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Panama Hotel & Restaurant Reviews List

Panama Hotel & Restaurant

The Panama Hotel & Restaurant is a charming Bed & Breakfast Inn tucked away in San Rafael’s most delightful, Victorian neighborhood. This hidden gem features a popular fine dining restaurant with cherry wood bar, it's cozy & decorated in inviting subtle tones; offering the perfect balance of sophistication and casual elegance. You can dine in the romantic dining room, or alfresco in the garden; framed with palms, flowers, candles and lush greenery; easily feeling like you are on vacation somewhere tropical. The seasonal menus feature California cuisine, all the while playing homage to the restaurants rich history of Mediterranean and Spanish influences, creatively prepared using local and organic ingredients. The wine list offers many small local producers with 20+ wines by the glass, local, imported and organic beer. Live jazz, blues and contemporary sounds compliment your dining experience Tues. and Thurs. evenings. If your desired time is not available, please call the restaurant.
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140 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
(140 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 140 reviews
5 stars
(33)
4 stars
(84)
3 stars
(17)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • neighborhood gem(114)
  • great for outdoor dining(88)
  • fit for foodies(53)
  • great for lunch(48)
  • romantic(43)
  • special occasion(38)
Panama Hotel & Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointed after hearing praise

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Perhaps vegetarian fare is not this restaurant's strong point. The grilled artichoke, kale salad, and poblano chilli were all mediocre."
Dined on 6/15/2013
 2004
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
0points
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Review 2 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Loved the welcome

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We got to the restaurant an hour early and there were 7 of us instead of 5 and we were made to feel quite welcome, a table was found and the whole experience was delightful. Sally"
Dined on 6/11/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
0points
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Review 3 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great atmosphere

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/05/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"What a neat find. Great food and service in a sorta tropical atmosphere. We had a great time celebrating our anniversary there."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, great for lunch, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A Fine Time

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/05/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"With live jazz, good food, and homey ambience, the Panama Hotel offers a special mid-week experience. Reserve a table indoors to enjoy the music."
Dined on 6/05/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 5 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good to Return!

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/04/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
""Dine About Town" in June is great! A group of five - feasted on 5 different tapas, each an entree plus desserts and a bottle of rose wine. Outstanding - tapas: tiger prawns, roasted mushrooms; entree - lamb shank, rib-eye steak; dessert - manchego cheese
Excellent service too!
"
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 6 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Jazz Lovers' Delight

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/04/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Lots of visual, auditory and gustatory delights to offer in this cute and funky little hotel restaurant. Tucked away in the downtown neighborhood, it offers delicious food, lovely garden dining and loads of kitsch to keep the eyes wandering. A small jazz band was playing the night we dined and it was most enjoyable."
Dined on 6/04/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
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Review 7 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Tasty food in a garden

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/29/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Just love this place, The fish tacos are perfect...spicy but not hot, flaky fish...yum. The calamari is great. The service attentive but not cloying. The garden fun and colorful. Go!"
Dined on 5/29/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
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Review 8 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Brunch delight!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/26/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is the second time I've been to brunch at the Panama and loved it both times. The menu is varied so if you're a bacon and eggs kinda person, they've got it. If you like something a little more exotic, like Polenta with eggs and peppers, they've got that too. The scones are lovely, you can make your own Mimosas and the atmosphere is quiet and the staff friendly and never rushes you. Love it and will look forward to trying a lunch or dinner sometime too."
Dined on 5/26/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic
0points
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Review 9 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Many Stars for Panama

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/25/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The menu was innovative and the service, extraordinary."
Dined on 5/25/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 10 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/24/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"This is a classic, San Rafael venue; it's delightful, and locals (both current and former residents) have been coming to the spot for almost five decades. While there's a wonderful touch of nostalgia (the place playfully gives homage to its history), the modern incarnation is everything one could ask in terms of menu, service and ambiance. A great choice."
Dined on 5/24/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 11 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great music

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The live music is always a highlight."
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 12 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"sat outside so was very quiet. Noisey inside"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 13 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I ordered a hamburger medium well but it was well done.
Friend ordered fish taco- she thought the fish was a little off.
"
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 14 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Wonderful food every time

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/16/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I used to go to the Panama Hotel for lunch, when I worked in San Rafael. It was really great then... we would go for group lunches or meet up after work. The food was always consistently good. I just went back today after not having been back in 7 years, and my lunch was amazing! I'm so happy they are still going as strong as ever! I had the Kale Salad and a burger, both were extremely delicious. The bread they brought out to begin the meal was also warm, and extremely tasty. I can not wait to go back again to try something new on the menu!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 15 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Great Music, Great Food

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Except for the slow service, this is a gem of a neighborhood restaurant. The jazz music was GREAT, food was as well. I'd recommend the Panama to all."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 16 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/14/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"excellent service! good menu. enjoyed dinner a lot"
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, kid-friendly
0points
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Review 17 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

