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    Sam's Anchor Cafe

    3.5 (1.8k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Bars, American
    Closed 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    SAM'S ANCHOR CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Sam's Anchor Cafe

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    Crab covered fries
    Glenn M.

    Incredibly Wonderful Restaurant! Had lunch here with my best bud that I have known since 7th grade, approximately 50+ years! He kept telling me about this place that he and our other buddies go to every year and it was about time I try it as well. This place is fantastic! We started with some very delicious crab covered crispy on the outside and pillowy light on the inside French fries. (Please see the picture below) You gotta order these fries! They are truly to die for!! For lunch we both had crab Louie salads and they were delicious! Crab covered crispy fresh greens! The dressing is like a Caesar style dressing and it perfectly pairs with the richness of the crab and the crispy crunchy greens. So yummy! The service is spot on perfect! Super nice hostess and wonderfully nice servers! Very friendly and personable. The ambiance of sitting outside on a bright warm sunny day is as close to Eden as you can get! Very comfortable and relaxing and leaves you wanting to stay all day long! The view of the City and the harbor surrounded by beautiful homes from the patio is beautiful! You gotta try this place it's AWESOME! I will be back soon or we will be back soon with our lovely wives the next time.

    Full bar
    E.J. A.

    Good Staff, Good Food, Good Drink, Good Times!!! Full bar Great signature drinks Nice wine list Beer on tap and in cans Raw oysters Clam chowder Homemade desserts Take care of Nelson at the bar!

    Lobster Roll Fish & Chips
    Carli M.

    Sunday afternoon brunch was amazing here. We got a lobster roll & fish and chips to split and both were really good. + really good cocktails.

    A martini just feels right when you sit out here
    Amitaabh M.

    Sam's has been our go-to docking spot for years during sailing trips around the bay--a perfect place to grab drinks and snacks before heading back out on the water. While we're not sailing as much these days, this waterfront gem remains just as appealing. The setting alone is worth the visit: sitting outside with a martini or one of their creative house cocktails while taking in the stunning San Francisco skyline never gets old. But it was their clam chowder that reminded me why this place stands out. After a long hiatus, I'd forgotten just how exceptional it is--genuinely loaded with real clams and bacon, not the potato-heavy imposters you find at those other "Sam's" locations (which aren't related, as far as I know). It's so good, I'd come back for just a bowl of that. If you're visiting on a nice day, make an afternoon of it: stroll through Tiburon's charming downtown, then settle in at Sam's for a proper meal with a view. Whether you arrive by boat or car, it's a quintessential Marin experience that's stood the test of time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Out front!
    Sarah B.

    Sam's in the lovely Tiburon, CA! My friends, family and I have been coming here for years as I am originally from the North Bay and born in Marin. I think out of all the times we've been? Not once have we dined inside because this VIEW is so refreshing! They even will hook their boats up here and it turns into a whole party on the weekends but it's very fun! I will say it's a bit upscale but you know, that is southern Marin for you so yes dress cute but casual! The service is impressive! We always have the coolest servers working the deck and let me tell you the most recent one I had was SO sweet she recognized the exact highlighter make up brand I had on my face and mentioned she has it too as well as a couple other! I swear there's nothing better than getting to yap with a girls girl during your experience I wish I could get her name but she was blonde like me! Absolutely 1,000 stars for that woman! The food? The food. The FOOD. I have tried just about everything on this menu and I adore their lobster roll, their fries, and their YUMMY crab cakes! As they were inhaled by myself I didn't get a chance to snap a pic but just trust me when I say they're good! They have a full bar inside and outside as well so you never have to ask for a refill they are on it. One more tip: if you're drinking here and don't want to risk driving I swear this lovely place is WALKING distance from the ferry that takes you right to Pier 39 in San Francisco that is super cheap and fun! We can't wait to return one of my FAVORITES in all of Marin, and that's saying a lot because there are some magnificent places here but this place is the best!!!

    menu
    Tessa V.

