Dinner here on Monday 10/18 was absolutely terrible. First indications that there may be a problem was the drinks, my margarita tasted completely free of tequila and worse yet didn't even taste like a margarita at all. However, that paled in comparison to the grotesqueness of the sangria, which tasted like a combination of nail polish, mulling spices and weak fruit juice. The chips and salsa arrived quickly but did little to help the situation, why oh why would one put cucumber in salsa??? Much better salsa can be had from a random supermarket jar. The chicken quesadilla was only a marginal improvement, very little chicken which tasted like it was straight from grocery pre-cooked bag and a bit of cheese, with some kind of odd tasting tomato based sauce. I foolishly ordered paella and joked before it arrived "it'll be spanish rice topped with seafood and some ranchero sauce". Well, lo and behold that's exactly what it was, just plain horrible. The mussels were so bad, probably several days past their prime, that I ate less than half of them. The fish tacos were the only thing served that weren't awful, and they simply were not awful, not good though. Worst of all was the bill, $60 for that? Los Portales and Pachanga Grill are exponentially better options.
(1)
F D.
We had jalapeno poppers, a veggie quesadilla, veggie enchiladas, and a chili relleno. Everything was tasty and a little was left over from our party of four. We will be back.
(4)
Christa W.
I have yet to find better Mexican food. This place is no-frills but fantastic. It was the first restaurtant we went to the night we moved to Maryland and my family has been going here fairly consistantly for the past three years. The seafood fajitas (lump crab meat, scallops, shrimp and veggies) are stellar and big enough to share. Other crowd pleasers include: the chicken (cheese, beef, or veggie) quesadillas, the chimichanga, and the paella. Plus, the rice and refried beans are killer. Besides being great food, the prices are really reasonable and the environment is relaxed enough for any day of the week. The service is really good too -- we almost always get the same friendly waiter. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Julie J.
The best mexican food in the Ellicott City/Catonsville area by far. The food is delicious and really consistent. This is the one place my husband and I can go to and know that we will get a good dinner without having to drive to Columbia. Their desserts are really yummy too - try the chocolate cake!
(5)
Jess C.
I love this place. It's nothing fancy, but it's good authentic Mexican food. The food is always hot and tasty, and the service is always fast and friendly. The prices are definitely reasonable. We visit frequently and are never disappointed.
(5)
Katie B.
We love this place!! No pretense and friendly staff. You aren't going to get a high end overall experience here, but you will get DELICIOUS food. Any combo is great!! We have come here for 10 years with the same consistent staff, experience and delicious food. I cannot say that about a single other establishment - give it a go! You'll be back.
(5)
Edward S.
I've eaten here a lot over the years and I think you can trust me when I say that it's gone downhill since I started eating there. To start with the quality of food has gone down while the prices I feel have gone up and in some cases you don't get a lot of bang for your buck anymore. For instance the amount of meat with the fajitas or their special JD fajitas, which they never tell you how much more expensive they are. My wife has also noticed that the rice they are serving as a side for the meals is tasteless. Lastly, the chips and salsa were one of my favorite aspects of this restaurant, but there have been a few times where the salsa has definitely been lacking. In fact, one time it almost tasted like it had started turning, or pickling, as if it had not been freshly made. This restaurant is not as packed as it once was, and I think it's because of a negative trend for the food. To be honest I loved this place, I couldn't wait to go back because the food was always great and the service was as well. But that's not the case anymore based on our last 7-8 trips. And that disappoints me.
(2)
Ed B.
Pros: salsa was good and a little spicy, the service was quick and the place is clean. Cons: the menu prices are outrageous! A kids cheese quesadilla is 6$! No side dishes... Just a tortilla and cheese. Unreal. The fajita beef was so tough I nearly choked on it. They have to do better than that for 16$. The first basket of chips and salsa is free... The next one is 3$. First place I've ever been to that charges for chips. All things considered this is one of the worst Mexican restaurants around. There are so many better choices locally than this place. Price and quality really hold them back. I don't know how they stay in business.
(1)
Jessica A.
I regularly go to Mi Casa. I love their seafood enchiladas. I'm not a fan of Mexican food, but I really love the enchiladas. I can walk in and Rocky immediately asks me if I want "the usual." That's customer service! My only real complaint is that it is a bit pricey for the atmosphere. It's very laid back and I don't think the prices match the overall decor. The food is very tasty, though.
(4)
Kyle D.
Eh, I wasn't very impressed. The pros: -The chips and salsa was good. I like the small touch of using a chip as the salsa bowl. -The menu had a lot of options. -The food came out quick. -The guac was good. The cons: -The server was very nice but wasn't very enthusiastic. -The food was okay. I wasn't blown away by it. Overall, I would suggest coming here for a few drinks and appetizers.
(3)
Hawk C.
This is my favorite local Mexican joint. The Redwood Enchilada is one of my top ten dishes of all time. Their rice is different and good. I always end up eating my dates. She is a big fan of their Tilapia or what I like to call "mystery fish of the day." The chips come in a bowl made out of a chip so you get to eat the whole thing.
(5)
Michelle J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday afternoon - the place wasn't packed but it was steady with a few tables. We had a large group and it was perfect because they seated us in the middle of the restaurant by combining all their loose tables. They had a bunch of specials that day including mole. I wasn't amazed by the food - typical Mexican restaurant. I ordered the steak tacos and there was a good amount of meat and onions in them - fairly tasty too. My husband ordered a combination of a burrito and enchilada but they basically looked the same since it was all covered in the same sauce. The best part of the meal was the homemade salsa - the salsa was ON POINT! I think I ate more chips and salsa compared to my actual meal. I didn't find a specific dish I'd rave about aside from the salsa. It was good to try it but that's about it. Bon appetit ya'll.
(2)
Andrea P.
Our meals were wonderful. Very tasty! The staff is always quick and eager to please.
(5)
Natalie D.
Went in there and the owner stared at me like i was an alien. Idk where he learned customer service but i will never be back
(1)
Megan P.
I've been going to Mi Casa for over 12 years now! Such a great place and all delicious food. They just started giving you a "spicy" option for your meals. If you like spice definitely go for it, you won't regret it!
(4)
Terri C.
We arrived about 30 minutes before closing and this was our 3rd choice for Mexican as our other spots had already closed. The surprisingly great things: hostess/waitress was the nicest person ever, dinner arrived hot and tasty and fast. Things not so great is the apparent wear and tear on the decor that is a downer. The couple sitting in the booth behind me got up to leave and my seat moved. Being a Sangria lover, I had to send the House Sangria back - it was a cloudy color, tasted sour and had a small piece of unidentifiable fruit. Then I got a golden margarita that was so strong, I'm glad I wasn't driving.
(2)
Kristoffer G.
Excellent food. Having grown up in the Los Angeles area, it's great to find "authentic" Mexican food. Had a bit of a customer service issue on my last visit, but the owner followed up and made it right. Much appreciated.
(4)
Lexi C.
The chips and salsa are perfect! Not too spicy. Mexican food is my favorite and this place is authentic and family run. They know good Mexican food for sure. The guacamole is very fresh and the chicken salad I got was very yummy. I have had trouble finding great Mexican food on the East Coast but this place nailed it. The prices are descent and the ambience is super cute. The service was great too!
(4)
Jen L.
