I just noticed that the tequila list has been updated with some amazing choices! Also 10/24 and 10/25 this year will be their El Día de Los Muertos celebration with music and dancing. So excited. As always, the entire staff makes us feel welcome like family. read more

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I usually avoid writing bad reviews for small businesses, and at the time didn't think I would because I know how hard it is to run a business today- even though the food was terrible. But after some days I realize that I think food safety is a concern here- so I feel I must share our experience so that others can avoid it, or the restaurant can know that the lack of effort or maybe skill by the cooks is noticeable, and they are way overpriced for such terrible food. First off my friend who is allergic to dairy specifically asked for no cheese, no sour cream, I believe she even said she is allergic. Not written down, which always makes me nervous. Well, when she bit into it, it had cheese. They offered to make her another, she said she didn't want it, and they did anyways, a communication error maybe. The food was bland- couldn't taste any seasoning or spice, and tasted like it was days old and microwaved, beans dry and bland, as was the rice, it was clear the miniature shrimp in her taco was canned. I know food is more expensive these days, but this was bottom of the barrel food quality. I've had much better Mexican food probably using the same lower quality ingredients, but at least they know how to properly prepare the food and season it. This was nowhere near the tasty Mexican food I can get in East Oakland by a non restaurant owner selling food in their front yard, food trucks, even Taco Bell. That food is tasty. This was just awful. Even the Arnold Palmer was the worst I've ever had. And I'm comparing it to mixing the Minute Maid lemonade and Nestea at Carl's Jr., which was far better. Was it that nobody ever cleans the fountain pumps, which needs to be done regularly or else it spurts mold into your drink? The taste I would describe it as was "funky". Gave two stars and not one, only because they at least were apologetic about the cheese and tried to make it right, but THAT was NOT a $60 meal!!! As I've said, I've had MUCH better food cooked by many different types of places. This was absolutely substandard, and we both spent the rest of the day and the night with upset stomachs, which is what makes me wonder what their food safety standards are like. read more

Cute local restaurant with large outdoor seating area and a smaller space inside with a few tables. Bar area seems popular. We had lunch inside since it was a cold day. Burritos were quite large and more than we could eat. Complimentary chips and salsa. Service was good and not rushed. Plenty of street parking available. Overall a good experience, will be back. read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

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As a mom, sometimes I just want a place I can grab lunch alone, catch up on current events/news/life, and not feel rushed. Las Guitarras is that place. The portions are hearty so be aware! Chips and salsa are included, drink options are plenty, and the service is what I loved the most. I love a spot that lets you sit, enjoy the outdoors and take your time. Not rushed. Kind service, not pushy or anything. Just friendly folks, lots of menu options, and I hope to be back again soon. My son is on the spectrum, and he would LOVE the outdoor water fountain as one of his special interests is water fountains. Thanks for creating an ambiance that is so relaxing, colorful, and delicious food. Cheers read more

Authentic Flavors at Las Guitarras, Novato While visiting our family in Novato, we found Las Guitarras and it instantly became a favorite. The food is authentic and delicious, and the service is warm and welcoming. We had the pleasure of meeting Lisa, the owner, who clearly cares about her guests and community. Highly recommend we'll definitely return. read more

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I had a great experience! The food was great , excellent service ! The atmosphere was amazing! I had a really good time with my friends! We enjoyed each other and the food! read more

Very cute restaurant and a large outdoor patio and food was good, mole definitely had a more chocolatey taste, oysters were large and yummy, drinks a lil pricey but it's Marin county, the house margaritas are on tap too. read more

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My wife and I were looking forward to Las Guitarras, haven't been there before, but unfortunately, we were very disappointed. We stopped in for dinner--I had the chile verde, she had the shrimp tacos. The chile verde was decent, not the best I've had, and the shrimp tacos were just ok. I got the premium margarita and my wife had the house version. Both were weak and made with cheap mix... very sweet to the point my wife couldn't finish hers. Although the garden patio was charming, we sat at the bar because we wanted to watch the Mexico vs South Korea World Cup game. The bartender was very grumpy and made us feel like we were encroaching on his space. There are a lot of great Mexican restaurants in Marin, especially if you are spending nearly $100 for 2. Unfortunately this isn't one of them. read more

The food is so-so, and not authentic, with the presentation being the worst. Everything on the menu is overpriced. The owners are rude and belittle the staff in public. I will not be returning. read more

Not accommodating to allergies at all. Bad communication as well. Prices have gotten obscene, but we couldn't eat there anyways.

