5 stars for Monica's Mexican Restaurant in Prospect Heights. This restaurant is located at the back of a strip mall off of Milwaukee Avenue. It seems like a hidden gem in my opinion, they have alcohol, a full menu or traditional Mexican cuisine and are very reasonably priced for what you get. There are plenty of tables for dining in. Our food came out very quickly and was pretty good, our waitress was also very friendly. I highly recommend the shrimp Diabla plate - a big portion that comes with tortillas, while spicy, not insanely spicy. Overall, highly recommended. read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Camarones al Mojo de Ajo - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

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Hidden Gem for Authentic Mexican Food Monica's is one of those small hole-in-the-wall places you might overlook--but I'm so glad I stopped in for lunch while looking for something new. From the moment I walked in, the hostess and waitresses were absolutely phenomenal--warm, welcoming, and on top of everything. I placed my order and, no exaggeration, my food came out in under five minutes. I ordered two gorditas with picadillo, and they were massive--each one about the size of my hand with fingers spread open. They came with rice and beans on the side, and everything was absolutely delicious. I also got a Coke, and for the whole meal, it was just $18. Really fair pricing for the amount and quality of food. The red salsa is worth mentioning again--so flavorful and with just the right kick. A couple of things to note: * Spanish is the predominant language spoken here. While the staff was very helpful and did their best to accommodate, I overheard a few other tables struggling a bit to place their orders. Not a dealbreaker at all--just something to be aware of. * If you ask for a glass for your drink, double-check that it's clean. They brought me two different cups, and both had noticeable residue inside, so I ended up just using the bottle. Still, none of that takes away from how authentic and delicious the food is. Monica's is a true hidden gem--if you're craving real Mexican food, you need to give this place a try! read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

Good solid Mexican food. Good service and prices. Everyone is very friendly. Nice sized portions.

Good local restaurant Good food But the dough for quesadillas could be better thinner and was too thick imo read more

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The tacos taste like PLASTIC! It was god-awful; the hostess and cashier were very friendly and welcoming. The food is absolutely unbearable. Never have I had a bad experience with steak tacos until now. Please, do not waste your money here. The food literally tastes like garbage. Please revise your ingredients/seasoning. Something! read more

Stopped in for lunch and there were several tables being served. Chips and salsa were put on the table without asking if t I wanted them. Both were average at best. I ordered horchata which again was just OK, and pork enchiladas with green sauce were pretty good. Not too much cheese and a good verde sauce on top of three freshly rolled corn tortillas that were tender and filled nicely with flavorful pork. Beans and rice were fair. Ouch -bill for 1 was $19 as I was charged for the chips and salsa. If you put it on my table without asking, it should be complimentary. Just saying. Overall just an average meal read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

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Monica's restaurant is kind of hidden in Palwaukee Plaza but I'm glad I found it! It's pretty big and spacious inside and the atmosphere is really welcoming. I ordered for pick up inside: 2 tripas (extra crispy) tacos 1 carne asada gordita The tripas tacos were definitely deep fried and sooo good! They we very crispy, tasted clean, and had a good amount per taco. The carne asada gordita was interesting, but not for me. I think the shell is too dry for me and it was hard to keep everything inside. I do like how they separate the gordita shells and make it unique though and it does allow for more filling. The carne asada was also not my favorite. I wished it had for seasoning or flavor. Would I come back? YES. I would like to try other things on the menu and definitely reorder tripas tacos! Also, I liked the service provided and how the restaurant is locally owned and run! read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Tripas tacos (extra crispy) - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

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Monica's is my favorite authentic Mexican restaurant in the area! It's always a good sign when you see both Mexicans and Non-Mexicans dining in. We've visited Monica's a few times over the years and have always had a positive experience. The service is prompt and friendly, and the food is fresh and flavorful. I particularly love the steak tostada and al pastor burrito. House chips and salsa are quite good as well. read more

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The food is great. My fiancée had the chicken burrito and I had the steak burrito. The burrito would have been 5 stars had there been no tendons. It was big cheesesy and good. If I am in the mood for Mexican food again I would go there. read more

I stayed at a local hotel and ended up calling in pickup orders from Monica's 3 days in a row. I'm picky about authentic Mexican food and judge heavily based on the rice and beans. The chicken taco dinner with cheese onion and cilantro was my favorite. Beans and rice are tasty and the chicken is juicy and well seasoned. The food portions and price were very good. I did not like steak taco. The chicken nachos were very good and could feed 2 if you're just peckish. I ate the whole entrée as a dinner and it was very filling and satisfying. I don't know how the service is outside of phone calls but the workers were very nice over the phone. read more

Food sucks, looks expired, service was not good, and gave me diaherra. I hope this place gets shut down because it is just horrible, dont bother going here. they need to upgrade this place hurrodesly. instead go to la michoacana and get yourself a paleta. read more

The food is delicious, and the service was quick. Good salsa, hot sauce, and tacos are a good size.

