Good service, EXCELLENT food. I've been to El Lucerito numerous times and always leave very impressed. Their​ steak is incredibly soft and I'm crazy about their estofado. They also offer warm tortillas (yummy!) and their corn drink is really worth trying! Would definitely recommend this place, over and over again. read more

Excellent Guatemalan restaurant that will not disappoint. This is the "real deal" ethnic spot that feels like a trip to Guatemala. If you are not familiar with Guatemalan food, it's about 20% similar to Mexican (corn, rice, beans and meat make up a large part of the cuisine) and you should not confuse any central or south American food with Mexican, they are just different. It's 100% autentico and not a lot of caucasians seem to have discovered it yet. As an example, the tortillas are heartier and thicker than the Mexican version and 100% corn, perfect for those looking for gluten free. The restaurant is very clean and simple, it feels like places I've been in Guatemala and the staff really makes everyone feel right at home. It's not a super fancy white table cloth sort of place, it's perfect for a casual night out with friends. The drinks include a nice selection of aguas frescas, including some made with fruits you might never see elsewhere like Nance, a tropical fruit that looks like a yellow cherry and tastes like a blend of pineapple, coconut and strawberry. Delicious! Beer, wine and the usual "Pepsi, no Coke" are also available. We started with the Garnachas, which are like mini tostadas on the soft freshly made tortillas with very finely chopped carne asada. Quite tasty! Our beef dishes were extremely well prepared and worth seeking out. The person who ordered the pork dish didn't think it was the best, but the fish was prepared whole and all that was left was a pile of bones. I'd stick with the beef or chicken. The black beans were excellent, some of the best we've ever had. If you are wondering, El Lucerito is the name for the small morning star - Venus. This place is worth making the short trek to the other side of Lincoln in San Rafael, you won't be disappointed. read more

Loved this place. My friend and I were among the only gringoes. Filled with families enjoying honest Guatemalan food. We ordered way too much and ate it all. Portions are generous, service is excellent, and the menu is huge...I can't wait to come back and try more. I had the liver, he had chicken, and we shared the wonderful Garnachas (little tostadas) appetizers. read more

Awesome place, very friendly auténtica comida Guatemalteca, clean place food was amazing. Omg tortillas hechas a mano. Agua de nance deliciosa. Las mejores garnachas en mucho tiempo. My family was very happy to visit this place in our trip to San Rafael . read more

Visitamos el Lucerito con mi familia el dia 28 de junio que era el dia del padre el lugar estaba muy lleno tomó tiempo en sentarnos lugo nos tomaron la orden la comida llego y la carne asada estaba cruda al igual q la longaniza q es de cerdo una carne q no se puede comer cruda le hisimos saber a la mesara y cual fue su respuesta lo siento pero para haserle otra tomara demasiado tiempo por q estan sacando otras órdenes nos quedamos como que respuesta es esa si nosotros lla estabamos sentados y comiendo deberían de darle prioridad a las personas que lla tienen la comida que no fue nuestra cula que estuviera todo crudo y los 4 platos estaban iguales y lo único que hiso fue darnos un descuento de $20 cuando la cuenta fue de $250 y ni cominos la carne no ballan cuando el lugar este ocupado por que a ellos no le importa sus servicio solo quiero el dinero aunque el cliente no este satisfecho hay esta el recivo de cuanto terminamos pagando para nada y no les importo muy mal servicio read more

El Lucerito - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

I stopped in on a Sunday night around 5:00 to pick up something to go. The place was packed and loud. I ordered the pollo asado which came with rice, beans and a salad. The chicken breast was pounded flat, which made it dry. The flavor was great. There was a red sauce that came with the dish and I poured it over the chicken. Delicious. The rice was perfectly cooked and the beens were liquid and had a good flavor. I liked the salad dressing. It was perfectly balanced, sweet and tangy. I'm looking forward to trying their organic chicken soup. read more

The food was DELICIOUS! My family of 7 ate outdoors and had a great experience. We ordered the Garnachas as appetizers and were so delicious and small enough to just get a little something in the stomach while the main plates came. Also tried the Rellenitos de frijoles tasted like I was in Guatemala. Our server Alberto was so attentive and we a great experience. I live in San Francisco, definitely will come back again! read more

See all

Place to go for some good comfort food. Homemade tortillas, fresh delicious food. Amazing just absolutely amazing. Great for kids and groups. They give you a lot of food. read more

El Lucerito - I don't even know what it's call but amazing should be enough - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

Excellent food! Wasn't too busy for a Friday night. Every plate seemed to be around $13-$20. I had the carne asada plate. It ame with yellow rice, black beans and sweet plantains. The tortillas it came with were small warm papusas, which I didn't expect. Was all very good! Can't wait to try more from this spot. Update: came again and tried the steaks. Very delicious. read more

El Lucerito - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

This restaurant is family friendly and presents quality meat. I highly recommend the plantains and main dish.

