Monte Alban — Restaurant in Town of Webster

UPDATE 10/25/22: Since writing my ☆☆☆ review the quality of the food I had always liked but lately was lacking a pizzazz I hadn't tasted in some time, has GREATLY IMPROVED, I'M VERY HAPPY TO REPORT! The last 2 times it was very good, like it had been in the early days at the first location on Ridge Rd. They must have gotten a different product than the masa harina that they have always used for their tortilla chips. The last time I was there about a week ago, the tortilla chips were heavier and had a different flavor that the ones they usually have. I prefer the thin ones they bring warm to the table with their salsa. The salsa has been better the last 2 times also, thicker, with onion and cilantro and made with sweeter tomatoes or a pinch of sugar was added. The sweetness of the tomato or onion really was spot on in flavor for me and not too hot. My burritos were filled with ground beef, but I'm still yearning for the familiar cumin flavor. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but I like that seasoning. I wish there was even hint of it. I realize the music is meant to add to the ambience, but it's uncomfortably loud for conversation without having to raise your voice above the decibel level of the music to be heard. Then everyone is raising their voices to compete with the music. We've gone earlier on a week day and beat the crowd, making it less like a carnival atmosphere.

MONTE ALBANS IS STILL THE. BEST. MEXICAN FARE AROUND. BUT I'D RATHER THEY CHARGE A BIT MORE AND NOT DOWNGRADE INGREDIENTS.

I have been coming to Monte Albans for over 10 years, first the one on Ridge Rd., and then the Webster location more recently (7 years). I'm aware of the difficulty of businesses to remain open through a pandemic. I've been disappointed the last 3 or 4 times. The ground beef filling for the tacos and burritos has been bland and barely seasoned. The salsa also has also been mostly tomato with very little else to flavor it. I am sensitive to the heat, so I appreciate it that the food has not been too spicy hot, but it seems to be missing the familiar cumin flavor I like in Southwest and Mexican foods. The last time, the usually neutral rice was loaded with garlic, which has previously been absent, thankfully. Am I ordering the wrong dishes? I used to enjoy going, but I'd rather cook at home than spend the money going out for a meal that isn't...

I have been in Texas for more than 5 years now and have had my fair share of mexican and tex-mex food (aka: mexican food covered in cheese). So with that said, I am still no expert, but here are my thoughts... ----- THE FOOD ----- Our table had the Carnitas (pork), fajitas, enchiladas, and black bean soup and lots of margaritas. Their table salsa was VERY GOOD and had just enough bite for the spice connoisseur, rivaling some of the tastiest I have had from authentic mexican places. The traditional house margarita was also VERY GOOD, not from a pre-made sweet&sour mix, handmade and you can taste the alcohol. All of our entres were very tasty, ranging from traditional tex-mex to unique renditions of the traditional. The black bean soup was the greatest surprise of the evening, delicious! The refried beans were bland, but you can't win them all. ----- THE SERVICE ----- We went on a Monday evening, it was very slow, which meant we got great service. It seems to be a family owned and staffed business, who are originally from central Mexico (according to our local waitress). Some of our party are "spice wimps" and the waitress brought out a sampling of some of their popular sauces (tomatillo, ranchero, etc) so that we could try them before getting a meal made with them. It was on the house too, can't complain. So to share the knowledge, the ranchero sauce had the classic expected flavor and NOT spicy, the tomatillo verde had a nice tang & big kick to it. ----- BOTTOM LINE ----- I would go back, I would probably even choose to go here over some of the choices found in Texas. I would recommend the large traditional house margarita (rocks with salt...always) and if I could only choose one of our entres to have again, do the...

Monte Alban has earned its place as our favorite Mexican restaurant over the years, becoming a cherished regular spot for our family. We find ourselves drawn to its doors almost weekly, driven not only by the exceptional food but also by the warm, inviting atmosphere that has made it my young daughter's top choice.

The culinary offerings at Monte Alban are nothing short of exceptional. They make the best fresh guacamole dip in town! Just ask for "GUACAMOLE MEXICO" and hope that they serve it on a stone molcajete to get the full authentic experience. From flavorful dishes to delightful drinks, each visit is a culinary journey that leaves a lasting impression.

I had the pleasure of introducing my brother, visiting from out of town, to Monte Alban, and his resounding declaration that it's the best Mexican food he's ever had speaks volumes about the restaurant's quality.

Despite being busy especially during the weekends, Monte Alban excels in providing timely and efficient service. It's remarkable how they manage to deliver delicious meals to the table promptly, making them stand out among the best in town. The staff, with their genuine friendliness, has transformed the restaurant into more than just a dining spot; they've become an extended family to us, adding a special touch to our frequent visits.

While the unassuming exterior might make it easy to overlook as you drive through Empire, Monte Alban is a true gem. The combination of outstanding food, prompt service, and a friendly staff makes...