LIke Costa Rica Close to Home

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This restaurant/hotel is a hidden gem, truly, although it's obvious it's not so "hidden" from the number of people that dropped in for lunch last Monday. The ambiance is great, there is both indoor and outdoor dining, and the staff are super friendly and helpful. I've been here for lunches with girlfriends, dates, and also to just have a nice meal by myself. It all works here. The hotel is adorable, and I highly recommend it. I've stayed several times while my house was under construction, and all the rooms I tried were adorable and interesting and clean and comfortable. It reminds me of a B&B in Costa Rica, without the humidity!"
Dined on 5/13/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Food/Ambiance Good; Service Spotty

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We went to Panama Hotel with another couple. I requested a table on the outside patio with heat lamps, and that's exactly what we got - great spot. Nice atmosphere.
The food was good, but the pacing and our service was off. Three in our party ordered wine flights; we had finished the salad course before our drinks arrived. And the order was incorrect - they brought two white wine flights instead of two red. It was quickly corrected, but felt like they weren't paying a lot of attention.
When our mains arrived, they brought the wrong side, and it took about 10 minutes for the correct item to be served. We might try them again for Yappy Hour (dogs welcome, sounds fun), but we're giving it a miss when family visits next weekend."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
+1point
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Review 19 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A neighborhood favorite

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/10/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Delicious food and excellent service."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 20 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Best charming restaurant

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Panama is always a delight.
I eat brunch, lunch and dinner here as often as I can and recommend it to all my friends.
"
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 21 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Surprising Delight!

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My friend and I were meeting people in San Rafael and were not familiar with restaurants. Open Table never lets me down. The reviews said we would like it and we did. The avocado and dungeness crab appetizer was light and delicious. The crab was fresh and tasty. Our entrees weren't bad, but could have been better had the salmon not been overcooked and the lamb not undercooked. The dessert stole the show. It was a delicious brownie with dark chocolate gelato and lots of chocolate syrup -- fabulous. Our wait person, Stefanie, was delightful, but there was only one of her, so service took a little long."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We keep coming back

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/02/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have eaten there many times and are always pleased. The weather was warm so eat dined outside. The menu had a few new items which were interesting. A very easy place to celebrate my birthday"
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 23 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Panama Hotel is one of our

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Panama Hotel is one of our favorite spots in Marin County. We come for brunch, lunch, and dinner and enjoye them all. The service is wonderful and the garden is lovely. We will be back."
Dined on 04/28/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Thoughtful something for everyone

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Thoughtful something for everyone can't go wrong everything is tasty menu, professional but friendly service, great ambience."
Dined on 04/28/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent & Unpretentious

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We brought a friend from Switzerland here for a long evening of conversation. We had a wonderful evening: the restaurant has a lovely
ambiance, causal and unpretentious. But each course revealed that the chef & the kitchen team is on top of their game. The Scallop Tosta and Wild mushroom ravioli were excellent both in quality and presentation. The service was unobtrusive but most helpful. ( We asked to change tables to the entry courtyard because the interior restaurant was too loud for my guests. Our request was taken care of immediately.) Our entries were beautiful, and perfect in every sense. The Flatiron Kobe Steak was perfectly prepared and served at the right temperature. Panama is my favorite place in Marin.
"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 26 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent service, delicious

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent service, delicious appetizers and entrees - a real find!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Panama is a great "go

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The Panama is a great "go to" spot in San Rafael. You can't get more local and unique than this place. It is charming, and the menu remains the same year in and year out, and, for once, you are glad for that. We have enjoyed years of family gatherings, girlfriend evenings, and romantic anniversaries here, and our menu favorites always keep us coming back. Try the Baja Salad or the crab stuffed avocado for a lighter dinner. The Tortilla Soup is comforting and yummy. Caesar with salmon. The burger. The Stuffed Poblano Pepper. Oh, and always get the fries. They are amazing. Spacious patio dining, the porch spots are fun, and the dining room is always elegant, yet homey. Make reservations, if you can."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Fool me twice, shame on me

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was very good, but the service, once again, was lacking. Hostess was not welcoming. Took a long time for waitress to take our order and even longer for drinks to arrive. Waitress was not unfriendly, but not friendly, either. (Important part of the dining experience for me.) When they brought the entree, it was someone else's dinner. They took it from our table (after it had been sitting in front of us for 5 minutes) directly to the other diners. (Is that right? I don't know.)
I don't plan on going back. This is the second time I've had a similar experience. Too bad. It's a great venue, and the food is good."
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2007
+1point
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Review 29 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

One of the few San Rafael options..

