My wife and I were (once again) in the mood for a breakfast burrito while we were in the van Nuys area this morning. I was put in charge to find a place close. I stumbled upon Monarca on Yelp and we decided to try it out! We arrive and are nicely greeted by one of the employees at the counter. The inside was clean and well kept which we love. My wife and I ordered 2 breakfast burritos and the green chilaquiles. She got the Deluxe burrito and I got the chorizo. We bring them home and open up the bag and these things are MASSIVE! In the best way! We begin taking bites and are both amazed. Me a little bit more. I really really enjoyed this burrito. Maybe because it has rice instead of potatoes, I'm not sure, but it was delicious. My wife also really enjoyed hers; she gave it a 7.5 out of 10. I give my burrito a 9/10. Our chilaquiles were a whole other story and flavor profile. The carne asada that came with it was life changing. Whatever seasoning they used on tha carne asada is perfect. My wife was deeply impressed. The sauce, the chips, the eggs, beans and rice were all very very good as well. All complimented each other very well. If you're ever in the van Nuys area, please stop here for breakfast, you won't regret it! read more

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Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Pretty solid place to have decent burrito with restaurant setting instead of food truck. Carne asada was decent come with chip and salsa which is a plus. Parking is easy and food came out fast. read more

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The food was excellent! The Torta Chilanga was delicious, and we also really enjoyed the sopes and the mojarra. The service was friendly and communicative, keeping us updated on the preparation time since most dishes are made to order. The restaurant is small but clean and cozy, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

The service was prompt and friendly. The restaurant is definitely hole in the wall with minimal decor but the food was absolutely amazing. The shrimp cocktail tased incredible and the shrimp was not rubbery, and generous amounts of crackers were given, remember guys it's a cóctel not a ceviche so it wasn't spicy or overly lemony. The torta chilanga reminded me of home and my childhood and was absolutely amazing and filling despite looking smaller than I expected but it hit the spot so well. The agua frescas I believe are a premix but very delicious and not sickening sweet like other places. I loved the place and kindness of the older gentleman that cooked and took our order and the younger girl who initially helped. All smiles and sweet from both of them. read more

Flavors BOMB!! Pastor and asada.. bomb.. looking forward to try more items.. but tacos are delicious!!! The table salsa they give is sooooooo good!!!!! Will be my go to taco spot during my lunch hour! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Pastor tacos and table salsa with chips - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The huarache was so delicious. Great consistency with the actually huarache. Meat was abundant. I got it to go. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Down home, unpretentious eatery in a small strip mall much like El Ruby's in Glendale. No air conditioning so be prepared if the outdoor temps go beyond 90°F when take out would be a better option. Nice service with complimentary light, crispy Totopos/fried corn tortilla chips and fresh, mild tomato, onion, cilantro based Salsa while waiting for your order. Order at the counter, they bring the food to you. 2024-10-1 Lunch 1) Taco Dorado: Dressed with loads of shredded ice berg lettuce, diced tomato, Salsa Verde, slice of avocado. I requested crumbly, dry, fermented Cotija cheese. The corn tortilla shell was way overfried so it left an overly toasted scent in the mouth as well as cracking & fragmenting in my hand while trying to eat it. If they can make such exemplary Totopos, why can't the cooks also make just right fried Tacos? a. Res Deshebrada/stringy beef was over fried, like jerky, no beefy flavour. b. The pollo/chicken version was overfried too but a bit better. It didn't have that Jidori chickeny taste like at Josie's in Gardena. Had these Tacos Dorados not been overfried which cooked out their intrinsic natural flavours, I'd guess that they'd be way more palatable. $3 each 1c) Horchata: Very watered down, almost translucent with a yellow tinge which at least let the weak vanilla flavour come through. There was relatively more emphasis on vanilla; way less emphasis on the rice which made this drink less rich in satisfying mouthfeel & flavour. 2024-10-20 Dinner 2) Huarache Supreme: Huarache means sandals in Spanish since the corn Masa is shaped into the sole of a sandal. Monarca's version is excellent. The Masa isn't too thick so when fried, it comes out ethereally light & crispy; not thick, heavy, and gummy. In some places the Masa is grilled but does not seem so at Monarca. The Huarache is slathered with creamy, Frijoles de Pinto which had a nice meaty, bean Umami that paired well to the corn Masa. I opted for the moist, mild red chile sauce tinged, roasted al Pastor pork meat. Again dressed with loads of shredded ice berg lettuce, diced tomato, Salsa Verde, slices of avocado. Crumbly, dry, fermented Cotija cheese. Bit pricey at $14 but well worth it. 2a) Since the Horchata here was a bust, I got Señorial natural flavour Sangría Soda which has real sugar and not the unhealthful sugar substitutes. It has grapey, red wine flavours with a kiss of warm spices like cinnamon. The Huarache Supreme will call me back to Monarca Mexican Restaurant. Hope they can create better Tacos Dorados that don't fry away all the natural flavours. Just for the Huarache Supreme 4- stars. read more

