Not sure what happened with Dan N- but seriously - you're in Athens, not Chicago. With that said, this place is unique and stands out in the town. Creative menu choices, fresh, local and organic food, AMAZING salsa, everything is made right there, excellent margaritas and top shelf liquor options. Granted, the service can be slow - but the kitchen is tiny - and hey, the place is run by hippies, what do you expect?? This place is a must for any of my Athen's trips.... read more

I lived in an apartment over this place many years ago. I won't tell you how many years ago because, well, I just won't. But it was long enough ago that over a recent breakfast with my former roommate, the following conversation took place: me: "Why didn't we come here more when we lived here?" roommate: "the food wasn't as good. In fact it was pretty weak." me: "yeah, but we drank so much I don't think we woulda' cared." roommate: "we were also dead po' and spent our money on beer. " True. And if I was a student this would probably still be the case. But as a visiting adult(ish) alum, Casa's gotten damn good! I had a terrific quesadilla one night, full of fresh veggies, squeaky cheese, and the precisely correct chewy-crispy tortilla consistency (you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about.) Other folks at our table had wraps, enchiladas, full meals, and lots and lots of Petron. Num num num. Sunday brunch was a different story. Food was still good, but only one server for a packed place meant a meal that was just under two hours. Seriously? And our server seemed a little *pissed* that we showed up for food... surely they knew that folks would be coming? Casa's been around a long time, and they've ebbed and flowed through better and not as better times. Right now they are better. Despite the sketch service, better than I've ever seen them. What they have never been, nor ever will be, is worse than Bob Evans (per Dan N.) Oh yeah, and they're worker owned, which means if you feel like coddling your inner Karl Marx (don't we all?) you can give your money to Casa conscience-clear. read more

The food is good, and it's nice to have vegan options in this part of the world, but the service is incredibly lack luster. We were seated at 1:30 and did not receive our appetizers until nearly 3pm. Then it was another 20-30 minutes before our main course came out. Furthermore, at least one of the people who served us (there were several, yet our drinks remained empty for a while) smelled strongly of body odor. I don't recommend coming here if you don't have a good 3-4 hours to spare. read more

Worth the trip to Athens! The food tasted so fresh and amazing. Did they pick the seasonal veggies in my burrito from a garden in their backyard? I was a little skeptical when I arrived at the restaurant and the hostess said that the wait would be 30-45 minutes. It was 1:30 PM on a Saturday. Was this food really worth waiting that long? For lunch? After finishing my meal, the answer was 'yes.' I had the seasonal burrito with raw-milk cheese, onions, seasonal veggies, black beans, and chicken topped with salsa verde. If I could sum up the combined tastes of this wonderful burrito, it would be 'FRESH.' Hey Casa Nueva, I think you need to open a branch in Zanesville! read more

This is my favorite restaurant of all time! The reason I say this is not because it is the best food I have ever eaten, but because it is hands down the restaurant I have eaten at the most times in my life. I eat here multiple times a month, sometimes on a weekly basis. But yet I will come back again and again, week after week for the following reasons: -A warm and wonderful atmosphere, I always know I will have a relaxing time. -A kick ass seasonal menu, specials and mouthwatering mixed drinks. -Nice people, many of whom I know, work there! -Prices that remain steady and CHEAP. In a bigger city, the food could easily be much more expensive. Go there, & start a habit. read more

Absolutely horrible customer service!  Came in on a Sunday and checked inside the windows before going inside. Several tables on the restaurant side were empty. When I went inside, the host never acknowledged me as I stood in front of him for several awkward seconds. Finally, I had to ask if I could get a table for two. He said that it would be a 45 minute wait. For what?? There were at least 4 empty tables that I saw as I came in. The host never mentioned that I could go to the bar or order from the Bodega (I knew that I could, but if I were from out of town, I'd have never known). You can't order off the regular menu on the bar side, so you're limited to appetizers from the bodega. I didnt come for appetizers. Either they were woefully short staffed, trying to force people to sit at the bar to make extra cash, or the staff doesn't know the first thing about customer service. Our waiter seemed pleasant once we were finally seated 30 minutes later. But after nearly an hour waiting to eat, I was disappointed that we never received our chips and salsa that we ordered as an appetizer nor did we receive one of the cups of chili that we ordered with our meal. I'm a local, and I have been to Casa many times over the years. This is not my first time waiting to be seated at the restaurant, but I can honestly say that service has gotten worse over the last several years. If you have 10 open tables, you should be staffed to serve more than 4 tables. The last several times that I've come to Casa I've experienced longer waits for a table, staff that is slow to respond, and long wait times for our meals.  I don't know if it's because they no longer accept tips so they don't have any incentive to provide good service, or if it's just poor management, but until they do something to make it better, I'm not coming back. read more