    Lovely restaurant right on the water and a perfect place to have lunch right after hopping off the ferry! There was a 10 minute wait in line on Saturday 1pm - not too bad. Service was fast and friendly. I got the Crab Toast. Portion (and closing the salad) is definitely small for $32 - I would've loved a larger piece of toast or atleast two of them if they can only be that size, though it has a decent amount of crab salad on top and it was yummy. It was even better after adding hot sauce on top. Overall, pretty good lunch. Pricey, but I guess that's to be expected for fresh seafood and I have no complaints about the taste and quality - only the portion haha. Gorgeous views of the water and they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

    Ahi Tuna Poke
    Jackie W.

    Lovely ambiance, great service, and solid food. We arrived at opening on a Friday via boat, which you can dock for 2 hours right behind the restaurant and were seated at the deck immediately, which had large umbrellas for shade. The staff were very kind and brought a water bowl for our pup! We started with the calamari and old bay fries. Both were very hot and fresh and came with dipping sauces that complemented the crispy appetizers well. For my main, I went with the ahi poke, which was underseasoned and a smaller portion than I expected. Alas, you come for views of the bay, which are unbeatable on a sunny day. Highly recommend for lunch, especially with a larger group.

    Rebecca B.

    LOVED!!! First time here and it won't be the last. We went on a Sunday, it was crowded but the wait was only about 15 minutes. The patio has amazing vibe with unbelievably stunning views. Oysters were fresh and delicious, and the Fish Bowl cocktail was big, fun, and perfect to share. Service was friendly and attentive even with how busy it was. Can't wait to come back and if I was local I would be there ALL.THE.TIME! Recommend!

    Jenelle G.

    Sam's is that classic seafood you would want from any sleepy sea town. We literally see people docking their boats from across the way to eat here, so you can get here by road, or sea. You have to get the staples of something with crab, a fish dish, and of course clam chowder. This time we got the crab toast, fish and chips, and clam chowder. You can eat inside too but why miss the opportunity to have beautiful sea views they also have heating lamps and blankets if it gets chilly. Already looking forward to my next visit to Sam's!

    Lunch
    Cheryl M.

    I've been to Sam's Anchor Cafe on-and-off for the last 35 years. Unfortunately, the last time I visited was about 10 years ago but always enjoy the items ordered: :: Simple Crab Louie - grilled romaine, egg, Thousand Island, Dungeness crab :: Fish and Chips - light and flaky...a good one with slaw and nicely crisp fries :: Fried calamari - lightly battered and not overly greasy with a nice togarashi aoili :: Cioppino - wonderful flavor in a tomato-based broth with scallops, mussels, clams, white fish, crab claws and shrimp accompanied with garlic bread. One of the best. Place is laid back and casual. Service always quick and efficient...no nonsense. Nice patio seating but be sure to bring your sunglasses. Umbrellas available to give you a bit of shade. Pricing on the higher side than most like spots but fortunately, food delicious. I'll need to make a return visit sooner than later and enjoy their other menu items.

    Dungeness Crab Penne
    Christine R.

    OH MY COD Always a party atmosphere at Sam's Anchor Cafe. Can't go wrong with their seafood, get the fish & chips. Clam chowder and calamari are divine with breathtaking views. This place is a Tiburon staple. Brunch is lovely here. They also have mocktails. 'Til next time - cheers and see you on Yelp (SYOY)!

    Cara C.

    O T ...the other Manager is a jerk , he said if we could leave HIS restaurant... when he seems to need to be some schooling in customer service , all we wanted a shade on our table ... our waitress, Nikki, was the best she moved the umbrella and the GM Josh was very hospitable ...bad turn into a good one. God Bless

    Shirley temple and menu
    Karlee J.

