This Old House is Filled With Moles and Margs
A real-deal neighborhood restaurant with addictive mole sauce
If I was too lazy to change the channel after Sesame Street, this show came on called “This Old House,” where a guy who looked way too clean cut to be fixing septic tanks taught me stuff I thought was just as valuable as what Elmo had to offer. You can imagine my disappointment when my first grade teacher never asked anyone if they knew how to caulk a bathtub.
I had this show in my head when I went to Casa MX in Coral Gables because it’s set in – you’ll never believe this – an old house. And I got to thinking how much cooler that show would have been if Bob Vila had been showing me how to make margaritas and strip steak mole. Because this old house – the one that houses Casa MX – puts out some A-grade Mexican food, and I’m crowning it the champion of this winter’s glut of Mexican eateries. Read on and you’ll learn all about it, and maybe how to rewire a dishwasher.
The space: Feels like a cozy, neighborhood restaurant carved out of a midcentury Coral Gables ranch house. The building has been a restaurant of some kind for a while now, but Casa MX added ranch-style chandeliers, low lights, and a welcoming bar by the entrance that gives the place a homey feel. Its walls are covered in colorful Mexican art, and it’s the kind of restaurant where you feel welcome before anyone says hello.
What to eat and drink: The bartenders here aren’t just dudes filling their time between DJ sets. They know their stuff, and can tell you more about the tequila selection than most websites. Tell them what you’re into and I promise they’ll create something perfect, but if you’re not up for conversation go for the Chipotle Watermelon or the MX-Calita with Chile de arbol-infused cocuy agave.
On the food side, the mole is a must. Casa MX covers its USDA Prime steaks with a chocolatey peanut sauce that tastes like someone’s mother-in-law was in the back cooking for three days. I was assured this was not the case. The chipotle beef albondigas are not only fun to say, they’re also a smoky sweet treat and an ideal starter. The duck confit flautas skew richer than the usual rolled dish, and are ideal to split. If you’re into seafood, check out the ceviche de atun Sinaloa with soy and avocado.
Perfect for: Dates; Weeknight dinners out; After-work margaritas
Don’t miss: The mole. If you don’t want a whole steak, order a couple of tacos (carnitas and hongos are the best) and ask for a side of the stuff.
Expect to pay: $50-75 per person, if you’re able to stop at one margarita.
How’s the parking: There’s a lot on site, so pretty easy.
@casamxmiami // 2345 SW 37th Ave., Coral Gables