It's all about the patio here which is spacious and colorful and has a fountain. I've been here several times and love its ambiance. I don't think I've even been indoors, but it looks like it's in a cute former house. Great place to come for a margarita with a big group of people, especially in the summertime. Worth noting, they do close for some holidays like 4th of July so make sure to check their schedule. read more

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Always good food and margaritas. Love sitting out in the balcony with the festive colors. The servers have been here for years and are great. Come down for farmers and have a drink before, after or both read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

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In my previous review, I rated this as a good (4 star) restaurant. I have definitely lost some affection for this place. I ordered the fajitas plate with a mix of beef and chicken. Thank you for allowing me to get a mix. One thing I like about fajitas is that you know it's going to be freshly cooked (and sizzling hot). 4 Stars (GOOD). My daughter and mother both ordered taco salads. For some reason, both salads had a puddle of liquid in the bottom. What's that? We should have sent them back. Average ingredients. I tried it too. 2 stars (COULD'VE BEEN BETTER). Some bites were okay. 5 stars - ambience in outdoor seating area 4 stars - speed of food delivery 3 stars - service 2 stars - quality of food OVERALL: 2 stars (the quality of food pulled this review down) read more

How have I never reviewed this gem? I have been coming here since like 2004, maybe sooner, and it's always been consistent and tasty. The owners are very friendly and recognize regulars! I went recently on a visit to Marin and ordered a humm baby burrito with shredded beef, which is my all-time favorite order. It's always good, but be prepared for leftovers or share it with someone you're dining with. I also love all of the margaritas, especially the frozen mango margarita for a treat. Other good items to order: -bean dip -tortilla soup -tostada -any other burrito -enchiladas -garlic butter oysters The only item I have had that I don't love is the bbq oysters. The sauce is too overpowering, but the garlic butter oysters are delicious. There is a ton of seating, both inside and outside. The outside seating is lovely and shaded. There's both seating upstairs and downstairs, and they can accommodate big groups. I don't think I've ever made or needed a reservation, but if you're hosting a big group, it can't hurt. read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Humm Baby Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

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our organization has been having dinner meetings for years and their hospitality is like dinning with family. The food is always a winner with our group. read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

I don't know if there is a new chef, but we hadn't been to Las Guitarras in a couple of years because the quality had diminished over the years. We tried it again last night and the food was excellent. Old fashioned Mexican favorites, chicken enchiladas and tacos, were even better than the first time we tried the restaurant decades ago. Definitely returning! read more

From the very beginning I liked it. I was coming in with an empty cup from Starbucks and asked where to toss it away, but the hostess took it from me and took care of it, very kindly. Inside I liked the place, very cozy and clean. A very friendly waiter brought us the menus and patiently took our orders, she was bilingual English Spanish. She brought us nachos with salsa while we waited for our food. Wow! Never had enjoyed nachos with salsa like this before. Then my burrito came. Absolutely delicious!!! Couldn't eat it all, it was a BIG tortilla, so took the 1/4 part to go. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! read more

The service here is always been great. I've been going since I was little. My parents would take me now that I'm an adult. I go there and they have the best oysters. The place always looks very clean and they always ask you if you need anything very respectful and polite read more

As a believer in eating local, I try to focus on the positive, but after my latest dining experience, it's hard. My order of tortilla soup and salad was definitely a poor choice. The soup was unlike any tortilla soup I've ever eaten. Flavorless--or a taste like an onion soup base, not a base of tomato, cumin, and chiles. Zero spices and few vegetables I could see. A few bits of shredded chicken. The accompanying salad was no better: nondescript and small, with a runny blue cheese dressing. Wanting to salvage the meal, I finished with hot chocolate, which was lovely. The outdoor setting and service were fine. If there's a next time, I'll try a different dish. read more

Service is ridiculously slow. Top shelf margarita was terrible. The waiter forgot to order a meal.....came back to ask what the order was. Food never arrived. Not going back. Too bad....we've gone there for decades. read more

