Authentic Mexican cuisine consists of some of the most flavorful, savory dishes there are, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love Mexican food? Next time you and your friends are craving Mexican food, head over to Casa Monarca at the South East corner of Federal Highway and Oakland Park Boulevard. Casa Monarca is an authentic Mexican restaurant that revolves around good music, genuine people, attentive service, and the best Mexican food.
Family Owned and Operated
Casa Monarca is a family-owned and operated business that is formed by family and friends who bring to the table years of experience in the service and entertainment industries. The restaurant is co-owned by husband and wife Jose and Ulpiana Ortega and Ulpiana’s family members, Cristian Mejia (her brother), Luz Betancur (her mother), Jimena Sepulveda (her cousin), Jimena’s husband Cristian Rios, and Ulpiana’s friend, Karla Gutierrez. Ulpiana, Jose, and Karla all had former management experience. Cristian Rios was part of a reputable Latin DJ group in Boston, MA, and has added the extra touch to birthday celebrations.
The owners immigrated to America from various places including Colombia, Guadalajara, Mexico, and Nayarit, Mexico and many of them have worked in Mexican restaurants since coming to the U.S.
Ulpiana, explains, “We all are involved in the restaurant in some way, we do our social media, our kitchen staff is mostly family, and we try to create fun events to provide our customers exciting things to look forward to.” She continues, “We are really living our American dream…it hasn’t been easy but we are grateful to be here.”
Bringing Authentic Mexican Food to the Oakland Park Area
Even though there are many Mexican restaurants in and around Oakland Park, very few of them serve true authentic Mexican cuisine like Casa Monarca. While they work hard to keep dishes as close as they can to the original cuisine, they also add their own unique take to the dishes.
Ulpiana explains, “Sometimes we add a little twist – it’s the little details that really ‘wow’ people and take their dishes and experience to the next level.”
Sometimes that little twist is garnishing a margarita with a rose-shaped ice cube and sometimes it is keeping up with the latest trends by providing dishes like the Quesa-Birra Tacos; both of which make for Instagram-worthy pictures and are bound to make your mouth water.
What to Order at Casa Monarca
With so many delicious, authentic Mexican dishes on the menu, it can be challenging to pick just one!
Ulpiana says their two best-selling dishes are the Chicken Tortilla Soup, which contains fresh veggies, chicken, and chicken broth topped with tortilla chips, pico de gallo, and cheese; and, her personal favorite, the Burrito Monarco, a 12-inch burrito stuffed with your choice of steak or chicken, rice, beans, chorizo, and topped with cheese dip, queso fresco, and pico de gallo. Casa Monarca has everything from traditional Mexican cuisine to more Americanized dishes, so they can please your taste buds no matter your preference.
Casa Monarca also has a full-service tequila bar where they run Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4-7 P.M. Their best-selling drink is the Monaco Margarita, which is made with Don Julio, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, fresh orange juice, and fresh lime juice. The bar also has original drinks crafted for the seasons and different holidays, and they’re working on their Valentine’s day drink right now.
Try Casa Monarca Today!
Although Casa Monarca only recently opened in March 2022, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. They host brand new patrons every day and feel blessed to have the support from the customers they’ve had.
Ulpiana says the restaurant is currently focused on growing. They want to bring even more dishes to their customers and create a new drink menu.
Whether you want to drop in for a Taco Tuesday special or for Weekday Happy Hour, you will be met with warm smiles, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic service. Casa Monarca is located at 2980 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Check them out today!
