas or sangria: $14...whaaat?!?! You can't afford to eat anywhere else at that price! Can I get you a Bloody Mary? Yes please. Would you like a refill? Yes please. And so it went. First course: lovely fruit salad with papaya...sweet! Main course: Seafood Pasta Omelette. This sounds completely random, but it was delicious, and a generous portion with a great ranchera sauce on top. I might just get it again next time, or explore one of their signature calamari options. I believe that there are 3 on the brunch menu, along with a very nice salmon portion. This place is known for its seafood, after all. Finished up with a perfect small slice of flan. So stuffed that I just had a small salad for dinner at home at 8:00. I'm definitely adding this near to the top of my go-to brunch options...you should too! Perhaps I'll make a brunch list?
(5)Crystal R.
Love this place: love the theme, love the food, love the service! My family and I came here for my birthday dinner (its my favorite place.) My mom loves the tortillas here and I love the Calamari tequila plate. If I could eat here all the time I definitely would.
(5)Julie K.
The make your own taco is interesting, but not exactly what I wanted. I wanted a hard shell... And the waiters kept coming back saying it will take too long to make the hard shel. LOL. (They sent me soft tortillas, even though I asked for hard shelled) So I know not to order that again. The beans and rice are just ok. Everyone else enjoyed their hard shelled taco's, because they ordered hard shelled tacos and not make your own taco....... LOL. Oh well... Strawberry marg was ok. . Nothing amazingly special about this place. There are better spots for Mexican food.
(2)Tam D.
After reading all the reviews decided to go on New Year Day. Upon driving into the parking lot saw one of the cooks smoking and adjusting his private with the rubber gloves on used to prepare food. I'm sure after smoking he used those same gloves to cook with. How disgusting....too bad I really wanted to try this place.
(1)Nic J.
I LOVE Casablanca's brunch. The price is awesome for all of the food you get. First off, bottomless alcoholic drinks. Unheard of!!! And the sangria is very tasty. :) Then you get a fruit appetizer, a big heaping entree, endless hand-made flour tortillas and flan dessert. Frankly, I can't ever finish everything! The servers are fast and polite, the music is beautiful and the food is excellent. Plus, the place offers loads to look at, lots of paintings and memorabilia. What more could you want?! I'll be there with friends this Sunday!
(5)Christine Y.
In no way shape or form does the outside reflect the inside...it looks pretty unappealing driving past. Once you get inside though...its a totally different story. Sure...it's not super nice inside, instead it has the charm of a cluttered movie maniac with the smell of fresh tortillas being made in the small place. Fresh flour and corn tortillas...just magical. If it wasn't for some friends of mine who have loved coming to Casablanca for years, I would have continued to drive past, intrigued by the name, but never quite venturing inside. The inside is basically all dedicated to movies. Makes sense right because of the name? During the day (I came for lunch) the place is lit from the sunlight streaming through the windows. We couldn't help but notice the lovely entirely off perspective mural painting on the wall to the right as you walk in. We were also seated next to it and had plenty of time to ponder over it. They have large sunken booths along the wall and tables in the middle. The tortilla ladies are doing their thing on the other side of the room from the windows. It can be pretty dim away from the windows. Service was pleasant and fast. I had arrived late and my friends had already ordered, but the server promptly comes over to give me a menu and to take my order. The food comes out pretty quickly and mine didn't come out too long after theirs. Much appreciated:P Then again, I would not have minded just eating tortillas anyways. FLOUR TORTILLAS I'm a flour tortilla girl so I have no idea what the corn tortillas taste like. First off...I love fresh tortillas!!! I love it even more when its served to your table in an endless supply in place of chips! These are piping hot tortillas, soft and just delicious. Dip into the salsa or butter it up. Either way...I could have gone on eating tortillas. FISH TACOS I tried to order as quickly as possible so I would not hold up the group and just went for the fish tacos. Didn't expect them to be great, but they were! I was surprised when they came out with the tacos with all the ingredients separated! Everything I could ever want in my fish taco was all arranged nicely in little bowls and then the fish itself was nicely battered and crispy...but not too heavy. Yum yum...it was goooodd. Very pleasantly surprised! I like how they went to all the trouble of letting you do it yourself so you can get it to how you like it. Poor dishwasher though...all those tiny little bowls. Casablanca, you've definitely won me over. I'm charmed by the eclectic decor and the food is good too!
(4)Joan P.
The food is authentic, fresh, and delicious. Their fish tacos may be some of the best I've ever had. The service is good and the atmosphere is very "family."
(5)Christine S.
Place feels like home! :) Great margaritas from Juan! Food service can be a tad too fast at times though but definitely generous portions. Fresh tortillas being made in front of your eyes is the BEST to pair with a bogart margarita!
(4)James J.
This has to be one of Los Angeles' best restaurants of any style of cuisine. When asked to go I was being a typical Hollywood guy thinking "this better be good if I'm going all the way to Venice on a Friday night". AND IT WAS! The whole restaurant is a spectical from the amazing tortilla makers to the bars on wheels. I am telling you - great atmosphere, great food, great drinks, and great prices. I can't wait to go back. The biggest thing I like about this place is that it is not understaffed. They are equipped to handle your dining experience. This should be a lesson to all restaurants. A guest should never have to look for help, ever. And here you are surrounded by the best staff ever!!
(5)Jean-Luc M.
how can this place be a 4 star? the service wasn't terrible, no options provided, nothing. they are not even able to give tacos which we could fill in. I really hope this is a first and last - the plates in which we were served food weren't cleaned!!! They were used plates...I really cannot believe how can a restaurant continue in such conditions! The food was really terrible, we ordered a guacamole which apparently was prepared a few days ago (one of the waiter himself said so!)
(1)Summer B.
My parents had been raving about this place but I had been so set on La Cabana across the street that I went kicking and screaming.. Boy was I glad they convinced us to try it. They took my fiance and I out for his birthday dinner. The tortillas were AMAZING! So fresh and delicious. My fiance and I split the Carne Asada and The Filet Mignon Brasero. He got the salad with the avacado salsa (which was really tasty) and I got the tortilla soup which I really enjoyed. It had more of a black bean flavor than your typical tortilla soup but I enjoyed the unique flavor. My only gripe was that the carne asada was a bit too cooked for me but I also like my meat on the rare side so that might have been me. However the Filet Mignon Brasero was to die for. It had the best flavor I didnt want the meal to end! My parents liked the flavor of it so much that they were even taking the sauce from it and putting it on their rice. To top it all of they had a live guitarist playing great music during our meal. The service was excellent as well. To be honest, it won me over. I would choose to go to Casablanca over La Cabana any day now. I can't wait to go back for the Fresh tortillas and Filet Brasero!
(5)Ks J.
Tortillas are great! Food is ok. Ordered cheese enchilada and chile relleno combo. Beans were dried out. From the reviews, seems like fish is the best bet. I ordered a margarita which was just ok.
(3)Aislinn V.
Great place. went there today for my bday brunch and loved it. good was good and so were the drinks.
(5)B L.
Location is just ok and the outside of the building look a little rundown. The second you open the door.. wow.. it looked like you are in the movie set of the movie Casablanca. This is not a typical mexican restaurant as you won't find any burrito or taco. they specialize in a lot of seafood and if you have never had calamari for dinner before, this is the place to try it. Don't forget their freshly made flour tortillas with green salsa.. yumm.... Also, this is a really good place to go for Valentine dinner as their pri-fix menu are really good. Don't forget that you get to get a parting gift at the end of the valentine's day meal which is a bottle of mini champagne bottle with your name and your girlfriend/Wife's name on it..
(5)Andrew T.
Got take out. Enchiladas and a steak burrito . Poor quality food, was probably one of the worst Mexican eateries I've had. would Not go back..
(3)Nova P.
I don't know why it's taken so long for me to try this place out... definitely a winner. I ended up going two weeks in a row. From homemade fresh tortillas, tasty seafood, old school ambiance, and nice live music on weekend evenings I was sold. I am a fan of both their beef and chicken crunchy tacos. Nice they give you the option of refried or black beans in some of the meal combos. I recommend if you order a meal, get a salad and try the avocado dressing. The salmon my friend ordered was fresh and flavorful. They have dishes with Dos Equis that look interesting. Both times there was a wait, but it was worth it... and a drink at the bar helps :) You'll find the bathrooms labeled with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, very appropriate.
(4)E C.
Yum! The tortillas are so good! While I couldn't have a margarita, my husband and friends did and loved them. The margarita cart is a nice touch! Our food was great. While my husband and I opted for enchiladas, our friends both ordered the calamari and raved about it. Service was good, too!
(5)Mei C.
They make their own tortillas in the house! they have this cute little lady working the tortillas in the middle of the restaurant and there's always another lady singing live! I heard it's like a family oriented restaurant and everyone that works there is all related. They also have the tequila kart come by and the server makes you margaritas as you like them. Since I don't drink much, I told him to make mine on the light side and he surely did! :) The food here is good also. Instead of chips and salsa, they give you tortillas and salsa. The salsa has queso fresco in it and the sauce is green. It's good!!! I could just go for the tortillas and the margaritas alone. :) The food, however - not a big deal. Nothing special and price is a bit high for what you get.
(3)David G.
Place feels old and kind of dingy. We went on a Sunday mid day and it was a ghost town. I had the asada which wasn't too bad, far cry from awesome. My wife's chicken was much less appealing. Pretty mediocre.
(3)Stella B.
I really wanted to like this place. I was here about 15 years ago and the food was no bueno. I decided to give it another shot as we couldn't come up with a place to go for Mexican food that evening. No ones brain was working after a very long week. We walked in and I thought to myself that the ambiance was really great. We were brought warm tortillas with butter and salsa which I thought was pretty nice. Then we ordered dinner and I asked for an order of guacamole. They brought the dinner salads which were great. Mixed lettuce with tangerines and jicama. Very good and I thought to myself I really am glad we are giving this place another try. A gentlemen came by with a tequila cart which seemed appetizing as well but we didn't order from it but I thought it was a nice touch. Everything went downhill from there. Maybe it was because we didn't order drinks so they decided to punish us with bad food. Maybe I am just spoiled because most places are making their guacamole very fresh these days. However, the guac at Casablanca is just bad. It had clearly been pre-made and the fridge must have been on below zero because it was colder than my drink. There was a red sauce on top that was pretty nasty and then cheese??? Yuck! The chips tasted stale as well. Dinner was not much better. I ordered the shrimp de mojo de ajo and it was terrible! The shrimp seemed like they were not cooked all the way. I couldn't eat it. The rice was ok and I asked for beans instead of veggies which were ok. The staff was really nice and concerned that I didn't like my shrimp and offered to remove it from the bill which we thanked them for. As a last ditch effort we decided to order desert. We had a choice of cheesecake or flan. We went with the flan. Honestly, the flan at El Pollo Loco is better. The flan was just too heavy it seemed more like a flan cheesecake. Anyway, everyone was very nice and like I said ambiance was good but I was once again disappointed in the food. This might be a good place to go for drinks. Sorry Casablanca I really tried to give you an honest second chance.
(2)Malcolm S.
I'm torn over this place as it is a Venice institution. Who can beat Bogart and Bergman soak up each others' deep dark melancholy eyes...? However there were food stains on the menus. But to boot there was a mobile tequila cart with a very knowledgeable chap as a bartender and the food was tasty. Food: Shrimp Ceviche Tostada, Trout Mariscos, Seafood Enchiladas and Pescado Veracruz. Drink: Various Margaritas - well made and served stiff (Strong for those in the know). Tip: Do NOT forget to eat the homemade tortillas (made by the cute granny) and salsa as an appetizer - probably the highlight of the whole evening!
(3)Sarah B.
Favorite restaurant in the world. Great hot home-made flour tortillas. I love the pre-dinner salads, the enchilada. Their margarita mix is unreal. But my favorite dish is the Play-it-Again, Carlos. It's a thick steak in mushroom sauce. Comes with rice and beans. It's not on the menu but you can substitute either with a medley of great vegetables. Enjoy the career wait staff and bar tenders along with the Casablanca kitsch collection.
(5)Bing H.
Ambiance: *Very low key Food: *The Tortillas, no joke, are amazing! Best tortillas I've ever had in my life. I sat right next to the ladies who were making them in a brick oven. *The Carne Asada Tacos were good, but the meat was drenched in melted cheese. Next time I would ask for no cheese with my meat.
(4)Alicia G.
I was sooo confused walking in here! Having been to the actual city of Casablanca..in Morocco...Africa, I didn't understand the connection, but apparently the owner likes the movie? Okay... So anyway, the hot tortillas were really good, I thought it was roti, thinking it was some kind of Mexi-Afro-Asian fusion kind of deal, but no. I order the melted white cheese to start and guess what, it was a dish of cheese...Yeah I guess I could have saved myself for that one, right? Next came the calamari, which I'm pretty sure on the menu says just calamari...wait "World Famous Calamari"....what it doesn't say in the various variations of the calamari is that it's a calamari steak...yeah, wouldn't have ordered it. My was seasoned with butter and garlic. My mouth is tingling just thinking of it. It also came with rice and veggies. Good thing because that bad boy was soaked in butter. Butter, butter butter! I couldn't finish it all and my face was super shiny after we left because I couldn't handle the butter overload. It looks like a fun place to kick back and drink...maybe I was being too serious with things and was so confused about the theme of the restaurant versus the actual food that my head was spinning...then add on the butter and it was swimming.
(3)Derick S.
Casablanca, It's a fun place to meet up friends and grab a drink, I keep trying to love this place, been back around 10 times, tried different plates and never really found that plate I crave. The service is good, prices are a bit high, The benches are a bit sticky and nasty. (I'm a bit of a germaphobe when I'm eating)
(3)Heather S.
