When Marinitas first opened it quickly became my favorite go-to. With Heidi Insalata's recipes and Patrick Coll's management, the food was always delicious and consistent, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, Covid took a toll. The restaurant is now under new ownership, supposedly using the original recipes...but they aren't the same. I should have left tonight as soon as I tasted the salsa, which mostly tasted liked watery tomato juice. I told the waitress it wasn't as good as the original: her response was that "it depends on who makes it". I stayed. The cascabel sauce, which makes the chicken tacos outstanding, wasn't there-instead, something that reminded me of terrible, cheap bottled taco sauce. I'm mourning the Marinitas of old-the current iteration doesn't have food worth eating or paying for. read more

It pains me to write this. Marinitas used to be one of our favorite spots and we were sad to see they were closing but happy to hear they found new owners. We wanted to give them some time but went this weekend and while everything inside feels the same, and it was nice to see some familiar faces, the food just didn't hit. The salsas were bland and margaritas mediocre - the queso was odd, and not at all like what they used to make. I will say the chicken tacos were excellent and the only food item that felt familiar. read more

The service tonight was outstanding! Our server was the only server in the entire restaurant as far as we could see yet she was so on it! There were two large parties-one ahead of us and one after we were seated, yet she handled all of the patrons efficiently and with thoughtfulness. My tacos and my family's food was all tummy, which we've come to expect. The portions are quite filling and have depth in flavor. Highly recommend! read more

The food, service, and drinks were great. It's hard to find a good happy hour in Marin, but this one satisfies. The drinks definitely pack a punch and apps are filling for reasonable prices. read more

The Vegan plate was phenomenal! I didn't know vegetables could taste so good! The textures were on point as well. I'm always looking for a restaurant to take my Vegan sister to. This one took us by storm! Thanks read more

I'm old enough to remember when 218 San Anselmo Ave. was called Mc Arthurs (a biker bar), then Ned's, then Ted's (all bars), but now as Marinitas, in its latest incarnation, we've finally got a combination family restart/bar that gets it right. Aside from a generous and delicious combination of Margarita mixes and traditional cocktails, the daily Happy Hour menu also offers some of the most delicious, exquisite and unique variations on traditional Mexican cuisine anywhere. The chef is a genius. I even admit to taking his camarones de chipotle appetizer home, adding a little extra pasta and shrimp with heavy cream sauce, and--Voila! served it to guests--but did I claim the credit? I'll never tell. Then again, it would certainly be remis of me not to mention the friendly and accommodating wait staff. Marinitas rates my highest recommendation. read more

I'm a first-time customer, and it's been so long since I had such a great experience! The cocktail I had was amazing, and the margarita was fresh and absolutely perfect. I ordered the tacos dorados de pollo, and my plate was clean within minutes. The churros were, without a doubt, the best I've ever had--freshly made, which is rare these days since many places just freeze them. The ambiance was fantastic, and the staff was so friendly! read more

This longstanding restaurant, now under new ownership, fails with their wait staff. A floor manager is badly needed as our server was woefully unprepared. Long waits, inconsistent deliveries and little communication. When we received our meals, we had to get up to find table settings, share plates, etc. There did not appear to be any semblance of order. read more

We ordered takeout. The process was easy enough. They packaged our food nicely. We had the duck tacos, queso fundido, carne asada tacos, and kid's quesadilla. The carne asada tacos and the queso fundido were tasty. Unfortunately, the duck tacos were super dry. read more

Food mediocre, good waiter but so disappointing for the price.. Fish tavv CB is were bland no seasoning. Chicken enchiladas uninspired. Average pricy margaritas . read more

Food was delicious and the restaurant looks great. But the waitress was over caffeinated or something and rushed us at every step of the way. Barely let me finish my meal before she removed the not empty plate. Our party of four had a lot to discuss but we were rushed along. The restaurant had mostly empty tables so no idea what her vibe was about. And the passageway to the bathroom had a very musty odor. read more

