Monarca Express — Restaurant in Carlsbad

This is the kind of place I was looking for during our mini vacation trip to NM. This is a perfect little mom and pop type of Mexican restaurant. On the outside it didn't look too inviting except for the now serving beer signs they had lol. The inside was very clean and simple. They had wire racks of different cups and snacks plus a cooler full of sodas and different beers. When we visited they weren't busy at all as we were the only sitting customers they had. Several people came in and picked up orders while we were there. The menu has a great variety and is all very well priced, especially for the account of food you receive. The waitresses were very polite, quick, and didn't hover over you. We never received anything wrong, we didn't have to wait for refills, everything was correct, hot and delicious. I only wish I lived closer so I could visit more often. If you're in the area at any time of the day, and you're hungry, definitely make sure this location is...

The food is just not good, in my opinion. It has no flavor. It's Mexican food but no Mexican soul. What killed me was their salsa. It's Tabasco based and not real salsa, nor do they have different types like green or red. Not to mention, there was zero spice. I can't recommend this place, especially when a family of 4 was over $70 bucks and the food was flavorless. Edit: 2/8/25 Your salsa is not homemade and comes directly from a bottle of Tabasco. I don't doubt you buy fresh food, but it doesn't change the fact that your food has no flavor. You make texmex for texans. This is...

Context: Road trip for caverns

Grabbed lunch here on the way out of town.

Read “it is always good and always quick.”

That was our experience.

Ordered a cheeseburger and barbacoa tacos.

Perfect burger

Perfect tacos

Unpretentious and tasty at a great price!

What more can you ask for?

Would recommend if you want to get a great lunch in a laid back...