Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Glencoe

The Chili’s Dancing for a Reason

You see that chili pepper in the logo out front? It’s not just there for decoration. That little guy is dancing. And after one bite at Mi Casita, your taste buds will be joining the fiesta.

Walking through the door is like stepping into a warm family reunion where you don’t have to bring a side dish. The owner greeted us like long-lost cousins and actually talked to us. Not just “How many in your party,” but full-on recommendations with the confidence of someone who knows his menu like the back of his abuela’s recipe card.

And speaking of birthdays, they don’t just sing. They perform. In multiple languages. With joy. It felt like a surprise party where everyone gets cake, except instead of cake, it’s guacamole and good vibes.

Now let’s talk food. I’m a chicken chimichanga guy, and what came out of that kitchen was next-level. Not only was it perfectly crisped, but it had sautéed peppers tucked inside like a little fajita surprise. Whoever’s back there cooking is the real MVP. If Gordon Ramsay wore a sombrero and cooked with love instead of rage, this might be his kitchen.

The queso? It could use a little more kick, but still a worthy addition. And the chips? Let’s just say the refills came faster than a toddler after you say “ice cream.”

We came in tired, hungry, and running on fumes from a long road trip. We left recharged, full of smiles, and with suspiciously better gas mileage. Coincidence? Maybe. But I’d like to think Mi Casita put a little pep in our tank too.

So yes, five stars. Because kindness, flavor, and a dancing chili belong in every road...

Good location with plenty of parking. The dining area is large. They always seem to have plenty of staff that are constantly moving and are very efficient. The chicken nachos are the best I have ever had. I chose the shredded chicken. It was very moist and flavorful and lots of it. The small is a very generous portion of your order it as your meal. Tried the Steak fajita nachos, they were very good also. The manager circulated the restaurant during our entire meal, once brought a basket of candy to hand out when we had finished eating. An unexpected touch of hospitality. There are a lot of Mexican restaurants out there , this one does stand out and we will be back.

Redneck Tacos were three huge tacos with homemade shells filled with very generous portions of beef, lettuce, and white cheese. They looked scrumptious on the plate but the beef didn’t have any texture or flavor, it was very pasty. The shells were excellent, but overall they just didn’t have a taco taste. With the side of rice, the price was great for the quantity of food. The Casita Steak Special was excellent in every way. If you want a steak, try this one.

Flaming Cheese with Steak. Generous portion of tender bite size pieces of steak mixed with onions, peppers, and tomatoes on a generous amounts of melted gooey cheese. Huge plate of sides; rice , beans and then lettuce, guacamole, pico and sour cream to complement the Flaming Cheese. What’s not to love...

28FEB23 ~ Well, I had hoped that things were better since our last meal there. Sadly, they have not improved. The construction in the parking lot was completed but nothing else was better. The interior was almost dingy. The chairs were old, hard, worn, and uncomfortable. The tables were also old & worn. The service was marginally okay. My meal was not tasty at all. Again, this is near the bottom end of the Mexican restaurants I have eaten at previously and prices have increased.

08JAN22 ~ Nothing was 'Bad' but nothing was exceptional either. Our experience was average all the way around. The exterior/parking lot was like a construction zone with trash, etc., all around. The inside was okay but the tables & chairs were uncomfortable, worn, and dated. The service was okay but not like they wanted you to enjoy the entire dining experience. They did their jobs but not like they enjoyed being there. The food was adequate but nearer the bottom end of the Mexican food restaurants where I have dined. The cost, though not expensive, was not justified by the poor ambiance, service, and...