Reading the menu at Monte Alban requires a strategy, especially when deciding between the à la carte tacos and the more expensive combo plates. Before you even sit down, you should glance at the Monte Alban Menu with Prices online to avoid sticker shock when the bill arrives. This guide breaks down every section so you know exactly what you are paying for, from the lunch specials to the weekend seafood dishes.
Most people walk in and order the first thing they see, which is a mistake. The menu is long, and the prices vary wildly depending on the protein and preparation method. We are going to sort out the real costs, portion sizes, and hidden fees that are not always obvious at first glance.
Monte Alban Menu With Prices
This is your complete breakdown of the current cost structure. Keep in mind that prices shift slightly by location, but these figures reflect the standard menu rates as of the last quarter. You should always ask your server if the price on the menu matches the daily special board.
Appetizers And Small Plates
You do not need to order a full entrée to eat well here. The appetizer section is actually where you get the most value for your money. The portions are generous enough to share between two people, but they are priced like single servings.
- Guacamole with homemade chips – $8.99
- Queso fundido with chorizo – $9.49
- Nachos supremos (chicken or beef) – $11.99
- Taquitos dorados (3 pieces) – $8.49
- Mexican shrimp cocktail – $14.99
- Sopa de tortilla – $6.99
- Black bean dip – $5.49
The queso fundido is the best deal on the appetizer list. You get a full skillet of melted cheese with a side of four warm tortillas. If you add the chorizo, it is enough food to skip an entrée entirely. The shrimp cocktail is fresh but the price is steep for the size of the cup.
Lunch Specials (Monday To Friday)
If you are eating between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, you should ignore the regular menu entirely. The lunch specials are the cheapest way to get a full meal. These come with rice, beans, and a small salad, which is not always the case on the dinner menu.
- One taco, rice, and beans – $7.99
- Two enchiladas with red or green sauce – $9.49
- Chile relleno with ground beef – $10.99
- Chicken fajita plate – $11.49
- Carne asada lunch plate – $12.99
- Three hard-shell tacos – $8.99
These specials do not include a drink. You have to pay extra for soda or iced tea, which is around $2.50. The chile relleno is the best value because the pepper is stuffed full of meat and cheese, making it a heavy meal for under eleven bucks.
À La Carte Tacos
The taco section is where the menu gets tricky. Each taco is priced individually, and the meat choices change the cost significantly. You can mix and match, but you need to read carefully because the price listed is per taco, not for a plate of three.
- Carne asada taco – $3.49
- Al pastor taco – $3.29
- Chicken tinga taco – $2.99
- Carnitas taco – $3.29
- Fish taco (battered) – $4.49
- Shrimp taco – $4.99
- Vegetarian (potato and poblano) – $2.79
Here is the catch. If you order three carne asada tacos, you are paying $10.47, which is almost the same as the lunch special that includes rice and beans. The fish and shrimp tacos are good but they are small. You will likely need four of them to feel full, which pushes your total above fifteen dollars.
Combination Plates
Combination plates are the most expensive items on the regular menu, but they include sides. Every combo comes with rice, refried beans, and a small side of pico de gallo. You can substitute black beans for an extra $0.99.
- Two tacos, one enchilada – $13.99
- One burrito, one taco – $14.49
- Three enchiladas (your choice of filling) – $13.49
- Chimichanga with beef or chicken – $14.99
- Two chiles rellenos – $15.49
- Flautas with guacamole – $13.99
Do not order the combination plates if you are on a budget. The individual items on the plate are the same size as the à la carte versions. You are paying about four extra dollars for rice and beans that cost the restaurant pennies. If you want the sides, just order the lunch special before 3 PM.
Fajitas And Sizzling Skillets
Fajitas are the most expensive category on the menu. These are meant for sharing, but the price reflects the theatrics of the sizzling skillet. You get the meat, sautéed peppers and onions, and a stack of four flour tortillas.
- Chicken fajitas – $16.99
- Steak fajitas – $18.99
- Shrimp fajitas – $19.99
- Combination (chicken and steak) – $19.49
- Vegetable fajitas – $14.99
Extra tortillas cost $1.50 for a stack of four. If you are sharing between two people, you will need at least one extra stack. The shrimp fajitas are not worth the premium price because you only get six medium-sized shrimp. The chicken version is the better deal.
Seafood Dishes
This section is separate from the fajitas and the appetizers. These are full entrées that come with rice and a vegetable medley. The seafood is fresh, but you pay a premium for it.
- Grilled salmon with garlic butter – $18.99
- Shrimp diablo (spicy) – $17.99
- Fish fillet Veracruz style – $16.49
- Shrimp and chicken combo – $18.49
- Whole fried fish – $21.99
The whole fried fish is the most expensive item on the menu. It is a large portion that can feed two people, but you have to deal with the bones. The shrimp diablo is very spicy, so do not order it if you have a sensitive stomach.
