This family-run restaurant is an absolute must-see. I wish I could list everything that's the best first, but I cannot because each area of the review is the best in the area. It's such a delight to see so many generations of family members here. They've been open since 1973! Originally from a Mexican neighborhood in Chicago over 6 decades ago, I'm forever searching for Mexican food that resembles my childhood memories. I've honestly found that in Las Guitarras. I've been here countless times, and I enjoy whatever I order. One of my favorites is their enchiladas with prawns and mole sauce. Their mole sauce is absolutely delicious. Another favorite is the grilled fish tacos with Mexican rice and beans--pintos, black beans, and refried. Their chipotle sauce is fantastic. My companion chose the Chili Colorado enchilada, ground beef taco, Mexican rice, and refried beans with their house-crafted margarita. Today I chose their pozole, which they only offer on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Omigosh--it was wonderful. Flavorful and perfectly-balanced spicy heat. It's now served with scrumptious potato taquitos--as is the traditional accompaniment, Clara the server shared with me. They were excellent. The soup and taquitos gave me a comfort food feeling of happiness. An absolute must is their margarita. Lalo the fun, talented, and personable bartender hand-crafts the basis of the margarita. It's honestly the best I've ever had, and order it every visit. I like it with Patrón Silver tequila. He also is creative with other fresh flavors such as mango or cucumber, which are worth a try, as well. The entire staff is absolutely welcoming and appropriately attentive. It's like coming home to a family holiday meal every time I visit. The outdoor patio is one of the prettiest in the area. It has a tall fountain, and it's sweet fun to watch children play with the collection of rubber ducks. The indoor area downstairs is cozy, with a bistro sound-level. I've celebrated El Día de Los Muertos here two years in a row. What a wonderful fiesta! There was Noah the balloon guy, face painting, a tree for messages to your ancestors, and other specialties. There's a costume contest, too. Simply the best Mexican restaurant around.

The food tastes very good here. Authentic flavors. I ate the beef enchilada, so tasty. The service was good though a little slow to pick up the check. I have been here many times and this fits a pattern. The patio outside was very pleasant. I will go back.

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.

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.

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

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)

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!