Casa Blance Mexican Restaurant in Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts

In our quest to find the best Mexican restaurant in the Merrimack Valley, our latest stop took us to Casa Blanca in North Andover, MA. A former Japanese-style restaurant found little success in this location, but for the better part of the year, Casa Blanca has seen just the opposite - raving success. We decided to go early, in order to beat the rush on a Saturday night. When we arrived, we were quickly seated at a narrow table for two and were among a lively crowd of seniors and parents with children, also looking to avoid the rush.

Once seated, we were quickly greeted by a server who poured the water and provided the menus, warm nachos and a delicious homemade salsa. Not too spicy, yet just enough kick to tickle the tastebuds and make you reach for the cold glass of water on occasion. Our waiter followed soon after with the obligatory order taking. With an authentic accent, it added to the ambiance being set in the quaint restaurant. The walls are dotted with Mexican artwork. A stained glass window hides the kitchen from the restaurant. A small bar is available, but I don't think it was meant to congregate at by restaurant goers. The drink menu however is complete with traditional fare from non-alcoholic preferences to a variety of margaritas and other adult beverage choices.

The menu is very descriptive, even showing pictures of some of the more interesting items. Appetizers range from Nachos Supreme ($7.99) to the Camarones de ajo (sauteed shrimp and mushrooms) for $11.99. For the healthier set, a handful of dinner salads are available bearing the base, plus either chicken, steak or shrimp. There is also a vegetarian selection. I chose the combo fajita of both steak and chicken which came out piled high and steaming hot, but only came with four tortillas which were nothing like I ever had before. While they were small, they were thicker than most tortillas and stood up firmly to the fact that I like to over stuff the tortilla. There was a good ratio of meat (steak and chicken) to vegetables, which meant I had plenty to pick at once I ran out of shells. The sides included a dainty portion of rice, a puddle of beans, yet a healthy serving of guacamole and sour cream.

Parking is limited at the restaurant, but the earlier you go, the better chance of avoiding having to use a poorly advertised shuttle service which was implemented after town officials had to be called in to address parking issues along the busy (and very dangerous) Route 125 some months ago. The owners were quick to rectify this problem by instituting the shuttle service to and from the facility of Friday and Saturday nights, but no where was it mentioned where to park to catch the shuttle if we came later.

All in all - a great experience for under $50.00. Granted we didn't get an appetizer or a desert, but for a few dollars more, Casa Blanca in North Andover makes for a pretty nice night out when looking for a piece of Mexico in the Merrimack Valley.