I used to come here weekly, decades ago, when I worked down the street. I was back in town and came back for nostalgia. It's the same great quality! This is NOT some typical below par Mexican restaurant where all dishes taste the same, like is common at strip malls across the country. This is fresh and everything is delicious! I would still be here weekly if I lived or worked in the area. Strong recommendation! read more

Whew! What a treat! If I was closer I'd be here A LOT. I've been going to Casa Manana for over 25 years and it still hits solid every time. I'm a creature of habit and usually get the mole plantain enchiladas but I veered off track since it's been so long and I'm glad we did. The chili with walnut sauce was light and deliciously packed with flavor. The potato flauta was exceptional! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service super friendly, it was quiet on a Sunday afternoon but that's what also made it so nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This place is a gem and we are lucky to still have them as part of our community. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Flauta Vegetariana (1) - potato inside - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

Great food. Happy service. Wonderful friendly ambiance. What more could anyone ask for.

I have been coming to this place for years. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a quiet, tiny little Restaurant nestled in the center of a medical complex.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It has indoor and outdoor seating so on a beautiful day it's a great place to go.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When I first started going there the Señor's that we're running the place and cooking the food fresh daily we're working there. I am happy to say that they are still working there, but through the backbone of the business and they've passed on to the next generation to continue the tradition of fine food. I cannot recommend this place highly enough that when I go there, even though I haven't been there in a couple years they still remembered me and welcome me in. I love coming here at the quality of food is fresh homemade tasting, and they make it their selves daily. Instead of going on and on and on about this wonderful little place, I would just recommend you go in and find something you wanna try and enjoy. Oh yes, and one more thing. You must try the flan. It's sweet custody Carmalee. It is just so wonderful. Probably the best flan I've ever had. read more

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HIDDEN GEM! If you can find it, you deserve to try the chocolate mole with hints of cinnamon , omg! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Go for a late lunch on a weekend and sit on their beautiful patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Ok to park in the parking lot!! So good to see this place is still going! [[HIGHLIGHT]]I can't wait to bring the fam! It would be fun to have a big party here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The patio is huge and full of trees and fairy lights. It's very special[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. Oh, and the prices are so reasonable! I spent $20 for my plate with tip included! read more

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My friends from Phoenix recommended Casa Manana in San Rafael and told me it was Salvadorean food. We just went to lunch there, Oh My God, it was sooo good. They have wonderful food quality and excellent plating (see pic), proportion of starch to meat, flavor of dressings and salsa, chips not greasy, salad that was not just lip service to a need for veggies - it was really really good. The beans were good too! I usually am iffy with the beans - could take them or leave them, but these were tasty! I ordered the Chile En Nogada Con Walnut Sauce. I had it with ground beef. The sauce was very good. Parking is easy, and it's a bit hidden - hard to see from the street. Service is wonderful, I felt welcome and it's clear that a lot of their customers are old-timers that have been coming for decades. They are going to be seeing a lot more of me! Highly recommended. read more

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Crispy tostada bowl not great. First of all I could smell immediately that the tostada was rancid. Either they have been cooking it in rancid oil or they purchased it already rancid. Could not eat a bite. Not healthy. Chips were not rancid smelling but were not fresh. After opening up the tostada to see what was inside I found only three small pieces of eggplant. I ordered an eggplant tostada. Only three small pieces found. For this price I would've expected a lot more. I ended up spending $25 on a couple of spoonfuls of beans and some salad and a coffee. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They are very nice sweet women and the atmosphere is nice, but doesn't look like the photos, much older and not as clean, so I won't be returning.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

These guys really make me feel like my neighbor just made me dinner, you know they're friendly. The food is delicious and not overly spice. The portions are huge and the presentation is gorgeous. My goodness it looks like a piece of artwork. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Pico de gallo , Uber fresh - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

The service here is amazing, he was very kind and attentive. Ordered the George special burrito, super delicious and very reasonably priced.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Such a cute place with such potential, but they must have had the cook or chef call out sick that day cuz the food was not great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I see reviews here and google that say this is the best Mexican food in San Rafael and I just can't fathom how you could say that after our visit. Maybe we ordered wrong but won't go back again to find out. Burrito was large, but had little to no meat, which was annoying for $16. What made the burrito big you ask? Large chucks of cold, barely cooked celery!! It was so confusing. To make the food edible we asked for hot sauce or something spicy, as the salsa provided with the chips was sweetened ketchup. The waitress provided sweetened siracha in a bottle - said it was all she had. We asked for spicy salsa or anything they had that was spicy and she brought out warm tomato soup. The whole experience was odd. To be honest, the food looked like nothing in the pictures I see here, which genuinely makes me think they're under new owner/management and different staff or someone who doesn't usually cook was the cook that day. read more

