Rustic, fresh ingredients contribute to the authentic Mexican cooking at Casco Antiguo. “We keep it simple,” says owner Ward Van Allen. “This is Mexican food like a grandmother would make.” Try the popular posole (pork with hominy, guajillo chiles, avocado, and broth) or the pescado tacos (wild mahimahi, cabbage, pickled onion, and mango salsa), and save room for the sweet plantains. If you arrive early, you can make dinner out of the happy hour menu (3–6 p.m. daily): gorditas (masa with spicy pork, chorizo, or vegetables), salmon ceviche, or tacos de suadero (braised brisket). Fortunately, the house-kegged margaritas and sangria on tap are available all day long. Enter through the storefront on Occidental for the “cocina” experience (cloth-napkin dining), or through the back alley for a more casual “cantina” space (the menu’s the same, but you have to be over 21) and an outdoor patio that’s pioneering the revitalization of the neighborhood’s alleyways.
Rustic, fresh ingredients contribute to the authentic Mexican cooking at Casco Antiguo. “We keep it simple,” says owner Ward Van Allen. “This is Mexican food like a grandmother would make.” Try the popular posole (pork with hominy, guajillo chiles, avocado, and broth) or the pescado tacos (wild mahimahi, cabbage, pickled onion, and mango salsa), and save room for the sweet plantains. If you arrive early, you can make dinner out of the happy hour menu (3–6 p.m. daily): gorditas (masa with spicy pork, chorizo, or vegetables), salmon ceviche, or tacos de suadero (braised brisket). Fortunately, the house-kegged margaritas and sangria on tap are available all day long. Enter through the storefront on Occidental for the “cocina” experience (cloth-napkin dining), or through the back alley for a more casual “cantina” space (the menu’s the same, but you have to be over 21) and an outdoor patio that’s pioneering the revitalization of the neighborhood’s alleyways.