This place is a great authentic Mexican restaurant. My mom and I have been coming here when I go visit her at work in Bloomington. First of all, the decor on the inside is just beautiful. I love the yellow walls and the bar if you get a glimpse of it is so organized and classy. I think it is a real comforting environment right across from the mall. I suggest it to you ever are in the mood for Mexican cuisine. What I love about this place is that they have a great portion for their margaritas. They're small margarita is about the size of your head. They are usually well done too. However, the first strawberry margarita that I did get almost tasted like pure tequila, so I think it depends on who the person serving that day is. I usually get taco salads when I go to Mexican restaurants and this one has a pretty good one. It's not my favorite one I've had, but there is nothing to complain about. The service here is very fast and they like to check in on you to make sure that you are doing well. You would think that is common courtesy, but some restaurants are pretty bad about checking up on their customers. Casa Brava is also very affordable. There isn't anything outstandingly unique about this restaurant, but it is a decent one.
(4)
Jordan W.
Im not sure why there are so many negative reviews, but I love this place! I've been coming here for years and have never had a complaint. The food isn't gourmet Mexican food, it's your standard cheap Mexican restaurant and this is reflected in the price of the entrees. The food tastes great, the service is very fast, and the margaritas are fantastic as well. I'll be back again.
(4)
John W.
So we had dinner here tonight Wednesday September 16th. First of all I saw a few reviews on here that called this place authentic, that tells you right there that people have no clue what authentic Mexican food is. That being said this was pretty decent for mid-west Mexican food. They brought out chips and salsa right away. Salsa was pretty hot and the chips well they were stale. At that point I was worried about what the food would be like. We ordered the chicken fajitas and also a Steak burrito. I forget what the correct name for it was. So the fajitas were pretty good. They came out sizzling and the portion was decent. The steak burrito was not bad either, the cheese sauce they put on top was so runny you could have sucked it through a straw. The steak was not bad but it certainly was NOT Carne Asada! I would go back but it was not anything really special but definitely decent for Bloomington.
I rarely give out one star reviews, but considering I couldn't finish half my food and now feel like I want to throw up, this one star review is totally justified. This is at least my third time here, and each time it seems to get worse and worse. I remembered from my last visit that the cheese dip was disgusting, so I avoided it this time. Unfortunately, my food this time around was not much better. I got a single bean burrito, which while not horrible, was below average, and I would give it 2 stars. The other item that I ordered was the cheese tamale, and it was so gross that I could not eat more than 20% of it. I agree with the other reviewers that this place is worse than Taco Bell. I won't be back.
(1)
Robin K.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bloomington. Always so fast. I feel like I just ordered and there's my food.
(5)
Luke P.
Best Mexican in Bloomington! Excellent food, service, and drinks! Very affordable and expect the food to be ready in under 5 minutes!
(5)
Ariana H.
Very good food and service. Plus the quaint atmosphere only helps! Definitely will be will be coming back whenever I'm in Bloomington!
(5)
Bobblehead B.
Fast quick good Mexican Food.
(3)
Amy W.
I love authentic mexican and especially a good margarita. The chips and salsa were wonderful. I sat at the bar and had a medium margarita. Way too tart. I was never offered a menu which surprised me because I would have ordered some food so I can't give you a full picture of my experience. Ambiance is nice. Bar area very clean and modern and staff was nice.
(3)
Mitch S.
No margaritas?? Really?? A higher end Mexican restaurant that doesn't have a liquor license?? Ridiculous. Also the waiter stood at one end of our table of 12 and made the entire party shout their order back to him over the noise of the restaurant and loud music. On a positive, their chips are great and salsa is acceptable.
(3)
Carrie S.
This is my favorite place in the state! Service and food is amazing!!!! Food comes out super fast and always delicious. I live over an house away now and am planning a trip to visit friends and the casa!!!
(5)
Jen B.
If I could go 0 stars, I would. Couldn't find greasier food if you tried. I'll never be back considering we couldn't even finish our meal. Tried a combination platter with tostada and cheese quesadilla and my friend had the chicken and shrimp which did not come out as advertised. Everything was super greasy. Only upside was the cheap beer! Don't understand how they don't serve margaritas! Bloomington has better Mexican than this!
