Casa Vega is like the El Coyote of the Valley. Except with much better margaritas.

Opened in 1956 by Rafael Vega (after the success of his parents Olvera Street restaurant opened over 20 years prior) with his daughter Christy now running the show, Casa Vega is a dimly lit yet festive way to gorge on Mexican comfort food and better than you’d expect margaritas.

Of course, we only tried the fruity ones, assuming the regular ones would suck. Those might suck, but the girly ones do not.

We went on a Wednesday evening, fairly early. This place was packed shortly after. This place is always packed apparently.

And a big Kardashian hangout. Be forewarned.

We were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. Then again, we both ordered Chihuahua-sized burritos slathered in melted cheese alongside a healthy dollop of sour cream and guacamole.

Is it “authentic”? What does that really mean? Do I only enjoy ethnic cuisine that is authentic?

Hell no!

Sometimes I’m just not feeling entrails.

It’s authentic Americanized Mexican food! Which, by the way, has a very warm place in my overweight heart.

A flying saucer-sized, too-hot-to-touch plate, piled high with enchilada/taco/burrito/taquito and the obligatory rice and beans. What’s not to like??

Is this what people in Mexico eat? Who cares, as long as it’s tasty.

FYI, Burritos ARE the traditional food of Cuidad Juarez, Mexico.

Juarez burritos are just one or two ingredients, whereas the burrito most popular today (Mission Burrito) contain a crapload of stuff.

Burritos are one of the most popular dishes in American for a reason. They’re damn good.

Do I want to eat that kind of food on a regular basis? My doctor would strongly advise against it.

But the service at Casa Vega is very friendly (albeit a little on the slow side), the girly margs are tasty and the food is tasty and decadent.

Here’s to another 50 years of fattening up the Valley. Authentically.

13301 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
(818) 788-4868
casavega.com