Northgate Mall is definitely on the quieter side. It feels like it's mostly geared toward the older community, especially with all the people who come in for their morning walks. As you walk through certain parts of the mall--especially around the food court and restrooms--it gives off a bit of a creepy, old-school scary movie vibe. There are still a few things to do, though. There's an arcade, a library, a bounce house for kids, and a handful of stores. Just don't expect the variety or energy of a larger mall. If you work nearby, like at Safeway or one of the surrounding businesses, it's actually a nice place to spend your lunch break and get some steps in while staying indoors. read more

Weird twilight zone feeling here. Most Shops were closed yet mall is open Barely anyone here Public library is open Food court is lacking Researched after we got home and read it will be torn down and developed as a town center with residences etc read more

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Ghost town. Most of the stores were closed/ shutdown. This place seems to be going down and housing might be what will replace it which is common in the Bay Area and surrounding areas. Food court was sad with only a lone gelato spot. They did have a small arcade with a handful of arcades and also a few claw machines which seemed rig, but that's how they're made. read more

Nice shopping center in San Rafael.Pleanty of shops n restaurants to choose from like Safeway n Starbucks, bagel restaurant, Chinese n Mexican restaurants,ect.Pleanty of parking read more

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This time we were actually at Northgate Mall parking lot We went to a circus. It was amazing with the big tent. And all the fun things they do at a circus. At times, it was a little hokey but so worth the trip my three year old grandson was in seventh heaven, especially when the motorcycles went around and around in the cage And the clown with the balloons were so funny Next time they're in town, we will go read more

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I just don't know if this is even a mall anymore.. I grew up at this mall and moved away from the area 20 years ago now, but I just went to visit the mall with my mom last month and it was just so dark, gloomy, empty and kind of eerie. We went to Macy's initially and our experience there was fine. Everyone working there was nice and it wasn't crowded at all (they had amazing sales). However, when we went into the mall.. most places weren't open (albeit it was a Monday.. but it was still early). It just felt very sad and boring inside the mall. read more

Everything have more opened stores. More opened food places only sbarro was opened the whole mall was closed nothing to do read more

Northgate Mall - A horrible mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

It's a ghost town in here!! Half the stores are closed up. I find this odd since Corte Madeira is packed with shops and shoppers. Looks like Rite-Aid is leaving. BTW, do you EVER clean the parking lot or outside walkways?? They are filthy. Bits of trash, even an iron just dumped x. Sad read more

The mall isn't busy but have the basic selection. And there's an arcade! And there's a food court. I like this place because it's not filled with people! read more

I can't help but feel nostalgic about the mall before the renovation. You would find me there every weekend growing up. The food court was the best with so much variety. I miss the Mediterranean food, pizza from Sbarro, Calgang Thai, and the old Combo King. The arcade, K.B. Toys and the bookstore were my favorites spots. I loved the old movie theater where you bought your tickets at the stand alone kiosk hub for just $5. Post renovation, it has taken a turn for the worse. It's depressing and stores keep turning over left and right. The remaining stores left are for teeny boppers. They closed The Gap earlier this year which was the only store I shopped at on a regular basis. Now the Spirit is occupying the space for Halloween this year. The last time I was there I noticed Payless closed. I'm surprised AppleBee's is still open. Which store will close next? read more

Do NOT use restrooms at the North Gate Mall. I don't know how it is in the men's restroom but in the women's there is no soap half the time. There are 5 sinks with soap dispensers and most of them, most of the time are empty. Today, they are ALL empty. Sometimes the water in some of those taps is out, as well. The sinks in the corner corridor tend to be out of soap also. I know they are shutting this mall down but until then there are people still coming around so they could be courteous enough to give us some basic hygiene supplies like water and soap. Very disappointing. One star because I can't give any less stars. read more

Review #044 - 2018 I haven't been to this mall in many, many years and I didn't realize that it's gone downhill so much. This mall used to be one of our favorite hang out spots, when we were younger. We'd come here with our mom after church service ended and just browse around. Now, it seems that the majority of the stores are closed or in the process of closing. Not sure if they're planning to renovate it, but it doesn't seem like this place will last too much longer going at this rate. San Rafael is actually considered a high income city so I'm surprised that they let the place go down so much. I guess everyone's too busy shopping at Corte Madera now since it's so much nicer over there. read more