(1)
Franklin D.
Cheap as hell at lunch time. I got a chile relleno that leaked all over my plate. The cheese liquified because I think it was A) cheap, and B) previously frozen. Not sure why you would do that to a wonderful chile relleno. Anyway if you're broke and want some OK Mexcian-ish food, you should rush over to this place.
(3)
Tom H.
Maybe it was the clatter, Fox News on TV, or the Muzak that wasn't tuned well that initially turned me off. All three at once was a bit thick. You could barely hear yourself think. Maybe it was the chile relleno platter, which arrived merely two minutes after we ordered it. This means: it was taken out of the freezer, thrown in the fryer, then an unidentifiable brownish sauce was poured on, just before it hit the microwave. Maybe it was the microwave that turned the beans crisp around the edges, and the fact that the rice was ready to leap off the plate like popped-rice. Maybe it was the 2oz (my estimate) of grease pouring out of the chiles into a pool of mushness. Maybe it was the poblano pepper inside the chile relleno, that tasted very much like not-very-pliable spiced rubber. Perhaps it was the waiter, who didn't give two hoots, but was happy to take our plates. Maybe it was the bill, which was $18+ (no drinks) for this travesty of glop. Just go away from here. Even $18 is insulting for the quality of food, service, and ambience rendered. Run. Go to La Torre down the street, or Mo's-- diagonally across the street. Hell, go to Taco Bell. Just run! Now! Yikes! Quick!
(1)
Jeremy A.
Coming from SoCal I gotta say AFAIK there is no really good Mexican food in Indiana at all, nada. Even here at Casa Brava it's hard to get something that isn't bland and smothered in cheese sauce. (Do it old school, folks: put real cheese on and stick the plate under the broiler.) Still, I've been here at least a dozen times and like it because... - it's inexpensive - they have food my boys really like - service is usually fast and (unlike some reviewers' experience) attentive; they're really good about refilling soft drinks and they're generous with the chips and salsa - sometimes I gotta have my fix of cheese-covered refried beans, or sizzling cumin-coated fajitas, or chorizo and jalapenos on chicken, and - although not what I'd call great the food's never been bad (unlike El Norteno's goo)
(3)
Nicole B.
Super Fast! Sit at the bar at lunch time. Your food comes out about the time you put your napkin in your lap. Love the fish tacos and the tostaguac. Cheap and fast. Kinda like my husband likes his women.
Good place to bring your college kid. Good food and service. Carnitas kinda salty. Shrimp quesadillas yummy. The veggie fajitas were good but extra heavy on carrots. Really liked the decor.
(4)
Anthony N.
Contemporary, cheap, and chic Mexican can be found no where else in Bloomington other than Casa Brava. We went there for lunch today and ordered one of their dinner specials in the back of the menu. For less than $10, you can get a chile relano, fried burrito, and mushroom quesadilla. It's more than enough food for one person. Think of it as two meals. If that's not a college deal for the lazy, broke college student looking to live it up a notch, I don't know what is.
(4)
Dawn S.
After frequenting this place for six months, I am done! The service has steadily declined. Tonight I ordered my usual sangria and it arrived half full of day old fruit. The service was horrid and we had to ask another waiter for our check. To top it all off, they were working on a construction project with a power drill behind us. I couldn't carry a conversation. The ONLY good thing was the busman, who knows us and came to our table and shook our hands.
(1)
Bootleg R.
Great tex-mex! I had a veggie chimichanga that was grilled, not deep-fried like I am used to seeing, very yummy. The salsa and cheese were both spicy and flavorful. Service was fast, we were in and out in less than one hour. I think this will be my go-to for Mexican in Bloomington
(3)
Todd S.
I would rate this higher if they had margaritas. Only serve beer and wine which is too bad as I find margaritas a must when eating out Mexican food. The food was pretty good though. There are a number of Casa Brava's in the area and I actually prefer the one in Bedford where you can get a margarita(s) with your meal. The East location is in a nice building though so there is potential.
(3)
Tom M.
It is a level up from the standard mexican fare you find in every city. The place is really fun inside. The food is what you expect, but with a bit more flavor than the bland beans and rice you get elsewhere. i'd definitely eat here again.
(4)
Bruce H.