I was very underwhelmed with the service and menu. I did order their special which was Jack Daniels fajitas. The flavor was great, but not what I would think of traditional mexican food. They only gave you two tortillas which was not enough for the portions and charged extra if you wanted an additional one. One of my favorite things about mexican restaurants is the free chips and salsa. The presentation of the salsa in a tortilla bowl was nice however they did not give you many chips. When I asked for more salsa the waiter first went and cleaned off a table when there was no rush due to very few people there that night instead of putting the customers needs first. The prices were also pretty steep. I will probably not go back.
(2)
Kirk C.
My family and I recently moved here from Honolulu where it is hard to find a good Mexican restaurant. Rocky met us as the door and was very polite and welcoming as he showed us to our seats. I ordered the chicken and beef tacos which were great. We will be going back again soon. Thanks Rocky!
(5)
Scott H.
Why is it so hard to find good Mexican food? I have been going to this place for years and used to like it. The past 2 years it has been very disappointing. Most of the food seemed reheated (unevenly) and definitely not fresh. Even stale chips! The overall experience has been poor. Not to mention worn out seats, and a general unclean appearance. Yuck. With Qdoba next door and Chipotle opening up across the street soon I can't see them staying open very long. It's too bad, I always try to go to locally owned restaurants. But this place doesn't deserve my money.
(1)
Melanie R.
Last night was probably my fifth time eating here over a two year period. I once liked the chips and salsa pretty good, and they have decent drinks, but man have they went downhill fast! The experience starts off pretty poor when you walk in, and are barely greeted, then taken to a table with booth seating that is ripped and torn. It is actually pretty gross when I really think about it. My sangria tasted like it was made days ago, and was not even cold. I had to ask for ice. Our salsa had a strange almost pickled flavor. The enchilladas were blah..they had canned tomatoes (I can tell) and very poor quality cheese. The rice was ok, but how can you mess up rice. The food is so mediocre, and for just a little bit more money you can have a great meal at Xiomate! This place is in definite need of a revamp.
(2)
Josh Y.
Usually when i pass by this place at night i see many people, but i came on a saturday afternoon and luckily we were the only customers. We ordered a mexican seafood dip for an appetizer. I ordered the chicken or pork chimichanga. The waiter was always there to serve us because we were the only customers so that was a plus. I also liked the fact that salsa and chips were a 'free appetizer' like you would see a bread basket and cheesecake factory. The seafood dip tasted like it had been microwaved. Maybe it was due to the oils from the cheese. The food came out and it wasnt good or bad. Of course knowing that it was a Chimichanga, it was heavy. This place is really similar to Cuba De Ayer in Burtonsville. I would recommend going to Cuba de Ayer before this place. This place is also a tad bit more expensive.
(3)
Hollis B.
History: First off, let me just say that I have been going to Mi Casa for years. Almost since they opened. I have been many, many times. Over the last several years, the quality and tastiness of their food has gone downhill. At my daughter's insistence, we ate there again last night and I can now say with confidence -- no mas. Food & Drink: Now, my daughter had their Chile Verde which is all she ever gets there. She liked it. I did not try it. I had the Tacos al Carbon with steak. The tacos were bland. The hot sauce they serve with the tacos were bland. The meat tasted fatty and, well, bland. If nothing else, I used to always be able to count on their margaritas being good. Nope. The one I had tasted musty. Prices: Mi Casa has never been a cheap dinner. And when the food was good, okay, fine. Two entrees, one dessert, one standard margarita, and a 20% tip = $55. When I think about that in the context of the other truly delicious Mexican food I can get elsewhere for, um, $10, those prices don't make sense. I also didn't appreciate the cheapskate move of charging an additional .50 cents because my daughter requested 1 extra soft flour tortilla. Service: The service was very nice. Our waiter was polite, prompt, and pleasant. No gripes there. Future: I cannot imagine that this restaurant can last, given the increasing local competition and the decreasing quality and innovation in what they offer. Teres Latin Market up the street is opening a restaurant. Why? Because their simple carnitas for a couple bucks each are freaking delicious. In my opinion, the primary ingredient needed to present a tasty taco or dish, with some brightness and flavor, is that you have to care. I don't think they do at Mi Casa.
(1)
Emily L.
Mi Casa is a middle-of-the-road Mexican joint. Not Taco Bell, but not Azul 17 either (and if you don't know Azul 17, GET THEE TO COLUMBIA and prepare to be amazed!) The atmosphere is predictably . . . Mexican, with fake adobe walls and cactus-shaped margarita glasses. But the kitch is what makes it fun, right? Also some monster philodendrons that may or may not have engulfed the whole place by the next time you return. Their food is very decent. Enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas and nachos are all very similar -- tortillas with meat and cheese, served with beans and rice. Salsa is fresh and good; guacamole is also good, but don't order a "side" unless you want to be charged $4 for a couple of tablespoons. Margaritas are just what they should be, and there's a decent selection of beers too. Servers are pleasant, not pushy. Not a lot to say either way, but if you're in the area and want Mexican, this is your place!
(3)
Joel R.
Probably the worst Mexican food ever!! Meat was very low quality, and extremely tough. My other friends and family at the table were also very disappointed with there dinner.
(1)
Yaka H.
When we first sat down, we were plagued by bugs. Luckily, we had extra napkins at the table, so the stinkbug and fruit flies weren't too much of a big deal. Start the meal off with complimentary chips (not warm) and salsa served up in a chip bowl (very cute). Their salsa is much more "pulpy" and "watery" tasting due to blended cucumber than other chip salsa I've had before. The texture was pleasant, but the flavor was weak. The meat filling itself is pretty good (shredded chicken, pork, and beef smothered in sauce), however the presentation of the dishes aren't your typical presentations, so in a way, it's a bit misleading. The chimichanga is nothing what you typically expect of a chimichanga. Instead it looks similarly to an apple blossom dessert. The Redwood enchilada, is more like a stack as opposed to an enchilada. Each of the entrees came with two types of beans (black and refried) and rice. The enchilada didn't come with any sides of lettuce, sour cream, etc; it's extra for these sides. This place seems unusually busy, so it's a place well-loved by locals. However, I would prefer to go to El Hildago (Elkridge) for tex-mex or just grab more authentic tacos from R&R Deli (Jessup). I would beware of parking, as the parking lot in the front and back is a bit tight (ie: 1 car in 1 direction at a time).
(2)
Vishal V.
Whenever I'm in the area this is my go to Mexican restaurant. From the chips to the salsa to the entrees, everything is delicious. They even have a great bar and drink menu. It's too bad we don't have great Mexican restaurants like this in NJ where I live. I would be there at least once a week given the opportunity. Muy Bueno Mi Casa!
(5)
henry g.
Just comeing from East Los Angeles my family and i wanted some good mexican food. Sad to say this place was over priced for the type of food we got. I should have just gone to Taco bell and saved my money... THIS PLACE SUCKS !!
(1)
Will G.
