The Cantina - Mill Valley

Amazing food and service was great. Food came out very quickly. Was a nice quiet family restaurant.

Came back again on a recent, rainy Friday night. My friend and I sat in the bar area, which I think is the key to success here. Our server was on it- she was quick, gracious, and didn't make us feel rushed (as sometimes a bar seat can). The food has much improved. The tortilla soup was exactly what we needed to warm us up, and the bar area felt lively but not suffocating. Glad to have this awesome place back on my list.

Our server was super nice, and that's where the nicety ends. The food totally sucks. My cheese quesadilla was missing some cheese. And it has green onions? Thank you, next. My GF ordered the chicken burrito. The chicken burrito tasted as if it had a dream of flavor. It required a liberal dousing of cholula. It was also served with a salad...who would have asked for that? The 3% living wage surcharge doesn't go to any of the staff, it just goes to the restaurant. That's pretty deceitful. Like, what? I would not come back here again. If you like dry, bland, overpriced food, come to the cantina.

Just an update, I wanted to give them another try and see if they were back to the high standard of food they originally had but haven't had in a while. Gave them a call to ask if they are still charging for chips and salsa. They are, so I won't be going back. If you're the owner or manager reading this how about giving the first basket free and charging for additional baskets or raising the price on all the dishes a buck or two. I'm not cheap and don't mind paying more for good food but I'm not paying for chips salsa at a Mexican restaurant. Especially ones that are obviously out of a bag.

I have been a patron for 7+ years and often thru the pandemic as well so I greatly appreciate their outdoor dining. One of our favorite bartenders Louis is always a pleasure. I seldom look at anymore, because, well....everything is expensive, everywhere. But I did look yesterday. And was shocked that a combo plate of 1 taco, 1 enchilada, beans/rice was 21. Ugh. Service was friendly and quick, but I think there was the equivalent of zero red sauce on the enchilada. Literally just what the tortilla may have been dipped in, if that is the prep method they use.