Monterrey Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Altoona

Normally we eat at the one in Clive. Came to the one in Altoona since its close to our house and was insanely disappointed. The guy just threw our menus on the table and kept walking. So we sat down. The tables right next to the door are so crammed together. My 11 year old daughter didn't even have enough room to pull her chair out to sit down. We were asked what we wanted to drink... And we have been sitting here long enough to know what we want to order but we didn't have enough time before the waiter walked away again. So here we have been sitting for another 10 minutes waiting to order.... The table that came in after us got their order taken...and the guy that just walked in the door got his order taken...and the guy STILL hasn't been back to our table. I even asked my daughter right in front of him "should we just go since no one is coming to our table?" and the guys was literally 2 feet from me taking the to go order....so we left. Disappointing since the one in Clive has decent service. This one was absolute garbage. My kids were super hungry and we wasted a total of 20 minutes waiting to order After we got our drinks...and it took a while order waters! We ended up walking out. We won't be back to this...

Generally very high quality food; for non fast-food, it's the fastest service in Altoona. The staff seems to be near perfectly synchronized. Need a refill and you don't see your waiter? As you turn your head scanning for your server, there's a dude repelling from the ceiling with beverage in hand. Turn your head back, the guy has vanished and your drink is filled...you'll question your sanity; but at least not insane and parched... True story...

The one minor drawback is that it gets crowded and the restaurant is not huge... It attracts large groups especially in the late afternoon/early evening. But for a lunch break, skip fast food - this is better and likely faster.

One other minor gripe is the fried ice cream - it's changed a few times over the years, but it's always a bit strange how they make it....I'm used to the processed, premade, and packaged type fried ice cream of Carlos O'Kelly's, or the late Chi Chi's chain of restaurants. Monterrey - you won't get that sort of fried ice...

Nestled in the heart of downtown, "El Monterrey" offers a dining experience that's both refined and welcoming. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm smiles and an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The menu is a testament to culinary creativity, featuring dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients that burst with flavor.

What truly sets "El Monterrey" apart is its exceptional service. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every guest feels valued. The server anticipated our needs before we even voiced them, offering insightful recommendations and catering to dietary preferences with ease. It's clear that the team here is dedicated to creating a memorable experience for every diner.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a delightful meal," The Monterrey" is a must-visit. The combination of exquisite cuisine and impeccable service makes it a standout...