In the range of boring texmex, MI CASA definitely ranks on the lower end. And this doesn't mean I've had better in Arizona or Texas; by this I mean that it's only slightly better than Tacobell, or even taco night at a retirement home. Their ingredients seem to be mostly canned, and their queso dip was suspiciously similar to velveeta melted in the microwave. Not even their salsa tasted freshly prepared (think jarred Frito Lay), and I can't remember a single fresh vegetable on either my or my wife's plates - even the compulsory shredded ice berg was missing. My wife's Chile Verde looked completely unappetizing (taste was fine, though a little dry), and in what looked like an effort to save on tortillas, my Redwood Enchiladas were actually two flat, unrolled tortillas with meat between the layers topped with cheese and canned tomato sauce. Maybe this is more authentic, but if so, it's the only thing on the menu that is. The worst part of all - not a good deal. We had 2 entrees, queso dip, 1 beer & waters for around $45, less tip. The best part - no wait for a table and they served black beans instead of the refried lard paste. Route 40 has a great many good places to eat, so it's hard to imagine that this place will last. Then again, there aren't many other sit-down Mexican options around, so considering the size of the market, they probably stay open by burning first-timers and not even considering repeat customers.
(2)
Irene T.
Positively the best Mexican food in the area. I have been to Mi Casa on several occasions and have never had a bad experience. If it's just a few friends or a large party the employees go out of there way to accommodate you. The food is as good as it gets, and I have never been disappointed. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere inviting . Make sure you ask Rocky for the specials, you will never go wrong following his recommendations.
(5)
Rob N.
Having hit all of the other Tex-Mex joints worth trying in my neck of the woods, I figured we'd drop into Mi Casa since we've driven past it over and over without stopping. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much - my expectations were aimed pretty low when we rolled into the parking lot in front of the storefront strip. Stepping through the front door didn't improve my opinion - TV going over the bar, cliche tex-mex fiesta decor. But damned if they didn't serve up some decent grub. The chips and salsa were OK - the salsa fresh with a little heat to it, the chips crisp and not oily. I ordered up some fish tacos, and was pleasantly surprised that a) the pinto and black beans served alongside were beans, not mush, b) the soft corn tortillas were grilled before filling and slightly charred - nice, c) the fish wasn't skimpy and was properly cooked and moist, and d) the tacos were served piping hot. Even the rice on the side was worth eating. It might not be the best Tex-Mex on the planet, but it was good food. And, compared to some of the other offerings in the area, Mi Casa is definitely a solid choice.
(4)
Te T.
I've passed this restaurant numerous times and never thought to stop. I guess the bar signs had put me off a bit. Today was apparently the day as my mother asked to have lunch here. She had dined here twice recently and enjoyed their Arroz con Pollo. The decor and ambience is half party bar and half kitschy Mexican restaurant. Our young waiter looked dressed for a high end restaurant (white shirt, black dress pants) and though very efficient, seemed focused on something on the TV in the bar. The lady of the house was very doting and took over once our orders where served. Apparently this cheery woman is who normally takes care of things when my mother had visited in the past. As to our meals, my mother's arroz con pollo was as good as on previous trips. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with pinto beans and couldn't complain. This is not high-end Mexican dining by any stretch. Satisfying and worth what you pay for. If you've ever been to an "Anita's" in Virginia, this has fewer items on the menu but about the same taste. Will I return? If I want American-Mexican, don't want to dress up, and don't want to drive far, yes. It's not the best Mexican I've ever had but it's definitely not the worst. I'd call it "safe" Mexican.
(3)
R B.
Pretty good Mexican. Just far overpriced. I got enchiladas and they were $13.50. If I'm at a top end restaurant, fine, but this is mid level food for high level prices.
(2)
Ruth G.
Seriously the worst place to get mexican food. I was very disappointed with the food and service. Id rather go to Qdoba!
(1)
Tracy G.
My husband and I stopped here late on a Friday night because we were hungry and there was no wait. We were blown away with how friendly and family like the staff treated us! The food is great, a tad over priced but definitely better than most of the other Mexican restaurants in the area. We had the fiesta burrito and the enchiladas and they were so flavorful and delicious! We will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Chris J.
I got the chile verde which was in the specialties section while my wife ordered a number combo. Her food looked good, mine tasted fine but there was so little of it. I don't go to Mexican restaurants to leave still hungry, I want to be full and maybe even have leftovers. Considering how much I paid for a "speciality", I had hoped for more.
(2)
Jon S.
Not bad at all, kept the cheese to a reasonable amount. Hot, fresh, salsa with I think cucumber (pureed, I think), gave it a nice freshness. Kinda pricey overall though.
(3)
Debbi K.
Mi Casa used to be my favorite, favorite, favorite place...not anymore! Went there last night with a friend. They have fantastic margaritas but the meals were less than mediocre. We were there about 2 hours and they did not even refill the water glasses. The prices have gone up and quality of food has gone down. Won't be going back... guess I'll have to find another Mexican restaurant
(1)
Drew B.
Top shelf margarita and bar-b-que fajitas were amazing! Try them!!
(4)
Dianne Z.
The other half was bent on Mexican so i surprised him by heading up 29 to Mi Casa. This place blows the doors off the standard chain finds in Columbia...so GO there....and order Combo #5. You won't be disappointed. The complimentary chips and salsa are awesome.
(4)
Brian M.
Mi Casa, once in heavy rotation as a dinner spot for my wife and I is sadly on the downhill at the moment. The food is still very good. The beef burrito is filled with flavorful shredded beef rather than bland tasteless ground. The chili verde offers tender chunks of pork in a mild to medium green sauce. The guacamole dip is excellent and as good as you will find in these parts. The food is 4 star. All that said, the current crop of wait staff and servers are all miserable! They don't want to be there and it is evident with every action. Empty glasses go unfilled without flagging someone down or getting lucky enough to catch someone on their way through. It will likely take you additional time to one get your bill and two get it run through. No idea if the same family is still running things. They certainly are using the same recipes, but the indifference of the staff has me irked. Unfortunately this has been my experience that last 2-3 trips. So where we used to dine at least once a month, we now dine about every 6 months.
(2)
Wayne G.
We like the place. It's clean, the food is very good, and the prices are reasonable. There is additional parking in The back. The service is good and the cooks are awesome.
(3)
Rebecca W.
Service was fast but our waiter was so creepy. Enchiladas were "meh" to "good," but mostly my impression was "yes, this is indeed food." The tamale was terrible. Portions were decent size. Dining room was a little weird and felt claustrophobic and not at all private, even if you were sitting at a booth.
(3)
Samuel C.
Very good food..!! I have a combo 2 with Spanish rice, 2 burrito, and black beans. The waitress nice..!
(4)
Ezra B.
Epic amounts of food and stayed open just for us makes me a happy camper. Food wasn't the best, burrito was nothing special but the chicken tacos are something to come here for. Tasty and cheap with lots of food. I can dig that. Basically your run of the mill Tex-Mex joint that really isn't that exciting.
(3)
Traci P.
Food was OK (not bad, but not good). But the service was TERRIBLE. The restaurant was not busy (not even half full) and it took 5 minutes for them to seat me, 10 minutes to come take my order (AND EVEN THEN, she took my friend's order and not mine! WTF?!) and another 20 minutes for a plate of tacos and flautas. I mean really.... 20 mins for tortillas and meat. And, of course let's not forget the fact that we had to ask for our drinks to be refilled on more than one occasion and repeat just about everything we said.
(2)
C A.
Horrible service- had to ask waiter to take the order, food was skimpy, and not worth your money... Go somewhere else!!!!
(1)
Jessica A.
Tamales are larger than I expected. If you're looking for spicy, you'll need to go heavy on the Cholula and Tabasco (provided at the table). The refried beans were ridiculously good... whole pinto beans in it. No mix here!
