Monarca Modern Mexican Cocina — Restaurant in The Woodlands

So ima just say this, going in the experience was about to be subpar and I’ll explain….. initially we went in to celebrate my lady’s birthday and we noticed a $3 frozen margarita advertising sign out front so we thought what a plus going in! We get in and our initial waiter took our order for margaritas while we were deciding on food. Our waiter who took our drink order did not return but a young waitress came up with news that the frozen margaritas were out, but they would have to charge regular price for non frozen… ok? We declined to pay reg price just for unfrozen, mind u we just seen another table with 3 frozen margaritas delivered. It was busy inside so we shrugged it off as it seemed they could actually be out. My lady went to the restroom and came back saying another waiter told her they did have frozen margaritas. We asked our waitress about it and she informed us they were actually out. She may have been having a bad day because we could sense a slight bit of standoffish attitude from her and she could have just been tired but that was the vibes we got the entire time. We actually almost left. Enter Jose the manager… what an awesome and I mean awesome young man with an awesome personality and great customer service. He approached and asked how we were enjoying our experience and we mentioned the deal with the margaritas, and he offered to give us the unfrozen at the deal price of $3. We were so greatful because that’s how customer service goes. Jose provided the best customer service I’ve had in Houston in a long time. He deserves a huge raise as he will help any business give off great energy. He even showed us a very and I mean very nice secret addition to Monarca that had us very pleasantly surprised. I’ll leave it up to u guys to stop in and figure that part out if any of the other reviewers haven’t already spilled the beans. Now for the food… I had the pollo asado and it was very delicious, if I had one complaint with it it would be to turn down the tangyness of the sauce just a small bit. My lady had the branzino and she loved it as it was really fresh. The highlight for us was the ceviche tho with plantain chips; damn that was very very delicious. I could order two of those and be great (be sure to order a side of tortilla chips because u will run out of plantain chips). Jose saved the day and the food is very good, check them...

Don’t waste your time or money here—everything about this place was awful. From the moment we walked in, the host gave us judgmental looks, making us feel unwelcome. She didn’t introduce herself, barely acknowledged us, and seemed annoyed the entire time.

When she brought water, she only gave it to half the table, left some glasses half-filled, and completely skipped one person—as if getting more water was too much effort. When one of us ordered an appetizer instead of an entrée, she rudely questioned them, saying, “Are you sure? That’s a small plate,” in a condescending tone.

When we asked for more water, she rolled her eyes and ignored us, only to later drop off a pitcher without a word. One of our entrées was completely forgotten, and she never bothered to check on us after the food was served. Meanwhile, she, another waiter, and the bartender just stood around at the bar chatting instead of doing their jobs.

The food itself was terrible—flavorless, overly greasy or salty, tiny portions, and way overpriced. And with such bad service, you’d hope they’d at least try to make up for it, but nope. No apology, no effort, nothing. We weren’t even difficult customers, yet she treated us like an inconvenience the entire time.

This place is an absolute joke, and I will never be...

I would give less stars if i could. As far as food and the wait staff they deserve all the credit. All of the staff will try to go above and beyond to meet your needs and to make you have a great time. Now as far as the food, id say from what i ate is very good. Although they could add maybe a breakfast menu or have more options. Now as far as the owners, they deserve to be reported to the labor board for under paying and stealing the staffs tips. Do know if you tip the hard working waiter they take and keep their money for days and don't pay them, even on their scheduled ADP pay days. In addition They have a GUS which based off what i seen people do seem to enjoy. However in addition to not paying tips they told the staff that they are now going take away from their tips because they feel they're making to much. So after learning this makes me realize how my great experience is off hard working barely paid staff and the owners are greedy and don't appreciate their people and anyone who can basically steal from their staff doesn't sit well for me and ill not go to a place who is clearly breaking a lot of labor laws and truly doesn't care about the customer and or staff, just how much money can fit in...