For decades, El Rincón del Palmar has been serving consistently-delicious, traditional meals that are always above par.

If you're anywhere near San Rafael and craving Mexican food, El Rincón del Palmar is an absolute gem! We came in as a dysfunctional party of five with a mix of tastes and preferences--from spice lovers to someone who only eats fajitas and can't handle heat--and everyone left happy and full. I had the vegetarian version of the super wet burrito, and it was beyond satisfying. Not only was it massive and delicious, it came packed with guacamole, beans, rice, carrots, peas, and--this truly made my day--a fresh spring mix instead of iceberg lettuce! That thoughtful touch elevated the whole dish and showed how much care goes into their food. The five different hot sauces at the table were a hit with those of us who like to turn up the heat, and the staff were incredibly friendly throughout our meal. As we left, we even caught a few of them dancing outside--just radiating joy. It felt like being part of a big, welcoming community. Can't wait to come back! read more

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Loved the food here, Well seasoned and spiced, Portions were large! Staff was very nice and atmosphere was perfect. I'll Come back for sure, next Time I want to try the Birria Ramen, looks really good. read more

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Easily just tasted the worst burrito of my entire life. 100% i wish I went to taco bell. First off it's already not a good sign when theres lettuce in a burrito. On top of that the salsa is so bad it makes you want to gag when you taste it. Its sprinkles into the burrito as well so its almost impossible to even eat around the cold hard shredded cheese and sour cream and soggy lettuce. It reminded me of a little kid might make or put together. Overall i had a bit better expectations of at least having something edible in San Rafael, but I was wrong. Hopefully they learn what effort is because their food has none, nor heart, or seasoning. read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Disgusting salsa. Sour, rancid taste - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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This review is for a pickup order. The food was delicious and generous. Service was attentive, as they did not want to make my food wrong so they waited until I arrived to ask how I wanted it. It would have been great to get a call back asking about the food but as I recall it the phone conversation was super fast and they did not ask for my phone number. read more

Amazing food! Placed an order for pick up on a Saturday night as we go by El Rincon del Palmar all the time, but have never stopped in. Easy process. The birria ramen was excellent and I will definitely order that again. My husband had the taco salad and he loved it which says a lot since he is super picky about his taco salads. Nice space that has an outdoor seating area for warmer days. El Rincon del Palmar will definitely be on our regular rotation. read more

I am on the road with my dog and hoped to find a place downtown when I could keep an eye on my car and eat something good. Alas. It was the 'No Kings' day and downtown San Rafael was clogged with humans and cars. So I drove in bigger and bigger circles until I found this place. I had a shrimp cocktail and two tacos al pastor. The food is good! I thin Mecivcan style shrimp cocktails could be a huge dad. So wrong. So delicious! Here they bring it out with a bottle of Heinz so you can add your own. I am so, so white guy. I love it to death. The tacos didn't look like much but they were tasty and the pork was tender. I am spoiled by tacos al pastor I ate in Mexico City and to me the meat has to be cooked and sauced in the vertical spit. It's way better than when the cook the he meat on a flat top or pan. That said I enjoyed them and would pay for them again. Good food and nice service. Bring your translator. The neighborhood vibe is industrial and there is a tent city 100' away. read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Cocktail de camarones (shrimp cocktail with ketchup. Y U M !! - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

This food is the best! Great flavors and generous portions. My favorite recently is the Chile Relleno plate. So delicious! The staff are great too. Highly recommended! read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Mar y Tierra is delicious! - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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We are so fortunate to have so many quality Mexican restaurants in the North Bay. Each one of my favorites have one piece of the puzzle that makes me love each and every one. I recently found a new spot in San Rafael that combines, great service, delicious and generous portions and with an inviting atmosphere that will continue to keep me coming back. El Rincon del Palmar is located in the industrial section of San Rafael away from all the hub hub from downtown. I really love the small intimate (yet inviting) indoor dining space and the outdoor (covered) patio is super cool. On this day, I met up with my sister, my niece and her newborn for a birthday lunch. The staff was beyond warm and eager to take care of our every need. The food was outstanding and the Mexican hot chocolate was a super nice find. Street parking is plentiful and the prices very reasonable. I cannot wait to make a return visit soon! read more

The chicken soup was full of veggies. Yum!! But there was a drumstick in there. Kind of hard to deal with. I ordered takeout by phone and it was hot and ready to go. Ambiance seemed fine. It was full of people. read more

I have somehow always overlooked this restaurant, it's in a largely commercial area and I've never driven by at a time where food was on my mind. After a waiter at a restaurant in Auburn, CA raved about El Rincon del Palmar it took me yet another year to finally eat here. Today I called in a to-go order for work; when I arrived I grabbed some drinks, paid for the food and didn't even get a chance to sit down before my order was ready to go. I carried out a box of six giant burritos (ranging from chicken to carnitas to chile relleno) stacked in a box with baggies of chips and a variety of salsas. Bite after bite everyone independently declared "this is the best burrito". The rice was fluffy, the beans were tender, the burrito portions were huge and even the salsa did not disappoint. This is a true hidden gem. read more