Don't judge from the outside or the general location. Inside is clean and comfortable. Good menu and the staff was very friendly. Especially my waitress. Got a corona in the dark bottle whims I was waiting. Decided on the enchilada plate with green sauce. Rice n beans. Yummy. Chips and salsa were on point. Totally going back when I'm in the area. Very good food. read more

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I received an order of enchiladas (to go) that looked like somebody took the box and dropped it on the ground before "serving". It looked like the chefs made a point to say "fuck you". The napkin was squished up inside the sauce container, as well. This place needs to be investigated. I've seen other reviews on google where people suspected the chefs made a point to mess with the order. Don't go here. Fuck this place. I hope it closes down. read more

I came here for lunch with and felt that their prices were very fair. The restaurant was full but seems busy which is always a good sign. I say at my table and was greeted right away. My food came out very fast and tasted fast. I ordered a gordita de asada and a taco de al Pastor. Both tasted very fresh. I usually prefer gorditas that are slit half ways and filled, but I don't mind this open version either. The Gordita came with carne asada, cheese tomato and lettuce. I did ask for my taco plain and they put onions and cilantro anyways. Oh well. Not going to be picky and return it. The al Pastor had a good flavor and I would order both again. Overall a very inexpensive option for lunch. I would most likely return here whenever I'm in the mood for Mexican food. read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Al pastor taco and gordita de asada - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

Food was very good! Owner was mingling With customers. Reminded me of my home town Brownsville Tx. read more

Just ok. I think I had high expectations seeing the rating on this place but disappointed. Food: I ordered the enchiladas and I felt I had better at Cheesecake Factory.. it was very mediocre. Even the sides (refried beans,lettuce,etc) were also nothing special. The salsa they serve at the beginning with the chips is super spicy fyi. I also tried the carne asada and the meat was too tough and bland. Service was ok too. The place wasn't too busy but we had to flag down the waitress several times. Not sure I'll be back unless I"m in the area and craving mexican food. read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

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They have the best Mexican food and drinks. It's also extremely clean inside. The waitresses are wonderful and pleasant. Best Mexican restaurant I have ever been to, and I have been to many. read more

Today, on Wednesday, October 2nd, around 11 pm, my boyfriend and I were parked in front of this restaurant having a conversation while enjoying some Michocanca ice cream and Elote from the shop next door. (Keep in mind there are multiple cars IN THE PARKING LOT STILL.) We stayed in the parking lot for one hourish to just have a conversation and for some reason to our surprise, the closing shift of the store called the police on us, claiming that they were afraid that my boyfriend and I were going to scope the store. This seemed completely random and out of the blue, especially considering there were other people in the parking lot at the time. They kept staring at us very weird and kept making multiple faces at us and we still continue to eat our ice cream. We suspect that they may have called the police because my boyfriend is a tall big black man. We feel it's important to bring attention to the incident that occurred. It's unfortunate that we were targeted based on stereotypes and called out solely because of our minority status, which is both unacceptable and absurd. We want to emphasize that we were not engaged in any suspicious activities. As recent high school graduates and college students, we were simply enjoying our time. The situation is unfair, and we hope for a prompt resolution as it was clearly an act of racism. We wonder, what if we were simply waiting for a pizza delivery from next door? Then what is there excuse? What would have justified the unnecessary involvement of the police in our situation? Fucking ridiculous. I do hope this get correction because this looks terrible for your business. CAUSE I PROMISE YOU, if it was anyone else besides black people y'all wouldn't of called. We will be reporting this. read more

It was one of my favorite restaurants. The food and service isn't the same. The food was dry and bland.