Food was decent and that's about it. My friend and I recently went there for dinner a couple of weekends ago (the place was nearly empty) and were not impressed. The warm, fresh tortillas were perhaps the highlight. We ordered the melted cheese for an appetizer and the cheese was thick and rubbery, not gooey and chip-friendly. It ended up being a graveyard of broken chips and every time we took another scoop hoping it'd be better, it just wasn't. I ordered the chicken tacos which were fine. My friend wanted a meat-less burrito (or enchilada). When she said "no meat" to the waiter, he looked at her like she had horns coming out of her head. She basically had to improvise and say what she DID want (all the fixings, veggies, cheese, etc. - just no chicken or beef). Again, he questioned this. This is L.A., vegetarians (and even vegans) everywhere. This can't be the first time he's heard this. Towards the end of the meal, they asked if I wanted a refill on my coke. Sure, I said. Well, they took my glass away to refill it (isn't that against health code?) and I saw the waiter go to the bar to get it refilled. Meanwhile, he was enjoying himself chatting it up with the bartender, while I, meanwhile had hot, greasy, salty food to wash down without an ounce of liquid. Our actual waiter came up to check in on us (first time and we were bites away from being done) and I told him I was waiting for my coke. He went to the bar, talked to the other guy and came back (empty handed) saying they had to change out the syrup. Fine, but don't come back empty handed you fool. Water? Do I have to ask? Apparently so. I cheated on my favorite Mexican Restaurant (Paco's Tacos) and paid the price. I'm sorry Paco's, I will never cheat again.
(1)Michael W.
It was cool coming here. I hadn't been here in a while and as I was driving past I said to myself that I should come back here for dinner with my wife. The ambiance here is really nice, calm and romantic. They always have live music and the lighting seems perfect. They have nice and comfortable booths to sit in. Can I say that the fresh flour tortillas with salsa that they complementary bring to the table is totally awesome. Beware, and don't fill up on this, as I probably did the last time I came here. The service here is always pretty good. The time in which it takes for the food to come out is on the longer side, but that is probably because they have a lot of people to serve. As far as the food goes, it is pretty solid. I cant say that its the best, but overall its pretty good. To me the things that really make this place stand out is the Casablanca movie theme that they have, the fresh hand made tortillas and salsa that they serve, the cool live music that they play, and the chill romantic ambiance that they have.
(4)Joel A.
The Tortillas where so delicious my favorite where the Chilies Rellenos!! Try to go on a weekday since the weekends can get crowd it.
(5)Christine T.
I wanted to like this place because they have handmade tortillas, but they are made with beef lard. I don't eat beef. It's a good thing I asked...but that was why I went there, to try the tortillas. I was already disappointed. The Sunday Brunch is a limited menu of 15 items. You choose one entree, you get a drink (including free refills on sangria and champagne) and a small piece of flan for dessert for $13. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros. It was supposed to be topped with a salsa made with tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and Jack Cheese. The salsa was more like a little bit of watery warm tomato soup on eggs topped with cheese. I didn't see one piece of tomato in it. Maybe it cooked down? But to me, salsa is fresh, chunky. Everything on my plate had cheese on it. The rice had cheese on it. The beans had cheese.\ on it. And the eggs were completely covered in melted cheese. I like cheese, but if everything has to be covered in cheese for flavor, I'm a little suspicious. This might have been a good Mexican place when I first moved to California, before I knew GOOD mexican food. This isn't Mexican. It isn't California Mexican. It's more like Mexican cooked by someone who never had Mexican food before. I don't even have a good analogy for it. It's edible, but nothing about it tasted Mexican. There are so many good Mexican places in LA, I'm surprised Casablanca stays in business, but maybe it's the free beef fat tortillas.
(1)Maia D.
Okay. Apparently fusion is popular in LA so I won't sart this review like a hater. A hater that talks about the fact that Casablanca is an Italian/Mexican restaurant. Im just going to say this. When I go out for Mexican, I want straight up MEXICAN. Not cut with anything. No chiles rellenos AND pasta primavera. No carne asada AND fried calamari. Am I unreasonable?
(2)Imran K.
Had Mexican food catered at a office in Torrance. There were about 20 people and the delivery was made by Ricardo who looks like a movie star. The best thing is that Casablanca delivers drinks with the food. They set up the table , put a disposable tablecloth and then place the food on the table. This was amazing and the chicken fajita , the cheese tamales, the chicken chimichangas were delicious. They had whole wheat tortillas, though I like their corn tortillas better. The food was awesome. We all had a great time.
(4)Cat M.
I dont drink... which everyone goes for the margaritas..... i go for the tortillas!!!!!! They are the best homemade ones i have ever had! I go just to eat them with my meal
(5)Sean C.
Fun themed restaurant with Casablanca movie memorabilia and great Mexican food. I liked that instead of chips and salsa they serve warm tortillas made in the center of the dining room while you watch, along with a green chile sauce with cotija cheese. The tequila cart was also great and actually makes better margaritas than the bar, and for some reason cheaper. The food was great. I had the carne asada combination with a cheese enchilada. The carne was a nice portion and cooked perfectly, so it did not taste like an old shoe. The enchilada was also very good. There was too much food and I couldn't finish everything. The service was also excellent. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Amiee H.
Food: 1) complimentary homemade tortillas: Really soft and super fresh! It was like a round, doughy, flat bread of chewy goodness! Really worth coming here just to try the fresh, homemade tortillas! 2) Seafood enchiladas (comes with beans and rice): I'm pretty sure they make the enchiladas, sprinkle cheese on top and then pop it back in the oven. I like the concept, but it was poorly executed. I was not crazy about the type of cheese they used, it didn't really compliment the taste of the seafood enchiladas. It was almost a little too strong and detracted from the dish. The seafood comprised of small shrimp and crab. I'm pretty sure the small shrimp was frozen and it almost tasted like it was borderline going bad. The crab was good but it was overpowered by the shrimp and the cheese. I wasn't crazy about this dish. The rice had a special "white sauce" on top of it that made it heavier and creamier. The beans were ok. Service: Difficult to get their attention and once we did get their attention and asked for something, they seemed kinda annoyed.... Ambiance: Dim with a moderate amount of noise. Just because it's dimmer, it seems more like an intimate/date type of restaurant, but there were big tables for families and group gatherings. Price: Taking into consideration the food quality, I'd say it was kinda expensive for Mexican food. Overall: I'd perhaps come back for the tortillas, but I wasn't crazy about my main dish.
(3)Teri B.
Nice little place with SUPER yummy fresh made tortillas. The salsa verde was great too - very garlic-y. I had the chile relleno and enchilada which were both delish but not very spicy. I got some red salsa though that helped get some heat into the dish. The rice and beans were good too but way too much cheese (I know, there's never too much cheese - right?). The staff were excellent - always right there when you needed them and loved the margarita cart that came along. Nice touch. The ambiance was fun and campy - looks like you are right there on the movie set of Casabanca. Funny having a Moroccan theme serving Mexican food but somehow it all works! Would have given 5 stars but found the food a tad on the bland side (except the tortillas). Maybe they cater to more of a touristy crowd so they tone down the spice level. Still a great place!
(4)Tim B.
I know I'm pretty liberal with stars (if a place sucks, I don't bother writing about it), but this one lives up to the four star rating I've given it- probably more like 4 1/2 all things considered. It's simply one of those restaurants that has gives exact attention to all the details and does it in a casual and fun-loving way. The decor is fantastic and cheesy, with beautifully detailed murals of scenes from the movie Casablanca (thus the name, duh), a crazy Bogey mannequin in a glass booth by the bar and framed autographs and letters from everyone in the movie. A letter from Claude Rains on his stationary? You can't fade that shizz. The live spanish-style guitarist was backed by a yacht-rock smooth prerecorded jam which whisked me away to some Love Boat episode, some local thespians hung out for the happy hour speaking in theater code, and I sat watching the tortilla woman make delicious wheat and corn tortillas all night long- she was so good she had a tip jar by her oven! I was there with in-laws, so went with the fish tacos that was on the lower end of the menu at $13.99. It comes with the deep-fried hallibut, homemade pico de gallo, cabbage, salsa, and of course, those heavenly tortillas. Nothing fancy, just fresh, quality food. Gotta talk about the Margs, because they were knock-you-on-your-keister strong, and a dude in a little pushcart came table to table to serve them up. Watch out!! They push them hard, and if you have more than one you might be stumbling out the door. Overall, a harmonic convergence of taste, sight, sound and smell that made for a singular and exemplary culinary experience.
(4)Ali W.
Oh my god, the tortillas! Absolutely amazing and worth the trip, served with cheese. You can watch them be made too. Chips and salsa are available upon request though. The queso fundido was really good and so were cheese enchiladas when I got them. The people I was with seemed very please with their entrees involving meat as well.
(4)Joan L.
Cute interior, kinda kitschy (not a bad thing) Casablanca theme. Food was pretty mediocre Mexican food. Not terrible but not great either. The fish (snapper) tasted like frozen fish not fresh fish (not necessarily bad but not the best either). It's cool that they make the tortillas in house but they're not the best fresh tortillas I've ever had so they don't win too many points for it from me. Price is a bit much for what you're getting
(2)David P.
My wife and I were introduced to Casablanca over 20 years ago by her parents, when we first got married. They raved about the food and "tortilla's" and they were right! We live in Orange Co. now and haven't been back for quite a while. It was my wife's birthday, so we decided to make the trip for this special occasion. I decided to check Yelp to check the menu and the recent reviews. I was shocked by the 1 star reviews, complaining about the lighting, poor service, wait time for service, long wait time for food and poor food quality. These negative reviews concerned me, but they proved to be very "erroneous". My wife and I arrived at about 7:15pm and it was very busy. That wait would be about 15min. We went to the bar and had drinks. In about 12 mins we were told our table was ready. We were taken to a nice booth and the restaurant area was "well lighted". I quietly told the host that it was my wife's B-day. We were only seated for a couple of minutes when a waiter brought us their great salsa verde and hot tortillas. We no sooner started eating our hot tortillas when our waiter was there to take our order. We weren't ready to order yet, so he just said to take our time. When we made our dinner choices, I caught his eye and he came right over and took our order. My wife got the Calamari natural and I got the carne asada with the cheese enchilada. While we waited, the waiter constantly checked tortilla bowl and brought us more hot tortillas if we were out. Our food was excellent. My wife's calamari was tender and very flavorful. My carne asada was tender and very flavorful, and the enchilada was very good. After clearing away our dishes, the waiter surprised my wife with a "delicious" slice of cheese cake & candle, while the guitar player sang happy birthday. It was a memorable experience for my wife and I thank the staff at Casablanca for their great service and good food!
(5)Kendra F.
BUGS!!!!! I went during the lunch hour and after I had finished eating I saw a one bug that appeared to look like a termite. Then there was another crawling across the table. I went with a couple friends of mine and as we got up 2 bugs were crawling on me. Sooo I don't think I will be returning. Food wise, it was ok. I enjoyed the handmade tortillas as well as the green salsa.
(1)M H.
Quesadillas that even my Mexican wife said were AMAZING!... I had the fajitas which were great, guac was incredible, rice & beans were also great... what you cant beat is the price, all you can drink during brunch (11-3)!!! plus they serve a small piece of flan. Live music, all you can drink sangria, champagne, bloody marys, etc... How can you beat that? Only complaint was the service, our waiter was not the friendliest, kinda didnt care about taking our orders in a timely matter.
(4)Tahira S.
Things you need to know: 1. This is a Bogart-lover's paradise. 2. Bogart + Mexican food. 3. Tortillas and margaritas made in front of you. 4. There is a free parking lot in the back! 5. Did I mention the delicious green sauce that comes with the fresh tortillas?
(5)Shayla R.
I've been meaning to rate this spot as I often go to Casablanca to get my flour tortilla fix. The handmade flour tortillas are hands down the realness! The Bogart margarita is the best damn margarita I've ever had in my life and trust me when I say, "all you need is one." I give three stars only because I feel the food isn't as authentic as I expected.
(3)Kemi A.
I really don't get why people give this place a bad review based on the decor. The folks there love the movie Casablanca. They serve Mexican food. Works for me. Anyhoo, went there with a friend for lunch after hitting Venice beach. Yes, they do have kitschy stuff from the movie, but I think that's what makes it cute and stand out from the rest. And really, are you there for the decor or there for the food? The biggest thing this place has going for it is the FREE HOT TORTILLAS. Yeah, you heard me, FREE? At first I thought it was the, "Here's some free food that we'll tack on your bill later" switcheroo, but nope, free. And boy, where they delicious! I think a person can live alone on them and not order anything else, but that would be just plain wrong. So thus I ordered a mango frozen margarita which hit the spot, then I had two beef tacos that came with rice and beans. Both were fantastic and satisfied my appetite! I would absolutely come here again!
(5)Jacob R.
Excellent food. Prob the best Mexican in the area. Fresh and good quality. Good drinks.
(4)john H.
My new favorite restaurant, I want to have my birthday here. Best service. Amazing food. Amazing tortillas. And who could resist the tequila express, a cart that comes to your table.
(5)Monique M.
Ohhh Casablanca. How I love thee... Firstly this place has the best atmosphere ever. Awesome ambiance, with beautiful paintings on each wall and odes to Morocco throughout. The drinks are so good. Theres a guy that pushes a bar cart around serving drinks so flag down dude for a tasty beverage. (If you can stand it, it the shot boat; it's 3 shots of different brands of Tequila.) Enjoy the Live band or even the one lady band with a beat box and guitar; She's awesome too. (no joke) And Those tortillas. Those damn tortillas. Hot diggity, those tortillas should be served in church on Sundays. Its that real. Just go inside. It's Morocco. Like you've set adrift of bliss... With a side of tortillas. And three shots of tequila. Salute!
(5)Rachel E.
This place is so delicious! Came here on our last trip and had to come back! The made to order (right in front of you) tortillas are amazing and the food never disappoints. Not to mention their margaritas are 5 star and the waiters are always friendly and were very helpful when I told them I was vegan. Directed me to a wonderful meal option and made sure I knew if there was dairy in something ordered for the table!