Super attentive service, nice outdoor patio surrounded by succulents. On a sunny day (as this was) really a quiet enjoyable place. Waiter bought us a chilled water bottle for the table (cobalt blue glass) Chips fresh, salsa very good. Chickeen soup obviously made on site, loaded with large chunks of chicken and vegetables . Salad was fresh corn kernels, carrots, fresh romaine lettuce, nice Blue cheese dressing. (these both would rate a 5) Had mole enchiladas loaded with shredded chicken and one cheese mole enchilada. Mole sauce is made on site (no it is not shipped from Mexico), not overly hot, hints of cinnamon, chocolate and other spices (we were informed at least 30). (5 for this dish) Comes with refried beans and rice. Taco and chili relleno were good. Taco loaded with chicken, Relleno large and much cheese filing.(4 for this) Cpmes with rice, beans, and soup. read more

Had my birthyday party there this year, everyone had a great time. Love the patio and especially the Agave Bloom. Great Service and Fantastic Food ... favorite Mexican Restaurant in Novato! read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Agave Bloom - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

This is the second time I have ordered takeout at this restaurant and each time the order is messed up but I don't find out until I get home. This time I asked for chili colorado and double rice no refried beans well I got the chili colorado no rice but I got beans and a couple of green chilies I called and complained and then they hung up on me they do not get takeout orders correctly I do not recommend going to them unless you look at the food before you take it home. read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - This is what we got beans a green pepper and the correct chili colorado but no rice - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

For some reason it was our first time trying this place. Maybe because yelp reviews were disappointing. But we were looking for somewhere outside cute to sit, so we finally tried it. I love the patio's ambiance with the wrought iron table and chairs, the colorful umbrellas and of course the huge fountain. We went around 6pm and it was quite busy. They took our orders in a timely manner and the food didn't take too long. I got the fish tacos on the recommendation of our server. I changed the rice to salad which was very fresh. The fish tasted fresh too but. I wish there was some guacamole in my dish. The beans were ok, not much flavor except salt. My husband got the chimichanga which tasted good but was a bit small. We also got a pina colada to share. We couldn't taste alcohol or pineapple (I asked for extra pineapple juice) tasted mostly like coconut syrup. But it was refreshing on a warm day. Overall everything was a enjoyable though overpriced (but that seems to be the way of most restaurants post pandemic) read more

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Food was delicious and habanero salsa was actually spicy and yummy. Service was great attentive and polite. Ambience was great we sat outside and it's a cute little spot. read more

This used to be one of our favorites- not any more. The service is consistently slow and lately the food has not been as good. The best thing about this restaurant is the outdoor patio. Too bad the service is so bad. read more

Always nice to come back to this old school Mexican place that's been in operation since 1979, a very good year,lol. Specialities such as bbqed oysters and delicious margaritas made by David the son and one of the owners with his sister Lisa and parents. All of the other mainstays of Mexican cuisine are delicious as well. Located in an old house filled with ambience and character enjoy the mini bar area with 4 stools if solo or not in the mood for the dining room. The spacious outdoor patio is a great place to dine with weather permitting, surrounded by trees and tropical plants. You can have a private party, large group or meeting catered upstairs as well, which I have enjoyed many times over the years. Come enjoy next time you visit Old Town Novato. Feliz Ano Nuevo amigos! read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Chili Reallieno - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

Prices on bill are higher than on menu. I asked waitress and she said she doesn't understand how they do the bills. The Spanish speaking bar tender came to the table and tried to explain but, I don't understand Spanish. Manager came over and said there is a sign someplace in the restaurant on the wall stating that they increase all charges 3.5% just in case you pay with a credit card. This is not noted on the menu. If you want to pay $14.49 plus tax and tip for a Margarita that has no Tequilla, this is the place for you. The bartender pours a few drops on the top so that you taste it with the first sip and then the Tequilla is all gone. The food was alright but, a bit bland. I had been curious about this place because they have a nice outdoor area. Now I understand why the outdoor area is always empty. There are many good Mexican restaurants in Novato and this isn't one of them. read more

Hmm...what can I say. First time was very decent food...salad was very yummy! Second time...not long after was VERY disappointing! It was such a huge difference from the first time. It was like they had different people cooking the last time we were there. Well enough for me......very hard for me to want to go back when the food was not good. read more

Waited over an hour for mediocre food. Only the service was worst!!!! We literally took our drinks inside to get refills- that's how bad the service was. read more