los cocineros deben tener mas cuidado con lo que preparan compre unos tacos al pastor y llevaba todo el desperdicio de la plancha todo quemados no es justo que uno pague por ellos y manden puras cochinadas por eso la gente se en ferma lo malo que no lo reconocen y no sale como el chismo sean mas limpios y AQUI ESTAN LAS EVIDENCIAS LAS FOTOS read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

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A good little spot for Mexican. They want you to come in wearing masks. Water is without ice unless requested. I ordered the mixed fajita with wheat (offer corn tortillas too). Service was good. Spanish television blaring. Authentic! read more

If you are in the mood for Mexican fast good and want to be disappointed, this is the place. This place does not deserve the 4-star rating. The steak is pre cooked and the beans are from a can. The meals are not memorable, some are not edible. I don't remember ever liking anything from this place. Also the food is not hot when you get it, it's warm at best. I wouldn't come here. And I'm Mexican read more

This is one of my family's favorite restaurants. They ha e authentic mexican fare and some American fast food options. The only reason they dont get 5 stars is because they're tacos, burritos, as well as some other items are just average or below. Now let me tell you why they get 4 stars. They have some of the best fajitas I've ever had. I usually get the mixed ones that include chicken, steak, and shrimp. They are under $20 to top it off! The portion is not huge but fair and enough to fill one person. They also come with rice, beans, salad, and piping hot tortillas. My wife usually get the shrimp caldo/soup. It's also up there with the best we've had. More can be said about the food but I will leave it at that and just say they are over all solid regardless of what you order. So on to the service, friendly and efficient sums it up. Overall it's a no frills economic place to get authentic Mexican food in the north burbs. read more

Went here for the first time last week. I got the steak burrito dinner and it was great. Lots of fat on the steak though, huge turn off. It's a sit down restaurant and I ordered to go. It was really awkward standing around and I felt like I was constantly in everyone's way so I just waited outside until my food was ready. I will definitely be back though! read more

Monica's Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Prospect Heights, Illinois

Food average at best - terrible service without a crowd. Do not offer margaritas like their website says. Will not return

The store front is not that appealing, but once inside, it's clean and traditional Mexican. The food was absolutely amazing!!!! The best we have had! Loved it!!!! We'll be back again and again! read more

Authentic Mexican. Very good food, service not so good. Doesn't look like much from the outside and when you walk in, but would recommend.

Monica's has a nice mix of seafood selections and carnivore cravings in one place! It's a bit hidden within the back of a strip mall on Milwaukee called Palwaukee Plaza near the Hawthorne Airport. I had ceviche tostadas and a mango shake. The fish was fresh and the shake was spot on. Kids loved the music, which was pretty loud, but we weren't there for conversation so it worked out. Husband enjoyed the burrito. I wish the waitress would've been a bit more attentive when we ran out of chips and had to call her back for more. Otherwise, we'll be going back! read more

I would not recommend this place. We ordered steak nachos and got just a few pieces of steak couldn't even chew it just big chunks of fat and ligaments(gristle).I have ordered before and had the same problem with their meat very low quality. I was very disappointed./// Ordene Nachos de asada de este lugar la poquita carne,era puro cuero que no podimos ni masticarla. No recomiendo este lugar por la baja calidad de carne que tienen bien corriosa. read more

Went here with a Mexican coworker as a place to try some authentic food. Started the meal with some Horchata. This blend of rice water and spices was really good. Had a slight cinnamon and vanilla flavor to it Chips and salsa we authentic as well. Chips were definitely made in house. Tried the tacos, steak and pastor. Would def be going back and trying other authentic menu items Spent about $30 for three of us to eat. read more

You really can't beat the value, the food and the experience at Monica's. I especially love the place on Saturday and Sunday where you can experience the weekend specials: pozole, menudo, barbacoa...all delicious. Monica in a nutshell: - you come in and chose your table with a number - you order all your food at once to the waitress when she shoes up - you enjoy your delicious non americanized food while taking in the experience (Large Mexicans family or workers on break enjoying their meal, Latino soap opera or futbol game on TV, loud ethnic music to top it all). - once you are full and satisfied with the experience and you will be, you get up and pay as you exit based on your table number. Seriously it's a sit down version of Mexican fast food and the quality of the food, the jovial atmosphere and the low prices will keep you coming back. Beers, mariscos, tacos, all day breakfast....available. You can't go wrong. Note, if you are looking for a fancy experience, stay away, if you are looking for excellent non Americanized Mexican food, you've found the perfect place. read more