(5)Nicole J.
I want to love this place. It's so cute and cozy, with amazing handmade tortillas. It's a mainstay in ever-changing LA, and I really really want to love it. But, aside from the tortillas, I find the food inedible. Bland, and well, there's no nice way to say it, worse than hospital cafeteria food. Being around as long as they have, I'm sure they have a strong following of devoted fans, so am I missing something?
(2)Sara P.
One of my favorite restaurants in LA. I just happened to stumble upon it when I was nearby one day. You MUST have a margarita from the cart. Chip the bartender is super friendly, and he makes one tasty drink. The fresh tortillas are to die for. And if you get a salad - get the house avocado dressing on it. So yum!
(5)Brooke P.
This is a review for the catering. It worked perfect! We hired Casablanca to cater my mother-in-laws 75th birthday. They did such a great job, I would recommend them to anyone looking for a taco lunch or dinner party. When we called for information on the catering, they promptly sent us all of the information and answered our questions quickly and correctly. They confirmed the week before the event, just as we hoped - I appreciate that. The day of the party, the two workers were on time (maybe early) and had everything that they needed, burners, tables, tablecloths, all the food, and promptly set up their station. The tortilla lady makes GREAT tortillas. We asked for extra corn tortillas since I have a gluten-intolerant brother. They were very accomodating, friendly, personable and efficient. They didn't stop the food making until all of our guests were full and then they cleaned up everything and were on their way. I would recommend them to anyone, and would be happy to give a positive review to anyone that needed an independent opinion. It was great!
(5)Bomi S.
My husband and I have been here three times solely for the homemade tortillas and the green salsa. The tortillas are so chewy, fresh, and delicious. The other food items are average, but the ambiance and atmosphere are quiet and intimate.
(3)Jay M.
A+ for homemade tortillas. Everything else was decent, but not blow your socks off. 3.5*
(3)Ivy L.
I'm confused as to why on earth or how this place has 4 stars on here. This was the most disgusting "Mexican" food I've ever had. I wouldn't even call it Mexican cuisine. It was bland and I've had better airplane food Mexican food then from this joint. I ordered the "shrimp ceviche" which as basically a pile of tiny frozen grocery store bought from a big bulk bag shrimp on top of a grocery store bought tostada with some brown avocado slices. That was pretty funny to see and tasted like thawed out pink mush. Then I order something else I can't remember what it's called but it was nasty low quality store bought crap that was cold and slimey with more of those amazing pink mush shrimp slathered all over it! But this time they had pared it with a lovely brown gravy sauce that tasted like that gravy in a jar from the grocery store! Man they really love not hand making anything. There's no love, no flavor, no authentic Mexican taste that Mexican food should have. Eff this place...
(1)Morgan R.
Yes, this place is weird. But the tortillas are AMAZING, the calamari is solid & the margaritas from the cart are delicious. That being said, the reason to come here is the brunch! Oh the brunch! For $14 you get fruit, an entree, flan AND unlimited bloody mary's, mimosas, champage, or sangria... they're not watered down & you can mix and match! Then to sober up go thrift door shopping next door & hopefully you too will score a tokidoki thermal and a barney's sweater like I did. My friends and I had a blast here this past Sunday and I hope to return as soon as possible.
(4)Shweta S.
The food is so so but that's not why you come here. You come here for the Tortillas, margaritas and the atmosphere.The Tortillas are hand made on the spot, as is your margarita from the cart that rolls on by. And there's live music. It's divey but a great find and a great after work spot. Highly recommended.
(4)Annie W.
Have you ever been? You should at least try it once. It's a lovely little restaurant that offers good Mexican food. I heart the fact that they prepare their tortillas right over the oven in the middle of the room. The mild verde dipping sauce with chunks of cheese is to die for when married with the fresh large tortillas. It's better than any cut up baguette bread that the standard restaurants serve. The refills alone is worth it, because it goes so well with any entree. The calamari is prepared in a flat pancake style, nothing like the standard deep fried tentacles that we're familiar with. It might be a bit odd, but still appetizing. The burritos are served in massive portions. It is mostly filled with all meats, cheese and beans, so you might need to be wheeled out after this meal. The soup specials were not that impressive, but overall I would stick with their meat versus seafood dishes. The bar is filled with more tequila bottles than your eyes can feast on. The service is great, nothing fancy, but still serve with friendly smiles. It's an intimate restaurant that is separated by a wall and the live entertainment is on one end of the restaurant. For us, it's worth the drive to the west side to have gatherings and introduce our friends to this restaurant.
(4)Alison B.
Used Casablanca to cater a party and couldn't have been happier. Delicious food, excellent and quick communication, very reasonable prices. They really made my party a success
(5)montezuma k.
Looks soooo old school outside but never fear, cool funky vibe inside. Handmade tortillas are to die for say the girls and there is a yummy dipping sauce too. We had salmon two different styles and both were really flavorous. Fish tacos crunchy-best I've ever had! Not "fishy" tasting in the least. Carne asada looked like a steak. Best of all, a cart full of tequilas comes by your table... :-;
(5)Jolene H.
If you're going for a musty smelling old kitschy museum smell kind of ambiance, come to Casablanca. If you like a creepy Humphrey Bogart replica in a glass case staring at you while you eat, come to Casablanca. If you want to be fattened up, come to Casablanca! They serve you piles and piles of their homemade tortillas - which are good - but don't make up for the astoundingly bad decor of the restaurant. I love their catering - which is why I came to the restaurant...but, man, I think I'm going to stick to the catering. My allergies can't take dining in!
(2)Zeni C.
Our new favorite place! I've lived in Santa Monica for YEARS and I've driven past Casablanca a million times, but I never stopped in until 6 months ago. Oh My Goodness, I've been missing out. It's our new Friday night dinner spot. His favorite is the calamari steak and I enjoy pretty everything else. I had to leave this reveiw, the service there is the best. We'll continue to enjoy Casablanca regularly.
(5)Margarita K.
Very tasty Mexican food. The restaurant also has very tasty homemade tortillas prepared on the grill and a margarita cart with custom made drinks. The only thing I don't like is the decor. I know it has the Casablanca movie theme, but it has not been updated for 40 years and needs some work. Also, the chips are a bit stale.
(4)Chris P.
The tortillas are amazing. I called to order some to take home and they would not allow. Not only would they not let me buy any, they were EXTREMELY rude on the phone. I would have paid top dollar, but now they won't be getting any of my business!
(2)James R.
I love this place...get the house margarita, it won't disappoint!
(5)Vanessa W.
Great food! The chicken poblano burrito was very tasty and seasoned very well with dark mole sauce on top. And to wash it down I had one of the best Cadillac Margaritas ever, that came in a nice big glass! And best yet was the sweet green chili salsa that had chunks of mozzarella cheese and avocado inside that was accompanied with homemade large flour tortillas that are to die for! I will definitely be visiting this place again!
(5)Pa M.
Lovely, delicious dinner. Fun atmosphere, music, warm fresh tortillas, parking lot. Very good house margaritas and yummy food
(5)Chatty B.
You should definitely try it once if you have not been there yet. The place is small so make sure you make the reservations, otherwise the wait time is about 30 mins. I love the decor, lovely murals, old movie pictures/posters and Mexican style decor Their strawberry margarita $8 is made from frozen strawberries and is delish. Didn't like the mango margarita much. The food is appetizing. The complementary tortillas are sooooo heavenly and soft. They make fresh tortillas in the dining area where you can watch them making it on the brick oven. They come with mild verde dipping sauce with cubes of montery jack cheese (yumm) The fajitas, burritos are served in big portions. They also have live music right in the middle of the room, I dont like dancing in public but I have seen lot of couples to slow dance there. The service is pleasant and fast.
(5)Mike P.
This is a great place for Mexican food. The tortillas are excellent. Amongst the best I have ever had. The food also very good and quite reasonably priced. Enjoyed the atmosphere as well. Friendly service. I will be back.
(5)Candy C.
Fresh, hot, delicious handmade tortillas? Live guitar? Wacky decor? I love LA
(4)Michelle L.
Hands down, Casablanca's brunch is one of the greatest things I've ever experienced ever. Bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, champagne, or sangria AND brunch all for around $14. You seriously can't beat that pricing. Usually at brunch places bottomless mimosas cost around $20 and you have to pay for your food on top of that. The food is decent (not the greatest, but the more alcohol you consume the better it tastes) and the fresh tortillas made by the tortilla lady in the middle of the restaurant are bomb dot com. I love how they have very breakfast-y brunch items, as well as more substantial food like beef fajitas (i'm not a big fan of breakfast foods). Also, the live music adds a nice touch to the meal. Will definitely be back for brunch very soon at Casablanca.
(4)J P.
This place is the best. Gotta get a margarita or three from the table-side cart! ("skinny" = more fresh lime, less mix). And those fresh made tortillas? Bomb. If you haven't been, make it a priority next time you want some good american-style mex.
(5)Charito L.
First off, the flour tortillas were AMAZING. I am not a big fan of flour tortillas but I fell in love with these, they are handmade and you can watch the lady make them. I went during lunch time, it was pretty quiet and calm. The service was good and the waiter assisted us well. He was very sweet and even offered that the lady can make corn tortillas. My favorites. It was amazingly good. The food was a big portion I had to take the rest home. It was extremely good. I come from a Mexican family and the food was amazing! The decor was beautiful and we were treated well. The flan was soo good I wanted to take a bigger piece home. But most of all the tortillas are definitely worth going back to. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Sean M.
This is hands down one of my favorite places to eat. Probably in my opinion the best Mexican food in LA to me. The tortillas are made fresh there in the seating area all night and are brought to you fresh. The green salsa they have with cheese chunks in it is absolutely delicious. Their burritos are great. Stuffed full and with delicious. This trip I had the make your own tacos. It comes with a bowl of meat (asada, chicken) ontop of their melted cheese, a side of beans, rice and guacamole (personally I dont eat guacamole but my family said it was delicious). The drinks there are really good also. The vibe inside is done up very nicely. Its themed after the movie casablanca with paintings and such. It is dimly lit and can be a semi-romantic atmosphere if you bring the right person. I will absolutely be eating here for many years to come!
(5)Katrina W.
I've never had a tortilla like this. And to see them made in the middle of the restaurant -- !! Not to even mention the pitch perfect service, and dogged adherence to a beloved-but-potentially-played (again and again, Sam) theme.... Casablanca, friends. It's been said, but tonight was indeed the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
(5)Sasha N.
I've walked by this place often and usually pass by it to go to La Cabana because I love their margs so much. But last night I ended up cheating on La Cabana with this place. My group of 6 and I walked in around 830 and were immediately seated. There were only two other tables (I guess not a lot of people crave mexican on easter sunday?) with people. The tortillas were warm and delicious. I had to hold myself to just one since we ordered the queso fundido - i love cheese! And this cheese had chorizo on it. It was delicious! I got the enchilada suiza. They were pretty good. the portions were pretty large so I have an entire enchilada sitting at home just waiting to be eaten. I would recommend this place for a nice quiet evening of better than average mexican food.
(3)KC P.
Comfy atmosphere and food. Margaritas were tasty, as were the homemade tortillas! Large portions, too, if I gauge anything by the size of the appetizer quesadilla I ordered. Couldn't even finish the whole thing... But it was yummy!. And yeah, I'm a person of simple taste... give me a good ole' quesadilla, any day. :)
(4)Terrius K.
Not sure what it is about this place that has me coming back. It could be that it is a Mexican Restaurant named after an American movie which takes place in North Africa located in Venice, CA. It could also be that it has a great, strong margaritas [Apparently it is always "tequila time"]. Maybe it's the cute live music they have on some nights, the woman who sings in spanish playing classical guitar is tip-worthy. Actually, it is DEFINITELY the fresh, handmade flour tortillas. Put some butter and their salsa verde on it and munch while waiting for your food. Love me some carbs and butter. The food itself, besides the tortillas, would probably place the restaurant at a solid 3 stars on their worst days but combination of everything else that makes this place special raises it to a 4.5 for me. Go for their kitschy atmosphere, their tortillas, margaritas, and their seafood enchilada. Their burritos [mmmm mole sauce] are also quite tasty and remember to add just a pinch of salt to their side of rice.
(4)Jody F.
I have been here several times and definitely return for the tortillas, they are the best! My family of 12 went on Mother's Day this year and had a great experience! The service was amazing with everyone so attentive I had to tell the owner how great everyone was and we left a big tip. The food was hot and delicious and the endless mimosas were great. They also asked who all the 'moms ' were and gave each of us a small personalized bottle of sparkling wine with a pink bow wishing us a happy Mother's Day, it was truly a special touch! I don't live that close but my family does so we will be back next year, it's a new tradition.
(4)Joey K.
so great i have been going here since i was a kid and its always great the fresh tortillas are the bomb and everything on there menu is delicious extremely good service never had an empty glass of water which is my scale of service
(5)Picky Eater H.