(3)
Brittany C.
This was such a disappointment. I love mexican food, all kinds of mexican food at all prices and styles. But what I DON'T like is over priced mexican food that is lacking in flavor and quantity. The food here is nothing to be impressed about. Chips and salsa, meh. Fajitas, meh. Chimichanga, meh. All of the food was like $15 an entree, but was so much less quality and quantity of food than you get at mexican restaurants half that price. AND their service was dismissive and rude. Not a fan. At least it was edible hence the 2 stars, but I honestly recommend ANY other mexican restaurant in the area.
(2)
Solari B.
Worst Mexican restaurant I've ever experienced. Both my girlfriend and I felt very sick afterward. They don't use fresh ingredients. Their chicken is the same low quality chicken you'll find served in a lot of low-end Chinese restaurants in their chicken fried rice and other dishes. It was just horrible. It barely even tasted like Mexican food; Taco Bell tastes better. The salsa was the only thing that was halfway okay, but stale chips ruined it. If you're looking for good, authentic Mexican in the Baltimore area, check out Mari Luna in Pikesville. If you want bad Mexican and to feel sick to your stomach for the rest of the day, definitely go to Mi Casa.
(1)
Vinay T.
I always visit Mi Casa whenever I am in the DC/Baltimore area. When I lived in Maryland - I used to frequent it about once a month. I have been to Mexican restaurants around the world, and this is definitely in my Top 3 for Mexican restaurants. The chips and salsa are (by far) the best I have ever had - which makes it difficult not to fill up on. My favorite dishes are the seafood quesadillas, the chicken fajita, the chicken chimichanga, and Redwood enchiladas. For dessert (if I have room) I get the sopapillas. If you're drinking - try the margarita on the rocks or the sangria - and you won't be disappointed. If you live in the area or are visiting - Mi Casa is a must try!
(5)
Debra C.
We drive across town for this Mexican restaurant. Good Margarita. Good chips. Excellent salsa (hot!) and guac. Steak fajitas were very good - could have given more cheese on the plate. The chimichanga looked good - lots of shredded beef. Server was attentive. Would have given it 5 stars, but it is a bit pricey for this type of restaurant.
(4)
Mary M.
Amazing guacamole dip, so if you love guac check this place out! The food is good as well and the price is right!
(3)
Alan B.
Like reviewer Clint, I too grew up in Los Angeles - i.e., I know real Mexican food, and it is very hard to come by outside the influence found in SoCal. That said, you are not going to find it here either, but definitely getting closer. Their food is going to make you love Mexican food if you don't already. It is very good, hence I give them 4 stars overall. My only complaint is that for dinner they seem to be a bit pricey for the meal. If they were more reasonable (IMHO), I would probably eat there more often. The atmosphere is typical for a small Mexican restaurant, the selection is very decent, and the service has been without issue. If you are in the Ellicott City, MD area and would like a decent Mexican meal, this is worth trying.
(4)
Jamie B.
Love this place! Definitely my favorite Mexican food anywhere. I recommend the chicken enchiladas or the paella!
(5)
Clint U.
I grew up in East LA....around the barrios that Cheech and Chong used to joke about...I have been to Mexico and eaten off the carts on the street...so I have experienced a wide variety of great Mexican food. With that said....Mi Casa...is good for Maryland. Not great...but good enough to be a repeat customer because...Taco Bell is not mexican, and this is the only decent mexican restaurant nearby. If you are in the neighborhood...don't want to drive another 10 miles....and want Mexican food...this is ok to eat here.
(3)
Justin K.
Yumyumyumyum. Whenever I'm in Ellicott City I love to go here. The seafood fajitas are amazing..lump crab meat, shrimpers, scallops, peppers, and caramelized onions. The Paella is nice too and the service is great.
(5)
Christina S.
Mi Casa is one of our favorite local places to get Mexican. The service is great, the food is delicious, with good portions, and the margaritas were great too! We love the salsa, which has a nice kick to it, and comes in a cute tortilla bowl. They are also very generous in offering some extra salsa to go with your meal if you request it. I would recommend the Redwood Enchilada or the Chili Verde (braised pork) which were delish!
(4)
g h.
Good food, and friendly service. I once went and they were out of guacamole. The owner, who was taking our order, must have seen the look of disappointment on our faces. He laughed and told us that if we were willing to run to the grocery store just across the street, to pick up avocados, then he would make us guacamole. We did, and he did! ;) The fajitas are amazing, and you can't go wrong with their tacos!
(4)
Joe H.
We're new to the area and were craving Mexican. Problem is we just moved here from San Diego, so our standards for Mexican fare are pretty high. However, we went in with an open mind. We chose Mi Casa based on the high reviews and a desire to not eat at a corporate chain; e.g., On The Border or Don Pablo. The chips and salsa were nothing special, despite what another reviewer stated; the chips weren't even warm, which is something I've come to expect at a Mexican restaurant. The wife and I each ordered chimichangas. The kid got the kid's quesadilla (more on that later). The chimis were ok: not bad, not great. We were expecting a flaky, crispy entree (like chimis should be), but instead got a totally smothered enchilada-like thing. Again, taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't really a chimi. The kid's quesadilla came with no sides of any sort, so my wife had to give half of her black beans to him so that he would have some variety to his meal. We finished up with a flan that was pretty good. The bill turned into quite a sticker shock at $50. It turns out that the "kid's meal" doesn't even include the kid's drink, which was the same price as an adult's. And don't forget, there were no sides to that kid's meal. So, they charge $5.25 for a smallish quesadilla and full price for the drink! This has to be the most expensive "kid's meal" that I've ever seen for what you get. So, bottom line: nothing great and really overpriced. We won't be back. On another note, there was quite a number of people waiting for tables when we left. Based on that and the high reviews on Yelp, I don't think Marylanders know what good Mexican food really is. Then again, maybe I'm just a San Diegan Mexican food snob...
My experience with Mexican restaurants is limited and embarassing (Taco Bell, Don Pablo, and Chevy's), but BY FAR Mi Casa is better! I had the chicken tacos and beef enchiladas which was great! Meats are tender. Service is great and portions and prices are reasonable. Kids menu available. Parking is tight.
(4)
Don M.
I have been going to Mi Casa for over a decade and have always been satisfied. Everything there is fresh and the service is fast. I am a fan of their taco salad (it's that freshness thing again), but I have never found a dish there I did not enjoy. I prefer lunches, though. After 5:00 pm the bar business takes over and the place becomes less Mexican and more sports. The owner is terrific, but his son is less so: get a waitress to serve you if you can.
(4)
Sal M.
We absolutely love this place. Everything from the complimentary Chips and Salsa to main a coarse on the menu (and we have pretty much tried the whole menu) seems like a real chef made it, unlike most Mexican fares that have that bland taste. Definitely one of the best and unique Mexican menus on the east coast. It won't leave you disappointed.
(5)
Danny L.
Tex-Mex. Not really authentic Mexican but on par with Chevy's or Don Pablo's.
(3)
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Address :3355 Saint Johns Ln
Ellicott City, MD, 21042
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 : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No 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 : Yes 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.
Slacker K.
