8 Best Places to Enjoy a Drink in Marin

Marin County, California — which encompasses the towns of San Rafael, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Larkspur, and San Anselmo — is known for its natural beauty, mild Mediterranean climate, and easy access to San Francisco. Whether you already own one of the beautiful Mill Valley houses or are in the area to start exploring properties you might be interested in buying, you should know where to grab a quick beer or meet friends for a night of cocktails and conversation. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to choose from in Marin, no matter the occasion. Keep reading for the top eight local favorites.

Known as the best dive bar around Marin County, The 2am Club is a favorite of residents of Mill Valley houses, as it’s a traditional neighborhood watering hole with great drinks and no pretension. If you grew up in the 80s, you might recognize this spot. The cover photo of Huey Lewis and the News’ album Sports was taken here. Lovingly nicknamed “The Deuce,” the neighborhood club welcomes those of all generations to come in and play pool, meet new friends, and enjoy a Negroni, Long Island Iced Tea, or good old bottle of Sierra Nevada or Bud Light. You’ll have an enjoyable night if you start at The 2am Club!

If you want to take a break from looking at San Anselmo, CA real estate and enjoy a drink while taking in the San Francisco skyline, visit the Tiburon Ferry Terminal to find Sam’s Anchor Café.

In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner full of plenty of fresh fish and burgers, Sam’s also has an extensive drink menu packed with local wines, beers, and cocktails. Take your realtor in for a Sam Vella Manhattan to discuss making an offer on a home, or stop with your significant other to celebrate closing on the home of your dreams over a shared Aperol Spritzer Bowl. Regardless of the occasion, Sam’s Anchor Café is a Marin County staple you won’t want to miss.

The Sausalito area provides residents and visitors with the classic hometown bar experience with Smitty’s Bar. Head on over to Smitty’s for a game of pool or shuffleboard, watch the game, or just enjoy a cold beer. If you happen to be in Sausalito on the first Monday of the month, you may even want to drop in for karaoke.

If you’re a history buff, you may be interested to know you’re drinking in the last bar in town that has retained its original construction. Also, because Sausalito is a favorite stop for tourists, Smitty’s is an excellent place to get away from the crowd and enjoy a relaxing beer on tap before venturing out again to sightsee or look at homes.

Microbreweries are all the rage around the country, and Marin is undoubtedly no different. Those who own San Rafael condos can experience the best hand-crafted beers right in their backyard at Pond Farm Brewing Company. Owned and operated by a husband and wife duo, Trevor and Stephanie Martens, Pond Farm is named after the artist colony formerly located in the hills of Sonoma County, where Trevor’s father learned his ceramic skills.

In addition to fantastic brews like the Devil’s Gulch Hazy IPA and Silver Not Grey Golden Strong Ale, Pond Farm also partners with local food vendors, so you don’t have to worry about going hungry. For a classic Marin County microbrewing experience, you won’t want to cross Pond Farm Brewing Company off your list.

Are you in the mood to party after clinching the deal on the perfect piece of San Anselmo, CA real estate? Head to the festive atmosphere at Marinitas, a Mexican and Latin American restaurant, and cantina. Their cocktails revolve around the gold and silver liquors of South and Central America, and the menu features housemade sweet and sour, hand-squeezed juices, and natural cane sugars. If you’d prefer a more sedate (and inexpensive) drink, you can also choose from one of the restaurant’s many local and international beers. Marinitas’ classic yet high-end Mexicana experience is one you’re sure to love.

Located near the Golden Gate Bridge, Farley Bar is a relaxing place to enjoy a creative cocktail while lounging on leather seating and enjoying the warmth of cozy fireplaces. As you enjoy your glass of wine or cocktail, you can snack on harissa spiced pistachios or five onion dip with house-made chips. If you have time to stay awhile, delight in a full dinner of beef short rib tacos, vegetable pot pie, or tamari glazed black cod. You won’t go away hungry after a stop at Farley Bar.

Though Marin Joe’s is widely known for its delicious Italian food, those who own Corte Madera, San Anselmo, and Mill Valley houses know that this establishment is also the perfect place for a drink. Whether you want to enjoy some fine wine, a stiff martini, or a bespoke cocktail by skilled bartenders, you’ll be impressed with this locale that’s served drinks and food to the locals since 1954.

You’ll instantly feel at home when you visit this quaint, welcoming bar and restaurant in Larkspur. The original Perry’s has served guests on Union Street in San Francisco for half a decade. The Embarcadero location opened in 2008, followed by Larkspur in 2015 in the former Lark Creek Inn space.

If you’re in the mood for some filling appetizers, the Dungeness crab cakes and French onion soup come highly recommended. However, if you just want to grab a drink, try to make it for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 3-6:30 p.m. for deals on good cocktails or for the signature Perry’s Manhattan made with Bulleit bourbon, Antica sweet vermouth, bitters, and brandied cherries.

Whether you are celebrating, commiserating, or just meeting with friends, choosing the right bar is the key to a fun and memorable evening. If you’re in the area to start looking at Marin County homes for sale, reach out to one of the trusted local agents at the Marks Realty Group for assistance.