Becareful when calling in your order. I ordered to go on 5/21 at 5pm. Paid in cash $46 plus a good tip. They told me everything was in the bag. When I got back to work it was the wrong order I'm allergic to seafood and guss what. That order had seafood In it. Tried calling and couldn't get through. Sent an email with no response. Got off work at 10pm and taco bell never tasted better. I should of went to Sol Food. They never disappointed. read more

Amazing and delicious food! Great and friendly service. We ordered: Over hard eggs with black beans, plantains, and hand made Guatemalan tortillas. The Mar and Tierra- shrimp, chicken, steak, avocado, rice, beans, and hand made tortillas. The kids pancake and fruit. We'll definitely come back soon! read more

Clean Spacious Restaurant Nice Comfortable Vibe With Nice Attentive Waiters! Ordered Plato Lucerito which was delicious! Order two pupusas revueltas & two de queso which was okaayy ( 3 Stars ) ORDERED The Postre lucerito which has fresh fruits, plaintains, and ice cream which was yummy!! I would come again read more

El Lucerito - Postre Lucerito - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

Absolutely Amazing food. The elote tamales were fire! Steak was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. Strongly recommend this place!

Guatemala food with great flavor, delicious dishes, reasonable prices, nice environment and customer service. We love the handmade tortillas. I hope that soon they will get some coffee from Guatemala. Thank you Ceila for the great service and attention read more

Check your recite before leaving because they charge more then what you are paying for. They have done this multiple times to customers.

Estupendo! I took my Guatemalan friend and he was thrilled. Great service and food. The place was crowded but we were treated super well. Food was tasty and right temperature. Highly recommend read more

I am totally besotted by the fresh corn tortillas, served warm. They pair well with any of the dishes, but I've concocted my own combo: 1)Order the sopa con mariscos. This is one ample-sized bowl of soup, filled with fresh clams, mussels, calamari, octopus, head-on shrimp, and fish. *Do* add in the jalapeños and onions served on the side with the slice of lime. This combination of sweet broth, sour lime, and hot peppers packs a punch. 2) Order a side of guacamole. This guacamole is seriously crammed with avocado. Some places give you mayo with a hint of avocado, but El Lucerito doesn't skimp. 3)Take a corn tortilla, fill it with fish from the stew, add in guacamole, and you've got a fat taco, stuffed with goodness. This is living large. Other considerations: it's a clean, well-maintained, and well-regarded restaurant. It has quite a social scene, as families seem to head here straight from church and elsewhere. The wait staff are courteous if not overly busy from the flow of customers. read more

Uno de los mejores restaurantes que he ido en mi vida, la comida estaba deliciosa, la presentación, y el servicio de lo mejor. Soy Mexicana y la verdad mis respetos para la comida chapina, todo delicioso! Resido en la ciudad de Los Angeles pero si Dios me permite volver a San Rafael, por supuesto que volveré a El Lucerito. read more

Yummy food every time! I highly recommend this Guatemalan restaurant. The mar y tierra is one of our favorites. I can't say enough about the tostadas with carrots and beets!!! read more

Hidden gem for traditional Guatemalan food. The restaurant is impeccably clean and service is prompt. We were tended to within seconds of walking in and our orders came out quickly. We ordered the chicken entree and the carne asada - both were cooked perfectly and the sides were on point. Large portions and reasonably priced. I highly recommend this place if you are looking for Guatemalan food! read more

Don't hesitate, just order. The food is AMAZING. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We always order the carne asada plate & it comes with so much food. The carne asada is cooked perfectly & tender, the masa tortillas are incredible and their house made sour cream is to die for. Not to mention the owners are amazing too! read more

To lucerito It's expensive, bad costumer service, and they charge for tips. Personally i think they should take the charge off the típs read more

