THE PLACE Mi Casa, 296 E....
THE PLACE
Mi Casa, 296 E. 17th Street, Costa Mesa
THE JUDGE
Deepa Bharath, public safety and courts reporter
THE MEAL
A lunch combo with a bean taco and cheese enchilada served with
beans and rice.
THE SPEED
The place is bustling at lunch time and seems to have a wide
variety of customers, from people in formal business attire to
couples and small families. But service is quick and efficient. I was
seated within seconds and waiting on my table was a plate of crisp,
warm tortilla chips and a bowl of spicy -- and I mean spicy -- salsa.
Fortunately, the server brought my Diet Coke before my tongue went
numb from the hot, yet very tasty salsa that I ate in a hurry. The
meal arrived in about five minutes as I crunched through a quarter of
my plate of chips. Thankfully, I hadn’t filled up on the appetizer
yet.
I wasn’t sorry. My combo meal featured a crisp taco, succulent
shredded lettuce and a generous helping of beans smothered under
layers of melted cheese. The enchilada sauce was flavorful and I
couldn’t get through all of it despite my best effort.
THE SERVICE
My server made me feel welcome. She was friendly and helpful. She
helped me choose a vegetarian meal and was patient despite the noon
rush as I mulled over the choices. I didn’t feel pressured to order
right away. I also noticed she knew and paid special attention to the
restaurant’s loyal clientele.
THE VERDICT
Mi Casa has the best of everything rolled into one when it comes
to a working lunch.
It is economical. My entire meal, including tip, worked out to
about $14. It was a more than filling meal. Be prepared to ask for a
box.
The menu offers a range of options, from the staple tacos,
burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas to the more unusual meals, such
as the Chili Size, which is a hamburger patty topped with Mi Casa’s
chili -- cheese and onions on the side, served with tortillas. And
there’s the Gringo Burger with cheese, Ortega chili and guacamole,
served with fries.
The place feels warm and familiar even to a first-timer. The decor
is simple yet elegant, complete with wooden rails and paneling. At
the same time it emanates the charm and the authority of a restaurant
that has served the community for 30 years.
The restaurant’s owners weren’t joking when they inscribed “Mi
casa es su casa” on their front door. The sentiment feels very real.
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