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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Monrovia

Salsa spots

A sharp, spicy salsa is the missing piece to make the meal complete.

Based on 493 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
La Adelita Mexican Restaurant image 1
La Adelita Mexican Restaurant image 2
La Adelita Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Small space offers cozy indoor seating and two outdoor areas with mountain views and patio mist. Atmosphere feels quiet and relaxed, with the restaurant filling up quickly. Outdoor dining stands out as the main draw.

Food comes out hot and fresh with large portions that satisfy. Staff are hospitable, making the meal feel welcoming and enjoyable.

Chips come with fresh salsa that has a great kick and solid texture. Spicy options include a habanero salsa and a green salsa that stands out in dishes like chilaquiles.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and fresh."

"The chips and salsa here are fresh with a great kick."

"Eating outside on the sidewalk was really nice with friends."

Good to know

1

They have an extended happy hour.

2

There is a free parking lot right outside the restaurant.

3

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating options.

02
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.

Food offers Argentinian flavors that are consistently packed with flavor and provide good value. Dishes come across as excellent and satisfying every time.

Spicy and flavorful red salsa stands out alongside chimichurri. Both salsas complement the empanadas well.

People are saying

"These empanadas are so delicious and flavorful."

"The empanadas here are perfectly made, crispy, and flavorful."

"The empanadas are flaky, buttery, and delicious with the salsas."

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.

03
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.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines through with consistently delicious food and excellent service. Every dish delivers strong flavors that stand out.

Chilaquiles come with crispy tortilla chips that hold up well in salsa. The green salsa is mild and unique, resembling a mole verde with pepitas, while the creamy chipotle adds a rich touch.

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."

"The red and green salsa on the chilaquiles were delicious."

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.

04
Tacos and Papas image 1
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.

Food features fresh ingredients served quickly with standout items like birria tacos with consume and pastor tacos. A nice beer selection complements the authentic Mexican cuisine.

Variety of insanely delicious salsas sits at the counter, adding a nice kick to any dish. Salsas serve as a key condiment, enhancing tacos and drinks with bold flavor.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be delicious and always fresh."

"I loved this place; I will definitely be back."

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.

05
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.

True Mexican food stands out with authentic flavors and delicious dishes. The food consistently impresses with its great taste and quality.

Homemade salsa offers a rare find with packed flavor that sets a great tone for the meal. Chips arrive perfectly crisp, paired with both spicy and mild salsas that complement the beans well.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is packed with flavor 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.

06
La Noria image 1
Burrito restaurant

Small space offers big flavor with large, tasty burritos and family-oriented atmosphere. Outdoor seating stays clean and inviting. Menu includes affordable mini tacos suitable for kids or light meals.

Food comes out fresh and crispy with well prepared dishes. Prices stay reasonable while serving tasty Mexican fare that earns compliments.

Homemade salsas stand out with great flavor and freshness. Some posted salsas may be unavailable, but the ones served pair well with tortillas and chips.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, flavorful food, especially the tacos and burritos."

"The breakfast burritos here are big and tasty."

"I found their homemade salsas to be fantastic."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, with large portions for the cost.

2

The outdoor seating area is clean and well-maintained.

3

The shop has a family-friendly atmosphere.

07
Baja Fresh image 1
Mexican restaurant

Porch seating and a plentiful salsa bar with freshly sliced jalapenos create a casual, fresh atmosphere. The space stays clean and well-managed with good air conditioning and fans. The menu offers generous portions and varied vegetarian options, attracting those seeking fresh, fast Mexican-style food.

Food arrives fast and hot with fresh ingredients and flavorful but not overwhelming Mexican dishes. Meals are consistently good and easy on the stomach compared to other quick service options.

Fresh ingredients and house-made salsas stand out here. The salsa bar offers a variety of options including freshly sliced jalapenos and a notable mango salsa.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh salsa bar with so many choices."

"The fast food here is just okay when you want a quick bite."

"The food here is exquisite, flavorful, and fresh."

Good to know

1

Baja Fresh has vegetarian items that can be made vegan by holding the sour cream and cheese.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-managed.

3

Prices are under $20 per person, making it an affordable option.

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.

Authentic Mexican food comes out quickly and tastes delicious. Service stays consistently excellent, making every meal enjoyable.

Salsas come in a variety of flavors with some offering extra heat on request. The chip salsa stands out as very tasty, and the overall salsa quality is often described as the best ever tasted.

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."

"I've never tasted salsa this amazing; I could eat it with a spoon."

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.

09
Rudy's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rustic furniture and authentic Mexican decor create a simple, family-friendly setting filled with lively energy from children and groups. The atmosphere feels happy and welcoming, reflecting a long-standing tradition. Generous portions and flavorful traditional dishes define the dining experience.

Food features authentic Mexican recipes with generous portions and consistently fresh, high quality ingredients. Service stays friendly and attentive, complementing the family friendly atmosphere.

Fresh chips come with plenty of Gringo salsa that is consistently tasty. The salsa pairs well with cold cervezas and stands out for its overall quality.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the chips and salsa, is amazing."

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

"The chips and salsa here are so good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family friendly and welcomes children.

2

Prices for menu items can be on the higher side.

3

Expect generous portions for most dishes.

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Monrovia, California

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