I have frequented this place when under different management...the fish and chips place that it was before. And so what brought me here...is potato tacos!! I love potato tacos and they have them here....woooohooo!!! I came with a friend who also loves potato tacos and we had them along with the bean dip w/chips that they have. Needless to say both of us left stuffed to the gills!! I forgot to take pictures, will do the next time because I know I will be back again. I came back a week later and tried some bean tostadas...because they are one of my favs too....and loved them. Salvador and Gregario were very hospitable and kind!!! read more

The wait time was surprisingly long. We waited about 40 minutes for two hot dogs, which were simply a toasted bun with a sausage and ketchup. I think the restaurant could be more organized and efficient with order preparation, especially for such a simple item. read more

It's amazing being able to eat the food from your hometown in Mexico here in Hayward. From their Urapan burger, to their enchiladas and even the seasoning of their frijoles refritos, I don't have to wait to travel to Mexico to feel at home. They even have Uchepos! Can't wait to go through the whole menu as I keep coming back here for more! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Enchiladas Michoacanas! Tastes exactly like what mom makes at home and in Michoacán - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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Service was excellent and everyone was super friendly and welcoming. The restaurant itself is really cute and has plenty of seating. The rice and beans were tasty, and the tortilla chips and salsa were also good. Unfortunately, the mole enchiladas were extremely salty, to the point that I couldn't finish them. I'm sure there may be other dishes on the menu that are worth trying, but this particular meal just wasn't for me. I'd be open to giving the restaurant another chance, though based on this experience, I wasn't very impressed with the food. I also experienced a mild stomachache after eating the mole. read more

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I highly recommend ordering tacos from the catering menu for your next gathering! Doing so is such a good deal, and you can try several meats. The al pastor in particular was my favorite. Service is also great; they insisted on carrying the order to my car! read more

Authentic Mexican food! Family owned business. Very cold inside, ample parking. Fast prep & friendly service. Take a moment to slow down on Foothill Blvd, if you miss the driveway park in the next one, that used to be the Walgreens parking lot then walk a few feet to the restaurant. I only had breakfast burrito, it was a tad dry so get salsa. i would like to go back to dinner! read more

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The food here is great! I've had the tacos de papa(potato tacos) a few times and they're so good every time! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

After lots of scrolling on Uber Eats I landed on Monarca-partly cause I've passed by lots of times on Foothill and has caught my eye and partly cause the prices are great! Tacos dorados-they were prepared crispy and topped with crema and cotija cheese. The cumin kinda overpowered the flavor though so I could do with just a slight bit less cumin. Carne asada fries-honestly, I only got this cause for some reason on UberEats the carne asada tacos were saying sold out but this wasn't lol. No regrets, the carne asada was seasoned and cooked very good and then toppings were not stingy-especially on the guac, yum! Quesabirrias-we prefer it cheesier and crispier but overall flavor was good and consomme was good. Plantanitos-I didn't order this lol, I ordered the flan but got this instead. I won't knock them for the mistake though since if you like plantains, these are great. They're sweet and crispy on the edges with a nice sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top. (Personally would still prefer flan but its fine lol, maybe next time since I'll be sure to order again anyways) read more

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I ordered three tacos--two al pastor and one carne asada. The carne asada was a little overcooked, but everything else was great. The salsa and chips were delicious, and the green salsa they use on the tacos is so flavorful and spicy! The Horchata was refreshing and tasty. I love the atmosphere--it's fun and lively, with a huge Jenga game you can play, a tree backdrop, and butterflies that add a nice touch. The staff is very friendly, making the experience even better. Overall, great food and a fun, welcoming spot to hang out! read more

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Great family owned and managed..... no rush atmosphere like home... many items are in the Michoacan Mexican style.... food pricing is standard.... JUST AND OVERALL NICE PLACE TO HANG OUT FROM THE CROUDS.... tell them OLD MAN STAN sent you the TEE SHIRT GUY read more

Decided to give this place a try after passing every day and so glad I did. The menu is stacked with options from burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas and more. It was empty around 3pm and the cashier was quick and attentive at taking out to go order. I was surprised how clean and big the space is! Great spot for groups. Ordered the carne asada nachos with guac on the side, 2 chicken tacos and 2 carne asada tacos along with the side of rice and beans and an horchata (not pictured). Food was made to order which was nice to see and came out quick. While waiting for the food, they offered complementary chips and beans which I thought was a nice touch. Tacos were a solid 4/5 and the nachos were 3.5/5. Not sure if the chips they use are stale, but they were hard to chew and didn't break like a normal tortilla chip. The toppings were delicious. The standout are their rice and beans. WOW delicious. The rice is soft and fluffy and the beans are soooo good. Horchata was also 5/5! read more

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So it's still a new business and it feels that way. I plan to go back as they progress. The service was really friendly. The restaurant was really clean and has some cute decorations. The tables and chairs could use some updating or maybe some flowers on the tables. There was no music playing so it was really quiet so I think some music would be nice to block the noise from the kitchen and to create a vibe. I had a couple carne asada tacos and they were fine. My hubby had a carne asada torta and that was pretty good. The salsa were OK. I liked the chips as they were thinner and crispy. We had a couple soft drinks as they don't have any beer, wine or liquor. There is parking in the back. read more

