Taco Jane's Restaurant And Bar — Restaurant in San Anselmo

Where to start…

They serve the community more than any other business.

They continue to innovate and elevate every year and make the best Mexican food even better.

The staff are sweet as can be.

What else can I say except I hope eat through the whole menu!

Update years later:

I’ve been coming to Taco Jane’s in San Anselmo for over 20 years with my family, and it’s been a joy to watch the constant evolution of this beloved local spot. The owner, Matthew “Matteo” Boussina, is incredibly passionate about pushing the restaurant to new limits, often traveling to Mexico City for inspiration. His enthusiasm is infectious, and it’s evident in the menu’s evolution, which always brings something new and exciting to the table. The snapper burrito has been my go-to for years, but recently, I’ve switched to what I affectionately call the “Jose” - a snapper burrito without rice and beans, but with the addition of their amazing steak. It’s a delightful twist on a classic, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation. Taco Jane’s stands out not just for its delicious food but for its authentic Mexican cuisine made with love. It’s the cheapest taqueria in Marin, yet the quality never wavers. The atmosphere is always vibrant, with live music and a welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel like a little vacation. The “black gold” salsa, a charred, blackened tomato salsa with raw ingredients, is a must-try, and their curated collection of mezcal adds a unique touch to the dining experience. The restaurant’s dedication to its community and its roots is palpable. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a place where memories are made, where the food is a celebration of culture, and where every dish tells a story. Here’s to many more years of enjoying the flavors of Taco Jane’s, where every day feels...

Despite a work colleague who lives nearby the restaurant steering me away from this place a couple of years ago, today figuring my colleague might have misjudged the restaurant or it might have improved, my daughter and I stopped in while the restaurant was hardly busy. First, we were barely acknowledged--not a friendly greeting whatsoever--and after seating ourselves (there was no obvious "order here" sign--other than one referring to "ToGo orders"--and waiting well over 5 minutes, we went up and ordered--which is a bit annoying for the higher price point and the fact that one is paying a tip upfront--when one hasnt yet had the food or service. Restaurants seem to be going in this direction so they don't have to employ as much staff to engage with the customer. We got a simple order of salsa, guac & chips, along with a salmon fish taco plate. Food service was fine and quick but the chips were stale; the salsas, Spanish rice were tasteless and the fish tacos were ok--definitely had better for under $20. With the exception of the guac, which was generous, reasonably priced (given the price of avocados these days) and delicious, everything seemed to be void of salt. At the table next to us I overheard a customer telling her friend that the rice had no flavor. Maybe this place has survived Covid and given the cocktail menu may thrive well based upon local drinkers but it seems to me it needs an ovehaull in both customer service and quality of food in order to have such inflated prices. Avoid it if you have had exposure to authentic or just plain good Mexican food as you will be...

A friend, who lived down the street, turned me on to this restaurant decades ago. Taco Jane's is a bright and lively eatery with both outdoor and indoor seating. The bar features many different tequila and mezcal. The restaurant features many small plates, conducive to sharing.

One of my favorite small plates is the Mateo Cake. It is a patty made with masa and whole corn kernels griddled until crispy on the outside, but tender on the inside. It is served over a black roasted tomato salsa and topped cheese, sour cream, and black olives. The flavors are outstanding, but what makes this dish special is its mouthfeel. The crispy edges of the corn cake along with the lusciousness of the sour cream and black salsa is out of this world. This and a cerveza makes a nice little lunch.

My favorite main dish is the Pacific Red Snapper Taco. It comes in blue and white corn tortillas and is topped with a corn salsa and a chipotle sauce. It is served with a salad and rice and beans.

Parking can be tricky in downtown San Anselmo, but if you drive up Tamalpais by a few houses, you should be able to...