Sam's Anchor Cafe

Seafood restaurant · Tiburon

Sam's Anchor Cafe

Seafood restaurant · Tiburon

4

27 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920

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Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
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Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
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Sam's Anchor Cafe by null
Sam's Anchor Cafe by null

Highlights

Waterfront dining with bay views, seafood, American eats & cocktails  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater

27 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920 Get directions

samscafe.com
@sams_cafe

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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27 Main St, Tiburon, CA 94920 Get directions

+1 415 435 4527
samscafe.com
@sams_cafe
𝕏
@samscafe

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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@infatuation

Where To Eat With Kids In The Bay Area, According To Caroline Chambers

"Hangout on the docks with the family, and even rent a boat to ride around on before or after you've eaten. Get some grubby seafood like fried calamari and fish and chips. My kids like the popcorn at the bar, and my personal favorite are the mai tais. It's just a lot of good, fun energy here." - patrick wong

https://www.theinfatuation.com/san-francisco/guides/caroline-chambers-bay-area-kid-restaurant-guide
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@eater

How to Celebrate Father’s Day in the Bay Area - Eater SF

"Sam’s Anchor Cafe is a Tiburon landmark, famous for its great views and fresh seafood. Their deck is again open for outdoor dining, but risk-averse dads and those who love them might opt instead for Sam’s $95 clam bake meal kit, which includes clams, mussels, shrimp, corn, potatoes, linguica, herb butter and wine to steam (and sip). It’s $95 to feed four folks, but fancy dads might appreciate the lobster tail upgrade (an additional $25 per tail). Order here for Saturday or Sunday pickup, and don’t worry: Instructions on how to make the meal will be provided." - Eve Batey

https://sf.eater.com/2020/6/18/21295922/fathers-day-bay-area-san-francisco-oakland-2020-takeout-delivery
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@eater

How Restaurant Design Team ROY Is Shaping the San Francisco Hotspots - Eater SF

"This spring, ROY took on a remodel of landmark Tiburon bar and restaurant Sam’s, a nautical, waterfront design that Hannah says is her current favorite." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/2019/8/6/20727352/roy-design-restaurants-sf-hannah-emily-collins
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@eater

Sam’s Anchor Cafe, A Tiburon Classic, Remodels and Reopens - Eater SF

"Tiburon seaside classic Sam’s Anchor Cafe reopens tomorrow, April 18, after a six-week closure for a remodel and menu updates. 'It was a daunting task,' says Sam’s co-owner James Tate, who purchased the nearly 100-year-old business with Tiburon native Conor Flaherty last year. Daunting, says Tate, because 'everyone feels ownership over this space.' Flaherty likens the business to a public yacht club or local landmark: 'If you’re from Tiburon, you identify where you live by Sam’s.' The message from locals: Don’t screw this up. And keep the free popcorn. Updating Sam’s was also daunting for the reason so many locals love it: It’s been around since 1920, and it’s right on the water with great views. That’s to say it’s seen some wear and tear, and just 25 percent of the restaurant is built on land. 'Every time you tear up a piece of flooring, you’re looking at the water,' says Tate. But, from a business standpoint, updates were needed: While Sam’s famous deck is always packed on a sunny afternoon, its dining rooms were underused — the largest one wasn’t even open to the public. Flaherty and Tate commission ROY Design to activate them: ROY added vintage pendant lighting, exposed the original redwood ceiling, and installed a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens onto the deck. 'Sam’s is pretty seasonal, and weather dependent,' says Flaherty. Going forward, 'we want people to be able to enjoy it in all kinds if weather.' For cooler days on the deck, ROY added an 80-foot heated bench made by the company Galanter & Jones. That should keep everybody toasty. In creating the new designs, there was no shortage of old material: Vintage advertisements, historic menus, and old newspaper articles about the restaurant’s founder and namesake, Sam Vella, known for his bright Hawaiian shirts and big personality. 'Digging into the research, there was lots of design language to pull from, and all the finishes were so fun to choose,' says Hannah Collins of ROY. Touches down to the new floor, a blue terrazzo tile, are period appropriate to Vella’s heyday. 'They’re clean and modern and specific to the story of the restaurant owner.' Sam’s history even provided guidance for the new food and drink menu. Sam’s hired Robert van Horne, of studio r.vH, who spotted an old advertisement for a champagne and burger special they’re bringing back. 'If a spark of the bon vivant burns in your soul,' the old advertisement reads, 'your taste will be abundantly rewarded with this bizarre combination.' The whole new menu for Sam’s is below, as are new cocktails, including a group of bowl drinks. One to look out for: A shared Aperol spritz with a bottle of Prosecco tipped upside down into the bowl. 'Everyone wants one once they see it,' says general manager Michelle Pfeifer. It’s a message in a bottle: The goal, says Pfeifer, is to convey that, 'it’s a party here... We want you to come here and relax.' Hawaiian shirts, still worn by staff in a nod to Vella, and popcorn, still free, should underscore the point." - Caleb Pershan

