Everyday over 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed world wide, 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 coffee innovations are taking our morning crutch to new levels of taste, strength, and quality. For the one cupers, coffee all dayers, fanatics and fiends, the 2023 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 2023 Dining category sponsor is Rodney Strong.
Because there are so many great ones, we’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central, and Northern Marin.
Southern | Central | Northern
Southern Marin
Equator
Sausalito, Tam Junction, downtown Mill Valley, Larkspur, Oakland, Marina
Female-owned and LGBTQ proud coffee shop with over five locations in Marin. This certified B Corporation’s mission and tasty coffee has been sustainably harvesting and consciously producing coffee since 1995. And they’ve earned the 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
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
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 perfecting 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 macchiato (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? All of them? 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
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 5th 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
Sponsor
Rodney Strong: 2023 Best of the County Dining
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 do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
What sets you apart from other wineries?
Our winery has achieved national recognition for its exceptional craftsmanship, with our wines consistently earning high scores and accolades from esteemed critics and competitions.
How do you cater to both oenophiles and newbies?
At our winery, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional experience that caters to both connoisseurs and newbies alike. We offer a diverse range of offerings and services that accommodate the varied preferences and knowledge levels of our guests and are committed to providing a custom experience.
Sabrina Tuton-Filson is the Assistant Editor at Marin Magazine and a graduate of Elon University where she studied Professional Writing and Fine Art. Born and raised in San Francisco/Marin, she loves traveling just as much as coming home to the Bay Area. She has curated a sophisticated palate for food, travel and culture and uses her travels as an outlet to develop her photography portfolio and hone her writing craft.