Something has changed. I understand the times are tough for restaurants, I work in the food business myself. The last few times I've went here something was off. After a dine in experience yesterday I feel the need to send this review to see if they can step it back up. Yesterday we had the Carne Asada which was great several times before but the last few times it was like leather and flavorless. We thought the dine in might change that but nope. The main problem I had was the chicken, I eat a lot of chicken. I've never had chicken so riddled with veins and other inedible pieces, I regretted eating it. The rice on all four plates were cold, the tortillas were sweaty with air pockets. The prices are high but if the quality was there it would be worth it but its not. So either the quality of ingredients has taken a big dive or the chef has changed is my best guess. We spent over 100 dollars on the four of us and everyone was shocked at what we got including natives of Guatemala who know their food. The beer for our Michalada was also warm and my friends wanted another but we didnt complain. The beans everyone could agree on were good. read more

downtown san rafael and near the bus terminal...casual guatemalan restaurant...breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings... some american mixed in...lunch for 2 and deciding to share...starting with 6 garnachas for $9...like a taco, but on a small crispy flat round tortilla...small bowl of vegetables included...also like a perfectly topped nacho....very good start to the meal....super lucerito for the entree....hefty meal piled heavy...slab of steak, piece of pork and prawns....surf and turf with another turf...rice, salsa. fried plantains, bean puree and hot soft tortillas provided...steak was tender, but thin...pork was good...prawns were perfect...meal was seasoned well for the most part...there were some random bites that had way too much salt...still a great meal overall...$47 total after tax and tip....1 appetizer, 1 large entree and 1 soda.... read more

See all

Enjoyed a really good meal with the family. I ordered the Mojarra frita (fried tilapia) and it is as good as expected. Large portion fried to perfection. DH thoroughly enjoyed the carne asada and the young one had a combo plate of some sort that he could not get enough of. The tortillas were awesome and when we could not decide on an agua Fresca, our server brought us samples of three to try - so yummy! When in San Rafael, we will enjoy a meal again :) read more

See all

Good food, easy to get seated. We sat outside right next to the busy street but it was fine. You have a tent around you so its not terrible. Very nice service. read more

My wife was born and raised in Panama. She almost started crying because some of the dishes reminded her of home. Great authentic food at a fair price. I was one of the only white people in the restaurant. A good sign indeed ;-) Mark K. San Jose, CA read more

fresh food and authentic Guatemalan food, if your in San Rafael area or San Francisco side come and give them a try you won't regret the drive. Friendly service and clean. Highly recommend this place for family gathering or friends meet up. read more

I was a regular customer at the Lucerito restaurant, but I'm so disappointed with the way that I was recently treated by the owner of the restaurant. I was asked to leave the restaurant by the owner. I was a regular client that attend the restaurant more than three times per week. I totally agree the restaurant offers an authentic and delicious Guatemalan food, but I feel so mad about the way I was treated. Me concidero un cliente regular de este restaurante al cual asisto varias veces por semana por su sabor autentico y delicioso, pero me siento ofendido por el trato del cual fui objeto por el creo que es supuetamente el dueno del restaurante. Se me pidio retirarme del lugar ami y mi familiar porque supuestamente solo teniamos una hora para consumir los alimentos. Me siento triste por la manera que fui tratado ya que en la entrada no tiene ninguna regla donde mencione eso. read more

The Best! Food is authentic has good variety and all good foods. I go back there many times! Love this place!

Went to Lucerito today and it's the last time I'll ever be there. If I could give it zero stars I would. The food is great and that's why my family and I always came in. But the service is TERRIBLE ! We were in line for a while and finally got seated, our order was taken. We noticed that it was taking longer, and more tables that came after us were getting served. We decided to ask for our check since they never came around and no one was helping us. After waiting for over an hour after they took out order. One of the guys came by with our check (the check just had our drinks and like 2 appetizers we had ordered since that's all they brought out). The guy who brought the check said that apparently the cooks didn't get our order some how and that's why it was never made. Which is total BS because how did they receive our order for the appetizers and not the rest of the food. So this whole time we were sitting there waiting for nothing and they not once checked on us or anything to see why we didn't have our food. We ended up paying the check and leaving. Didn't even bother talking to a manager because looks like their management team is just as bad. I'm very disappointed because it was one of my favorite places to go to. Hoy fuimos a Lucerito con mi familia, y es la última vez que estaré allí. Si pudiera darle cero estrellas lo haría. La comida es excelente y es por eso que mi familia y yo siempre entramos. ¡Pero el servicio es TERRIBLE! Estuvimos en línea por un tiempo y finalmente nos sentamos, nuestra orden fue tomada. Nos dimos cuenta de que se estaba demorando más tiempo, y que se estaban sirviendo más mesas que venían después de nosotros. Decidimos solicitar nuestro cheque ya que nunca llegaron y nadie nos estaba ayudando. Después de esperar más de una hora después de que tomaron orden. Uno de los chicos vino con nuestro cheque (el cheque solo tenía nuestras bebidas y como 2 aperitivos que habíamos pedido ya que eso es todo lo que trajeron). El chico que trajo el cheque dijo que aparentemente los cocineros no recibieron nuestro pedido de alguna manera y por eso nunca se hizo. Así que todo este tiempo estuvimos sentados esperando nada y no nos registraron ni una sola vez para ver por qué no teníamos nuestra comida. Terminamos pagando el cheque y saliendo. Ni siquiera nos molestamos en hablar con un gerente porque parece que su equipo de administración es igual de malo. read more