https://sf.eater.com/2019/4/17/18412165/sams-anchor-cafe-reopens-remodel-tiburon-marin-san-francisco
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C H

Google
Summery: good view, good atmosphere, well prepared foods, courteous services. We arrived mid afternoon and found the restaurant about 2/3 full. That tells me how popular this is. The seatings on the deck are very pleasant. We were greeted warmly, promptly and timely. Plenty of menu choices. We ordered crab cake, calamari, chicken burger, fish and chips, and a salad to share. Each and every item were well prepared and taste good. Prices are on the high side, most likely due to location and the view. Service was very courteous. Nothing we can complain about.

Tom Elwood

Google
Great waterfront restaurant with distant views of downtown SF. Outdoor waterfront dining in a charming district. Staff were enthusiastic and efficient and the place was hopping. Avocado toast was a generous portion and good flavor, and the side salad was very fresh.

Max Filin

Google
I absolutely love coming here — the view is amazing, the atmosphere is perfect, and of course, they have the best clam chowder in the world! It has a signature slightly spicy flavor that makes it truly unforgettable.

Sheri Freitas

Google
Spent the day in Tiburon and stopped here for lunch. Great outdoor seating area with spectacular views. Service was good but they definitely get busy on nice days. Food was good - husband had clam chowder and salad and I had the crab toast. My crab toast was good as the bread was very thick. Unfortunately it was not toasted well - it was essentially regular bread except for one section at the bottom which was very burnt (black).

David Liu

Google
Lovely spot in Tiburon. We sat outside which was dog friendly, and service / food were both top notch. Our only mistake was ordering the soft shell crab sandwiches (they were the daily special and we should’ve done almost anything else)

g

Google
Extremely long wait times. Almost no free parking nearby. Paid parking is $4 an hour at the closest lot. It was an hour wait to be seated for a party of 3. Our server forgot about us for 20 minutes, and we had to call another lady to get her. However, when she came over to take our order, we found out the poke was sold out. Don't play when people are hangry. She failed to tell us it was sold before we were ordered. She checked on how we were doing right after we finished eating. The menu was small, one page for food and one page for alcoholic drink options. No non-alcoholic drink options was listed on either side of the menu. Clam chowder- $15 for a small portion of clam chowder is crazy. The clam chowder was also spicy which was not noted on the menu. Had extremely large chunks of fat or something similar inside, which left an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Potatoes were not peeled. Fish and chips- the fries were soggy, limp and lukewarm when they arrived at the table. The fish was not any better. The batter was also soggy and wet which caused the fries under it to become even more soggy, greasy, and wet. Mussels- Average. They shouldve offered a plate to put the mussel shells in. Some of the mussels were closed, indicating that they were dead before the cooking process. This experience left a extremely negative opinion of this restaraunt.. especially after driving 1 hr 30 minutes to get here. I've been here 2 years back and this has really started to go downhill. Should've went to Luna Blu next door. What would Sam say? 💀 The only positive thing I would say about this restaurant is that they have free wifi.

