Montoya’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar is a fun, casual restaurant serving inventive appetizers, fresh tacos, quesadillas, and hearty entrées in a family-friendly space. The margaritas, Mexican beers, and full bar keep the good vibes going while you sit back and relax. What’s more, the spacious outdoor garden is perfect for al fresco dining and sipping.
Montoya’s is Metropolitan Avenue’s newest addition to Forest Hills’ vibrant dining scene, having just opened in time for Cinco de Mayo. Owners Robbie Salameh and partner/Chef Jaime Montoya welcome all to their neighborhood Cantina. Montoya’s was already packed on a recent weeknight in the airy, whitewashed dining room adorned with sombreros, mirrors, and a painting of Señor Pablo Montoya, Chef Jaime’s father. Everything is made from scratch, from the salsas of different colors and “heat,” to the tortillas, to the desserts.
Start with a frosty “Forest Hills Heat,” a spicy margarita with fresh mango puree and a rim of tajin for extra kick. Frozen margaritas flow all day and night and the Montoya margarita is made with fresh lime juice, grapefruit, and a pinch of sea salt for a refreshing summer drink ($16). My charming companion enjoyed an icy cold Tecate Mexican beer, while we nibbled on warm, crunchy tortilla chips and chunky salsa.
Appetizers at Montoya’s are made on the spot and burst with flavor. We loved the crispy potato taquitos, three corn tortillas filled with potato and cheese, served with crema and guacamole for dipping ($14). Tuna tostadas feature seared ahi tuna chunks on a crispy corn tortilla with pickled red onion and roasted jalapeño aioli that we just loved. For the table to share, order the queso fundido, melted Oaxacan and Monterey Jack cheeses with corn tortillas and pico de gallo ($14). Quesadillas can be ordered to share, or as your own meal, filled with melted cheese and choice of chicken or skirt steak.
Montoya’s tacos are awesome and served individually, so you can mix and match fillings and try them all. Al pastor tacos are filled with marinated pork shoulder and grilled pineapple ($6). Chicken or juicy steak tacos are topped with onions and chopped cilantro and all come with three salsas. Roasted mushroom tacos offer a vegetarian option.
If you crave a larger meal, you can’t beat the skirt steak, grilled to order and served sizzling with seasoned rice, black beans, grilled jalapeños, and guacamole. Chicken enchiladas are made from a family recipe rolled with chicken, cotija cheese, crema, and red onion, with your choice of green or red sauce, served with rice and beans ($24).
Order another margarita and some homemade dessert, such as their crispy, cinnamon dusted churros, tres leches cake, and cool, creamy flan.
Montoya’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 12 noon to 12 am. Visit anytime for a drink at the festive bar and enjoy some dishes there or come with friends for a group meal inside or outside in the garden. Summer is here so grab a sombrero and head on over to Montoya’s Mexican Restaurant & Bar!
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