We've been coming here for close to 20 years....[[HIGHLIGHT]]same delicious food and welcoming atmosphere is a constant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's small and not glamorous, but the quality of food makes up for it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]There's seating inside and an outside a patio with a few table.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Restaurant is nestled in a courtyard surrounded by medical offices. Plenty of parking. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Burrito Vegetariano Especial - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

We ate tonight at a cozy little Mexican Salvadoran restaurant. I had La Frida Kahlo burrito with a light mole flavor. My wife had Enchilada Vallarta filled with plantains. We both loved our meals. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The trick is the restaurant is hidden in a courtyard mostly surrounded by a medical clinic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] But it is worth finding your way to this gem! read more

I'm so glad my husband and I found this restaurant tucked away in the kutz. We both were craving a good Mexican restaurant. The food taste so authentic. I like the fact that it taste so homemade not made with lard. I love that everything taste so fresh. The salsa was just the way I like it homemade & chunky. I love my veggies hearty. You can tell they don't put a lot of salt in the food which is good. Because Americans love salt & that's why we struggle with weight problems. Anyways food was flavored to perfection. Love that they have vegan and vegetarian options available for us plant eaters lol. Service is attentive and friendly very welcoming. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice little cozy mom and Pop restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Will definitely be coming back in the near future. Thank you to our waiter Alfonso and Staff. read more

We asked Casa Mañana to cater a birthday party for 34 adults. Margarita (the owner) confirmed the order twice. We ordered chicken and pork tamales, beef and chicken street tacos, refried beans , black beans, spanish rice, salad, salsa, 3 different sauces (hot, mild, and verde) and sour cream. She brought 3 steam trays for the tacos, tamales, rice and beans. She thoughtfully provided 8-10 large cheese taquitos for vegetarians. She also provided a fruit tray at no extra charge.. we could not have been more delighted! All items were freshly prepared. She explained that she doesn't use lard as an ingredient . She trustfully lent us serving utensils which we returned the following day. We will most definitely use Casa Mañana again . No disappointments! Raves from our whole group! Muchas gracias Margarita and company read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Excellent "hole in the wall" spot.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You could walk past it without knowing but don't! The food is great, the staff is friendly. read more

Everything I've ever ordered there has been delicious Service with a smile and fast Atmosphere is very comfortable read more

The food is excellent as well as the service. I plan to return more often. I highly recommend casa manana

This place is a hidden gem. I never write reviews and also never knew this resturant was here till recently. The staff is very friendly and the food is excellent and clean. read more

One of our fav places to go for a laid-back nice meal. Super-friendly staff make you feel welcome and don't ever rush you off- you can hangout and relax. Love the pupusas, chile rellenos, tacos and burritos. And the aqua frescos are solid. read more

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had seen this little hole in the wall place before when coming to an appointment. When looking for a place to eat, this place popped up on my Yelp and seemed super authentic , so my dad and I decided to give this place a try. It did NOT disappoint. The owners were so welcoming and helpful when recommending what to order off the menu. It was also such a beautiful day to sit outside and the outside seating is so peaceful. Their food is a mix of salvadorean and Mexican food. Agua de fresa 10/10 Super refreshing for a hot day Not too sweet which I like Ceviche tostada 9/10 I didn't really like the tostada The fish so tasty and well marinated Satisfied my craving for ceviche Joe strummer: This was BOMB their homemade mole sauce is soo good The carnitas inside combined with the plaintains Casa mañana has been here for 55 years and is def a San Rafael treasure. The owners son was so nice and it's service like this that keep businesses around! He was very welcoming and personable with each person that came in. Will def be back to try breakfast read more

