Panchito's Serves Up Family Friendly Mexican Fare in Terra Linda

Visiting Terra Linda in northern San Rafael is a bit like stepping back in time, with plenty of mid-century Eichler ranch houses and a small shopping center that's home to some classic Marin restaurants that haven't changed for as long as I can remember. One of these that my family and I keep going back to is Panchito's, a family-run Mexican restaurant that's been serving up classic combo platters and more for over three decades.

I started going here for lunch with co-workers back when I worked in the area, and I've been coming back ever since. Panchito's opened in Terra Linda in 1979. It was taken over by current owners Leo and Jeff in 1999, who've been running it ever since. I've never been there when both of them are not there overseeing the dining rooms and making sure everything runs smoothly. They seem to know many of the customers on a first-name basis, too.

The food at Panchito's is classic Mexican-American fare, with all the usual suspects like enchiladas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, tamales, and chile rellenos. We love their extensive kids' menu (starting at $4.95), which features a variety of offerings to appeal to picky eaters and adventurous kids alike. Kids's meals all come with a small milk, juice, or soda.

For grown-up food, I usually opt for my favorite wet burrito, while my husband is a fan of the green-sauced "Swiss" enchiladas. Food here isn't too spicy, but they have a nice selection of different hot sauces for those who need to add a little heat to their meal.

For me, the best thing about Panchito's is the welcoming service and relaxed atmosphere. The dining room here feels more like an extension of your living room than it does a restaurant, and we never feel rushed. It's easy to say that a restaurant treats its customers like family, but this one really does. It's really our go-to spot for Mexican comfort food in Marin.

Panchito's is located at 667 Del Ganado Road in Terra Linda (off Freitas Parkway). To get there, take Highway 101 to the Terra Linda/Freitas Parkway exit in northern San Rafael. Head west on Freitas Parkway, then turn right on Del Ganado Road. Panchito's will be on your left in the Scotty's Market shopping center, directly across from the Terra Linda Recreation Center.

Panchito's is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 9 am, and Saturday noon to 9 pm; closed on Sundays. Call them at (415) 472-6766, or visit them online at www.panchitosrestaurant.com.