From classic cocktails, original creations, juicy beers, and quality wines, these watering holes have it all. Bring a friend, group, or send a solo outing to enjoy a bevy and lively atmosphere at one of our favorite bars in Marin. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Perry’s (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County bar dining picks see below.
Our 2023 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
Buckeye Roadhouse
Mill Valley
The warm dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moments respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk out front. Feeling hungry? Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs, and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s.
15 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
Watershed
Mill Valley
Gather ’round the fire pit in front of the restaurant at the Lumber Yard or hang out at the long bar for a pre-dinner glass of wine from their extensive and diverse list, craft cocktail, or beer on tap. If you’re looking to eat, the Stemple Creek Ranch burger and fresh pastas are matched with a bevy of simply prepared, easy to share dishes (like spicy rock cod lettuce cups or lamb riblets) that reflect chef Kyle Swain’s careful sourcing and focus on local flavor
129 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.2406
Central Marin
Perry’s
Larkspur
Visit the bustling bar, a perennial best of the county winner, at Perry’s on Magnolia for warm service, quality cocktails, beers on tap, and a glass of wine. Drinks range from locally inspired original creations like the Sonoma Sour, classics like the Perry’s Manhattan, globally sourced wines, and draft beers. The long wooden counter invites friendly gatherings and conversations to go along with your bevy of choice.
234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.1877
California Gold
San Rafael
Death Proof, a “lethal” blend of dark rum, Calvados, orange, and aromatic bitters, is just one of the pre-Tiki, handmade drinks that highlight the cocktail menu in the slickly comfortable space, decked out in a style befitting the Roaring Twenties. The drinks range from California beer styles on the 12 taps to globally-sourced wines. Fresh cocktails, like the Tropical, Smash and Thunderbolt, feature produce sourced from the San Rafael farmers’ markets. Enjoy them at an outdoor table.
848 B St, San Rafael
Flatiron
San Rafael
The remodeled Flatiron is where refined American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment — with a bevy of craft beers. Owned by the Strickers, a husband-and-wife duo, this polished sports bar serves noshes like chili lime cauliflower, classic sandwiches, and truffle and waffle fries in a space that also features classic arcade games.
724 B St, San Rafael, 415.453.4318
Northern Marin
Finnegan’s Marin
Novato
The dark wood paneled booths and high backs on bar stools mean it is easy to linger over Irish-inspired meals like corned beef and cabbage or nachos made with waffle fries instead of corn chips. They taste just as good on the heated outdoor patio.
877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516
Sponsor
Rodney Strong: 2023 Best of the County Dining