Northgate Mall - 12/17/2017: Santa's Workshop - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

Boring mall. The food court is almost nonexistent. They have 4 fast food places. There are some other restaurants outside but nothing special. The stores are very limited and there's not much else. If you have some specific shopping at these stores, it's ok. If you want to go shopping and go out to eat and have fun, this isn't the best mall to do this. Pretty disappointing overall. read more

Wow, I was at the mall a couple weeks ago and happened upon Ounces Outdoors, the new brewpub option near the open plaza between Kohl's and the main mall. What a great find!!! They have local IPA's and a few food options, all in a spacious, modern outdoor patio. Plus there's a free bocce ball court adjacent the brewpub. On Friday & Saturday nights this summer they have had live music with tons of great local musicians and even a few "names" you will recognize. The servers are friendly and helpful. It's like going to Sonoma without the drive. We're loving this new addition to the Marin music scene! read more

Where the hell are all the stores? Why even list this as an active mall when there is literally no where to shop? H&M, Express, Tillys, Bed Bath and Beyond, Sees, GNC, etc are all gone and nothing is sitting in their place. The rest of the stores barely have any stock left anticipating they are the next to get booted. read more

I used to love coming to this mall all the time! My childhood is here but recently it has been dying. Almost all the stores are closed, only one restaurant in the food court is open, and it's not enjoyable anymore. Hopefully the business gets it's stuff together and they bring back what it was like! read more

What did i just walk into?! Was trying to go to h&m and saw that it was closed among all the rest of the stores in this mall?! Wtf, why have a mall with which seems like only a jumpy for kids and one store Macys! With Marin county being one of the most expensive areas to live i would expect that these people who live here need some where to shop! read more

I enjoy going here with my man, there's never been an issue. I'm happy there's more stores opening, but a few of them are a bit random and not my style but that's okay! read more

Northgate Mall has changed over the years, it's all corporate and big box franchises now. fine if one likes it. yuck if one doesn't. find me in the latter category. not much of a shopper and a very picky eater (sometimes). Oh, there's a great cinema complex here now. i haven't been to a movie house in decades...... last time i bought a donut here. coffee shop's no longer here. read more

With BJ's, Tomatina, ice skating rink during the Holiday Season, this mall transformed into something magical. One stop shopping and movie theater, plenty of parking. Great place to catch the games at either Applebee's or BJ's. Guess who my daughter ran into, yes George Lucas eating at the food court of all places - Combo King! read more

Northgate Mall - George Lucas!!! - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

They locked doors in the morning to not allow mall walkers. Mall walkers are a staple to any mall. Many elderly and disabled folks rely on mall walking in the morning to have access to benches and bathroom's during exercise. They used to have the doors unlocked at 6AM. read more

Macy's at Northgate Mall was my first job when I was 16. I always thought the mall needed a face lift and it finally got one. Granted, I'm long gone and could care less, but I just had to see it to believe it. I heard it was being transformed into an "outdoor" mall, which I couldn't picture in my mind. I recently took my grandmother to Lenscrafters at Northgate and had a chance to check out the new shopping center. Everything has been upgraded except Macy's and Sears, who also happen to need some upgrading of their own. The new indoor architecture gives it an outdoor feeling without actually being outdoors. I guess you can call it a type of urban design for the suburbs. I must admit everything looks much more modern, cleaner, and sleek. I spoke to a gentlemen that informed me the mall was closed for nine or so months while the construction took place. The stores are your average corporate chains: Pac-Sun, H&M, Lenscrafters, Forever 21, Macy's, Sears, Century movie theater, and a food court. The food court needed a serious make over and it finally got it. The look is very modern and there's only a handful of restaurants with more on the way. Sbarro's, Combo King, and Subway are still there and look much nicer with the new interior. If you ever lived in Marin County and knew what Northgate looked like, its time you take another look. read more

Northgate Mall - Sbarro and Combo King - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

