Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen Conover — Restaurant in Hickory

Ever since Casa Azul (one of my Top 3 favorite Restaurants in Hickory) opened its doors, I knew I was in for a good surprise. As soon as you get out of your car you can smell the delicious aroma of seasoned food. Once you enter those doors, a really vibrant, happy, and colorful atmosphere. You'll be greeted by very friendly staff excited to seat you. Once seated, the waiter immediately brings out the chips and salsa to begin your happiness stuffing process and takes your drink order and appetizers... unless you're like me and order my drinks, appetizers and food in one step. But that's just me! Now, although I have my favorite dish and I never deviate from it, I have tastes other dishes and all of the are über tasty, making any selection in their purely extensive menu an excellent one. To take it all in, the music playing (most of the time) is authentic Mexican music. Although I love some reggaeton music, they sometimes play some of the artists that say and do vulgar things which is not monitored by the staff.... if you're English-speaking, you'll never notice, but if you're Latino and you hear the lyrics... for me and other people with families especially kids... I just don't want the listening to stuff like that. But since that's just sometimes, it doesn't really affect my overall experience which is having a good time with my wife, friends and family while there. As far as service goes, they are amazing. I have had a great experience with them taking care of any mistakes and or something doesn't taste right. For example, I always, always always order Orchata. I may order a margarita, or a cocktail..... but I will also order an Orchata. So today, I ordered one and as soon I tasted it I knew something had changed. It didn't taste good; watery, lacking sweetness and little cinnamon was my complaint. The waiter immediately went to taste it, asked who prepared the drink and brought back to the table a fresh batch of Orchata and explaining me what had happened.... all with a smile in her face and happy to see me enjoy the remade drink and had please a customer. That's what I call above and beyond. Give Casa Azul Mexican Kitchen a shot, they will not disappoint. Casa Azul, if you read this, please don't ever drop the ball. Keep doing what you're doing because you have something good happening here and I want to keep being a part of this for...

Because I am a person of principle, I will give a one star. Saturday, 11-11-23, we had a party of eight. Some people enjoyed their food, a couple of people sent their food back to be remade. The atmosphere is nice, the margaritas are on point and the salsa is flavorful which makes all of this a reason I would have returned. I ordered three tequila rose shots. One for myself and two for friends. The next day my husband looked at the receipt and realized we were charged $49 for three tequila rose shots. I called the manager on Sunday to ask if that was the normal price since you can buy a whole bottle of tequila rose for $20. He told me that was the incorrect price and we should have been charged $8 a shot which is a lot more reasonable. I went in the restaurant today for a refund of almost $25. The manager on duty told me today that the shots are $13 each. I told him that I had spoken with the manager Sunday who said they were $8. I told him that I understand a mark up on liquor (I used to own a bar) but that is a considerable mark up being that you can but tequila rose for $18 during the holidays (I recently bought it!). He told me that tequila rose is much more expensive than that, but it isn't. I told him that I could understand paying $13 for a Patron shot but for a pink, milky shot with hardly any liquor in it, that is ridiculous. He then told me Patron is $14 a shot. Well yeah, I understand because that is over $50 a bottle. When an establishment does somthing so shady and the managers aren't on the same page, they will ruin themselves. As for me and everyone I tell my story to, it is doubtful we will...

Passing through the quaint town of Conover, we stumbled upon a surprising treasure—a Mexican restaurant that felt delightfully out of place in the best possible way. For a small town like this, the vibrant atmosphere, wide menu selection, and thoughtful details immediately stood out, making this a memorable stop.

The restaurant offers an impressive array of dishes, each promoted with beautiful photographs that made choosing just one meal a delightful challenge. It's clear their marketing team has done an incredible job, capturing the essence of each item and making every dish look irresistible.

Beyond the food, the indoor and outdoor decorations created an inviting, festive atmosphere that felt both warm and upscale. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cozy seating areas seamlessly blended traditional Mexican charm with modern aesthetics. Whether dining inside or out, you’re surrounded by a setting that elevates the experience.

While the food might not have been the most extraordinary we've ever had, the service and ambiance more than made up for it. The staff went above and beyond, treating us like long-time friends rather than travelers passing through. Their genuine warmth transformed what could have been a simple meal into something unforgettable.

This restaurant is a perfect example of how a thoughtful team, from marketing to decor to service, can bring big-city charm to a small town. If you're in or near Conover, don’t miss this place—it’s a vibrant slice of culture that will leave a lasting impression. Bravo to the team for creating such a...