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I couldn't have asked for a better place to host our soccer team's dinner (about 50 people) after a long weekend of games. The hospitality was amazing from the moment we walked in. The food was great, and the owner was so sweet--she even helped serve everyone since we had ordered catering trays. They also had plenty of games to keep the younger kids occupied. I would definitely recommend this place and look forward to coming back with my family. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

Insanely good pollo asada torta, like wow. Giant and bursting with flavor. The carne asada street tacos were perfect!! I wish I had not waited so long to try this place. Seems like a very cute family business. They had a live concert on the tv of José Maria Napoleón performing "30 Años" that kinda blew my mind. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - tacos - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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I came here after my dental appointment today. My dental office next door recommended I come here. An employee was eating chicken tacos. I love chicken tacos. So I came on in. I ordered three chicken tacos without beans and rice. The service was quick, fast and professional. My chicken tacos came with chips and salsa verde. The restruant is decorated with monarch decorations throughout. I love butterflies. They have a very large menu. I ordered to go, but will return and order more as they have churros and other items like shrimp tacos that I would like to order next time. I recommend this place for great Mexican food. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Chicken tacos - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

So so so so greasy. Carne asada and carnitas are delicious. Burrito was mostly rice. Supreme quesadilla was not very supreme. Just meat and cheese no Pico, nothing else but Guacamole on the side. Asked for extra salsa and only got one time red and green. Neither were very good. Still in search of THE taqueria. read more

I love the aesthetic, clean and very traditional Mexican ambiance. They do have two tvs and it has a good amount of indoor seating. They also have a parking lot behind their building. The food is decent and can be easily made great. A few minor changes like adding salt to the fries and salsas. Also, I recommend making the asada crispier. The staff are super nice! As soon as we walked in an older gentleman informed the staff behind the counter that we were there. They had about 4 staff members behind the counter cooking and preping. The food came out within 15 minutes, and the staff checked on us twice. I noticed they have table games like Guess Who and Jenga, which would be fun for friends or kids to play. read more

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I've been here a couple of times but I always forget to take pictures! Every time I come here the food is always fresh and the service is incredible the workers here are super attentive and they like to hear what you thought of their food! It makes me happy to see that they're getting more customers because they are new! I would recommend everyone to come here and bring their family and friends to dine! The restaurant is painted bright orange in the outside so it's more visible! The interior is super cute with monarch butterflies all over! read more

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The food here is so good!! The bean dip with the chips was amazing!! This is our new favorite Mexican restaurant to eat at. You definitely need to try this place out. The parking is in the back. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Chilaquiles so freaking good - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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I've been here a lot and the customer service is always an 11/10. They are so friendly and helpful that it makes you want to support. I always get to go orders & they always give me beans and chips while I wait for the food. Super appreciate this! On to the food, I've only had tacos here so far and rice and beans. The food is always really good, hot and generous portions. The prices are also affordable in my opinion and they have an extensive menu. I would def give them a try if I were you! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Ordering food to go but they give you beans and chips while you wait! - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

My family of 4 enjoyed the food and service here, the server Ashley recommended certain things and was very attentive. Their chips and bean dip to start was really good. We ordered a crispy shredded beef taco, quesabirra Ramen, breakfast burrito (they serve breakfast all day) and Monarca tacos, everything was delicious. We will be back. read more

Monarca is a hidden gem! Their chips and tortillas are homemade and absolutely fresh. I had the chicken fajitas, and my husband had the Monarca burrito--both were delicious and full of authentic Mexican flavors. The quality of the food and the attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Chicken fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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Very tasty crunchy taco with carne asada, lots of flavor. Chile sauce with a little bite with excellent flavor. Chile relleno was a bit tough in the burrito but even I know it's hard to get them chilies just right all the time, overall burrito was good and the refried beans and rice in the burrito was perfect! Horchata was very good and can taste all kinds of flavors in it. Customer service- lady at register very friendly and gave me exactly what I wanted. I know this place is new and I would definitely come back and try other stuff. I'm a foodie and like to try different food at different places so I know where I will go when the cravings come read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Crunchy carne asada taco Chile Relleno - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

First time here for lunch and have to say good quality was amazing. This place gives a small mom and pop feel with a warm welcoming atmosphere. Workers are attentive and patient. Will be coming again for sure. Food prices are reasonable as well and portion sizes are good. If you're looking for Mexican comfort food check this place out! read more

The service was wonderful! My friend have been wanting to try it for a while now. We arrived close to closing (sorry about that). The food was fantastic! The color of my monarca taco was striking contrast of colors which I appreciated - it's not too often you see that. I ordered it with carne asada which was also very good. I also ordered the tacos dorados de papas and it was airy and crispy. Now one of the best parts was the masa - homemade and fresh! The masa had a nice chewy to it and you could taste the flavor. The horchata is one of the best I've had!! 10/10 read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Tacos Dorados De Papa - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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What a great little find! I live in Castro Valley off of Grove and I'm tired of the Mexican food around here. Awesome pork tamales, enchiladas were on point and even the chile Rellenos wasn't like a rubber tire like most places. I can't wait to get into some of their soups for my father. I also find it interesting they have breakfasts. Also need to peruse thru the rest of their menu. It's great that they're literally two minutes away from my house so I don't have to wait for somebody to drive it over to me cold and overpay for the ordeal. Well done! read more

