by Jennifer Tipton
Located at 1961 East Thompson Blvd., Casa de Soria has been spicing up Ventura since 1958, that’s 60 years of traditional Mexican cuisine! Originally owned by the Soria family, the restaurant has since changed hands, but the location remains the same. Until four years ago, the restaurant was quite small, but likely because the place was always packed with hungry patrons waiting to be seated, they expanded. The restaurant’s new addition joins the original and the décor is festive, complete with pinatas and sombreros. A large dining area holding many booths and tables covered with brightly colored tablecloths joins the original part of Casa that also got a facelift with all new booths and tables. A large enclosed patio seating about 100 hosts an open bar on Friday and Saturday nights and is available for private parties. The outside patio welcomes dog friendly diners and there’s now an adjoining parking area.
Our server, Roberto started us off with homemade tortilla chips, served warm along with fresh sweet and spicy salsa. The menu begins with a full page of Cantina selections offering a variety of margaritas. I had the Skinny Margarita made with Patron Tequila, Agave Nectar, fresh limes and oranges, so tasty, you would never guess it’s less than 125 calories! Imported beer and wine selections offered as well.
Menu specialties include a Taco Salad with choice of chicken, beef or shrimp, served with the house creamy cilantro dressing made with ranch, guacamole, cilantro and squeeze of an orange, or chicken enchiladas with a homemade mole sauce. All served with rice and beans. $9.95 – $14.95
Selections such as Carne Jalisco, a grilled steak with grilled tomato, onion, bell pepper and topped with jack cheese, or the Pollo De Baja, a half marinated grilled chicken are served with rice and beans and soup or salad for $11.95 – $17.95.
Seafood selections include Salmon topped with mango or pineapple salsa, served with rice, sliced avocado and sautéed veggies and with choices like Lobster and Crab Enchiladas or Ceviche tostadas, it’s every pescatarian’s dream at $13.95 – $16.95.
Traditional side orders such as Albondiga Soup and Menudo with homemade tortillas are $6.50 – $11.50.
Combination Dinners present selections such as a chile relleno (allowing you to choose from a pasilla chile stuffed with cotija cheese or an Ortega chile stuffed with jack cheese) and of course, crispy tacos, tamales, enchiladas, tostadas, burritos and taquitos – all served with rice and beans, add soup or salad for $1.99.
One item combo $10.95 Two item combo $12.95
Three item combo $14.95
The Enchiladas Suizas did not disappoint, the sweet and smoky flavor was as remarkable as the presentation!
Be sure to save room for desserts like Deep Fried Ice Cream, Gourmet Flan or Churros for $3 – $4.95.
Casa De Soria is open 11am to 9pm daily. Reservations not required and although there are no deliveries, orders can be placed to go. Lunch Specials are quite a deal at $10.95 (dine in only).
For more information visit: casadesoria.com