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The food was fresh, flavorful, and served quickly. The tacos were packed with delicious ingredients, the salsa had just the right kick, and the staff made us feel welcome from the moment we walked in. read more

Was working at the Van Nuys pj terminal early morning flight. After it was airborne I was hungry! Breakfast burrito called my name. Hit up Yelp for "near me" and based on "local" "hole in the wall" "authentic"- Monarca was all that! Don't let the rough strip mall location turn you away- this place is turns out large portions of quality and delicious food- the rice and refried pintos tasted almost as good as my gram's I ordered the chorizo egg rice and beans breakfast burrito. Comes with a small bag of delicious in house made corn chips and the salsa with it is a treat on your tongue. Burrito is huge and hits just right on a cold morning. I didn't even think of food until later in the evening. Under $14 felt like I was getting a deal for the quality. If you find yourself near van nuys airport and craving Mexican - this place hits! read more

This place is excellent. The food is truly authentic, the prices are very reasonable, and the owners are incredibly welcoming. They even allowed my team to hold an early‑morning work meeting there, and the atmosphere was perfect for it. A great experience all around. read more

I have come here on two separate occasions. The menudo was very different from others I have had. It tasted more lemony than anything. The chilaquiles were amazing but be careful because the green salsa one was super spicy. The breakfast burrito was on point with meat and potatoes. It was very filling. There torta was not bad but not used to that style. It had one big piece of meat but in terms of thickness was super thin. It felt more like a sandwich but wasn't bad either way. The Jamaica was undeniable great. The hint of cinnamon made it even better. I would come back to try their other dishes. The service was friendly, quick and easy. read more

This place actually had almost 5 stars so I was really excited to try it! The place itself is super small, and a little bit hot inside but we were there for the food. The gentleman at the register was really nice although it seems like a mom and Pop shop because there were only two people in there one in the back and the gentleman at the front and as soon as we placed our order, he went to the back and we didn't see him very much. The food came out pretty quick. We ordered the tacos Dorados. And I got a side of rice. They forgot a couple things on our tacos but no big deal. We had to go up a couple times and call them from the back to get what we needed, but they were happy to oblige. The tacos themselves were really good. The shell was super crunchy and crispy and they put a lot of meat and toppings on them. We both got shredded beef and there was so much filling in those tacos. I could only eat one of the two I ordered. The rice was pretty good too. All in all I liked their food a lot! Would visit again. read more

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I was looking for a place for lunch by work. I had a shrimp cocktail and a burrito. The food was delicious. They're nice and attentive. Clean atmosphere. read more

This place is so good! Since I'm a vegetarian and also picky, I always get a particular burrito with my egg whites and my detailed ingredients and they always make it to perfection! And they're still reasonably priced which I can appreciate and the burritos are always a big size. I highly recommend this place especially if you're vegetarian cause they can accommodate you, but of course they have plenty of meat. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Its huge! - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I stopped with my kids and my little nephew after a long day at the beach! We were hungry and I read the reviews so it seemed like a good idea. WRONG! The loaded nachos were Mediocre at best. Neither of the little ones liked their chicken quesadillas. My little baby did not care for his tacos either. Nobody finished their food. The only thing we finished was the horchata water. I was very disappointed and will not be coming back! I don't understand how they have so many good reviews. read more

Tried four kinds of tacos. Meat was bland (even after I added salt) and dry. Service was friendly. Place was decently clean, especially when compared to the *very* sketchy parking lot. I love good tacos from sketchy places, but these just weren't good. read more

I was excited to try this spot based off of all the good reviews but unfortunately I did not enjoy the food as much as I would have hoped. The person as the front was SO friendly but there was some miscommunication about my order. I asked for guacamole and the person on the phone told me the servings were small so I ordered two and it was way too much. Their version of guacamole is more like a guacamole-salsa and it's SPICY! The flavor is good, but it's definitely not guacamole. My husband liked it. I got asada tacos for myself and the meat was dry and some pieces were chewy. I got everything on it which was a spicy salsa, some cilantro and like a couple bits of onion. Their quesadillas were good. Packaging for take out was not the best. I would maybe come back and try their breakfast burritos. read more

