La Casona

- 238 Washington Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801

Introduction / Overview

Located in the vibrant heart of the West End of New Rochelle, La Casona stands as a cherished destination for residents across New York and Westchester County seeking a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine infused with a modern, inventive twist. More than just a restaurant, La Casona, which translates to "The Big House," is modeled after a traditional quaint Mexican home, creating an inviting, sophisticated, and comfortable atmosphere often described as rustic-chic, featuring exposed wood beams, stone tiles, and warm lighting.

La Casona distinguishes itself as an authentic Mexican fusion dining restaurant. This unique approach allows the menu to feature beloved traditional fare—such as enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos—alongside exciting culinary creations, like generous crab cakes served over signature guacamole and sautéed shrimp in a garlic-cilantro beurre blanc sauce. The owners, who opened the restaurant to reflect New Rochelle's large Mexican population, aim to showcase the rich heritage of the cuisine while bringing a modern flair to the plate. Executive Chef Francisco Cruz emphasizes a personal touch, ensuring that food can be adjusted to individual preferences, stating, "As you like it, that's how we'll make it."

The establishment is renowned for its extensive drink menu, particularly the "Great Cocktails," including a variety of margaritas and mojitos, complemented by an active bar scene and late-night food options. La Casona is popular throughout the day, catering to lunch, dinner, and particularly its acclaimed brunch service. While generally praised for its beautifully decorated interior, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere—including live mariachi performances on Fridays—it is noted by some patrons that occasional inconsistencies in food quality or order accuracy can occur, a factor to be mindful of when ordering during peak times. Nevertheless, for those seeking a lively, flavor-filled culinary journey and a place to socialize, La Casona is a top-tier choice in the local dining scene.

Location and Accessibility

La Casona is conveniently situated at 238 Washington Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA, placing it centrally within the city's West End neighborhood, known for its strong Mexican community. Its location makes it a cultural hub and easily reachable for New York and Westchester residents.

The restaurant prioritizes accessibility for all guests, offering a full range of accommodations. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for patrons with mobility needs. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, appealing to various crowds, including groups, families, and solo diners. The venue is also openly LGBTQ+ friendly and offers essential amenities such as a bar onsite, restrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. While street parking can be challenging during busy periods, the vibrant dining experience is often considered well worth the visit. La Casona accepts all major payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, Checks, and NFC mobile payments, providing simple transactions for every guest.

Services Offered

La Casona provides a comprehensive suite of dining and event services, making it a flexible venue for any occasion:

• Dine-in and Takeout: Available for all meal periods, accommodating both a full table service experience and convenient carry-out orders.
• Full Meal Service: Caters to Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, with a dedicated menu for each period.
• Reservations Accepted: Guests can plan their visit and secure seating by calling ahead, particularly recommended for large groups or during prime dining hours.
• Onsite Bar Service: Features a fully stocked bar with an extensive selection of tequilas, signature cocktails, Mexican wines, and domestic/Mexican beers.
• Brunch Bar Specials: Offers highly affordable $5 specials on Margaritas, Mimosas, Mojitos, and Micheladas during the brunch service.
• Catering: Provides services for special events, allowing the restaurant's authentic flavors to be brought to off-site gatherings.
• Family Amenities: Includes high chairs and a special Kids' Menu (complete with a soft drink and "Churro"), making it excellent for families.
• All You Can Eat Options: Available as part of their offerings, providing patrons with an indulgent dining option (details should be confirmed directly with the restaurant).

Features / Highlights

La Casona is celebrated in the New Rochelle community for its unique blend of offerings and vibrant culture:

• Mexican Fusion Cuisine: Known for skillfully blending traditional Mexican dishes (like Chilaquiles Verdes and Enchiladas de Mole Dulce) with modern, fusion items (such as Crab Cake "La Casona" and Salmon "La Casona").
• Extensive Brunch Menu: Offers a dedicated and affordable morning menu featuring traditional Mexican breakfast items (Huevos Rancheros, Huevos Divorciados) alongside unique creations (Brunch Quesadilla, Steak & Eggs).
• Exceptional Bar Program: Highlighted for "Great cocktails" and a wide array of signature drinks like the "Casona Diablito" and "Gavi's Paloma." The selection includes L.A. Cetto Petit Sirah, a wine from Baja California.
• Live Entertainment: Features live music, often Mariachi performances, typically on Fridays, contributing to a lively and celebratory ambiance that can transform the space into a 'mini club' later in the evening.
• Kid-Friendly Dining: Provides a full Kids Menu, which includes a soft drink and a dessert churro, making it a reliable choice for families.
• Late-Night Options: Caters to those seeking 'Late-night food' and a 'Quick bite,' extending the enjoyment beyond traditional dinner hours.
• Healthy and Vegetarian Options: Offers dishes like Nopalito Salad (made with fresh cactus) and other menu items that cater to health-conscious diners and those preferring vegetarian meals.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries regarding catering and daily specials, please contact La Casona using the information below.

Address: 238 Washington Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA

Phone: (914) 365-2389

Mobile Phone: +1 914-365-2389

What is Worth Choosing

For the New York patron looking for more than just a quick taco, La Casona’s most compelling offering is its Weekend Brunch Experience. The combination of traditional Mexican breakfast dishes—like the Huevos Divorciados or Chilaquiles Verdes—paired with the highly affordable $5 Brunch Bar Specials (Margaritas, Mimosas, etc.) creates a lively and exceptional start to the weekend. It is an ideal spot for groups and friends to gather and enjoy both great food and spirited drinks.

In the evening, the restaurant is worth choosing for its Vibrant Atmosphere and Signature Cocktails. To fully experience La Casona's energy, visitors should plan a dinner visit on a Friday to coincide with the live music, often Mariachi, which elevates the dining experience into a cultural celebration. When ordering, the Baja Style Fish or Shrimp Taco Trio is an excellent choice, showcasing the freshness and 'modern twist' the restaurant is known for. Alternatively, for a more indulgent, celebratory meal, the Churrasco Chimichurri or the specialty seafood options like the Mexican Shrimp Cocktail stand out among the entrée selections.

Ultimately, La Casona is the choice for New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated yet casual Mexican fusion restaurant that offers a robust dining experience across all meal periods, from early morning brunch to late-night drinks and entertainment. It is a genuine piece of Mexican heritage and community heart, right in New Rochelle.

La Casona

238 Washington Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA