Food+Drink

Casa Vallarta Es Su Casa: Local restauranteurs open third Mexican eatery

Emilee Wentland, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

Casa Vallarta is the third restaurant owners Efrain and Regina Medina have opened, after Casa Margarita on Fairview Drive and Casa Mexicana in Chippewa Falls. The new eatery opened on Seymour Road in February.
Casa Vallarta is the third restaurant owners Efrain and Regina Medina have opened, after Casa Margarita on Fairview Drive and Casa Mexicana in Chippewa Falls. The new eatery opened on Seymour Road in February.

No one ever said Mexican food had to be just the basics. A new Mexican restaurant in Eau Claire, Casa Vallarta, has a variety of traditional and unique Mexican dishes. Whether you’re looking for a midday margarita, a new dish to try, or even a selection of chicken and cheeseburgers, Casa Vallarta’s menu has plenty of options.

“Our favorite part about opening this restaurant is, without a doubt, all the encouragement and support from the community.” – Gabriela Medina, manager, Casa Vallarta

“Our large menu has something for everyone, and specialty drinks to help complete your lunch or evening,” Casa Vallarta’s manager, Gabriela Medina, said. “We have been incorporating new and exciting dishes which can be found on our Facebook page.”

A crowd favorite, Medina said, is the Grill Vallarta, which is made from either grilled steak or chicken, fajita vegetables, rice, and tortillas – let’s not forget the cheese topping.

This is the third restaurant owners Efrain and Regina Medina have opened, accompanying Casa Margarita on Fairview Drive and Casa Mexicana in Chippewa Falls. Casa Vallarta opened for business on Feb. 12.

“The process of opening the restaurant was a long and exciting journey,” Medina said. “Our favorite part about opening this restaurant is, without a doubt, all the encouragement and support from the community.”

Casa Vallarta has a nearly identical menu to Casa Margarita and Casa Mexicana, but what makes this new addition stand out is the decor, Medina said. They went with a beach theme inside, and a bright blue exterior to match. The beach decorations reflect the restaurant’s name, Medina said.

Their menu features classics – like chips and guacamole, tacos, or taquitos – as well as also unique offerings, such as “zarape,” which consists of chicken or a steak and chorizo mix, vegetables, cheese (two kinds!), all on top of poblano peppers.

The restaurant has a happy hour from 11am-5pm on weekdays. Specials include a “make your own” option as well as discount margaritas and draft beer.

Special education teacher and Eau Claire resident Carissa Brooks visited Casa Vallarta on the night it opened, and continues to go back with friends. She said she liked the restaurant for its delicious food and tequila selection. Brooks said her favorite thing to order is the Shrimp La Pina and the Shrimp Jalisco.

“The staff remembers you and wants you to make sure you have a wonderful experience,” Brooks said. “They make sure the drinks are always filled and the food exactly what you need. The comparison is easy to other Mexican restaurants.”

Casa Vallarta is located at 2426 Seymour Rd in Eau Claire. Their hours are Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm. It is located at 2426 Seymour Rd in Eau Claire.