Monica's is located in the back of the shopping area... hidden from view. It's fairly large in regard to sit down space considering its location. Casual, clean, and bright. The food is not amazing, but for the price you pay, it is as good as it gets, meaning it is tasty, and will douse any craving for Mexican- the menu is simple;Spice fanatics... you will need to use the sauces they provide, but those sensitive to spicy food can eat here without gulping water by the gallon. $5 will get you a burrito big enough for two meals. Skip the dinner portion as the rice and beans aren't worth the $2, you're better off ordering a taco or chips and salsa if you are that hungry. The best thing? Unlike Americanized restaurants, you will see Hispanic families here eating lunch or dinner...a telltale sign that the food is pretty authentic. read more

My third time eating at Monica's and I have to deduct a star for the last two times. I ordered huevos rancheros the last two times and... I don't know what's going on there. They don't fry up the corn tortillas, just serve them warm in a tortillero. Pffft, lazy!! The eggs were swimming in WAY too much sauce. Half the plate was taken up by garnish that was a little weird - sour cream and blackened cayenne peppers on top of lettuce and tomato. Hey, vatos! I'm having eggs, not tacos! Who eats sour cream with eggs? Service is great. Can't deny that. It was a little amusing how my server came and asked me if I wanted some more water (I had barely drank any), as if to imply that I might have found the food spicy. read more

A quick and cheap taqueria in the burbs. One of the few places my co-workers and I can all leave happy. Good chips and salsa and I recommend the steak tacos or burritos. They also serve different flavored Jarritos (the fruity soft drinks). A hole in the wall that is truly tucked away in the Palwaukee Plaza (in the back further behind Denny's). Lunch will run you about $7 including tip. Service has always been great even for our typically larger groups! read more

I work nearby and have been here a few times. The place is tucked away in the back of a strip mall. Big portion sizes for the price. Good chips and salsa. Wait staff has always been very hospitable and friendly. Food always arrives in a hurry, so it's great for lunch. I've stuck to the burritos and think they're pretty average. I so wish the food was better! I'll keep trying new things, but nothing that makes me crave coming back. read more

I've only eaten here twice and it's mostly been because I had no other options..(my car has gotten the remote starter installed within the same strip mall) so no car...not much options..but Monica's. Ive never really eaten anything memorable here..the food is sub-par at best. I think the first time I ate here I got the ceviche and it was okay. However, on this most reason visit based on Foursquare's recommendations..I ordered the guacamole..I mean its pretty hard to mess up Guacamole right?? WRONG..!! Enter Monica's. There were huge chunks of tomatoes and very stringy cilantro ( and I LOVE cilantro) but here they used what appeared to be not so fresh cilantro which really killed its potential...I'm used to a more creamier guacamole and here I guess they like it in chunks. Also, as a Mexican...its a huge pet peeve when they add cheese to tacos...this is an Americanized version of tacos...(just like adding lettuce) Its a huge letdown.. Its actually sad that ..I've eaten more authentic tacos from Rick Bayless' restaurants....and he's a white guy that knows Mexican food..than from a Mexican run restaurant. read more

This place is nice for lunch for a few reasons: Accurate, fast service. Not fancy at all, but the prices aren't fancy either. Some days, Spanish language soap operas fill the room. Add your own dialog can be a fun lunchtime event. The menu offers typical Mexican fare, and I have enjoyed chicken burritos, tacos, and those great standard free chips n salsa. read more

If you want the worst nachos in town this is your place. I ordered veg. nachos with guacamole and got beans with chips and sliced avocado in a pool of sour cream. When I called to ask for a credit/refund I was denied with no explanation other than "we don't do that" and "we put cheese on it". Will never be ordering from them again and will be disputing the charges on my card. read more

My wife an I chose Monica's based on previous review and this place did not disappoint! The waitstaff was very friendly and helpful. The restaurant is situated in a plaza, so the ambiance is not the greatest, but I'm all about the food. No frozen margarita's either , but agin, I'm going for good food here! The beer selection was great, plenty of Mexican favorites. I ordered the flame broiled carne asada and other than not being steaming hot, the flavor was fantastic! My wife ordered the chimichanga and she felt it was a little greasy, but it is a deep fried burrito! She did enjoy it though! We will definitely be visiting them again in the future for sure. Give Monica's a try, I think you can't get better mexican food for the price. read more