I went in with my two kids to order, and the owner and her niece were beyond welcoming. They made us feel so comfortable from the moment we walked into their restaurant. Their kindness and hospitality really stood out. Not only were they incredibly kind, but the food was also absolutely delicious! Everything we tried was amazing--from the tacos to the chicken mole, tamales, and salsa. read more

Had a party and we got big trays for a great price. Food was fantastic. Service was excellent too. I definitely recommend.

Went here yesterday for the first time, and we will be back! Great food and family run by some really nice people. They started with chips and a really tasty bean dip. Yum! My go to for trying a new Mexican food place is pastor. If they do it well, I know I am in the right place. I had a pastor super burrito, and it was awesome! I am enjoying the second half for breakfast while I write this... two thumbs up! I like to support small local businesses, so this one is a keeper. Help me keep their good food on the table! read more

Friendly service. Free parking in the rear. Huge portions. Don't fill up on the free chips--you're going to need all your appetite for the massive burrito. read more

I've drove by this place multiple times and decided to stop in and order. For 18$, I got the super chicken burrito and it was nothing special. The burrito was mostly made up of beans, I hardly tasted any chicken. There was also this old cheese smell/taste to it- I'm not sure if they used queso cotija in it. The beans in the burrito are very good, I just wish there was a balanced amount of stuff in it. Salsas are mid: the green tastes exactly like the canned guacamole salsa from the store. They give you chips with your order which aren't bad. Overall, I would say this place perhaps has better dishes to order but the burrito I wouldn't get again. read more

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We eat here once or twice a week. The people that run the place are super sweet! Food is great. Service a bit slow, but we don't come in a rush. :) read more

I enjoyed my lunch here. It started off by complementary chips and a nice bowl of refried beans I devoured that and then lunch came with a generous portion of rice beans Carne Asada, and french fries. All was cooked nicely really nice people working at this place if you are ever in Castro Valley or Hayward, I encourage you to check them out. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Hayward, California

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Delicious!!!! Tried burrito supreme and quesadilla supreme. Very tasty, cooked to order. Quesadilla was a bit soggy from the drive home but popped it in air fryer and was so good. Salsa bar was nice, salsa was flavorful and the red salsa had flavor along with good spice. Staff was nice, restaurant was clean. Small little parking lot behind the building. We went yesterday, and will be back tomorrow!! read more

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We had the Chili Relleno and Monarca Burrito... Delish! Oh! And the fresh homemade corn tortillas. We just found our new go-to Mexican restaurant! Ashley and Elia are so friendly!!! read more

We stopped by this taqueria for the first time at lunch. It's located on Foothill, a busy street, and there's no street parking, which makes getting there a little inconvenient. There is a small parking lot behind the building, but space is tight. When we walked in, we were the only customers there, which was surprising for lunchtime. The workers were friendly and polite, and they greeted us right away, which we appreciated. We ordered two aguas frescas, but unfortunately they don't offer free refills. We finished our drinks before our food even came out, and since the food took a bit of time, we were left sitting there thirsty. For those dining in, a refill option or at least some water on the side would've been nice. The atmosphere is definitely unique...the place is small and has a setup that kind of feels like you're eating in someone's garage. It's casual and laid-back, but not particularly cozy. They do have a few board games on the table near the window, which is a nice touch if you want to hang out for a bit or have kids. The open kitchen is another noticeable feature; you can see and hear the food being cooked right in front of you. On the flip side, it appeared messy with a broken soda machine and other weird junk stacked up for public view. Overall, it wasn't a horrible experience. The staff were nice, and the food was okay but between the location and the odd atmosphere, I'm not sure I'd rush back. read more

Ordered for delivery the first time, and it was amazing. We had to come back the second time and go inside. Very cool interior. The food stands out on its own. If you're ever in the Hayward area, you've got to try this place!! read more

We just left here and had a nice dinner in a very clean establishment. Friendly and the food was very good. One of my favorite servers from La Piñata was talking about other restaurants because we enjoy Mexican food and I had asked about others around the east bay, good, not good and so on. She mentioned that her husband had planned to open a restaurant and I said we would try it when it opened. I had forgotten about and one day had asked if he ever opened. He did, I asked the name and decided to go today. Not disappointed at all and highly recommend. read more

The chicken tacos are really good. Sometimes it may depend who is on the grill one time i got them they weren't seasoned the same, but i went back and they were right where they needed to be again. read more

I'm not very big on breakfast by any means, but I really do recommend coming here. I came with family and we all tried something different. The menudo, to the green and red chilaquiles were more than just satisfying. Alongside with the great service. Worth giving it a try read more