Celebrating An Iconic Restaurant’s 70th Birthday!
Welcome to Sherman Oaks California, just over the hill from Hollywood…where the iconic Mexican restaurant Casa Vega turns 70 years old today!
Pour yourself a Margarita – they make a delicious one – and get ready for a big celebration today!
As you settle into their delicious “Vega Combo” at 1956 prices, let me give you a bit of Hollywood history.
In 1956, a young and ambitious Rafael “Ray” Vega opened Casa Vega on Ventura Boulevard – the street made famous by Tom Petty in his hit song “Free Fallin'” – and Ray was just 22 years old!
Casa Vega quickly became a beloved community hub, attracting families, friends, and even Hollywood celebrities like Cary Grant and Marlon Brando – and Director Quentin Tarantino as well, who directed a scene with Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt here for “Once A Time In Hollywood!”
And yes, he filmed the scene in the actual restaurant so you can see where they sat in the movie, and make a request to sit in the same booth!
Ray passed down his values of hard work, hospitality, and the importance of family to his daughter, Maria Christina “Christy” Vega, who grew up immersed in the rhythms of the business.
Follow their Instagram to lots of great family photos like these.
In 1999, Christy joined the family legacy, bringing her own vision to Casa Vega while honoring her father’s foundation. Over the years, she modernized the restaurant, but stayed true to the traditions that made Casa Vega iconic—its timeless recipes, welcoming atmosphere, and commitment to community.
In 2022, under Christy’s leadership, Casa Vega received a James Beard Award as America’s Classic.
So let’s head inside for a bite to eat!
As you can see, this is a classic red leather booth gem – with a very large and diverse menu…free chips and dip first of course, and make sure to order Casa Vega’s famous Tableside Guacamole: freshly handcrafted right at your table with avocado, lime, jalapeño, onion, tomato, and cilantro, and served with their signature flour chips.
Of course, their classic Margarita is first, served with an orange lice on top and another shot of Tequila on the side!
This is classic Mexican food with some modern touches – so get ready for a piping hot stone bowl filled with cheesy Queso with spicy chiles:
You can order anything individually, but go for one of the combos like this sweet corn tamale and cheesy enchilada:
Another favorite are the Fajita platters, which arrive sizzling with steak, chicken or shrimp and lots of peppers, onions and tomatoes…take your fresh tortillas and build your own feast!
A thick, stuffed chicken burrito is also a great option, but as I said, grab a “Vega Combo” and have a bite of everything!
It’s a tasty, filling night in a restaurant that offers great ambiance and service, a classic celebrating 70 great years with more to come!
Back to “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood”: Casa Vega wasn’t the only legendary restaurant featured in the film!
Yep, our boys also headed to Hollywood’s oldest restaurant, the iconic Musso & Frank Grill – where they had a drink with Al Pacino:
What’s really cool is that they actually filmed in both restaurants, with Tarantino wanting the real atmosphere versus a set built on a soundstage…and is Musso & Frank worth a visit?
You bet it is! We go there regularly for the history, the food and of course, the coldest Martini in town!
Click here for a look at some of their classic dishes with lots of Hollywood gossip as well!
Sadly, there are very few places that survive this long in Hollywood:
Chasen’s was another classic restaurant, famous for their chili, which Elizabeth Taylor had flown to Rome while she was filming there!
Here’s the story of this classic Hollywood haunt – and that famous recipe, so you can make it at home yourself:
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Happy Birthday, Casa Vegas – Cheers!
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Categories: Alcohol And Bars, Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Eat This!, Fine Dining, Food, Food Travel, Restaurants, Travel, Wacky Food
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