This is a Mexican restaurant that serves food less spicy than the usual El Lay place. Lots of good flavor, though. As with a lot of places, it has hits and misses. Tortillas 5 stars....as good as it gets. They are made on the spot. The green sauce accompanying the tortillas is sometimes a little too vinegar-y for us, but that might be personal preference. Other times, it is just the right balance. Your mileage may vary. We ended up using butter, which allowed us to experience the full flavor of the tortillas. Most tortillas are not that great when eaten with just butter. However, they are not generous with the butter, which are not full pats, but star-shaped, so you are not served very much, and have to ask for more. Other times, the butter is in adequate supply.. Calamari mojo de ajo 4 stars.........Quite good as calamari. Perfectly cooked, but the sauce is mild, as mojo de ajo goes, but still quite flavorful. . Chili Verdi 4 stars. ................I've had better, but not often. I dumped the rice into the sauce and rolled it and the meat up in a tortilla to make a superb burrito. Beans...........4.5 stars. Hard to beat. Rice..........2 stars.........good as plain rice, but the weak and tasteless sauce makes it a disappointment.. Particularly when such a small quantity of sauce is put on the rice. More sauce would have made it better, perhaps another star. I sometimes ask for extra sauce, and mix in the green sauce (on days when it is not too vinegary) Flan 4 1/2 stars. Much better than most. The right balance of flavor and sweetness. Champagne.....5 stars .Cooks Brut is not 5 star Champagne, but it gets 5 stars compared to brunch offerings at many other places. Sangria.......1 star.............The saddest I have ever had. Slightly better than Kool Aid and slightly stronger. Perhaps a cheap box wine mixed with Kool Aid powder and a lot of water. Carne Asada..3 stars....tough and overcooked, but still good flavor. Tender would rate one more star, as would not overcooked. Seafood bracero 5 stars. Really great. Siete Mares.. This "7 seas" soup has a 5 star broth and 1 star fish. Wonderful scallops and OK shrimp. And, Oh Yeah, there was a piece of clam. It was OK, but nothing special. But the fish ranged from tough to REALLY TOUGH. Ever had fish jerky? Some was tougher than others, but it is probably the worst fish we have ever been served. I was flossing for half an hour afterward. I would advise using a fork to remove the fish and eating the rest. Save the fish for your dog or the guy who steals food from the fridge at work. The fish gave its life to flavor the soup, anyway. Unlike others, we did not find the music loud. The guitarist/singer sang at about the right volume. He plays VERY well and sings OK. The place itself is often full of loud people having a good time, anyway. Especially during Sunday Brunch. The service is always good. Even if you don't drink, you should take a look at the bar. It is really something. And, bring a penlight after dark. Menu reading is tough, but the lighting is OK for eating. Parking is inadequate during busy periods.
(3)Amna S.
There is nothing bad I can say. You must go to find out how amazing the food, margaritas and music can be at this unique place. And the service was 5 stars.
(5)Kristopher K.
We came with a group of five for a little birthday bash and boy were we impressed with this place. Fresh tortillas, salsa second to none and a rolling margarita cart that comes right to your table, it's mexican restaurant heaven. If I were closer I'd go once a week more than likely. I'm looking forward to my next visit for sure.
(5)Rachel H.
We have eaten here many times and Casablanca is always on the mark. You can find excellent food and service other places, but the calamari steaks, the tortilla lady, the tequila cart, the owners outstanding tequila collection, the life music and the unique decor put Casablanca on the top.
(5)Steven R.
Love the Mexican food here. This is a place where you can sit down place I expect to be sure the quality of the food is the best you'll get in LA. I DEEPLY recommend this place.
(5)Erica J.
The homemade, flour tortillas are incredible! If you don't eat anything else, these tortillas will capture your heart. I think I had two to myself and the staff appreciation day luncheon had everyone raving. The boss even said it was the best tortillas he had ever eaten and would go back just for that. I got a very simple burrito, chicken, but it was scrumptious and filling. It also came with a side of rice and beans - I cleaned my plate completely. If anyone wants authentic, delicious, techincally Moroccan(?) Mexican food, I'd recommend this place hands down. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Brenton S.
My fiancé and I have been going here for about 4 years now and I can tell you this is a hidden gem. Their handmade tortillas set up the whole meal. If you're looking for an authentic drink, try the Tequila boat with the "sangrita" chaser. They do a fabulous job. Great portions and the wait staff is excellent.
(5)Lynn S.
I have been eating at Casablanca for years. There fresh made tortillas are great. This place serves Mexican food even though there is a Moroccan feel to it. Everything is good here. The steak, beans, drinks. I could go on and on. I used to use Casablanca weekly for catering about 10 years ago so if you have an event you can always get their food brought to you.
(5)Mimi E.
Because this place looks cheap (read:unappealing) from the outside, I've always driven by thinking "I should stop in one day...but not today." Lucky for me, after three years of driving past the place, I finally decided I would try it out. I was happy to find that the place has plenty of parking around back. The place is a homage to the movie Casablanca, and as you walk in there are signs saying you are leaving Venice, CA and going to Morrocco. Yes. Africa. And I'm eating Mexican there. Yes as some of the reviews mentioned, the menu has a picture of Africa on it. It's all part of the decor. Just go with it folks!The restaurant has a lot of pictures and hand paintings on the wall. Some are famous actors from the movie Casablanca, but some are paintings of the owners of this family owned restuarant. The father, grandfather, son, daughter are all painted in various murals on the wall. Kind of a neat touch. Instead of your traditional chips, you get a warm plate of handmade, deliciously soft, flour tortilla's. Seriously, some of the best tortilla's I've ever had. It also comes with an Avocado/Cheese salsa which is so purrrfect, it will have you purring. I ordered a strawberry margarita. IT WAS SO GOOD. Eventually, I wished I ordered a pitcher because 3 margaritas is the price of a pitcher and I wanted to drink margartia's until I fell over since they were so tasty. The food was good, but the prize of the table was the tortillas, and the margaritas made me forget what I ate everytime I went there.
(4)Ashley P.
Get the Cadillac margarita! They come in pitchers and single glasses. When you get the single glass they make it right in front of you which is fun and they have a nice kick to them for a good price. One glass and I get a nice buzz going. Instead of chips, they bring warm homemade tortillas that are really yummy. You can watch an older lady make them in the center of the restaurant. She is so cute! I get the enchiladas*** so good! My boyfriend gets a wet carne asada burrito which is also delicious, and I'm normally not a burrito person. Since they don't have a very traditional menu, you can also order things like pasta or cooked fish. They usually have a live guitarist, and combined with the dark lighting, it makes a perfect place for date night. My boyfriend and I come here almost every week. To top it off everyone is super friendly and have smiles from ear to ear.
(4)Catherine T.
My coworker and I usually go here for good Mexican food in marina del rey. The restaurant is themed like the Casablanca movie. There are murals of the movie on the walls along with pictures. Even the bathrooms are named after the name main actor and actress. The best thing: fresh flour tortilla! Served piping hot and made right on the spot. If you want more, the servers are more than happy to fill the containers! The tortillas are served with a green mozzarella and avocado salsa. The salsa is mild and chunky enough to complement the tortilla. Some people put butter in it. However, I think the tortillas don't need anymore butter. They have great lunch special choices that are about $8. The Sam burrito is ginormous and filled with your choice of meat, beans, and rice. It's big enough for two people to share. The Birira is tender and well flavored. The mole has a nice smokey flavor to it that does not overwhelm. My new favorite dish is the broiled chicken. It us served with an excellent dos equis sauce that adds all the flavor the chicken needs. The chicken is tender and a huge cut of breast meat. I usually get it with beans and seasoned vegetables. The servers are attentive and nice. They are always checking in and refilling the drinks. The for comes out pretty quick and is piping hot. Perfect for lunch, especially with the prices!
(4)Rory H.
THIS PLACE HAS THE BEST TORTILLAS EVER. I consider myself a connoisseur of Los Angeles Mexican cuisine, and Casablanca is one of my favorites. Seriously, the homemade tortillas are to die for. Also the margaritas are fantastic (I mean, when half of your menu has "Tequila" as an ingredient, your margaritas have to be good). On weekends, they will sometimes someone cruise through the restaurant making margaritas for you at the table. As for entree dishes, I would seriously recommend any of the calamari, but everything on the menu is good. Also, if you get a salad, be sure to order their homemade dressing! I give this place five stars and an "Eat it again, Sam" for good measure.
(5)Alexandra H.
Ambiance is a bit weird, music a bit too loud, couldn't hear myself think but the music was still beautiful. Not trying to be negative but the service was off too. My boyfriend and I weren't even noticed when we walked in for a solid 5 min standing at the hostess stand with no one around. We had about 4 different servers helping our table throughout the night which can be a little confusing when you're trying to get help or talk to one of them. One of the servers was def not my favorite waiter of all time as we couldn't get the friggin tortilla warmer open and he tried opening it with one of our knives and ended up literally throwing it on the floor and voila it popped open. Tortillas are bomb, margaritas were pretty good as well. Food was okay, we had the fish tacos and the chimichangas. I just felt like we had had the same dish before and wasn't standing out much. The people were nice minus the one snappy tortilla warmer dude and I hate to be a negative nancy but it just wasnt for us and were pretty big foodies.
(3)Sarah B.
2.5 stars. I've been here a few times for brunch. On the plus side, the Casablanca murals and general theme were cool, and the brunch price and bottomless drinks can't be beat. But... the food is never very good aside from the great handmade tortillas, and there are always flies everywhere. Two visits we had to send back mimosas after a fly drowned itself in the glass. I'm pretty much over it.
(2)Jess C.
it's dark and kitchy inside, and sure the food is whitewashed but it's still tasty! the servers aren't the best of the lot. they sure do mean well. i love the guy pushing around the tequila cart. he seemed to be enjoying himself a ton. sometimes i come here and get dinner to go, then ignore the main dish and just eat the tortillas and salsa alone at home. nom nom nom. plenty of parking too, definitely appreciated!
(4)Angie P.
Meh. Everything was good but that's it. Nothing special. The homemade tortillas were probably the best thing, although I've had better. The service was pretty bad even tho the place was almost empty.
(3)Eric R.
Great mexican food. I used to eat here a lot when I lived in the south bay.
(4)Ami D.
Come here for the homemade flour tortillas! That green salsa they come with is the best! I always fill up on it before my super cheesy food arrives. This place might serve the best Mexican food on the west side. Gilberto's on Pico is super good too, but, they don't serve homemade tortillas so it's a deal breaker!
(4)Bee R.
Casablanca is a great restaurant. Homemade tortillas taste just like my moms and are hot and fresh. Food is very delicious and affordable. I ordered catered food to go for my moms birthday. They packaged the food nicely with all utensils and serving utensils and had paper for tablecloth. Food was yummy and had tons left over after feeding 8 people. Price was beyond reasonable. Casablanca is definitely a good choice.
(5)Brad K.
LOL, reading all the GLOWING reviews of this place makes me question if I'm in the right restaurant. Unfortunately, I am in fact in Casablanca on Lincoln Blvd. I'm sorry, but I don't get what all the hoopla is about. I'll ignore the ridiculous Casablanca theme, which as other reviewers have noted, makes no sense for a Mexican restaurant. Frankly, I wouldn't care if the theme was "nuclear holocaust" with pictures of atomic bombs being exploded, so long as the food was good. It is not. I ordered a burrito, surely the most basic of Mexican fare. If they can't get a burrito right, is there really any hope? I think not. The "Sam Burrito" I ordered was frighteningly enormous, but no, I'm not complaining about the portion size. I'm complaining about the utter lack of taste and the disgusting, chewy meat contained within. It's advertised as "beef", but that's an insult to cows. I don't know what kind of meat they use in this thing, but let's just say that Taco Bell's "textured beef protein" puts this to shame. I asked for some homemade hot sauce, you know like HOT sauce, hint, hint. The sauce they brought me may have been homemade, but Tabasco is better and hotter. I could go on and on.... The homemade tortillas were overly starchy and not hot and what's with the Casablanca theme? Oops, I forgot, I wasn't going to complain about that. 'Nuff said. Disregard the hype and skip this joke of a restaurant.
(1)Badalona P.
Service was really good. Best margaritas ever and the guy serving them in the kart was really nice. Fresh made tortilla is a must. But there is a reason why people in yelp only talk about theirs tortillas and margaritas. Food was not good. Do not come here if you want to eat well.
(3)Hue W.
our school had a fundraiser here on a tuesday night. i made reservations for 7 at 6pm. we arrived about 10 minutes past and the place was packed. we ended up having to wait another half an hour to be seated. during that half hour, they seated another party of 7 before us. mind you they were our friends from school, but our reservation has to count for something. during our wait, one server overheard my frustration and offered to get us something to drink. the mrs. had a margarita and i had an iced tea. i kind of presumed that these were going to be complimentary, but when we got the check at the end of the evening, we were charged for the margarita. service was less than desirable. supporting our school was good gesture. the food was ok. the handmade tortillas and green chile salsa were actually very good, but didn't make up for the fact that we had to wait so long for a table that i had reserved.
(2)Christopher S.
Love Mexican seafood, but I have had better. Pros -Warm home made tortillas -table side margarita maker -good prices Cons -Place could use a remodel -There put cheese on my calamari steak (big no no). -not the friendliest staff -uses the cheap freeze dried shrimp
(3)Fabiana H.
I can go to Casablanca and just have the tortillas all night!! They are the best part of this place and the reason I like it so much. They are fresh, warm and delicious!! The meals are all pretty tasty and large portions. Service is good and fast. I recommend!
(4)Anthony Z.
ok, well first off I would like to say that the food was good. I actually enjoyed my fish quite a bit. It wasn't anything over the top, but it hit the spot and the homemade tortillas were a nice touch. SO, you ask why the two stars.. Its basically for the dead fly that was in my wife's salad. She spotted the fly while eating her salad and I immediately waved the waiter down and he quickly grabbed the plate, and didn't say a word. He then went into the back and returned with the question if my wife would like the soup instead? but he still did not apologize. she denies the soup and we eat our main courses.. satisfied with the main dishes, we get the bill and no discount for the tainted salad, or any note of it on the bill. Our waiter then picks up the bill and still doesn't mention the fly.. and we exit the restaurant. here I am now.. 20 minutes later, sharing my experience at Casablanca... I would give one start, but I actually enjoyed the food. The dead fly and the unapologetic staff are completely unacceptable!!
(2)Cristina C.
Pros: * Delicious fresh tortillas * On the west side * Big margaritas (seemed a tiny bit watery, but maybe that was just mine) * Food came out promptly * Combo with chile relleno and cheese enchilada is great, cheesy but not overwhelmingly heavy * Free parking * Unique Casablanca-themed decor (yes it's a little weird but at least it doesn't look like a Chevy's inside!) Cons: * Green salsa was a little mild for me, but next time I'll ask if they have a hotter one I can't wait to go back to try their Sunday brunch!
