By Kathy Chouteau
On a recent visit to Mi Casa Grill, conveniently located at the corner of San Pablo and Macdonald avenues in Richmond, the Richmond Standard experienced delicious Mexican comfort food, a friendly staff, an enchanting atmosphere and somebody with a very green thumb.
Even at 11-ish a.m. on a Tuesday, a nice gathering of customers streamed into the restaurant, which features comfortable seating indoors and out, exquisite murals and decorative celebrations of Mexican culture throughout.
The outdoor seating area, which stretches along the eatery’s northern wall, is a celebration of summertime with lush floral vines, a banana tree and other greenery, offering the first hint that you’re entering a beautiful Mexican oasis.
My son and I were welcomed at the restaurant’s counter with a warm greeting and were quickly given a two-sided menu with a long selection of Mexican faves and a few selections crossing over from other Latin American cultures, like pupusas.
After much deliberation, we ordered the quesabirria tacos (3), with birra consume, melted cheese and shredded birria meat for $16.95 and the chicken tinga tostaditas, with shredded chicken in chipotle sauce, refried beans, lettuce, crema, salsa & queso for $16.25. Both dishes, taken to-go, were equally delicious, with my son deeming the quesabirrias as standing up against some of the best in town.
A staff member revealed some of their customers’ favorite dishes as being the quesabirrias; pupusas with a choice of filling revuelta/bean & cheese/or loroco (2) for $11.50; and the mar y tierra fajitas, prawns/steak/chicken with grilled bell peppers, onions and topped with grilled asparagus, scallions, pickled onions & spicy chile toreado. The dish is served with rice, beans and handmade corn tortillas for $31.95. Aside from its robust menu, the restaurant also serves cocktails, beer and wine.
The restaurant, which occupies a formerly empty building next to Grocery Outlet and across from Planet Fitness, was launched in February 2022 by Richmond natives Blanca Zepeda and her husband, Juvenal Magana and features many family recipes. The couple also owns Biancoverde, an Italian restaurant at the Hotel Mac in Point Richmond. Since opening, Mic Casa Grill has been a boon for its Richmond corner, with a line of customers often spotted by the door.
Mi Casa Grill is located at 12056 San Pablo Ave. in Richmond and can be reached at 510-374-6033 or [email protected]. It’s open Sunday 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; Tuesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; and Saturday 8 a.m.–10 p.m. and closed Monday.