Unfortunately, we won't be back! The ambiance is great! The food and selection is good! The wait staff unfortunately carry an attitude- Not good!! There needs to be training on how customers should be treated in the service industry! read more

I came to Marinitas with my boyfriend and cousin recently. I've been wanting to go here for a long time and honestly I always forgot it's in San Anselmo since I don't go to that side of town often. We were lucky to have Mickey as our server. She answered all of our questions about the menu when we were trying to figure out what to order. She refilled our basket a few times and brought out a bowl of salsa for each of us. In addition to the complimentary chips and salsa, we ordered some guacamole. It was a hit at our table. My complaint is the serving size. I only tasted a little bit because it came in a tiny dish. I got the chicken enchiladas and a fish taco for my main entree. The texture of the enchilada sauce reminded me of lasagna. It was thick and clumpy. The fish taco was my favorite. It included a slaw, sliced avocado, and chipotle crema. The homemade tortilla made the taco even more enjoyable. While there were some positives parts to my experience, I don't think I would go back to Marinitas. Honestly, there are other great Mexican restaurants in Marin. read more

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Fresh ingredients and nice staff. My husband calls it healthy Mexican Food. I love it. Try the specials. Street parking.

Carnitas plate and fish tacos soooooo gooood Can't wait for next trip to try other dish read more

This is our go to Mexican place in Marin. Their crunchy chicken tacos, Little gem salad and Elegante Margaritas are a few of our favorites.

We asked to sit outside so my friend could bring her dog in from the car and was told it was closed - even though the tables were set???? Later we saw other people sitting out with pets. 4% surcharge on bill and tip on machine start at 20,23,25%. They stand right over you so it is awkward to do less. So they take you for 24-29% of total bill for mediocre bill. I guess you don't care about your over 60 women clients. You can more than afford to eat there but will not again. read more

I want to give a shout-out to Marinitas for the great food and excellent service when we recently invited friends to lunch there. We were repeating a family event that first happened at Marinitas ten years ago, to the day. We had a terrific Mexican Chopped Salad, and then our choice of enchiladas vegetarianas, pescado grillado and bistec argentino, all wonderfully prepared and served home style in a way that made us feel at home at an intimate occasion. Many thanks to you and your crew, Serafín. read more

This place makes some amazing drinks. Loved the Paloma. Food is a little pricey but extremely tasty. Came here with a group of friends last week and really liked the food. I will definitely be back! read more

I'll start saying that their tostaditas are really good , that next time I'll just get a few orders of it. Nice mixed margaritas , probably one of the good places to go for drinks if you are into margaritas. I had some vegetarian enchiladas , but they were a little too salty for my taste , so that's why I'm giving 4 stars other than that very thing is fine . Nice customer service, ! read more

Marinitas - Tostaditas! - Latin American Near Me - San Anselmo, California

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Great atmosphere, wonderful food. Excellent service! One of my most favorite spots. I highly recommend!

We looked forward to come to Marinitas, had not been there for a while . Our friends were already there but did not see them . Had to wait 10-15 min before anybody came to help us . Our food was almost in eatable . We had enchiladas . Our friends had something els that I think was a special . They could not eat theirs as well. Too bad , was looking forward from long time memory. What happened ?? read more

I have a couple of nitpicky complaints. I asked to be seated at a booth because they had just opened and I was the only customer. But I was told that those were for groups only. So I got seated at an awkward single table. Also, they should bring you water without having to ask. On the plus side, the margaritas are good. The chips and salsa are good. The decor is nice, if a little odd. Why are most of the books shelved with their spines to the wall? The food is tasty. I recommend getting the side of corn tortillas. read more

Unexpected visit to Marinitas. We were very satisfied with the meal. The quality is very good. For me it was a tasty turn on traditional Mexican dishes. I might say it was a contemporary California turn on traditional dishes. The food tasted fresh and clean. Had guacamole, fresh, balanced seasoning dressed with fresh tomatoes and good crisp chips. Followed by black beans that were cooked and not mush and green rice a surprise to me and tasty with the black beans. The mains were chicken enchiladas and chili relleno. Wow what a surprise each was. The presentation colorful and inviting: almonds, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, quest fresco. And ... a beautiful "nut" sauce with some plesant warmth to the tongue; red and roasted salsa. Yes, am going back. Delicious food. I recommend !!! Metta john read more

