The most overpriced, silly, low quality food in town, except for maybe some of the chain places. This place, seems to me, to be successful due to it's marketing and location, rather than the food. That said, the Cantina (bar) is one of the best in town. They include the tip in the price of the drink, which I find wonderfully convenient.
(2)
Martin P.
Casa Nueva is an old standby, and a mandatory stop during any trip to Athens we make. If Jessica H. doesn't get her soysage gravy and biscuits on the Sunday morning after Halloween, she is a very unhappy girl. Anyway, Casa is a locavore's haven... something with which many of our friends and colleagues in Columbus can identify, right? It is employee-owned. The staff is very cool and friendly. For this particular stop, I went with the chorizo albondigas, which have a nice amount of spice to them by themselves. Both the pork and tofu versions are locally sourced. The meatballs are served over jasmine rice and topped with their delicious Casa BBQ sauce. Tasty, wonderful stuff, friends. Managed to sneak a bite of the Mrs' soysage gravy, too. If you stop by, also check out their homemade salsas... many different flavors and degrees of hotness... try a couple with a basket of chips. You won't be sorry. The Black Bean is really good, as is the Red Chile & Roasted Garlic.
(4)
David K.
Yeah, the "Mexican" thing is a bit like the Pirate's Code: It's more of a "guideline" for how the food looks, not an actual rule. And it takes a while to get your food. Those are common sentiments here. But Casa Nueva is still not a bad place at all! The food is, well, fresher than most restaurant foods I've eaten, for lack of a better way of putting it. I was definitely not disappointed with any of it, and if I recall correctly, the service was pretty decent as well.
(3)
Sammy T.
I mock my coworker for loving this place, because its pretty much terrible. I ordered the french toast and a side and nearly had to donate a kidney to pay for it. It's pricey here and noone understands what customer service is. If you aren't big on things being stuffed into a tortilla and called a burrito, Casa will make you sad. Everyone seems preoccupied with anything but serving or smiling. Like they are waiting for the weekend so they can go to the next Ekoostik Hookah concert.
(2)
Michelle C.
Without a doubt five stars. Rice salad... I could have ordered another ! Enchiladas: chicken and pork with verde perfectly cooked & flavored. Shared a bowl of vegetarian chili as well - amazing! House margarita is perfect. We highly recommend. Knowledgeable staff, and many many vegan and GF options
(5)
Charlene K.
Worth the trip to Athens! The food tasted so fresh and amazing. Did they pick the seasonal veggies in my burrito from a garden in their backyard? I was a little skeptical when I arrived at the restaurant and the hostess said that the wait would be 30-45 minutes. It was 1:30 PM on a Saturday. Was this food really worth waiting that long? For lunch? After finishing my meal, the answer was 'yes.' I had the seasonal burrito with raw-milk cheese, onions, seasonal veggies, black beans, and chicken topped with salsa verde. If I could sum up the combined tastes of this wonderful burrito, it would be 'FRESH.' Hey Casa Nueva, I think you need to open a branch in Zanesville!
(5)
Trella R.
When I was a student at OU, Casa Nueva was my go-to place for date nights and when the folks came to visit. As mentioned in several other reviews, their seasonal menu is where it's at. Delicious local food, and a great atmosphere made me keep going back. When in doubt order anything on the menu that has pulled pork in it. Trust me, you'll thank me later. (Expect for maybe the vegetarians...they probably shouldn't follow that last little tidbit of advice) The real draw of Casa is their phenomenal vodka-infused drinks. While their beer selection is top-notch, if you weren't ordering one of their mixed drinks, you were missing out on something special. $4 gets you a Lemon Cookie, Pom Pom, Pineapple Hurricane...oh the list goes on. I'm disappointed I never got to try them all! Not to mention their Margaritas and Bloody Marrys were absolutely stellar and always hit the spot when I was craving one. (Erm, I'm making myself sound like some sort of alcoholic in this review, aren't I?) In short, if you come to here expecting traditional Mexican food, you will walk away disappointed. Now, if you come to Casa with an open mind, chances are you'll walk away with extremely satisfied and hopefully with a full tummy.
(5)
Kimberly P.
showed up Sat night (Jan 19) in support of my favorite local band (Holy Spicoli). it took a bit for the night to get going b/c the band is used to their own equipment and Casa staff is used to their own equipment. anyways... the band was awesome as usual. can't wait to do it all again. this review is really about the bartenders though. sure, it's confusing to figure out where to order since people stand at the bar once they have their drinks. and it was difficult to figure out who was waiting on dinner and who was there for the band. once i found a more appropriate spot to order... i asked for a pitcher of margaritas (since they looked so tasty on a lot of tables). well it took awhile but OH MY GOD IT WAS WORTH IT! my bartender had to find a pitcher bc people weren't returning them. we all joked that those ppl need to drink faster! anyways, he went to the restaurant got a pitcher and proceeded to HAND MIX the BEST pitcher of margaritas I have had the pleasure of consuming. some people might be put off by all the ice. well stop it, THIS PITCHER WAS PERFECT. most places around here just do a premixed thing with some (usually bad) tequila added (yuck). even so-called Mexican places will do such blasphemy. even some Los Angeles places will succumb to that. not Casa! i forgot to make note of which tequila was used but I'm pretty sure it was better than well. and the price tag: affordable. maybe not for SE Ohio but for the QUALITY and the ATTENTION to detail that was involved... SO WORTH IT! btw, YES they're strong! THANK YOU CASA!! we will be back... probably tomorrow for lunch. we might have to wander around Court St for awhile before mom drives home. LOL. side note: the women's bathroom stalls are functional but not exactly winning style awards. at least the tiny size (hopefully) keeps stall sharing to a minimum.
(5)
Corey P.
I'm not a huge fan of Neuva mostly as a bar, because it has shows that I usually don't wind up liking (and charges covers sometimes) and dance nights which I'm not a fan of. Best night is Tuesdays when they have Stammtisch, a German speaking hour around 7 or 8. The restaurant, however, is awesome. Service is usually just okay, but the food is great if you're into spicy, organic food (a lot of vegan stuff, but my God is their pork good).
(4)
Shabazzy L.
First, you are most likely going to have to wait...So if you are super hungry be prepared. Sit in the bodega and order some chips, Kip. We went on both a Saturday and a Sunday and waited over 45 minutes each time. Also, this is a college area so the bathrooms are covered with graffiti and not very clean. So I suggest, have a light snack and use the restroom before you go. Conversely, once you do get seated. The wait staff is very friendly and the food is very unique, fresh and delicious. Ingredients used on the menu items are said to be local and seasonal, and they taste as if that is true. I tried breakfast and dinner, both were equally good. I recommend trying Casa nueva for a different take on Spanish food.
(4)
Imber C.
The place to meet friends where the food is amazing. They actually care what they feed you! The ingredients are fresh and local and they really cater to individual needs, so ask for it JUST how you want it! The margaritas are amazing but be careful! They can be strong!!!! I'm generally not a big enchilada fan, but Casa's are the best! Make 'em how you want 'em with homemade salsas, fresh veggies of the day, black beans or refried, chicken, beef, pork, cheese etc etc etc, any or all! You quickly become family at Casa! It's fabulous for groups, but you may need to wait, which really isn't a problem because the Cantina (bar) is fun! It's always quicker to get a seat in summer (like everywhere in Athens!) The other thing about Casa is that it is CRAZY affordable! You can get a hearty meal for just a few dollars! It's hard not to have Casa become a weekly (or more) event!
(5)
Grace J.
Honestly I don't understand all the hype surrounding Casa. I think the reason it receives such high ratings is because Casa's indie/organic atmosphere disguises the poor quality of the service and food, thereby distorting people's perceptions. There is typically a 45-90min wait to be seated (everyday of the week). The service is poor, it took 9 min for the server to re-fill my water. The food is really weird...my salsa was a brownish green. I think that if the salsa is going to be green or brown that there should be a warning. My Taco was lukewarm and the tortilla it was in tasted funny. I guess if you like organic weird tasting food this is the place for you, but if you prefer traditional mexican well...sorry but welcome to Athens, Ohio.
(2)
Lee B.
This place is fantastic! Although I don't go through Athens very often, I now would like to make this restaurant part of any trip through this area. It's a co-op owned by the workers (at least I think I have that right). My friend and I stopped for lunch. I ordered the burrito platter and my friend ordered the enchilada platter. Both were delicious. There is a separate portion of the menu with a page of different salsa, including a seasonal salsa. To top of a delicious and fresh lunch, I ordered dessert and it was mind-blowing. Can dessert get better than a double fudge brownie with home-made strawberry icecream topped with whipped cream, fudge sauce and blackberry sauce? I think not.
(5)
Kat S.
The first time I came to Casa Nueva was as a prospective OU student. Expecting traditional, sloppy Tex-Mex, I was disappointed and didn't return for a very long time. When recommending Casa to first-timers, I always make a point of telling them not to expect the usual Mexican-American fare; I think this warning helps prepare them to enjoy Casa. Side-note: If the previously described "sloppy Tex-Mex" is what you simply MUST have, Rio on West Union Street is okay for that kind of thing. My return visits to Casa Nueva have all been wonderful. For a lazy, luxurious Saturday or Sunday brunch, plan to wait between 1-2 hours for a table. Fortunately, you can order delicious Bloody Marys and other hand-crafted cocktails, as well as chips and other snacks at the Bodega bar (attached to the restaurant) while you wait for a table. If you want to by-pass the wait, a limited menu of Bodega food is fast, affordable, and consistently tasty. Two favorites are the Puerco Pibil and the Hills Deluxe. The quesadillas are also note-worthy. The restaurant boasts a more extensive menu and serves breakfast until 4 P.M. A favorite is the seasonal huevos rancheros. Don't be scared away from the seasonal veggies of the day which can range from sweet potatoes to bok choy to swiss chard, depending on what is fresh and local. They are delicious additions to enchiladas, burritos, and more, even if it might feel strange to order vegetables in traditionally unhealthy dishes. One more note about in-restaurant dining: The reason why Casa will not receive a 5-star review is because the service is ALWAYS mediocre. Every time I visit someone's order is messed up in some way and the servers are inattentive. The worst example was one day when a waitress placed a scalding hot plate in my hands, served dishes with the wrong salsa toppings to others I dined with, and had to be reminded three times that we had ordered coffee (she then proceeded to charge someone twice for coffee). The service isn't bad enough to drive me away, but only because the food is so good. If you're impatient, this isn't the place for you. As bad as the restaurant service can be, the bartenders at Casa are well-trained and very knowledgeable. This is the best place in town to order a mixed drink, and while this can be reflected in some of the specialty drinks prices, there are great weekly specials--such as Tuesday $2 well drinks. Casa often has free shows and dance nights and is as much fun for an afternoon breakfast as for a late night of music and drinks. While not without its flaws, Athens would not be the same without Casa.
(4)
Allison S.
Casa is one of those places that I sincerely MISS since graduating and leaving Athens behind me in 2007. It is a stop I make whenever I go back to visit friends in the area. They have the most delicious black bean salsa that you will ever taste, seriously. All the produce is local, and you can just taste the freshness of it. It is fantastic. I was there in April and I can't wait to get a chance to visit friends down there so that I can go back and get my casa fix.
(5)
Bronwen B.
I lived in Athens for 18 months back in the early-mid 2000s, as I got my master's in Ohio. Like any good Bobcat, I've had my fair share of meals at Casa, and I feel it's my duty to tell you a little secret -- just because you put some items in a tortilla doesn't mean it's Mexican food... or even imitation Mexican food. I'm a Texan by birth and a Bobcat by choice, and as much as I love, love, LOVE Athens (my boyfriend and I have even discussed the idea of relocating there once he gets his degree in radiology), Casa just isn't, isn't, IS NOT good Mexican food. The salsa is never spicy, and that's coming from someone who can only handle a minimum level of spice. Back in the day, I once went, and - in the name of seasonality - was served blueberry salsa. What. the. fuck. Seriously? Keep that sort of experimenting to yourself, because that shiz is NOT cute. Everyone who makes salsa makes it a bit differently, but blueberries should never - and would never - be part of the mix. On my last visit - in early July - I ordered their specialty enchiladas, which had locally sourced goat cheese, chicken and mushrooms. I love goat cheese like nobody's business, so I was excited to see it included; what wasn't so cute is the fact that one chicken enchilada were $18. Again -- what. the. fuck. It's locally sourced from a goat, not the golden goose. Don't get crazy. But we were on vacation, so I ordered it anyway (after quite a bit of internal debate, however). And at the end of the day, for my $18 I tasted exactly one forkful of goat cheese -- everything else was chicken and mushroom. There wasn't sauce of any sort either inside the aforementioned enchilada, and only a smattering of anything on top, and since $18 apparently only buys you a dollop of the queso in one fracking enchilada, there was a whole lot of dryness in my mouth where savory, locally sourced goat cheese ought to have been. I love the idea of Casa -- worker owned, local sourcing, fresh, seasonal ingredients; but I cannot help but think (now on my visit, as well as back in the day when I lived there) that the hype that surrounds this place is part Athens loyalty and part 'I've only had Mexican food cooked by people who are not actually from - and have not actually ever been - to Mexico, or any US border state where Mexicans reside.' Was it disgusting? No. Will I return? Probably, seeing as how I have friends in Athens, I love Athens, and the alternatives for this sort of cuisine when I'm in Athens are Taco Bell, Taco John's and Chipotle. Plus, Casa as a little pub/bar is quite a bit of fun, and I've got a jones for the paw-paw beer. Next time, however, I might well bring my own salsa. And goat cheese. And oven.
(2)
Brian K.
Athens is a truly unique place and this restaurant perfectly represents the area with the local produce and product. I had the Casa Burrito and it was by far the best burrito I have ever had. I'm serious.
(5)
Rachel L.
Casa is such a wonderful piece of Athens. I love the creative, new-age Mexican dishes. I pretty much have loved everything I've had, but they really have some killer quesadillas. I tend to stay in the bodega rather than go into the restaurant itself. I love the vibe of the bodega and you can get some great things off the bodega menu. Chips and salsa are a must, as they offer many different house-made salsas and great guacamole. If they've got mint, their mojitos are out of this world. The margaritas are pretty good as well. Oh- and they infuse vodkas so you can try some interesting vodka shots. The pineapple is great!
(5)
Gavin D.
I'd been hearing about Casa Nueva from locavore folks in Cincinnati for a while, but hadn't ever made it. I finally did on a trip this past week, and it was very good. They have a ton of locally sourced ingredients, and the place is run as a worker cooperative, so that you can't feel too much better about a place you're eating at. And the food was tasty as well - I had an enchilada platter for lunch. In the evening I came back, and the place was packed on a Wednesday night - an open mic of some sort I think? My local friends told me that it's consistently got something happening and that it's a hang out for a lot of lefty folks in the area. A couple quick notes: Don't go expecting authentic Mexican, and don't go in a hurry. But go - consumers really should be excited to support a place like Casa Nueva.
(5)
Laura N.
Amazing tacos. Great drink selection. One of my favorite places to eat in Athens.
(5)
Michael C.
My very first trip to Athens was capped off beautifully by my very first trip to Casa Nueva. A worker-owned (aka Super Hippie) Mexican restaurant with numerous vegetarian and vegan options, Casa Nueva turned out to be every bit as delicious as my friends said it would be. I enjoyed the lunchtime Burrito platter with Puerco Pibil and BBQ sauce. My significantly less adventurous date decided upon a grilled cheese sandwich with chips and salsa. My burrito definitely didn't taste like authentic Mexican food but it was certainly delicious. The pork was very tender and the BBQ sauce was the perfect blend of spice, smoke and sweetness. My burrito came with a side order of sticky, slightly crispy jasmine rice that I used to sop up every last bit of the remaining sauce from the burrito. My date, who holds the unofficial title of Pickiest Eater I Know, ate every last bit of her food--a true rarity--and said she couldn't have been happier with her choice. In addition to excellent food, Casa Nueva also offers excellent, friendly service and inexpensive prices. My burrito combo maybe cost only $1 more than a similar combo at a restaurant that doesn't buy locally. The walls were decorated with whimsical paintings by a talented local artist named Emily Beveridge. I'm not sure whether the paintings change regularly but I do know that Casa Nueva supports the local arts scene by hosting musical performances several nights a week. Long story short, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this meal. If you ever pass through Athens (or if you're dating a picky eater who happens to be an Ohio University alumni), I highly recommend you give Casa Nueva a try.
