Monterrey Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Carrboro

I found myself at Carrboro Plaza, Carrboro, NC and found myself at the local Monterrey Mexican Grill, a small franchise that has three locations in Chapel Hill, Durham, and Carrboro. The place was happening, with people outside discussing their evening plans, some folk picking up a mobile order, and a family coming in behind me. Voices and laughter filled the space, as mobile orders kept piling up, treasures waiting to be taken home - it is clear that Monterrey Mexican Grill not only keeps its atmosphere inviting and warm (72°F!) but caters to a large number of hungry families who want to sit at their own table.

I was quickly seated, and almost instantly chips and salsa appeared at the table. The waiter and waitresses at Monterrey never stop; one can see them running with steaming plates of food, opulent cocktails, and endless chips without pause, and there are few establishments that can replicate the rigor and speed. I asked if a gift card balance could be checked, and though it took jumping through a few hoops, the staff worked through their payment system with patience and kindness. Monterrey Mexican Grill is not just food, it is a whole experience, and though I was eating alone, the restaurant and everything it had to offer guaranteed that I would have a great time.

Even if you don't appreciate the traditional Mexican music ubiquitous at Tex-Mex restaurants, the space itself is worth a visit. The décor of the space reflects this also, but Monterrey achieves their aesthetic without falling victim to kitsch. Instead, there's a sense of elegance, combined with TVs that show sports or other entertainment, warm lighting that makes the space seem intimate, and architectural facades that transport you to a Mexican restaurant you'd hope to find during your dream vacation. All in all, going to Monterrey is instantly familiar - I am not family, but a happily welcomed guest, and I can ask for nothing more.

Finally seated, food starts coming my way. I order the guacamole, and it appears at breakneck speed, and I have to stop myself from devouring the bowl within moments of it hitting the table. Clean, fresh, and melt-in-your-mouth creamy, Monterrey has some of the best Tex-Mex guacamole in recent memory. If you crave guac, Monterrey is there waiting to serve you something delicious, there is no contest. As I eat, the smell of browning meat fills the air, and I know someone is splurging with fajitas - eating here is both a solo affair (I am a table of one), and a community celebration of Tex-Mex flavors.

My Burrito Pepe comes to the table, and I am warned the plate is hot, more proof of the kitchen's speed. It's massive, and I appreciate the size on the cusp of an economic downturn. Indeed, by the end, I will manage to eat half before needing to ask for a box, delighted that I will leave with tomorrow's dinner as well! Cutting into the burrito is cutting into delight, and I am met with black beans, steak, and onions cooked to delicious perfection. The burrito itself is topped with different sauces, giving an exciting and shifting eating experience as you make your way through it. As I type, I surrender to the burrito, bested by its rich flavors, generous filling, and impressive size.

Yet, I do not throw in the towel completely, for any solo dining experience demands either a drink or a dessert, and since I don't drink, dessert is in order. I get the Chimi Cheesecake (pictured), and regret only that I ate too much of the burrito to fully appreciate the fried cheesecake, ice cream, and cherry sauce in the way it deserved. It was indulgent, rich, and perfect when you need to cheat on your diet.

This restaurant is exactly what a local Tex-Mex establishment should be. Big portions, charismatic staff, and an inviting atmosphere all come together to make Monterrey Mexican Grill a must-visit, though if I were you, I would plan on...

We have lived here for about three years and ordered food from here about 10 to 15 times. I can't really speak to their service as we always order takeout or through a delivery app, but they have gone drastically downhill regarding their price and the quality has always just been passable. We paid 10 dollars for probably less than three tablespoons of their chorizo queso today, and in the past the protein portions of their meals have frequently been absolutely disgusting from chicken breast that tasted like it was boiled exclusively with a cap of bleach and a tub of Sazon left nearly whole in a tortilla and called an enchilada, to beef and steak that was obviously past its expiration before hitting the pan and legitimately reaked even after being cooked. Today we paid nearly 70 dollars for 2 entrees and an app after not eating here in about 6 months, typically that would have been about $40-50. Considering the quality of their food and the fact they are next door to a grocery store, I can't help but think this is the wrong direction for them to maintain profitability. With these prices it seems as if their goal is to just capitalize on blindsiding people or hoping to catch college kids cramming who don't have a chance to cook for themselves that night. I feel swindled and I wont...

This location use to be so good. I’ve been three times in the past 4 months. The first time I went , I was served alcohol in what I asked to be a virgin pina colada. I was about 30 weeks pregnant and obviously showing. When I told her I tasted alcohol I she assured me there was none, after another sip I definitely was feeling it and so she went and doubled checked with the bar tender. There was alcohol. All they did was apologize and still change me for the drink! I thought after a month or so I would give them a chance just to order food. No lie my food was out in 5 mins and was ice cold. Today was the final straw. I went with my boyfriend. He ordered a quasdilla. Instead they bought out a ACP and when he told them it was wrong the manger asked “ Can I just bring you a tortilla” my boyfriend isn’t a complainer so he said no he would just eat what he had even tho he wasn’t happy. It took forever to get refills on drinks and as I was eating the veggies off my plate the sever came over and took my plate just as I grabbed a slice of cucumber. We paid and left and will not be back. This location is terrible. The best one is...