Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Authentic Mexican food in Monrovia

The craving is for traditional recipes prepared exactly as they are back home.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Tacos and Papas image 1
Tacos and Papas image 2
Tacos and Papas image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Small space offers a cozy, laid back atmosphere with a super cool 80s vibe featuring music from The Jam and TV shows like Mr T and the A-Team. The setting feels roomy and comfortable despite its size, creating a friendly and pleasant environment. The place attracts those seeking authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual, welcoming spot.

Tacos and Papas serves dishes packed with authentic flavor and care. The laid back ambiance matches the genuine quality of the food.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and a side of consommรฉ. Al pastor, pastor, and vegetarian brussel sprout tacos offer variety, while carne asada fries add a hearty touch. Friendly service complements the authentic Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the quesa-birria tacos to be amazing."

"I loved the amazing tacos, especially the quesa-birria and al pastor."

"I found this spot for good authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

2

Dinner for two costs around $40 with drinks.

3

Prices are competitive for the area.

02
Girasol Cocina Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with bright, vibrant decor and culturally themed music creates a welcoming, lively atmosphere. The vibe feels like a family-friendly fiesta with a cozy, home-like ambiance. It often draws a busy crowd, especially during weekend mornings.

Food tastes 100% authentic and homemade with fresh ingredients. Flavors remind of traditional Mexican cooking, like eating at a family member's house.

Chilaquiles stand out as the most notable dish, prepared with care and served in various styles like tortas and trio plates. The Cafe De Olla complements the meals well, and the food consistently delivers authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The food here was so delicious, I cleaned my plate."

"The food here is 100% authentic Mexican flavor, like eating at my tia's house."

"You have to try the mole; it's rich, deep, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The brunch buffet is available on Tuesdays from 10am to 2pm.

2

A Saturday dinner buffet starts at 4:00pm.

3

Expect long wait times during busy weekend brunch hours.

03
Los Chiles Locos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos and breakfast burritos with carefully packaged sides like tortilla chips and sauces. Outdoor seating faces a busy intersection with loud street noise. The spot suits quick bites and caters to vegetarians.

Mexican dishes here deliver authentic flavors and traditional recipes. The food stays true to classic Mexican cuisine without shortcuts.

Breakfast burritos stand out with authentic Mexican flavors and come with tortilla chips and several sauces. Birria tacos and beef milanesa torta add variety, while the pepino-guava agua fresca offers a unique drink option.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was really good and tasty."

"The staff here are so friendly and thoughtful."

"I thought the breakfast burritos were the best Mexican food in town."

Good to know

1

Los Chiles Locos offers vegetarian options for those with dietary restrictions.

2

The food is packaged for convenience, making it great for takeout.

3

Expect a quick service ideal for grab-and-go meals.

04
Las Marias image 1
Mexican restaurant

Family-owned Mexican restaurant offers big portions and affordable prices with a focus on breakfast burritos and birria tacos. The atmosphere is clean and casual, attracting those seeking hearty, flavorful meals. Prices online tend to be lower than on the menu, adding value to the experience.

Food offers authentic birria and tacos with a delicious taste.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and generous portions. Breakfast burritos come highly praised for their taste and size. Fresh salsa complements the authentic Mexican dishes like combo plates with birria meat and asada.

People are saying

"I thought of the birria tacos whenever I thought of this place."

"This family owned spot has delicious, flavorful food cooked with care."

"The Mexican food here is excellent and delicious."

Good to know

1

The prices at Las Marias are affordable and reasonable.

2

Las Marias offers big portions for a satisfying meal.

3

The restaurant sells eggs all day for breakfast lovers.

05
Cafรฉ De Olla Restaurant image 1

Colorful, rustic decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Loud music and open space cause noise and echoes, making conversations challenging. Staff offer pan dulce from a dessert cart, adding a unique touch to the dining experience.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors with off the beaten path options. Meals range from hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and include genuine Mexican coffee.

Hearty dishes like the birria plate and chilaquiles divorciados stand out with rich flavors. Breakfast options include a house omelette with green chilaquiles and huevos rancheros with a delicious sauce.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the chilaquiles and cafe de olla, is really good."

"I found the breakfast here delicious and packed with flavor."

"The food here is so authentic and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 40-75 minutes during busy weekend brunch hours.

2

Reservations are recommended for large parties to avoid long wait times.

3

A 75-minute time limit on tables applies during peak weekend hours.

06
Lord Empanada image 1
Argentinian restaurant

Small space with cozy booths and homey decor creates an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Loud ambiance contrasts with tranquil, coffee house vibe in dining area. Outdoor patio and flowery ornaments add charm, while family memorabilia on walls gives a personal touch.

Beef empanadas feature hard-boiled egg, potato, and raisin fillings that taste very authentic. Chimichurri sauce pairs well with these Argentinian-style snacks.

Birria empanadas stand out with rich flavor and come with consommรฉ for dipping. Spicy asada and birria queso empanadas offer bold spice while spinach and cheese provide a milder option.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"You have to try the birria empanadas with consommรฉ; they're so good."

"I found the empanadas to be so authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking at Lord Empanada is limited and can be challenging to find.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of empanadas, including vegan options.

3

The seating area is small, making it difficult to find a seat during busy times.

07
Casa Jimenez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cozy, clean, casual atmosphere feels inviting and pleasant. Menu offers true Mexican food with homemade salsa and dishes like shrimp burrito and chilaquiles verdes. Prices stay reasonable, making it a family-friendly spot for an inexpensive meal.

Mexican food here shows authentic flavors and genuine preparation. Menudo lacks authenticity and tastes canned, but service remains authentic and attentive.

True Mexican food shines with authentic dishes like burrito grande, chilaquiles verdes, and pozole. Homemade salsa and fresh tortillas add to the genuine flavors rarely found elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The beef soup was delicious with rice and tortillas."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

The special, 3 dishes plus soup or salad for around $20, is a good deal.

2

Breakfast specials like pancakes and eggs are available at a very low price.

3

Expect reasonable prices and portions for budget-conscious diners.

08
Max's Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open, spacious dining area pairs with a cozy bar filled with football TVs for a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Large groups fit comfortably, and staff often celebrate birthdays with song. Walls feature a mural honoring a baseball icon, adding a unique touch to the bright, recently renovated space.

Menu features an extensive selection of dishes capturing real Mexican flavors. Decor matches the food with an authentic and inviting atmosphere.

Authentic Mexican food shines with big portioned chicken fajitas, tasty tacos, and a giant Magui burrito. Chips and salsa come with extra heat on request, and drinks include Cadillac and spicy mango margaritas.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic and perfectly spiced."

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The staff here is so friendly, they even sang for my birthday."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every week.

2

There is plenty of free parking available.

3

It could get quite busy during peak hours, so be prepared to wait.

Discover more

Monrovia, California

Area guide
Loading Map...