(5)
Debra B.
Amazing, amazing, amazing breakfast!!!!! My daughter and I ate here while I was visiting her at college, we had breakfast scrambler and burrito, both in homemade tortilla and baked, choose guacamole or homemade salsa on top! We are both dreaming about going back and eating there again. One of the most amazing breakfasts I have ever had! I have had lunch there too, very good, but You can get breakfast till 230pm, so from now on its always breakfast for me there, even if it's lunch time!
(5)
David V.
Nice locally owned mexican with some interesting beers on tap. Worth going to at least once and, who knows, you might end up loving it.
(3)
Andrew S.
As an alum, of course I look back at anything in Athens rosier than it probably is. That said, I'm still convinced Casa is a strong competitor for a top-five spot in my book. First, I'd like to echo the comment regarding the cuisine being less Mexican and more Mexican-inspired haberdashery with an excuse to eat chips and salsa. Said salsa's are made in house and are worth splurging on if, you like me, hesitate to pay for Chips and Salsa when they are so often gratis. Though avoid the black bean, in my opinion (cold and balmy). Of particular note is anything involving the local farmer's cheese--perhaps the creamiest in the game today and that includes Wu-Tang. However, the service is extremely slow, though a well-natured slow. Avoid peak hours unless you want to kill sometime in the quality bar, where they will indeed charge you for a sprite.
(4)
Katherine P.
This place was awesome,everything is made in house, organic and fresh. I had the burrito platter for lunch, with beef. Service was interesting, when my boss asked for a recommendation our server replied that she doesn't eat meat or dairy, and that she was guessing that we did, so she recommended something on the breakfast menu at 12:30pm. Ok, I'll roll with it. Music wasn't that loud, college place, but overall I can't wait to go back soon!!!
(4)
Matthew K.
I had Casa described to me as "Mexican, with a hippy twist." That's remarkably accurate. You are unlikely to find a more unique restaurant than Casa. The food is all fresh but a bit of an acquired taste if you are used to more traditionally American Mexican food. The whole place is a bit on the cramped side, making obtaining a seat quite difficult on most nights. If you have patience and a desire to try new things, you should not think twice about going to Casa.
(4)
Amber A.
I admit I probably wouldn't rate Casa QUITE as highly if it were here in NYC. That being said, I always make a point of going there when I'm back in Athens, and that says a LOT. Don't go expecting Mexican food. It's really Mexican-Inspired Hippy Food. The food is very fresh & organic and/or local. The salsas are very creative (and yummy). It's definitely one of the most unique restaurants around, and I always enjoy my meal. As others have said, service is often slow. And if you go on peak days/hours, there can be quite a wait. So either stay off-peak, or get there early before you're REALLY hungry.
(4)
Carl A.
Amazing food, pretty awful service. So worth the inevitable long wait for the food. Usually some cool artwork on the wall that you can stare at for an hour after you order. Still drive from Cleveland to eat there. It's fantastico. Also, good infused vodkas and amazing bloody mary's. College town so totally affordable. Sweet bands play there too before they're too cool for school.
(5)
Brandi B.
I lived in an apartment over this place many years ago. I won't tell you how many years ago because, well, I just won't. But it was long enough ago that over a recent breakfast with my former roommate, the following conversation took place: me: "Why didn't we come here more when we lived here?" roommate: "the food wasn't as good. In fact it was pretty weak." me: "yeah, but we drank so much I don't think we woulda' cared." roommate: "we were also dead po' and spent our money on beer. " True. And if I was a student this would probably still be the case. But as a visiting adult(ish) alum, Casa's gotten damn good! I had a terrific quesadilla one night, full of fresh veggies, squeaky cheese, and the precisely correct chewy-crispy tortilla consistency (you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.) Other folks at our table had wraps, enchiladas, full meals, and lots and lots of Petron. Num num num. Sunday brunch was a different story. Food was still good, but only one server for a packed place meant a meal that was just under two hours. Seriously? And our server seemed a little *pissed* that we showed up for food... surely they knew that folks would be coming? Casa's been around a long time, and they've ebbed and flowed through better and not as better times. Right now they are better. Despite the sketch service, better than I've ever seen them. What they have never been, nor ever will be, is worse than Bob Evans (per Dan N.) Oh yeah, and they're worker owned, which means if you feel like coddling your inner Karl Marx (don't we all?) you can give your money to Casa conscience-clear.
(4)
Jason B.
I've had varying experiences at Casa, mostly positive. The food isn't "traditional" Mexican by any means but I don't think they go out of their way to claim that it is. It's a unique blend and they do a pretty good job of giving fair warning / explanation of the "slow cooked" process. There's something to be said for taking your time and doing things "the right way" but with that said..sometimes a sitdown there can take way too long. My wife and I walked uptown and got breakfast a few weeks ago and it was perfect for us - no plans for a Sunday afternoon. We had to wait for 20 minutes for a table but they did have a brunch rush going on. The food took a while but it was worth it. My own experience is to gauge how much time I actually want to commit to a meal and decide if Casa is worth it; I walk through the doors and basically admit to myself that I'm on their time frame. That works for some people; others notsomuch. I've had not great experiences in the Cantina (bar side), mainly with pretentious bartenders. The last one prompted a three page letter to the "owners" - which yes, is everyone. And I will say that I received a prompt reply, an honest apology, and a gift certificate encouraging a return. We did and since then, I've honestly had pretty good experiences. I know it wasn't my letter alone but maybe things were coming to a head and they decided to address it. I now get service with eye contact, an occasional smile, and at the very least..leaving with a feeling that my business is appreciated. We usually get the salsa sampler if we're killing time waiting for a table. I like that you can start your tab at the bar and when your table comes up there's not so mad rush to cash out - they are more than accommodating in regards to transferring everything to your table. Small sidebar - the fine Casa folks usually set up at the Athens Farmers Market, perchance you want to pick up some of their guac, salsa, etc... while browsing the market.
(4)
Pris K.
This place gets 2 stars only because I only went once so I feel like I would need a second visit to be sure of my assessment of it. However, because I don't think I ever plan to visit it again (being that I don't live in the area and the likeliness of returning are slim to nil), i'll just keep it at 2 and move on. When I got to Athens, I suddenly got a hankering for Mexican food. I'm not sure why. Possibly because I had just been in NYC and Pittsburgh and each place had their fair share of decent/good cuisine. But regardless, I am a huge fan of Mexican food. Now, my friend WARNED me not to go here. But being the stubborn person I am, I shrugged off his warning and decided to hit up Casa anyway. After all, they had free WiFi and I needed to get a meal while doing some work. I went in and was seated in a small booth and then handed a menu. This menu certainly had a lot of options, but none that could be considered cheap. I decided that because the food is supposed to be locally grown and it's a co-op and all, that I should suck it up and support this local supposed "gem" of a restaurant. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and inquired about their Appalachian Tea, as i'd never heard of such a thing and was always open to trying new local items. "It sucks. Don't get it. Seriously, really bad," said the long haired boy with the permanent scowl who happened to be my server. "Oh... okay," and I proceeded to keep sipping my plain water instead. I can certainly appreciate some honesty here and there, but bluntness like that would probably get you fired at most establishments. At the very least, it doesn't reflect very well on the restaurant. If it's so bad, why do they keep it? Or couldn't he at least make a better recommendation or ask me what kind of beverage I was in the mood for? Eh, but that might be too much work and this guy didn't seem like he was too excited to be employed anyway. A while later, he brings me a plate that immediately has me bewildered. At first, I thought he brought me some sort of salad. And then I realize it's my Huevos Rancheros. 2 sunny side up eggs served on top of two corn tortillas, covered in red sauce with shredded carrots and lettuce. Carrots. And lettuce. Alright, I said to myself, i'll keep an open mind. I've never seen carrots and lettuce on eggs like this before, but I figured why not. I guess I can't say it took away from the meal, but it certainly didn't add. The eggs were, well, eggs. Bland as bland can be. What was really killing me though was the "salsa" or red sauce that they had. No spice. Not even a little. Hell, sprinkle some pepper on it at least or add a drop of tabasco! Nope. It was like having runny eggs with bland spaghetti sauce and some shredded lettuce. I tried to make the best of it, but the let down was too deep. I was really hoping for some authentic tasting Mexican, or at least a pleasant variation. My server came back two times to see if I was done so he could take my plate, to which I would respond no, since it was obvious I was still eating. I didn't realize til later that he was actually in a hurry. Apparently they were closing up my section for the afternoon, though the rest of the establishment would remain open. My question is why would they seat me there knowing full well they'd have to rush me and shove me to the other side of the restaurant? Poor planning, for sure. As a former restaurant hostess, I can attest to just how much that would NOT fly at most joints. Before I was even finished, he dropped the bill on my table and when I was on my last bite, he came back eagerly awaiting payment. Instead, I asked for a coffee. He looked frustrated but thems the breaks I guess. He brought my coffee (nothing impressive, surprising to me since I had been sipping on nothing but pretty tasty coffee throughout Athens) and asked if I could pay him already because they were closing that section and he had to go. I obliged, not really annoyed at their closing but at not being informed earlier. I gave him the cash and on the plus, he didn't (remember to) charge me for the coffee. I don't know what it is that the kids of OU see in this joint. Maybe their other meals are better. Maybe scowly faced server isn't always there. Maybe, like another Yelper mentioned, they're just always too drunk to notice/care. Point is, if I ever find myself back in Athens, I will not be visiting Casa for another overpriced meal. I might, however, be inclined to get a drink, but then I'm also a lot less picky about where I get my beer.
(2)
Sherry W.
Not sure what happened with Dan N- but seriously - you're in Athens, not Chicago. With that said, this place is unique and stands out in the town. Creative menu choices, fresh, local and organic food, AMAZING salsa, everything is made right there, excellent margaritas and top shelf liquor options. Granted, the service can be slow - but the kitchen is tiny - and hey, the place is run by hippies, what do you expect?? This place is a must for any of my Athen's trips....
(5)
Kate T.
I love Athens, but I am an alum of OU. Casa Cantina is my favorite restaurant in Athens. I visit every time I go "home". The food is Mexican-inspired, all locally grown & harvested, and it is ran as a co-op business (read HIPPIES). The drinks are great, most of the staff is awesome, and the food is SOOO good. Often you have to wait a bit for the food but it is always worth it. I highly recommend making your own burrito!
(4)
Erin S.
NOT WORTH THE WAIT. We waited 90 minutes, then sat down and our server didn't come over for at least another 15 minutes. If you want chips and salsa, they are extra and they're just chips from a grocery store. When our food arrived, one of the orders was wrong and the chicken was dry and apparently dark meat. I had ground beef tacos and the ground beef was so spicy I almost gagged. When our friend's corrected order finally came, the server did offer to take off a few dollars for the late order. Needless to say, we won't be back. Don't waste your time!
(1)
Jason F.
This place is really interesting. If you are looking to have some fun go to one of their events they have in the Catina. The bar is good and the event will be a blast! But if you go there for food get ready for to be unimpressed. Out of the 3 times i have eaten there the food has been mediocre at best. The main reason why this place gets such good recommendation is because most of the food is local but i have had local food that is a million times better in Athens and it is cheaper. If you want good local food to eat go to fluff bakery.
(2)
B W.
I love Casa and make a point to visit every time I'm in Athens. I'll take the blue highways home from DC or West Virginia so I can stop in. A+ on interesting and delicious drinks, seasonal foods, really strong and delicious coffee, rotating dessert menu, and the woodwork! Wow. Sometimes service can be pokey, so make sure you have a minute.
(4)
Sam D.
The bar is pretty good. The food is meh. They are a co-op and try to buy a lot of things local but the menu is all over the place but it tastes ok. Not worth the high price. If you want to eat dinner there place your order around 3pm and you might get your food by 8pm (service is terribly slow). Do not understand why everyone thinks this place is so good.
(2)
Grant C.
Nice and Light. Great Bar too.
(4)
Whitney S.
An Athens gem since it occupied a third of the space it does now..I grew up on this place and keep coming back to it when I visit my parents. There are NO substitutions for this place, it is one of a kind. My dad says I have a "Casa addiction" which is fine by me! If someone has never eaten here, I describe it to them as organic/local southwestern mexican with a granola twist. Service can be a bit slow at times, but the scrumptious food always compensates for the wait. Love that they have the cantina area now with tons of beer and liquor to choose from, plus appetizers. Their bloody mary's are deliciously spicy. Brunch is amazing and served until 230pm during the week! Huevos rancheros with a side of black beans and bacon is my favorite order. For dinner, I almost always order a seasonal enchilada (red chile roasted garlic salsa, pulled pork) and either an enchilada verde or roja with chicken or tofu.
(5)
Kiarash Z.
I don't know if it has anything to do with being employee-owned, but Casa Nueva seems like it could use a few more servers on Sunday mornings. My Athens guide and I poked our heads inside and were told the wait for service would be 45 minutes. I could see six open tables, so clearly space wasn't an issue. I still love Casa's food and atmosphere, but I don't recommend it if you have anywhere to be.
(4)
emily b.
This is my favorite restaurant of all time! The reason I say this is not because it is the best food I have ever eaten, but because it is hands down the restaurant I have eaten at the most times in my life. I eat here multiple times a month, sometimes on a weekly basis. But yet I will come back again and again, week after week for the following reasons: -A warm and wonderful atmosphere, I always know I will have a relaxing time. -A kick ass seasonal menu, specials and mouthwatering mixed drinks. -Nice people, many of whom I know, work there! -Prices that remain steady and CHEAP. In a bigger city, the food could easily be much more expensive. Go there, & start a habit.
(5)
James B.
Good food, really long wait for a table (and this was in the summer when traffic would be light), disappointing weak Margaritas.
(4)
Sami R.
Casa probably has some of the best food I have ever had. I live San Diego now and I can not find anyplace like Casa! It truly is one of a kind! Simply amazing. Nuff said.
(5)
Tina B.
I have been away from Athens for years and STILL dream about Casa. The food is creative and delicious. I recommend the Casa Burrito b/c it's got cream cheese in it! And, it's baked. They have great coffee and margaritas. Casa does a great job of supporting local farmers. They also focus on seasonal items. Plus, Casa is a co-op. So all the folks that work there buy into the establishment. It's a good community. Buy some tasty salsa on your way out. It's the best!
(5)
Shane T.
It's one of a few places that does locavore and vegan meals well.
(5)
Nicole E.
What a great little place to go for lunch. There were a ton of veggie options on the menu and the staff was super friendly. Another plus is that they serve breakfast all day (or at least I think they do - they gave me a breakfast menu at 1pm). I had a grilled cheese like none I've ever had - it had roasted tomatoes and hot peppers on it and a sweet and sour tofu soup that made my sore throat feel all better. I also loved the choice of salsas. There was so much on this menu it was hard to choose - I highly recommend giving this place a shot.
(5)
Reg P.
I really don't get the hype about Casa. The drinks are great, but the food is so bland. I can never fathom why anyone would go to eat here with Salaam and Zoe's right across the street.
(2)
William S.
I really need to go here in the summer, as they only use seasonal veggies... I like garlic but not in every dish.
(3)
Mark T.
Highly over rated. One of the most hyped restaurants in a town that has few decent places to eat unless you love chains like Applebees and Bob Evans. Casa creates some of the more bizarre combinations of traditional fare like Mexican food - expect items like whole wheat tortillas and beets when it comes to burritos. I found the place to have way too too much attitude for my tastes. Food is very average, but worth a try to see if you like this sort of thing. The food was hot even if the tastes and combinations were strange. Heavy dose of garlic in just about everything. Don't know if this is because they don't know any better or if this is merely to bring some kind of uniformity to a weird combination of food groups.
(3)
mike G.
Thanks in no small part to the Ohio University, Athens has blossomed into one of the state's most respectable beer-drinking burgs. The best place to order a cold one is at the lively Casa Nueva Restaurant, Cantina & Bodega. Students and locals flock here to enjoy daily specials that highlight beers from around the state and beyond. The Ohio-centric draft beer selection includes seasonal specialties from Buckeye Brewing, Great Lakes Brewing, Marietta Brewing, and Athens-based Jackie-O's. For a uniquely potent potable, sample the pawpaw wheat, an Ohio-brewed beer made from locally harvested fruits.
