Casa Grande

Address: 6035 Stellhorn Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46815

Phone:(260) 969-0005 

 

Not to be confused with the Casa chain of Italian restaurants that are scattered around town, this little place is big on taste, and big on portions. 

Casa Grande Mexican Grille is tucked neatly into a strip mall, and is easy to miss, both from the main streets, and from within the shopping center. While the place is large, it looks the same as every other building in the row and the standard, red letter, lighted sign on the front doesn't exactly grab your attention. Once you walk in the door, however, this lack of decoration changes immediately. The walks, floor and ceiling are all heavily decorated with the traditional Mexican flair, but aren't over-done or cheesy. 

Offering booths, tables, and a bar area, you can almost always get a table, incurring maybe a 20 min wait during weekend rush periods, or slightly longer for a large party. The wait is fairly standard, and definitely worth it. 

The menu is pages upon pages of standard Mexican fare, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, etc. You will also find some more unique creations such as the Alambre, a pita stacked high with meat, veggies, sour cream and bacon, accompanied by sides. All of the food is tasty and reasonably priced, most dishes hovering within a dollar or two of $10, with plenty of "combo plates" for those who know exactly what they want. These are nice choices if you want something tasty and filling without getting fancy. They typically feature combinations such as, "two enchiladas and a burrito," or, "two tacos and a cheese quesadilla." They add a nice alternative and variety for those afraid of commitment. 

With daily food and drink specials (and they make a mean margarita), you'll have cheaper options if you want, and with the provided chips and salsa while you wait, you should never leave hungry. In fact most people leave with plenty of leftovers. 

 

Price: 2.5/5 not great, but plenty of food and quite tasty

Selection: 4/5 a huge menu with standard and unique options

Taste: 7.5/10 never heard a complaint, but nothing that will steal your heart

Atmosphere: 4/5 incredibly friendly staff, nice decorum, and a clean, happy restaurant. 

 

Overall: 18/25 a step above most Mexican places in town, without stepping up the price.

Bandido's

6536 East State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46815 *note* They have multiple locations
(260) 749-0485

Your typical Mexican restaurant. This place has great quality, and a superb lunch menu. Other than a touch pricey (maybe a dollar or two more than seems standard) you can trade it out for any other Mexican place and not notice too much.

The seating is nice, comfy chairs, darker (but still highly visible) rooms, mirrored walls, but there are an oddly high amount of rails, partial walls, and other steps to trip you if you aren't paying attention. In general good flavor, standard selection, some servers better than others, etc.

Price: 2/5
Taste: 7/10
Selection: 3.5/5
Atmosphere: 4/5

Overall: 16.5/25 If you don't mind the extra few dollars, you'll have a good meal in a more quite, intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Good, but there are better places to go.