(4)Ousman J.
Casablanca hit the spot! Food was delicious. Had to do take out so I can't speak to ambiance but they definitely killed it with generous portions, reasonable prices and tasty entrees. I might even put it a notch up past El Cholo (heresy!) for king of the hype on the West Side. Definitely worth trying at least once and worthy of a go to LA Mexican food destination for out of town friends.
(4)Albert L.
I came here for the 1st time in 1997 and it was amazing!! So good that it stuck in my mind and since we were in the area (we're from AZ), I had to bring my family back 15 years later. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite as "amazing". It looks exactly the same, which I guess is ok since it's look is part of the restaurant's charm however, it definitely smelled 15 years older. We went at 5:00pm and the waiter seemed bothered by our arrival. The "fresh" tortillas were taken from a hot container thats located were the lady normally makes the fresh tortillas. This was a huge disappointment, since I had been bragging about these "hand made right in front of you" flour tortillas all day. Don't get me wrong, they were tasty but just not the same than when you have them brought to you directly from the grill. I guess my tip is to maybe go a little later when the dinner crowd prompts the restaurant to offer the service that it's known for.
(2)Nancy O.
We were in the mood for Mexican food, so decided to give it a try. Loved the feel of it- the coziness, the live music and the smacking of the tortilla dough by the woman sitting nearby with the big tip jar making tortillas, which were delicious. After being immediately seated in a cozy booth, the three of us initially didn't understand the margarita cart, so asked for a minute to look at the menu - once we went for a pitcher of margaritas, waiters were at our beck and call. Had quesadillas, a tortilla salad and chicken burrito- all okay, but the calamari is the specialty, so if you are a fan, go with that. All in all, a nice casual place with a nice atmosphere for any age.. Total damage for pitcher of house margaritas, and entrees and tip was exactly $66.66. Devilish!
(3)Joseph A.
Casblanca was one of our rotation spots for lunch years ago. There's an old lady on the tortilla grill always making fresh tortillas and served warm on your table. Goes well with the salsa verde and mexican cheese and butter.. Good but bad for you, I'm sure. Waiters are always friendly, not too packed during lunch either. I go there for the dos equis chicken.. This place has some character with some old school theme..
(3)Shannon F.
The cheesy "salsa" and tortillas alone give this place 5 stars. I love that they make your margaritas right in front of you too. The carne asada is also GD delish.
(5)Laurent P.
This place is just amazing. We are here on sunday morning, having bottom less mimosas, bloody mary but you could choose from so much more. Tortillas are delicious and their entrees are just as good. If this were it, it would definitely be one of my favourite places to visit but they didn't stop there. They had a live Bossa Nova Guitarist in the background. Right? If you miss this place, I dont know what to tell you...and all of this for under $15...
(5)Paul S.
Food was great. We got fish tacos and a chicken burrito, couldn't have been better. Tortillas to start the meal were great, as was the tequila cart! Service was a little slow, but not enough to take away from the great food. Would recommend it to anyone.
(4)Daniel Y.
I've been coming to this restaurant for 10 years and nothing has changed. The traditional Mexican dishes are excellent, the seafood is always great, and the tortillas are homemade and habit-forming. If you haven't tried this place yet, you are missing out on one of the truly great restaurants in LA.
(5)Scott S.
Great tortillas. Awful service. Whatever food. Skip it
(2)Kate R.
Went back to Casablanca after many years. Restaurant has been beautifully maintained. The movie memorabilia and murals were fun. Margarita cart staff member very knowledgeable. Large menu and food was good. Very enjoyable evening.
(4)Peter A.
Their tortillas and cheese up front is better than most Mexican food meals you will ever have.
(4)Tricia P.
How can you resist a restaurant with a sign at the entrance that boldly proclaims, "You are now leaving Venice, California and entering Casablanca, Morocco"? I'd lived in Los Angeles for decades, driven Lincoln Boulevard countless times, yet never stopped into Casablanca restaurant, but when recently I found myself in the area at lunchtime, I decided to check it out. The sign didn't lie. Once inside, I was transported to another place and time. Huge murals with likenesses of the stars of Casablanca--Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Paul Henreid and the rest--immediately set the tone.There is even a piano like the one played by Dooley Wilson, aka "Sam" in the film, where from seven to ten p.m. a piano player provides Bossa Nova, Folklorica and in general, according to my server, "romantic" music. Greeted promptly and seated in a comfortable booth, I looked up to see a mock Tiffany lampshade featuring camels, pyramids and palm trees, contributing to the mood, and the menu did the same. On the back, "Dateline Casablanca" relates the history of the film (originally entitled Everybody Comes to Rick's) beginning with playwright Murray Burnett's visit to the South of France in the summer of 1939. Other info includes the fact that original choices for the roles of Ilsa and Rick were Hedy Lamarr and George Raft. I opened the menu and here came the surprise: expecting to find lamb tagine with artichokes and couscous, I discovered beef enchiladas with rice and beans. Almost immediately, a basket of fresh tortillas appeared with salsa. and although I usually pass on starches, I made an exception. Good idea. Maria, who lovingly pats and prods her creations into submission, has a cooking station right in the middle of the restaurant, and she clearly knows her business. A sign above the area reads, "Tortillas served since November 22, 1986: 2,000,000." Ruben, who waited on me part of the time. He's been working at Casablanca since he was in the ninth grade, and as bartender, explained they have a tequila cart that can be brought to the table, offering, as it says on their website, "one of the largest and most exquisite selections of tequilas in California." My food was topped with authentic Mexican white cheese--queso fresco or asadero?--and was not only excellent, but set me back a mere $6.99. A glass of very nice house red wine was even less. Dinners are priced accordingly, with a specialty being calamari steak. Whether you say sawa wa hana or que aproveche (or even bon appetit), you are sure to enjoy your meal, the ambiance, and staff at Casablanca. (Casablanca Restaurant and Catering Services, 220 Lincoln Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291; 310-392-5751; bestflourtortillas.com ; info@casablancacatering.… , 310-505-5091)
(5)Amber B.
It's my last week at the job and for my going away luncheon one of the pharm reps ordered our office a gigantic spread from Casa Blanca. We all happily noshed on mini shredded beef burritos, (white meat) chicken enchiladas, CHILE RELLENOS(!), refried beans, rice, chips, salsa, guacamole, FRESH tortillas (almost as amazing as bomb-ass ones straight from Mexico), salad stuff, and a tray of flan! So much food was ordered that even as stuffed as my belly is I want to gather up more of the food to save for later out of sheer greed. Highlights for me were the chile rellenos, beans, guac and tortillas. The only complaint from anyone in the office was when my Indian boss said "where's the spice? This stuff is too bland" Nothing a healthy splash of Tapatio can't fix. I have an extra special place in my heart for any restaurant that serves me white meat chicken enchiladas to save my picky palate from the nastiness of grisly chicken fat. The only thing missing was the tequila...where's my margarita??
(4)Montezuma D.
Awesome awesome awesome!!! Had the calamari cognac!! The steak, the sauce...words cannot describe the greatness. Judge not the exterior or decore cause jesus! That dish was phenomenal! Gonna go every weekend and try everything! Prices are right great too. Great food and good prices. Can't go wrong with this place
(5)Ana F.
Why is this place rated lower than Lares?! What the hell?! Casablanca is one of those classic Venice restaurants that's been around forever and you never bother to try, because it's Venice, and it's old, and it's themed after a movie completely unrelated to the cuisine. But then you try it. And fall in love. Again, I'm a huge fan of theming. I love kitsch, I love effort, I love the commitment that goes into making a restaurant one thing on its own. I love the murals of Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart and camels, the wooden bar, and all the other Casablanca themed memorabilia. The staff here is incredibly friendly and fast; I've never had a complaint on service at all. Also, I always sit next to the women making fresh tortillas in the center of the restaurant. I'll give them the occasional thumbs-up, they wink back, and I get INSTANT FRESH TORTILLAS. And then I cream my pants. Too graphic? Whatever, best tortillas on the Westside (more so than Lares or even Paco's). I always get my food promptly and love it. I come here for seafood dishes all the time, and I also came for their very affordable Valentine's Day Pre-fixe dinner (for only $18 with three courses!!!). Food is always fresh and well-made; I always get a non-cream based dish and unlike other Mexican restaurants, it really isn't creamy or fatty. I think some other places sneak fat and lard into dishes even if you don't ask for it; Casablanca doesn't do that. It's healthy and well made if you order the right things, and everything tastes absolutely divine! I can't speak for their mixed drinks but their tequila bar does look extensive! Thank you Casablanca for all the lovely dinners and memories. I'll be back for many more years as long as I'm living in Venice. I absolutely adore you, and the fact that your tortilla-making ladies respond to my winks.
(4)Dusk B.
For those that give this place a bad review I don't understand it. I've gone here for years and they redefined mainland mexican style cooking (as opposed to Baja). You will not find chips and salsa on the table here, only soft fresh moist tortillas and butter. Unreal. The rice is an unexpected reward for the plates that have it. The salmon and veggies are fresh and moist, the various burritos have a great flavor and the tacos have an authentic south of the border taste to them. They have this great tomato chaser to the Casadores sampler. It's indescribable and in it's own league. Really I don't think you can go wrong here...
(5)John N.
Very nice, low key and good food. The Cadillac margaritas can't be beat, so bring a designated driver and enjoy! We look forward to sampling other menu items in the future.
(4)Amanda P.
So far, I'm in love with this place. I was confused at first by the picture of Morocco on the menu; then upon reading the menu, noticed it didnt strike as typical, straight up Mexican greasy fare, thus further confusion. But, it is authentic Mexican, it just happens to include traditional and less known Mexican plates; the ode to Morocco is a nod to the theme of the entire restaurant, Casablanca, which scores even more points. Seriously? A restaurant named after one of the greatest, most romantic movies of all time?! Everywhere you look is memorabilia referencing the film (life size statue of Humphrey Bogart!) It actually looks kinda run down and divey from the street, but once I looked in the windows, I saw a packed house dining among dim lighting and white tablecloths; three snaps up for ambiance! The menu is, again, traditional Mexican and some less known items; for example they have a whole section of calamari dishes, from which I ordered the Calamari Fajitas. Ian got shrimp tacos, his friend ordered a ridiculously huge burrito, which he inhaled in about 10 minutes. We were seated immediately next to the tortilla makers, who were dishing out the most AMAZING homemade flour tortillas EVER. DONT FORGET TO TIP THESE LADIES!! (though I'm sure they get tipped out, its a kind gesture to add a personal touch and toss it in the cup.) -If given a choice, opt for the tortilla soup! It was so simple and minimal, but so full of flavor. -The salsa was amazing- and had bits of cheese and avocado in it! -Try a calamari dish if thats your thing- it was lightly breaded for my fajitas and DELISH. -There was a tequila cart that rolls by for your margaritas; I dont think he's there every day. I cannot rave enough about this place; I am excited to go again, and again.
(5)Amanda M.
This is my favorite restaurant in LA, however, you need to know what to order. The standard mexican fare (burritos, tacos, ect) are not that good here. YOU HAVE TO GET THE CALAMARI STEAKS! They are amazing. I get the same thing each time I go. I swear you will not be disappointed. Also, if you are going to get margaritas, order them from the margarita cart. The guy knows what he is doing and they are amazing. Word of advice, when he asks what kind of tequila you would like say "Silver." He gave me the low down that silver tequila makes the best margaritas. I agree! The homemade tortillas are out of this world. I don't miss the chips at all.
(5)Jenny M.
I've never had a bad experience here. I am in LOVE with their handmade flour tortillas. A lady makes them all day in the middle of the restaurant, it is soooo good! The salsa they give with the tortillas is very good too, it's salsa verde with chunks of avocado and cheese in it. Now, at heart I'm a Jersey Girl.. and avocado isn't very big there, so I've never even really liked guacamole. When I moved to LA everyone would constantly get me to eat it. Afterwards, I always find that I am never wowed by it. Casablanca's guacamole was the one to change my mind. The avocados are so ripe and fresh, and the guac is chunky and very flavorful. After trying a lot of their different menu options, my fave is the Chile Rellenos. This place has great food and the prices are very reasonable. I'm not really sure how the movie Casablanca ties in to Mexican food, but it's a nice change of pace from the usual Mexican decor. The dining room is not huge, but the wait isn't that long if the place is full. The parking lot is also a little tight, but you'll always be able to get a space. Love this place!
(5)STARR M.
Love this place! We drive by it all the time on our way to Costco, Home Depot and Target in Marina and have always said we were going to go here. So, last night we went and it exceeded our expectations. I guess this place has a tendency to get crowded but, we went on a rainy Wednesday night so there was virtually no wait time. Sat down and within 5 minutes had a made from scratch Cadillac Margarita and fresh made flour tortillas from the Tortilla lady! They were amazing! Remember to bring some cash to tip her amazingness! The soup was delicious and it was cactus which I've never had before. Then we got the Play it Again Carlos steak which was cooked to perfection and the sauce was rich and delicious. We also ordered the Seafood Braseo and the salmon was the best thing! Romantic atmosphere with amazing food. Definitely going on our places to frequent list! Next stop...brunch!
(5)Myra R.
This review is for the catering. When it came to deciding on a menu for my wedding reception I immediately knew I wanted Mexican fare. I wanted to be diffeent then the rest of the brides there. I started gathering quotes from all the notable Mexican eateries and was in shock on how much they wanted to charge for a taco bar. After my disbelief it donned on me that I didn't inquite about Casablanca. My husband and I love the tortilla lady they have in the restaurant. I contacted them and they were quick to respond with a quote. I did an immediate happy dance when I saw the final tally. I was coming under my food budget for the tortilla lady, taco bar offering 3 kinds of meats, carne asada griller, and flan. Day of the wedding the staff did a great job of keeping my guests fed and EVERYONE loved the tortilla lady. If you are looking to think outside of the box when feeding your wedding guests, please consider Casablanca. Your guests will appreciate it.