Ricardo The Realtor

Google
I have been to Tiburon many times over the years and cannot believe that I had not been in Sam's Anchor Cafe. Boy have I been missing out. What a lively scene outside with everyone enjoying themselves, drinking and eating. It was a beautiful day, enjoyed a glass or two of wine, the view of the bay and people watched. Next time Ill make sure to have more time and enjoy some of their food as well. Cannot wait to get back over there.

Ray Santiago

Google
San Francisco is a great destination and I've had the great pleasure of family and friends swing by over the years, I take them on tours and along with that, the usual stops for food. And for those who've been with me to Marin, one of my absolute must-stop joints is Sam's Anchor Cafe and here's why. The food is great, service is top notch and the outdoor dining deck right on the water has a supreme spot in the marina. Yeah, it's a bit spendy and on this visit, we only got drinks and minor stuff to justify our place at this popular Tiburon food Mecca. It isn't just the food that matters, but it's just a most enjoyable spot to leisurely spend time with friends, soak in the sun (when it's out) and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
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Carnita M.

Yelp
I must admit I've only had Sam's butterscotch layered cake. However, it's so good that I felt compelled to write a review of this place! That dessert is worth 5 stars alone. I even lick the knife clean when I eat it! I highly recommend it! Another good thing about this place is that there are nice views outside. It can get chilly, but they have blankets for customers, and heat lamps if I recall correctly. I had one disappointment, and it was that they didn't have a drink I saw on their social media page on one of my visits. I was still happy though with my butterscotch layered cake :)
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Arvey S.

Yelp
San Francisco is a great destination and I've had the great pleasure of family and friends swing by over the years, I take them on tours and along with that, the usual stops for food. And for those who've been with me to Marin, one of my absolute must-stop joints is Sam's Anchor Cafe and here's why. The food is great, service is top notch and the outdoor dining deck right on the water has a supreme spot in the marina. Yeah, it's a bit spendy and on this visit, we only got drinks and minor stuff to justify our place at this popular Tiburon food Mecca. It isn't just the food that matters, but it's just a most enjoyable spot to leisurely spend time with friends, soak in the sun (when it's out) and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
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Max K.

Yelp
It's all about the location. Nice pier with lion sea sounds and city view! Food is very average. Mostly deep fried oily and salty. Limited American/Mexican style. Service was OK and responsive with a few hiccups with delays. Note the location and overall everything gets expensive these days and this place is no exception especially very touristy vibe makes even this pricier than should be. Parking I'd available around the area through free or paid street parkings. Large Indoor and outdoor seasons with high tables good for kids. Good for groups, meetup, seniors, kids and tourists!
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Heather M.

Yelp
When in Tiburon.... A classic for a perfect day on the Bay- Sam's Cafe!! Perfect place to sit on the back deck and soak up the sun with views of the city. It is always packed. You may have to wait a bit for a table but service is friendly and fast when seated! It's also quite the party scene ( note to self- next time try the "oar" shot or the punch bowl of Aperol spritz) great martini to start. The clam chowder was full of tender clams and had a nice Smokey bacon flavor. The fish and chips had the best fries and loved the vinegar based slaw. I'm not a tartar sauce fan but this was the best I ever had! The fish was fresh- just wish there was one more piece (you get 3). Always a good time here!
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Nicole J.

Yelp
Classic coastal spot! AMBIANCE: Wonderful location in a charming town. The resurant has charming coastal decor. Our favorite spot is to sit on the patio right by the water. FOOD: My lobster roll was flavorful and I liked the chips that came with it. My oysters were very tasty and my favorite part! SERVICE: The staff is nice but this place is busy so you are only going to get so much attention. Overall, will I be back? Yes! Top spot in Tiburon.
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Cha'Vaa B.

Yelp
Sam's Anchor Cafe was a really nice spot to relax by the water in Tiburon. We were visiting from Houston and it was a treat to enjoy a bite to eat in such a nice place by the water. I ordered the BBQ Curry Mussels and a cup of clam chowder. Their mussels were good, I just wish there was a bit more of a curry flavor. Other than that they were delicious. The clam chowder was amazing! It was my first time having clam chowder and I throughly enjoyed it. My boyfriend is usually not a big fan of soups and he said it was the best soup he has tasted in a long time. The service was excellent...we had a few different come by our table and check on us to see if we needed anything. They even provide warm towels and lemon to clean your hands after dealing with your seafood. If you are ever in the area you have to check out Sam's Anchor Cafe. **They also have complimentary popcorn!**
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Chas S.