Wait staff very friendly and quick. Only took about 3 minutes to receive food after I ordered. My meal was just as I ordered it and hot. Portions were large for the price. Drink was always full. Will be back. Very good place for lunch or dinner
(3)
Galen C.
Will this mexican food change your life? No. But it's all tasty, incredibly inexpensive, and lightning quick --- you'll likely only wait 5-7 minutes from the moment you order your food to the moment it's sitting in front of you. Great waitstaff, very friendly people.
(4)
Elizabeth S.
I would give this restaurant NO STARS if I could. First, the servers were more interested in cleaning the restaurant than filling drink glasses, delivering food, or or returning to the table. Second, though I have eaten their fajitas many times and enjoyed them, tonight they were made with literally a full plate of fried potatoes, a few small chunks of carrot, and 2 tiny slivers of bell pepper. Since i didnt want to fill a tortilla full of potatoes, I had to find my server and ask for a plate with peppers, onions, or anything non-potato. To their credit, they returned with a second small plate later of other veggies. However, it should have been noticed as it was cooking or before the plate was run. Second, and the ultimate mistake, was that they let a strip of chicken on my VEGETARIAN fajita skillet plate. After I had eaten one fajita, I forked out a slice of chicken. When I told the waiter that I wanted to speak to the manager, first he disappeared for a long time and just returned with my entree off the bill. I explained that I wanted to speak with the manager, and he finally came MUCH LATER. He said he took it off the bill and acted like it was no big deal. When I explained that I had not eaten any meat for over a decade, and that cooking my food with meat was a huge issue, he said "It is not my fault, it the cook", I asked if he managed the kitchen staff as well, he said "yes", so I informed him it was his responsibility. He seemed to not care or understand the mistake was so bad, and charged my parents for their food and all of us for our soft drinks. If you are a vegetarian, beware.
(1)
Jennifer P.
I have gone to the westside location, and finally visited this new location last month. The contemporary decor is great, very urban...reminds me of a tapas place I eat at here in California. The food is cheap and delicious. I ordered the chilaquiles and they were very good! My mom got chicken tamales with mole, also very good. I found the service to be efficient and very friendly.
(4)
Emma G.
Delicious and cheap American "Mexican" food! My boyfriend and I have clocked our wait every time we've gone and we've NEVER received our food more than 10 minutes after ordering. Maybe we're just lucky, or go at convenient times, I don't know. Never had a problem with the service either, the waiters are always kind and attentive. Also, can't go wrong with their special prices on Dos Equis.
(5)
Scott R.
Used to eat here all the time but moved. We wish there was a casa brava here. Their tacos are amazing!
(5)
Catherine H.
I went during a pretty busy rush hour, and so the waiters weren't very fast. The prices are great, and the food is delicious. I think the restaurant felt a little compact and hurried, but overall it's great for low-key lunch.
(3)
Sara O.
The tastiest, cheap Mexican food I've ever ever EVER had! The Chips and Salsa: Arrived before my bottom landed in the seat of my chair! The chips, warm and fresh, could have used some salt (I'm a big believer in pre-salted chips). The salsa was just OK. I like spicy, and it was a little mild for my liking. The Drinks: A good list of Mexican brews (Pacifico, my fave!) but NO MARGARITAS?! Seriously? That's just weird. Upgrade that liquor license and get me some Tequila--stat! The Entrees: Holy Food. My friend ordered "the special" aka "I'm going to need a wheel chair to wheel me out of here afterwards" special. Not one, not two, but THREE plates of food landed in front of her. Also preparing for a possible food coma, I starred down at my tilapia tacos--two plates loaded with panfried, refried, cheesy, mexican goodness. Needless to say, our table was a bit crowded. And we left with four boxes of leftovers. At that point, why not take the leftover chips home too? We'll eat for days on these rations. I can't speak for the others at my table, but the tilapia tacos kicked ass. Get 'em.
(3)
Izzat A.
Great place. Pretty cheap and not bad quality at all. I'd recommend it!
(4)
Cliff C.
