OUR STORY
MEET OUR MI CASA FAMILY
When our family opened the doors to Mi Casa Costa Mesa in 1972, our mission was to serve good food and festive times to our friends and neighbors in Costa Mesa, CA. 50-plus years later, our delicious family recipes continue to distinguish us as one of the best Mexican restaurants in Orange County! Our laid-back atmosphere is widely known as a local “hot spot.” From the moment you walk through the doors, you’ll understand why. Mi Casa’s rustic red brick accents, weathered chairs, and beautiful dark wood accents provide a comfortable environment to relax and enjoy a meal with your loved ones. We are a fun meet-up spot with your friends, where our premier Costa Mesa happy hour, large portions, and heavy-handed margaritas will keep you coming back for more.
Need to chill out with a refreshing post-work margarita? Take advantage of our weekly drink specials or browse our vast selection of enticing cocktails, beer, and wine! Our Orange County bar also boasts an extensive list of tequilas that features traditional favorites and rare, unique, hard-to-find brands. We also have a great list of domestic and imported draft beers and flat-screen televisions perfect for watching the game! We have family night covered as well. Our vast menu can satisfy the taste buds of everyone, from young to old!
Our Cal-Mex menu includes simple classics like crispy tacos overflowing with lettuce and cheese, enchiladas, fajitas, and burritos with re-fried beans and rice. We also offer tasty, healthy options like our Spinach Enchiladas, Fiesta Salad, and Grilled Mahi Tacos covered in homemade pico do gallo and served with delicious sautéed vegetables that will impress your taste buds! Our family is proud of our award-winning Orange County Mexican restaurant! So, whether near or far, please stop by and let our family take care of your family.
THE MI CASA STORY
Mi Casa Restaurant in Costa Mesa, CA, was opened in 1972 by the late Barrie Moore. The restaurant is owned by 3rd Generation family member Ryan Moore and his business partner, Ryan Allen. The restaurant looks and feels the same as when it opened over 50 years ago! Mi Casa offers a relaxed, casual setting for locals to dine with relatives and friends. We have always viewed our customers as part of our family… Mi Casa es Su Casa!
BUILDING THE MI CASA TRADITION
1956 – Mi Casa founder, Barrie Moore, opened Taco Tio in San Gabriel Valley. Taco Tio was the first “Taco Drive-In” in the Los Angeles area and over the years grew to 8 locations.
1957 – Taco Tio expanded to Santa Ana and became the first Taco Drive-In Restaurant in Orange County too!
1972 – Barrie Moore opened Mi Casa Restaurant on 17th Street in Costa Mesa with a bright blue iconic door. The restaurant used to be a Sizzler Steakhouse, and you can still remnants of the wagon wheel chandeliers and the cattle iron branding symbols on the dining room tables.
1972 – Since day 1, Jose Perez was the Head Chef at Mi Casa. He retired in 2004, but still visits Mi Casa to enjoy our entrees and sauces that were originally some of his Abuela’s recipes.
1976 – Barrie Moore opened a second Mi Casa Restaurant in Balboa, just steps away from the ocean on Main Street on the Balboa peninsula.
1980 – The original Moore Family eating at Mi Casa Restaurant.
1984 – LA Laker Star, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, bought the Balboa Inn and the Mi Casa Balboa location was closed.