Monarca Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in LaGrange

I'm a local and have been to this restaurant about 6 times since it opened roughly 3 weeks ago. On my last visit, two days ago, I had the worst experience ever in a restaurant dealing with Crystal, the "so-called" manager, who not only can't manage her own emotions but completely fails in managing anything going on in the restaurant. She "knows it all" so cannot possibly listen to feedback from her patrons, even though she made multiple mistakes and then lied about it. I ordered a custom margarita, which I have done 6 times now. There was a new but experienced bartender, whom I know from another restaurant - very capable. While starting to make my 12-oz drink, Crystal forces the bartender to pour the Tequilla into a 6-oz glass. I then asked to speak to Crystal, who came over and told me it was the bartender's first day and she was making the drink wrong. I asked why she had her pour it into a 6-oz glass when I ordered a 12-oz margarita to which she replied "because that's the way you make these drinks". I explained that I'd drank this custom margarita the last 5 times there, and I got a 12-oz drink like I ordered. She replied that she would have the head bartender talk to me because he "sets the pricing". I said this has nothing to do with pricing. I'll pay whatever you want to charge me for the drink I want, like I have in past visits. She questioned me about how much my previous tickets were and it seems I was paying between $15-$20 a drink, which was fine with me so long as I got the drink I wanted. In the end, no one ever came to talk to me, and she did not follow-up later. I approached Crystal as I left and she continued to blame the bartender. She also told one of the servers that I was angry because the bartender made my drink wrong, which was an outright lie. Before leaving, I told her, "you don't even know what I was drinking" to which she replied, Oh, yes, I do - it's a skinny margarita." I asked her, "What did it have in it" and she started with club soda... I told her she was wrong, it was Tequilla with ONLY lime juice and a shot of Grand Marnier on top. She rolled her eyes at me and refused to listen to the fact that she ASSumed I wanted a 12-oz custom margarita for the same price as the machine margaritas, which I don't drink, and never asked the bartender about the drink I had ordered. This women was disrespectful, arrogant - and clearly not customer-friendly. She's a detriment to this business. She's no manager, much less an individual who cares anything about the customers in this restaurant. And... she was a terrible example to the young waitresses standing around listening to how she handled the situation and watching her roll her eyes, lie, and make excuses for her mistake - blaming the innocent bartender. You need to find a real manager if you want to...

My wife and I live in LaGrange on the west side so the availability of new, and exciting eating establishments is a big deal for us. We do not have to travel across town. We watched with anticipation the building and finally opening of Monarca. We then waited a few weeks to let the "kinks" work out, we all know a new place always needs time to get it better and right. So we finally went in. We got seated soon and it was a good location. Here are my impressions...

Menu is good and well put together. Prices are on the high side of the spectrum. I think the intent is to be a "premium" Mexican cuisine eatery and not just another "Mexican Restaurant". Our food was served out of order... and the appetizer was last, after the main course.

We informed the waiter the app was not only last, but cold. They promptly did the right thig and heated it up but at that time it was too late, we were already finished with our food. They put it in a to go box for us. I was assuming a compensation would be offered, but no.

So, all in all... the food QUALITY was good. The flavor was there, and the presentation was good, needed a tad more refinement but in the ball park.

And this is not a pro / con just a thing.. they had no beer / spirits as the license was still being approved. I get that... but put that on the door 1st... I would like to know what I can and can not get. PRIOR to waiting and being seated.

I am sure the license is done by now and I see the menu has drinks. All said and done, we gave it an overall 3 of 5.

Have not been back... I know it is good but the cost was the limiting factor.

There are new Mexican places closer too as of NOW and more affordable. We are a retired couple.... not struggling but with Bidenomics and all it is difficult.

I say go, it is a good place but for those that have a fixed income.. this is a once in a while venture.

I hope this adds value, I want this place to work and stay, we need this. I just think the $$$...

Dining at Monarca is always a delight, but our recent visit was truly exceptional, all thanks to our incredible waitress, Jamee. From the moment we were seated, Jamee’s warm smile and attentive service set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

She navigated our table’s diverse preferences with ease, offering insightful recommendations and ensuring that each dish was tailored to our tastes. Her knowledge of the menu and genuine enthusiasm made our dining experience both enjoyable and personalized.

What stood out most was Jamee’s ability to anticipate our needs without being intrusive. Our drinks were promptly refilled, and she checked in just the right amount to make sure everything was perfect. Her friendly demeanor and professionalism truly enhanced our meal.

The food at Monarca was, as always, delicious—flavorful dishes served hot and fresh. But it was Jamee’s exceptional service that made this visit stand out. She transformed a simple dinner into a memorable experience.

If you’re planning a visit to Monarca, do yourself a favor and ask for Jamee. Her outstanding service is the perfect complement to the restaurant’s delectable cuisine. We can’t...