(4)
Melissa M.
Great seasonal and local fare. You know where everything is from, it smells and tastes delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting. Fantastic food for breakfast and dinner. Often a wait, especially on the weekends, but well worth it. Just elbow up to the bar and order a delectable gazpacho bloody Mary.
(5)
Amy B.
My only complaint about Casa is that they always seem to be one or two servers short. But the food is local and delicious. Also, get dessert. Dessert is delicious.
(4)
Mike L.
Great for supporting the seasonal items and local farmers. I just wish the food had as much aspiration. My winter burrito with pork was just so-so, the sauce on top was good and spicy but could not compensate the lack-luster filling. Now if they had offered just a duck burrito with the roasted butternut squash that would of worked but not what they offer you. The side of jasmine rice was out of place and had a weird texture. The location was good and the service was efficient. I have heard that the breakfast is very good, perhaps that is the meal to try.
(3)
Steve B.
I used to live in Athens. Now I have to make special pilgrimages when I'm in town. Casa represents all that's good in this town. Local foods. Tasty, even if it's not very Mexican. And great cheap Margaritas.
(5)
Sonja J.
My husband and I have being eating here since it first opened and will continue to make it a part of our regular routine!!! If you are expecting authentic Mexican fare, you should go somewhere else. But if you like something different and are interested in supporting local farmers and sustainability, this place will be for you!! Veggies on the menu rotate according to what is available locally! There are many vegan and vegetarian options. Chips are not just automatically brought to your table and do cost extra. All food is prepared to order so expect to wait longer than at a chain restaurant. Casa has great drinks to keep you occupied till your food arrives like the vodka infused with different flavors; my favorite is the pineapple hurricane. They also have some great coffee drinks and of course margaritas!!! I most like to come here for breakfast or brunch and get the scrambler which is served with home fries. The deluxe consists of eggs or tofu served with home fries and choice of bread, choose the biscuit with jam. Yumm! It is not your typical biscuit! You'll love it! My favorite dinner choice is the enchiladas with tofu and verde salsa. If you like tofu, the way they fix it is really tasty. The salads are always fresh and crisp, no brown edges or nasty tomatoes!!!! Dressing offerings are made from scratch! The quesidiilla is a nice appetizer or add a salad and have a meal!! For pork lovers they offer pork that is locally raised!
(4)
Kim W.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in Athens! The food is always extremely fresh and the workers really seem to care about the employees. The only downside I have ever experienced is there is usually a wait but even the wait isnt so bad with a few drinks and appetizers at the bar.
(4)
Richard D.
We showed up with a big group, about a dozen, and it took them a long time to seat us in the small restaurant area. We hung out in the actually larger bar area. I wasn't in the mood for it, but the beer selection seemed good. The food itself was tasty. They have no idea what spicy is though. We ordered their habenero salsa which was the hottest thing on the menu, and honestly it was what I'd call a medium. (But hey, I live in Berkeley.)
(4)
Annie C.
After two tries to get into Casa Nueva and having it be too crowded, we finally were able to get in on a Sunday night after dropping off the college boy at his dorm. The bar area, while you wait for the much less smaller restaurant seating, is large. However, you have to pay for chips that taste like they came from Walmart, they are not unlimited and the margaritas were nothing to write home about. We had to wait twice as long as what the stiff, uninterested hostess told us we would have to wait. When our buzzer finally went off, we were seated by an employee who made no eye contact, moved down the hall way, to which we asked "are we supposed to follow her?" The answer was yes, so next to a table of hippie screaming, undisciplined children we were sat. We ordered a second round of 3 oz, overpriced margaritas as well as our food. My husband ordered a special enchilada, which consisted of apple, cheese, and onion. It had black beans on the side and jasmine rice, which is more Chinese style rice than Mexican. I also had an enchilada off the menu, however, the black bean sauce and chicken were dry. The Chinese jasmine rice was excellent though. The desserts, in such a restaurant, consisted of double fudge chocolate brownie, cheesecake, and something else equally American. Not quite what I was expecting at restaurant name Casa Nueva. With 4 years to go in college, we might venture in again to see if the waiters ZZTop beards have gotten longer or if we might get lucky enough to get a dish of the caliber of my husband's special, but I think we will have to try the other restaurants in town first. I am not sure I have enough tattoos to fit in there. My husband's synopsis: there was nothing there that would make me want to go back, but nothing that made me want to stay away either.
(3)
Steven H.
An important tentpole in the paltry restaurant scene in Athens: excellent local-oriented Tex-Mex style food, and friendly and complete bar. But is this really it for casual-to-nice dining in the Uptown area? Think about it--almost everything else within a three-street radius serves only food that you can eat with your hands. No more burritos, pizzas, hamburgers, or sandwiches, please!
(4)
Danielle B.
I don't care how good the food is, if the service is awful, there's really no point in going back. I've been going to Casa with my friends, who love the food and atmosphere, for almost 4 years now. I finally decided it was time to write a review on how utterly slow, rude, and often times totally absent the servers are to the customers. I guess since it's worker-owned that means they can each have their own agenda on how to run the place??? I once sat at the bar to order from the Bodega on a Saturday afternoon in a bright blue shirt, money ready and out, for 20min. I ended up leaving because the bar tender never even made eye contact with me. When I went to the hostess to explain how I had never been served, she shrugged, yes shrugged her shoulders at me, and said, "I'm sorry", and then proceeded to just stand and stare at me from behind her podium. Personally, I think Sol Of Athens has just as amazing food, with much more personality and care coming from its servers. Go there. I haven't been back to Casa since that last incident. It was the final straw for me.
(2)
David R.
First of all, the food at the Casa is delicious. My wife loves their food, but perhaps a little (ok, a lot) more than I do. I'd only complain that the service is slow and sometimes inconsistent, and the middle room at the Casa is very loud... the cacophony of people chatting almost invariably gives me a headache. But, on the other hand, the food is delicious, and cheap, and generally comes from local sources. So if eating out is a social thing for you, the Casa is perfect in every way. But if you are looking for a nice quiet meal and have an appointment in an hour, maybe check elsewhere.
(4)
Sharon B.
We were excited to visit Casa Nueva again; our last visit was about 4 years ago, and the food was a highlight of our trip to Athens. The location looks about the same as before, but some items on the menu had changed (they used to do this amazing green dip . . . ). We had two custom infusions (the berry amarula - delicious; and the coffee bean vanilla root beer - bitter undertone from the coffee). We were happy to see that they continue to make some of the best salsas around. We had a chicken burrito and chicken enchiladas; both were good-sized servings, quite filling. Our food delivery was also surprisingly slow, and there didn't seem to be a good reason for that slowness. The restaurant was not crowded when we arrived, though it filled up within about 30 minutes. Our server seemed to be fairly new; he needed to consult with someone before responding to half of our questions. In short, it was a good visit, but not the great one my memory had prepared me for. I wouldn't turn down another visit, but it may not be at the top of my list anymore.
(4)
Adam R.
This place is special. It's weird. It's hippie dippy. It's not for everyone. And it's special. This is not authentic Mexican food. This is a hippie twist on it. They're going to throw some weird vegetables on your burrito. Go with it. Zucchini is surprisingly good with salsa. They have meats too, but there will still be vegetables. Their salsas are good and surprising. The BBQ is sweet and tangy with a lot of layers of flavor. The black bean is nice and mild. The red chile roasted garlic is also mild with a lot of flavor. The chipotle has a nice heat on the back end. And if their is a special salsa, give it a try! Breakfast is great. Eggs just go so well with spicy peppers and onions. I kind of wish the chips were better since their salsas are so good. The chips have that dense, thick texture you find when they use natural ingredients. There will be a wait, though. I have never gone and not waited at least 20 minutes. So get a beer and wait in the bar. The beer selection is very good. Try some local midwestern brews. Do you hate vegetables? Do you like food that is predictable? Do you want authentic Mexican? If so, don't come here. It is not for everyone. But for those of us who like it, it's just amazing.
(5)
Jay S.
Incredible. Incredible. And incredible. I built my own burrito, and it was amazing. Fresh ingredients. No GMOs. Organic. Hippies. I can't wait to come back! And the Habanero Salsa is fire!!!!
(5)
Eli C.
Absolutely horrible customer service! Came in on a Sunday and checked inside the windows before going inside. Several tables on the restaurant side were empty. When I went inside, the host never acknowledged me as I stood in front of him for several awkward seconds. Finally, I had to ask if I could get a table for two. He said that it would be a 45 minute wait. For what?? There were at least 4 empty tables that I saw as I came in. The host never mentioned that I could go to the bar or order from the Bodega (I knew that I could, but if I were from out of town, I'd have never known). You can't order off the regular menu on the bar side, so you're limited to appetizers from the bodega. I didnt come for appetizers. Either they were woefully short staffed, trying to force people to sit at the bar to make extra cash, or the staff doesn't know the first thing about customer service. Our waiter seemed pleasant once we were finally seated 30 minutes later. But after nearly an hour waiting to eat, I was disappointed that we never received our chips and salsa that we ordered as an appetizer nor did we receive one of the cups of chili that we ordered with our meal. I'm a local, and I have been to Casa many times over the years. This is not my first time waiting to be seated at the restaurant, but I can honestly say that service has gotten worse over the last several years. If you have 10 open tables, you should be staffed to serve more than 4 tables. The last several times that I've come to Casa I've experienced longer waits for a table, staff that is slow to respond, and long wait times for our meals. I don't know if it's because they no longer accept tips so they don't have any incentive to provide good service, or if it's just poor management, but until they do something to make it better, I'm not coming back.
(1)
Jules B.
I am new to Athens, and have been excited since before my arrival to eat at Casa. I was disappointed - food was OK, and customer service was pretty terrible. It was clear that the staff was disorganized, and I had really been hoping to see a well-run team, since the worker-owned aspect of Casa was a selling point for me. Nope. I waited at the bar for 10 minutes before someone took my order (watching two other parties get service before me, even though I was there first). I was not informed that I had to specify that I wanted my appetizer BEFORE my main course, nor that I would get raw red cabbage on my nachos instead of roasted eggplant. An hour later, both my appetizer and my main course were ready. It would have been courteous, Casa, to tell me that the wait for food would be that long. They forgot the black beans on my nachos and the sour cream with my friend's quesadilla. The salsas were very good, and the vegan nacho cheese was delicious! The house margarita was great too. Everything else was about average. As I ate, I watched one of the bartenders pick his nose, then grab a clean glass with the same hand to pour somebody a drink. I'll be back on a less busy night, and hope for better service. For the amount this place was talked up, I really expected more.
(2)
Geoff D.
Absolute must if you want to experience the Athens food scene. An institution for sure. Requires patience as in most good things in life.
(5)
rich e.
Good food. Ridiculous service arrangement. So...I go to the bar and wait to catch the eye of a bartender to order my drinks and food, pick up the food at the kitchen and bus my own table???? Just hire some servers. There have to be at least 100 college kids that are looking for jobs.
(3)
Jamie P.
I've long relied on Casa to cure hangovers when I'd visit pals at OU. The burritos are top notch with the seasonal salsa always being more deep in flavor than just tomato and spice. Hints of nuttiness, bitter herbs, and more really bring them to a new dimension. I love the no-tipping element because the prices accurately reflect what you'll pay. I also can't help but be happy they give what they DO receive tipwise to local charities. This is a solid restaurant ran by great folks. And it's great for booze-induced self loathing the next morning!
(4)
Laura H.
Never go here if you're in a hurry, but the food and beverages are consistently high quality and unique. They probably should not have done away with tips given the legendary slow service, but the food and drinks are always worth it.
(4)
Drew Z.
Grabbed lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Were told the wait for 2 was 30+ minutes, but the bodega side was wide open. Sat down, grabbed the lunch menu and placed our menu at the bar. Quickly had our food (long before we would have been seated on the other side. The food was good, although my burrito needed quite a bit of hot sauce to have much flavor. My wife's was much better. If the wait is too long, I definitely recommend grabbing a seat on the bodega side; you'll get your food quickly and be on your way.
(4)
Sharmeela S.
Very fresh ingredients. Chicken enchilada was delicious. The food isn't too oily or greasy. Sort of like a healthy Mexican inspired place. The tacos and the grilled cheese were also good. You'll feel pleasantly full. The brownie dessert was excellent. There's metered street parking. Its a great place to dine in Athens, and theres occasionally live music next door.
(4)
Deirdre S.
Wowzers! There's really no other word to describe the food at hipster haven Casa Nueva. It's a must stop spot for anyone visiting Athens. My dining companion & I started out with the Queso con Chiles rich, a savory, spicy cheese dip served with thick whole grain tortilla chips. I savored every last bite of my seasonal enchilada, the most deliciously flavorful enchilada I've ever had in my life. It was garnished with the ultra fresh veggies and the House Hot salsa, adding a perfect spicy kick to the savory cheese of the enchilada. The service wasn't the best but the food more than makes up for it. They have a no tipping policy because the restaurant is employee owned.
(5)
Mohammed A.
I'm not sure if I went on a bad day or what, I have had a bad experience from the beginning until I left the place. As soon as I walk in with my family it took them 10 minutes to seat us with an almost near empty restaurant. After being seated, the waitress took about 15 minutes to come and ask for our drinks. We immediately placed our order for appetizer and main dish. After 40 minutes of waiting we've decided to ask the waitress where the appetizer was and she replied it will be out in two minutes after checking with the cook. The appetizer came out and it was the wrong order. We did not say anything and waited for the main dish. After I total of 50 minutes The main dish finally came out and it was burnt for both my wife and I. There was absolutely no flavor to the dish. It seems like the place is run by college students who don't really care about what they serve or what they do.
(2)
Jamie C.
It's hipster Mexican--for me, it doesn't slake the Mexican craving--but it's really good and fresh and I love their array of salsas. It's its own thing. Also, margaritas.
(4)
Sid V.
Don't go to casa looking for Mexican food. The food is okay, but this place is so hyped up by locals. Everyone in Athens will tell you that you have to go to casa, but it's just okay to me.
(3)
Sarah T.
Casaaaa! you have taken so much of my money! You are so tasty. Casa is special b/c it is worker owned and has no tips, so the prices are more expensive as the tip is figured into all of the tips. Casa is also a great bar for drinking and dancing. So you can get smashed their saturday night and then come back sunday for your recovery brunch. ;-)
(4)
Ian S.
Probably the most popular restaurant in Athens, and one of the best. If you're looking to get a feel for what this odd, fun, quirky college town is like, try coming here in the evening for dinner or a drink. You'll get a chance to meet the friendly, hippie-ish locals and take in the funky vibe of the town. Casa is a favorite due to its really good Mexican-style food, drinks, and fun, casual ambience. They often host live music and feature local performers, and it's not uncommon for the dance floor to be crowded. It's a large space, technically split into two dining areas. The bar area is, not surprisingly, a little more lively and boisterous. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)
Tiffany W.
I had the build your own burrito with the specialty salsa (butternut chipotle). It would not be an exaggeration to say that my burrito was literally the best burrito I've had in my entire life. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the salsa was flavorful and bold, and the option to include tofu just took it over the top. It's a good thing that I don't live at this place otherwise I would eat here all the time and undoubtedly turn into a blimp!
(5)
Jennifer V.
If you enjoy waiting for your food for two hours, then this is your place. The food was good, but the wait was really long and the dining room was freezing. I got the taco salad with chicken and it was good, but not worth the 2 hour wait.
(2)
Tony W.
I've worked in a Mexican restaurant in AZ run by a nice Mexican American family. I know the difference between Taco Bell style food and authentic. This is the real deal. Plus they use fresh locally sourced produce to insure great food. The staff was attentive and professional. I hope to get back soon to eventually try the whole menu. Well priced too.
(5)
Greg S.
Food isn't bad but they definitely take their time making your food. We waited at least 45 minutes... and it wasn't worth the wait.
(2)
Bridget K.
I was visiting my cousin in Athens for a day. I wanted to get the real experience so we went to Casa Nueva. I had been there before but years later when my brother was a student at OU. We waited a while for a table on a Tuesday night in the middle of the summer. I can only imagine what the wait is like in the middle of the school year. Our server was good. We tried the seasonal salsa with chips so good. Our food arrived quickly and was piping hot. It was really good and super filing. If I even end up in Athens again, I'll be back.