I've eaten at this restaurant and the other 2 (Casa Brava West and La Charreada) owned by the same gentleman dozens of times over the years. The experience is usually decent, although the service sometimes takes a while. Overall, not too bad. However, god help you if you have a complaint that needs addressed. I got carry-out on May 1st, 2011 for my mother for her birthday. I ordered her a Fajitas Jalisco (steak, chicken, and shrimp) for around $15 and another meal for myself for roughly $10. I drove out into the country where my mom lives and when I got there and we sat down to eat we discovered there were no Tortilla Flours for the Fajitas. (This has happened BOTH times I've ordered Fajitas for to-go from here). I called the restaurant, politely explained the situation, and was offered a $5 coupon for my next meal. I spent $25 and an essential part of my meal was left out (try making Fajitas without tortillas) and they feel a $5 credit is appropriate compensation, and this for someone who has spent $500+ at these restaurants the past several years. I asked to speak to the owner, who's name is apparently "Socrates" and wasn't available. They gave me the option of leaving him a message which I did, requesting he call me. I called about a dozen times over the course of the following year (literally). I was always told "Socrates" would call me but never did. Also, if you place a carry out order they will charge you a $1.00 "to-go" fee. Thanks, but no thanks, SOCRATES.
(1)
June B.
I don't care if it's authentic Mexican or not. What it is is delicious, indulgent cheesy Mexican-esque food served in enormous portions for relatively cheap prices. I've never had a bad meal here. Once, they gave us free fried ice cream on our anniversary. One thing though -- wtf is up with no margaritas?
(4)
elizabeth b.
The walls are painted pretty colors. Is that the first thing you want to hear about a restaurant? Then go. This place is for you. The food's OK, the service runs from adequate to dismal.
(2)
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Address :410 S College Mall Rd
Bloomington, IN, 47401
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch 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 : Beer & Wine Only 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.
William Aaron K.
This place is a great authentic Mexican restaurant. My mom and I have been coming here when I go visit her at work in Bloomington. First of all, the decor on the inside is just beautiful. I love the yellow walls and the bar if you get a glimpse of it is so organized and classy. I think it is a real comforting environment right across from the mall. I suggest it to you ever are in the mood for Mexican cuisine. What I love about this place is that they have a great portion for their margaritas. They're small margarita is about the size of your head. They are usually well done too. However, the first strawberry margarita that I did get almost tasted like pure tequila, so I think it depends on who the person serving that day is. I usually get taco salads when I go to Mexican restaurants and this one has a pretty good one. It's not my favorite one I've had, but there is nothing to complain about. The service here is very fast and they like to check in on you to make sure that you are doing well. You would think that is common courtesy, but some restaurants are pretty bad about checking up on their customers. Casa Brava is also very affordable. There isn't anything outstandingly unique about this restaurant, but it is a decent one.
(4)Jordan W.
Im not sure why there are so many negative reviews, but I love this place! I've been coming here for years and have never had a complaint. The food isn't gourmet Mexican food, it's your standard cheap Mexican restaurant and this is reflected in the price of the entrees. The food tastes great, the service is very fast, and the margaritas are fantastic as well. I'll be back again.
(4)John W.
So we had dinner here tonight Wednesday September 16th. First of all I saw a few reviews on here that called this place authentic, that tells you right there that people have no clue what authentic Mexican food is. That being said this was pretty decent for mid-west Mexican food. They brought out chips and salsa right away. Salsa was pretty hot and the chips well they were stale. At that point I was worried about what the food would be like. We ordered the chicken fajitas and also a Steak burrito. I forget what the correct name for it was. So the fajitas were pretty good. They came out sizzling and the portion was decent. The steak burrito was not bad either, the cheese sauce they put on top was so runny you could have sucked it through a straw. The steak was not bad but it certainly was NOT Carne Asada! I would go back but it was not anything really special but definitely decent for Bloomington.
(3)Decoda H.
This is your typical American-Mexican restaurant where everything tastes the same. Everything is slathered with some sort of cheese sauce and usually lettuce, tomato and sour cream. The tortilla chips hardly taste of corn and the salsa is nothing but puréed mush with no flavor at all. There is no lime or cilantro to be had. So if you are not interested in authentic Mexican food this is the place for you... I do not plan on returning.
(1)Regina W.
