Monrovian Family Restaurant-Closed

Monrovian Family Restaurant
534 S Myrtle Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
 626-359-8364

According to the sign, Monrovian Family Restaurant opened in 1979.  Located a few blocks north of Gene's Grinders and Jake's Roadhouse, and a few blocks south of Mikomi, in a huge two story building!  It seems as though the decor hasn't changed since the 1980's; it's a very dated decor but a clean restaurant.  The restaurant itself is huge, with plenty of booth seating.  The clientele is older people, many of them who are regulars.  I heard both the server and the manager, at least I think he is the manager, call people by name!

Salad was pretty standard with iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons. Some of the lettuce was very bitter!  But, it was drowned in dressing!  Order your dressing on the side.

Seafood plate, $15.49 with soup or salad, fried cod, fried shrimp and fried scallops with fries or rice or cole slaw.

I can just tell by the price the seafood was going to be frozen.  It was.  The fried shrimp was very hard and too crunchy.  It also wasn't that hot, as if they were sitting under heat lamps.  The scallops were too mushy but had a good crunch.  The cod was too greasy and it surprised me that batter was thin!  It was mostly cod with a light coating of batter.  The fries were lukewarm and were clearly under heat lamps.

Service was good by the server.  She must have came around ten times during the time I was there.  She was nice and helpful.  After eating dinner, I went to the restaurant and there was the guy, who I believe is the manager, behind the counter on his phone.  He never acknowledge me!  Most people behind the counter would have said thank you, come again.  But, he was too busy on his phone!  Bad customer service, especially by a manager!!

Monrovian Family Restaurant is mediocre at best.  I won't go back.

Smash Burger-Closed

Smash Burger
602 W Huntington Dr
Monrovia, CA 91016
626-408-0311

Smash Burger is a Colorado based burger chain, that has come into the crowded Southern California burger market.  I don't know their concept and don't want to google them either.

Smash Burger in Monrovia is located in a shopping center that is filled with other chain restaurants!   Smash Burger offers burgers made with beef, there are two sizes available, chicken, or a black bean.  You can create your own or order from their selection of burgers.

There is ample seating inside and a patio with about eight tables with umbrellas!  They need to put more trash cans!!  After we finished eating, I couldn't find any trash cans on the patio and had to walk to the left of the front counter to find a trash can.  I know it wasn't a long walk to the front counter but come on put a trash can on the patio or at least by the door!

Avocado Ranch Black Bean Burger, $6.39, fresh avocado, pepper jack, lettuce, tomato & ranch dressing on a multi-grain bun.  This was a great burger!!!  The black bean patty was thin, which is good, because it didn't fall apart like many bean burgers.  The texture was great and perfectly seasoned.  The toppings were fresh.  A very good and filling burger.

I also got an regular order of fries, $1.99.  I was surprised at how thinly sliced the fries were, but they were good.

Service was good.  The people are nice and friendly.

I would go back to Smash Burger again.  I black bean burger is a very good vegetarian option!!!