    Wow we came here on a Friday afternoon and had the most lovely time!! The outdoor patio is spectacular with beautiful views of the bay! You can access the dock as well if traveling by boat. The food was delicious! We got the fried chicken sando and the lobster roll. Both very tasty! It's definitely a $$ restaurant We were seated immediately and the staff was very attentive! Will be coming back and bringing friends!

    Walk, sail or drive over..worth the effort!

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    Page 1 of 46

    Sam's Anchor Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sam's Anchor Cafe

    Is there a parking lot?

    Yes but it gets full fast is hard to get parking

    Sam's used to be famous for its Ramos Fizz, but I don't see it on the current menu. Do they still serve it?

    I was there today and the Ramos fizz was not on the menu. We were disappointed.

    Are there tv's for football games?

    Yes, In the bar area in the front but not outside.

    Do you still serve frozen espresso martinis here? I saw them on social media

    We serve them as a special.

    Should i make a reservation?

    Yes, but if you order a burger, DO NOT agree to the “Secret Sauce”….it is AWFUL!!!

    Do you have a gluten free menu?

    They serve mainly fish & shell fish, as in oysters, the oysters would be gluten-free, but the menu doesn't state anything as to gluten free, so if you in ask. Probably anything without bread or breading would qualify.

    What time to arrive to get in for lunch on weekday?

    We open at 12:00pm

    Are dogs allowed on the patio? Thank you!

    Yes there are we had ours!

    Gluten free options?

    I believe they do. They have a lot of sea food options!

    Are dogs allowed for outside dining?

    Yes

    What are the best bites/drinks here?

    The main attraction is the location on the bay overlooking the marina. The food and drinks are OK, but once again, you're paying for the ambiance.

    Take reservations for the weekend?

    There is new management but I think tradition continues no reservations on the deck. But you may be able to call for reservations in the dining rooms. If you can't get seats outside it really is a good alternative

    Does Sam's allow dogs on the patio?

    By law all patios cafe places in Marin have to offer dog friendly environments. And Yes my dog, Kirby Ferris loves going there often!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    4.1(1k reviews)
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    What a great way to spend a mid-week afternoon. Amazing views - great vibe / music - comfy sitting,…read morewith a laid back elegant ambiance. Our waiter was attentive - when asked he gave his favorites - and they did not disappoint. He was "Spot On"! We started our food journey with the Crab Empanadas - followed with one of the best Sea Bass entrées we've ever had. (The fish melts in your mouth w/ a sweet Asian fusion taste). The Chocolate cake was the perfect way to end our night. A must try when you go to Tiburon! P.s. after our meal we took a stroll and enjoyed the bay views. You may want to plan that in :)

    Came for Mother's Day lunch with a party of 10 and was seated upstairs in the sunroom area. It was…read morea really nice room, especially with the sun shining and the SF skyline outside of the window. Service was fairly attentive - there was only one slight hiccup with one entree not coming out until around 5 minutes after everyone's dish so we had to wait. Pretty good selection of signature cocktails. The Liquid Gold was refreshing and not that strong. As for the food, we got the tartare, crab empanada, bungalow Benedict, and the phyllo crusted pork chop. The tartare was fresh and not fishy at all, but was missing some salt. Crab empanada was great. The cilantro avocado puree and aioli complemented the crab well. Eggs Benedict was standard. It was nice that it came with a model bakery English muffin, but nothing stood out. Pork chop was fried very well. Crispy exterior but soft inside. It was a pretty hefty cut as well. I expected more from the taverna fries but it seemed like standard frozen fries. The chimichurri sauce was good but had an aioli texture, which was weird but still good taste wise. To end, the butterscotch budino was fairly light and had a good sweetness. All in all, the lunch was still enjoyable especially with the view. I do wish there was that wow factor in some of the dishes to better match the price.

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    Luna Blu - Executive Chef Renzo Azzarello, his wife and manager Crystal and their son and boss Leonardo!