Dinner here on Monday 10/18 was absolutely terrible. First indications that there may be a problem was the drinks, my margarita tasted completely free of tequila and worse yet didn't even taste like a margarita at all. However, that paled in comparison to the grotesqueness of the sangria, which tasted like a combination of nail polish, mulling spices and weak fruit juice. The chips and salsa arrived quickly but did little to help the situation, why oh why would one put cucumber in salsa??? Much better salsa can be had from a random supermarket jar. The chicken quesadilla was only a marginal improvement, very little chicken which tasted like it was straight from grocery pre-cooked bag and a bit of cheese, with some kind of odd tasting tomato based sauce. I foolishly ordered paella and joked before it arrived "it'll be spanish rice topped with seafood and some ranchero sauce". Well, lo and behold that's exactly what it was, just plain horrible. The mussels were so bad, probably several days past their prime, that I ate less than half of them. The fish tacos were the only thing served that weren't awful, and they simply were not awful, not good though. Worst of all was the bill, $60 for that? Los Portales and Pachanga Grill are exponentially better options.
(1)F D.
We had jalapeno poppers, a veggie quesadilla, veggie enchiladas, and a chili relleno. Everything was tasty and a little was left over from our party of four. We will be back.
(4)Christa W.
I have yet to find better Mexican food. This place is no-frills but fantastic. It was the first restaurtant we went to the night we moved to Maryland and my family has been going here fairly consistantly for the past three years. The seafood fajitas (lump crab meat, scallops, shrimp and veggies) are stellar and big enough to share. Other crowd pleasers include: the chicken (cheese, beef, or veggie) quesadillas, the chimichanga, and the paella. Plus, the rice and refried beans are killer. Besides being great food, the prices are really reasonable and the environment is relaxed enough for any day of the week. The service is really good too -- we almost always get the same friendly waiter. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Julie J.
The best mexican food in the Ellicott City/Catonsville area by far. The food is delicious and really consistent. This is the one place my husband and I can go to and know that we will get a good dinner without having to drive to Columbia. Their desserts are really yummy too - try the chocolate cake!
(5)Jess C.
I love this place. It's nothing fancy, but it's good authentic Mexican food. The food is always hot and tasty, and the service is always fast and friendly. The prices are definitely reasonable. We visit frequently and are never disappointed.
(5)Katie B.
We love this place!! No pretense and friendly staff. You aren't going to get a high end overall experience here, but you will get DELICIOUS food. Any combo is great!! We have come here for 10 years with the same consistent staff, experience and delicious food. I cannot say that about a single other establishment - give it a go! You'll be back.
(5)Edward S.
I've eaten here a lot over the years and I think you can trust me when I say that it's gone downhill since I started eating there. To start with the quality of food has gone down while the prices I feel have gone up and in some cases you don't get a lot of bang for your buck anymore. For instance the amount of meat with the fajitas or their special JD fajitas, which they never tell you how much more expensive they are. My wife has also noticed that the rice they are serving as a side for the meals is tasteless. Lastly, the chips and salsa were one of my favorite aspects of this restaurant, but there have been a few times where the salsa has definitely been lacking. In fact, one time it almost tasted like it had started turning, or pickling, as if it had not been freshly made. This restaurant is not as packed as it once was, and I think it's because of a negative trend for the food. To be honest I loved this place, I couldn't wait to go back because the food was always great and the service was as well. But that's not the case anymore based on our last 7-8 trips. And that disappoints me.
(2)Ed B.
Pros: salsa was good and a little spicy, the service was quick and the place is clean. Cons: the menu prices are outrageous! A kids cheese quesadilla is 6$! No side dishes... Just a tortilla and cheese. Unreal. The fajita beef was so tough I nearly choked on it. They have to do better than that for 16$. The first basket of chips and salsa is free... The next one is 3$. First place I've ever been to that charges for chips. All things considered this is one of the worst Mexican restaurants around. There are so many better choices locally than this place. Price and quality really hold them back. I don't know how they stay in business.
(1)Jessica A.
I regularly go to Mi Casa. I love their seafood enchiladas. I'm not a fan of Mexican food, but I really love the enchiladas. I can walk in and Rocky immediately asks me if I want "the usual." That's customer service! My only real complaint is that it is a bit pricey for the atmosphere. It's very laid back and I don't think the prices match the overall decor. The food is very tasty, though.
(4)Kyle D.
Eh, I wasn't very impressed. The pros: -The chips and salsa was good. I like the small touch of using a chip as the salsa bowl. -The menu had a lot of options. -The food came out quick. -The guac was good. The cons: -The server was very nice but wasn't very enthusiastic. -The food was okay. I wasn't blown away by it. Overall, I would suggest coming here for a few drinks and appetizers.
(3)Hawk C.
This is my favorite local Mexican joint. The Redwood Enchilada is one of my top ten dishes of all time. Their rice is different and good. I always end up eating my dates. She is a big fan of their Tilapia or what I like to call "mystery fish of the day." The chips come in a bowl made out of a chip so you get to eat the whole thing.
(5)Michelle J.
Came here with a group of friends on a Sunday afternoon - the place wasn't packed but it was steady with a few tables. We had a large group and it was perfect because they seated us in the middle of the restaurant by combining all their loose tables. They had a bunch of specials that day including mole. I wasn't amazed by the food - typical Mexican restaurant. I ordered the steak tacos and there was a good amount of meat and onions in them - fairly tasty too. My husband ordered a combination of a burrito and enchilada but they basically looked the same since it was all covered in the same sauce. The best part of the meal was the homemade salsa - the salsa was ON POINT! I think I ate more chips and salsa compared to my actual meal. I didn't find a specific dish I'd rave about aside from the salsa. It was good to try it but that's about it. Bon appetit ya'll.
(2)Andrea P.
Our meals were wonderful. Very tasty! The staff is always quick and eager to please.
(5)Natalie D.
Went in there and the owner stared at me like i was an alien. Idk where he learned customer service but i will never be back
(1)Megan P.
I've been going to Mi Casa for over 12 years now! Such a great place and all delicious food. They just started giving you a "spicy" option for your meals. If you like spice definitely go for it, you won't regret it!
(4)Terri C.
We arrived about 30 minutes before closing and this was our 3rd choice for Mexican as our other spots had already closed. The surprisingly great things: hostess/waitress was the nicest person ever, dinner arrived hot and tasty and fast. Things not so great is the apparent wear and tear on the decor that is a downer. The couple sitting in the booth behind me got up to leave and my seat moved. Being a Sangria lover, I had to send the House Sangria back - it was a cloudy color, tasted sour and had a small piece of unidentifiable fruit. Then I got a golden margarita that was so strong, I'm glad I wasn't driving.
(2)Kristoffer G.
Excellent food. Having grown up in the Los Angeles area, it's great to find "authentic" Mexican food. Had a bit of a customer service issue on my last visit, but the owner followed up and made it right. Much appreciated.
(4)Lexi C.
The chips and salsa are perfect! Not too spicy. Mexican food is my favorite and this place is authentic and family run. They know good Mexican food for sure. The guacamole is very fresh and the chicken salad I got was very yummy. I have had trouble finding great Mexican food on the East Coast but this place nailed it. The prices are descent and the ambience is super cute. The service was great too!
(4)Jen L.
