Casa Vega is an excellent Mexican-American restaurant with a cheerful atmosphere. Located on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks, it was started by Rafael Vega (inspired by his parents’ restaurant on Olvera St., a historic Mexican district in Los Angeles) in 1956. Casa Vega is now one of the longest continuously family-run restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area. It is known to be a low-key celebrity hangout but its good prices make it enjoyable for anyone.

When you walk into the restaurant, you will simultaneously feel nightclub and traditional sensations. The entire facility is dimly lit, but carefully-placed lights and candles will show beautiful paintings of bullfighters hung on old brick walls. The booths are made of comfortable, old-school red leather.

Of course, the highlight of any restaurant is the food, and Casa Vega scores high in that regard. An appetizer of perfectly salted chips and creamy red salsa is served before you order, a hint of the high quality food to come. As expected of a Mexican restaurant, plenty of quesadillas, enchiladas, burritos and taquitos are available, as well as delicious soups and refreshing salads. They are all prepared to look remarkably appetizing, a feature that carries on the actual taste of the food. Sides such as sweet corn tamales and tortilla soups add another gratifying experience. There are also plenty of vegetarian dishes for meat-free diners, as well as the option soy beef or removing dairy products from most of the regular menu items.

In short, Casa Vega is a very redeeming experience and will be an instant favorite for those who enjoy lighthearted vibes and are looking for a good deal on some authentic Mexican cuisine.

The restaurant is open every day of the week, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sundays. They have evening parking (after 4 p.m.) available and during lunch hours they open their abundant parking lots for self-parking with no charge.