(4)
Cat C.
I love this place. Casa serves very delicious and fresh, local food. The burritos are amazing and the seasonal salsa is fab. I love the food, service, and all-inclusive pricing. My only 'complaint' is the wait is sometimes too long to eat in the restaurant section. It's not really a complaint as this place is a very popular spot to eat. I consider myself lucky on days we can get a table.
(5)
Marie M.
Always a fantastic experience! We drive down from Logan as often as possible, if we lived closer it would be our weekly haunt. The staff is great, the drinks are perfect and the food is always fresh! Very clean and has a great vibe. The only downside is the wait (so be prepared) no matter when we go, it's always about an hour plus but it's well worth it!!
(5)
Aaron D.
First trip to Athens. Visiting my girlfriends old hangout. She said we had to come here. Glad we did. Food was great. Cheers!
(4)
Taqwa A.
The pinko in me loves that Casa is run cooperatively; the workers own it and decide how to run it. The alcoholic in me loves the great beer selection. This is where I often grab "lunch" before heading back to the University. The vibes on the cantina side are great -unless you get that one bartender who plays only the Grateful Dead. The food is great. You can nyam out here for cheap and still get the freshest stuff. Their selection of fresh salsas is always great. The service... yea, I can see how some people would get frustrated by it, especially on a busy night sitting on the restaurant side. Overall though it's not that bad. I've had worse at restos in Athens that charge twice as much. This is my go-to spot in Athens for lunch especially. Food and drinks are great, and the vibe is nice (with great sunshine in the afternoon).
(4)
Kaitlyn R.
Although there is poor service and a long wait at times, ALL of the GOOD things about Casa cancels that out. Excellent local, sustainable food--you get what you pay for, but as a student, I like that; I know that I'm getting quality instead of Subway or Chipotle a half a mile away. The brunch is divine, especially the mimosas and omelettes. Also, do the seasonal veggies and build-your-own quesadilla. I'm graduating in May and this is a restaurant I will regularly come back to when I visit. It's one of the best in Athens!!
(5)
Jessica H.
I am madly in love with the food and freshness. Had an excellent Athens mule drink - fresh lime juice, OYO vodka, Ginger infused vodka and grand spumante. Great gazpacho bloody mary as well. It subs in red wine vinegar for the classic Worcestershire sauce. LOVE the tofu albondigas, love the jasmine rice. How often is rice just downright tasty? The soysage and biscuits are my go-to, and my to-go. I get a box whenever I head home - so tasty as leftovers! Fresh salsas are always worth trying.
(5)
Laura M.
Casa is an Athens institution, but it is also one of the few places in the area that you will find food that is creative, fresh, local, and (most important) fantastic. When I went to OU, this place introduced me to food that was not 'Olive Garden' and turned me on to quality vegetarian cooking. For that, it gets max stars. It's is not for everyone. There are people who go to Casa and expect it to be authentic Mexican food, or expect it to be Chili's. There are people who don't like menus that change with the season. There are people who don't like places that aren't standard chains. These people usually don't like Casa- and that is fine. The vibe here isn't for everyone. But you owe it to yourself to check it out. Casa is unique. I've lived all over the US, but I have never found their take on 'Mexican' replicated anywhere else. It's very hard to describe it. So I'll just say that it is really good. Their sauces are incredible, their burritos are dynamite. The hearth baked tortillas are perfection. Fall Seasonal Burrito or the Casa Quesadilla were my go-tos (or To the Hills when I was poor that week). Although it's a great spot for a vegetarian, their meat options always got the thumbs up from my friends. The drink selection is great, too. Bodega was always a nice place to chill with friends, loved the live music. I had my first drink here, when I turned 21. A lot classier than some other options in Athens, and good for dates. Yeah, the wait times are long and the service is hit or miss. Honestly, a lot of local restaurants are like that. I don't mind, I'm there for the food. And looking back, those wait times were spent getting to know my (now) husband, or seeing my parents while they were visiting. Times that I am grateful for, years later. So.. will you like Casa? I can't say, because it just comes down to who you are. But give it a shot. You might end up like me. I mostly loved Casa, sometimes it infuriated me, but it is one of the few things that I still smile about. We went back, years later and thought, 'no way this place will be as good as when we were 20.' Yeah, it totally was.
(5)
Craig T.
Quesadillas were fantastic, as always! Unfortunately, they were out of chicken, which has happened on my last two visits. Highly recommend Casa for anyone in Athens.
(4)
Cassandra L.
Came in with 6 other people for lunch. With exactly 5 other people in the resturant spread at two tables it took nearly 2 hours for us to be served burritos. The burritos were baked to the plate. My tortilla was mostly inedible because it was so crunchy and over cooked it couldnt be chewed or cut with a knife. The burritos were loaded with delicious meat, but I wanted a burrito, not meat in an inedible vessle.
(2)
Jillian P.
Casa's staff have definitely improved since I wrote that first review. I love their seasonal pawpaw stuff -- if you're around for that definitely get one of their seasonal plates or something with the pawpaw chipotle.
(4)
Tristan J.
I looooove this place! Amazing, amazing food. Service could be a little slow, but I suspect that's my unreasonable NYC expectations. Really good mixed drinks and a quality selection of craft brews. Will return and recommend.
(5)
Dan C.
I have been going to Casa for 25+ years. Here's what it is: it is a social gathering place catering to long-time townies and the older college crowd; with good drinks, fresh but uninteresting food, terrible service (rude and downright ignorant waitstaff and managers) and the most unorganized billing you will ever experience. They operate in a niche that they own, and feel no need to try to improve anything. They have no idea how bad their service and billing is, as they are in the hothouse of Athens, Ohio, and have never had training; competition has never forced improvement, and they really have no knowledge of possible comparisons. If you accept it for what it is, you will probably have a good time. If you go with the expectation of receiving the type of service that you would get in a more competitive environment, you will be disappointed. That's it...
(2)
Sarah K.
Casa's food is great, but whenever I go there I always end up thinking I could have just cooked this at home and saved money. While the bill is already a bit pricey you have to remember that the tip is included. It's a great atmosphere to get a few drinks with friends. In fact, the drink menu is probably the best reason to go there. Casa utilizes local ingredients in both food and alcoholic concoctions. Their infused vodkas are the talk of the town.
(4)
L. R.
Good food. Pretentious staff. Most of the bar tenders can't mix a drink to save their life.
(3)
Grant B.
All of my reviews are solely intended for visitors seeking vegetarian, vegan, and, (my preference), plant based, whole foods. As most of the reviews indicate, this is an Athen's institution, and a huge family favorite. Here are the tips to know before you go: -There are always several vegan, whole foods choices. -This is not typical Mexican Food. If that's what you're craving, you might be disappointed. If you're open to new tastes, this might become a new favorite -There is often a wait, but usually no more than 20-30 minutes. -I usually don't buy wine by the glass here. While they often have interesting choices, I think the combination of a small glass and price is ($6-7) makes it a little pricey. Stick with a great choice of beers, or buy a bottle and share. -There's no tipping. It's built into the menu pricing. -No table service in the bar. Order from a bartender and pick it up from a window at the kitchen when your number is posted on what looks like a Keno board. -Parking can be a challenge in uptown Athens when school is in session. Bring change for street meters. There is a multi level city parking lot near Washington and Court. I usually drop off the family and can find a spot along the street if I'm willing to go around the block a couple times.
(4)
David C.
Gotta say, I absolutely love this place!! The service is not always the fastest but they have never let me down on the food side. Every time I come down to Athens, this place is a must stop for me! I recommend trying the daily specials, however, ALWAYS ask if the food is spicy if you can't handle hot food! In my case, I love spicy food and this is a great place to get it for me ;) I also like the beers here plus the bartenders are always friendly. They have a great selection of local and guest microbrews here too. You can eat in the dining room or self service at the bar.
(5)
Dan S.
Drinks are strong, food is awesome, a bit socialist but I can dig it.
(4)
Kim H.
Best Huevos in Ohio. You might have to wait but it is well worth it. We take all of our guests to Casa!
(5)
Andrew J.
Casa is my absolute favorite restaurant in Athens. The seasonal changes are always exciting and fresh. Interesting "no-tip policy", but the food is great. Also good that there is a stage for live entertainment. 30-mile meal affiliation means local ingredients
(5)
Stine M.
I was in town for work and came here on a recommendation of my yoga instructor, who's an OU alum. I'm not a 20's something hipster, so I stuck out. Pretty good food, I had the enchiladas Rojas with guacamole and chips. Wasn't impressed with the iced tea. Service was spotty, staff seemed distracted, glad it's a non-tipping establishment.
(4)
Ryan D.
Fantastic food and service to start! Wicked craft beer selection as well as many infused vodkas. Bartenders are friendly, knowledgable and will treat you well. Update: I recently had their breakfast... it is everything I had heard and more! The morning I stopped in they were also doing "Build your own Bloody Mary" ... there was bacon... I mean BACON to add to my bloody mary! If I lived in town this would be my Sunday Funday place of choice.
(5)
Laura H.
Fabulous find in downtown Athens. Have a sense of humor - if you sit at the bar your food (appetizer only menu) will be served up via your order number lighting up on a board. Think BINGO! LMFAO!! Vegan Mexican joint. Who knew? Tips are already factored in the bill. Would go back and will
(3)
Brian H.
update
(4)
Thomas G.
Consistently crappy service, I must have a sign on me that says, "ignore me and treat me bad please" as that is all that happens EVERY time I go here. The last time I went I was asked to wait in the "cantina" where you get ignored by bartenders unless you basically grab them and demand service. Next I watched as several groups of people that came in AFTER me got seated while me and my date got thoroughly ignored and awful service. Once we got seated, we got about 5 oz of water and asked if we needed a "minute." Had I known this was code for, "I am going to go on a long walk to nowhere and never come back to help you" I would have ordered right then and there. Yes, they use locally grown and raised food however, it is nothing special or tasty. The food is ... meh. The service is beyond reproach and the prices are ridiculous. If you are looking for good food and/or service, go ANYWHERE else but here. This story has been repeated EVERY time I have gone to Casa in the 16+ years I have lived in Athens, just sad. Avoid this place at all costs if you can!
(1)
Sandy S.
They get points for decent service and friendly people, but the food was not good. I like the whole concept of thia place, but I think when you have all indians and no chiefa you end up with poor planning and bad fiod choices. The food was bland and poorly matched. The burrito was baked onto the plate and very dry. I had the huevos rancheros. The eggs were good....but how do you go wrong with eggs? There was a sweet potato puree under the eggs which didnt match. The salsa was waaaaaaay too spicy even though the server said it was medium spicy. I wouldnt ever go there again.
(2)
Jane F.
Casa is by far my favorite place to eat out in Athens, Ohio. Not only are their beverages delectable but the food is extremely tasty. One of my favorite parts about this restaurant is that they have a Bodega side so that you can have a drink, play a board game, and order an appetizer while you wait for your table. When I graduate, I will miss their delicious Casa Quesedillas and divine Bloody Mary's. The atmosphere is also very chill and relaxing and accepting to every different style of Athens.
(5)
Jessica I.
This is Athens in a nutshell. Yeah, there are plenty of other types of people and places in this quirky little town, but nothing captures the ethos of Athens like Casa Nueva. That, in my world, is mostly really good. But it's not perfect. The good: Local food before local was cool, or even really a concept. Worker-owned and run by people with a stake in the business. Consistent and tasty food - there's a reason for the lines. The bad: The "owners" have been known to not really give a damn - a 45 minute wait with four empty tables is not unusual here, nor is a bone-dry coffee cup. You gotta take the good with the bad. The food? I happen to really love it, but it's not really Mexican. At all. It's a fusion of hippie and health food with a Mexican influence. Consider it Mexican at your own peril. That said, the guacamole is sublime, as are most of the salsas. The place is a vegan/vegetarian delight, but if you can withstand the withering judgement of your server, they'll bring you meat. Local, fresh, hippie-pinko and mostly great. Yep, this is Athens.
(4)
Alex S.
Casa is Athens. The food is pretty good locally grown/raised. The waits are a bit long but I think I'm the only one who cares...so I'll just get over it. My favorite time is breakfast/brunch. It doesn't matter what you order...you will eat it all....especially the pancakes with Sticky Pete's syrup! The Bodega is great bar food and Casa has the best drinks in Athens! (ok...so does Jackie O's).
(4)
Karen D.
Casa Nueva is an Athens, Ohio institution! Casa Nueva is worker owned and operated, each employee rotates and works all of the roles in the restaurant plus all of the food is sources from local farms & producers. My first Casa experience was during my OU years in the mid-90's and now as an alum I can't wait to go back for my Casa fix. My friends will tell you when you mention Ohio University, Athens, Ohio a visit to Casa is a must! The cantina was added in the mid-90's for more room is is filled most weekends. You can enjoy a great variety of beers and crafted cocktails from the bar. My first Lindeman's Framboise was enjoyed here and have one each time I return. My most recent visit in April I enjoyed my favorite Dinner Platter #7 two rolled enchiladas, one with cheese and chipotle salsa, one with seasonal veggies of the day and salsa verde. Served with jasmine rice and southwestern black beans. Their salsas are the best - my favorite chipotle salsa, so fresh & flavorful. The plate is always hot when served. Brunch on Sunday's are a must, but get there early otherwise you will have an hour wait, yes on a Sunday morning. The Scrambler Deluxe is the way to go with the chipotle salsa. All of the food is good at Casa it's hard enjoying just one dish during a visit, so come back for many you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Butch J.
This is a great place to go if you want to get service similar to the service of a dead cat. A dead cat would be much nicer, actually. These people treated me like my second ex-wife's parents. And much like that family, I will not be supporting Casa Nueva.. especially on a middle school janitor's salary like mine. Not sure of the root behind the pretentiousness behind these people. Their above-average "locavore" food and their regulars are the only thing keeping them going. Smile, guys.
(1)
Alexa A.
This place is amazing. At first I thought the prices were high, but it turns out it's a no-tipping restaurant -- with the way I tend to tip, it ends up bringing this food at a discount. And the food is great -- sustainable, local when possible, and they have a whole gluten-free menu. Their extra-spicy bloody marys are actually incredibly spicy, which is a plus for me. And they have free wifi!
(5)
Willis K.
Casa is a part of our Athens "eating-out" experience, primarily for great late breakfasts/lunches. There may be a wait on weekends, but the overflow area in the bar (Cantina) is conducive to relaxing over delectable Bloody Marys, margaritas,or excellent Ohio craft beers on tap. Have a light snack in the bar area, or feast in one of two 9-10 table dining areas. Tons of great menu choices, again--breakfast served late on weekends! The ever-popular Huevos Rancheros is superb, as is the Basic Scrambler or my favorite, the Scrambler Deluxe, with black (or refried!) beans, two salsas and eggs or tofu all wrapped up in a tasty baked burrito with a side of perfect home fries. Also, Casa's breakfast burrito is a classic, as is the soysage and biscuits, and, every now and then, real bacon from local supplier. I might add that Casa is #1 on supporting LOCAL farmers and growers and definitely that food and community connection makes the whole experience that much better! Lunches, side dishes and salsa are also consistently high-quality, with a menu that changes four times a year to incorporate seasonal specials. Just on salsas alone, there are poblano, pico de gallo, roasted summer vegetables, butternut chipotle, etc. as well as a top-notch list of about 8 other regular salsas. There are lunch-sized smaller platters, interesting sandwiches and wraps, as well as a host of burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. I have never had a taco at Casa and never will, there are simply too many other rich and bountiful things to try. Just the homemade salad dressings alone tweak the tastebuds, especially Sesame Soy. You will be treated like a saint in a laid-back, professional manner. If you are quick to judge by appearance and are in a big hurry for mediocre, cardboard "food," Casa may not be your place to relax. Most importantly, the eclectic, patient, knowledgeable staff will bend over backwards to accommodate special requests, such as the Willeez Diznee special 2-layer stacked enchilada that I order with refried beans, pulled pork, vegis of the day, a half and half of Salsa Verde and Red Chili Roasted Garlic salsa, with a side of Jasmine rice to mix in and make a delightful, colorful, succulent, filling, healthy meal. Oh, by the way, did I mention the awesome Margaritas??! A one-of-a-kind experience that I cannot wait to get back to after I have been on the road....YUMMEE!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch, Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Loud Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free 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.
