Disclaimer: The stars are only a reflection of my experience in the lounge area, not the restaurant as a whole. Why? I'll tell ya...
Hubby and I have been to La Casa a couple of times now. There are usually quite a few cars parked out front, which seem to mostly belong to staff or lounge patrons. Every time I peek into the restaurant, it is dead dead dead. We actually walked in at the restaurant entrance once and after waiting a considerable amount of time, debated hunting down a hostess to seat us. When she finally arrived, we were seated directly next to the only other party. As the restaurant was otherwise empty, the situation felt awkward because the conversation at the other table echoed very loudly. Deciding we were too uncomfortable (it was also pretty chilly- I don't like being cold), we headed over to our trusty lounge hangout. I have no interest in the restaurant portion of this establishment.
Now- as for the lounge. I enjoy it. Of course, there's the bar. They also have several tables that are well spaced apart so it doesn't feel cramped. My favorite spot is at the sofas and coffee table where I can kick back and cozy up with my margarita. There is also an outdoor patio, which is okay, but definitely needs some love. There are plenty of tables and chairs which could be better (they're the iron kind that leave marks on your thighs if you're wearing shorts/skirt), a fountain that I'm not sure if they turn on, some string lights with about 20% of them burnt out, and some nice foliage (though they could use a bit more). There are speakers that were playing the ball game that was on at the time, but when it was over, the music inside was not shared with us outside, so we were left with street noise. The parking lot lights from surrounding businesses kind of kill the mood also. Hubby and I have enjoyed having conversations out there, but it was not a popular place to be.
The margaritas are always good. Not the best I have ever had, but definitely on my short list. Be careful though, they are pretty strong. Their virgin drinks are pretty legit also.
We have had quite a few different appetizers on the menu, all of which have been satisfactory. A server once recommended the flautitas, encouraging us to get the steak because she often finds the chicken to be on the dry side (and I do agree with her). The flautitas offer a choice of flour or corn tortillas, I couldn't choose so the server offered to do some of each. Yay!! I love flexibility. I preferred the corn, as the flour was a little too delicate and flaky... I think they must have fried some shrimp prior as there was a hint of something seafoody, but it wasn't terribly offensive.
I do want to give a nod to the tequila peppers on the apps menu. I am usually not a huge fan of jalepeno poppers, but these are made with cream cheese and I love them.
We showed up for happy hour once. I don't know the specials-which they have recently posted a sign apologizing for the inconvenience changing or the hours. The did have a pretty legit salsa bar. And there was live music by a very smooth-voiced musician. He was not introduced and I don't know his name, but I really really really liked him.
Overall, I'm not a fan of the restaurant, really have no comment on the entrees, but I would definitely suggest giving the lounge a go for some drinks and apps- hence the 4 stars for the lounge. read more