Unique dining experiences are my thing. And one hearty dinner at Casa Ole could not be excluded. Located in the heart of southern heritage, this bewitching place is a go-to any day from 11 am to 9 pm on weekdays or up to 10 pm on weekends.
Grabbing a forkful of history, my mind wandered back to 1973 where Casa Ole began its saga of serving mouth-watering Mexican food. Led by founder and owner Larry Forehand, this spot has always exuded a warm and comforting vibe - a trait that aligns perfectly with its delicious food. When Forehand is mentioned, it's hard to ignore his successful venture, which has bloomed to over 30 locations serving the south. As a Northerner, I find myself torn between the anticipation of witnessing Casa Ole up north and the charm of the authentic southern touch.
What kept me captivated?
Of course, the food was a prime factor, but more importantly, the overall ambience of the place is worth a mention. To find a place that serves authentic Mexican food as you travel further north is like finding a needle in a haystack, but Casa Ole stands as a beacon of hope with its Tex-Mex culinary richness. If you're all about quality fast-casual dining, this is your place. The commitment towards fresh ingredients and their extensive preparation is an ode to their dedication, with food being prepared on-site daily based on recipes that have been polished over decades. A quick peek into their journey can be found by clicking the link here.
Does it serve authentic Mexican food?
In the strictest of terms, Casa Ole is Tex-Mex, blending Mexican authenticity with Texan ingenuity. So, if the question is whether Casa Ole serves "authentic" Mexican food, the answer is downright complicated. That said, Mexican and Texan cultures blend seamlessly in such a way that the line distinguishing them is blurred. Defining authenticity is a conundrum. So, it's good to let go of labels and enjoy good food.
What about the vegetarian options?
Well, Casa Ole is nothing less than a paradise for veggie enthusiasts. From entrées like cheese enchiladas, bean-based chili and guac with chips, salads, nachos and veggie quesadillas, this place leaves you spoiled for choice. The well-informed staff will be there to guide you through the veggie journey, making the entire dining experience a delicious event.
Can I handle the heat?
The fiery temptations of the spicy chicken soup at Casa Ole are something you'd be a fool to miss. However, don’t worry about the heat. As every meal is made to order, there's plenty of room to adjust the spice levels to suit your palate. If you're not into spicy food, adding a dollop of sour cream mellows the heat while maintaining the rich authenticity.
Will my children enjoy?
Absolutely! The 'mini-me' gourmands are not alien to Casa Ole. Tailored for the little eaters, offerings like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and cute little personal pizzas are bound to get the little ones excited.
Can I enjoy a drink?
Yes, you certainly can. The tasteful selection of beers, cervezas, wines, cocktails, and drinks for little ones creates a welcoming ambiance even for a casual drinker like me. With the marvelous happy hour from 3 pm to 6pm on Mondays, I could savor their margaritas for half the price. However, just be mindful, the food doesn’t follow the same rule!
Pros
- Authentic and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff
- Impressive vegetarian options
- Flexibility of adjusting spice levels
- Wide variety of drinks with an enticing happy hour plan
Cons
- No northern locations yet
- Authenticity of food can ignite debates
- The assumption that happy hour applies to food too