Rufus W.
The most overpriced, silly, low quality food in town, except for maybe some of the chain places. This place, seems to me, to be successful due to it's marketing and location, rather than the food. That said, the Cantina (bar) is one of the best in town. They include the tip in the price of the drink, which I find wonderfully convenient.
(2)Martin P.
Casa Nueva is an old standby, and a mandatory stop during any trip to Athens we make. If Jessica H. doesn't get her soysage gravy and biscuits on the Sunday morning after Halloween, she is a very unhappy girl. Anyway, Casa is a locavore's haven... something with which many of our friends and colleagues in Columbus can identify, right? It is employee-owned. The staff is very cool and friendly. For this particular stop, I went with the chorizo albondigas, which have a nice amount of spice to them by themselves. Both the pork and tofu versions are locally sourced. The meatballs are served over jasmine rice and topped with their delicious Casa BBQ sauce. Tasty, wonderful stuff, friends. Managed to sneak a bite of the Mrs' soysage gravy, too. If you stop by, also check out their homemade salsas... many different flavors and degrees of hotness... try a couple with a basket of chips. You won't be sorry. The Black Bean is really good, as is the Red Chile & Roasted Garlic.
(4)David K.
Yeah, the "Mexican" thing is a bit like the Pirate's Code: It's more of a "guideline" for how the food looks, not an actual rule. And it takes a while to get your food. Those are common sentiments here. But Casa Nueva is still not a bad place at all! The food is, well, fresher than most restaurant foods I've eaten, for lack of a better way of putting it. I was definitely not disappointed with any of it, and if I recall correctly, the service was pretty decent as well.
(3)Sammy T.
I mock my coworker for loving this place, because its pretty much terrible. I ordered the french toast and a side and nearly had to donate a kidney to pay for it. It's pricey here and noone understands what customer service is. If you aren't big on things being stuffed into a tortilla and called a burrito, Casa will make you sad. Everyone seems preoccupied with anything but serving or smiling. Like they are waiting for the weekend so they can go to the next Ekoostik Hookah concert.
(2)Michelle C.
Without a doubt five stars. Rice salad... I could have ordered another ! Enchiladas: chicken and pork with verde perfectly cooked & flavored. Shared a bowl of vegetarian chili as well - amazing! House margarita is perfect. We highly recommend. Knowledgeable staff, and many many vegan and GF options
(5)Charlene K.
Worth the trip to Athens! The food tasted so fresh and amazing. Did they pick the seasonal veggies in my burrito from a garden in their backyard? I was a little skeptical when I arrived at the restaurant and the hostess said that the wait would be 30-45 minutes. It was 1:30 PM on a Saturday. Was this food really worth waiting that long? For lunch? After finishing my meal, the answer was 'yes.' I had the seasonal burrito with raw-milk cheese, onions, seasonal veggies, black beans, and chicken topped with salsa verde. If I could sum up the combined tastes of this wonderful burrito, it would be 'FRESH.' Hey Casa Nueva, I think you need to open a branch in Zanesville!
(5)Trella R.
When I was a student at OU, Casa Nueva was my go-to place for date nights and when the folks came to visit. As mentioned in several other reviews, their seasonal menu is where it's at. Delicious local food, and a great atmosphere made me keep going back. When in doubt order anything on the menu that has pulled pork in it. Trust me, you'll thank me later. (Expect for maybe the vegetarians...they probably shouldn't follow that last little tidbit of advice) The real draw of Casa is their phenomenal vodka-infused drinks. While their beer selection is top-notch, if you weren't ordering one of their mixed drinks, you were missing out on something special. $4 gets you a Lemon Cookie, Pom Pom, Pineapple Hurricane...oh the list goes on. I'm disappointed I never got to try them all! Not to mention their Margaritas and Bloody Marrys were absolutely stellar and always hit the spot when I was craving one. (Erm, I'm making myself sound like some sort of alcoholic in this review, aren't I?) In short, if you come to here expecting traditional Mexican food, you will walk away disappointed. Now, if you come to Casa with an open mind, chances are you'll walk away with extremely satisfied and hopefully with a full tummy.
(5)Kimberly P.
showed up Sat night (Jan 19) in support of my favorite local band (Holy Spicoli). it took a bit for the night to get going b/c the band is used to their own equipment and Casa staff is used to their own equipment. anyways... the band was awesome as usual. can't wait to do it all again. this review is really about the bartenders though. sure, it's confusing to figure out where to order since people stand at the bar once they have their drinks. and it was difficult to figure out who was waiting on dinner and who was there for the band. once i found a more appropriate spot to order... i asked for a pitcher of margaritas (since they looked so tasty on a lot of tables). well it took awhile but OH MY GOD IT WAS WORTH IT! my bartender had to find a pitcher bc people weren't returning them. we all joked that those ppl need to drink faster! anyways, he went to the restaurant got a pitcher and proceeded to HAND MIX the BEST pitcher of margaritas I have had the pleasure of consuming. some people might be put off by all the ice. well stop it, THIS PITCHER WAS PERFECT. most places around here just do a premixed thing with some (usually bad) tequila added (yuck). even so-called Mexican places will do such blasphemy. even some Los Angeles places will succumb to that. not Casa! i forgot to make note of which tequila was used but I'm pretty sure it was better than well. and the price tag: affordable. maybe not for SE Ohio but for the QUALITY and the ATTENTION to detail that was involved... SO WORTH IT! btw, YES they're strong! THANK YOU CASA!! we will be back... probably tomorrow for lunch. we might have to wander around Court St for awhile before mom drives home. LOL. side note: the women's bathroom stalls are functional but not exactly winning style awards. at least the tiny size (hopefully) keeps stall sharing to a minimum.
(5)Corey P.
I'm not a huge fan of Neuva mostly as a bar, because it has shows that I usually don't wind up liking (and charges covers sometimes) and dance nights which I'm not a fan of. Best night is Tuesdays when they have Stammtisch, a German speaking hour around 7 or 8. The restaurant, however, is awesome. Service is usually just okay, but the food is great if you're into spicy, organic food (a lot of vegan stuff, but my God is their pork good).
(4)Shabazzy L.
First, you are most likely going to have to wait...So if you are super hungry be prepared. Sit in the bodega and order some chips, Kip. We went on both a Saturday and a Sunday and waited over 45 minutes each time. Also, this is a college area so the bathrooms are covered with graffiti and not very clean. So I suggest, have a light snack and use the restroom before you go. Conversely, once you do get seated. The wait staff is very friendly and the food is very unique, fresh and delicious. Ingredients used on the menu items are said to be local and seasonal, and they taste as if that is true. I tried breakfast and dinner, both were equally good. I recommend trying Casa nueva for a different take on Spanish food.
(4)Imber C.
The place to meet friends where the food is amazing. They actually care what they feed you! The ingredients are fresh and local and they really cater to individual needs, so ask for it JUST how you want it! The margaritas are amazing but be careful! They can be strong!!!! I'm generally not a big enchilada fan, but Casa's are the best! Make 'em how you want 'em with homemade salsas, fresh veggies of the day, black beans or refried, chicken, beef, pork, cheese etc etc etc, any or all! You quickly become family at Casa! It's fabulous for groups, but you may need to wait, which really isn't a problem because the Cantina (bar) is fun! It's always quicker to get a seat in summer (like everywhere in Athens!) The other thing about Casa is that it is CRAZY affordable! You can get a hearty meal for just a few dollars! It's hard not to have Casa become a weekly (or more) event!
(5)Grace J.
Honestly I don't understand all the hype surrounding Casa. I think the reason it receives such high ratings is because Casa's indie/organic atmosphere disguises the poor quality of the service and food, thereby distorting people's perceptions. There is typically a 45-90min wait to be seated (everyday of the week). The service is poor, it took 9 min for the server to re-fill my water. The food is really weird...my salsa was a brownish green. I think that if the salsa is going to be green or brown that there should be a warning. My Taco was lukewarm and the tortilla it was in tasted funny. I guess if you like organic weird tasting food this is the place for you, but if you prefer traditional mexican well...sorry but welcome to Athens, Ohio.
(2)Lee B.
This place is fantastic! Although I don't go through Athens very often, I now would like to make this restaurant part of any trip through this area. It's a co-op owned by the workers (at least I think I have that right). My friend and I stopped for lunch. I ordered the burrito platter and my friend ordered the enchilada platter. Both were delicious. There is a separate portion of the menu with a page of different salsa, including a seasonal salsa. To top of a delicious and fresh lunch, I ordered dessert and it was mind-blowing. Can dessert get better than a double fudge brownie with home-made strawberry icecream topped with whipped cream, fudge sauce and blackberry sauce? I think not.
(5)Kat S.
The first time I came to Casa Nueva was as a prospective OU student. Expecting traditional, sloppy Tex-Mex, I was disappointed and didn't return for a very long time. When recommending Casa to first-timers, I always make a point of telling them not to expect the usual Mexican-American fare; I think this warning helps prepare them to enjoy Casa. Side-note: If the previously described "sloppy Tex-Mex" is what you simply MUST have, Rio on West Union Street is okay for that kind of thing. My return visits to Casa Nueva have all been wonderful. For a lazy, luxurious Saturday or Sunday brunch, plan to wait between 1-2 hours for a table. Fortunately, you can order delicious Bloody Marys and other hand-crafted cocktails, as well as chips and other snacks at the Bodega bar (attached to the restaurant) while you wait for a table. If you want to by-pass the wait, a limited menu of Bodega food is fast, affordable, and consistently tasty. Two favorites are the Puerco Pibil and the Hills Deluxe. The quesadillas are also note-worthy. The restaurant boasts a more extensive menu and serves breakfast until 4 P.M. A favorite is the seasonal huevos rancheros. Don't be scared away from the seasonal veggies of the day which can range from sweet potatoes to bok choy to swiss chard, depending on what is fresh and local. They are delicious additions to enchiladas, burritos, and more, even if it might feel strange to order vegetables in traditionally unhealthy dishes. One more note about in-restaurant dining: The reason why Casa will not receive a 5-star review is because the service is ALWAYS mediocre. Every time I visit someone's order is messed up in some way and the servers are inattentive. The worst example was one day when a waitress placed a scalding hot plate in my hands, served dishes with the wrong salsa toppings to others I dined with, and had to be reminded three times that we had ordered coffee (she then proceeded to charge someone twice for coffee). The service isn't bad enough to drive me away, but only because the food is so good. If you're impatient, this isn't the place for you. As bad as the restaurant service can be, the bartenders at Casa are well-trained and very knowledgeable. This is the best place in town to order a mixed drink, and while this can be reflected in some of the specialty drinks prices, there are great weekly specials--such as Tuesday $2 well drinks. Casa often has free shows and dance nights and is as much fun for an afternoon breakfast as for a late night of music and drinks. While not without its flaws, Athens would not be the same without Casa.
(4)Allison S.
Casa is one of those places that I sincerely MISS since graduating and leaving Athens behind me in 2007. It is a stop I make whenever I go back to visit friends in the area. They have the most delicious black bean salsa that you will ever taste, seriously. All the produce is local, and you can just taste the freshness of it. It is fantastic. I was there in April and I can't wait to get a chance to visit friends down there so that I can go back and get my casa fix.
(5)Bronwen B.
I lived in Athens for 18 months back in the early-mid 2000s, as I got my master's in Ohio. Like any good Bobcat, I've had my fair share of meals at Casa, and I feel it's my duty to tell you a little secret -- just because you put some items in a tortilla doesn't mean it's Mexican food... or even imitation Mexican food. I'm a Texan by birth and a Bobcat by choice, and as much as I love, love, LOVE Athens (my boyfriend and I have even discussed the idea of relocating there once he gets his degree in radiology), Casa just isn't, isn't, IS NOT good Mexican food. The salsa is never spicy, and that's coming from someone who can only handle a minimum level of spice. Back in the day, I once went, and - in the name of seasonality - was served blueberry salsa. What. the. fuck. Seriously? Keep that sort of experimenting to yourself, because that shiz is NOT cute. Everyone who makes salsa makes it a bit differently, but blueberries should never - and would never - be part of the mix. On my last visit - in early July - I ordered their specialty enchiladas, which had locally sourced goat cheese, chicken and mushrooms. I love goat cheese like nobody's business, so I was excited to see it included; what wasn't so cute is the fact that one chicken enchilada were $18. Again -- what. the. fuck. It's locally sourced from a goat, not the golden goose. Don't get crazy. But we were on vacation, so I ordered it anyway (after quite a bit of internal debate, however). And at the end of the day, for my $18 I tasted exactly one forkful of goat cheese -- everything else was chicken and mushroom. There wasn't sauce of any sort either inside the aforementioned enchilada, and only a smattering of anything on top, and since $18 apparently only buys you a dollop of the queso in one fracking enchilada, there was a whole lot of dryness in my mouth where savory, locally sourced goat cheese ought to have been. I love the idea of Casa -- worker owned, local sourcing, fresh, seasonal ingredients; but I cannot help but think (now on my visit, as well as back in the day when I lived there) that the hype that surrounds this place is part Athens loyalty and part 'I've only had Mexican food cooked by people who are not actually from - and have not actually ever been - to Mexico, or any US border state where Mexicans reside.' Was it disgusting? No. Will I return? Probably, seeing as how I have friends in Athens, I love Athens, and the alternatives for this sort of cuisine when I'm in Athens are Taco Bell, Taco John's and Chipotle. Plus, Casa as a little pub/bar is quite a bit of fun, and I've got a jones for the paw-paw beer. Next time, however, I might well bring my own salsa. And goat cheese. And oven.
(2)Brian K.
Athens is a truly unique place and this restaurant perfectly represents the area with the local produce and product. I had the Casa Burrito and it was by far the best burrito I have ever had. I'm serious.
(5)Rachel L.
Casa is such a wonderful piece of Athens. I love the creative, new-age Mexican dishes. I pretty much have loved everything I've had, but they really have some killer quesadillas. I tend to stay in the bodega rather than go into the restaurant itself. I love the vibe of the bodega and you can get some great things off the bodega menu. Chips and salsa are a must, as they offer many different house-made salsas and great guacamole. If they've got mint, their mojitos are out of this world. The margaritas are pretty good as well. Oh- and they infuse vodkas so you can try some interesting vodka shots. The pineapple is great!
(5)Gavin D.
I'd been hearing about Casa Nueva from locavore folks in Cincinnati for a while, but hadn't ever made it. I finally did on a trip this past week, and it was very good. They have a ton of locally sourced ingredients, and the place is run as a worker cooperative, so that you can't feel too much better about a place you're eating at. And the food was tasty as well - I had an enchilada platter for lunch. In the evening I came back, and the place was packed on a Wednesday night - an open mic of some sort I think? My local friends told me that it's consistently got something happening and that it's a hang out for a lot of lefty folks in the area. A couple quick notes: Don't go expecting authentic Mexican, and don't go in a hurry. But go - consumers really should be excited to support a place like Casa Nueva.
(5)Laura N.
Amazing tacos. Great drink selection. One of my favorite places to eat in Athens.
(5)Michael C.
My very first trip to Athens was capped off beautifully by my very first trip to Casa Nueva. A worker-owned (aka Super Hippie) Mexican restaurant with numerous vegetarian and vegan options, Casa Nueva turned out to be every bit as delicious as my friends said it would be. I enjoyed the lunchtime Burrito platter with Puerco Pibil and BBQ sauce. My significantly less adventurous date decided upon a grilled cheese sandwich with chips and salsa. My burrito definitely didn't taste like authentic Mexican food but it was certainly delicious. The pork was very tender and the BBQ sauce was the perfect blend of spice, smoke and sweetness. My burrito came with a side order of sticky, slightly crispy jasmine rice that I used to sop up every last bit of the remaining sauce from the burrito. My date, who holds the unofficial title of Pickiest Eater I Know, ate every last bit of her food--a true rarity--and said she couldn't have been happier with her choice. In addition to excellent food, Casa Nueva also offers excellent, friendly service and inexpensive prices. My burrito combo maybe cost only $1 more than a similar combo at a restaurant that doesn't buy locally. The walls were decorated with whimsical paintings by a talented local artist named Emily Beveridge. I'm not sure whether the paintings change regularly but I do know that Casa Nueva supports the local arts scene by hosting musical performances several nights a week. Long story short, I was blown away by how much I enjoyed this meal. If you ever pass through Athens (or if you're dating a picky eater who happens to be an Ohio University alumni), I highly recommend you give Casa Nueva a try.
