El Rey Mexican Bar and Grill — Restaurant in Novato

First off, I want to say that-there are several people that I like here. The older crew that stayed from La Piniata..The one star is NOT for them, they deserve more than what’s offered and I believe who’s kept this place afloat, including the bartender. With that being said, Some of the servers that are currently with El Rey that stayed after it transitioned, are the reason We went back with our family and friends on multiple occasions, even when there were continuous mistakes that were made with our food Several times (with new servers)..especially one lady, who can never, ever get our order right ! I’m not that picky and will eat an enchilada when I ask for a taco, but it’s every single time we’re seated in her section and when you tell me I can’t have a combo plate with one item and that it comes with two and it’s something I’ve ordered multiple times, I have to question what’s going on. Especially when you tell me it’s not on the menu when it is! When I find hair in my food on more than one occasion and I’m told that it came from us, I have to question that too. When a random item is added to my bill, even if it’s $1.00 but you can’t explain what it is I have to question that one as well. When gratuity is added and decided for me with a party of 3, even when we tip better than the 15% you added without my permission , we have to question your integrity and wonder what the he** you think you’re doing and that’s when I put my foot down. We have spent A LOT of money, brought several friends to your establishment. Well, not anymore! I can tell you this..Make sure you read your bill. Most people don’t bother to check it....

I usually favor a smaller / hole-in-the-wall taqueria when it comes to Mexican food, but El Rey is the place to go when I want more than a burrito. They have an extensive menu that includes all the classics along with some things I've never heard of. The food comes out hot and tastes fresh. And don't forget the drinks. El Rey has a full bar and they know how to pour a margarita. The staff has been attentive and friendly both times I was there - the type of people who make you really want this business to succeed. Due to Covid, I have never sat at their indoor bar or indoor dining, but I've heard it's nice. I enjoyed sitting on their large, lightly shaded patio.

Prices seem fair, especially considering the generous portions.

Update: Their quesadillas cannot be beat. My favorite is the shedded chicken, but all of them are really good. You can get the quesadilla appetizer which comes with a bunch of different stuff on the side (sour cream, guac, salsa, pickled onions, etc) or you can get it as a combo that doesn't have all that extra side toppings, but does come with rice and beans. If you get the dinner combo it comes with 4 large quesadilla wedges as opposed to lunch combo which comes with 2 wedges. Dinner combo is enough for two full meals even though it is just a couple dollars more than the lunch combo, so I like to get that and take the leftovers home for later - basically 2 for 1.

Also their churros are so good!! They are filled with dulce de leche and usually have whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and carmel on top, but sometimes they come plain. That is a little inconsistent, but either way, they...

Over a week ago, we were driving south to San Francisco through Novato when we decided to stop for dinner, and Mexican food won the majority vote! We chose a new place called El Rey.

We arrived around 7:30 PM, and the restaurant wasn't busy since it was a Sunday evening. Looking at the menu, I was immediately drawn to the ceviche. We decided to start with guacamole and chips, share the ceviche, and order a Quesadilla con Carne Asada. The guacamole was fresh and well-made, the ceviche was exceptionally delicious, and the quesadilla was very well-prepared and tasty.

Our server was friendly and helpful with our questions, and we even shared a few good laughs. The service was excellent.

El Rey has been a local spot in Novato for many years. It is family-owned and known for serving traditional Mexican dishes in a welcoming setting. The restaurant has built a strong reputation in the community as a reliable place for a hearty meal, with many locals returning for decades.

The restaurant is located in a standalone building within a shopping center and offers a large seating area. They also have an outdoor seating area, which I imagine would be especially nice on a warm evening.

As a first-time visitor, I was very impressed. The food, service, and relaxed atmosphere made for an enjoyable stop on our drive. We would definitely return the next time...