I rarely give out one star reviews, but considering I couldn't finish half my food and now feel like I want to throw up, this one star review is totally justified. This is at least my third time here, and each time it seems to get worse and worse. I remembered from my last visit that the cheese dip was disgusting, so I avoided it this time. Unfortunately, my food this time around was not much better. I got a single bean burrito, which while not horrible, was below average, and I would give it 2 stars. The other item that I ordered was the cheese tamale, and it was so gross that I could not eat more than 20% of it. I agree with the other reviewers that this place is worse than Taco Bell. I won't be back.
(1)Robin K.
This is my favorite restaurant in Bloomington. Always so fast. I feel like I just ordered and there's my food.
(5)Luke P.
Best Mexican in Bloomington! Excellent food, service, and drinks! Very affordable and expect the food to be ready in under 5 minutes!
(5)Ariana H.
Very good food and service. Plus the quaint atmosphere only helps! Definitely will be will be coming back whenever I'm in Bloomington!
(5)Bobblehead B.
Fast quick good Mexican Food.
(3)Amy W.
I love authentic mexican and especially a good margarita. The chips and salsa were wonderful. I sat at the bar and had a medium margarita. Way too tart. I was never offered a menu which surprised me because I would have ordered some food so I can't give you a full picture of my experience. Ambiance is nice. Bar area very clean and modern and staff was nice.
(3)Mitch S.
No margaritas?? Really?? A higher end Mexican restaurant that doesn't have a liquor license?? Ridiculous. Also the waiter stood at one end of our table of 12 and made the entire party shout their order back to him over the noise of the restaurant and loud music. On a positive, their chips are great and salsa is acceptable.
(3)Carrie S.
This is my favorite place in the state! Service and food is amazing!!!! Food comes out super fast and always delicious. I live over an house away now and am planning a trip to visit friends and the casa!!!
(5)Jen B.
If I could go 0 stars, I would. Couldn't find greasier food if you tried. I'll never be back considering we couldn't even finish our meal. Tried a combination platter with tostada and cheese quesadilla and my friend had the chicken and shrimp which did not come out as advertised. Everything was super greasy. Only upside was the cheap beer! Don't understand how they don't serve margaritas! Bloomington has better Mexican than this!
(1)Franklin D.
Cheap as hell at lunch time. I got a chile relleno that leaked all over my plate. The cheese liquified because I think it was A) cheap, and B) previously frozen. Not sure why you would do that to a wonderful chile relleno. Anyway if you're broke and want some OK Mexcian-ish food, you should rush over to this place.
(3)Tom H.
Maybe it was the clatter, Fox News on TV, or the Muzak that wasn't tuned well that initially turned me off. All three at once was a bit thick. You could barely hear yourself think. Maybe it was the chile relleno platter, which arrived merely two minutes after we ordered it. This means: it was taken out of the freezer, thrown in the fryer, then an unidentifiable brownish sauce was poured on, just before it hit the microwave. Maybe it was the microwave that turned the beans crisp around the edges, and the fact that the rice was ready to leap off the plate like popped-rice. Maybe it was the 2oz (my estimate) of grease pouring out of the chiles into a pool of mushness. Maybe it was the poblano pepper inside the chile relleno, that tasted very much like not-very-pliable spiced rubber. Perhaps it was the waiter, who didn't give two hoots, but was happy to take our plates. Maybe it was the bill, which was $18+ (no drinks) for this travesty of glop. Just go away from here. Even $18 is insulting for the quality of food, service, and ambience rendered. Run. Go to La Torre down the street, or Mo's-- diagonally across the street. Hell, go to Taco Bell. Just run! Now! Yikes! Quick!
(1)Jeremy A.
Coming from SoCal I gotta say AFAIK there is no really good Mexican food in Indiana at all, nada. Even here at Casa Brava it's hard to get something that isn't bland and smothered in cheese sauce. (Do it old school, folks: put real cheese on and stick the plate under the broiler.) Still, I've been here at least a dozen times and like it because... - it's inexpensive - they have food my boys really like - service is usually fast and (unlike some reviewers' experience) attentive; they're really good about refilling soft drinks and they're generous with the chips and salsa - sometimes I gotta have my fix of cheese-covered refried beans, or sizzling cumin-coated fajitas, or chorizo and jalapenos on chicken, and - although not what I'd call great the food's never been bad (unlike El Norteno's goo)
(3)Nicole B.
