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 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Equator Coffee (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Coffee Shop picks see below.
Our 2024 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 | Central | Northern
Peet’s
Multiple Marin Locations
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.
Equator
Sausalito, Tam Junction, downtown Mill Valley, Larkspur, Oakland, SF Marina
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.
1201 Bridgeway A, Sausalito, 415.729.9656
Southern Marin
Firehouse Coffee
Sausalito
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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
Caffe Acri
Tiburon
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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
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
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
Emporio Rulli
Larkspur
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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
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 & Novato
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
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
Pink Owl Coffee
San Rafael
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Choose from hand-selected teas and coffees, light meals, baked goods (including mochi doughnuts from local @thirdculturebakery). 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.
Red Whale Coffee
San Rafael
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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
Northern Marin
Dr. Insomniac’s
Novato
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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
Best of the County 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.
How can I arrange a tasting appointment?
We are open Thursday through Monday from 10:30am – 5:00pm. We recommend making a reservation but we are happy to host walk-ins when we have availability for tastings until 3:30pm. Please visit rodneystrong.com/visit-us to see our tasting options and to make a reservation.
Where can I find a list of upcoming events at the winery?
Please visit rodneystrong.com/events for our upcoming events.
I’m looking for a wine country venue for an upcoming private event; could I host my event at Rodney Strong Vineyards?
Absolutely! Please visit rodneystrong.com/private-events for more information on our private events.
Rodney Strong | Healdsburg | 707.431.1533 | rodneystrong.com
