From classic cocktails, original creations, juicy beers and quality wines, these watering holes have it all. Bring a friend, group or just your own self on an outing to enjoy a drink and lively atmosphere at one of our favorite bars in Marin.
The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is The Burren House (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County bar dining picks see below.
Our 2026 Dining category sponsor is Marin Dish. View the rest of the Dining category here.
Southern
Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
Central
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Northern
Novato
West
Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre
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 moment’s 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
Corner Bar
Mill Valley
Corner Bar is a small bar and restaurant serving up handcrafted cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired bites. It’s a go-to spot for locals and visitors looking to unwind.
106 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.8001
Cultivar
Sausalito
With its latest outpost in Sausalito, the Cultivar brand has made it to Marin. Brother and sister team Jody Harris and Gingy Harris Gable took their grandparents’ farm in Napa and turned it into an award-winning vineyard, growing grapes and producing wines they serve at their farm-to-table restaurants and tasting room in San Francisco and now here in Marin County. The brand-new expansive outdoor patio in Sausalito offers waterfront views.
690 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415-812-4060
Farley at Cavallo Point
Sausalito
At the recently remodeled Farley, guests can enjoy seasonal cocktails, fresh, local botanicals and microbrews, small production wine selections and alcohol-free beverages in the relaxing, gastropub-style setting.
601 Murray Circle, Fort Baker, Sausalito, 415.339.4751
Le Garage
Sausalito
Trade the tourist crush for the local one at a spot right near Schoonmaker Beach and enjoy an indulgent meal on the water in a spacious room that was once, well, you know (a garage, if you don’t). The atmosphere is animated with French music (à la Amélie) and plenty of natural light from the often open garage door. A Nicoise salad is gussied up with white anchovies and the croque monsieur oozes with Gruyere and mustard-infused bechamel sauce. Escargot, tucked into puff pastry, is easily reheated at home.
85 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 109, Sausalito 415.332.5625
Playa
Mill Valley
Playa’s food offers traditional dishes with modern flavors and presentations. The Chef’s Salad features black beans, queso fresco and other toppings of similar flavor, and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of housemade black mole and micro greens. The bar highlights exceptional tequilas and mezcals, which are perfect for sipping on the large, heated back patio.
41 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley, 415.384.8871
Tam Tavern
Mill Valley
Popular local restaurant Floodwater reopened with a new vibe, menu and name, Tam Tavern, thanks to the team behind East Brother Beer Co. It has 10–15 rotating beers on tap, cocktails and a menu designed by Chef Michael Siegel with options like smashburgers, beer-battered fish and chips and more.
152 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.290.2767
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 before sampling one of the many dishes curated to reflect the bounty of Marin. The cheeseburger — made with Stemple Creek beef — 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
Farmshop Marin
Larkspur
Along with its exceptionally crispy, yet chewy thin-crust, Farmshop serves up innovative flavor combinations and ingredients that you won’t find on many pizza menus in the Bay Area. While the classic tomato and mozzarella combo is tried-and-true, you won’t regret trying one of Farmshop’s more unique dishes. Crowd favorites include the lamb merguez, yogurt and the kale and three cheese pizza with honey drizzled on top. Another scrumptious dish to try is the wild mushrooms, pickled onions and arugula pizza.
2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.755.6700
Flatiron
San Rafael
The remodeled Flatiron is where refined American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment — with a selection 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
Red Rooster Brick Oven
San Rafael
Red Rooster Brick Oven is a longtime San Rafael dining spot. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and quality food, the restaurant offers both lunch and dinner with a focus on classic, memorable dishes.
901 B St, San Rafael, 415.234.8414
Restaurant Picco
Larkspur
Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items such as risotto (made every half hour), ahi tuna tartare, avocado bruschetta and gnocchi with house made sausage that keep attracting return visits. The warm wood and brick interior is fronted by a popular, 10-seat bar.
320 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, 415.924.0300
The Burren House
San Rafael
An authentic Irish pub serving classic dishes like shepherd’s pie and corned beef Reuben. Featuring handcrafted Irish decor and a lively atmosphere, it’s a favorite for hearty meals, craft beers and live music.
925 4th St, San Rafael, 415.690.1222
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. And it tastes just as good, if not better, on the heated outdoor patio.
877 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.899.1516
The Speakeasy/The Boardroom
Novato
Two connected venues from owner and executive chef Munther Massarweh — a secret library links the lively Speakeasy bar to the more intimate Boardroom, a Prohibition-era “piano dining room” with white linens, dark leather, and chandelier sconces. The Speakeasy keeps it casual with 10 beers on tap, cocktails spanning the 1920s to 2020s, and a tapas-style menu of grilled maitake mushrooms and mini street tacos. The Boardroom steps it up with classic wedge salad, escargot, and herb-crusted filet mignon alongside an expansive wine list.
504 Alameda Del Prado, Novato, 415.883.7793
Multiple Locations
Perry’s
Both Perry’s locations in Marin have the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar, warm service and personality that the San Francisco original has always been famous for. In Larkspur, plentiful outdoor dining options — the patio, the front garden or the redwood grove — complement three cozy indoor dining spaces.
234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.1877
225 Alameda del Prado, Novato, 415.506.4212
Explore Marin County’s top restaurants, cafés, and culinary experiences through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual guide spotlights the dining destinations locals love most — from fine dining to casual favorites.
Each listing is backed by reader votes, ensuring that only the most recommended restaurants make the list. Top-voted businesses earn Readers’ Choice recognition, making this a trusted resource for discovering where to eat in Marin.
See more top-rated spots across categories in the full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more.
Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.
Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.
Dining Sponsor
The Marin Dish
The Marin Dish is your go-to guide for food and fun in Marin. From buzzworthy restaurant openings and hidden wine bars to mouthwatering happy hours, can’t-miss foodie events, and live music, we uncover the places that make Marin such a vibrant place to live, dine, and explore.
Founded by lifelong Marin County resident Kevin Blum, The Marin Dish celebrates the people and businesses that give the county its unique flavor. More than just a local guide, it’s a community where restaurants, bars, and small businesses share their stories, promote seasonal specials and events, and connect with an engaged audience of food lovers and local explorers. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next favorite burger, planning an unforgettable date night, or looking for the hottest event in town, The Marin Dish is here to help you make the most of Marin.
The Marin Dish | Mill Valley, CA 415.290.2767 | themarindish.com