(5)Debra B.
Amazing, amazing, amazing breakfast!!!!! My daughter and I ate here while I was visiting her at college, we had breakfast scrambler and burrito, both in homemade tortilla and baked, choose guacamole or homemade salsa on top! We are both dreaming about going back and eating there again. One of the most amazing breakfasts I have ever had! I have had lunch there too, very good, but You can get breakfast till 230pm, so from now on its always breakfast for me there, even if it's lunch time!
(5)David V.
Nice locally owned mexican with some interesting beers on tap. Worth going to at least once and, who knows, you might end up loving it.
(3)Andrew S.
As an alum, of course I look back at anything in Athens rosier than it probably is. That said, I'm still convinced Casa is a strong competitor for a top-five spot in my book. First, I'd like to echo the comment regarding the cuisine being less Mexican and more Mexican-inspired haberdashery with an excuse to eat chips and salsa. Said salsa's are made in house and are worth splurging on if, you like me, hesitate to pay for Chips and Salsa when they are so often gratis. Though avoid the black bean, in my opinion (cold and balmy). Of particular note is anything involving the local farmer's cheese--perhaps the creamiest in the game today and that includes Wu-Tang. However, the service is extremely slow, though a well-natured slow. Avoid peak hours unless you want to kill sometime in the quality bar, where they will indeed charge you for a sprite.
(4)Katherine P.
This place was awesome,everything is made in house, organic and fresh. I had the burrito platter for lunch, with beef. Service was interesting, when my boss asked for a recommendation our server replied that she doesn't eat meat or dairy, and that she was guessing that we did, so she recommended something on the breakfast menu at 12:30pm. Ok, I'll roll with it. Music wasn't that loud, college place, but overall I can't wait to go back soon!!!
(4)Matthew K.
I had Casa described to me as "Mexican, with a hippy twist." That's remarkably accurate. You are unlikely to find a more unique restaurant than Casa. The food is all fresh but a bit of an acquired taste if you are used to more traditionally American Mexican food. The whole place is a bit on the cramped side, making obtaining a seat quite difficult on most nights. If you have patience and a desire to try new things, you should not think twice about going to Casa.
(4)Amber A.
I admit I probably wouldn't rate Casa QUITE as highly if it were here in NYC. That being said, I always make a point of going there when I'm back in Athens, and that says a LOT. Don't go expecting Mexican food. It's really Mexican-Inspired Hippy Food. The food is very fresh & organic and/or local. The salsas are very creative (and yummy). It's definitely one of the most unique restaurants around, and I always enjoy my meal. As others have said, service is often slow. And if you go on peak days/hours, there can be quite a wait. So either stay off-peak, or get there early before you're REALLY hungry.
(4)Carl A.
Amazing food, pretty awful service. So worth the inevitable long wait for the food. Usually some cool artwork on the wall that you can stare at for an hour after you order. Still drive from Cleveland to eat there. It's fantastico. Also, good infused vodkas and amazing bloody mary's. College town so totally affordable. Sweet bands play there too before they're too cool for school.
(5)Brandi B.
I lived in an apartment over this place many years ago. I won't tell you how many years ago because, well, I just won't. But it was long enough ago that over a recent breakfast with my former roommate, the following conversation took place: me: "Why didn't we come here more when we lived here?" roommate: "the food wasn't as good. In fact it was pretty weak." me: "yeah, but we drank so much I don't think we woulda' cared." roommate: "we were also dead po' and spent our money on beer. " True. And if I was a student this would probably still be the case. But as a visiting adult(ish) alum, Casa's gotten damn good! I had a terrific quesadilla one night, full of fresh veggies, squeaky cheese, and the precisely correct chewy-crispy tortilla consistency (you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.) Other folks at our table had wraps, enchiladas, full meals, and lots and lots of Petron. Num num num. Sunday brunch was a different story. Food was still good, but only one server for a packed place meant a meal that was just under two hours. Seriously? And our server seemed a little *pissed* that we showed up for food... surely they knew that folks would be coming? Casa's been around a long time, and they've ebbed and flowed through better and not as better times. Right now they are better. Despite the sketch service, better than I've ever seen them. What they have never been, nor ever will be, is worse than Bob Evans (per Dan N.) Oh yeah, and they're worker owned, which means if you feel like coddling your inner Karl Marx (don't we all?) you can give your money to Casa conscience-clear.
(4)Jason B.
I've had varying experiences at Casa, mostly positive. The food isn't "traditional" Mexican by any means but I don't think they go out of their way to claim that it is. It's a unique blend and they do a pretty good job of giving fair warning / explanation of the "slow cooked" process. There's something to be said for taking your time and doing things "the right way" but with that said..sometimes a sitdown there can take way too long. My wife and I walked uptown and got breakfast a few weeks ago and it was perfect for us - no plans for a Sunday afternoon. We had to wait for 20 minutes for a table but they did have a brunch rush going on. The food took a while but it was worth it. My own experience is to gauge how much time I actually want to commit to a meal and decide if Casa is worth it; I walk through the doors and basically admit to myself that I'm on their time frame. That works for some people; others notsomuch. I've had not great experiences in the Cantina (bar side), mainly with pretentious bartenders. The last one prompted a three page letter to the "owners" - which yes, is everyone. And I will say that I received a prompt reply, an honest apology, and a gift certificate encouraging a return. We did and since then, I've honestly had pretty good experiences. I know it wasn't my letter alone but maybe things were coming to a head and they decided to address it. I now get service with eye contact, an occasional smile, and at the very least..leaving with a feeling that my business is appreciated. We usually get the salsa sampler if we're killing time waiting for a table. I like that you can start your tab at the bar and when your table comes up there's not so mad rush to cash out - they are more than accommodating in regards to transferring everything to your table. Small sidebar - the fine Casa folks usually set up at the Athens Farmers Market, perchance you want to pick up some of their guac, salsa, etc... while browsing the market.
(4)Pris K.
This place gets 2 stars only because I only went once so I feel like I would need a second visit to be sure of my assessment of it. However, because I don't think I ever plan to visit it again (being that I don't live in the area and the likeliness of returning are slim to nil), i'll just keep it at 2 and move on. When I got to Athens, I suddenly got a hankering for Mexican food. I'm not sure why. Possibly because I had just been in NYC and Pittsburgh and each place had their fair share of decent/good cuisine. But regardless, I am a huge fan of Mexican food. Now, my friend WARNED me not to go here. But being the stubborn person I am, I shrugged off his warning and decided to hit up Casa anyway. After all, they had free WiFi and I needed to get a meal while doing some work. I went in and was seated in a small booth and then handed a menu. This menu certainly had a lot of options, but none that could be considered cheap. I decided that because the food is supposed to be locally grown and it's a co-op and all, that I should suck it up and support this local supposed "gem" of a restaurant. I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and inquired about their Appalachian Tea, as i'd never heard of such a thing and was always open to trying new local items. "It sucks. Don't get it. Seriously, really bad," said the long haired boy with the permanent scowl who happened to be my server. "Oh... okay," and I proceeded to keep sipping my plain water instead. I can certainly appreciate some honesty here and there, but bluntness like that would probably get you fired at most establishments. At the very least, it doesn't reflect very well on the restaurant. If it's so bad, why do they keep it? Or couldn't he at least make a better recommendation or ask me what kind of beverage I was in the mood for? Eh, but that might be too much work and this guy didn't seem like he was too excited to be employed anyway. A while later, he brings me a plate that immediately has me bewildered. At first, I thought he brought me some sort of salad. And then I realize it's my Huevos Rancheros. 2 sunny side up eggs served on top of two corn tortillas, covered in red sauce with shredded carrots and lettuce. Carrots. And lettuce. Alright, I said to myself, i'll keep an open mind. I've never seen carrots and lettuce on eggs like this before, but I figured why not. I guess I can't say it took away from the meal, but it certainly didn't add. The eggs were, well, eggs. Bland as bland can be. What was really killing me though was the "salsa" or red sauce that they had. No spice. Not even a little. Hell, sprinkle some pepper on it at least or add a drop of tabasco! Nope. It was like having runny eggs with bland spaghetti sauce and some shredded lettuce. I tried to make the best of it, but the let down was too deep. I was really hoping for some authentic tasting Mexican, or at least a pleasant variation. My server came back two times to see if I was done so he could take my plate, to which I would respond no, since it was obvious I was still eating. I didn't realize til later that he was actually in a hurry. Apparently they were closing up my section for the afternoon, though the rest of the establishment would remain open. My question is why would they seat me there knowing full well they'd have to rush me and shove me to the other side of the restaurant? Poor planning, for sure. As a former restaurant hostess, I can attest to just how much that would NOT fly at most joints. Before I was even finished, he dropped the bill on my table and when I was on my last bite, he came back eagerly awaiting payment. Instead, I asked for a coffee. He looked frustrated but thems the breaks I guess. He brought my coffee (nothing impressive, surprising to me since I had been sipping on nothing but pretty tasty coffee throughout Athens) and asked if I could pay him already because they were closing that section and he had to go. I obliged, not really annoyed at their closing but at not being informed earlier. I gave him the cash and on the plus, he didn't (remember to) charge me for the coffee. I don't know what it is that the kids of OU see in this joint. Maybe their other meals are better. Maybe scowly faced server isn't always there. Maybe, like another Yelper mentioned, they're just always too drunk to notice/care. Point is, if I ever find myself back in Athens, I will not be visiting Casa for another overpriced meal. I might, however, be inclined to get a drink, but then I'm also a lot less picky about where I get my beer.
(2)Sherry W.
Not sure what happened with Dan N- but seriously - you're in Athens, not Chicago. With that said, this place is unique and stands out in the town. Creative menu choices, fresh, local and organic food, AMAZING salsa, everything is made right there, excellent margaritas and top shelf liquor options. Granted, the service can be slow - but the kitchen is tiny - and hey, the place is run by hippies, what do you expect?? This place is a must for any of my Athen's trips....
(5)Kate T.
I love Athens, but I am an alum of OU. Casa Cantina is my favorite restaurant in Athens. I visit every time I go "home". The food is Mexican-inspired, all locally grown & harvested, and it is ran as a co-op business (read HIPPIES). The drinks are great, most of the staff is awesome, and the food is SOOO good. Often you have to wait a bit for the food but it is always worth it. I highly recommend making your own burrito!
(4)Erin S.
NOT WORTH THE WAIT. We waited 90 minutes, then sat down and our server didn't come over for at least another 15 minutes. If you want chips and salsa, they are extra and they're just chips from a grocery store. When our food arrived, one of the orders was wrong and the chicken was dry and apparently dark meat. I had ground beef tacos and the ground beef was so spicy I almost gagged. When our friend's corrected order finally came, the server did offer to take off a few dollars for the late order. Needless to say, we won't be back. Don't waste your time!
(1)Jason F.
This place is really interesting. If you are looking to have some fun go to one of their events they have in the Catina. The bar is good and the event will be a blast! But if you go there for food get ready for to be unimpressed. Out of the 3 times i have eaten there the food has been mediocre at best. The main reason why this place gets such good recommendation is because most of the food is local but i have had local food that is a million times better in Athens and it is cheaper. If you want good local food to eat go to fluff bakery.
(2)B W.
I love Casa and make a point to visit every time I'm in Athens. I'll take the blue highways home from DC or West Virginia so I can stop in. A+ on interesting and delicious drinks, seasonal foods, really strong and delicious coffee, rotating dessert menu, and the woodwork! Wow. Sometimes service can be pokey, so make sure you have a minute.
(4)Sam D.
The bar is pretty good. The food is meh. They are a co-op and try to buy a lot of things local but the menu is all over the place but it tastes ok. Not worth the high price. If you want to eat dinner there place your order around 3pm and you might get your food by 8pm (service is terribly slow). Do not understand why everyone thinks this place is so good.
(2)Grant C.
Nice and Light. Great Bar too.
(4)Whitney S.
An Athens gem since it occupied a third of the space it does now..I grew up on this place and keep coming back to it when I visit my parents. There are NO substitutions for this place, it is one of a kind. My dad says I have a "Casa addiction" which is fine by me! If someone has never eaten here, I describe it to them as organic/local southwestern mexican with a granola twist. Service can be a bit slow at times, but the scrumptious food always compensates for the wait. Love that they have the cantina area now with tons of beer and liquor to choose from, plus appetizers. Their bloody mary's are deliciously spicy. Brunch is amazing and served until 230pm during the week! Huevos rancheros with a side of black beans and bacon is my favorite order. For dinner, I almost always order a seasonal enchilada (red chile roasted garlic salsa, pulled pork) and either an enchilada verde or roja with chicken or tofu.
(5)Kiarash Z.
I don't know if it has anything to do with being employee-owned, but Casa Nueva seems like it could use a few more servers on Sunday mornings. My Athens guide and I poked our heads inside and were told the wait for service would be 45 minutes. I could see six open tables, so clearly space wasn't an issue. I still love Casa's food and atmosphere, but I don't recommend it if you have anywhere to be.
(4)emily b.
This is my favorite restaurant of all time! The reason I say this is not because it is the best food I have ever eaten, but because it is hands down the restaurant I have eaten at the most times in my life. I eat here multiple times a month, sometimes on a weekly basis. But yet I will come back again and again, week after week for the following reasons: -A warm and wonderful atmosphere, I always know I will have a relaxing time. -A kick ass seasonal menu, specials and mouthwatering mixed drinks. -Nice people, many of whom I know, work there! -Prices that remain steady and CHEAP. In a bigger city, the food could easily be much more expensive. Go there, & start a habit.
(5)James B.
Good food, really long wait for a table (and this was in the summer when traffic would be light), disappointing weak Margaritas.
(4)Sami R.
Casa probably has some of the best food I have ever had. I live San Diego now and I can not find anyplace like Casa! It truly is one of a kind! Simply amazing. Nuff said.
(5)Tina B.
I have been away from Athens for years and STILL dream about Casa. The food is creative and delicious. I recommend the Casa Burrito b/c it's got cream cheese in it! And, it's baked. They have great coffee and margaritas. Casa does a great job of supporting local farmers. They also focus on seasonal items. Plus, Casa is a co-op. So all the folks that work there buy into the establishment. It's a good community. Buy some tasty salsa on your way out. It's the best!
(5)Shane T.
It's one of a few places that does locavore and vegan meals well.
(5)Nicole E.
What a great little place to go for lunch. There were a ton of veggie options on the menu and the staff was super friendly. Another plus is that they serve breakfast all day (or at least I think they do - they gave me a breakfast menu at 1pm). I had a grilled cheese like none I've ever had - it had roasted tomatoes and hot peppers on it and a sweet and sour tofu soup that made my sore throat feel all better. I also loved the choice of salsas. There was so much on this menu it was hard to choose - I highly recommend giving this place a shot.
(5)Reg P.
I really don't get the hype about Casa. The drinks are great, but the food is so bland. I can never fathom why anyone would go to eat here with Salaam and Zoe's right across the street.
(2)William S.
I really need to go here in the summer, as they only use seasonal veggies... I like garlic but not in every dish.
(3)Mark T.
Highly over rated. One of the most hyped restaurants in a town that has few decent places to eat unless you love chains like Applebees and Bob Evans. Casa creates some of the more bizarre combinations of traditional fare like Mexican food - expect items like whole wheat tortillas and beets when it comes to burritos. I found the place to have way too too much attitude for my tastes. Food is very average, but worth a try to see if you like this sort of thing. The food was hot even if the tastes and combinations were strange. Heavy dose of garlic in just about everything. Don't know if this is because they don't know any better or if this is merely to bring some kind of uniformity to a weird combination of food groups.
(3)mike G.
Thanks in no small part to the Ohio University, Athens has blossomed into one of the state's most respectable beer-drinking burgs. The best place to order a cold one is at the lively Casa Nueva Restaurant, Cantina & Bodega. Students and locals flock here to enjoy daily specials that highlight beers from around the state and beyond. The Ohio-centric draft beer selection includes seasonal specialties from Buckeye Brewing, Great Lakes Brewing, Marietta Brewing, and Athens-based Jackie-O's. For a uniquely potent potable, sample the pawpaw wheat, an Ohio-brewed beer made from locally harvested fruits.