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Terrible service. Employee was in the back doing nothing and I come in asking for a breakfast burrito. He says "I'm busy bro give me 20-30 minutes." Yeeeaahhh no I won't be coming back lol there was no one in the restaurant but me. Also $14 for a breakfast burrito is a bit much even for 2026 read more

Manos sucias manipulando alimentos!!! Horrible! Abrió las cortinas del negocio, fue directo al refrigerador sin lavar sus manos, recogió basura del piso y limpió café que había regado y nuevamente tomó la cafetera, puso el filtro y el café con las manos sucias. Una total falta de higiene y una amenaza a la salud de los clientes. Sorprendentemente tiene una "A". Incomprensible como una dueña de negocio puede ser tan irresponsable. read more

Came in for a little dinner and I was craving a burrito. It did not disappoint and their horcháta is also good. Service was great and employees are nice and friendly. Its a nice restaurant with seating and television for entertainment. Would definitely come back and recommend to family or friends. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Large horcháta - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Fast friendly service. Their huaraches are loaded with toppings but definitely needed more cheese/ sour cream. Overall not bad but also not the best I've had in the San Fernando Valley. Didn't dine in or order anything else. This review is only for the asada huarache & for the takeout experience. Would come back and try other foods from here read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Asada Huarache - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Monarca Mexican Restaurant in Van Nuys is the kind of place that reminds you why hole-in-the-wall spots are always worth seeking out. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed with warm hospitality and a basket of complimentary chips & salsa! My family & I went all in and tried a huarache supreme with asada, a milanesa torta, tacos de lengua & asada & (I believe buche too?), a tamarindo agua fresca, and of course, a classic Mexican Coke. Every bite was bursting with authentic Michoacán flavors! The huarache was generously topped and packed with savory goodness, while the torta had the perfect crunch from the bread, giving way to tender, well-seasoned milanesa. The tacos? Absolute perfection--especially the lengua, which was melt-in-your-mouth tender. And that tamarindo agua fresca? Refreshing, tangy, and the perfect balance to all the rich flavors. I can't wait to come back and try more! read more

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OMG! This place was so good! Sergio was at the counter and was awesome! He helped us decide what to order and his recommendations were top notch. We ordered Huarche, Burrito Supreme, and nachos. They start with complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa is so fresh and full of flavor . Sergio brought us some complimentary ceviche to try and it was delicious too. The Huarache with asada meat did not disappoint. The torta was cooked just right - slightly deep fried and had all the toppings on it. My son devoured his huge burrito and raved about how good it is. So much food for under $50. We brought half of it home for us to enjoy tomorrow. I highly recommend this place. There is plenty of parking, the food is reasonably priced and so fresh and made with care. The dining area and restrooms are very clean. read more

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We stopped by for lunch today & loved our meals! The kiddos loved the rice & beach and the chicken huarache, my husband and I got the wet burrito and enchiladas. Everything was so good! Definitely will be coming back. read more

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Tried this place for their burritos. The inside is a typical sit down restaurant with seating for about 15-20. Service was good the cashier brought our burritos over. I had the lengua which was decent. Tasted a little overcooked. The burrito was huge and had me stuffed. I'll definitely come and try the different meat and getting them as tacos to see how flavorful they are compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area. read more

I have to say, for the price that they sell their food at, and with the portion size and flavor, this place is definitely worth trying. I stopped by here on my way home once because I've never had their food before. I saw they had loaded fries and knew I had to try it. Today when I went, the place looked very clean, and the people who were sat down and eating looked very content with their food. The man who took my order was very nice. He was quick to go help back in the kitchen and help prepare/package my order and a different order as well. I didn't have to wait a very long time since the restaurant was fairly quiet. When I got home, I noticed there was a complimentary small bag of chips and pico de gallo. They were super tasty, and the pico de gallo had a little kick to it and very flavorful! The loaded fries themselves were also full of flavor, with the jalapeños on top adding a good amount of spice. I wish they would add more cheese, and I usually don't like loaded fries that have regular shredded cheese instead of the melted nacho cheese, but these were really tasty even without that! I just couldn't be mad with what I received, especially because the asada meat I got on top was also flavorful, which can be rare to find at other places that have loaded fries. Everything was really great, and I can't wait to come back here again! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Loaded Fries With Asada Meat - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Friendly staff, you order at the counter & they bring your food to you. It's in a strip mall so there's a lot to park in. It's a small spot but still plenty of seating. We ordered 2 breakfast burritos & a torta this trip, all were nice sized portions too! Both burritos were delicious along with being piping hot coming out of the kitchen & my daughter loved her pollo torta. The Jamaica is really good as well, not overly sweet. Chips & (delicious) salsa while you wait! Highly recommend, we'll be in again soon! read more

