The Cantina
| Address: | 651 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA |
| Phone: | +1 415-381-1070 |
| Site: | thecantina.com |
| Rating: | 3.9 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9PM 11:30AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–8:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 20
MA
Matt Thomas
Playing catch up, needless to say, we go to the Cantina all the time--Ive probably eaten here over 50 times so yes, Im a fan. Just about all the time, were with our kid and friends with kids as this place does a nice job mixing in kid friendly food and environment. Its Mill Valley after all. I do have varied opinions about the food. The Fajitas are great. They have Tex Mex down but Im not a fan of their burritos--pretty good but I would pass in favor of other items (salads are good too Im told but I always go to the default). Ive tried the Quesadilla but that too was left wanting. Drinks are good but as other reviewers have noted, theyre expensive and yes, you have to be in the bar area to get happy hour so do ask if youre in the right "zone". Service is always consistent and good - no problems there - it feels well managed. Ive had drinks at the bar but its cramped especially if youre on the ends as the wait staff is constantly coming in for drinks and youll get bumped in favor of their needs. At times, the bar is definitely understaffed. The outdoor areas are nice - especially outdoor patio off the inside. Out front is more of a bar scene. Why do we keep going back if the food is average to above average? Its the whole package. Good for kids, comfortable, food passes, decent drinks, good service, its fun, its easy, and parking is also easy. If youre looking for the "Mexican foodie experience", this probably isnt the place but if youre looking all of the attributes I listed above, youll have a good time and theres nothing wrong with that.
JA
Jason Kent
A wonderful family restaurant. The local community was so sad to see it close several years ago, to be replaced by some misguided attempt at high-end mexican food. Well, as a pleasant surprise it reopened just as it was before, but with a new coat of paint (metaphorically). Great food at reasonable prices, great for all ages, with accommodations for the little ones if they arent into Mexican food yet. Be aware, it does get very very loud in the main dining room, which is part of the charm, but can be much for tired little ones are older folks trying to have a serious conversation. The bar is fine, with a nice patio and fire pit. The only real gripe I have is they do have a great happy hour menu, but it is only served at the bar and half of the patio. They are bizarrely strict about this and wouldnt make an exception for our handicap friend, as there was nowhere to sit with her wheelchair on the patio and we were forced to sit at the regular tables. Besides that, great place.
JA
James Thornton
The Cantina is probably the best Mexican restaurant in Mill Valley. You will definitely want to make reservations otherwise you may be waiting a while to be seated. The food is fantastic, my recommendations are the combo appetizer and the Surf and Turf burrito. For drinks, the house margarita is very good as well. Unfortunately our server was a little slow and mixed up our order a little bit, which is the only reason I dont give this place 5/5 stars. The restaurant is clean, nicely decorated and not overly loud even when full. I highly recommend you come for the Cinco de Mayo weekend, they turn the parking lot into a beach and it is quite fun.
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A Private User
It really depends on when you go, but the service can be great or it can take forever. Outside patio is very nice on a warm summer or autumn day. The food is good - just beware that during the "dinner rush" Fridays and Saturdays it may take a while. Great place for a party or to take your kids. I prefer to go earlier or later in the evening for faster service. My favorite dish are the enchilada and "mexi-taco", but I have recently discovered their chimichangas which are excellent.
LE
LeeAnne Barnard
was craving mexican food after hike through tennessee valley, this came up as nearby on foursquare. It definitely hit the spot. The ceviche was a little disappointing but the fajitas were good. Salsa could use a little more kick but I would go back. The margaritas looks awesome but i wasnt drinking that day
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A Private User
Im very surprised to see such low reviews for the Cantina. I love this place! I think the service is friendly and fast, I think the food is delicious and reasonably priced, and what more could you ask for. They have happy hour, a nice warm outside patio, a large area for big groups, etc. Eat at the Cantina!
MA
Maryann Pearson.
This is a reincarnation of the Cantina of old and they did a good job. The food is not "gourmet" but its good variety- something for everyone. Family friendly w "quiet" areas for adults. Outdoor seating w huge fire pit, happy hour, comfortable, friendly. Good Enchiladas, chili verde, rellenos
PA
Paulina Borjon
If I could I wouldnt even give a star to this place!! super bad service and the waiters talking bad about the clients, (heard their conversation wile comming out of the restrooms) as for the food, never got to try it because of their bad service at the front door....
JA
Jamie Keaney
"Happy hour section" was full so we sat and drank/ate 3 feet from it. Then the bill came and we didnt get happy hour prices because we didnt sit in the section that was full. Poor management from the manager that night. Greedy. Average food. Small margaritas
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A Private User
Wouldnt know how the food was because we had seven people for drinks and appetizers and they said if we didnt sit oustside we wouldnt be seated. Hint! 7 people for drinks and appetizers spend way more money than a family of five!
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george lang
Im not saying why its so great because then you will all come and I will have to wait in line! Locals know it as the go to place. Fast service! Great service! And the food is a 10 every time. Dont get me started on the bar:) WOW!
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Rashi Abramson
Good food. Fajitas are tasty. A group member had their order mixed up which is why I took off a star. Very Mexican, love the salsa and fresh warm chips at the beginning of the meal. Assume the food is mildly spicy.
CH
Christopher Whiting
Ive been coming here off and on for almost 30 years and never had a bad experience. Always a positive, fun and lively atmosphere. Friendly service. Everything is made fresh on premises. Portions are generous.
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Roeene Tyler
Seems like the waiters are never the same people from one time to the next. Food is okay, chips are thin and crispy and salsa is great. Can be very loud at times.
EM
Emily H
I go here for lunch, the fajita plate is very delicious! I wish there was a cantina closer, I would go there more. Nonetheless this is a great spot!
AN
Angel Guzman
De carne asada was so delicious thanks to la cantina for the service that they provided to me and my beautiful girlfriend. Was great.
DA
Daniel Osterman
Great service, great menu, and reasonable prices. This is my favorite local spot! Monday has some killer happy hour deals - $1 tacos
GO
Gordon Burgett
Food is first-rate, excellent service, great spot to relax. We bring visitors to CA here to get a touch of the local environment.
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patricia moore
For authentic mexican food this is the place to go! Service was good. Also they have a good wine and alcohol selection.
KR
Kristopher Cavin
Service left a little to be desired, but the skirt steak fajita, the margarita, the chips and salsa--all top notch.