Seriously impressed by this place. Super friendly service and great food. Stumbled in with a multigenerational group of 5, about 9pm Sunday night. Food was super fresh, gorgeous preparation, salsas were incredible. read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Cheese 2 Enchiladas Plate with Black Beans - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

I thought the tacos el pastor were good, as were the sopes . The burrito especial was just okay and the shrimp tacos too. Had high hopes based on revues and it was all just good, not great. Service was great so I may give them another try. read more

good margaritas, chips & salsa r great, food is outstanding, really good service, & the price is low r agreat dinner or lunch, their open all day !!!! read more

They add their own tip to your bill even after I asked they left it on I get tipping is customary but when it's forced on someone it makes me not want to tip again. read more

Ordered through Grub Hub . Ordered two tacos with rice and beans and received only two tacos and NO rice or beans. $20.00 for two tacos??? read more

This is getting close to the real thing, and the only reason I only went 4* is because I recently returned from a too-long stay in Texas where tex-mex is mostly all you'll find (except that exceptions abound in certain areas and are major-league good). It so happens I wanted enchiladas, which come with the ubiquitous rice, beans and salad. Like the mainstay of tex-mex except that here, it's entirely better than most. I ordered mine with carnitas, the filling was more than generous, and the sauce was not out of a can, or so it seemed. Coming here had been a problem because right next door is el Lucerito, which made for a decision: really good Mexican v good Guatemalan? But the place next door seems to have dropped a step so lately I've come here preferentially. I might add one complaint I have here this night is the volume of the usual Mexican music inside, really over the top. I don't remember it being this loud last winter, so maybe the volume just got turned up and nobody complained. We sat outside. read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Carnitas enchilada - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

Unfortunately I'm back in Los Angeles and can't find a wet burrito like yours and just wanted to say thank you again for leaving a lasting impression on me of just how good food should be when eating out. read more

El Rincon del Palmar - Super Wet Burrito Super Wet Burrito Super Wet Burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great customer service and the steak and shrimp plate called Mar y Tierra was very flavorful.

Had the mole, wow so flavorful! Had a group and everything came out at the same time and was hot and delicious. Large portions and reasonably priced. Will be back. Service was really good as well. read more

One of the best and affordable restaurants there is. Everything they have is delicious and authentic. The staff are always very attentive and check up. It's great. They speak Spanish and English, that helps a lot. read more

Amazing veggie super burrito. Best burrito in MARIN COUNTY by far. I wonder if they have any awards, the burritos are huge. My husband loves the seafood fish and shrimp super burrito. It probably weighs 5 to 7 pounds. No, I'm not kidding their dessert drink something deLeche is Muy Delicioso. We order from them every day since the first time we ordered I'm hooked. read more

If you are looking for a good Mexican restaurant this is not it. The chips were stale. The guacamole was served on a plate as if the tablespoon of it had been dropped on the side of the plate. The Chili Rellano was not made correctly; it looked like a burrito; not enough cheese and the chili taste was overwhelmed by the eggs. The chicken mole tasted like the can of mole had been sitting the kitchen for several weeks. Awful. Even the rice was tasteless. Will never go back. read more

Caldo de pollo is awesome!! Staff is nice. Soccer game's always on the tv. They made the restaurant bigger then it used to be . They still make the soup they same way they did 20 years ago. Tacos are also good here read more

Great service. Everyone here is very attentive, friendly and goes above and beyond to give you a great meal service. Chef is excellent food is delicious and portions are just right. read more

Ordered el molcajete it was pretty good. The chicken was very soft and flavorful, we only got 3 shrimps which was a bummer, but 2 large pieces of carne. We ordered for take out and the service was fairly quick. Cute good sized restaurant, would come here again read more

good food and ambiance but quite expensive .............the area is so so ...............

This restaurant used to have good food. Something changed, maybe cooks or owners, the food has gone down exponentially. I used to love to eat here, but my last three orders have been terrible. Last time I went, the cooks were having pizza and eating while cooking. I wonder if they have the safe serve certificate? The kitchen did not look that clean. I am really sorry to have lost this place. read more

mi familia y yo disfrutamos venir aquí a comer. Las camareras son muy amables y simpáticas con nosotros. ¡La comida siempre es deliciosa! nos sentimos como en casa! Gracias el palmar read more

Al this place it's keeping up.. again! Great food and it still comes at at the top. Great price for the great food. Try it and find out I 1000% recommended this place!!!!!!! read more

Before Covid we would drop in and enjoy their delicious food, since Covid we order through Grub Hub and each time we are delighted! First, the fish is fresh?! The shrimp tastes like it just came out of the Bay. Salsas are delicious and so too are the vegetables and everything tastes home made! Not a lot of salt and no fat; healthy eating at home but missing the camaraderie of their customers. Happy place! PS - for home delivery we didn't want some items that were included so they doubled the "side" of what we did want, thank you! read more