Whether you stumbled upon it randomly while exploring Larkspur, or you frequented it as a beloved watering hole, The Silver Peso has existed for many as an essential Marin institution. The recently closed bar has a long and colorful history, and is poised to reopen in the spring under the ownership of Max Perry and Conor Flaherty, who are committed to stewarding and restoring the longtime favorite neighborhood staple back to its fabled glory.
“Marin has plenty of wine bars, but we believe every community needs a Silver Peso where people can have a shot and a beer and maybe play some pool or shuffleboard,” says co-owner Max Perry, who along with Flaherty bought the venerable joint in January — complete with the famous piano that as lore would have it, was played by Janis Joplin.
Perry and Flaherty, who also own Sam’s Anchor Café in Tiburon, know a thing or two about this landmark. The two friends grew up in Marin and attended Redwood High School. For both, the famed gathering spot holds many great memories and while they plan to make structural improvements and upgrade operational systems, they hope to keep the essence of the Peso intact. “We felt like it was a calling — we want to really ensure that we can protect the Peso and see it live on as a legendary institution,” reiterates Perry who also stresses their commitment to building relationships with the town of Larkspur.
For the last 25 years, Rebel Lee was the familiar face behind the bar. After bartending there for 10 years, Lee bought it from the previous owners and continued to run the Peso until May 2025 when a car rammed into the building and forced its closure. Due to the extent of the damages and personal illness, Lee could no longer run the business and sold it to Perry and Flaherty. The two are committed to ensuring the Peso will continue serving the community it has been an integral part of for over half a century.
Built in 1905 as a blacksmith shop, the building at 450 Magnolia Avenue in downtown Larkspur become a bar in the 1930s. And as the story goes, after World War II, a former GI named Chester Wolmack purchased the property with silver pesos salvaged from Manila Bay. It was this form of legal tender that provided the inspiration for the bar’s singular name. It was even said that silver pesos were given away to patrons, reinforcing the name and the lore.
While the Silver Peso will continue to serve its reliable beer and basic cocktails, it will also emphasize and cater to the sports and gaming community. The existing televisions will get an upgrade, and the interior will see some sprucing up, but the pool tables, shuffleboard, pinball machines and open-beamed ceilings will all continue to adorn the local joint. Plans are afoot to work with food trucks and potential local eateries for special events — think World Cup and Superbowl.
“Our only intention is to be stewards of the Peso. We’re honored to be ushering in the new chapter,” says Perry earnestly, who clearly understands the Silver Peso is part of the fabric of Marin County.
