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 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

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

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

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

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

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.

1031 C St, San Rafael, 415.991.5061
Longway
San Anselmo

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

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

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

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

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

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.
Rodney Strong | Healdsburg | 707.431.1533 | rodneystrong.com
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