‘Like a vacation.’ New Bradenton restaurant opens with Mexican resort flair
As soon as you walk through the doors at Casa Blanca Modern Mexican Tequila Bar, you’re transported to another place.
Tulum, Mexico’s vibrant music, food and culture are recreated inside one of Bradenton’s newest restaurants.
Co-owners Pedro Aguirre and Hector Velez recently opened the restaurant at 4120 Cortez Road W. Aguirre said they wanted to capture the festive style of places like Tulum — located along Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula — or Miami.
“It’s more like a vacation when you walk in,” Aguirre said.
He added, “it’s almost like a resort.”
It’s the second Casa Blanca restaurant to open, following the original in Fort Myers.
The Bradenton location, which can seat over 340 guests, is set up similarly to the Southwest Florida spot.
“They feel the vibe, they feel the music,” Aguirre said. “Once they walk in, they start drinking, they feel the ambiance, the experience and stuff. And they forget they’re in Fort Myers.”
What’s on the menu?
One signature item is the Molcajete Azteca.
The molcajete features steak, chicken, grilled shrimp, chorizo, bacon, poblano peppers, onions, pineapple and honey pasilla sauce inside a hot volcanic stone bowl.
Other menu items include burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, seafood dishes, salads, soups, bowls and more.
A seasonal dessert window currently has tres leches, guava cake, flan, churros and more. In a new feature rolled out for the Bradenton restaurant, Aguirre said they will make fresh tortillas at the dessert counter area.
In addition to the modern take on Mexican cuisine, Casa Blanca has a full-service bar with various types of tequila, handcrafted cocktails, wines and more.
“Just come in with your family, enjoy a nice margarita, a nice dinner,” Velez said.
Aguirre said they felt there was a void for modern Mexican food in Bradenton.
“We like the area, it’s growing, there (are) good communities around (and) there’s a lot of potential here in Bradenton,” Aguirre said.
Hours of operation
While the restaurant’s roots are steeped in traditional flavors with a modern twist, Casa Blanca also has some fusion food such as a Birria dumpling and Tuna tartare.
Aguirre said diners can expect to spend $30-$50 when they visit Casa Blanca.
“It’s not going to get you out of your budget,” he said.
Lunch portions and specials are offered Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Casa Blanca is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, visit CasaBlancaMex.com.
