Tacos, Tequila & More: The Ultimate Mexican Food Guide
Monroe's dining scene offers a flavorful mix of authentic Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex favorites that satisfy every craving. Whether you're looking for traditional street tacos, sizzling fajitas, or homemade tamales, the local restaurants here deliver fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and welcoming atmospheres. From family-owned taquerias serving recipes passed down through generations to popular Tex-Mex spots perfect for margaritas with friends, this guide covers the essential places to experience the best Mexican food Monroe and West Monroe have to offer.
"Barbacoa tacos on handmade tortillas with salsa bar"
Mazatlan
The barbacoa and carne asada tacos use well-seasoned meat on fresh corn tortillas made in-house. The salsa bar lets you adjust heat level with five different options. Portions are generous—most people skip appetizers.
"Pollo Loco and Quesabirria with homemade salsa"
El Tío Jose Mexican Grill
Order the Pollo Loco—grilled chicken topped with cheese sauce and pico de gallo. The Quesabirria comes with consommé for dipping. The Jose Parrillada double (steak, chicken, shrimp, chorizo) feeds four people easily.
"Tender fajita steak with fresh guacamole"
Abuela's Mexican Cuisine
The fajita steak is seasoned and grilled until tender. Order it with the fresh guacamole and tortilla soup—both made daily. The green avocado hot sauce adds serious heat if you want it.
"Handmade tortillas with asada, lengua, and menudo"
Los 3 Hermanos
The handmade tortillas are pressed fresh for each order. Try the asada tacos, lengua (beef tongue), or gorditas stuffed with your choice of meat. Weekend menudo uses tender tripe in red chile broth.
"Self-serve salsa bar with cilantro and toppings"
Don Tomas Mexican grill
The self-serve salsa bar has fresh cilantro, chopped tomatoes, lime wedges, and three salsa varieties. Build your fajitas exactly how you want them. The molcajete comes in a hot stone bowl with grilled meats and melted cheese.
"Tacos de asada and al pastor with house-made salsa"
Taqueria El Jefe Y Restaurant
Order the tacos de asada (grilled beef) or tacos al pastor (marinated pork with pineapple). The house-made green and red salsas are both worth trying. The taco salad comes in a fried tortilla shell with your choice of protein.
"Sizzling fajitas and chorizo queso dip"
El Paso Mexican Grill West Monroe
The steak and shrimp fajitas arrive on a cast iron skillet with caramelized onions and peppers. Start with the chorizo queso—it's topped with Mexican sausage. The molcajete serves 2-3 people in a heated stone bowl.
"Loaded nachos and fried cheesecake"
El Jarrito Mexican Grill
The nachos come piled with beans, cheese, meat, guacamole, and sour cream. The taco salad uses a crispy tortilla bowl. Save room for the fried cheesecake drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauce.
"Build-your-own bowls with fresh ingredients"
Javi P's
Pick your base (rice, lettuce, or both), protein (chicken, steak, carnitas), and toppings. They prep everything in front of you, assembly-line style. The chicken is seasoned with chipotle and lime.
"Carne asada with green avocado hot sauce"
Amigos Mexican Family Restaurant
The carne asada is grilled beef served with rice, beans, and tortillas. Ask for the green avocado hot sauce—it's made in-house and adds serious kick. The street tacos come three per order with cilantro and onions.
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