The Best Coffee and Coffee Shops in Marin

Every day, over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide. You could say as a species we’ve got a bit of an obsession. As more coffee shops than ever are popping up, new styles, types, blends and innovations are taking our morning crutch to new levels of taste, strength and quality.

For the one cup-ers, coffee all day-ers, fanatics and fiends, the 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Equator Coffees (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Coffee Shop picks see below.

Our 2025 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong. View the rest of the Dining category here.

Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin.

Southern 

Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon

Central

Corte Madera – Larkspur – San Anselmo – San Rafael

Northern

Novato

Southern Marin

Caffe Acri

Tiburon

A photo of a pastry topped with sliced peaches.
Photo courtesy of Caffe Acri

A short stroll from the Tiburon and Angel Island ferries, this cafe serves coffee and espresso beverages as well as breakfast, lunch and pastries that are made fresh in house daily. Pastries are individually wrapped, perfect to take on a walk by the waterfront. Affogato-mention: try their espresso over house-made gelato for a little treat.

1 Main St, Belvedere Tiburon, 415.435.8515

Equator Coffees – Sausalito

Sausalito

Sausalito Equator

Photo Courtesy of Equator Coffees

The historic red brick building on Sausalito’s main street, Bridgeway is always buzzing with locals and visitors who come to enjoy, this woman-owned and LGBTQ-proud coffee shop with four locations in Marin. This certified B Corporation’s tasty coffee has been sustainably harvested and consciously produced since 1995. And they’ve earned attention, love and popularity from the community. Order a house-made pastry, breakfast or lunch item (varies by location), sit outside and enjoy the well-crafted atmosphere they provide.

1201 Bridgeway A, Sausalito, 415.729.9656

Equator Coffees – Tam Junction

Mill Valley

202206 Equator Coffees Endless Summer by Tony DiPasquale-02593

Photo Courtesy of Equator Coffees

This iconic red coffee shop, is a popular place for all to gather. Order a house-made pastry, breakfast or lunch item (varies by location), sit outside and enjoy the well-crafted atmosphere they provide.

244 CA-1, Mill Valley, 415.209.3733

Equator Coffees – Mill Valley

Mill Valley

Photo Courtesy of Equator Coffees

Good luck getting a seat at this downtown Mill Valley location. Order a house-made pastry, breakfast or lunch item (varies by location), sit outside and enjoy the well-crafted atmosphere they provide.

2 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.720.7576

Firehouse Coffee & Tea

Sausalito

A coffee mug and bag of beans sits against a backdrop of a boat harbor.
Photo courtesy of Firehouse Coffee and Tea

Located next to the Sausalito firehouse, this aptly named cafe is frequented by Marin firefighters and police officers just before the start of their shifts. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, one of their 11 local blends of tea or a specialty latte — honey lavender, anyone? — this is a cozy community spot to try.

317 Johnson St, Sausalito, 415.729.9159

Peet’s Tiburon

Tiburon
With over five locations in Marin County, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

1 Blackfield Dr suite a, Tiburon, 415.384.3900

Peet’s Mill Valley

Mill Valley
A popular downtown Mill Valley location for years, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

88 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.8227

Upside    

Mill Valley

Photo courtesy of Staci Glynn

In the heart of Mill Valley’s Tam Junction, you can find the crossroads of community and coffee at Upside. Partnered with San Francisco coffee roasters Lady Falcon Coffee Club, Upside brings delicious coffee while cultivating a gathering place for people and experiences. Sip a cappuccino while enjoying some of Upside’s events like Doggy Days, one regular event where patrons are invited to bring their pups to the cafe.

215 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley

Central Marin

Emporio Rulli

Larkspur

Emporio Rulli
Photo courtesy of Emporio Rulli

Interested in classic Italian espresso, pastries or cakes? How about all of the above? Rulli, located in historic downtown Larkspur, has been providing this and more to the Marin community since 1988. Coffee is roasted bi-weekly by Chef Rulli himself and all pastries are made in house.

464 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.7478

Equator Coffees – San Rafael

San Rafael

Equator Coffee is a woman-owned and LGBTQ-proud coffee shop with four locations in Marin. This certified B Corporation’s tasty coffee has been sustainably harvested and consciously produced since 1995. And they’ve earned attention, love and popularity from the community. Order a house-made pastry, breakfast or lunch item (varies by location), sit outside and enjoy the well-crafted atmosphere they provide.