When I was a student at OU, Casa Nueva was my go-to place for date nights and when the folks came to visit. As mentioned in several other reviews, their seasonal menu is where it's at. Delicious local food, and a great atmosphere made me keep going back. When in doubt order anything on the menu that has pulled pork in it. Trust me, you'll thank me later. (Expect for maybe the vegetarians...they probably shouldn't follow that last little tidbit of advice) The real draw of Casa is their phenomenal vodka-infused drinks. While their beer selection is top-notch, if you weren't ordering one of their mixed drinks, you were missing out on something special. $4 gets you a Lemon Cookie, Pom Pom, Pineapple Hurricane...oh the list goes on. I'm disappointed I never got to try them all! Not to mention their Margaritas and Bloody Marrys were absolutely stellar and always hit the spot when I was craving one. (Erm, I'm making myself sound like some sort of alcoholic in this review, aren't I?) In short, if you come to here expecting traditional Mexican food, you will walk away disappointed. Now, if you come to Casa with an open mind, chances are you'll walk away with extremely satisfied and hopefully with a full tummy. read more

The pinko in me loves that Casa is run cooperatively; the workers own it and decide how to run it. The alcoholic in me loves the great beer selection. This is where I often grab "lunch" before heading back to the University. The vibes on the cantina side are great -unless you get that one bartender who plays only the Grateful Dead. The food is great. You can nyam out here for cheap and still get the freshest stuff. Their selection of fresh salsas is always great. The service... yea, I can see how some people would get frustrated by it, especially on a busy night sitting on the restaurant side. Overall though it's not that bad. I've had worse at restos in Athens that charge twice as much. This is my go-to spot in Athens for lunch especially. Food and drinks are great, and the vibe is nice (with great sunshine in the afternoon). read more

A party of 20 walked out due to SSSLLLLOOW service. We waited for over an HOUR AND A HALF for 4 tables an a Sunday afternoon. We arrived at 2:15pm and was seated 3:45pm. We didn't mind if we sat seperate and we made that clear to the hostess. Once seated, we waited another 15 minutes becaue it was "shift change". We explained that we were under a time restraint and 2 hours should have been MORE than efficient for 4 tables on a Sunday afternoon. I asked to speak to a manager and it was explained that they were a cooperative with no management team. Maybe they should reconsider their structure and become more efficient to service their customers. Excuse after excuse after excuse. We never ate and can not rate. ALSO should I mention that I stuck my head in the kitchen and noticed that all of the employyes were just standing around. There was no food on the grill being cooked and everyone was just talking and hanging for their PAID social hour. NO FREE CHIPS AND SALSA. We will never be back. read more

I mock my coworker for loving this place, because its pretty much terrible. I ordered the french toast and a side and nearly had to donate a kidney to pay for it. It's pricey here and noone understands what customer service is. If you aren't big on things being stuffed into a tortilla and called a burrito, Casa will make you sad. Everyone seems preoccupied with anything but serving or smiling. Like they are waiting for the weekend so they can go to the next Ekoostik Hookah concert. read more

