Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, Cantina Monarca, to Open Early December

A New Mexican restaurant and tequila Bar is planned to open the first week of December, according to a representative for the eatery. It is located at Lincoln Square, where Taylor Shellfish was previously situated.

Cantina Monarca offers a modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine and an elevated, swanky tequila lounge. The menu features shares plates, specialty tequila, and mezcal cocktails.

The menu focuses on handmade tortilla tacos that include wagyu steak, organic chicken, and lobster. There will also be shared plates like fresh halibut ceviche, carne asada, and vegan dishes.

The space includes a full bar with tequila program and an upstairs mezzanine level. It is owned by Bernie Garcia, hospitality entrepreneur of Montezuma’s Restaurant & Grandeza Spirits.

This location was previously home to oyster bar and fresh seafood restaurant, Taylor Shellfish. Their doors first opened in November 2017. This was the first location for Taylor Shellfish to open on the Eastside. According to owner, Marcelle Taylor, Lincoln Square in Bellevue was chosen as their first Eastside location due to its central location and abundant customer feedback. The restaurant later shuttered its doors in October 2020 after struggling from the pandemic.