Casa Nueva

Local food, brews and ideals

Established in 1985, Casa Nueva nestled itself firmly in the hearts of Southeast Ohioans with its unique take on Mexican-inspired dishes and community-focused business practices.

If you ask an Athenian what makes Athens “Athens,” nine times out of ten Casa Nueva would be part of their answer.

At Casa Nueva, the connection between local food providers, worker-shareholders and customers is put front-and-center, providing a fulfilling dining and drinking experience that showcases the values of a town.

The worker-owned cooperative restaurant embodied movements such as locally sourced food for decades before “locavore” was a buzz-word. You can taste the dedication in every house made salsa, tortilla and albóndiga.

Throughout the year, observe the changing seasons in Casa Nueva’s rotating menu. In Spring, find salsa verde or pesto made with ramps (a forageable, deliciously succulent wild leek-esque plant native to Appalachia). In Winter, a selection of the most hearty root vegetables makes the perfect filling for a seasonal burrito or quesadilla.

The menu changes frequently, so make sure to stop in during Brew Week and see the offerings.

You’ll be sure to find a large selection of Ohio craft brew, as Casa Nueva’s taps are all-Ohio, all year. At Casa, they like to tell guests “it’s always Brew Week here.” To really mix up your experience, try a specialty beer cocktail. It will expand your horizons on what brews can do.

When in Athens, listen to the locals. It wouldn’t be a trip here without spending some time at Casa Nueva.