I was very underwhelmed with the service and menu. I did order their special which was Jack Daniels fajitas. The flavor was great, but not what I would think of traditional mexican food. They only gave you two tortillas which was not enough for the portions and charged extra if you wanted an additional one. One of my favorite things about mexican restaurants is the free chips and salsa. The presentation of the salsa in a tortilla bowl was nice however they did not give you many chips. When I asked for more salsa the waiter first went and cleaned off a table when there was no rush due to very few people there that night instead of putting the customers needs first. The prices were also pretty steep. I will probably not go back.
(2)Kirk C.
My family and I recently moved here from Honolulu where it is hard to find a good Mexican restaurant. Rocky met us as the door and was very polite and welcoming as he showed us to our seats. I ordered the chicken and beef tacos which were great. We will be going back again soon. Thanks Rocky!
(5)Scott H.
Why is it so hard to find good Mexican food? I have been going to this place for years and used to like it. The past 2 years it has been very disappointing. Most of the food seemed reheated (unevenly) and definitely not fresh. Even stale chips! The overall experience has been poor. Not to mention worn out seats, and a general unclean appearance. Yuck. With Qdoba next door and Chipotle opening up across the street soon I can't see them staying open very long. It's too bad, I always try to go to locally owned restaurants. But this place doesn't deserve my money.
(1)Melanie R.
Last night was probably my fifth time eating here over a two year period. I once liked the chips and salsa pretty good, and they have decent drinks, but man have they went downhill fast! The experience starts off pretty poor when you walk in, and are barely greeted, then taken to a table with booth seating that is ripped and torn. It is actually pretty gross when I really think about it. My sangria tasted like it was made days ago, and was not even cold. I had to ask for ice. Our salsa had a strange almost pickled flavor. The enchilladas were blah..they had canned tomatoes (I can tell) and very poor quality cheese. The rice was ok, but how can you mess up rice. The food is so mediocre, and for just a little bit more money you can have a great meal at Xiomate! This place is in definite need of a revamp.
(2)Josh Y.
Usually when i pass by this place at night i see many people, but i came on a saturday afternoon and luckily we were the only customers. We ordered a mexican seafood dip for an appetizer. I ordered the chicken or pork chimichanga. The waiter was always there to serve us because we were the only customers so that was a plus. I also liked the fact that salsa and chips were a 'free appetizer' like you would see a bread basket and cheesecake factory. The seafood dip tasted like it had been microwaved. Maybe it was due to the oils from the cheese. The food came out and it wasnt good or bad. Of course knowing that it was a Chimichanga, it was heavy. This place is really similar to Cuba De Ayer in Burtonsville. I would recommend going to Cuba de Ayer before this place. This place is also a tad bit more expensive.
(3)Hollis B.
History: First off, let me just say that I have been going to Mi Casa for years. Almost since they opened. I have been many, many times. Over the last several years, the quality and tastiness of their food has gone downhill. At my daughter's insistence, we ate there again last night and I can now say with confidence -- no mas. Food & Drink: Now, my daughter had their Chile Verde which is all she ever gets there. She liked it. I did not try it. I had the Tacos al Carbon with steak. The tacos were bland. The hot sauce they serve with the tacos were bland. The meat tasted fatty and, well, bland. If nothing else, I used to always be able to count on their margaritas being good. Nope. The one I had tasted musty. Prices: Mi Casa has never been a cheap dinner. And when the food was good, okay, fine. Two entrees, one dessert, one standard margarita, and a 20% tip = $55. When I think about that in the context of the other truly delicious Mexican food I can get elsewhere for, um, $10, those prices don't make sense. I also didn't appreciate the cheapskate move of charging an additional .50 cents because my daughter requested 1 extra soft flour tortilla. Service: The service was very nice. Our waiter was polite, prompt, and pleasant. No gripes there. Future: I cannot imagine that this restaurant can last, given the increasing local competition and the decreasing quality and innovation in what they offer. Teres Latin Market up the street is opening a restaurant. Why? Because their simple carnitas for a couple bucks each are freaking delicious. In my opinion, the primary ingredient needed to present a tasty taco or dish, with some brightness and flavor, is that you have to care. I don't think they do at Mi Casa.
(1)Emily L.
Mi Casa is a middle-of-the-road Mexican joint. Not Taco Bell, but not Azul 17 either (and if you don't know Azul 17, GET THEE TO COLUMBIA and prepare to be amazed!) The atmosphere is predictably . . . Mexican, with fake adobe walls and cactus-shaped margarita glasses. But the kitch is what makes it fun, right? Also some monster philodendrons that may or may not have engulfed the whole place by the next time you return. Their food is very decent. Enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas and nachos are all very similar -- tortillas with meat and cheese, served with beans and rice. Salsa is fresh and good; guacamole is also good, but don't order a "side" unless you want to be charged $4 for a couple of tablespoons. Margaritas are just what they should be, and there's a decent selection of beers too. Servers are pleasant, not pushy. Not a lot to say either way, but if you're in the area and want Mexican, this is your place!
(3)Joel R.
Probably the worst Mexican food ever!! Meat was very low quality, and extremely tough. My other friends and family at the table were also very disappointed with there dinner.
(1)Yaka H.
When we first sat down, we were plagued by bugs. Luckily, we had extra napkins at the table, so the stinkbug and fruit flies weren't too much of a big deal. Start the meal off with complimentary chips (not warm) and salsa served up in a chip bowl (very cute). Their salsa is much more "pulpy" and "watery" tasting due to blended cucumber than other chip salsa I've had before. The texture was pleasant, but the flavor was weak. The meat filling itself is pretty good (shredded chicken, pork, and beef smothered in sauce), however the presentation of the dishes aren't your typical presentations, so in a way, it's a bit misleading. The chimichanga is nothing what you typically expect of a chimichanga. Instead it looks similarly to an apple blossom dessert. The Redwood enchilada, is more like a stack as opposed to an enchilada. Each of the entrees came with two types of beans (black and refried) and rice. The enchilada didn't come with any sides of lettuce, sour cream, etc; it's extra for these sides. This place seems unusually busy, so it's a place well-loved by locals. However, I would prefer to go to El Hildago (Elkridge) for tex-mex or just grab more authentic tacos from R&R Deli (Jessup). I would beware of parking, as the parking lot in the front and back is a bit tight (ie: 1 car in 1 direction at a time).
(2)Vishal V.
Whenever I'm in the area this is my go to Mexican restaurant. From the chips to the salsa to the entrees, everything is delicious. They even have a great bar and drink menu. It's too bad we don't have great Mexican restaurants like this in NJ where I live. I would be there at least once a week given the opportunity. Muy Bueno Mi Casa!
(5)henry g.
Just comeing from East Los Angeles my family and i wanted some good mexican food. Sad to say this place was over priced for the type of food we got. I should have just gone to Taco bell and saved my money... THIS PLACE SUCKS !!
(1)Will G.