Yelp
This is a classic spot, a perfect place to be on a sunny CA day with its open air dining rooms and expansive overwater deck. We arrived at 1140am and jumped in line. With this being such a popular spot and the restaurant not opening until noon, we watched the line behind us grow and grow down the street. I'd say we nailed the timing to jump in line perfectly and we were seated with the first patrons when the place swung open its doors right at 12. Sam's was worth the short wait. The place is charming, the menu is solid, and the drinks and food were excellent. The scampi was tasty, the warm blue cheese garlic toast made with yummy Bay Area sourdough was excellent, properly greasy, and decadent! Do people dream about delicious salads? Well, I will certainly remember my dungeness crab salad with fresh field greens, supremed oranges, and roasted beets lightly coated with a champagne vinaigrette. YUM! Tiburon is a great alternative to Sausalito (which tends to be a touristy mess) and a charming, compact town to stroll and wander.
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Karen A.

Yelp
We stopped here for lunch today. We waited about 20 minutes for a table, but it was an easy wait since they texted your phone. Kudos to them! We were seated on the deck and it was wonderful as always. Great views and atmosphere. And good service, too. I ordered eggs and bacon, which was as expected, but nothing special. The potatoes had no seasoning at all. I don't even think they were salted. The bacon was fantastic! The bread was unique--it looked like 1/2 of a bun or maybe a homemade English muffin? But it was seasoned in a savory way, which was strange for a breakfast item. It was $19, which is what I would expect to pay at this location. Hubby ordered fish and chips and LOVED it. Said the fish was lightly coated and he could really taste the fish--a good thing. On an abundant bed of fries. Tartar sauce was great! Overall, this is a place that I would check out if in Tiburon. It's a 4 star place.
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Paula B.

Yelp
Food - seafood + comfort food with quality ingredients cooked and served with love. Service - amazing hosts, servers, waiters and bartenders. Quickly attend to your needs, don't hover, great conversationalists and knowledgeable about menu and drinks. Ambiance - welcoming wrap around bar, patio with deck chairs overlooking boats and the bay with views of city in background. Smell of the ocean, seafood and seagulls and water birds flying around.
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Connie C.

Yelp
Very cute cafe, although a little windy and super sunny out on the day we went! We went for my mom's birthday lunch and she didn't bring sunnies or a hat so I gave them to her and boyyy was it sooo sunny! They do have umbrellas but we kinda got used to the brightness after a while. Definitely don't do what I did, coke with sun protection and ask to open the umbrellas for more shade!! There is the option to sit inside, but I think the outside vibes is where it's at. Clam chowder was good, but a little too salty for our taste. Dad wished there was more clam meat inside. The waiter recommended the Mai Tai. It was pretty good, except it definitely had a cough syrup-like flavor to it. We got the big plate so we could sample a little of everything. My dad got the burger and my brother got the catch of the day in addition. We were all stuffed at the end! The sample plate is presented so beautifully. It's a good choice for two people with big appetites or 4 people with small appetites. Overall I'd say you are definitely paying for the view/vibes. It's a great place to do a celebration. I really loved this charming town and really enjoyed walking around afterwards!
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Ana L.

Yelp
Came here on a Sunday for early brunch with my bf. We waited maybe about 20 min for a table inside as the outside deck area was full. Service seemed a little slow, maybe cause it was busy but we also got the slight feeling that most of the demographic here was Caucasian and my bf and I were Asian, so maybe that's why. We each got the lobster roll and my bf got a chowder. Both were yummy but not out of this world. My favorite lobster roll in the bay would still be New England lobster market.
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Alex K.

Yelp
Nice waterfront restaurant. Great views from the patio and the inside seating looked comfortable as well. We were told on a Saturday afternoon that it would be a 45 minute wait and it ended up only being 5! Oysters were the perfect size and came with all the accompaniments. The ahi tuna poke was the best thing we had. The fish and chips was good, I liked that it had a light batter, but it could have been more crispy.
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Stacey G.

