Sam's Anchor Cafe

Sam’s Anchor Café is famous for the view as well as the food. Seated on the restaurant deck or in one of two dining rooms walled with windows, you’ll see Bay waters dotted with white sails, Angel Island nearby, and the San Francisco skyline. The protective Tiburon hillside on one side also adds a picturesque quality, along with the boats lined along the dock.

Ranked by Forbes as having one of the 20 most expensive real estate markets in the U.S., Tiburon is known for housing an exclusive community of residents. The peninsula town has a history as a railroad and ferry stop, and having been around since 1920, Sam’s Anchor Café is legendary enough to be a part of many bootlegging and seafaring tales.

Today’s crowd has no doubt changed, but is arguably just as merry. On a weekend afternoon, you’ll easily wait an hour for a seat on the deck, which will be crowded to the limit with about a hundred or so tourists and locals. Servers will be bustling through the crowd with beers and cocktails on hand as folks enjoy the sun or fresh outdoor air.

Sam’s is accessible through charming Main Street, where you’ll find a more relaxed bar at the entrance to the restaurant. Seafood, of course, is front and center on the menu, which includes goodies like Fried Oyster Sandwiches, Grilled Halibut Salad, Ahi Tartare, and Clam Chowder. The servings are satisfying without being too hefty, and the flavors and textures of the dishes are nicely executed.

Before or after you enjoy your meal, you have lots to do along Main Street, from window shopping to wandering over to the grass area by the water, where more crowds are sprawled with their sandwiches or magazines. The ferry terminal is accessible here, and Tiburon’s landing is closest to the Angel Island stop, where you’ll find historic markers and gorgeous hiking trails. Or, you can ferry a bit farther to the sea lions whooping on the docks of Fisherman’s Wharf.

Hours for brunch are Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours for lunch are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dinner hours are Friday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

HelloMetro Trip: Reservations are only available for lunch and dinner in the indoor dining rooms.

 

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.