Mi Casa opens near campus with $10 happy hour nachos

Mi Casa, a new Tex-Mex restaurant, opened last week next to the Starbucks on campus. The most striking detail from its initial reviews is the price of the happy hour nachos, which costs $10. This is double the cost of the same item at Rosy's Taco Bar, a competitor located just across the bridge.

The restaurant occupies a spot that immediately sets a warm tone for visitors. The interior features warm mood lighting and large cacti, creating an inviting atmosphere for students. Despite this appeal, the dining room was relatively empty during the review visit. Seating options during happy hour were limited, with guests directed to a long communal table or the bar.

The happy hour menu drew criticism for its pricing. Reviewers compared the costs directly to Rosy's Taco Bar, finding Mi Casa's deals less competitive. The $10 nachos stood out as a particular disappointment when measured against the $5 option at the nearby rival. Even so, the menu offered enough variety to justify trying several dishes.

Diners ordered cornbread for $6, a unique choice for a Tex-Mex establishment. Served with chipotle lime butter, the bread had a spongy texture that was initially pleasant. However, pieces of corn mixed into the loaf created an unpleasant mouthfeel that diminished the enjoyment of the dish over time. The chips and salsa, priced at $3, received mixed feedback. While the salsa was tangy and the chips were solid, the portion size was described as almost comically small. Reviewers noted that many Tex-Mex restaurants offer this item for free, making the charge surprising.

The happy hour tacos were priced at $6 each. Reviewers sampled Baja fish tacos and Korean fried chicken tacos. Both items had plenty of flavor but suffered from being quite dry. Neither taco came with a sauce or dip, and no condiments were available at the table. The lack of even a bottle of hot sauce to complement the food was noted as a surprising omission for a Mexican restaurant.

Service provided a positive counterpoint to the food issues. The waitstaff were described as exceptionally kind and attentive throughout the visit. However, the promised free appetizer promotion, which was featured on flyers and brought customers in, never materialized. This gap between the marketing and the actual experience was a specific point of disappointment.

Mi Casa offers a convenient location and a welcoming environment that could serve as a casual hangout after classes. The drinks looked promising, though none were sampled during the visit. For now, the pricing and food quality make it difficult to justify a full meal, especially when other nearby options offer better value. The restaurant may be better suited for a light afternoon bite or snack rather than a full dinner.