This is Athens in a nutshell. Yeah, there are plenty of other types of people and places in this quirky little town, but nothing captures the ethos of Athens like Casa Nueva. That, in my world, is mostly really good. But it's not perfect. The good: Local food before local was cool, or even really a concept. Worker-owned and run by people with a stake in the business. Consistent and tasty food - there's a reason for the lines. The bad: The "owners" have been known to not really give a damn - a 45 minute wait with four empty tables is not unusual here, nor is a bone-dry coffee cup. You gotta take the good with the bad. The food? I happen to really love it, but it's not really Mexican. At all. It's a fusion of hippie and health food with a Mexican influence. Consider it Mexican at your own peril. That said, the guacamole is sublime, as are most of the salsas. The place is a vegan/vegetarian delight, but if you can withstand the withering judgement of your server, they'll bring you meat. Local, fresh, hippie-pinko and mostly great. Yep, this is Athens. read more

Good food. Ridiculous service arrangement. So...I go to the bar and wait to catch the eye of a bartender to order my drinks and food, pick up the food at the kitchen and bus my own table???? Just hire some servers. There have to be at least 100 college kids that are looking for jobs. read more

I would say that Casa is probably the best food in Athens. It stands up to a normal city as really good food =). Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, I don't care what you're getting, it's going to be good here. On the bar side, it's a great place to hang out for some bloody marry's and margaritas as well. Usually have great bands playing, one of my favorite spots in Athens. read more

Casa Nueva is an old standby, and a mandatory stop during any trip to Athens we make. If Jessica H. doesn't get her soysage gravy and biscuits on the Sunday morning after Halloween, she is a very unhappy girl. Anyway, Casa is a locavore's haven... something with which many of our friends and colleagues in Columbus can identify, right? It is employee-owned. The staff is very cool and friendly. For this particular stop, I went with the chorizo albondigas, which have a nice amount of spice to them by themselves. Both the pork and tofu versions are locally sourced. The meatballs are served over jasmine rice and topped with their delicious Casa BBQ sauce. Tasty, wonderful stuff, friends. Managed to sneak a bite of the Mrs' soysage gravy, too. If you stop by, also check out their homemade salsas... many different flavors and degrees of hotness... try a couple with a basket of chips. You won't be sorry. The Black Bean is really good, as is the Red Chile & Roasted Garlic. read more

I have been away from Athens for years and STILL dream about Casa. The food is creative and delicious. I recommend the Casa Burrito b/c it's got cream cheese in it! And, it's baked. They have great coffee and margaritas. Casa does a great job of supporting local farmers. They also focus on seasonal items. Plus, Casa is a co-op. So all the folks that work there buy into the establishment. It's a good community. Buy some tasty salsa on your way out. It's the best! read more

Yeah, the "Mexican" thing is a bit like the Pirate's Code: It's more of a "guideline" for how the food looks, not an actual rule. And it takes a while to get your food. Those are common sentiments here. But Casa Nueva is still not a bad place at all! The food is, well, fresher than most restaurant foods I've eaten, for lack of a better way of putting it. I was definitely not disappointed with any of it, and if I recall correctly, the service was pretty decent as well. read more

Food was good, not great. Service was not good. Giving it 2 stars only because food was above average and the menu is very limited. Eat there only if almost every other option is closed or full. read more

I'd been hearing about Casa Nueva from locavore folks in Cincinnati for a while, but hadn't ever made it. I finally did on a trip this past week, and it was very good. They have a ton of locally sourced ingredients, and the place is run as a worker cooperative, so that you can't feel too much better about a place you're eating at. And the food was tasty as well - I had an enchilada platter for lunch. In the evening I came back, and the place was packed on a Wednesday night - an open mic of some sort I think? My local friends told me that it's consistently got something happening and that it's a hang out for a lot of lefty folks in the area. A couple quick notes: Don't go expecting authentic Mexican, and don't go in a hurry. But go - consumers really should be excited to support a place like Casa Nueva. read more

I admit I probably wouldn't rate Casa QUITE as highly if it were here in NYC. That being said, I always make a point of going there when I'm back in Athens, and that says a LOT. Don't go expecting Mexican food. It's really Mexican-Inspired Hippy Food. The food is very fresh & organic and/or local. The salsas are very creative (and yummy). It's definitely one of the most unique restaurants around, and I always enjoy my meal. As others have said, service is often slow. And if you go on peak days/hours, there can be quite a wait. So either stay off-peak, or get there early before you're REALLY hungry. read more

