Taqueria Monterrey, a cozy Mexican restaurant at the corner of Culver Road and Atlantic Avenue, found itself in the spotlight this week when it was named one of the best places to get a taco in America by USA TODAY.
The two-year-old restaurant highlights the home cooking and street food of Monterrey, in the northeastern Mexican state of Nuevo León.
Simon Tovar and Andrea Garza, a married couple, are the owners. Tovar was born in Mexico and raised in Rochester. Garza was born and raised in Monterrey.
Tovar got his first taste of cooking at age 15, when stared working for Paola's Burrito Place. He and his brothers also own and run a masonry company, which taught him hard work and customer service skills.
The couple launched Taqueria Monterrey as
a food truck in 2023, and it continues to make the rounds to local events. The brick-and-mortar restaurant followed in 2024. It is a cozy, pleasant counter-service joint, with seating for around 20 and a focus on takeout.
What's on the menu at Taqueria Monterrey
The menu at Taqueria Monterrey includes tacos, tortas, quesadillas, burritos, flautas and daily specials.
Tacos are made with two homemade corn tortillas and filled simply with a traditional meat, chopped raw onions and cilantro. Unlike a lot of restaurants, you can mix-and-match taco proteins.
"I want people to try things out and explore," Tovar said.
Choices include bistec (seasoned steak), trompo (sliced pork), babacoa (slow-cooked pulled beef) and pollo (chicken). Be sure to get at least one with homemade chorizo if it’s available as a special.
Its topping bar offers a choice of five homemade salsas − try the mild zucchini salsa − as well as other garnishes.
Tacos are usually served alongside homey, well-seasoned potatoes and sauteed onions − a departure from the usual rice and beans, but something Tovar says is common in northern Mexico
"That style is a lot different from the culture in Puebla or down south," Tovar explained. The dishes stray a bit from what's served in Mexico largely because of the ingredients that are available in Rochester. "We mess with it a little bit," he said.
If you go
Taqueria Monterrey is at 627 Culver Road, at the corner of Atlantic Avenue. Parking is available on the street in front of the restaurant, or in a large parking lot behind the building.
Order online at taqueriamonterreymx.com or call (585) 360-4545.
Tracy Schuhmacher has been food and drink reporter for the past 11 years. Notice a food establishment open or close near you? Email her at tracys@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester taco spot named one of the best in America by USA TODAY
