We were super happy with our experience here, we just got into town after a big move and we were so hungry. We were seated right away and our server Rosa was an absolute joy. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was so cute, love how they have it all decorated![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was full of families and seemed like a great crowd.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The margaritas were massive (we got the biggest size) and very good/strong. I got cucumber and my husband got jalapeño, both were great! Chips and salsa were solid, nothing too crazy or spicy but it hit the spot. For meals, he got the steak tacos al carbon and I got the Mexican steak bowl. Both of us really enjoyed the meal. We'll definitely be back -- and we'll be asking for Rosa! read more

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I got very sick eating here on taco tuesday. I told the lady with a lot of makeup and short hair that my tacos dont taste fresh and she said they were fine. I asked her if she could bring fresh or hot tacos but she only reheated the cold tacos so now the shells were soggy and the beef was bad. I went home and got sick for 3 days. The lady with the makeup is never nice and I think she knew she would get me sick and didn't even apologize. Horrible food and horrible people work here. Also i saw the owner complaining about ICE to a customer. To bad if you hire illegal people they work for you illegally and that is your fault. Bad people bad food and wont go again. read more

Average mexican food. Somewhat over priced probably due to not many options in Monroe. Chips were hot and salsa was average. One and done restaurant. read more

Has become our favorite in a town with lots of options. The chile relleno is my go-to.

Great food. Fast service. Very friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Parking lot a bit tight for bigger trucks and dimly lit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Been back 2x now. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I just love ordering $100 worth of food and then come the high chairs for a screaming baby right ext to us.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]If you have screaming kids that are uncontrolled, you can even let them run around the restaurant here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food is typical of a large food chain, [[HIGHLIGHT]]But definitely not the place for peaceful dinning[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Chucky Cheese in Spanish.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Been coming here for years - it's been a minute but I was out here for a different reason so of course I had to stop here. I still love this place service is great and everyone is so warm and friendly. Food was done as I ordered. Whenever I'm in Monroe I will always stop here. read more

Ixtapa, has been a long time staple of Monroe. They've been serving the community by keeping belly's full for decades. A lot of the staff has remained the same, which speaks volumes of the longevity of the business. It's great to see some many familiar faces that I remember growing up. read more

Ixtapa Restaurant - a plate of enchiladas and rice - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Washington

I stop here and hit the bar every time I am in the area. The service is excellent. They are not understaffed like most restaurants. The drinks are excellent, and the food is fabulous. Best tacos I have ever had :-) read more

We had the Carne Diablo with corn tortillas, free chips and salsa and 2 margaritas - one house lime and the Oaxacan. $40. Having been to Ixtapa in Mexico I was interested to try this chain. It did not disappoint as the flavors brought back memories of the same flavors that I experienced in Mexico. I think they nailed the authentic tastes but could have added more vegetables (and onions) and some queso Blanco. The most impressive thing was the Oaxacan which everyone should try to get the Ixtapa Mexico experience. P.S. as you can tell by the extra salsa cup. They have good salsa here. read more

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The inside is decorated beautifully. It's different than any other place we have been and it adds to the flair of the restaurant. The food was just okay. We ordered queso as an appetizer and it was delicious. Our fajitas were very bland. There wasn't a lot of seasoning, the meat was chopped up very small and there wasn't a lot of meat. We didn't have a terrible experience. Our visit was just okay read more

We have been out of WA for 3 years and each year we come back to visit we can't wait to go to Ixtapa!! We consider it home. Last year we were there probably every day. Well something has changed. And not for the better. It's sad. Missing staff, where did they go and why when they had worked there over 20 years? The prices are crazy now. Some new guy running around not friendly at all. Stressing out the staff. Does this guy not realize customers are the life line ? [[HIGHLIGHT]]And most customers go to Ixtapa for the family feel not because it's the best food in Monroe, it's the best staff and home.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]And got to know staff and other customers to be friends and family.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Before we moved we probably ate there 3-4 times a week. Did it during Covid too. I don't want to see Ixtapa fail but I am really worried. read more

We've driven by this place almost daily the past year since moving to Monroe and kept saying we need to give it a try. Finally we met some family that was visiting there for dinner. It's a cute chain restaurant with fun lighting and decorations and lots of space for big parties. Being a proper family of lushes, we promptly asked to be seated in the bar because let's be honest, going out for Mexican food basically means going out for margaritas with some chips on the side. We were seated right away and our server came over to take our drink order. There are lots of margarita choices and we were excited to try them all out. We ran into a snag when ordering food, my sister and I are both Celiac and can't have gluten. Mexican is usually one of the easiest types of food for us tho because of all the corn based products. Unfortunately our server wasn't at all familiar and we had some trouble getting her to just double check with the kitchen. We also waited a really long time for drinks, food, and drink refills. While the service wasn't our favorite, the food and margaritas were quite solid. I mean they have so. many. flavors. of margaritas guys, it's pretty impressive. We sampled a decent handful with the mango and guava bring favorites. I also enjoyed my tacos and didn't have any issues with gluten. Definitely a solid place and definitely worth taking a peek during happy hour to see how many flavors of margaritas you can try in one sitting. Gotta catch em all. read more