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My friend was interested in grabbing a burrito when we met up for lunch, so we picked this place after seeing it on Yelp and another friend recommending it to me. It looks like a casual spot where you place your order at a counter, but it's a sit-down restaurant. Grab a table and one of the friendly workers will come by to drop off menus and take your order. On my visit, I got a watermelon agua fresca and combo plate with one fish taco and one shrimp taco. I wasn't crazy about the shrimp taco - it was a little too "wet" for my liking and I would have preferred jumbo shrimp over the baby shrimp. Still, I would come back to try the burrito the friendly woman recommended, which was one that I had had my eye on on the menu (the Caesar Chavez). As far as ambience, it's nice that they have an outdoor seating area, though chairs look like they could be wiped down. Also, there's just one restroom/toilet that might possibly be for all the businesses in that complex. Parking in the lot was plentiful on a Saturday, and I was told restaurant customers are allowed to park in the lot. If you want to walk off some of that food, nearby Fourth Street is good for wandering around as it has some shops and galleries. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Combination plate with fish and shrimp tacos - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Great homey Mexican food and kid friendly! Prices were also reasonable and they treat you like family, super friendly, have suggestions and service was quick. We went with our toddler and the server was very accommodating to a custom toddler plate, gave us complimentary buñuelos and had kid books/toys available. This is a gem! read more

What a treat! While in town or friends brought us here to this tucked away Mexican restaurant but I would say it's leaning far to the Salvadoran foods. Mexican food like tacos enchiladas burritos with ingredients like plantains and egg plants and mole instead of enchilada sauce, yes there is a difference. I ordered something I've never tried before the Enchilada Vallarta with fried plantains and mole sauce. It was flavorful light and delicious. On this warm evening the watermelon agua fresca was refreshing. Sitting in the courtyard this evening the staff and owner are so friendly and welcoming. When I get back home I'm making plantain enchiladas! read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Enchilada Vallarta - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN MARIN! The best service for Mexican food! The nicest owner, the best selection, the best little hidden gem ever. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great for kids (owner welcomes them and wants them to be loud haha).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] He's hilarious and has a great sense of humor. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very authentic Mexican place, been here forever![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm so glad we discovered it. He was so great with my loud toddler boys, offered the sugar chips with cinnamon, and we ordered the strawberry aqua fresca, but they also have the traditional ones, horchata etc. The menu is eclectic and everything is delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's not a glamorous location and it's in a medical complex, so don't think you went to the wrong place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Trust me, what it lacks in glam it makes up for in flavor! I'd so much rather have delicious food than fluffy decor. We also order dozens of tamales for Christmas here too! Everything is ready on time and perfect. read more

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Ok I was hungry and I needed to kill time during my bride's doctor's appt. And I needed a bathroom. Casa Mañana filled the bill. I ordered the Huevos Cubanos which is two poached eggs, black beans, a chunk of polenta all with a kick*ss sauce that includes Jalapeño and one more thing (nopales?) I'm blanking on. Purrrfect heat level - warm but not blow your tastebuds away hot. I kept making forkful combinations of egg and black beans and egg and sauce and polenta and polenta and egg etc. Soooo good! If I didn't live 45 minutes north of here I would be here once a week and be on a first name basis with the owner who is really a delightful person to chat with. Why no pix? Too darn hungry!! read more

I believe they have the best mexican food in San Rafael, always excellent and reasonable. Underrated for sure.

Food is great tasting. We had chili rellenos and a poblana chicken enchilada combo. Homemade chips were included along with some hot salsa, in case you needed it for the main dishes. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food and nice ambiance![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The owner was nice in helping us host a birthday party which included balloons, streamers and a banner. read more

Best food ever, everything tastes so clean, the mole sauce is to die for, everything here is delicious

I wavered between three and four. The only reason I went with three was because the beans tasted... sour? I was really confused by that; they came out cold and tasted like perhaps they'd sat out too long and started to ferment. Everything else was tasty. Service was outstanding. Prices were fair. And the chips and salsa were fresh and delicious. I ordered a combo that comes with two chipotle pupusas and a side of rice and beans. They kindly made the pupusas with just beans for me, and they were highly edible. The rice was good too. My friend got this fat, enviable burrito that I might have to try next time. Literally the only problem were the beans on the side, which were not smoky like the pupusa filling and thus came from a different batch. I probably should have said something, but the server had been super nice and helpful and I didn't want to be "that guy." You know, the one who makes a big deal over something minor. I had a couple bites and left the rest, and I was kinda sad because beans are my weakness. So would I recommend? Actually yes. It's a solid place run by nice people. Just give your food a taste before you mindlessly dig in. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Pupusas with rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Went to this place since the Indian Restaurant next door was closing. Should've kept on walking. We were seated fast but had to keep waiting for someone to take our order. We got stale chips and very hot salsa. We asked for a milder salsa and that took a long time to receive. We ordered Guacamole and it came fast but it was like a salsa verde. Couldn't taste or see any guacamole. If there was it was so watered down. Ate a few bites only. My mother and husband got chicken burritos (Cesar Chavez ) and I got a small tostada and carnitas enchilada or small burrito like. The carnitas and the chicken appeared to be boiled and were flavorless. They had stale chips and ran out of chips and sour cream. Ridiculous especially since there was a car show and they should've anticipated crowds. Waste of money. read more