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    4.2(880 reviews)
    0.0 mi
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    Came for valentines special menu had been before Great…read moreservice food was amazing Definitely come back

    We went there to celebrate our anniversary, big mistake. Extremely overpriced. That would have been…read moreokay with us since we wanted to treat ourselves for our anniversary to a nice dinner with a beautiful view, but that didn't happen. I ordered fish, and it was the smallest piece I've ever had. My husband had pasta with shrimp; unfortunately, they used the smallest and cheapest shrimp available. The Caesar salad was nothing special, no flavor, and we had to ask for extra dressing. The calamari appetizer didn't look appealing and lacked a fresh, vibrant color. Nothing was included with my $44 fish dish, so I had to order a side of roasted potatoes for extra $8, which were not fresh at all. When I asked our waiter, he said they make them daily, which likely means they were made anytime in the morning. Overall, it was not worth the $198 we spent on a tasteless dinner. Very disappointed that we chose Luna Blu for our special day, and we will definitely not be going back. Basically, you're paying for the view.

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    Luna Blu - Our newly extended patio seating to allow for social distancing during the pandemic.

    Our newly extended patio seating to allow for social distancing during the pandemic.

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    Trattoria Servino - Panna Cotta (@joeynht)

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    Servino Ristorante is hands down our favorite Italian spot in Marin. It still feels a bit under the…read moreradar and a local secret. It doesn't have hundreds of reviews like some of the bigger-name places, but that just makes it feel even more like a local gem. The food is consistently incredible. You can really tell everything is fresh and seasonal. The menu changes often, and whatever's in season always ends up being the star. Listen to your waiters recommendation. Sam was incredible. Pastas are always on point, seafood tastes super fresh, and the specials never miss. It's the kind of place where you order something new and still walk away impressed every time. It also has that "living room of Tiburon" vibe and comfortable, welcoming, and the kind of place you keep coming back to whether it's a casual dinner or something a little more special. I've brought a bunch of friends and family here over the years, and every single one of them ends up loving it just as much. That's probably the best endorsement I can give.

    A very charming, cozy restaurant on Main street of Tiburon, friendly host and wait or who has…read moregreat knowledge of the food and the wines. We enjoyed almost all of the meal except the chicken was not as impressive as the waitor advertised. It was a bit on the dry side that evening. We had most of it packed up to go but the staff also forgot to bring it out to us and we too forgot to asked for it, maybe I it was a good thing. We.all enjoy the well prepared, and flavorful, bright yet comforting dishes. The pasta was aldente the way it should be. Overall we had very nice evening and would definitely comes back to try other dishes. Hope it would all be winner the next time around.

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    Dining room

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    Travis Marina Bar - View from the place.

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    Quick heads up: I am on the tarmac and didn't have plans of eating here. After a few minutes of…read moresetting my stuff down, I was greeted by the cook, John, who offered me some food and water. It was a slow day, and the food didn't seem all that complicated, so I accepted. Even with no staff, John cooked me a burger, gave me some chips, and handed it off to me. The couch was soft and pillows were plush. I was initially on the fence about accepting a free meal, but I am glad now that I was welcomed into such a vibrant atmosphere. The hospitality is a big plus. The crowds can get big in the evening, so I suggest making reservations ahead of time. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge is the big highlight as well as looking at the king fishers and blue herons. I wish they would add some aquariums. Would be a nice touch.

    What a view! The last time I was here was a number of years ago. A friend suggested getting lunch…read moreand drinks here with a group of girlfriends which was a lot of fun! The lady behind the bar, I failed to get her name was very sweet and friendly. We each ordered a drink and a burger and she did it all! I ordered the regular burger and a mock tail made out of club soda and pineapple juice. The drink was recommended by the bartender and I enjoyed it. We had a great time here with fantastic views of the GG bridge and the Sausalito Marina. I am definitely going to come back more frequently for the great service and views!

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    Enjoyed a Fort Point KSA beer and Sauvignon blanc. They had mixed drinks too!

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    Travis Marina Bar

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    Sam's Anchor Cafe - seafood - Updated May 2026

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