I am late to the upscale Mexican at Marinatas, since I live fairly close to at least three other upscale Mexican joints in Marin. We are literally swimming in upscale Mexican here, but I'm in the camp of feeling that I could eat Mexican food far more often than is good for me. Marinitas in San Anselmo is a cross between many of these pricy, small portion Marin Mexican joints, of which there are arguably too many. There is also the feel of a sports bar at Marinatas, with several TVs on in throughout the bar and dining rooms. The interior is a mishmash of dark wood, red tones, crystal chandeliers, iron work, and Lady of Guadalupe meets steer skull taxidermy. The end result is a odd, loud marriage of Merida, Mexico & Los Angeles. The food was better than expected. Partner in the business, Heidi Krahling, (also of Insalatas) is known for running an establishment that local chefs like to eat at on their days off --generally a good sign. The warm, house made chips came out with two fresh, bright salsas, and the offering was complimentary (normally, an uncharge in Marin) and refillable. The order of two shrimp tacos with pineapple and slaw, on homemade corn tortillas, comprised a light, flavor filled plate. The chicken taco entree had a deep fried shell, making it a fairly heavy, clunky version of the dish, and our least successful. Tiny top shelf Margaritas were delicious, cost a pretty penny and go down quickly. Costs were slightly lower (not by much) and tastes better than some comparable Marin spots. read more

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Years ago I left a negative review of this place and I was shocked to see that it still appears. A lot changes in 13 years at a restaurant so why does Yelp still include reviews that old?. Our experience tonight was just fine. Great Margaritas and food, gracious service and a very pleasant overall atmosphere. The Maranitas Salad was just fine and plenty big enough to share. I had the Cochinitas Pilbi - slow braised achiote spiced pork with adobo black bean paste, and my wife had her favorite Mexican dish good old fashioned fish tacos. Both were delicious and quite satisfying. We look forward to dining at Marinitas again soon. read more

Went to Marinitas for the first time after new ownership today. I was greated with a lively and flavor filled environment. The staff was very understanding and attentive without being overbearing, and they immensely contributed to an amazing experience. The food was incredible with a very fresh taste, perfectly balanced, and packed with flavor. Overall had a great time, reccomend. read more

I've had Marinitas on my bookmarks for a while, having seen reviewed on Check Please Bay Area on KQED. Visiting the area, I decided to try it for lunch. I rewarded myself with an order of the Bistec Argentino. After a little wait, the waitress came by with little dishes of red and green salsa and a basket of tortilla chips. The chips were rubbery as if either undercooked or possibly old and stale. I tried 3-4 chips, allowing maybe it was a fluke, but they were all inedible. I noticed a party of several men across from me whose chips were set to the side, untouched. I mentioned it to the waitress, who excused it as maybe they needed longer under the heat lamp....I don't think that would have helped. Eventually, the guys at the other table mentioned the same problem with their chips...same excuse. No replacement was offered or ever brought out. My entree arrived and at least that was good. Beef cooked as requested with asparagus, mushrooms and potatoes for a tasty meal. I just don't understand how they can serve lousy chips...Any grocery store chip would be acceptable AND crispy. Well. That meal was OK, but I probably won't consider going back. There are plenty of other places to explore. read more