115 Jordan St, San Rafael, 800.809.7687

Fox + Kit

San Rafael

A unique coffee shop catering to both children and parents, the beautiful interior and sophisticated atmosphere provide an interactive play space for kids and exceptional coffee and treats for adults.

Fox + Kit, San Rafael
Photo courtesy of Fox + Kit

1031 C St, San Rafael, 415.991.5061

Longway

San Anselmo

Photo courtesy of Longway

Two years ago out of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, the Longway team opened a cafe centered around a small, crafted, woman-owned coffee brand, Lady Falcon Coffee. Born from a simple love of roasting beans and a community that supports them, their shop in San Anselmo pours high-quality coffee and local goods from Cibo Bakery, Johnny’s Doughnuts and Urban Remedy.

641 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.306.7657

Marin Coffee Roasters – San Anselmo

San Anselmo

Photo courtesy of Marin Coffee Roasters

Marin-based and obsessed with quality, Marin Coffee Roasters brews specialty coffee and serves fresh food every day.

546 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.258.9549

Peet’s Corte Madera

With over five locations in Marin County, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera,   415.306.9340

Peet’s Greenbrae

Greenbrae

With over five locations in Marin County, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

276 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.461.2695

Peet’s San Rafael

San Rafael

With over five locations in Marin County, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

402 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.306.0261

Philz Coffee

Corte Madera

Photo courtesy of Philz Coffee

A bay area favorite, Philz started in 1978 out of a convenience store in the Mission District in San Francisco. Once he perfected his style, Phil opened his first shop in 2003, and now has shops all over the country. Serving up unique blends carefully crafted for each customer, stop by for a mint mojito (favorite of many), black cup of joe or mocha.

403 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera, 415.496.2024

Pink Owl Coffee

San Rafael

Photo courtesy of Pink Owl Coffee

Choose from hand-selected teas and coffees, light meals and in-house baked goods like blueberry coffee cake or vegan banana bread. Feeling experimental? Try one of their specialty lattes or a coffee flight. A portion of their annual revenue goes to breast cancer research and supporting women, so you know your money is not only going to a worthy local business but also a good cause.

1100 4th St, San Rafael, 415.578.2558

Red Whale Coffee

San Rafael

A bag of coffee with a logo that reads "Red Whale Coffee."
Photo courtesy of Red Whale Coffee on Facebook

Known for its cult-like following, this coffee shop located in San Rafael is geared toward to-go orders, but also has a retail nook (for swag and make-at-home coffee goodies) and a lounge in the back equipped with vintage arcade games. Started back in 2013 by fifth-generation Californian Sean Boyd, Red Whale guarantees high quality coffee and flavor profiles that will keep you coming back — the Chocolate Cold Brew is a must. They are also a staple at the Sunday San Rafael Farmers Markets and have converted an antique car into a “Red Whale Coffee to the Rescue” mobile coffee shop. 

169 Paul Dr, San Rafael,  415.906.6277

The Coffee Roastery

Fairfax

A community-focused coffee shop nestled in downtown Fairfax, The Coffee Roastery offers freshly roasted beans and expertly brewed coffee in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Known for its friendly service and commitment to quality, it’s a favorite local spot for coffee enthusiasts.

4 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.451.1825

Northern Marin

Dr. Insomniac’s

Novato

A latte sitting on a table surrounded by three cups of coffee beans.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Insomniac’s on Facebook

From blended coffees to fitness shakes to scuffins (what happens when “the best part of a scone and the best part of a muffin” are combined), find almost anything you could want for breakfast, lunch or snack time pick me up at this downtown Novato cafe. Their patio seating overlooks Grant Avenue is shaded and great for people watching.

800 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.246.7347

Marin Coffee Roasters Novato

Novato
Marin-based and obsessed with quality, Marin Coffee Roasters brews specialty coffee and serves fresh food every day.

Pacheco Plaza 466 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, 415.884.9400

Peet’s Novato

With over five locations in Marin County, it’s hard to miss Peet’s Coffee. It got its start in Berkeley in the 1960s and has become a nationwide coffee shop brand, but many of the locations still have that local coffee shop feel.

7320 Redwood Blvd suite a, Novato, 415.897.4920

Dining Sponsor

Rodney Strong


Rodney Strong was an acknowledged visionary who understood the potential that Sonoma County’s soil and climate held for producing world-class wines and was one of the first to plant Pinot Noir in Russian River Valley and the first to produce a Chalk Hill appellation Chardonnay.