Super Fast! Sit at the bar at lunch time. Your food comes out about the time you put your napkin in your lap. Love the fish tacos and the tostaguac. Cheap and fast. Kinda like my husband likes his women.
(5)Jonny S.
I suppose you could say if you liked the Casa Brava on the west side you'll like Casa Brava east. As far as I can tell the menus are identical. Which means it's a good place to get tasty, melty, gooey, Mexican fare. Much better than the Captain D's that was in this location ages ago Some highlights are the Burritoes Leon, their queso dip, and their Burrito Chipotle. The décor is nice and modern, and it's not as large as the west side location so it doesn't get as nosey. Take out can be fun too because you can just sit at the bar, order your meal, and then enjoy a cerveza while waiting (please note that Jonny's Yelp feed encourages you to drink responsibly).
(4)Tina D.
Good place to bring your college kid. Good food and service. Carnitas kinda salty. Shrimp quesadillas yummy. The veggie fajitas were good but extra heavy on carrots. Really liked the decor.
(4)Anthony N.
Contemporary, cheap, and chic Mexican can be found no where else in Bloomington other than Casa Brava. We went there for lunch today and ordered one of their dinner specials in the back of the menu. For less than $10, you can get a chile relano, fried burrito, and mushroom quesadilla. It's more than enough food for one person. Think of it as two meals. If that's not a college deal for the lazy, broke college student looking to live it up a notch, I don't know what is.
(4)Dawn S.
After frequenting this place for six months, I am done! The service has steadily declined. Tonight I ordered my usual sangria and it arrived half full of day old fruit. The service was horrid and we had to ask another waiter for our check. To top it all off, they were working on a construction project with a power drill behind us. I couldn't carry a conversation. The ONLY good thing was the busman, who knows us and came to our table and shook our hands.
(1)Bootleg R.
Great tex-mex! I had a veggie chimichanga that was grilled, not deep-fried like I am used to seeing, very yummy. The salsa and cheese were both spicy and flavorful. Service was fast, we were in and out in less than one hour. I think this will be my go-to for Mexican in Bloomington
(3)Todd S.
I would rate this higher if they had margaritas. Only serve beer and wine which is too bad as I find margaritas a must when eating out Mexican food. The food was pretty good though. There are a number of Casa Brava's in the area and I actually prefer the one in Bedford where you can get a margarita(s) with your meal. The East location is in a nice building though so there is potential.
(3)Tom M.
It is a level up from the standard mexican fare you find in every city. The place is really fun inside. The food is what you expect, but with a bit more flavor than the bland beans and rice you get elsewhere. i'd definitely eat here again.
(4)Bruce H.
Wait staff very friendly and quick. Only took about 3 minutes to receive food after I ordered. My meal was just as I ordered it and hot. Portions were large for the price. Drink was always full. Will be back. Very good place for lunch or dinner
(3)Galen C.
Will this mexican food change your life? No. But it's all tasty, incredibly inexpensive, and lightning quick --- you'll likely only wait 5-7 minutes from the moment you order your food to the moment it's sitting in front of you. Great waitstaff, very friendly people.
(4)Elizabeth S.
I would give this restaurant NO STARS if I could. First, the servers were more interested in cleaning the restaurant than filling drink glasses, delivering food, or or returning to the table. Second, though I have eaten their fajitas many times and enjoyed them, tonight they were made with literally a full plate of fried potatoes, a few small chunks of carrot, and 2 tiny slivers of bell pepper. Since i didnt want to fill a tortilla full of potatoes, I had to find my server and ask for a plate with peppers, onions, or anything non-potato. To their credit, they returned with a second small plate later of other veggies. However, it should have been noticed as it was cooking or before the plate was run. Second, and the ultimate mistake, was that they let a strip of chicken on my VEGETARIAN fajita skillet plate. After I had eaten one fajita, I forked out a slice of chicken. When I told the waiter that I wanted to speak to the manager, first he disappeared for a long time and just returned with my entree off the bill. I explained that I wanted to speak with the manager, and he finally came MUCH LATER. He said he took it off the bill and acted like it was no big deal. When I explained that I had not eaten any meat for over a decade, and that cooking my food with meat was a huge issue, he said "It is not my fault, it the cook", I asked if he managed the kitchen staff as well, he said "yes", so I informed him it was his responsibility. He seemed to not care or understand the mistake was so bad, and charged my parents for their food and all of us for our soft drinks. If you are a vegetarian, beware.