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Nice little San Rafael option, for SR stands out with amongst the fewest decent places to dine in the Bay Area ::: A menu with varied choices, creative but within control by the kitchen, and more vegetarian options than most ::: The patio is always pleasant on a warm evening..."
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2004
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Review 30 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We had an enjoyable experience,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had an enjoyable experience, except for the end when we gave the woman (not our waitress) our money, expecting change. She never returned, so we had to go ask. She just thought that we had left "quite a generous tip" (40%) and apologized, but it still left a bad taste in our mouths... My meal was great (mussels) but my husband's chicken was just so so. We will probably go back, but for lunch...."
Dined on 04/11/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
+1point
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Review 31 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Scallop tostadas were amazing.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Scallop tostadas were amazing. Burger was huge, and the service was pleasant."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointment

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It's not a fancy restaurant or hot spot and I saw the reviews and was welling to give it a try. The place is nice and very romantic and service was ok. Food was excellent!! But I was really disappointed because when I made the reservation thru open table, I make a special request about it was for my boy friend's birthday and hope they can do something special. It's not like I was asking for a free cake. We actually ordered the dessert but not even a candle or writing of happy birthday. It was suppose to be a surprise for him and end up nothing.... very disappointed...."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2010
Special Features: romantic, special occasion
+1point
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Review 33 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Yummy!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Easter brunch was wonderful. The service lovely and friendly. The ambience romantic yet casual. I had the eggs florentine and ate every last bite.. it was so tasty... we also had the omelette with portobello, spinach, bacon and cheese and it to was extremely tasty. We will definitely return and highly recommend."
Dined on 03/31/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
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Review 34 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Classic San Rafael spot!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Always love this place!!! Been going there for 25 years!!"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 35 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I went for dinner here with

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I went for dinner here with a girlfriend and it was great for that. We shared the tortilla soup, the beet salad, and then I had the ahi and she had the crab in the avocado half. All of it was really great.
Our server gave us a good amount of time to decide, we never felt rushed and all of the food was brought out in appropriate courses. Our server seemed slightly awkward but was friendly.
The only part is the music. . .which was great but once it starts it's difficult to hold a conversation without really trying to hear what's being said. But the band was really good.
"
Dined on 03/19/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
0points
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Review 36 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We went here for Brunch on

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We went here for Brunch on St. Patricks. Charming small, old hotel in a quiet neighborhood. The food was delicious! I ordered Colcannon which came with shredded potatoe base, black forest ham, a poached egg and this divine vinagrette. It was very unusual brunch item and it was DEE-LISH!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 37 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was my first time there

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was my first time there to the Panama Hotel. What a treat !
The Scallop tosadas as an appetizer was fabulous. THey made my last meal on earth list !
The timing of service was great. It was an enjoyable evening out !"
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 38 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great music Tuesday and Thursday

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great music Tuesday and Thursday on top of good food."
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 39 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Lovely as always, and on a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Lovely as always, and on a sensational day for weather, it was perfect."
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Small portions for the price,

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Small portions for the price, but tasty."
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 41 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Generous portions of expertly

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Generous portions of expertly prepared cuisine. Generous pours of wine. This is a delightful, popular place. We celebrated my husbands 75th birthday here with another couple. Although I put it in the notes and reminded our server, they did not offer any kind of "special something (for which I would have generously tipped). Guess they ignore special occasions."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 42 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sunday Eve Delicious Food & Music

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"WE had another delicious meal at The Panama while listening to Marianna August and her combo on a Sunday evening."
Dined on 03/03/2013
 2005
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 43 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Interesting and varied menu

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Interesting and varied menu plus the added attraction of jazz. Lots of fun."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining
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Review 44 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Disappointed

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Seems like non of the rooms are very good.
We sat in the "outside" room with plastic walls and were totally forgotten about by our server. Terrible service. We would ask her for something and 20 minutes later when another server came by we would have to ask him for help and then finally something would happen. This did not happen just once, but every time. One of our entree ws very good and the other one very fair.
the other 2 seating options didn't look much better: Either you were in the breezy entrance way or in the main room with amplified music so talking with friend would be impossible, except during intermissions. Go when they don't have music and be in the main room.
"
Dined on 02/13/2013
 2008
+1point
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Review 45 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice neighborhood spot with

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Nice neighborhood spot with live music, too. The food is good and creative. My one complaint is the wine list. There is not one wine under $10 a glass. A few more moderate choices would be really nice."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was good but not

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was good but not amazing. The best dish by far was the mini diver scallop appetizer but I would have rather paid a bit more and gotten a bit more. The beet salad was on the mini side. My friends steak was cooked very nicely although my salmon itself was just fine I enjoyed the veggies and lemon sauce more than the salmon."
Dined on 02/26/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 47 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Give your review a title (optional)

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was delicious and the setting is charming in a neighborhood B&B kind of way."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 48 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service was quite slow on

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Service was quite slow on this visit. Fish Tacos were made with talapia instead of cod or snapper which is a shortcut they should not take."
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2009
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 49 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The music was so loud we could

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
"The music was so loud we could not communicate . !!!!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
 2013
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Review 50 for Panama Hotel & Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food here while freshly

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food here while freshly prepared is fairly pedestrian. I found the service to be prompt and courteous and they have a decent wine list. The space is intimate and they have a rotating schedule of excellent live music. Would I go back? Not for dinner... I found it to be overpriced for the quality and lack of ambiance. I would come back to sit at the bar for the live music and possible for lunch."
Dined on 02/19/2013
 2012
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