Monarca Cantina - Monroe, New York — Restaurant in Town of Monroe

Update 7/31/2025 Went here on Tuesday July 22 2025 with my parents and aunt. First off, let me go off and rant and rave about this place- located in Monroe, NY by a beautiful little lake, and an mexican restaurant with mexican vibes and decor, and food. To top it off, they have both spicy and non-spicy options, and we love our server too! Anyways, went here on Tuesday July 22nd 2025, parked, and then entered the host stand. We did ask for Isabella, but she wasn't it that day unfortunately- she's the one who served us in the past, and we like her. Anyways, it's alright though-- we were taken to a booth in the dining room. We sat down, and was immediately given free chips and salsa. They also have other sauces that may or may not be spicy at a stand- we got chiptole sauce, avacado, jalophanos sauce, and jalophanos, and more! i thought all the sauces were delicious! Oh and too mention one can order a refill of chips and salsa and it is free! Our server also greeted us right away- and he was very nice and pleasant. We started with 4 waters, and a watermelon Margerita jug. Our server did a great job asking us if we wanted anything on our rims like salt or sugar, and I didn't. It came out the way I wanted to. Anyways, it didn't take long for me to decide what i wanted- the arroz con pollo, with no sour cream, my dad ordered the same thing, but with sour cream, and no mushrooms instead. My mom ordered the vegetarian enchiladas. Unfortunately can't remember what my aunt ordered. Food didn't take long to come out of the kitchen. Food was also very delicious! still didn't even finish mine, and took it home to eat. Food portions are big, at least with the arroz con pollo. Paid via credit card, and left a cash tip. Oh and restrooms were clean this visit! Highly recommend Monarca and would be back if we are ever in the area!

Went here for the 1st time yesterday (7/10/2022) with my family, we were a party of 3, and luckily did not have to wait. However, i would be careful of this location because this place is always crowded, so one may have to wait- call before arriving or go to their website where one can track the wait if there is one. Also parking can be hard, especially if it is busy. So anyways we were sat accordingly in a high top table. They do have low tables as well, and outdoor seating. As for their menu, they have lots of margaritas. I ordered the blue moon margarita. My dad ordered a pina colada. Both drinks were really good! For food, they have everything from quesadillas to fajitas, enchiladas ,and they also have lunch and dinner sized portions. I ordered the Aurrol Con Pollo, which was chicken with rice, peppers, onions, mushrooms plus tomato and lettuce and sour cream. I very much enjoyed my food, and it wasn't as spicy- pretty mild, which is great if one doesn't like spicy things. My parents ordered an shrimp enchilada, and a combo of quesadilla and tacos. my parents enjoyed their food too. The total was $78.00, which isn't bad. No upcharge fee for using your credit card either. Hopefully will...

Before it gets busy, the service is great. I was there between the time and I can say the service went downhill from there. It’s newly opened and has plenty of things to straighten up.

I love the salsa and chip they gave us free when we got in. It’s a good start. So much for taco Tuesday at the bar, they removed it during that time. I guess it’s only for lunch. The drink is honestly so so. I think they water down too much juice to alcohol ratio. I barely taste any alcohol and a bit on the sweet side. Time to up the drink games guys.

Music outside can be annoying to the neighbor, I won’t be surprised one day someone come at night and smash those speakers. If you don’t have outdoor seating, don’t play outdoor music. What’s the point?

Food is honestly so so. I think they can use some more flavor. Where are the green sauce? The bean and rice is a little disappointing with zero taste. They said it was cooked in bacon and honestly I think it was boiled in water. The rice looks sad like from a buffet stand. How can you get that? Is it not fresh? But for price, it’s okie. We asked for some chef special but they ran out due to demand. I will come back for that. Definitely go for fajita here. Taco is okie but I only tried one. So time will tell.

Let’s start with the people. Friend and family gets special attention. It’s like the whole staff will come check on them. Other customers will be ignored after the initial ordering. I had to wait 15 minutes to get my check as another table had to wait 30 minutes for his drinks. I hope he got it for free. Our waitress disappeared on us after we got our food.

Interior has a lot of space. I didn’t know there was a whole new section on the other side of the main bar area. It’s nice to come and view the lake for a while and good spot to stop after a day kayaking or swimming. Outdoor seating guys!!

Five star because restaurant is hard business and I respect the fact they...

Food quality is overall fair. Dinner prices are reasonable leaning towards being a bit high (but isn't everyplace expensive lately?). Two of us ate entrees with dessert and one drink each. The final bill came to ~ $72 including 20% tip - which is quite reasonable these days for dinner on a Friday night.

I ordered the Pepper Jack Enchilada, but what I received was NOTHING LIKE an enchilada. I got a very quickly assembled wrapped filled with chicken, onions and peppers. There was no cheese and no sauce at all in or on this so-called enchillada.

I had to pick it up to eat it and tried to keep everything from dropping out of the open ends. I did pour some avocado sauce on it to give it a little flavor, but of course, I was a sloppy mess by the end of it. Had to ask for napkins that should already be on the table considering. The cloth napkin provided with the dinnerware was not really suitable for this mess.

The accompanying rice was bland and dry as is often the case at most Mexican restaurants. My wife ordered a quesadilla which arrived barely warm. We got there at 8:30 on a busy night, so perhaps they were winding down?

Our desserts were good. I got a flan and she got an apple cinammon chimichanga that was quite good. Overall, for the price, it was a decent meal and nice atmosphere. We could come back and give it another try.

Tipping suggestions on the bill go from 18% to 25%. What happened to 20% being the top end for excellent service? How long before the standard tip should be 25% to 50%? It's not an issue that is unique to this place. I certainly tipped more during the pandemic, but let's please get back to reasonable. The tipping expectations are...