(4)Melissa M.
Great seasonal and local fare. You know where everything is from, it smells and tastes delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting. Fantastic food for breakfast and dinner. Often a wait, especially on the weekends, but well worth it. Just elbow up to the bar and order a delectable gazpacho bloody Mary.
(5)Amy B.
My only complaint about Casa is that they always seem to be one or two servers short. But the food is local and delicious. Also, get dessert. Dessert is delicious.
(4)Mike L.
Great for supporting the seasonal items and local farmers. I just wish the food had as much aspiration. My winter burrito with pork was just so-so, the sauce on top was good and spicy but could not compensate the lack-luster filling. Now if they had offered just a duck burrito with the roasted butternut squash that would of worked but not what they offer you. The side of jasmine rice was out of place and had a weird texture. The location was good and the service was efficient. I have heard that the breakfast is very good, perhaps that is the meal to try.
(3)Steve B.
I used to live in Athens. Now I have to make special pilgrimages when I'm in town. Casa represents all that's good in this town. Local foods. Tasty, even if it's not very Mexican. And great cheap Margaritas.
(5)Sonja J.
My husband and I have being eating here since it first opened and will continue to make it a part of our regular routine!!! If you are expecting authentic Mexican fare, you should go somewhere else. But if you like something different and are interested in supporting local farmers and sustainability, this place will be for you!! Veggies on the menu rotate according to what is available locally! There are many vegan and vegetarian options. Chips are not just automatically brought to your table and do cost extra. All food is prepared to order so expect to wait longer than at a chain restaurant. Casa has great drinks to keep you occupied till your food arrives like the vodka infused with different flavors; my favorite is the pineapple hurricane. They also have some great coffee drinks and of course margaritas!!! I most like to come here for breakfast or brunch and get the scrambler which is served with home fries. The deluxe consists of eggs or tofu served with home fries and choice of bread, choose the biscuit with jam. Yumm! It is not your typical biscuit! You'll love it! My favorite dinner choice is the enchiladas with tofu and verde salsa. If you like tofu, the way they fix it is really tasty. The salads are always fresh and crisp, no brown edges or nasty tomatoes!!!! Dressing offerings are made from scratch! The quesidiilla is a nice appetizer or add a salad and have a meal!! For pork lovers they offer pork that is locally raised!
(4)Kim W.
This has to be one of the best restaurants in Athens! The food is always extremely fresh and the workers really seem to care about the employees. The only downside I have ever experienced is there is usually a wait but even the wait isnt so bad with a few drinks and appetizers at the bar.
(4)Richard D.
We showed up with a big group, about a dozen, and it took them a long time to seat us in the small restaurant area. We hung out in the actually larger bar area. I wasn't in the mood for it, but the beer selection seemed good. The food itself was tasty. They have no idea what spicy is though. We ordered their habenero salsa which was the hottest thing on the menu, and honestly it was what I'd call a medium. (But hey, I live in Berkeley.)
(4)Annie C.
After two tries to get into Casa Nueva and having it be too crowded, we finally were able to get in on a Sunday night after dropping off the college boy at his dorm. The bar area, while you wait for the much less smaller restaurant seating, is large. However, you have to pay for chips that taste like they came from Walmart, they are not unlimited and the margaritas were nothing to write home about. We had to wait twice as long as what the stiff, uninterested hostess told us we would have to wait. When our buzzer finally went off, we were seated by an employee who made no eye contact, moved down the hall way, to which we asked "are we supposed to follow her?" The answer was yes, so next to a table of hippie screaming, undisciplined children we were sat. We ordered a second round of 3 oz, overpriced margaritas as well as our food. My husband ordered a special enchilada, which consisted of apple, cheese, and onion. It had black beans on the side and jasmine rice, which is more Chinese style rice than Mexican. I also had an enchilada off the menu, however, the black bean sauce and chicken were dry. The Chinese jasmine rice was excellent though. The desserts, in such a restaurant, consisted of double fudge chocolate brownie, cheesecake, and something else equally American. Not quite what I was expecting at restaurant name Casa Nueva. With 4 years to go in college, we might venture in again to see if the waiters ZZTop beards have gotten longer or if we might get lucky enough to get a dish of the caliber of my husband's special, but I think we will have to try the other restaurants in town first. I am not sure I have enough tattoos to fit in there. My husband's synopsis: there was nothing there that would make me want to go back, but nothing that made me want to stay away either.
(3)Steven H.
An important tentpole in the paltry restaurant scene in Athens: excellent local-oriented Tex-Mex style food, and friendly and complete bar. But is this really it for casual-to-nice dining in the Uptown area? Think about it--almost everything else within a three-street radius serves only food that you can eat with your hands. No more burritos, pizzas, hamburgers, or sandwiches, please!
(4)Danielle B.
I don't care how good the food is, if the service is awful, there's really no point in going back. I've been going to Casa with my friends, who love the food and atmosphere, for almost 4 years now. I finally decided it was time to write a review on how utterly slow, rude, and often times totally absent the servers are to the customers. I guess since it's worker-owned that means they can each have their own agenda on how to run the place??? I once sat at the bar to order from the Bodega on a Saturday afternoon in a bright blue shirt, money ready and out, for 20min. I ended up leaving because the bar tender never even made eye contact with me. When I went to the hostess to explain how I had never been served, she shrugged, yes shrugged her shoulders at me, and said, "I'm sorry", and then proceeded to just stand and stare at me from behind her podium. Personally, I think Sol Of Athens has just as amazing food, with much more personality and care coming from its servers. Go there. I haven't been back to Casa since that last incident. It was the final straw for me.
(2)David R.
First of all, the food at the Casa is delicious. My wife loves their food, but perhaps a little (ok, a lot) more than I do. I'd only complain that the service is slow and sometimes inconsistent, and the middle room at the Casa is very loud... the cacophony of people chatting almost invariably gives me a headache. But, on the other hand, the food is delicious, and cheap, and generally comes from local sources. So if eating out is a social thing for you, the Casa is perfect in every way. But if you are looking for a nice quiet meal and have an appointment in an hour, maybe check elsewhere.
(4)Sharon B.
We were excited to visit Casa Nueva again; our last visit was about 4 years ago, and the food was a highlight of our trip to Athens. The location looks about the same as before, but some items on the menu had changed (they used to do this amazing green dip . . . ). We had two custom infusions (the berry amarula - delicious; and the coffee bean vanilla root beer - bitter undertone from the coffee). We were happy to see that they continue to make some of the best salsas around. We had a chicken burrito and chicken enchiladas; both were good-sized servings, quite filling. Our food delivery was also surprisingly slow, and there didn't seem to be a good reason for that slowness. The restaurant was not crowded when we arrived, though it filled up within about 30 minutes. Our server seemed to be fairly new; he needed to consult with someone before responding to half of our questions. In short, it was a good visit, but not the great one my memory had prepared me for. I wouldn't turn down another visit, but it may not be at the top of my list anymore.
(4)Adam R.
This place is special. It's weird. It's hippie dippy. It's not for everyone. And it's special. This is not authentic Mexican food. This is a hippie twist on it. They're going to throw some weird vegetables on your burrito. Go with it. Zucchini is surprisingly good with salsa. They have meats too, but there will still be vegetables. Their salsas are good and surprising. The BBQ is sweet and tangy with a lot of layers of flavor. The black bean is nice and mild. The red chile roasted garlic is also mild with a lot of flavor. The chipotle has a nice heat on the back end. And if their is a special salsa, give it a try! Breakfast is great. Eggs just go so well with spicy peppers and onions. I kind of wish the chips were better since their salsas are so good. The chips have that dense, thick texture you find when they use natural ingredients. There will be a wait, though. I have never gone and not waited at least 20 minutes. So get a beer and wait in the bar. The beer selection is very good. Try some local midwestern brews. Do you hate vegetables? Do you like food that is predictable? Do you want authentic Mexican? If so, don't come here. It is not for everyone. But for those of us who like it, it's just amazing.
(5)Jay S.
Incredible. Incredible. And incredible. I built my own burrito, and it was amazing. Fresh ingredients. No GMOs. Organic. Hippies. I can't wait to come back! And the Habanero Salsa is fire!!!!
(5)Eli C.
Absolutely horrible customer service! Came in on a Sunday and checked inside the windows before going inside. Several tables on the restaurant side were empty. When I went inside, the host never acknowledged me as I stood in front of him for several awkward seconds. Finally, I had to ask if I could get a table for two. He said that it would be a 45 minute wait. For what?? There were at least 4 empty tables that I saw as I came in. The host never mentioned that I could go to the bar or order from the Bodega (I knew that I could, but if I were from out of town, I'd have never known). You can't order off the regular menu on the bar side, so you're limited to appetizers from the bodega. I didnt come for appetizers. Either they were woefully short staffed, trying to force people to sit at the bar to make extra cash, or the staff doesn't know the first thing about customer service. Our waiter seemed pleasant once we were finally seated 30 minutes later. But after nearly an hour waiting to eat, I was disappointed that we never received our chips and salsa that we ordered as an appetizer nor did we receive one of the cups of chili that we ordered with our meal. I'm a local, and I have been to Casa many times over the years. This is not my first time waiting to be seated at the restaurant, but I can honestly say that service has gotten worse over the last several years. If you have 10 open tables, you should be staffed to serve more than 4 tables. The last several times that I've come to Casa I've experienced longer waits for a table, staff that is slow to respond, and long wait times for our meals. I don't know if it's because they no longer accept tips so they don't have any incentive to provide good service, or if it's just poor management, but until they do something to make it better, I'm not coming back.
(1)Jules B.
I am new to Athens, and have been excited since before my arrival to eat at Casa. I was disappointed - food was OK, and customer service was pretty terrible. It was clear that the staff was disorganized, and I had really been hoping to see a well-run team, since the worker-owned aspect of Casa was a selling point for me. Nope. I waited at the bar for 10 minutes before someone took my order (watching two other parties get service before me, even though I was there first). I was not informed that I had to specify that I wanted my appetizer BEFORE my main course, nor that I would get raw red cabbage on my nachos instead of roasted eggplant. An hour later, both my appetizer and my main course were ready. It would have been courteous, Casa, to tell me that the wait for food would be that long. They forgot the black beans on my nachos and the sour cream with my friend's quesadilla. The salsas were very good, and the vegan nacho cheese was delicious! The house margarita was great too. Everything else was about average. As I ate, I watched one of the bartenders pick his nose, then grab a clean glass with the same hand to pour somebody a drink. I'll be back on a less busy night, and hope for better service. For the amount this place was talked up, I really expected more.
(2)Geoff D.
Absolute must if you want to experience the Athens food scene. An institution for sure. Requires patience as in most good things in life.
(5)rich e.
Good food. Ridiculous service arrangement. So...I go to the bar and wait to catch the eye of a bartender to order my drinks and food, pick up the food at the kitchen and bus my own table???? Just hire some servers. There have to be at least 100 college kids that are looking for jobs.
(3)Jamie P.
I've long relied on Casa to cure hangovers when I'd visit pals at OU. The burritos are top notch with the seasonal salsa always being more deep in flavor than just tomato and spice. Hints of nuttiness, bitter herbs, and more really bring them to a new dimension. I love the no-tipping element because the prices accurately reflect what you'll pay. I also can't help but be happy they give what they DO receive tipwise to local charities. This is a solid restaurant ran by great folks. And it's great for booze-induced self loathing the next morning!
(4)Laura H.
Never go here if you're in a hurry, but the food and beverages are consistently high quality and unique. They probably should not have done away with tips given the legendary slow service, but the food and drinks are always worth it.
(4)Drew Z.
Grabbed lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Were told the wait for 2 was 30+ minutes, but the bodega side was wide open. Sat down, grabbed the lunch menu and placed our menu at the bar. Quickly had our food (long before we would have been seated on the other side. The food was good, although my burrito needed quite a bit of hot sauce to have much flavor. My wife's was much better. If the wait is too long, I definitely recommend grabbing a seat on the bodega side; you'll get your food quickly and be on your way.
(4)Sharmeela S.
Very fresh ingredients. Chicken enchilada was delicious. The food isn't too oily or greasy. Sort of like a healthy Mexican inspired place. The tacos and the grilled cheese were also good. You'll feel pleasantly full. The brownie dessert was excellent. There's metered street parking. Its a great place to dine in Athens, and theres occasionally live music next door.
(4)Deirdre S.
Wowzers! There's really no other word to describe the food at hipster haven Casa Nueva. It's a must stop spot for anyone visiting Athens. My dining companion & I started out with the Queso con Chiles rich, a savory, spicy cheese dip served with thick whole grain tortilla chips. I savored every last bite of my seasonal enchilada, the most deliciously flavorful enchilada I've ever had in my life. It was garnished with the ultra fresh veggies and the House Hot salsa, adding a perfect spicy kick to the savory cheese of the enchilada. The service wasn't the best but the food more than makes up for it. They have a no tipping policy because the restaurant is employee owned.
(5)Mohammed A.
I'm not sure if I went on a bad day or what, I have had a bad experience from the beginning until I left the place. As soon as I walk in with my family it took them 10 minutes to seat us with an almost near empty restaurant. After being seated, the waitress took about 15 minutes to come and ask for our drinks. We immediately placed our order for appetizer and main dish. After 40 minutes of waiting we've decided to ask the waitress where the appetizer was and she replied it will be out in two minutes after checking with the cook. The appetizer came out and it was the wrong order. We did not say anything and waited for the main dish. After I total of 50 minutes The main dish finally came out and it was burnt for both my wife and I. There was absolutely no flavor to the dish. It seems like the place is run by college students who don't really care about what they serve or what they do.
(2)Jamie C.
It's hipster Mexican--for me, it doesn't slake the Mexican craving--but it's really good and fresh and I love their array of salsas. It's its own thing. Also, margaritas.
(4)Sid V.
Don't go to casa looking for Mexican food. The food is okay, but this place is so hyped up by locals. Everyone in Athens will tell you that you have to go to casa, but it's just okay to me.
(3)Sarah T.
Casaaaa! you have taken so much of my money! You are so tasty. Casa is special b/c it is worker owned and has no tips, so the prices are more expensive as the tip is figured into all of the tips. Casa is also a great bar for drinking and dancing. So you can get smashed their saturday night and then come back sunday for your recovery brunch. ;-)
(4)Ian S.
Probably the most popular restaurant in Athens, and one of the best. If you're looking to get a feel for what this odd, fun, quirky college town is like, try coming here in the evening for dinner or a drink. You'll get a chance to meet the friendly, hippie-ish locals and take in the funky vibe of the town. Casa is a favorite due to its really good Mexican-style food, drinks, and fun, casual ambience. They often host live music and feature local performers, and it's not uncommon for the dance floor to be crowded. It's a large space, technically split into two dining areas. The bar area is, not surprisingly, a little more lively and boisterous. Definitely worth checking out!
(5)Tiffany W.
I had the build your own burrito with the specialty salsa (butternut chipotle). It would not be an exaggeration to say that my burrito was literally the best burrito I've had in my entire life. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the salsa was flavorful and bold, and the option to include tofu just took it over the top. It's a good thing that I don't live at this place otherwise I would eat here all the time and undoubtedly turn into a blimp!
(5)Jennifer V.
If you enjoy waiting for your food for two hours, then this is your place. The food was good, but the wait was really long and the dining room was freezing. I got the taco salad with chicken and it was good, but not worth the 2 hour wait.
(2)Tony W.
I've worked in a Mexican restaurant in AZ run by a nice Mexican American family. I know the difference between Taco Bell style food and authentic. This is the real deal. Plus they use fresh locally sourced produce to insure great food. The staff was attentive and professional. I hope to get back soon to eventually try the whole menu. Well priced too.
(5)Greg S.
Food isn't bad but they definitely take their time making your food. We waited at least 45 minutes... and it wasn't worth the wait.
(2)Bridget K.
I was visiting my cousin in Athens for a day. I wanted to get the real experience so we went to Casa Nueva. I had been there before but years later when my brother was a student at OU. We waited a while for a table on a Tuesday night in the middle of the summer. I can only imagine what the wait is like in the middle of the school year. Our server was good. We tried the seasonal salsa with chips so good. Our food arrived quickly and was piping hot. It was really good and super filing. If I even end up in Athens again, I'll be back.