Lucerito is a traditional Guatemalan restaurant in Marin County. It's appearance from the street isn't very appealing but once we entered the restaurant the place looks clean with nice decoration. The food and service was good but my only concern was that they offered a beer that was not on the menu because they just started importing it. Note that all beer, on the menu, was priced at 4 dollars. The beer ended up costing 10 dollars and an 18 % gratitude was already included in the total, This should only be included when the table has more than 6 people. My suggestion: add the beer in a can that cost $10.00 to the menu and, don't add the 18% gratitude when they only serve two people. read more

El Lucerito - This is a copy of my receipt. - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

I check the El Lucerito restaurant website and the menus . I send my helper to the restaurante with my order 3 Mar & Terra plate and on the el lucerito website has a price of the food . It is on website mar & terra plate $ 18.95 each . My helper arrived home with our order and when I check the receipt shows Each Mar & Terra charge $20.95 + tax . I call the restaurant and the manager said they don't have website and I explained again he said the price is from 2 years ago . Bla bla Bla . So I end up hung up the phone with not right answer and refund . Check your order before pay . Advertise in website one thing and you pay extra . read more

El Lucerito - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

See all

Great service and great nostalgic food!!! It took me back to when I lived in Guatemala. I loved the fresh made tortillas. Very clean, and the Marimba music was a fantastic complementing addition to my lunch. read more

El Lucerito - El Lucerito Plate - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

Use to love this place now I DONT! Not after I was sitting next to the kitchen And saw the waiter stick his hand in the basket where the tortillas come in and place the unused one in another basket and then the cook comes and opens up a igloo container where the supposed hot and fresh tortillas are and place them back in there and mix them up! After the waiter touch the and the customer touch them as well!! Yes I saw this happening! While I was putting a tortilla in my mouth! This is just not ok what else is there that we don't see? I used to go there 3 to 4 times a week but never again , But it is your choice just be warned a customer may go to the bathroom and wipe their ass not washing their hands touched the tortillas you are putting in your mouth! As a Guatemalan native I can not believe how dirty they are they painted a pretty picture but not good standers at all!!! A hotdog stand would have better standers then this people! read more

Delicious food, giant portions, beautifully plated, immaculate with white tablecloths covered with glass which is Windexed after each party. So clean it looks like you could literally eat off the floor. Friendly and attentive service. read more

El Lucerito - "Plato el Lucerito" - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California

I'm Guatemalan so I can definitely tell if it's authentic. Which it is :) a little over priced but I still go because everything Is delicious! They have a tv that they have soccer playing on. It's almost always busy in there but always a nice vibe, all the workers are very nice and attentive. :) try the garnachas for appetizer and carne asada plate :) the horchata is also really good read more

See all

Food was meh to be quite honest. I had the caldo de gallina, it was so good and very flavorful, really good if you're coming down with a cold. 5/5 My partner had the desayuno típico, The steak was super dry and thin, honestly felt like we were eating cardboard. The beans were super watery, almost felt like were eating bean soup. 1/5 The waitress was super nice and attentive, but she charged me for a full michelada when I all had was mineral water and tomato juice, asked for no alcohol. So wtf? The tamale was ok, honestly the ones sold on the streets of east LA have better quality. 2/5 Overall, a so-so experience, hopefully they improve the quality of the food, Service was 5/5 read more

So far my favorite Latin Restaurant. The place is clean everytime we go eat there, waiters are always cool, respectul and polite. Food is made from scratch, seasoning is on point. read more

El Lucerito - Delicious,carne asada well done, seasoning on point. Tender delicious meat, hand made tortillas, hot coffee and some sunny side up eggs. - Latin American Near Me - San Rafael, California