(5)Jake L.
This place is so cool. Such an old school vibe within. Thanks to our friend Diana for introducing us to the place! The tortillas to start off the meal are something special indeed. Salsa to go with...outstanding. The best part was the man who comes around with the tequila cart. This is outstanding and should be mandatory at more restaurants. Parking's a bit tight, and some may not go for the old school vibe, but if you can tolerate both, this place is simply outstanding.
(4)Kay Y.
Where are you Humphrey Bogart? Obviously not at Casablanca's because it's not good enough for you. Casablanca's is an old-time LA restaurant based on the famous Bogart movie with some Moroccan decor and a blue-white theme. It is pretty dated but at one time was a very unique idea. There is a mural on the wall from a scene at Rick's place so if you are a fan you might want to go and check it out. All this might lead one to think they serve Moroccan food but, no, it has morphed into a Mexican restaurant served by angry men. If I were to eat here again, which I doubt, I would eat a ton of the homemade flour tortillas and salsa, and drink mucho Silver margaritas then go because this is what they do best. IMHO, it would be better if they turned it into a full Moroccan Casablanca experience, serve Moroccan food, hired some happy, more professional workers, add the fez's back, play Bogart-era music, and the movie on a loop in the background. Then the name and decor would match the place and movie. Guess, I wish for too much...but it is a great idea.
(2)Kevin T.
I agree with Christina C.'s review. The kids loved the fresh handmade tortillas. The wife loved the Margarita. Their specialty is the calamari, which i ordered, so good and tender. I got the calamari acapulco. the service was great, my wife thinks it was because it was a seasoned experienced staff, not just some out of work actors or college kids. The ambience is nice not to loud, but not too stuffy, nice live guitar music. I think the menu is unique, not the same stuff that you see at most maariscos restaurants. I think the place has a nice balance of authenticity with california convenience/style. Would recommend to my friends, In fact the wife alerady told one of our friends she want to take them there.
(5)Lucinda B.
Fresh, handmade tortillas and green salsa as the starter were incredible! Plus, they have a margarita cart that isn't shy on the tequila. I ordered the carne asada with rice and beans. The carne asada was decent, the rice was bland, and the black beans could've used some more pizazz. Atmosphere has a lovely buzz to it. I'd go again.
(3)Kyle K.
Don't let the name fool you, this is a Mexican restaurant with a Morocco theme. The hand-made tortillas are wonderful, as well as the home-made salsa. They have an amazing tequila bar. I love the calamari steaks - big and delicious. I will say, for the tequila bar, DO NOT GET THE TEQUILA DRESSING on your salad. YUCK...very bitter. Get the avocado dressing instead. Very good.
(4)Matt C.
We've been going to Casablanca for years now. It's a great, old Mexican restaurant in LA, with the BEST handmade tortillas around, made right before your eyes. It's also a pretty nice tequila bar, and I still don't understand why it isn't busy every night. They should probably make a happy hour or something. This used to be a go-to for a Monday/Tuesday, with their unbeatable make your own taco special. It's still on the website, so we were excited to have out of town guests coming in, asking for good tacos. We asked the server where the special went, since they usually leave a flyer menu on the table. It wasn't there, so we asked if we could get one. He said, "It's very popular, so we put it on the menu." He kept pointing at something, but there was nothing there. Finally, he said, "Well, it's the same as the taco special, only without tequila and dessert, but it's the same thing." So the taco, tequila, and dessert special is still there, only there's no tequila or dessert; don't worry, it's the same price. It was all kinds of fun to try three of their tequilas and their amazingly creative desserts (the strawberry-tequila drizzled cheesecake was too good!). They really should bring it back. Most people in my group were excited for it, so they went with the taco plate anyway, which was always good thanks to their tortillas. Well guess what: looks like they changed their corn tortillas. They're not as hearty as they used to be; more like the store variety. I tried the Salmon Ivonne, and really did not like it. The fish was bland, and the tomatoes were the worst part. I never did like their salads, but I tried their avocado dressing and found it to have a strange, liquidy consistency. They would have been better off just topping with avocado slices and onions. Without the tacos and tequila special, I probably won't be coming back here. It's bad enough they don't have it, but to keep it on the website and not accommodate our group when we brought it up, well that's just false advertising and bad customer service.
(2)George Z.
Went there on a Tuesday night with some anxiety from the negative reviews which proved to be unfounded. The staff was extremely courteous and helpful. There is soft live music every night slightly amplified but not intrusive. The margaritas are fantastic; not too sweet with lots of fresh lime juice and potent besides. I hadn't been there in many years but I'm glad I went. The price was quite reasonable and the chicken fajitas I shared was delicious with the incredibly fresh flour tortillas made on the spot. I'm always suspicious of negative reviews about anything, but I didn't see any evidence of inept staff at all. Everyone was trying very hard and very courteous. Casablanca's strong suit is fish and calamari. I want to try their fish soup, Siete Mares, next time. I don't think anyone will be disappointed. I loved turning around in the bar and having Bogie stare at me.
(5)Amanda E.
Tortillas are the new chips. That's my position and I'm sticking to it. If you've stepped inside Casablanca and noticed the stone-setup in the middle, that's for homemade tortillas - which they make hot and fresh and keep 'em coming as long as you're eating. The other food is great, too - I went for Sunday brunch and was astounded at the number of options (from vegetarian huevos to full-on carne asada) for one flat rate - $13.99 - INCLUDING booze (all-you-can drink sangria, champagne, and bloody Marys). Yep, I'm that serious. Cap it all off with a lovely, campy, half-Moroccan half-Mexican "Casablanca" movie-themed ambiance, and you've got yourself a true L.A. gem - right in the middle of Venice. If you've got friends visiting, family in town, or want a casual and fun first date, Casablanca meets all needs. I can't wait to go back for more...tortillas. :)
(4)cassandra s.
I was not very hungry when I met up with my brother in law at this restaurant, and from the outside, I did not have high hopes for its interior. But boy was I surprised! I loved the theme of the place, although we were a little confused as to why there were italian pictures on the front of the menu. Really though, the whole theme was a little confusing, but who cares! It was good food, my husband and I split a meal, I can't even remember which one. But the cheese and beans and rice was SO GOOD. And the tortillas and guacamole with chunks of cheese was devine. Great food, cool spot. I'm diggin it ;)
(5)Elizabeth P.
just ordered two chicken tostadas to go. $18.00. One didn't have a tortilla under the soggy iceberg and they only gave me one salsa/dressing and one set of utensils. I expect more for this kind of money. and what kind of mexican restaurant doesn't make nachos? Lame.
(1)Spencer K.
I came here last night after spending the day in the westside. After spending time in the water and hiking around, the tortillas are amazing. They're amazing even if you've just been a couch potato for the day too. I got the carne asada combo with a cheese enchilada. They didn't ask how I wanted it cook, but cooked it to a medium rare...Perfect! My brother got a burrito, which he devoured. And my gf got the stuffed snapper, also pretty good.
(4)Nicole S.
Last night my husband and I decided to try Casablanca for the first time (based on the reviews of "great margaritas" "amazing tortillas" "good food"). We were given tortillas and green salsa with chunks of cheese, and I was excited to taste these exalted tortillas. Verdict: pretty good, good smoky flavor. We ordered two house margaritas. I guess the "awesome" margaritas that were reviewed were not house margaritas. Because, these two margaritas were watered down, and sweet (not even tart). Previous reviews said that the margaritas were made in front of you, and these were not. Another server took our order, a different server dropped them off, and then we never had a waiter check on us again. If another waiter had checked on us, I would have told them that the avocado dressing was super bland and that I would love some Italian dressing (Ok, I probably would have just asked for a side of Italian, but that is what I was thinking). What is weird is that there were at least four servers, and only about 9 tables, so I don't understand why we were overlooked for soooo long. My husband had the bellydancing chicken dish, which he said was good, and loved the rice. I had suiza enchiladas, and they were fine...not really special. We had to flag down a server (not ours, but at this point we had no idea who our server was) to get a to go box, and then we ended up waiting for 15-25 minutes to get the check. Our waiter disappeared, and we flagged down another waiter for the check, and he told our waiter about it 5 minutes later, and we finally got the check. We felt like we had fallen through the cracks (which can be expected when a place is packed, but Casablanca wasn't) and somehow ended up in waiter purgatory (where nobody knows who is supposed to take care of you). Probably will not come back again because the drinks were weak, the food ok, and the service terrible. The Good: The place is super cute and you are surrounded by Casablanca paintings, memorabilia, and Casablanca ads. There was a woman making the tortillas in the middle of the restaurant (who had a tip jar) and there was a man playing live guitar. Loved that Casablanca had parking. The Bad: Service, meh food.
(2)Jewel L.
I love this place. Calamarie 13 different ways, fresh tortillas, and an excellent tequila selection. I've been coming to this place since I moved to California in 1984.
(5)West D.
its pretty good Mexican food the only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that my girlfriend and i had to drive around for 17 minutes to find a parking spot and that made her really angry and pretty much ruined the date. we wanted to park at whole foods but the risk of getting towed was too high even at 11am. i talked to one of the guys that worked there and they said they only had a few parking spots but they were already taken up. the parking is hellish but the food is Delicious.
(4)Angie K.
Awesome tortillas! They're so fluffy and tasty, and you can see the cute tortilla lady working hard to make such carby goodness. The food is decent. I got the calamari steak with butter and garlic sauce. It was average, but I think it's been hyped. The servers are a bit "off"... I ask for something, the server disappears, then another server comes by asking me if I need it (i.e., the check).... and then they forget about it altogether. They're "friendly" but slightly condescending/rude, and they laughed at me because I was trying to swat one of their MANY flies away. Gross.
(3)Oksana G.
This place is cute. Extremely decorated. Food was good. The rice was different than ive ever had. Not your typically mexican rice. There is cheese on almost everything, which I dont mind since I love cheese. haha I ordered carne asada tacos and the meat ws so soft and tender, there wasn't any fat on it at all. They were 2 pretty big tacos that I got full on just one. OH actually it might have been all the freshly made flour tortillas I had before. Which is probably why I give this place 5 stars because you dont find places that serve tortillas like they do. This place is underrated.
(5)Kristina A.
Food is mediocre, prices are high, service is poor. The tortilla lady and margarita cart guys are ok, but aside from that everyone here has a bad attitude. The only redeeming factor here is that the hand-made flour tortillas are DELICIOUS. Even they have a draw-back, though, as Casablanca won't give you tortillas to go, or as an a la carte side with another purchase. I try to support my neighborhood businesses like this, but after continued bad experiences I'm just sticking to the place across the street now.
(2)Elizabeth E.
This place is great, I am always tempted to just eat their fresh tortillas and drink margaritas for dinner. Their specialty is calamari steaks which people that like calamari I have eaten with love. Everyone from my dad, to my friends, to my grandma LOVE this place when I take them. It is great for large groups or an intimate date. There is often a live performer there to add to the ambiance as well.
(4)Priscilla L.
I would go here just for the tortillas. They are AMAZING. And huge. They also have this salsa that comes with it that's also pretty good. The food here is pretty good, nothing too impressive but it's good.
(4)Zed A.
Any place that has a life-sized mannequin of Humphrey Bogart is a friend of mine. They should have Woody Allen's "Play It Again, Sam" playing in the background at all times. Plus, this is where the Rose Ave. pub crawl ends. As it says on the front of their building: you are now leaving Venice, CA!
(5)Diana V.
Had a burrito from here after a long day of thrift shopping with my very good friend Amanda A. God, it was the right way to end the day. I do remember it being very dim and steamy in there. It was a very hot day too. Aka, there was no AC:/ There were lights on. I felt high in there...and I wasn't-_- The service was quick. Waiters were friendly also. Our food came out right away. it was delicious. But again, no AC. Like, really? I still can't get over that. Cmon people! This is Venice on a summer day. Get it together.
(4)Penny O.
I really like this place. We go here for brunch. Ok first they have this cool menu to chose from, you get fruit, entree, desert and champagne all for about a very good price!! ohhh and the best thing about going here is to enjoy their delicous unlimited homemade flour tortillas!! when i say delicious i mean it!! those are real delicious flour tortillas, soft and tasty :P and when i say homemade i mean theres a lady in the main room making them in front of you!!! this plus their chesse and salsa they serve you while you wait for your food! mmmmmm yummy. Im craving those tortillas while i write this! LOL Food and service is very good! The only bad thing is they serve flan as dessert but it isnt that good, but honestly who cares?? is like you get a free flan with your food and by that time im so full of tortillas and tasty mexican food that i cant eat it. There was a guy playing the guitar last time i was there, he was singing guantanamera! hahaa so it was a joyfull and tasty brunch. The restaurant is decorated obviously with casablanca movie pictures. Parking isnt that great. So i will keep going here to enjoy good mexican food at good price, music and the best homemade flour tortillas (outside mexico of course) :P
(4)Mike N.
I've closed this place many times. Love it. Every time. If you genuinely enjoy the taste of tequila, this place is for you. If you love creative tequila-laden Mexican food, this place is for you. If you love fresh made tortillas, this place is definitely for you. The unique atmosphere is delightful. Live music is just right. I recommend the Calamari Steak and the Enchilada Suizas. And, of course, the Carne Asada. Mmmmmmm! First-rate service, consistently for years. Closes surprisingly early.
(5)Porsche C.
I come here for lunch often. The parking is bad and the service is slow. However, the fresh made tortillas are worth the hassle. They are delicious. The portion size is very good. It is enough to split among two people. I get the cheese enchiladas. They are yummy!! The prices are really decent as well.
(4)Aaron M.
Bomb! Love coming here for the great margaritas, excellent food, fantastic service, delicious home made flour tortillas,and the live guitar playing.
(5)Adriana M.