In the range of boring texmex, MI CASA definitely ranks on the lower end. And this doesn't mean I've had better in Arizona or Texas; by this I mean that it's only slightly better than Tacobell, or even taco night at a retirement home. Their ingredients seem to be mostly canned, and their queso dip was suspiciously similar to velveeta melted in the microwave. Not even their salsa tasted freshly prepared (think jarred Frito Lay), and I can't remember a single fresh vegetable on either my or my wife's plates - even the compulsory shredded ice berg was missing. My wife's Chile Verde looked completely unappetizing (taste was fine, though a little dry), and in what looked like an effort to save on tortillas, my Redwood Enchiladas were actually two flat, unrolled tortillas with meat between the layers topped with cheese and canned tomato sauce. Maybe this is more authentic, but if so, it's the only thing on the menu that is. The worst part of all - not a good deal. We had 2 entrees, queso dip, 1 beer & waters for around $45, less tip. The best part - no wait for a table and they served black beans instead of the refried lard paste. Route 40 has a great many good places to eat, so it's hard to imagine that this place will last. Then again, there aren't many other sit-down Mexican options around, so considering the size of the market, they probably stay open by burning first-timers and not even considering repeat customers.
(2)Irene T.
Positively the best Mexican food in the area. I have been to Mi Casa on several occasions and have never had a bad experience. If it's just a few friends or a large party the employees go out of there way to accommodate you. The food is as good as it gets, and I have never been disappointed. The service is excellent, and the atmosphere inviting . Make sure you ask Rocky for the specials, you will never go wrong following his recommendations.
(5)Rob N.
Having hit all of the other Tex-Mex joints worth trying in my neck of the woods, I figured we'd drop into Mi Casa since we've driven past it over and over without stopping. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much - my expectations were aimed pretty low when we rolled into the parking lot in front of the storefront strip. Stepping through the front door didn't improve my opinion - TV going over the bar, cliche tex-mex fiesta decor. But damned if they didn't serve up some decent grub. The chips and salsa were OK - the salsa fresh with a little heat to it, the chips crisp and not oily. I ordered up some fish tacos, and was pleasantly surprised that a) the pinto and black beans served alongside were beans, not mush, b) the soft corn tortillas were grilled before filling and slightly charred - nice, c) the fish wasn't skimpy and was properly cooked and moist, and d) the tacos were served piping hot. Even the rice on the side was worth eating. It might not be the best Tex-Mex on the planet, but it was good food. And, compared to some of the other offerings in the area, Mi Casa is definitely a solid choice.
(4)Te T.
I've passed this restaurant numerous times and never thought to stop. I guess the bar signs had put me off a bit. Today was apparently the day as my mother asked to have lunch here. She had dined here twice recently and enjoyed their Arroz con Pollo. The decor and ambience is half party bar and half kitschy Mexican restaurant. Our young waiter looked dressed for a high end restaurant (white shirt, black dress pants) and though very efficient, seemed focused on something on the TV in the bar. The lady of the house was very doting and took over once our orders where served. Apparently this cheery woman is who normally takes care of things when my mother had visited in the past. As to our meals, my mother's arroz con pollo was as good as on previous trips. I ordered the chicken enchiladas with pinto beans and couldn't complain. This is not high-end Mexican dining by any stretch. Satisfying and worth what you pay for. If you've ever been to an "Anita's" in Virginia, this has fewer items on the menu but about the same taste. Will I return? If I want American-Mexican, don't want to dress up, and don't want to drive far, yes. It's not the best Mexican I've ever had but it's definitely not the worst. I'd call it "safe" Mexican.
(3)R B.
Pretty good Mexican. Just far overpriced. I got enchiladas and they were $13.50. If I'm at a top end restaurant, fine, but this is mid level food for high level prices.
(2)Ruth G.
Seriously the worst place to get mexican food. I was very disappointed with the food and service. Id rather go to Qdoba!
(1)Tracy G.
My husband and I stopped here late on a Friday night because we were hungry and there was no wait. We were blown away with how friendly and family like the staff treated us! The food is great, a tad over priced but definitely better than most of the other Mexican restaurants in the area. We had the fiesta burrito and the enchiladas and they were so flavorful and delicious! We will definitely be coming back.
(4)Chris J.
I got the chile verde which was in the specialties section while my wife ordered a number combo. Her food looked good, mine tasted fine but there was so little of it. I don't go to Mexican restaurants to leave still hungry, I want to be full and maybe even have leftovers. Considering how much I paid for a "speciality", I had hoped for more.
(2)Jon S.
Not bad at all, kept the cheese to a reasonable amount. Hot, fresh, salsa with I think cucumber (pureed, I think), gave it a nice freshness. Kinda pricey overall though.
(3)Debbi K.
Mi Casa used to be my favorite, favorite, favorite place...not anymore! Went there last night with a friend. They have fantastic margaritas but the meals were less than mediocre. We were there about 2 hours and they did not even refill the water glasses. The prices have gone up and quality of food has gone down. Won't be going back... guess I'll have to find another Mexican restaurant
(1)Drew B.
Top shelf margarita and bar-b-que fajitas were amazing! Try them!!
(4)Dianne Z.
The other half was bent on Mexican so i surprised him by heading up 29 to Mi Casa. This place blows the doors off the standard chain finds in Columbia...so GO there....and order Combo #5. You won't be disappointed. The complimentary chips and salsa are awesome.
(4)Brian M.
Mi Casa, once in heavy rotation as a dinner spot for my wife and I is sadly on the downhill at the moment. The food is still very good. The beef burrito is filled with flavorful shredded beef rather than bland tasteless ground. The chili verde offers tender chunks of pork in a mild to medium green sauce. The guacamole dip is excellent and as good as you will find in these parts. The food is 4 star. All that said, the current crop of wait staff and servers are all miserable! They don't want to be there and it is evident with every action. Empty glasses go unfilled without flagging someone down or getting lucky enough to catch someone on their way through. It will likely take you additional time to one get your bill and two get it run through. No idea if the same family is still running things. They certainly are using the same recipes, but the indifference of the staff has me irked. Unfortunately this has been my experience that last 2-3 trips. So where we used to dine at least once a month, we now dine about every 6 months.
(2)Wayne G.
We like the place. It's clean, the food is very good, and the prices are reasonable. There is additional parking in The back. The service is good and the cooks are awesome.
(3)Rebecca W.
Service was fast but our waiter was so creepy. Enchiladas were "meh" to "good," but mostly my impression was "yes, this is indeed food." The tamale was terrible. Portions were decent size. Dining room was a little weird and felt claustrophobic and not at all private, even if you were sitting at a booth.
(3)Samuel C.
Very good food..!! I have a combo 2 with Spanish rice, 2 burrito, and black beans. The waitress nice..!
(4)Ezra B.
Epic amounts of food and stayed open just for us makes me a happy camper. Food wasn't the best, burrito was nothing special but the chicken tacos are something to come here for. Tasty and cheap with lots of food. I can dig that. Basically your run of the mill Tex-Mex joint that really isn't that exciting.
(3)Traci P.
Food was OK (not bad, but not good). But the service was TERRIBLE. The restaurant was not busy (not even half full) and it took 5 minutes for them to seat me, 10 minutes to come take my order (AND EVEN THEN, she took my friend's order and not mine! WTF?!) and another 20 minutes for a plate of tacos and flautas. I mean really.... 20 mins for tortillas and meat. And, of course let's not forget the fact that we had to ask for our drinks to be refilled on more than one occasion and repeat just about everything we said.
(2)C A.
Horrible service- had to ask waiter to take the order, food was skimpy, and not worth your money... Go somewhere else!!!!
(1)Jessica A.
Tamales are larger than I expected. If you're looking for spicy, you'll need to go heavy on the Cholula and Tabasco (provided at the table). The refried beans were ridiculously good... whole pinto beans in it. No mix here!