Burritos And Quesadillas
These are the filling options that do not come with sides unless you pay extra. The burrito is large, but the price is higher than a standard fast-food version. You are paying for the handmade tortilla and the quality of the meat.
- Wet burrito (smothered in sauce) – $12.49
- California burrito (with fries inside) – $13.99
- Bean and cheese burrito – $8.99
- Chicken quesadilla – $10.99
- Steak quesadilla – $12.49
- Huitlacoche quesadilla (seasonal) – $11.99
The wet burrito is the best value in this section. It comes covered in red sauce and melted cheese, making it a heavy meal. The California burrito is good but the fries inside make it too dry, so ask for extra salsa on the side.
Desserts And Drinks
Desserts are simple and reasonably priced. The drinks are where you need to watch out, especially if you order margaritas by the pitcher.
- Flan – $5.49
- Churros with chocolate sauce – $5.99
- Fried ice cream – $6.49
- Soft drinks – $2.99
- Horchata – $3.49
- House margarita (single) – $7.99
- Pitcher of margarita – $28.99
The pitcher of margarita looks like a good deal, but it only serves about three and a half glasses. If you have four people, you need to order two pitchers. The churros are the best dessert because they are made fresh to order, unlike the flan which sits in the fridge.
Kids Menu
If you have children, the kids menu is affordable but limited. Every kids meal comes with a small drink and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Chicken tenders with fries – $6.99
- Mini cheese quesadilla – $5.99
- Beef taco with rice – $6.49
- Buttered noodles – $5.49
These portions are small, which is expected. But note that the kids quesadilla is the same size as the side order of quesadilla on the appetizer menu. If your child is over ten, you might be better off ordering a lunch special for them instead.
Hidden Charges And Tips
You need to check your bill carefully. Some locations automatically add an 18% gratuity for parties of six or more. They do not always tell you this, and it is easy to double-tip if you are not paying attention.
Also, the menu prices do not include tax. The tax rate varies by city, but you should expect to add about 8% to 10% to your total. If you order the steak fajitas at $18.99, you are actually paying closer to $21 after tax, before the tip.
There is no charge for chips and salsa, but they will not refill the salsa if you ask for a second bowl without charging you. The refill is free, but some servers will bring a new bowl and add a $0.50 charge to your bill. Check for that line item.
Ordering Strategy For Budget
If you want to eat here without spending over fifteen dollars, follow this simple plan. It works every time and gets you the most food for the least money.
- Arrive before 3 PM on a weekday.
- Order the two-taco lunch special at $7.99.
- Ask for extra tortillas on the side (free).
- Order a side of guacamole only if you are sharing.
- Skip the drinks and ask for water with lemon.
This gets you a full meal for under ten dollars. If you are eating dinner, the cheapest filling option is the bean and cheese burrito at $8.99, but you will need to order a side of rice to feel full, which adds $2.49.
Weekend Brunch Pricing
On Saturday and Sunday, the menu changes slightly. The brunch items are only served until 1 PM, and they are priced differently from the regular breakfast menu.
- Huevos rancheros – $10.99
- Chilaquiles with chicken – $11.49
- Machaca with eggs – $12.99
- Breakfast burrito – $9.99
The chilaquiles are the best brunch option. They come with a generous amount of sauce and cheese. The machaca is shredded beef that is dry, so you need to add salsa to make it edible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Monte Alban menu have a separate vegetarian section?
No, there is no dedicated vegetarian section. You have to look for the vegetable fajitas or the potato and poblano taco. The quesadilla can be ordered without meat, but they do not reduce the price.
Are the prices on the online menu the same as in the restaurant?
Usually yes, but the online menu sometimes does not include the daily specials. The specials board at the counter often has lower prices for the same items, so always check that first.
Is there a discount for cash payments?
No, there is no cash discount. However, some locations charge a 3% fee for using a credit card, which is not always disclosed until you get the receipt.
Can you share a combination plate without paying extra?
Yes, you can share, but they will charge a $2.00 plate sharing fee if you ask for an extra empty plate. If you just split the food on the same plate, there is no charge.
Do the prices include the cost of tortillas?
For combination plates and fajitas, yes. For à la carte tacos, no. The tacos come in corn tortillas, but if you want flour tortillas instead, there is a $0.50 upcharge per taco.
The menu is not complicated once you understand the pricing structure. Stick to the lunch specials if you want value, avoid the fajitas if you are paying out of pocket, and always check your receipt for hidden fees. The food is good, but you should not overpay for rice and beans that are included in the cheaper lunch options. Now you know exactly what to order and what it will cost before you walk in the door.