I have been going to Casablanca for about 5 years now and I will continue to go back. The place is definitely kitschy, but that's the point. They have live music sometimes and a lady making fresh tortillas, which are sooooo good (with their chile & cheese). Everything I have ever tried here is delicious. Service is great and it has a sort of romantic feel to it. Love it!
(5)Egan Y.
I had dinner with friends here recently and we all immediately fell in love with the fresh flour tortillas. They were like hot, soft, perfect disks from heaven. I ordered chicken enchilada suize entree. It was ok, very averge and unremarkable. The restaurant was dark and noisy. Add to that the live guitar player, and it was hard to have a conversation with the friends at your table. Normally, I would have given Casablanca a 2.5 - 3 stars, but the fresh tortillas saved it, and earns a solid 4-star rating. I don't know how much they pay the tortilla lady, but they better keep her happy because this place sinks to mediocrity without her.
(4)denise m.
Love this place. Used to come here all the time when I lived in LA and now I'm back in town for a visit and would not miss a chance to eat at Casablanca while I'm here. I have been dreaming of the tortillas ever since I left. They are truly decadent and delish! I have to take a moment to vent. I'm surprised and perplexed by some of the really meanspirited yelp reviews for a family-run restaurant. If you don't get the kitsh factor here (Casablanca movie memorabilia, old time LA weird restaurant on Lincoln, Mexican seafood -- not your standard sort of restaurant), then you shouldn't eat here. Based on some of these reviews it's like you guys thought you'd wander into this weird old joint on Lincoln and it would be all perfect and decked out like Houston's inside with Wolfgang Puck making your perfectly presented, color coordinated plate of food piled vertically with a drizzle of some sort of reduction. It's a weird old time LA restaurant. Get used to it. That's what makes it cool! Now, back to the food...aside from the tortillas... I always get the calamari steak here. It is the specialty of the house. They take a calamari steak and pound it out pretty flat, dredge it in flour and then lightly pan fry it. There are lots of different sauces you can top it with. I usually get the calamar al mojo de ajo (butter and garlic) but have also had the veracruzano (which is a red sauce with peppers and capers) and the salas fresca (which is a cold pico de gallo, which would be the least fattening, I'm sure). I think they all come with rice and some sort of side veggie and a choice of soup or salad. Yummy! The frozen margaritas are great as well. They are not too icy and slushy. Just perfectly creamy and blended. I'm usually stuffed by this point but if you have room, their flan is delicious. There is sometimes music but not sure of the schedule. If you like kitshy, old timey LA restaurants and delicious warm tortillas and calamari steak you will most definitely love this place.
(5)Marilynn L.
Went for the $13.99 all-you-can-drink brunch with fruit, entree, and flan for dessert. The drinks were virtually non-alcoholic if not entirely non-alcoholic. They didn't even taste good without the alcohol. Like those frozen cans of HFCS juice that you find in the grocery store freezer aisle. Very sweet. The tortilla lady was there and the tortillas were exceptional with the green salsa which had something similar to paneer cheese cubes in it. This filled us up decently and it was a good thing, too, because the party of 12 was all across the board disappointed with the entrees. The tortillas were like the store bought kind (a huge disappointment after such fresh tortillas as an appetizer), almost every plate looked like a monotone of cream color (cheese, eggs, tortilla, rice all the same bland color), and mine tasted plain salty. Worse than using Trader Joe's premade enchilada sauce or frozen entrees. Way worse. Sad, because this would have been a fun place to go back to!
(2)Tehmin L.
Went on a recommendation from a friend. Overall a good experince...not great but I would go back again to try some other dishes. I really wanted to give this place 5 stars, but the food was just ok which was disappointing. The ambiance is very unique so at least check it out for that. Pros: - Very unique atmosphere with the Casablanca theme. I felt like I was inside a theme restaraunt at Disneyland. - Very nice and attentive staff - Homemade tortillas were so freakin tasty Cons: - I got the Steak Tacos with the cheese. Wasn't too impressed. Kind of bland. There just wasn't much flavor. Plus the steak seemed sort of low quality. I had to get some salsa to kick up the flavor-o-meter. - My wife got the Calamari something. Once again, kind of bland.
(3)Erica F.
Basic solid mexican food. It ain't no fine dining. Delicious home made tortillas - they keep them coming! I love their salsa verde with chunks of cheese in it that come with the tortillas. Their queso fundido is steamy and delicious. This is another place that feels super busy and claustrophobic, it's always been busy when I've gone. The servers are fast and efficient, but I end up feeling rushed because the food comes out super fast (entrees often overlap the apps and you're left with this awkward graveyard of half-eaten plates, piping hot entrees, and beer bottles when everything comes out nearly simultaneously.) Parking is rare in their lot, usually have to find street parking. Pricing is cheap though. Note, you won't need to get a huge entree if you eat a bunch of tortillas, guac, and salsa verde... be warned... the shrimp tostada will be plenty for ya!
(3)Kammi B.
Casablanca has the best tortillas EVER! They make them fresh right in front of you and bring out as many as you want (but be careful- eat more than one before dinner and you won't have any room for your delicious meal!) The fajitas are the best deal, you get so much filling that you can have enough for 2 people and STILL have leftovers the next day. Make sure you make it worth your waiter's time and order and app or some drink along with it though. Also make sure to tip the tortilla lady! Also, if you go on a weekend night there is usually someone playing live music, or on Tequila Tuesdays they bring a cart of a variety of tequilas and make margaritas for you right at your table.
(5)Jason H.
The place changed ownership and I've been there twice since but I just wasn't impressed. The fresh torts and salsa is still awesome, but the meal just wasn't.
(2)Max P.
The funky vibe, the tortillas & the margaritas. Hands down best margs and tortillas in town! The food is just okay - but I love the casual atmosphere - and did I mention the tortillas and margaritas? I typically order simply - chicken or steak enchiladas. A basic yum. :) If you know what you're in for, it's fanstastic for a weeknight easy meal.
(4)Ryan J.
Homemade tortillas. Is there anything more exciting than that? Well, yes, perhaps that first kiss, or the Lakers winning a championship, and perhaps a few other things. But homemade tortillas is definitely up there. Having grown up in West LA, I've only driven or biked by Casablanca a hundred million times. But, for some reason, I've never eaten there. Perhaps it's because I used to be so faithful to La Cabana across the street (before it went down the toilet as far as quality is concerned). So when my friend and his fiancee suggested that we hit Casablanca for dinner, I was all ears. Homemade tortillas? Sure, I'm in. Double-date it was. We waited a few minutes for our table, and had a beer at the bar. No sweat. Sat down, and the server was pleasant enough, in that "I don't really have a personality" kind of way. But hey, it's all about business, and business is food. We ordered, and then got down to it. There's a little old lady who stands in the middle of the restaurant making fresh homemade tortillas. They were fantastically delicious. A little butter, and some of the salsa that they put on the table, and voila! a nice little appetizer. I ordered the chicken poblano burrito ($10.50), which was an all-meat burrito with chicken cooked in a mole poblano sauce. It was very meh. The flavor was bland, the ingredients were questionable, although the portion was large. And, unfortunately, they apparently don't use those fresh tortillas for their burritos. Party foul. My girlfriend ordered the "world famous calamari," which was a fried calamari steak. She got the calamari mariscos, with crab (although I didn't see any) and the tiniest canned shrimps you've ever seen ($14.99). It was tasty, because anything tastes good when it's deep fried, but it was only okay. All in all, the food was subpar, although the portions were large. Would I go back? Only if someone really wanted to go there. The only saving grace were the tortillas, which again (to reiterate for the twentieth time) were phenomenal. It's standard Americanized Mexican food, and doesn't really get me going. I'm debating 2-3 stars, but since the tortillas are so good, hmm... I'll still go 2 stars.
(2)Brendon D.
This place is trippy. Everything is from the movie Casablanca. There is a wax statue of your boy Humphrey Bogart. The handmade tortillas are killer. The margaritas are good too. There is a small parking lot, but the street on Lincoln is better. This area is known for drugs, homeless folks, gangs and hookers. Be careful. Don't half step. Watch Casablanca before you go to the restaurant.
(3)Jerry P.
We had the Calamare Congac (it's topped with baby scallops) and the Bracero Seafood ( salmon, shrimp, and scallops in a veg melange). Comes with soup or salad. TE.............RRIFIC. With two margaritas on the rocks, came to $48.00. Live guitar music every evening.
(3)Jose V.
Westwood needs a family owned Mexican restaurant like this one. I've driven by this place a million times and had the good fortune of going in today. Felt like I had stepped into a 1950s Mexican movie, though I've never actually seen one. Anyway, I believe you can tell the quality of a Mexican restaurant by tasting their salsa and tortillas. In this case, they hit the mark on both, hence the 4 stars. In my opinion, it's very hard to mess up any Mexican meal if you use fresh tomatillos for salsa and make your own tortillas. I had the chicken quesadilla, which truly wasn't adventurous, but good nonetheless. Waitstaff was helpful and parking a breeze. I'll be back.
(4)Janet T.
I was intrigued by other yelpers reviews of fresh tortilla's. I personally like eating flour tortilla's with my mexican dishes but my bf believes authentic mexican dishes should be served with corn tortillas. In any case, I've been driving up and down lincoln for the past year and never really noticed Casablanca's until recently. I decided to look it up on yelp to see what others thought and even though it received a 3 1/2 stars I decided to go any ways. Upon walking in, I already knew it wasn't going to be authentic mexican food but rather something with a twist to accommodate the majority of their clientele's. The place definitely lived up to it's name. Everything consisted of Casablanca memorabilia and it was a bit tacky. I ordered the carne asada which came with a side of beans, rice with some kind of cheese on top and a glop of guacamole, which wasn't the best but edible. Quite frankly, I wasn't very impressed with the food and it reminded me of this mexican restaurant back home called Azteca, which was a huge franchise and served up americanized mexican food. Anyways, other than the fresh tortillas I don't think I'll be back for a second try.
(2)Mama K.
Driven by 3000 times over the years. Decided to finally check it out. Freshly made tortillas, 5 stars. Everything else (food and pitcher of marggies) 2-3 stars. Service, what you'd expect. Inside kitchy goodness. Perfect for kids. Worth another visit if only for those steaming hot tortillas.
(3)Max W.
I can only speak for the brunch. Top notch! I believe it was $14 for their brunch special- homemade tortillas with salsa verde, fresh fruit cup, a big portion entree, flan for dessert, and of course, bottomless mimosas/bloodies. Best deal I've ever had for brunch and it was delicious! Talk about one of the best morning after brunches on the planet.
(5)Joey M.
Best brunch in Los Angeles for the money. For around $13 you get unlimited mimosas or bloody Mary's and a awesome menu to choose from. I don't even like flower tortillas but they make them right in front of you and they are amazing. Plus live music. Great place and great food and service. I don't understand why there's no line to get in this place.
(5)Lulu P.
I've driven by this place many times and I finally got to try it last night! When we walked through the door there was no one to greet us, but finally a waiter saw us and had us seat ourselves. It is very dark, kind romantic and on some nights they have a guitarist playing music, which I loved! I had the BEST beef Quesidilla ever!!!!! The meat was seasoned to perfection and the homemade tortilla was amazing, throw in the onion, bell peppers and cheese and it's perfection! The only reason I gave them 3 stars and not 5 is that the wait staff there was kinda rude, especially the waiter that took our order!!! AND the beans and rice were not great, the beans tasted like canned and the rice had no taste. I will definitely go back, but I'll think I'll stick with the Quesidilla!!!
(3)Emilia S.
The restaurant is a wonderful combination of movie memorabilia and Mexican flare, although I still don' get how a movie set in Morocco was the inspiration for a Mexican restaurant. Classic, I guess. Anyway, the decor/atmosphere is fantastic. The food is also really good, which is of course more important. I ordered the Salmon Ivonne which came with steamed veggies and rice. Ate the whole freaking thing. The bf got the other salmon, with crab on top or something- and it looked unpleasant but he said it was great. The tortillas are also really good, although the green (salsa?) that comes with it was so-so. Definitely a fun restaurant with good food, so I'd suggest going-- even if it's out of the way.
(4)Jenny R.
I have a soft spot in my heart for Casablanca, having been going there for the past twenty years or so. They serve homemade flour tortillas in place of bread, and they are the BEST flour tortillas I've ever eaten. In fact, they might be one of the best things I've ever eaten. That being said, they are a bit weird and stingy with their tortillas. In the last stages of our meal, we asked for more tortillas. The server brought us ONE tortilla. After eating, we wanted to take some extra tortillas home with our leftovers. The server gave us a dubious look. We offered to pay for the tortillas. The manager (?) told us that they don't sell their tortillas, but said that he would give us two more. You would think that a business would want to profit off the food item that it is known for. Why wouldn't they sell the tortillas as a side or something? It just makes no sense.
(4)Kendra S.
The tortillas are AMAZING! I get the calamari steak here and it's always so tasty. The Cadillac margaritas are yummy and strong, plus they always have a guitar player. The ambiance is interesting to say the least :) This is a great place to bring out of town guests. Love it!
(4)Tisha C.
Very disappointed. Got there, the barstools didn't even match...So, we traded with the two other girls that were there because one was bar height and the other was counter height? (Annoyed factor #1) We ordered their Cadillac Margarita's...and PUKE, they use Jose Cuervo, which basically makes me vomit by just the smell of it. (Annoyed factor #2) Okay, maybe if I hold my breath while I down this thing I can actually tolerate it. (Annoyed factor #3) So, we're TRYING to enjoy ourselves and we order their Guacamole and Chips...the Guacamole with brown, and it was priced at MARKET VALUE...WHAT does that mean!? Honestly, it's NOT seafood? It turned out to be $8.00...Market Value for Browning Guacamole. Wow. (Annoyed factor #4) "And what in Heaven's name brought you to Casablanca?"
(2)Caitlin S.