Probably the worst taco salad I've ever had. It tasted of the dishwasher, the circumference was maybe 7 inches, there was very little meat, no beans, the guacamole was darkening like it was old and they didn't fill the lettuce to the top. I got maybe a teaspoon of shredded cheese. ($15) That said, it was served less than 10 minutes after we ordered. Service was good, just not the food. Sad, as I have liked this place in the paste. read more

Food and service! The nachos were definitely lacking any appeal! 17.00 and we had to stop for a snack afterwards because they were so small! The waitress never came back after dropping off our food, we had asked for the refried beans to be taken off the nachos, but the nachos had the refried beans and she never even checked with us to make sure that our meal was okay. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was full and I know Monroe doesn't have a lot of choices in restaurants with a Mexican Flair, but I would definitely think twice about going back to this restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We have been going to this location for literally, over 35 years. We actually starting visiting this restaurant when it was in a smaller space. The food is top notch and always great! We have enjoyed many celebrations here and it never disappoints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is fabulous and the owners are the best in the business![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Went to the Monroe one, worst food ever!!! My husband kept asking where's the meat? Hardly any chicken. Margaritas served in a plastic cup. Was told by several people after the fact it's a horrible restaurant. read more

Nice classic decor and the staff is super friendly and attentive. Both the carne asada and pollo asado were just ok, not very flavorful, somewhat bland. Healthy portions of meat. read more

These type of Mexican restaurants... you've been to a few, you've been to them all. Here is an exception. My Wofe has been coming here for 20 yrs or something. I wasn't too excited about going, as I didn't have much expectation. But there is something really special here. All of the components are tasty, and they all work well together. The rice, the beans, the salsa all stand out, alone. Good spot. Recommended. read more

Wonderful food, great service and reasonable pricing for lunch menu. Restaurant was clean and had a very family-business feel.

There was nothing good about the food we were served on our LAST visit. Chips were not that good, salsa was bland, Margaritas were very very shy on tequila, and the food was just not good at all. The poblano must have been a dehydrated and re-hydrated version of a poblano pepper vs fresh or canned. It was impossible to cut or chew. Like leather. Ended up just scooping out the stuffing and pushing it to the side. Wasn't cheap either, but that is NOT our real issue. On a positive note. The staff were very pleasant from greeting to goodbye. Except for the part where NO ONE ever came by our table and asked us how we were enjoying the food. It will be a long long time before we ever go back, IF EVER! read more

Was I expecting authentic Mexican food when deciding to eat at a chain restaurant? Absolutely not. Was I more than pleasantly surprised with the hospitality, kindness, and excellent customer service? Absolutely. I frequent the Gold Bar area for hiking and have decided Ixtapa will now be a regular spot solely for the kind and attentive service! I have to say, that as a Latina myself, the vibe in here felt incredibly colorful, welcoming, and like I was at home. Beautiful decor, lively music, and even more cheerful servers. What more could you ask for after a long day of hiking? My mango margarita was strong, my sopa de albondigas was delicious, and my heart left happy after a visit to Ixtapa Restaurant in Monroe. :-) read more

Good, simple food. Enjoyed our house maragitas, enchiladas and churros. Fun atmosphere. Staff was very helpful, made good suggestions and checked backed often to refill water and chips. If back in Monroe, would stop in again. read more

Pretty bland and generic Mexican food, nothing special, obviously just Sysco provided beans and ingredients. Margarita was weak and tasted like pre mix ones. read more

Great staff, open Late (past 9:00 pm in this town), $5 margarita specials daily PLUS $1 beef tacos on. Mondays & Tuesdays 5pm - close in the Cantina read more

Ixtapa Restaurant - Choco Taco FTW - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Washington

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Not great but not horrible. The salsa did not seem to have any flavor and appeared to be red enchilada ice with a ton of onions and a little cilantro. The food was dry and bland. The rice seemed to be old and crunchy. The service was good. All in all not a place we will stop at again. read more

We have been going to the Ixtapa chain for decades, the various ones. We continue to be pleased with the Monroe location. This easy to get into and out of, either direction, since the US-Highway 2 stop light is right by it and allows Uturns. Something nice about Ixtapa, the food is always worth the time. I pretty much stick with the Carne Asada these years, but everything else i ever have had from Ixtapa, it's always been proper Mexican food, TOO. Since the pandemic, we have, OF COURSE, been back. plenty. When you are coming over Stevens Pass, i suggest giving this or the Sultan or Snohomish one a try. They are definitely consistent over the decades. read more