(4)Cat C.
I love this place. Casa serves very delicious and fresh, local food. The burritos are amazing and the seasonal salsa is fab. I love the food, service, and all-inclusive pricing. My only 'complaint' is the wait is sometimes too long to eat in the restaurant section. It's not really a complaint as this place is a very popular spot to eat. I consider myself lucky on days we can get a table.
(5)Marie M.
Always a fantastic experience! We drive down from Logan as often as possible, if we lived closer it would be our weekly haunt. The staff is great, the drinks are perfect and the food is always fresh! Very clean and has a great vibe. The only downside is the wait (so be prepared) no matter when we go, it's always about an hour plus but it's well worth it!!
(5)Aaron D.
First trip to Athens. Visiting my girlfriends old hangout. She said we had to come here. Glad we did. Food was great. Cheers!
(4)Taqwa A.
The pinko in me loves that Casa is run cooperatively; the workers own it and decide how to run it. The alcoholic in me loves the great beer selection. This is where I often grab "lunch" before heading back to the University. The vibes on the cantina side are great -unless you get that one bartender who plays only the Grateful Dead. The food is great. You can nyam out here for cheap and still get the freshest stuff. Their selection of fresh salsas is always great. The service... yea, I can see how some people would get frustrated by it, especially on a busy night sitting on the restaurant side. Overall though it's not that bad. I've had worse at restos in Athens that charge twice as much. This is my go-to spot in Athens for lunch especially. Food and drinks are great, and the vibe is nice (with great sunshine in the afternoon).
(4)Kaitlyn R.
Although there is poor service and a long wait at times, ALL of the GOOD things about Casa cancels that out. Excellent local, sustainable food--you get what you pay for, but as a student, I like that; I know that I'm getting quality instead of Subway or Chipotle a half a mile away. The brunch is divine, especially the mimosas and omelettes. Also, do the seasonal veggies and build-your-own quesadilla. I'm graduating in May and this is a restaurant I will regularly come back to when I visit. It's one of the best in Athens!!
(5)Jessica H.
I am madly in love with the food and freshness. Had an excellent Athens mule drink - fresh lime juice, OYO vodka, Ginger infused vodka and grand spumante. Great gazpacho bloody mary as well. It subs in red wine vinegar for the classic Worcestershire sauce. LOVE the tofu albondigas, love the jasmine rice. How often is rice just downright tasty? The soysage and biscuits are my go-to, and my to-go. I get a box whenever I head home - so tasty as leftovers! Fresh salsas are always worth trying.
(5)Laura M.
Casa is an Athens institution, but it is also one of the few places in the area that you will find food that is creative, fresh, local, and (most important) fantastic. When I went to OU, this place introduced me to food that was not 'Olive Garden' and turned me on to quality vegetarian cooking. For that, it gets max stars. It's is not for everyone. There are people who go to Casa and expect it to be authentic Mexican food, or expect it to be Chili's. There are people who don't like menus that change with the season. There are people who don't like places that aren't standard chains. These people usually don't like Casa- and that is fine. The vibe here isn't for everyone. But you owe it to yourself to check it out. Casa is unique. I've lived all over the US, but I have never found their take on 'Mexican' replicated anywhere else. It's very hard to describe it. So I'll just say that it is really good. Their sauces are incredible, their burritos are dynamite. The hearth baked tortillas are perfection. Fall Seasonal Burrito or the Casa Quesadilla were my go-tos (or To the Hills when I was poor that week). Although it's a great spot for a vegetarian, their meat options always got the thumbs up from my friends. The drink selection is great, too. Bodega was always a nice place to chill with friends, loved the live music. I had my first drink here, when I turned 21. A lot classier than some other options in Athens, and good for dates. Yeah, the wait times are long and the service is hit or miss. Honestly, a lot of local restaurants are like that. I don't mind, I'm there for the food. And looking back, those wait times were spent getting to know my (now) husband, or seeing my parents while they were visiting. Times that I am grateful for, years later. So.. will you like Casa? I can't say, because it just comes down to who you are. But give it a shot. You might end up like me. I mostly loved Casa, sometimes it infuriated me, but it is one of the few things that I still smile about. We went back, years later and thought, 'no way this place will be as good as when we were 20.' Yeah, it totally was.
(5)Craig T.
Quesadillas were fantastic, as always! Unfortunately, they were out of chicken, which has happened on my last two visits. Highly recommend Casa for anyone in Athens.
(4)Cassandra L.
Came in with 6 other people for lunch. With exactly 5 other people in the resturant spread at two tables it took nearly 2 hours for us to be served burritos. The burritos were baked to the plate. My tortilla was mostly inedible because it was so crunchy and over cooked it couldnt be chewed or cut with a knife. The burritos were loaded with delicious meat, but I wanted a burrito, not meat in an inedible vessle.
(2)Jillian P.
Casa's staff have definitely improved since I wrote that first review. I love their seasonal pawpaw stuff -- if you're around for that definitely get one of their seasonal plates or something with the pawpaw chipotle.
(4)Tristan J.
I looooove this place! Amazing, amazing food. Service could be a little slow, but I suspect that's my unreasonable NYC expectations. Really good mixed drinks and a quality selection of craft brews. Will return and recommend.
(5)Dan C.
I have been going to Casa for 25+ years. Here's what it is: it is a social gathering place catering to long-time townies and the older college crowd; with good drinks, fresh but uninteresting food, terrible service (rude and downright ignorant waitstaff and managers) and the most unorganized billing you will ever experience. They operate in a niche that they own, and feel no need to try to improve anything. They have no idea how bad their service and billing is, as they are in the hothouse of Athens, Ohio, and have never had training; competition has never forced improvement, and they really have no knowledge of possible comparisons. If you accept it for what it is, you will probably have a good time. If you go with the expectation of receiving the type of service that you would get in a more competitive environment, you will be disappointed. That's it...
(2)Sarah K.
Casa's food is great, but whenever I go there I always end up thinking I could have just cooked this at home and saved money. While the bill is already a bit pricey you have to remember that the tip is included. It's a great atmosphere to get a few drinks with friends. In fact, the drink menu is probably the best reason to go there. Casa utilizes local ingredients in both food and alcoholic concoctions. Their infused vodkas are the talk of the town.
(4)L. R.
Good food. Pretentious staff. Most of the bar tenders can't mix a drink to save their life.
(3)Grant B.
All of my reviews are solely intended for visitors seeking vegetarian, vegan, and, (my preference), plant based, whole foods. As most of the reviews indicate, this is an Athen's institution, and a huge family favorite. Here are the tips to know before you go: -There are always several vegan, whole foods choices. -This is not typical Mexican Food. If that's what you're craving, you might be disappointed. If you're open to new tastes, this might become a new favorite -There is often a wait, but usually no more than 20-30 minutes. -I usually don't buy wine by the glass here. While they often have interesting choices, I think the combination of a small glass and price is ($6-7) makes it a little pricey. Stick with a great choice of beers, or buy a bottle and share. -There's no tipping. It's built into the menu pricing. -No table service in the bar. Order from a bartender and pick it up from a window at the kitchen when your number is posted on what looks like a Keno board. -Parking can be a challenge in uptown Athens when school is in session. Bring change for street meters. There is a multi level city parking lot near Washington and Court. I usually drop off the family and can find a spot along the street if I'm willing to go around the block a couple times.
(4)David C.
Gotta say, I absolutely love this place!! The service is not always the fastest but they have never let me down on the food side. Every time I come down to Athens, this place is a must stop for me! I recommend trying the daily specials, however, ALWAYS ask if the food is spicy if you can't handle hot food! In my case, I love spicy food and this is a great place to get it for me ;) I also like the beers here plus the bartenders are always friendly. They have a great selection of local and guest microbrews here too. You can eat in the dining room or self service at the bar.
(5)Dan S.
Drinks are strong, food is awesome, a bit socialist but I can dig it.
(4)Kim H.
Best Huevos in Ohio. You might have to wait but it is well worth it. We take all of our guests to Casa!
(5)Andrew J.
Casa is my absolute favorite restaurant in Athens. The seasonal changes are always exciting and fresh. Interesting "no-tip policy", but the food is great. Also good that there is a stage for live entertainment. 30-mile meal affiliation means local ingredients
(5)Stine M.
I was in town for work and came here on a recommendation of my yoga instructor, who's an OU alum. I'm not a 20's something hipster, so I stuck out. Pretty good food, I had the enchiladas Rojas with guacamole and chips. Wasn't impressed with the iced tea. Service was spotty, staff seemed distracted, glad it's a non-tipping establishment.
(4)Ryan D.
Fantastic food and service to start! Wicked craft beer selection as well as many infused vodkas. Bartenders are friendly, knowledgable and will treat you well. Update: I recently had their breakfast... it is everything I had heard and more! The morning I stopped in they were also doing "Build your own Bloody Mary" ... there was bacon... I mean BACON to add to my bloody mary! If I lived in town this would be my Sunday Funday place of choice.
(5)Laura H.
Fabulous find in downtown Athens. Have a sense of humor - if you sit at the bar your food (appetizer only menu) will be served up via your order number lighting up on a board. Think BINGO! LMFAO!! Vegan Mexican joint. Who knew? Tips are already factored in the bill. Would go back and will
(3)Brian H.
update
(4)Thomas G.
Consistently crappy service, I must have a sign on me that says, "ignore me and treat me bad please" as that is all that happens EVERY time I go here. The last time I went I was asked to wait in the "cantina" where you get ignored by bartenders unless you basically grab them and demand service. Next I watched as several groups of people that came in AFTER me got seated while me and my date got thoroughly ignored and awful service. Once we got seated, we got about 5 oz of water and asked if we needed a "minute." Had I known this was code for, "I am going to go on a long walk to nowhere and never come back to help you" I would have ordered right then and there. Yes, they use locally grown and raised food however, it is nothing special or tasty. The food is ... meh. The service is beyond reproach and the prices are ridiculous. If you are looking for good food and/or service, go ANYWHERE else but here. This story has been repeated EVERY time I have gone to Casa in the 16+ years I have lived in Athens, just sad. Avoid this place at all costs if you can!
(1)Sandy S.
They get points for decent service and friendly people, but the food was not good. I like the whole concept of thia place, but I think when you have all indians and no chiefa you end up with poor planning and bad fiod choices. The food was bland and poorly matched. The burrito was baked onto the plate and very dry. I had the huevos rancheros. The eggs were good....but how do you go wrong with eggs? There was a sweet potato puree under the eggs which didnt match. The salsa was waaaaaaay too spicy even though the server said it was medium spicy. I wouldnt ever go there again.
(2)Jane F.
Casa is by far my favorite place to eat out in Athens, Ohio. Not only are their beverages delectable but the food is extremely tasty. One of my favorite parts about this restaurant is that they have a Bodega side so that you can have a drink, play a board game, and order an appetizer while you wait for your table. When I graduate, I will miss their delicious Casa Quesedillas and divine Bloody Mary's. The atmosphere is also very chill and relaxing and accepting to every different style of Athens.
(5)Jessica I.
This is Athens in a nutshell. Yeah, there are plenty of other types of people and places in this quirky little town, but nothing captures the ethos of Athens like Casa Nueva. That, in my world, is mostly really good. But it's not perfect. The good: Local food before local was cool, or even really a concept. Worker-owned and run by people with a stake in the business. Consistent and tasty food - there's a reason for the lines. The bad: The "owners" have been known to not really give a damn - a 45 minute wait with four empty tables is not unusual here, nor is a bone-dry coffee cup. You gotta take the good with the bad. The food? I happen to really love it, but it's not really Mexican. At all. It's a fusion of hippie and health food with a Mexican influence. Consider it Mexican at your own peril. That said, the guacamole is sublime, as are most of the salsas. The place is a vegan/vegetarian delight, but if you can withstand the withering judgement of your server, they'll bring you meat. Local, fresh, hippie-pinko and mostly great. Yep, this is Athens.
(4)Alex S.
Casa is Athens. The food is pretty good locally grown/raised. The waits are a bit long but I think I'm the only one who cares...so I'll just get over it. My favorite time is breakfast/brunch. It doesn't matter what you order...you will eat it all....especially the pancakes with Sticky Pete's syrup! The Bodega is great bar food and Casa has the best drinks in Athens! (ok...so does Jackie O's).
(4)Karen D.
Casa Nueva is an Athens, Ohio institution! Casa Nueva is worker owned and operated, each employee rotates and works all of the roles in the restaurant plus all of the food is sources from local farms & producers. My first Casa experience was during my OU years in the mid-90's and now as an alum I can't wait to go back for my Casa fix. My friends will tell you when you mention Ohio University, Athens, Ohio a visit to Casa is a must! The cantina was added in the mid-90's for more room is is filled most weekends. You can enjoy a great variety of beers and crafted cocktails from the bar. My first Lindeman's Framboise was enjoyed here and have one each time I return. My most recent visit in April I enjoyed my favorite Dinner Platter #7 two rolled enchiladas, one with cheese and chipotle salsa, one with seasonal veggies of the day and salsa verde. Served with jasmine rice and southwestern black beans. Their salsas are the best - my favorite chipotle salsa, so fresh & flavorful. The plate is always hot when served. Brunch on Sunday's are a must, but get there early otherwise you will have an hour wait, yes on a Sunday morning. The Scrambler Deluxe is the way to go with the chipotle salsa. All of the food is good at Casa it's hard enjoying just one dish during a visit, so come back for many you won't be disappointed!
(5)Butch J.
This is a great place to go if you want to get service similar to the service of a dead cat. A dead cat would be much nicer, actually. These people treated me like my second ex-wife's parents. And much like that family, I will not be supporting Casa Nueva.. especially on a middle school janitor's salary like mine. Not sure of the root behind the pretentiousness behind these people. Their above-average "locavore" food and their regulars are the only thing keeping them going. Smile, guys.
(1)Alexa A.
This place is amazing. At first I thought the prices were high, but it turns out it's a no-tipping restaurant -- with the way I tend to tip, it ends up bringing this food at a discount. And the food is great -- sustainable, local when possible, and they have a whole gluten-free menu. Their extra-spicy bloody marys are actually incredibly spicy, which is a plus for me. And they have free wifi!
(5)Willis K.
Casa is a part of our Athens "eating-out" experience, primarily for great late breakfasts/lunches. There may be a wait on weekends, but the overflow area in the bar (Cantina) is conducive to relaxing over delectable Bloody Marys, margaritas,or excellent Ohio craft beers on tap. Have a light snack in the bar area, or feast in one of two 9-10 table dining areas. Tons of great menu choices, again--breakfast served late on weekends! The ever-popular Huevos Rancheros is superb, as is the Basic Scrambler or my favorite, the Scrambler Deluxe, with black (or refried!) beans, two salsas and eggs or tofu all wrapped up in a tasty baked burrito with a side of perfect home fries. Also, Casa's breakfast burrito is a classic, as is the soysage and biscuits, and, every now and then, real bacon from local supplier. I might add that Casa is #1 on supporting LOCAL farmers and growers and definitely that food and community connection makes the whole experience that much better! Lunches, side dishes and salsa are also consistently high-quality, with a menu that changes four times a year to incorporate seasonal specials. Just on salsas alone, there are poblano, pico de gallo, roasted summer vegetables, butternut chipotle, etc. as well as a top-notch list of about 8 other regular salsas. There are lunch-sized smaller platters, interesting sandwiches and wraps, as well as a host of burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. I have never had a taco at Casa and never will, there are simply too many other rich and bountiful things to try. Just the homemade salad dressings alone tweak the tastebuds, especially Sesame Soy. You will be treated like a saint in a laid-back, professional manner. If you are quick to judge by appearance and are in a big hurry for mediocre, cardboard "food," Casa may not be your place to relax. Most importantly, the eclectic, patient, knowledgeable staff will bend over backwards to accommodate special requests, such as the Willeez Diznee special 2-layer stacked enchilada that I order with refried beans, pulled pork, vegis of the day, a half and half of Salsa Verde and Red Chili Roasted Garlic salsa, with a side of Jasmine rice to mix in and make a delightful, colorful, succulent, filling, healthy meal. Oh, by the way, did I mention the awesome Margaritas??! A one-of-a-kind experience that I cannot wait to get back to after I have been on the road....YUMMEE!
(5)