A little hard to find but worth the effort. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Excellent food and a pleasant courtyard[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] (It is an enclosed courtyard, so typically sunny without much wind). Staff seem to go out of their way to make sure the customer is happy. read more

Really good food and our server was great. I had the stuffed poblano chile with chicken and salad, and it was awesome. The homemade walnut sauce was amazing! Meant to ask for the recipe, but im guessing it might be a closely guarded secret. Generous portions, great selection. And nice outdoor seating. Highly recommended! PS: its a little tricky to find - looks like youre going into a medical centre - follow the street address and keep the faith! It's worth the hunt. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Stuffed Poblano with homemade walnut sauce - drool - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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What a hidden gem of a Mexican restaurant, and talk about food made with love! It's been around since 1979, I actually stumbled upon this adorable gem when my daughter had her wisdom teeth removed. Here I thought the only OG Mexican restaurant is Celia's, learn something new everyday. It's hidden among all these medical offices, so the locals nearby within Gerstle Park really know about it, and those who frequent this restaurant way before Yelp days. I totally get why they want to keep it a secret. It's obviously not a secret anymore. I love coming here after picking up my son from school. It's dog-friendly in the patio and plenty of parking after hours when the offices close. Get the pupusas, get the burritos, get the steak combination, get everything. There's something for everyone, and save room for dessert ~ flan is delicious! The sangria is strong and not watered down. Staff are attentive and friendly, say "hello" to the owner aka sweetest boss lady ever! 'Til next time ~ salud & see you on Yelp (SYOY)! read more

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Probably the most disappointing dinner I've had in a long time. My order was all wrong and tasted awful on top of that. I ordered the pupusas de chipotle and received bean and cheese pupusas. I was so bummed. The pupusas didn't even taste good to add to the disappointment. Why did the beans in the pupusas and part of the dinner combo taste sour? I couldn't get past the sourness so I threw them out. For the husband I ordered a taco salad with beef. At one point during the dinner, the husband asked if they forgot to add the meat. We dug through the salad and found one sad piece of beef. Seriously? The side of guacamole was a pile of guacamole in a mini tortilla cup and maybe seven chips. The guacamole also had the sour (maybe lemon?) taste. I definitely will not be returning as this experience was an epic fail. read more

I have a difficult time with Mexican food. My sister was married to a chef from Yucatán, so I got used to really good Mexican food. Most places are dreary, serving the same things in a cheaply cooked package that is mas o menos sad. But Casa Manana 2 is not one of those places. The Frida Kahlo burrito is mucho mejor than the standard fare. It has tropical flavors, a little pineapple, a little mole, the tortilla isn't rubber, it's sooo good! The place is clean, fun decorations and the staff is really prompt and nice. It's on the $$ side but I'd rather pay a fair price for something good. read more

Little mom and pop place, great ambiance - you feel like you're in your grandparent's back yard and they just made you a delish home-cooked meal. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Chilaquiles with green sauce. - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

This place is great! Me and my friend enjoyed it immensely. I had the Joe Strummer, and she had the Enchilada Verde. My friend remarked how delicious the rice was, but she loved all of it! I thought the Strummer was particularly delicious--loved the mole sauce...the whole meal was a treat! Joe would be proud 100%. Will come back many times more. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Enchilada Verde - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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My family and I have been coming here for years. Super friendly staff and cosy outside tables in the thicket of garden plants, this place is always a home away from home. There are vegetarian options as well. I usually get the carnitas taco combo plate. It comes with rice and beans with melted cheese. For an appetizer we get the pupusas. This place has become a popular option for teens. Started by my nephew who brings his skateboard friends in for a proper get together. This is a family owned family friendly neighborhood restaurant. I have yet to come for breakfast, but the menu items looked incredible. I have enjoyed the chicken flautas, the enchiladas, the fajitas, and the tortillas are soft and fresh. We have occasionally brought a dog with us to dine outside and it was fine. This place reminds me of going to a sweet grandmother's house and having her cook for you out of her kitchen. read more

Casa Manana Restaurant - Canitas taco combo plate with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - San Rafael, California

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This is one of my very favorite restaurants. I order from Casa Manana frequently. It is consistently delicious! read more