(3)Brittany C.
This was such a disappointment. I love mexican food, all kinds of mexican food at all prices and styles. But what I DON'T like is over priced mexican food that is lacking in flavor and quantity. The food here is nothing to be impressed about. Chips and salsa, meh. Fajitas, meh. Chimichanga, meh. All of the food was like $15 an entree, but was so much less quality and quantity of food than you get at mexican restaurants half that price. AND their service was dismissive and rude. Not a fan. At least it was edible hence the 2 stars, but I honestly recommend ANY other mexican restaurant in the area.
(2)Solari B.
Worst Mexican restaurant I've ever experienced. Both my girlfriend and I felt very sick afterward. They don't use fresh ingredients. Their chicken is the same low quality chicken you'll find served in a lot of low-end Chinese restaurants in their chicken fried rice and other dishes. It was just horrible. It barely even tasted like Mexican food; Taco Bell tastes better. The salsa was the only thing that was halfway okay, but stale chips ruined it. If you're looking for good, authentic Mexican in the Baltimore area, check out Mari Luna in Pikesville. If you want bad Mexican and to feel sick to your stomach for the rest of the day, definitely go to Mi Casa.
(1)Vinay T.
I always visit Mi Casa whenever I am in the DC/Baltimore area. When I lived in Maryland - I used to frequent it about once a month. I have been to Mexican restaurants around the world, and this is definitely in my Top 3 for Mexican restaurants. The chips and salsa are (by far) the best I have ever had - which makes it difficult not to fill up on. My favorite dishes are the seafood quesadillas, the chicken fajita, the chicken chimichanga, and Redwood enchiladas. For dessert (if I have room) I get the sopapillas. If you're drinking - try the margarita on the rocks or the sangria - and you won't be disappointed. If you live in the area or are visiting - Mi Casa is a must try!
(5)Debra C.
We drive across town for this Mexican restaurant. Good Margarita. Good chips. Excellent salsa (hot!) and guac. Steak fajitas were very good - could have given more cheese on the plate. The chimichanga looked good - lots of shredded beef. Server was attentive. Would have given it 5 stars, but it is a bit pricey for this type of restaurant.
(4)Mary M.
Amazing guacamole dip, so if you love guac check this place out! The food is good as well and the price is right!
(3)Alan B.
Like reviewer Clint, I too grew up in Los Angeles - i.e., I know real Mexican food, and it is very hard to come by outside the influence found in SoCal. That said, you are not going to find it here either, but definitely getting closer. Their food is going to make you love Mexican food if you don't already. It is very good, hence I give them 4 stars overall. My only complaint is that for dinner they seem to be a bit pricey for the meal. If they were more reasonable (IMHO), I would probably eat there more often. The atmosphere is typical for a small Mexican restaurant, the selection is very decent, and the service has been without issue. If you are in the Ellicott City, MD area and would like a decent Mexican meal, this is worth trying.
(4)Jamie B.
Love this place! Definitely my favorite Mexican food anywhere. I recommend the chicken enchiladas or the paella!
(5)Clint U.
I grew up in East LA....around the barrios that Cheech and Chong used to joke about...I have been to Mexico and eaten off the carts on the street...so I have experienced a wide variety of great Mexican food. With that said....Mi Casa...is good for Maryland. Not great...but good enough to be a repeat customer because...Taco Bell is not mexican, and this is the only decent mexican restaurant nearby. If you are in the neighborhood...don't want to drive another 10 miles....and want Mexican food...this is ok to eat here.
(3)Justin K.
Yumyumyumyum. Whenever I'm in Ellicott City I love to go here. The seafood fajitas are amazing..lump crab meat, shrimpers, scallops, peppers, and caramelized onions. The Paella is nice too and the service is great.
(5)Christina S.
Mi Casa is one of our favorite local places to get Mexican. The service is great, the food is delicious, with good portions, and the margaritas were great too! We love the salsa, which has a nice kick to it, and comes in a cute tortilla bowl. They are also very generous in offering some extra salsa to go with your meal if you request it. I would recommend the Redwood Enchilada or the Chili Verde (braised pork) which were delish!
(4)g h.
Good food, and friendly service. I once went and they were out of guacamole. The owner, who was taking our order, must have seen the look of disappointment on our faces. He laughed and told us that if we were willing to run to the grocery store just across the street, to pick up avocados, then he would make us guacamole. We did, and he did! ;) The fajitas are amazing, and you can't go wrong with their tacos!
(4)Joe H.
We're new to the area and were craving Mexican. Problem is we just moved here from San Diego, so our standards for Mexican fare are pretty high. However, we went in with an open mind. We chose Mi Casa based on the high reviews and a desire to not eat at a corporate chain; e.g., On The Border or Don Pablo. The chips and salsa were nothing special, despite what another reviewer stated; the chips weren't even warm, which is something I've come to expect at a Mexican restaurant. The wife and I each ordered chimichangas. The kid got the kid's quesadilla (more on that later). The chimis were ok: not bad, not great. We were expecting a flaky, crispy entree (like chimis should be), but instead got a totally smothered enchilada-like thing. Again, taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't really a chimi. The kid's quesadilla came with no sides of any sort, so my wife had to give half of her black beans to him so that he would have some variety to his meal. We finished up with a flan that was pretty good. The bill turned into quite a sticker shock at $50. It turns out that the "kid's meal" doesn't even include the kid's drink, which was the same price as an adult's. And don't forget, there were no sides to that kid's meal. So, they charge $5.25 for a smallish quesadilla and full price for the drink! This has to be the most expensive "kid's meal" that I've ever seen for what you get. So, bottom line: nothing great and really overpriced. We won't be back. On another note, there was quite a number of people waiting for tables when we left. Based on that and the high reviews on Yelp, I don't think Marylanders know what good Mexican food really is. Then again, maybe I'm just a San Diegan Mexican food snob...
(2)Bifyu J.
Tasty food, reasonable price, casual dining, good service: hard to ask for more. We enjoyed the nachos, paella, and chicken relleno. Tried the relleno as "something different", and was pleased with the result - well seasoned and a nice combination with the spinach and mushrooms. Sense of déjà vu for the side salad where many of the nacho toppings made encore appearances.
(4)Christina S.
My experience with Mexican restaurants is limited and embarassing (Taco Bell, Don Pablo, and Chevy's), but BY FAR Mi Casa is better! I had the chicken tacos and beef enchiladas which was great! Meats are tender. Service is great and portions and prices are reasonable. Kids menu available. Parking is tight.
(4)Don M.
I have been going to Mi Casa for over a decade and have always been satisfied. Everything there is fresh and the service is fast. I am a fan of their taco salad (it's that freshness thing again), but I have never found a dish there I did not enjoy. I prefer lunches, though. After 5:00 pm the bar business takes over and the place becomes less Mexican and more sports. The owner is terrific, but his son is less so: get a waitress to serve you if you can.
(4)Sal M.
We absolutely love this place. Everything from the complimentary Chips and Salsa to main a coarse on the menu (and we have pretty much tried the whole menu) seems like a real chef made it, unlike most Mexican fares that have that bland taste. Definitely one of the best and unique Mexican menus on the east coast. It won't leave you disappointed.
(5)Danny L.
Tex-Mex. Not really authentic Mexican but on par with Chevy's or Don Pablo's.
(3)