My first experience in a no-tip restaurant, that makes great food, pays their staff a living wage and has phenomenal customer service! I am floored! Fun menu, great beer and cocktails with a well thought out Bloody Mary selection. If you need a hair-of-the-dog morning after libation, you are in the right station! We had ordered big and ate well and it wasn't hard on the wallet. Give this place your stumble in business, your afternoon business, your dinner business and your party business when next you find your self in Athens! read more

Athens is a truly unique place and this restaurant perfectly represents the area with the local produce and product. I had the Casa Burrito and it was by far the best burrito I have ever had. I'm serious. read more

Casa Nueva - Amazing... double chocolate brownie - Mexican Near Me - Athens, Ohio

Incredible. Incredible. And incredible. I built my own burrito, and it was amazing. Fresh ingredients. No GMOs. Organic. Hippies. I can't wait to come back! And the Habanero Salsa is fire!!!! read more

Been coming here for more than thirty years. Consistently delicious menu with an eye to local and sustainable food sources. There is often a wait at peak times but this place is always worth it. When in thens you MUST eat here! read more

As an alum, of course I look back at anything in Athens rosier than it probably is. That said, I'm still convinced Casa is a strong competitor for a top-five spot in my book. First, I'd like to echo the comment regarding the cuisine being less Mexican and more Mexican-inspired haberdashery with an excuse to eat chips and salsa. Said salsa's are made in house and are worth splurging on if, you like me, hesitate to pay for Chips and Salsa when they are so often gratis. Though avoid the black bean, in my opinion (cold and balmy). Of particular note is anything involving the local farmer's cheese--perhaps the creamiest in the game today and that includes Wu-Tang. However, the service is extremely slow, though a well-natured slow. Avoid peak hours unless you want to kill sometime in the quality bar, where they will indeed charge you for a sprite. read more

The hostess lady was rude and we waited for an hour and a half to get a table, just so we could wait for another hour. The people who work here do not care about customer service. They do not accept tips because they know they would not get any. read more

When you're visiting Athens, THIS is the place to go! The set up is nice because on one side of the building is the bar area, dance floor, and some tables to dine during a party (it was Ladies Night when I went)... But there is a completely different side for if you just want to eat without being surrounded by all of that! The food was amazing! The build your own burrito was neat and tasty! The waitress was super nice too! I wish I had come to visit my friends sooner so I could have been taken here! I will definitely come back if I'm ever in the area! read more

Casa Nueva - Build your own burrito with guac on the side and a daiquiri - Mexican Near Me - Athens, Ohio

Not sure what the 5 stars are all about, but only ordered tacos and salsa and nachos and waited forever for it. The cheesebqas hard on my nachoss it one person working? Place isn't packed either. read more

Casa is Athens. The food is pretty good locally grown/raised. The waits are a bit long but I think I'm the only one who cares...so I'll just get over it. My favorite time is breakfast/brunch. It doesn't matter what you order...you will eat it all....especially the pancakes with Sticky Pete's syrup! The Bodega is great bar food and Casa has the best drinks in Athens! (ok...so does Jackie O's). read more

I love Casa! It's a great atmosphere, the bloody's are amazing, I always go for the Van Helsing. Make sure you emphasize whether you like mild or spicy, I can't handle a lot of spice and they make them spicy unless you specify. Great food, I like the bodega menu and the dining side, I've never had an issue with the food or service here, other than minor rude bartenders when they've been really busy. The vegetarian chili is a must try. read more

Amazing fresh Mexican food. Fun environment, good service and wonderful margaritas. What more could you ask for?

