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 2026 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 2026 Dining category sponsor is The 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
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 the espresso over house-made gelato for a little treat.
1 Main St, Belvedere Tiburon, 415.435.8515
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 its 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
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
During the holiday season, panettone Milanese is a highlight of a bakery dedicated to the Italian pastry cannon. The rest of the year, opt for the tartufo, tiramisu, apricot almond torta and pastries like sfogliatelle and cassata siciliana.
464 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.924.7478
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
Golden Gate Market Coffee Bar
San Rafael
Tucked inside Old Town Sausalito’s longest continuously running community market, the coffee bar serves Sightglass coffee, local pastries, fresh squeezed juices and breakfast sandwiches by day — and local wine and beer on tap by night. All with indoor and outdoor seating, bike parking and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. What’s not to like?
221 Second Street, San Rafael, 415.332.3040
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 supportive community, its 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
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
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. Its patio seating that overlooks Grant Avenue is shaded and great for people watching.
800 Grant Ave, Novato, 415.246.7347
Multiple Locations
Equator Coffees
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 it has 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 it provides.
2 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.720.7576
244 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 415.209.3733
1201 Bridgeway A, Sausalito, 415.729.9656
240 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.720.5701
Marin Coffee Roasters
Marin-based and obsessed with quality, Marin Coffee Roasters brews specialty coffee and serves fresh food every day. Stop by to try its bold yet smooth flavors and cozy neighborhood vibe.
546 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.258.9549
466 Ignacio Blvd, Novato, 415.884.9400
1551 South Novato Blvd, Novato, 415.892.8373
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s is a Bay Area local company, with its start tracing back to Berkeley in the 1960s. There are eight locations throughout Marin, and each location manages to embody the charm of a small coffee shop and continues to keep locals fueled and hydrated.
77 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera, 415.306.9340
276 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.461.2695
88 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.8227
7320 Redwood Blvd suite a, Novato, 415.897.4920
1 Blackfield Dr suite a, Tiburon, 415.384.3900
402 3rd St, San Rafael, 415.306.0261
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 its specialty lattes or a coffee flight. A portion of the 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.
1816 2nd St, Ste 9, San Rafael, 415.870.9934
1100 4th St, San Rafael, 415.578.2558
835 College Ave, Kentfield
Red Whale Coffee Bar
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. It is also a staple at the Sunday San Rafael Farmers Markets and has converted an antique car into a “Red Whale Coffee to the Rescue” mobile coffee shop.
169 Paul Dr, San Rafael, 415.906.6277
Sundays MCC Farmers Market (3501 Civic Center Dr)
The Coffee Roastery
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
701 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.785.8077
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
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Founded by lifelong Marin County resident Kevin Blum, The Marin Dish
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More than just a local guide, it’s a community where restaurants, bars, and
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