Taqueria El Monarco

Pretty much the same as Pineda’s, which is good. Definitely still much better than Chipotle. I think there are also some meats listed that were not before. I generally order a spicy pork burrito and have not been disappointed. It’s tough to know what «everything» includes in the toppings since they are behind the hood/​lid of the cooler. It includes sour cream for those that care, like me.
For the one star reviewer, they probably said «same meat» not «steam». I think for the 2 for 1 burritos or 5 for 5 tacos they have to be the same meat choice. Since I am usually ordering spicy for myself and mild chicken for my wife, this ruled me out of the deal too. They’re not real clear on it but there you go…

I know that many of you out there are sad about the disappearance of Pineda Tacos from this same location. I, too, was crestfallen and inconsolable for quite some time. Recently, when passing by, I saw that El Monarco had appeared, and I wondered to myself, «Could this be the same place, just under a different name?» I ventured in recently, and I can say that this is, for all intents and purposes, the same Pineda that you all loved so very much. Crestfallen had turned to pleasant surprise.
Let me lay out a few caveats: I’m no expert in Mexican food, but I did live in Los Angeles for seven years, over which time I had developed quite a love for good, cheap Mexican street food. This is to say that, while I claim to expertise, I am a devoted amateur in every sense of the word (latin root = lover).
Take a moment when you walk in: there will be a plethora of different stewed or roasted meats, and these change periodically. Ask the person behind the counter what is what, and allow yourself to be a little adventurous. Recently I got three tacos with the following: stewed chicken and potatoes in a green sauce, pork tinga (a spicy chipotle sauce), and beef barbacoa. They were all fantastic, juicy, meaty, and flavorful thanks to a long, slow stewing. The tinga was especially great. These come slathered with all the appropriate condiments, and I recommend the spicy red sauce over the green sauce (but that’s a personal preference). I found the folks behind the counter to be fantastically helpful and friendly.
Oh, the space itself ain’t anything to write home about. It’s a little rough around the edges, but if you care about really great, AUTHENTIC Mexican food, do you really care? You can always get it to-​go if you care that much.

It’s hard to find this place considering Lake street is lined with Mexican hole-​in-​the-​wall restaurants. I actually walked in looking for Pineda Tacos. I ordered a spicy pork burrito which was massive. I asked for everything, but I noticed that there was not a great deal of vegetables. However, it had a great amount of heat, and the beans were so good.
The horchata was amazing. Just the right amount of cinnamon, and they give a generous amount. My meal was $ 8.66 for both the burrito and the horchata refreshment.

Taqueria El Monarca will certainly not redefine Mexican cuisine but right in the heart of Lake Street, amongst some of the best Mexican Taquerias in the city, this is another addition.
One of our favorite new Cuban restaurant closed for good right down the street on 3^rd, when we stumbled on El Monarca walking by the International Bazaar Market on our way to Gordita El Gordo.
We went in, I ordered the Shredded Steak Quesadilla and a horchata and I’ve been in love with this dainty little place ever since.
Although it is not a very well established Taqueria yet, I will go on a limb and say their Quesadillas rivals some of the best I’ve had in the city. From freshly made tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas to regional specialties, this Taqueria has all of your extensive Mexican favorite dishes.
El Monarca may not establish itself as the premier Mexican Taqueria in the city but so far I am a fan.