My meal was no bueno, unfortunately. I had fish stuffed with unidentifiable crab and shrimp drowned in a creamy sauce. I was reminded of meals eaten in Puerto Rico and Baton Rouge/New Orleans. I had visions of myself having a coronary in the parking lot. Our waiter was a sweetie. The ambiance is comfortable. It's possible that there are other items on the menu that are more aligned with my palate. I'm willing to go back for a second shot, but that probably won't happen for a long time.
(3)Taylor G.
Best tortillas ever!! Oh and the margarita cart is a must. Best Mexican food I've had on the Westside. YUMMM!
(4)liza s.
This morning when I knew we were going to be spending the afternoon in Venice, I rang the alarm and got the hubby out of bed. I said, "We're going to eat at Casablanca where they have THEE best handmade flour tortillas EVER!" He didn't believe me but he was in for the ride. When we got there and the server smacked down our serving of hot tortillas, butter and salsa verde, the hubster went for it. Then he pulled the entire container of tortillas closer to him and guarded them with one arm, blocking me every time I would try to go in for a kill. If it were up to him, he would marry the tortillas. He spent more than half of our lunch time making out with each and everyone he ate. I was right. Wifey is ALWAYS right. They were the best tortillas EVER! I think I ate my weight in tortillas before our food even came out. We both ordered the steak soft tacos with rice and beans. The rice was pleasantly light and fluffy and topped with what I think was cotija cheese. The beans were your average refried kind, and the tacos were served in the lovely, handmade flour tortillas; steak was good to. Next time we're just going to order a side of refried beans, rice and eat pounds of the tortillas. If you stop by, don't forget to leave a nice tip for the hard-working tortillas ladies...they deserve it! P.S. We smuggled our leftover tortillas home with our leftover tacos, and the hubby has already eaten one taco, but blamed it on the dog, and one of the tortillas (and shared it with the dog). Four paws up from our dog on the tortillas.
(4)Gus R.
TORTILLLASSSS are the BEST EVER!!!!!! if i could just sit there eatting tortillas and a coke or a beer i would! but that would not be fair. I get the carne azada plate. sooogood super super super cheap prices service is always greaaaat you get like 4 servers. no joke. reffils, more tortillas, etc they treat you like a king anyone giving this less than 4 stars is just bitter... this place OWNs and you know it!
(5)Jun V.
Great fish tacos! Tortillas made fresh. Margarita cart and great service.
(5)Tran T.
I want to give Casablanca 4 stars solely based on their incredible handmade tortillas. As for the rest of the food, easy 3 stars. Their regular menu food is good, but not fantastic or anything to have a culinary orgasm over. However, wherever you happen to sit down, take note of the woman in the middle of the restaurant. She's got her own tortilla station all set up and she just makes tortillas. Complimentary tortillas are served to you when you're seated, along with some sauces. And I don't know what it is about these tortillas, but they're so incredibly warm, soft, and the taste is enough to make you satisfied if you were only to be served tortillas. And I seriously would not mind just coming in for their tortillas. They're that good. I had an enchilada and a chile relleno, which were both very good, but tasted just like any other food from a decent mexican restaurant.
(4)Ken N.
We ALWAYS go to La Cabana, and to tell you the truth, as much as we love the margaritas and the atmosphere, the last few times we went, the service was not so great. We drive past this oddly named restaurant about two or more times a day (that busy, busy corner of Rose and Lincoln) and I've always wondered if a place called "Casblanca", with parking spaces named for the iconic actors, could possibly be any good? Our good friend told us that their Sunday brunch was outstanding, so on this one particular night, when we ducked out of a play because it was so awful we just couldn't stand it, we decided to extend our little date night by stopping by for a drink. The bar walks this fine line between kitsch and cool, with various props or faux props from the movie, including maps and old projectors and lobby cards and Casablanca paraphernalia. The presence of Bogie and Bergman and Henried wafted through the air like Moroccan spice. It would've been nicer if there was a grand piano and an African American piano player named Sam, but that would probably be too much. The restaurant was about half full of families and older couples, possibly on a married date like us, and a woman played guitar and sang Spanish songs as well as American pop standards with a most definite Mexican lilt. The music was hermoso. The bartender and an apparent regular/friend were deep in conversation on one end, and we took up residence on the other. We ordered margaritas, just because that's sort of the acid test, right? For us, anyway. They were OK - not as potent as La Cabana, nor as good as Gilbert's (apparently, an extended family owns all of these places, but they are all as different as can be). Maybe the bartender thought we were just some sort of china turistas and made 'em weak, but they were weak. However: When life gives you limes, you make limeade, right? So, I asked for a tequila shooter, just to round off the evening, since we were going to call it a night soon. The bartender delivered a round oaken caddy with a shot of some nice gold tequila, a tiny bowl with a wedge of lime, a tiny bowl full of rock salt, and a tube of something that looked and smelled like Clamato juice. NICE presentation! Per his instructions, I dipped the lime wedge in the salt, bit and sucked it, shot the shooter, then drank the Clamato-ey chaser. Mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm, toasted! It was good. Happily, we settled up, and we walked out. Someone almost hit us in the crosswalk, and I flipped him off and yelled, and Sharon said, "Give me the keys." OK, I said. It was a nice evening, after all.
(3)Chelsea W.
This place has the best homemade tortillas!!! They come fresh off the grill to your table with this yummy salsa and they disappear very quickly at our table. The service is great, the food it good, but the main reason I love it is for the tortillas. : ) The wait is never too long, they are good at accomodating groups and they usually have a live musician which is fun. I would reccommend this place.
(4)Hallie R.
This place is so wonderful! It's a hole in the wall restaurant with a delightfully cheesy Casablanca theme. And they have a little Mexican woman making the tortillas by hand. I came here on Cinco de Mayo, so they had live music too. They also have a tequila cart that rolls up to your table to make you a premium margarita (although we ended up passing on this due to our budget... Next time though!) Their green tomatillo sauce in one of the best things I have ever eaten! Couple that with their amazingly warm, soft, and doughy fresh tortillas, and you've got a pre-dinner snack to die for (so much better than chips and salsa!) The Enchiladas Suizas are so delicious! They are topped with that yummy tomatillo sauce and with a dollop of cool sour cream with each warm forkful, it's the perfect bite!
(5)Mike L.
Very Tentative... As I walked in they escorted me to a table. Always making sure my order was fine. Taco Tuesday Special was great... Drinks were a bit costly but overall not a bad Mexican Joint to enjoy a nice Thursday Night.
(4)Ms T.
Went today with my friend wanted some great food and some drinks. This was a great spot cute ambiance and the food was amazing. Try the Salmon!
(5)Natalie H.
5 STARS!!!...This is truly a hidden gem. I love the food, drinks, atmosphere and service. It's a shame that Casablanca Restaurant is so far away from my hometown. You won't be disappointed; this is fine Mexican food, made with quality ingredients. If you leave a bad comment for food, perhaps you are accustomed to Taco Bell?
(5)jenna w.
This is my go-to place for Mexican food and incredible margaritas. Instead of the typical chips and salsa, they start you with freshly made tortillas and a great avocado sauce. We have tried most of the items on the menu - it's pretty typical California Mexican food, but it definitely hits the spot. I usually get enchiladas, but we've tried the calamari, which is great, and a friend told me the fajitas are amazing. Other than the tortillas, the main reason we go is the incredible margaritas. Don't order them from the waiter, wait until the man with the tequila cart comes to your table and he will make them to your specific requests. Always on the rocks with salt, the way they should be. For the price and the taste, these are the best margaritas i've had other than making them fresh at home (Alton Brown's Margarita Recipe!!). This place is cute and comfortable, not too dressy, great for dates or a group.
(5)Hahnmade H.
this place has great service and a friendly host, i wish i loved the food as much as i loved tortillas... RECOMMENDATION: tortilla which is served in lieu of chips, it melts in your mouth, and i am still thinking about it! JUST OKAYS: calamari (totally not what i expected). this was recommended by the waiter but i was expecting real calamari NOT a process version. if anyone has tasted TEMPERA (fishcake) in a korean, japanese, or vietnamese version, this is exactly what it tasted like. i'm not a fan of anything process so this left me very disappointing. second dish we got was their "popular" dish -- chicken enchilada. it was too blend and not enough sauce. i asked the hostess after dinner if this cuisine comes from a specific region, she told us it's from parts of north, east, and south?? overall the dishes could have used more sauce and spices. so a VERDICT? go for handmade tortillas -- sit at the bar, order margaritas and get free tortillas with verde sauce. you got yourself a satisfying meal. if anyone can educate me on what went wrong with the dishes i ordered, i'd really appreciate it. perhaps you can give me your recommendations because i really really wanted to like this place more..
(3)William F.
The tortillas are as good as fellow Yelpers rave about but otherwise Casablanca has uninispiring food. It seems popular with locals but if I'm driving I'll head to Lares...worth the few extra minutes.
(2)Diana R.
Best Mexican restaurant in town! The flour tortillas are the absolute best. Fantastic margaritas from the drink cart, where they are made completely from scratch. Everything is home made ( salad dressing, salsas, etc). Ask for the avocado dressing and be sure to order a calamari steak. The wait staff is very attentIve and friendly. We've had them cater a party and the service and food was top notch. We bring all visiting friends here and it's always a hit!
(5)Bekka U.
The tortillas go for the tortillas. If you are NOT Mexican and never had grandma making you fresh tortillas, then go to Casablanca to try and capture that feeling. They are always fresh and super yummy, yet sometimes the waiters can be stingy on seconds. The food is like any other good Mexican food. Not do die for or anything. But the ambiance is cute, and the tortillas are amazing, so I would say its worth the drive. ( I went hungover once and all the food I usually enjoy repulsed me...so if you are easily repulsed by food when hungover I dont recommend this place)
(4)Leslie C.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The food is exceptional. The calamari dishes are fantastic. The green salsa and fresh tortillas they give you are to die for. They usually have a live musician or singer playing. Intimate atmosphere. Great for dates.
(5)Molly M.
I had a fish craving last night and found myself at Casablanca. It was a toss up between this and La Cabana, and having been to neither, we went with the former. Confusing as it may be (Mexican but... a sign at the front reads "you are now leaving LA and are now entering Morocco) I was more concerned about my pending margarita and fish plate. Warm tortillas (some of the best I've had in a while) were served with salsa verde, ole! And my large and in charge margarita came out quickly. Red Snapper with congac, garlic and capers was stuffed with crab and baby shrimp. Delish! A bit heavy but for my first time eating red snapper, it was great. Their "World famous" calamari was a good choice too, accompanied by rice and tomato, corn and broccoli sides. Side salads are included as well. Reasonable prices, festive decorations, friendly waitstaff. Not crowded on a Thursday night.... and I left full and pretty drunk after 2 margaritas. Not sure what that says about me or their bartender....
(3)Min T.
I thought the tortillas made in the center of the dining room was the greatest thing ever. Unfortunately, the food was just so-so. It seemed more expensive than La Cabana caddy corner from it so we would wind up there more. However, Casablanca has better decor and way better service so perhaps it's worth the extra dollars and parking lot fiasco hassle. I read a while ago in the AAA magazine they're known for abalone. I tried it and it seemed a bit too oily to me. It was interesting though, very different from a thicker cut, with brown gravy Chinese style abalone. Though oily (and garlic-y, mmm), Casablanca's abalone was light. I'd say this is a great date place or slightly more dressy family dinner.
(3)BridgetLoves L.
I am from Detroit and we have a weird addiction to a little place called Mexican Town. I haven't found anything comparable in my entire life. I can't explain it- it is AWESOME. In any case Casablanca finally cured me of having to fly back to the little area by the Ambassador Bridge for a fix. I had the enchilado and beef taco with beans (with cheese on them), rice (white- and so amazing) and the amazing green salsa. TRY it- you won't be disappointed. It's an LA institution.
(5)Isaac I.
Started out with a house margarita...homemade fresh tortillas are awesome! And I ordered a second round of them without a problem. (table of six)
(4)Sarah K.
I like their soups. I iknow I ordered other items at this place a few years back but their soups really stand out.
(4)Donald B.
This is a 1940's style building inside and out with Moorish style (California style) archicture. I would never have gone there if I was just driving by but was brought by friends and am I glad. !. There is a lady making tortillas in the center of the restaurant and you get them hot off the grill instead of bread. Excellant 2 The margaritas are great and big. 3. The Calimari dishes are all fantastic. There is a mariachi band and it is crowded and noisy but pleasantly so. It is a kind of Mexican/Spanish restaurant but not at all typical of a "Mexican" restaurant. The age makes this place kind of classy in a campy kind of way. If you take a date there she /he will feel that you really know great-off-the beaten path kinds of places.
(3)Mike R.
I went here last weekend with a group of friends. We were originally going to La Cabaña across the street but our friend Jose recognized Casablanca as soon as he saw it. He told us he had been coming here with his family for years, and that they used to have him play piano inside the restaurant to entertain the guests. He wasn't lying. As soon as we walked in, an old man (presumably the owner) immediately recognized him and seated us immediately, even through there were several other couples waiting. Jose showed us the piano in the corner, and made his rounds to talk to all of his old friends that were still there. They make their own tortillas in the traditional way, using a brick encased oven. They were absolutely ridiculous. They serve them with butter and salsa verde, and you don't even need to chew them because they melt in your mouth. I ordered the Carne Asada which was very delicious. It was served with refried beans and rice, and we had plenty of extra tortillas brought to the table so I could make my own tacos. The meat was well seasoned, and cooked just as you'd expect a good carne asada to be prepared. I also ordered a taco durado (hard shelled shredded beef taco) because I will often use this menu item as a litmus test the quality of the mexican food relative to my San Diego standard (LA's mexican food just doesn't even come close). The taco was pretty solid, but not great. Casablanca's atmosphere is great. You might question yourself, "a Moroccan themed Mexican restaurant? WTF?"... but somehow it works. It was a great family owned and operated restaurant within 2 minutes of my house, so I'm definitely going to make my way back there to experience the godly tortillas once again.
(4)