(1)Jennifer P.
I have gone to the westside location, and finally visited this new location last month. The contemporary decor is great, very urban...reminds me of a tapas place I eat at here in California. The food is cheap and delicious. I ordered the chilaquiles and they were very good! My mom got chicken tamales with mole, also very good. I found the service to be efficient and very friendly.
(4)Emma G.
Delicious and cheap American "Mexican" food! My boyfriend and I have clocked our wait every time we've gone and we've NEVER received our food more than 10 minutes after ordering. Maybe we're just lucky, or go at convenient times, I don't know. Never had a problem with the service either, the waiters are always kind and attentive. Also, can't go wrong with their special prices on Dos Equis.
(5)Scott R.
Used to eat here all the time but moved. We wish there was a casa brava here. Their tacos are amazing!
(5)Catherine H.
I went during a pretty busy rush hour, and so the waiters weren't very fast. The prices are great, and the food is delicious. I think the restaurant felt a little compact and hurried, but overall it's great for low-key lunch.
(3)Sara O.
The tastiest, cheap Mexican food I've ever ever EVER had! The Chips and Salsa: Arrived before my bottom landed in the seat of my chair! The chips, warm and fresh, could have used some salt (I'm a big believer in pre-salted chips). The salsa was just OK. I like spicy, and it was a little mild for my liking. The Drinks: A good list of Mexican brews (Pacifico, my fave!) but NO MARGARITAS?! Seriously? That's just weird. Upgrade that liquor license and get me some Tequila--stat! The Entrees: Holy Food. My friend ordered "the special" aka "I'm going to need a wheel chair to wheel me out of here afterwards" special. Not one, not two, but THREE plates of food landed in front of her. Also preparing for a possible food coma, I starred down at my tilapia tacos--two plates loaded with panfried, refried, cheesy, mexican goodness. Needless to say, our table was a bit crowded. And we left with four boxes of leftovers. At that point, why not take the leftover chips home too? We'll eat for days on these rations. I can't speak for the others at my table, but the tilapia tacos kicked ass. Get 'em.
(3)Izzat A.
Great place. Pretty cheap and not bad quality at all. I'd recommend it!
(4)Cliff C.
I've eaten at this restaurant and the other 2 (Casa Brava West and La Charreada) owned by the same gentleman dozens of times over the years. The experience is usually decent, although the service sometimes takes a while. Overall, not too bad. However, god help you if you have a complaint that needs addressed. I got carry-out on May 1st, 2011 for my mother for her birthday. I ordered her a Fajitas Jalisco (steak, chicken, and shrimp) for around $15 and another meal for myself for roughly $10. I drove out into the country where my mom lives and when I got there and we sat down to eat we discovered there were no Tortilla Flours for the Fajitas. (This has happened BOTH times I've ordered Fajitas for to-go from here). I called the restaurant, politely explained the situation, and was offered a $5 coupon for my next meal. I spent $25 and an essential part of my meal was left out (try making Fajitas without tortillas) and they feel a $5 credit is appropriate compensation, and this for someone who has spent $500+ at these restaurants the past several years. I asked to speak to the owner, who's name is apparently "Socrates" and wasn't available. They gave me the option of leaving him a message which I did, requesting he call me. I called about a dozen times over the course of the following year (literally). I was always told "Socrates" would call me but never did. Also, if you place a carry out order they will charge you a $1.00 "to-go" fee. Thanks, but no thanks, SOCRATES.
(1)June B.
I don't care if it's authentic Mexican or not. What it is is delicious, indulgent cheesy Mexican-esque food served in enormous portions for relatively cheap prices. I've never had a bad meal here. Once, they gave us free fried ice cream on our anniversary. One thing though -- wtf is up with no margaritas?
(4)elizabeth b.
The walls are painted pretty colors. Is that the first thing you want to hear about a restaurant? Then go. This place is for you. The food's OK, the service runs from adequate to dismal.
(2)