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Fresh, light and good Flavors!!!! My spouse and I were looking for a new Mexican restaurant to go to; and let me tell you that this place did not disappoint. First off the person who took our order was friendly and attentive. We got chips and salsa while we waited for our food. Salsa was light and tasty. We ordered the huarache Supreme and the Burrito Mojado Supreme (hopefully I'm not mis labeling these). At first bite you can tell how light the food was, it's hard to really explain what I personally mean by that, but definitely NOT ur typical hard to chew meat & oily. Meat flavorful and tender! We got green and red sauce.. both also flavorful; I do wish It could've been slightly more spicy though. I did appreciate how on multiple occasions they come and ask if we needed anything else.. you can just feel the welcoming vibes!!! I can't add enough how lightly everything was including and Horchata and Jamaica we ordered and definitely did not take away from the flavor. Most definitely Recommended!!!!!! read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Burrito Mojado Supreme and Huarache Supreme - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Found this little gem in Yelp, thank you yelpers for all the rave reviews. Parking is okay and interior is clean and not dated. Had tacos, pastor Asada, chicken and carnitas. Carnitas were fav! Crispy edges and very tasty. Followed by asada, pastor and then chicken. Also had a cheese enchilada, very good. The owner was gracious and accommodating. Oh chips and salsa were fresh and delicious. My friend had the fried steak torta, he's a picky eater and said it was of the best he'd ever had. The breading was perfectly fried and the steak was tender. He also gave it the thumbs up. I would reccomend and I will repeat. Want to try the carnitas nachos next time. Cheers! read more

Great food, great price, all around great choice. Quick and careful service and easy to eat restaurant. Ordered takeout and it was very good. Will eat here again read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Service sucked. They close at 8pm not 9pm. Got there at 7:50 and they would serve me, said the kitchen was closed.

The food here is great. I've been here twice already and ordered their burritos special and ranchero and tacos. The asada, carnitas and buche had great flavoring and the buche was one of the best tasting I've had. The owner is very nice and the service was excellent. I'll definitely be back. read more

So for my first time coming here picking up a Togo order it wasn't bad the portions were good size and the meats and flavors were there but the chili verde was lacking good chunks of meat and not flank steak. The interior was good an update from the previous could use some more art but all and all clean and good amount of seating. The service was Togo or sit and you order at the register and you sit and wait they being the food to you. Would I eat here again probably sometime soon. read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Breakfast menu - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Food is so delicious. Totally recommend this place Ordenamos un Huarache supreme, enchiladas,burrito supreme, mojarra dorada y loaded asada fries. Todo riquísimo. Y el servicio excepcional Definitivamente un lugar para regresar read more

Food isn't good chips are stale salsa smells like medicine and pure rice in burritos and the meat either too salty or no flavor can't even eat the whole burrito read more

That was delicious. Chicken nachos. Carnitas combo plate. Rice was good. Beans were authentic. Salsa was good. Recommend this place!

Came here with my family and the food was amazing! I highly recommend getting a Horchata and the Huarache!

Food is tasty and well prepared. I got a burrito that was too large to finish in one sitting, and everyone else also enjoyed their sopes, tacos and drinks. They're gonna ask you if you want your tacos with everything on it, so, that means a spicy salsa that was good yet hot. read more

So, I read about Monarca from one of the restaurant sites I frequent. OK, let's give it a try. This is not your average Mexican restaurant. If you are looking for fancy, this place isn't it. On the other hand, if you are looking for authentic Mexican cooking, look no further. You see that bubbling caldron of dark liquid and meat? Yeah, that's lard! That's the way you properly do carnitas. Some of the best I have ever had; Rich, porky, seasoned well, what else can I say. My wife tried pollo and carne asada. I chose the carnitas and al pastor. This is legit food. That burrito you see weighed 10.7 ounces. How are the salsas? Finally, a restaurant that understands the heat. The salsas won't kill you, but you are going to know that heat is there. Delicious. The restaurant is run by a father and son team. Jerry is the son, Sergio is the "Boss" dad. These guys know how to cook. I have taken two pictures of their updated menu. This isn't Gringo food. Just go, you won't be disappointed. read more

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If you're a fan of loaded fries, these carne asada fries are a must-try! The fries are perfectly crispy, carne asada is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of seasoning. Topped with fresh avocado, pico de gallo, cheese, beans and some jalapeños..every bite is a burst of deliciousness. The portion size is generous, making it perfect for sharing, or just indulging on your own. I've tried carne asada fries at a lot of places but these are my current favorite read more

Monarca Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Los Angeles, California