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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Monrovia

Mexican food and salsa spots

A meal of Mexican food is only as good as the salsa served alongside it.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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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.

Large portions come with fresh chips and salsa that have a great kick. Dishes like green chilaquiles, carnitas tacos, and shredded beef burritos stand out for their rich flavors and spice.

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."

"The Mexican food here has amazing seasoning and hospitality."

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
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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

03
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.

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.

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

"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.

04
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.

Big, tasty burritos stand out, especially the carne asada and breakfast burritos. Menudo and flautas are solid choices, with fresh horchata and fantastic homemade salsas adding to the experience.

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."

"The Mexican breakfast burritos here are big and tasty."

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.

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

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 beef soup was delicious with rice and tortillas."

"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
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.

Burritos here stay consistent with high quality and great taste over many years. Fresh ingredients, a salsa bar, and house-made salsas like mango and salsa Baja add strong flavor to the Mexican food offerings.

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."

"This Mexican food tastes the same great way it always has."

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.

07
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.

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.

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."

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

"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.

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 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.

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.

Authentic Mexican food shines through dishes like the shredded beef burrito with rice and dry beans, menudo, and legua tacos. Generous portions come with great salsa and drinks, including tasty margaritas and crispy taco combinations.

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 chicharon and crispy tacos to be 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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