Marinitas - Bistec Argentino - Latin American Near Me - San Anselmo, California

I'm honestly so sad and disappointed that I have to leave this review. For 10+ years Marinitas has been my favorite restaurant. I have recommended countless people to eat here as it has been near and dear to my heart. I have been on many first dates, as well as hosted a Christmas party here... I have been a die hard fan. The last few times we have been here have been disappointing. My husband and I chalked it up to being a staffing issue, willing to give it another shot because of the connection that I have had to this place. Tonight ... was sadly the last. We came for an early dinner around 5 ( the restaurant opens at 4 on Tuesdays ) sat and we were greeted almost immediately. We ordered water, and two margaritas. When she brought our margs, there was no water but we ordered an appetizer and waters (again). 30 minutes go by and finally our appetizer arrives (no water). The shrimp is almost inedible. It tasted like straight chemicals. We were displeased so we asked for our check and the server/ bartender comes flailing about like, "you guys are leaving?!?l". And we realized she was noticeably intoxicated. It was barely 6 pm. Mind you, we arrived at 5 and all we've had was two margaritas and a disappointment of an appetizer. How are you drunk at 6 pm when the restaurant opens at 4?! Long story short, after many years of love and loyalty we are sadly having to put this place behind us. read more

Great service and terrific staples like fish tacos and great carnitas! Great for a late lunch or early dinner. I've been there on a weekend when it was crowded and I have to say I like it better with less people to compete with. :) read more

I've visited San Anselmo a couple of times in the last 45 days and found Marinitas in the last visit. Absolutely fantastic service at the bar and had the queso along with black beans and rice. Good food and excellent atmosphere. Of course the margaritas maintain your perspective!! Will be back read more

We came in for happy hour while waiting for our reservation at a nearby restaurant. We sat at the bar and were greeted with friendly professionalism. Mike was superb and a very attentive bar tender and server. We will definitely come here again for happy hour and dinner. Special kudos to Mike. Unparalleled service. read more

The food is always good here, chicken tacos were very tasty minus the water chestnuts. The homemade guacamole is delicious and the drinks are always good. Only deducted one star, because it took forever to get a hold of our server and get our bill paid. It was busy but not that busy. read more

Marinitas - Chicken tacos - Latin American Near Me - San Anselmo, California

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Services was awful. No one told us the kitchen was closing or offered dessert until we asked and that when they said the kitchen was already closed and it was barely 8:30pm. Food wasn't anything special, had no flavor and a friends fish tacos smelt awful and wasn't fresh. We were in the back and our server forgot we were there. Employees were sitting back there at the other open table on their phones. Very sad and disappointed since so many of our friends love it and talked about it all the time. read more

The appetizers were delicious. We particularly enjoyed the classic ceviche and camarones. The crispy chicken tacos were the best of the tacos we tried. Super cute family spot. Service was efficient. read more

Their chicken enchiladas are one of my favorite dishes at any restaurant, and the Marinitas salad with steak is one of my wife's. The guacamole is a delicious must-have with the complimentary chips and the house margarita is one of the best around as well. Always friendly service from the staff and a warm, welcoming decor complete the experience. read more

My girlfriends & I came here for happy hour! It is a huge restaurant & the bar has plenty of televisions. Their margaritas are so strong! I could not even finish mine. Complimentary chips & salsa, perfect for happy hour! Customer service was friendly but very slow. We had to flag down several workers in order to find our server or get help. Queso Fundido: So flavorful! So creamy. Their tortilla chips are the baked ones & are heavy & greasy. I would ask for the regular chips instead. Ceviche- Classic: Okay. Peruvian: Out of the 3, this is the best. Tasty, several spices, but the salmon did not taste fresh. Tuna Crudo: The flavors were a tad funky, tart, & sour. read more

Marinitas - Queso Fundido - Latin American Near Me - San Anselmo, California

This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in Marin. Some of the best chips/salsa/guacamole in town. The ambiance is also really fun and family friendly! read more

I haven't been here since the Covid times but pre-Covid I loved it. It's pretty festive and busy. The waitstaff are accommodating and friendly. The food is good too. I like the casual mature nature of it. They used to have a Bloody Mary bar and it was like having a hearty brunch if you put enough celery sticks and olives in your drink. I celebrated two birthdays there and countless other peoples' birthdays. read more

Great ambiance! Classic, old-world bar that always feels festive and special. Great food! I think chef Heidi does the best food in Marin. Any time we have guests in town we got to Insalatas for an intimate Mediterranean dinner or Marinitas for drinks, tacos, and good cheer! read more