By Wendy Snow
Casa Ramos in Redding is one of 13 Casa Ramos Restaurants spread across Northern California. They’ve been serving traditional family cuisine since 1997. Their continued popularity has certainly driven their growth.
The first one opened back in 1997 and is located in Yreka California. The Redding Casa Romas, off Hilltop Drive, is home-away-from-home to many locals like me, who enjoy their friendly staff; many have been there for over 13 years! The manager Pano, and his assistant managers Erika and Ezequiel say they are very thankful and happy to stay busy. Hard work is the core of this family owned and operated place. Each day they prepare dozens of fresh recipes to serve their patrons.
Like many of you, I find it nice to find a favorite spot where I can take friends and family. This spot means something special to my husband and I since we met at a Mexican restaurant many years ago.We set out looking to find a new spot in Redding and thought we would give them a try. As we wandered in the first time, we were greeted with a friendly smile, seated in a colorful dining area, and as our server took our drink order we all sensed that feeling of warmth, the kind you get when you are relaxed and feeling at home! We noticed that everyone there seemed to be having a great time. Even though they were all very busy, no one acted rushed or stressed. They were all laughing and helping each other like a good team would, like family.
When the margaritas came, we all toasted to our new favorite Mexican restaurant and we all agreed the margaritas rocked! I have tried many and have become quite an expert, or so I think! They did say though that everyone loves the margaritas and they are very proud of that fact.
Also important to note, this is a kid friendly place! Younger children are given crayons and a child’s menu to color on. As the chips and tasty salsa kept flowing, we were growing hungrier looking at the menu. The aroma of flavorful meals was spilling throughout the restaurant. We pondered over fajitas, shrimp fajitas, or fajitas for two served family style. We settled on those, which were brought sizzling to the table! ($26.99)
The first time I ordered the Mahi Mahi Tacos at Casa Ramos. I was prepared for medium to good tacos. Being raised in Southern Cal and working in San Diego, I have had some AMAZING Fish Tacos. I moved to Northern California over 25 years ago and I fell in love with it here. The mountains, the lakes, and the people are the reasons why everyone loves Nor Cal, right? But I had yet to find anywhere that matched the amazing fish tacos I experienced years ago, until I finally discovered Casa Ramos. I was in heaven. These are by far the best Mahi Mahi tacos I have found in the area. It must be their house dressing. Now I order it practically every time I eat there. I can’t help it. My girls love the Enchilada Espinaca, with Sautee mushrooms, spinach, onions, tomatoes, cilantro and jalapenos. For $9.99, it’s a great dish. My husband has many favorites, like Borrego, which is lamb shank, one of the house favorites! ($12.99). The prices are affordable and the servings are HUGE.
From our first experience to today, every time we walk in to Casa Ramos, we are greeted with a friendly smile, treated like family, and served from the heart. That is why I chose to highlight Casa Ramos as my first dining feature for Mountain Valley Living Magazine. When you go visit them, please tell Pano, Erika, or Ezequiel that we sent you. They are open 7 days a week from 11 to 9:30 weekdays, and 11- on weekends. Happy hour is held from 3 to 7 pm Monday through Friday with half price appetizers, and specials on margaritas and all draft beers. Casa Ramos serves Redding at 995 Hilltop Drive. Phone: 530-224-7223 They have two locations in Chico, are also in Red Bluff, Yreka, Mount Shasta, Corning, Lincoln, Willows, Ranch Cordova, Placerville, El Dorado Hills, and Folsom. Bon appetite’.