I lived down the street from this mall from 1997 to 2008. And I was not a great fan nor a frequent visitor. Interior space was dated & ugly. Shops didn't cater to my retail needs. Too many athletic shoe stores that cater to suburban kids is just Too Many shoe stores. And when I wanted new clothes from Macy's I was more likely to drive down to Corte Madera or Union Square for a better selection. Well, the Bambie & me visited the "New" Northgate yesterday. The main corridors are more spacious and modernized. Rents have obviously increased. Some of the low level crap clothes stores are replaced with the Gap and other corporate mega-merchandisers. Is this an improvement? Yes. Is it still a mind numbing, sterile, joyless place to waste your time and hard earned discretionary income. Yes. Kohl's replaces Mervyn's. What's the difference? The review by LXS S. nails it. "Lipstick on a pig". Great line... read more

Lack Luster... NO Holiday Christmas decorations were hung in the Mall. WHY? Went to pop into the Mall for some quick X-mas shopping in December. While I was there did not feel like spending money, could not figure out why. Went into Macy's they had there usual nice Holiday dressing in the store. Then I looked around and there were no decorations in the Mall. The Northgate Mall had Santa's house by Macy's entrance, but only barely about 5 pieces garland on a few of the the ceiling beams. Not even the advertisements had Christmas cheer or other. This is not the Mall I remember where they did dressed it up with lots of decorations and style. With all the money spent to renovate, maybe there is no money left or maybe Northgate Mall is too PC to put up Christmas decorations. None of the store windows had any holiday like displays for clothes or other. VERY STERILE through out the mall. Maybe I am the wrong Demo customer for Northgate, Will spend my money elsewhere in the future. They need help, Great building , but need far better marketing and promotions. read more

Northgate Mall - Can you find the Holiday Decorations? There is one on the Beam. December 2012. - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

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Yikes - this mall has gone downhill. I used to come to Northgate when I was a kid - to see a movie; eat some pizza; be a dumb teenager; etc. I came in today to pick up something at Macy's (good store, BTW). Since I had a little time on my hands, I decided to explore the mall for a bit. Wow- what a disappointment. This mall has become a giant, cavernous thing. Totally lacking in personality and soul. Even the Santa who was working this day looked sad/depressed. This mall needs some music, a make-over, or something to make it more appealing. BTW, their food court is a joke. There are literally 4 "restaurants" there - Sbarro's pizza, a Korean joint, a Banh Mi place, and Subway. I sure hope the owners of this mall have plans to rejuvenate this place, because its current incarnation needs some TLC (despite all its marquis-brand stores). read more

I've lived in Marin long enough to remember the open mall and Emporium, I dropped off someone to Victoria secrets and walked around. I'm not going to be doom and gloom however I can see the end coming soon, food court down to two vendors - no major stores except Macy's and the writing on the wall with these box stores- Costco could have brought more people but why would they shop in the mall- sorry but it just doesn't feel right. Sign of the times I suppose ..I think if management lowered rents allowed more small vendors and food like the Berkeley food court maybe it will help. Well on a lite note there is parking and home goods is open... read more

Lots of empty stores. Close early. Movie theaters below average. BJs food okay. Service awful!!!

This mall deserves an AOK review, but that's as far as it goes. The anchor stores are Macy's and Sears and there's a Kohl's that's not attached as well as a Home Goods out in the parking lot. The Macy's here is decent and it looks like they are getting ready for a renovation because there are many empty spots on the sales floor and some of the departments are missing their trim. However they have a decent selection though the selection is much better in Corte Madera. The stores I frequent here are Macy's, the Gap, Express, and Victoria's Secret. Otherwise, aside from the movie theater, there's not much here for me. Lots of tween and teen stores like PacSun and Journeys but food-wise, the good places are on the outside of the mall like Tomatina and the barbecue place (can't think of the name!). There's a Sole Desire shoe store outside too. Overall an AOK experience! read more

Northgate Mall - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

I used to work near Northgate, so I had plenty of chances to visit and have waited all this time to really review it. Is it a mall...yes..does it stand out from other malls..not really. I could really see this mall more appealing to others with children, so I am approaching it from the opposite end. As with most other malls in the area, they all have the typical big stores attached (Kohls, Sears, JCpenneys, Macys, etc). This applies to this mall as well, but I will say it does its best to really add more than just a shopping mecca stop. It hosts some healthy and not so healthy choices, but all are easily worth the stop. I would highly suggest either BJ's or Tomatina though as they were always a pit stop for me for lunch breaks. Can never go wrong though with some lunch and people watching. read more

