Hacienda Rest Home II

Pros

• The food and service here are always great.
• The dishes are absolutely delicious, with attentive staff and a chill vibe.
• The portions are huge and the prices are fantastic.
• The newly reopened location is clean, spacious, and family-friendly.
• The salsas and toppings are flavorful and fresh.
• The restaurant is described as an authentic Mexican spot and a hidden gem.
• Reviewers praise the experience for friendly service and a welcoming atmosphere.
• First-time and returning guests consistently report positive experiences and plan to return.

Cons

• The reviewer got sick with severe stomach cramps after eating carne fajitas, suggesting the food caused illness.
• The reviewer noted a cup dirty with old food on the rim, and a replacement cup that was dirty as well.
• The reviewer says the place is not clean.
• The takeout order was awful and prices were much higher.
• One reviewer warned that the place sells raw meat, implying it could make people sick.
• The reviewer described the food as very salty.
• There were long waits (over 40 minutes) and the experience felt overpriced.
• The diner was charged $70 for two plates of roast beef and two waters, with the food described as simple and tasteless.

Review

La Hacienda in Marin has long been a beloved spot for many in the community, a place that often earns praise for their authentic Mexican flavors, friendly service, and lively atmosphere. Several reviewers describe it as a go-to destination, with mentions of great salsa, large portions, reasonable prices, and a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Some patrons highlight how the space feels authentic and inviting, with Mexican music softly in the background, a few noting that the place has become a staple they're happy to return to again and again. A few even call it the best in the area and point to personal connections with the staff as part of the experience.

On the food side, opinions run a broad spectrum but skew positive in many cases. Numerous guests celebrate items like enchiladas with shredded chicken, chicken al pastor taco salads, burritos, carne asada dishes, and other traditional offerings that arrive hot and flavorful. Several reviewers mention tasty salsas and fresh ingredients, with notes about generous portions and solid value. There are explicit nods to authenticity, with guests appreciating that the flavors feel true to Mexican cooking and that the menu delivers familiar favorites with consistent quality. A few diners also praise specific dishes - such as tripitas tacos, carne asada chimichangas, and the ceviche combinations - while others admire the "real Mexican food" feel, the abundance of chips and salsa, and the various condiments that accompany meals. For families and groups, the space and portions often fit the bill, and some guests remark that prices are competitive or "fantastic" given the size and flavor of the meals.

Service and ambience are frequently cited as strong points. The staff is repeatedly described as attentive, friendly, and accommodating, with many reviewers noting a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. Some people praise the vibe as "chill" and feel that the restaurant is a reliable, consistent option in Marin where you can expect good service alongside solid food. A number of reviews also mention positive experiences beyond the dining room, such as the inclusion of karaoke nights on Fridays and other crowd-pleasing touches that contribute to a lively, customer-friendly environment. Even among diners who found the food exceptional, the service and the overall experience are frequently highlighted as a reason they keep returning.

As with many popular spots, there are notable criticisms that prevent a flawless consensus. Hygiene and cleanliness are recurrent concerns in a subset of reviews, including reports of dirty cups, dishes that tasted off, and comments about produce needing to be washed more thoroughly. A few reviewers describe situations where, in their view, cleanliness did not meet expectations, and one even raises concerns about raw meat safety. Some diners report long waits, ordering mishaps, or perceived overcharging, with at least one instance describing a pay-at-the-counter experience that felt off and another where a takeout order arrived incomplete or incorrect but was remedied after returning to the restaurant. A handful of guests also express disappointment with certain menu items - finding some dishes overly salty, portions smaller than expected for the price, or items that did not meet the standard they hoped for from previous visits. There are also a few comments about price and value, with some noting that while the flavors and portions can be strong, prices aren't always as low as they might appear at first glance, particularly when drinks or specialty items are added.

Delivery and takeout experiences appear to mirror the mixed-in-person sentiment. Some customers report smooth, tasty takeout or DoorDash experiences with meals that travel well, while others recount receiving the wrong item or facing delays. Importantly, there are also positive notes about remakes and quick corrections when issues arise, suggesting that the team is capable of handling hiccups when they occur. In several cases, guests who tried takeout or delivery describe the food as satisfying and consistent with dine-in quality, while a few others remain cautious about consistency across orders.

Taken together, the collection of reviews paints a picture of a longstanding Marin favorite that many people adore for its hearty, flavorful Mexican dishes, generous portions, and friendly, welcoming service. The strongest praise tends to cluster around authentic flavors, the warm atmosphere, and reliable hospitality. But there are also persistent concerns about cleanliness, occasional missteps in service or order accuracy, and the variability that can come with popular crowded dining spots. For regulars, La Hacienda often remains a reliable, enjoyable option with moments of standout dishes and a few caveats to watch for - particularly on hygiene fronts or when considering value on busy nights or for specific menu items. The result is a neighborhood staple with a passionate following: loved by many, yet with enough mixed experiences to remind guests that, like any long-running local spot, consistency can ebb and flow from visit to visit.

This part of San Rafael, California, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking to relocate. With multiple physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals in close proximity, residents can easily access healthcare resources. Additionally, the area boasts a range of cafes and restaurants for dining options, as well as parks for outdoor recreation such as China Camp State Park and Lagoon Park. The presence of transportation options like the Smart Train Station Hamilton can provide convenience for those without personal vehicles. Places of worship like Valley Baptist Church offer spiritual fulfillment, while theaters such as Century Theaters provide entertainment opportunities. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of practical necessities and recreational activities that may make it a desirable location for seniors seeking a vibrant community in which to reside.

Physicians

• Kaiser Permanente (1 miles)
• Gayre, Gregg Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Park Medical Offices (1.6 miles)
• Eye Institute of Marin (1.6 miles)
• Rita A. Vileisis, MD (1.6 miles)
• One Medical (1.8 miles)
• Edwin Munich, MD (1.8 miles)
• Dr. Helen Paek, provider of Eyexam Of CA (1.9 miles)

Cafes

• Red Whale Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• M.H.Bread and Butter (4.1 miles)
• Fairfax Coffee Roastery (4.6 miles)
• Split Rock Tap & Wheel (4.6 miles)
• Rustic Bakery (4.8 miles)
• Equator Coffees & Teas (5.9 miles)

Parks

• China Camp State Park (1.3 miles)
• Lagoon Park (1.5 miles)
• Victor Jones Park (2.5 miles)
• Peacock Gap Park (2.8 miles)
• Sun Valley Park (2.9 miles)
• Lucas Valley Park (4.7 miles)
• Peri Park (4.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Restaurants

• BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (1.9 miles)
• Wild Fox Mesquite Fired Kitchen (2.6 miles)
• Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine (3.1 miles)
• McDonald's (3.2 miles)
• Pond Farm Brewing Company (3.3 miles)
• Miracle Mile Cafe (3.4 miles)
• Picante (3.9 miles)

Theaters

• Century Theaters (1.9 miles)
• Century Larkspur (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Valley Baptist Church (2 miles)

Transportation

• Smart Train Station Hamilton (2.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Tamalpais Shambhala Meditation Group (3.3 miles)
• Caremeridian (4.7 miles)
• Marin General Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Novato Community Hospital (6.2 miles)
• Chaplain's Office: Novato Community Hospital: Sutter Health Affiliate (6.3 miles)