Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant in Glencoe

I love Mexican food. And it's a good thing, because all across Alabama and the south, you can find Mexican restaurants a dime and dozen per mile. So what in the world could posses me to drive about seventy miles one way to eat at one particular Mexican restaurant? Well, I am happy to share with you in just a bit. But first, I want to tell you a little bit about Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant.

Mi Casita began as a family owned restaurant and then branched off into several family owned locations, before many were sold to individual who kept the name, but were no longer family run. But there are still a few that are the exception, for example Mi Casita in Glencoe. It is still owned and operated by the Herrera family by husband and wife team, Gregorio and Adrinna Herrera ( who are grandparents, but look like teenaged fashion models). And I think they have kept some of those family secrets (besides the fountain of youth) in dishing up some authentic Mexican cuisine that makes memorable dining. Gregorio and Adrinna are both originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, but have made Gadsden, Alabama their permanent home for the past 18 years.  They have owned the Mi Casita in Glencoe for three years, which quickly became a favorite for locals.

True, you will find all of the traditional Mexican dishes that make us all so happy on their menu. But you will also find dishes like their Botana Chivitos ($8.95) that can be shared as an appetizer, or strictly guarded and consumed alone. It comes on a platter with quesadillas, beef nachos, chicken taquitos, Chorizo (Mexican sausage) chicken fingers, guacamole de la casa, cheese stuffed Jalapeno pepper and house dressing.

 And let's just talk about the Nachos Cameron ($9.25)-which is essentially Shrimp Nachos that features grilled shrimp (compete with grill marks)sauteed onions, bell peppers and mushrooms, served on a bed of crispy chips and white cheese sauce.

You can also find a Chicken and steak version too for just $8.95.

But for me, the reason I drive about 70 miles to THIS Mexican Restaurant and THIS Mi Casita is the Vegetarian Burrito ($6.25). It's unlike any other...and believe me when I say I have looked and I have tried. Nothing compares to their vegetarian burrito that fortunate for me is enough for two meals (the leftovers are highly sought after in my house).

The Vegetable Burrito is prepared by grilling onions, bellpeppers, mushrooms and what I think is the secret, potatoes. The potatoes are cut small and in my opinion taste as if they have been stewed in something heavily before added to the burrito. The vegetables are wrapped in a light flour tortilla and topped with melted cheese sauce. It is then served and kicked up with it's accompaniments of guacamole salad, sour cream and fresh pico de gallo. I request their homemade green salsa and what I call their "hot salsa" in addition, because I like trade off dipping each bite in their delicious sauces. It makes for a truly incredible meal.....one worth a seventy mile (per way) trip for this loyal customer.


Mi Casita Mexican Restaurant
512 W Main Street (Highway 431)
Glenco, Alabama 35905
(256) 494-9007
Open daily