So sad to see what has become of the mall. Major anchors (Macy's and Kohl's) open (for now). All my favorites are gone...Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, See's candy...all empty and boarded up. It is like walking through a ghost town. Corte Madera Town Center on the other hand seems to be doing well...most stores still open (except sadly Sur la Table), and a very active dining scene with a lot of options to choose from. read more

Yeah.....yuck! 5 stars BEFORE the remodel, 2 stars AFTER the remodel. The only reason I go there now is for Macy's and the movie theatre..... If it ain't broke, DON'T FIX IT!!!!! read more

Convenient, and has a little of everything (emphasis on little), but depressing for sure. Feels like a mall in the Appalachians.

The best place to go to used to have lots of stores but now its little stores love it been there since I was a kid still going to need more stores to improve the place the theater the best read more

This use to be my childhood place in the 90s. Since the remodel the whole place have gone downhill for me. Half of the food court that i was familiar with is gone. The videogame arcade, Dollar general, K.B toys and even Suncoast all gone. GameStop is the only worthwhile place but that alone can't hold the candle. All the best stores for me are long gone. The place is oversaturated with generic teen clothing stores. I believe the demographic s for this place have shifted to annoying teenage girls. The restaurants outside are not worth my time and the nearby dessert shops can't justify this forsaken place. The layout of the entire mall is uninspired. It's a complete straight line with a void of worthless consumer stores. Whoever was the architect should be fired. The old mall had nice big palm trees and plants at least. This place use to be my place for getaway but now those days are long past. I miss those exciting days. I use to go there for N64 games. Power rangers and Pokemon cards was another reason for my visits. Getting fast food from taco Bell or crashing at the arcade was another reason. Heck even getting cheap nick nacks at the dollar store was enough to put a smile on me as a kid. Overall 97% of the stores won't affiliate or even come close to my interest. They serve no value to me. The movie theatre is the only place unchanged but I rarely go nowadays. I like to save money so I have lots of options with a streaming device. This place has become an empty void of human consumerism. I avoid places like Macy's. Their prices are insane on almost everything. If I were to shop for makeup and care products I look online or at best QVC. My best advice is to just pass up this place on holidays or weekends. The Westfield Mall down by market Street in San Francisco is nicer. All the quality stores are a thing of the past. read more

Maybe I am really bored because I have lived in Marin almost my entire life. Maybe people think that I should probably get out more. Maybe it doesn't take much to get me excited? Well, I hate to be the first to admit it here on Yelp, but I am a bit excited about Marin's Oldest shopping GHETTO become Marin's Newest shopping complex. Yes, almost all of us hold on to the memories of the old, outdated 1980's Northgate Mall that was haunted with too many Weave stores and "wanna-be" gangsters. And, just like the old Corte Madera Town Center attempted to make us forget they had a nasty rat-infested Cala Foods before 1985....sometimes a $80 MILLION DOLLAR makeover won't make us forget everything in the past. Only time will do that. Like any Mall attempting a complete makeover, some of the remnants of the past will remain with the leases (Applebees, Sears)...but the new design, concept and tenants will sure to cause a stir for excitement. I'm interested that there will be an H & M, Buckle, Tilly's, Kohls and Forever 21 in Marin...for once a string of stores with different looking clothes that won't charge an arm and a leg for it!! And relocating the food court next to Century Theaters to confine all the potential "wanna-be" gangsters to one area? Smart! Adding new options like Shogun Japanese Grill and the Great Steak & Potato Co. to the food court also? Sounds good to me. Even better? A BJ's Brewery, Roadside BBQ, Panera Bread, Chipotle Burritos, Tomatina, Wetzel's Pretzels and a Berry Twist located far away from the theater and the food court. And the rumors of a Sushi Ran and a Peet's Coffee sound even more fun...unfortunately they are just fun rumors for now. (Also) Unfortunately, something tells me that the new Northgate will not really be "up and running" by the holiday season 2009. Something also tells me that you want to know if I was making up that "rat-infested" Cala Foods that used to be in Corte Madera Town Center before 1985. Oh, if only YELP existed when I was TEN years old!! read more