First of all we came as a family, my brother was here from Oregon so we wanted to go out special. My mom had a coupon that came in a magazine circular with no expiration date on it. We had it on the table right at the beginning of our orders. We ordered drinks and appetizers. The Oysters were great but the bean dip was a very small amount for the price. The drinks were great and on special for the Happy Hour. We ordered dinner. My moms came out cold. My sister-in-law was okay with her dinner, my brother said it was alright. My cheese enchilada was good but the meat one was not up to par for me. When we were done with dinner, we were full and did not need dessert. They came to get the credit card and the coupon. The server looked at it like it was a snake. Soon a gentleman came over and said that the coupon had expired. We took umbrage and said there was no way we could have known that from the page. We waited 30 minutes for our bill to come. Now, we were ready to go and still no bill. We made eye contact with a bus boy to get our bill. Another 10 minutes and we got one. Now if we paid cash they would take off the $5.00 service fee. They took off $10.00 but in such a way that it was after the taxes were paid. I still gave a 20% tip because it was not the servers mistakes for the cold food or the late bill fiasco. Needless to say, I do not think we will be back there again after the way we were talked to about the coupon, and the cold food. read more

Loved this place! The sever was nice and the oysters are sooo good! Totally coming back

Las Guitarras is our go-to!! Everyone there treats us like family, the food is exceptional, the margaritas are perfection, and the patio is where I want to be every time the sun is shining. read more

Food has been amazing! Their Chile relleno is good. They also have a really killer margarita! Service has been good. Did not experience any of the things mentioned in the negative reviews at all! read more

I wanted to like this place cause the patio is so cute and a place I want to hangout. Salsa came out and wasn't good, which was immediate red flag cause salsa taste is the litmus test for Mexican restaurants. We waited for OVER AN HOUR to get Mexican food? Top five longest restaurant waits of my life when most Mexican places get your food out in like 10 min max? So so bizarre. Horrible experience when you have hungry kids at bedtime. Overall food tasted like it came from a can. read more

Ok so me and the hubby wanted something outside and some fun ambience for date night. We said hey let's go get some margaritas at Las Guittaras hang on the patio and just relax. Can't go wrong with margaritas and they have some good ones. We have been there many times before and though the food is really meh the margaritas are usually really good....until Friday night. Husband ordered top shelf margarita and I went fruity with the strawberry to start. We were super excited had not had a margarita in a bit. We cheered took our first sip and we were like wtf....at first I thought it was just me and my taste buds. I sipped once....sipped twice....maybe third time is a charm and no. Something was off it tasted almost like soap and no flavor and not much booze. My husband then looked at me and said does your drink taste funny and I am like yes. We tasted each others and we were like these are awful. Now we are folks that NEVER send anything back but these drinks were not good. So got the server asked to get another round and let them know that something was off. We got the second round and these tasted bad. We have had many margaritas and these were not it. We sent those back and my husband ordered a beer and I had another cocktail that was also not great. I don't know maybe they were having an off night but at 15.00 a pop I want it to taste like a margarita and not stale soap they were just tasteless something was way off. We also informed the bartender however it appeared he really was like whatever. Service was also very whatever. Hey it is what it is. It was a huge disappointment and probably will never come in again‍ read more

Wonderful place! Amazing staff, food, and atmosphere. Rare find in Marin or anywhere, to sit outside and enjoy time.

Was there the night before last it has become extremely expensive the customer service was fair. Had to ask for something and the waitress never came back. I had to get up myself and get it and never refilled our water. Never wanted to know. Was there anything else we needed it? read more

Had the tacos carne asada. Yum! Tasty beef, with cilantro and onions. Guacamole was delicious and fresh. Service friendly and quick. Always appreciate it when they refill my diet Coke! read more

Las Guitarras Restaurant - Chips and (spicy) salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Novato, California

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Had the yummiest arroz con pollo a couple of days ago. Big enough to make a large burrito for lunch the next day. Taco salad; burritos- all above par! Love sitting on the patio and imbibing a tasty margarita - get mine over the rocks. Sister likes slushy. Salsa is homemade. Patio with the fountain is charming! Family and kid friendly. Entire menu is available for pick up. Do Not use door dash or the food will arrive tepid at best. read more

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