Photo taken by May Wong

The Bay area is terrific, as it offers a multitude of places you can get away to for a holiday or vacation. Within 3-4 hours you can visit amazing places like Lake Tahoe, Monterey, the Wine Country and Mendocino.

However, this year we decided to stay at home for the Fourth of July and forget all the traffic hassles. After looking around at local things to do we decided to take our vacation at Sam’s Cafe located on the water in Tiburon.

We sometimes forget the fun atmosphere and breathtaking views of Angel Island, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco skyline that are only a few minutes away from our home in Kentfield.

Sam’s has been around since 1920 and has been a local favorite of both people living in Marin and ferry riders from San Francisco. On this day, San Francisco was definitely taking advantage of the Ferry system and our wonderful Marin weather as the outdoor restaurant and bar areas were full of people laughing and celebrating the 4th of July holiday. There seemed to be a lot birthdays happening, too, as we must have sung Happy Birthday to someone on the deck at least three times that weekend.

A little known secret that has caught on is that you can check out the weather and what’s happening on the patio just by going to the Sam’s Cam. Go ahead, try it right now while you are reading this, and you’ll see what’s happening at Sam’s.

The San Francisco Chronicle has even named Sam’s The Bay Area’s Best Outdoor Restaurant. And it has been said that if you stay at Sam’s long enough, you’ll see everyone you’ve ever known there.

Evenings at Sam’s are especially nice to unwind with all your friends and a favorite beverage or two with one of the Bay Areas best sunsets as your backdrop. Then relax to a great dinner, and if you don’t live in magical Marin, you can always take a 30-minute ferry ride back into the city. If you have your own sailboat, even better, you can dock right at the restaurant, and sail into the sunset when you are finished!

Sam’s has a great variety of food for all tastes. This day I sampled the Chicken Pesto sandwich and onion rings, which I can testify are incredibly good and you won’t go home hungry. They have a full bar with just about any kind of libation, beer, or a top-of-the-line wine list, so I’m sure you’ll find your favorite beverage.

They accept dining room reservations, but nothing for the outside deck where all the action is. But, believe me, even on this highly packed day I waited less than a half hour while enjoying the beautiful weather and my favorite drink at the outdoor bar before being seated. The service is terrific, everyone tries to make you feel at home or on vacation, and the experience is a fun one.

So check out the action ….

I am so blessed to live in Marin County!

Posted by:  Rick Smith