Northgate Mall - Future Site of Kohls, Panera Bread and RoadSide BBQ - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Rafael, California

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This used to be a decent dead mall. A little musty and depressing, sure, but a good spot to drag the kids on a Saturday morning to get a new cell phone cover or an easy place to catch a movie. Now, the mall is all snazzified, which should be a great thing. I say ***SHOULD*** because despite the upgrade in aesthetics, the management of the Northgate Mall has made a MAJOR error in judgment. A year ago, I walked into the "new" mall with my young son and was mortified to discover that the children's play area (aka best place to pick up boogers for your kid) had been moved from over by the movies to the entrance that borders VICTORIA'S SECRET. This means that if I were to have my kids play in this area --- which my son definitely wanted to --- it's with a backdrop of BUSTY LADIES WITH EATING DISORDERS modeled in poses more risqué than your average Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Sure, this isn't straight up HUSTLER-STYLE PORN (Uh, I'm guessing. I would have no actual knowledge of verifying that), but it sure ain't appropriate for the eyes of a toddler or preschooler. I mean, what are we, in Russia?????!!!!?!? At the time, I complained with the Northgate Management - there's a kiosk conveniently located next to the play area with mall representatives, thinking that the error was Victoria's Secret. I got a shrug of apathy and was told that, yes, it was essentially a shame that Victoria's Secret would be so tacky as to keep their posters up for youngsters to ogle. Turns out this is totally backwards... IT'S THE MANAGEMENT'S FAULT!!!!! THEY MOVED THE PLAY AREA!!!! Victoria's Secret was there long before the play area and, hell, why should they have to change what they do? IT IS TOTALLY LAME that this situation has gone on for well over a year now with BOOBS hanging out over the play area -- no, not nursing BOOBS, but SEXY BOOBS where there are CHILDREN playing. Disgusting. read more

Just came back from the newly renovated Northgate Mall and was very impressed. BJ's, Chipotle, Berry Twist, Panera Bread, Roadhouse BBQ, Wetzel's Pretzels, Pete's Coffee, etc. is a great collection of casual dining restaurants. The Mall houses casual, trendy stores like Forever 21, H@M, Sunglass Hut, Buckle, Foot Locker, Hot Topic, Tilly's, Vans, Zumiez, etc and offers inside/outside shopping and dining for both hot and cold weather. The best part of the mall is that you are in Beautiful San Rafael.........the heart of Marin County. Cool, casual and trendy.........the new Northgate! read more

First time coming to this mall and most likely the last. If you can't have good bathroom privacy then your being watched. I used a family bathroom and 4 people tried to get in and also the door was see through and they were looking in at me. So disrespectful. Not happy read more

A bankrupt Mall with so many over 90% stores closed and the rest ready to leave soon, Not recommend, Don't waist your gas money and time, Total dump. read more

This mall has seen several facelifts since I've been going here. It's worked on both changing the interior and exterior to be more family friendly. Better seating areas, less kiosks in the way, a fancier food court, and a few divided off children activity centers allow for easier walking. They've even got a miniature train to ride throughout the mall for a small fee. Sometimes there's even a jumping trampoline station set up at one of the entrances. These improvements make it great to people watch, move about indoors on a wet day, or window shop to avoid the heat. A few new restaurants outside the food court have added more appeal for late night eating with friends, from BJ's and Panera to Tomatina and Chipotle. Throughout the year, entertainment can be had. During the summers, the mall hosts an ongoing music event called "Concerts Under the Oak" where local and tribute bands place lively music. It goes from June to August every other Friday. There's also impromptu entertainment inside, such as a choreographed dance put on by a local dance studio that I stumbled upon last week. During the holidays, they have Santa, the Easter Bunny, and other photo opportunities right by Macy's. There's also an ice rink set up outdoors between Kohl's and the Sees Candy during December to January for wintry fun. Besides all that, they have the usual box stores. I frequent Macy's, Sears, Home Goods, and Kohl's the most. They usually have great deals with extra discount coupons. It's all about hunting for the bargains. If I need to get a birthday gift or find something for myself, clothing-wise, this is my go-to mall. read more