The Best Mexican restaurant I ever eaten at - the Coctel de camaron is the best I have ever tasted - a must - Loved the atmosphere. 5 Stars read more

Love this local restaurant. For a town that has many choices to get good Mexican food this is our favorite. A great happy hour, great staff and great food. Worth a stop if you have time. The Guacamole Fresco is one of our favorites. read more

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There are a lot of Mexican options in the area, so why is this my go-to? Consistency and service. First, the consistency. My gripe with restaurants in general is that some days they're amazing and other days they can be awful. It comes down to management. If the staff is off their game, or they're inappropriately staffed for the business of the day/night, it can ruin a diner's experience. If the chef is off, then the food can suffer. If the wait staff is over-staffed, then they tend to look bored or distract each other; if the wait staff is under-staffed, then service is slow, food arrives cold at the table, and generally it's just a bad day. The situation with Ixtapa seems to be always on the "just right" level, regardless of the day. The food always is tasty, the service is timely (and with a smile), and the place is clean. Now more about the service. The staff is super friendly. In the main dining room I have not had a bad experience, even when we came once for a HUGE birthday party. In the bar area you'll find the sweetest bartenders, super helpful, friendly and they make a STRONG drink! We just love coming here and chatting with the folks. It is a neighborhood spot; you see a lot of the same people and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. There are a couple negative reviews on here, and I will agree that the prices are kind of high compared to other options around. But for the service and food consistency I think it's worth it. read more

So! It's been over 20 years since I have been to Ixtapa and today did not disappoint! THE best Molè I have ever had hands down! The food: EXCELLENT! The Saff: friendly and attentive, just the way I remembered! I know I will have to make the trip back there soon! read more

It's been a year since I ate here last. The prices have jumped and they have cut out vegetarian menu. No vegan options either. Waitress was put out that we asked allerGy related questions and were disappointed in the lack of vegetarian options. read more

My mother-in-law loves this place, so we often eat here when we're visiting. And, it must be said right out of the gates, the staff are wonderful. They are warm and accommodating to their customers. Additionally, the restaurant is absolutely beautiful and always clean. That said, they good could use some improvement in their food prep, as I am always missing some of the authentic Mexican flavor in my dishes (and was really disappointed to find out on our last visit that they don't make their own tortillas). Overall, we really do like this place, and we hope to see them continuing to improve their customer's experiences. read more

The Best place in Town!!!!!! Best Mexican Food and Best Staff !!!! Have been going here for many many years --- never a bad plate and always great people !!! I cannot say enough about this place! Highlyyyyyy recommend! read more

Great service. We love this place. Good good, nice atmosphere. Always a pleasure coming here when we pass through

This is by far our favorite place to go in Monroe! We consider them all family and we love them. Delicious food and drinks. Great happy hour! read more

Ixtapa Restaurant - Poblano ala carte. - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Washington

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Very friendly staff and fast service. Awesome scenery inside. I love the dips provided for the free nachos, bean dip and medium sauce w a little pico. Most places only offer dry pico. The sides, except for onions I hate, I mix together in the refried beans, making it delicious. Not all places put cheese on top of beans. Delicious food every time! read more

Ixtapa Restaurant - Carne Asada - Mexican Near Me - Monroe, Washington

Traveling through Monroe. Very nice atmosphere. Staff cordial. Food lacking any flavor, bland. I am accustomed to traditional Mexican food and this was lacking to say the least. It's a chain restaurant and I won't frequent any of them. Oh, the mixed drinks were pretty weak too. read more

We came to eat here after a 5k local run. I never expect much from Mexican restaurants since I'm Latina and can make most of this food at home. We were hungry and we tried this place out. Yikes!! The food was not appealing at all. The food was just OK...The amount of food you get is very little. They stated authentic names on their menus that did not reflect what they actually are suppose to be. Example, my friend wanted a MOLCAJETE...it normally would come in a stone bowl. The waitress warned him that it was not going to come in the stone bowl...he figured it would still be good. It came and it looked like beef stroganoff in velveeta cheese. It was gross looking! He has a few bites and then stopped eating. My rice on my plate was less than half of a cup of rice,my beans maybe 1/4 of a cup...a little bit of lettuce and three tiny flautas. It cost 16.00 for my plate...probably only 3.00 worth of food on my plate though. This place was a rip off. I would never ever go here again. Just down the street is a Taco Bell that serves more food and you get your money's worth! read more

This is my favorite local Mexican restaurant. Their food is very flavorful and filling and their service is on point. When there was a mix up with a credit card they where quick to fix the problem and include a coupon for the the inconvenience. I would recommend this restaurant. read more