First, you are most likely going to have to wait...So if you are super hungry be prepared. Sit in the bodega and order some chips, Kip. We went on both a Saturday and a Sunday and waited over 45 minutes each time. Also, this is a college area so the bathrooms are covered with graffiti and not very clean. So I suggest, have a light snack and use the restroom before you go. Conversely, once you do get seated. The wait staff is very friendly and the food is very unique, fresh and delicious. Ingredients used on the menu items are said to be local and seasonal, and they taste as if that is true. I tried breakfast and dinner, both were equally good. I recommend trying Casa nueva for a different take on Spanish food. read more

The place to meet friends where the food is amazing. They actually care what they feed you! The ingredients are fresh and local and they really cater to individual needs, so ask for it JUST how you want it! The margaritas are amazing but be careful! They can be strong!!!! I'm generally not a big enchilada fan, but Casa's are the best! Make 'em how you want 'em with homemade salsas, fresh veggies of the day, black beans or refried, chicken, beef, pork, cheese etc etc etc, any or all! You quickly become family at Casa! It's fabulous for groups, but you may need to wait, which really isn't a problem because the Cantina (bar) is fun! It's always quicker to get a seat in summer (like everywhere in Athens!) The other thing about Casa is that it is CRAZY affordable! You can get a hearty meal for just a few dollars! It's hard not to have Casa become a weekly (or more) event! read more

I'm not a huge fan of Neuva mostly as a bar, because it has shows that I usually don't wind up liking (and charges covers sometimes) and dance nights which I'm not a fan of. Best night is Tuesdays when they have Stammtisch, a German speaking hour around 7 or 8. The restaurant, however, is awesome. Service is usually just okay, but the food is great if you're into spicy, organic food (a lot of vegan stuff, but my God is their pork good). read more

Although there is poor service and a long wait at times, ALL of the GOOD things about Casa cancels that out. Excellent local, sustainable food--you get what you pay for, but as a student, I like that; I know that I'm getting quality instead of Subway or Chipotle a half a mile away. The brunch is divine, especially the mimosas and omelettes. Also, do the seasonal veggies and build-your-own quesadilla. I'm graduating in May and this is a restaurant I will regularly come back to when I visit. It's one of the best in Athens!! read more

Grabbed lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Were told the wait for 2 was 30+ minutes, but the bodega side was wide open. Sat down, grabbed the lunch menu and placed our menu at the bar. Quickly had our food (long before we would have been seated on the other side. The food was good, although my burrito needed quite a bit of hot sauce to have much flavor. My wife's was much better. If the wait is too long, I definitely recommend grabbing a seat on the bodega side; you'll get your food quickly and be on your way. read more

Hard to know where to start or how to describe this unique place. It is worker-owned and the determination to make every decision smart is evident throughout. The food is wonderful - and presentation lovingly managed. A deep commitment to local providers and quality ingredients. Regulars are rabidly loyal with good reason. A VERY excellent bar as well. A large area (the Cantina) for short order dishes and drinks and a dining area with lots of seating routinely full but somehow magically available with little or no wait except at lunch and dinner rushes. You must not visit Athens without at least one meal here. Lots of local seemingly live here. Some reviews I see are put off by the service, but it is really excellent if not always the fastest. I think if you think of the server as the owner - which is the case - you'll see the service in a different light. The servers don't suck up as employees sometimes do but are genuinely attentive to providing great dining. This is a no-tipping restaurant, but that doesn't seem to degrade the service. Instead it adds to the take-your-time flavor - no one is trying to churn tables to maximize the take. In short, Casa is the absolute opposite of the fast-food experience. I don't feel impatient here, but it helps to kick back and join the energy that is about getting the food right. read more

Wow! This place was an excellent surprise. Huge portions, fresh food and a no tipping policy! We weren't expecting great cuisine in Athens, but this place rocked. The building goes on and on, with a nice bar "cantina" that had live music when we were there, too. Good margaritas and a decent beer on tap selection. Only downside, our waitress forgot part of our order and didn't really apologize, just asked if we still wanted it. May be a side effect of the no tipping policy, but she wasn't particularly friendly. read more

Absolute must if you want to experience the Athens food scene. An institution for sure. Requires patience as in most good things in life.

If I could give this place 0 stars I probably would. The food was alright, it wasn't anything special. The staff at this restaurant were extremely unprofessional. I hope they go out of business. read more

The food taste great here. I would give it a four stars if I could change its pricing category. It should be three to four dollar sign instead of two. Seriously, a simple taco without vegetables cost $5.5, a Burrito with meat cost $14? I guess locals really like here for brunch and it's packed in their restaurant. read more