Three Generations of Mi Casa in Costa Mesa
Mi Casa opened in Costa Mesa in 1972, founded by Barrie Moore. Today, third-generation family member Ryan Moore and business partner Ryan Allen continue the restaurant’s tradition of welcoming the Newport-Mesa community.
Family Roots, Community Connections
For more than five decades, Mi Casa has brought friends and families together over Mexican food. Our story connects family recipes, generations of guests, and a lasting home on East 17th Street.
The Burro Room
The Burro Room is part of Mi Casa’s history and a gathering place for drinks and time with friends. Explore our drink menu and current happy-hour offerings.
Continuing the Tradition
Our dining room and bar were updated in 2025, continuing Mi Casa’s evolution while preserving its family roots.
Explore the timeline below to learn more about our founder, family, and community.
THE MI CASA STORY
1956 – Mi Casa founder, Barrie Moore, opened Taco Tio in San Gabriel Valley. Taco Tio was the first “Taco Drive-In” in the Los Angeles area and over the years grew to 8 locations.
1957 – Taco Tio expanded to Santa Ana and became the first Taco Drive-In Restaurant in Orange County too!
1972 – Barrie Moore opened Mi Casa Restaurant on 17th Street in Costa Mesa with a bright blue iconic door. The restaurant used to be a Sizzler Steakhouse, and you can still remnants of the wagon wheel chandeliers and the cattle iron branding symbols on the dining room tables.
1972 – Since day 1, Jose Perez was the Head Chef at Mi Casa. He retired in 2004, but still visits Mi Casa to enjoy our entrees and sauces that were originally some of his Abuela’s recipes.
1976 – Barrie Moore opened a second Mi Casa Restaurant in Balboa, just steps away from the ocean on Main Street on the Balboa peninsula.
1980 – The original Moore Family eating at Mi Casa Restaurant.
1984 – LA Laker Star, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, bought the Balboa Inn and the Mi Casa Balboa location was closed
1986 – President George W. Bush Sr. dined at Mi Casa. He enjoyed the #12 (Taco, Enchilada, and Chili Relleno, rice and beans and 2 Tecates). Over the years, many celebrities have dined at Mi Casa, including Tony Hawk, Bruce Willis, Nikki Sixx, Don Drysdale, Barry Goldwater, John Dean, Ted McGinley, Joe Torre, Desi Arnez, John Mitchell, Diane Keaton, Lindsey Davenport, Dennis Rodman, Larry H. Parker, John Wayne, Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, Jim Rome, Pat Haden, Kelly McGill’s, Barbara Streisand, and many more.
2003 – Barrie Moore passed away at age 85. His sons, Rick and Dennis Moore, took over the operations of the family business
2004 – Mi Casa’s first commercial was produced and filmed at Triangle Square, starring friends David Beam, Andy Schwartz, James Hocking, several bar customers, and staff.
2008 – “Mi Casa Cares” annual charity event begins to collect items and support troops abroad through the Wounded Warriors Project. Since Mi Casa has proudly assisted with raising funds for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Toys for Tots, local high schools, and youth sports leagues.
2010 – Dennis Moore passed away at his residence in Newport Beach at the age of 68.
2010 – Rick Moore sells the restaurant to his son Ryan Moore. Rick is enjoying retirement and spending more time on the golf course. You’d think his game would get better!
2011 – Mi Casa “Burro Room Bar” gets a makeover. Draft beer is added, and the bar is widened with additional high-top tables, booth seating, and additional flat screen TVs.
2015 – Rick Moore’s wife Lee, passes away after a 25-year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
2016 – Mi Casa welcomes Managing Partner Ryan Allen to oversee the day to day operations of the restaurant.
2017 - Mi Casa celebrates 45 Years of good food and festive times.
2022 - Mi Casa celebrates its 50th Birthday.
2025 - Mi Casa updates its dining room and bar with new booths, tables, chairs, and a more open feel.