Yelp
Sam's has always been one of my favorite spots--my husband and I had our first date here in 1997 after hiking Mt Tam. But thanks to the improved Mai Tai with lilikoi foam (like Monkeypod on Maui) Sam's has a new place in my heart! I drank it so fast, I missed taking a photo! Thanks to Sam's also for the heated bench seating on the patio. Nice touch! We were told the wait on Saturday afternoon would be 1.5 hours so we set up in the bar for a long wait (hellooooo Mai Tai) and we were called in 35 minutes. Lovely surprise.
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Jaime N.

Yelp
Came in for a midday snack. The French onion soup was my favorite. Preferred it over the clam chowder, which was still good. The drink slushies were very strong. The mango margarita had a nice smoothie texture which I enjoyed. The Piña colada was very strong and more difficult to drink. More pineapple juice or coconut cream would make it more palatable. It gets busy so expect to wait to get a servers attention.
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Katherine Z.

Yelp
Overpriced, overrated, overhyped on Tiktok. We came on a Sunday for a party of 3, and were told to expect a 30 minute wait for inside seating and 1.5 hours for outside. We waited for the outside seating only to be told that there is no shade coverage for anyone in the party. This part is entirely luck based, so I understand. They were very friendly and allowed us to have an inside seat instead since we wanted some shade. For example, when we were ushered to our seat the hostess dropped a menu on the floor, struggled to pick it up, stepped on it with dirty white sneakers, and then proceeded to plop the menu unceremoniously on the table... she had no issue with it until I asked her politely if she could swap the menu with one that was not on the floor, pretty surprising for a well known and well loved establishment like this. None of the seats are cleaned as you can see crumbs on the inside couches. Food wise, the oysters took 45 minutes to arrive. We waited an additional 30 minutes for our main dishes, which were cooled and had evidently been sitting out for a while. Our waiter blamed this on the changing shifts between morning and evening staff. The clam chowder took another 15 minutes after the main dishes were served, and tasted extremely burnt and unsafe to eat. The manila clam linguine was unseasoned and the clam tasted fishy. I'm shocked that this place has anything above a 3 star rating. I get that the views are great and perfect for a sunny weekend outing, but the service here was incredulously poor. We could not wave down the server and spent a lot of time waiting in between meals, waiting for the check, and waiting to place an order.
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Jane R.

Yelp
View- 10 Food- 6 Service- 5 Food was okay- the fried calamari was good and so was the ahi tuna poke. The garlic prawns were good but way too salty and soaked in butter so the bread was inedible. We also got a main dish- the lobster roll. The first bite was pretty good but was subpar at best. It got heavy quick and I wish there was a bit more seasoning or flavoring on it. Service lacked a bit for us which was unfortunate, but our server didn't pay attention to us the whole night, forgot to get things we asked, and didn't bring out our check and to go box until we had to ask another server. The view was amazing though! We went there around sunset and the ocean view was beautiful.
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Dharma M.

Yelp
One of the restaurants by water at Tiburon. We arrived during lunchtime, and the seat with water view was full. Since the wait time was 30 min to one hour, we chose to sit inside. Inside seating has two or three sections. From our table we still can see the water. This restaurant is a seafood restaurant. They serve almost the same dishes you find at seafood restaurant. We ordered clam chowder, fried calamari, fresh oyster, and fish&chip. The food is ok. The one which is better is the fish &chip as the batter is not thick. The oystervus fresh but we don't know why they add seaweed. The fried calamari is ok. The clam chowder is a bit too starchy. Overall, it is ok. The view if you get water view will be nice. Pricewise , I think is above average, but you get the view.
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Monmo Z.

Yelp
Very good food and beer We ordered fish tacos and were delicious Good view on the sea and covered so in winter you still enjoy and keep warm
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Carli B.

Yelp
An absolute favorite - make sure to arrive early on a sunny day because there will be a wait. The lobster role is superb and nothing beats eating outside on a sunny day.
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Miguel M.

Yelp
We made a stop in the town of Tiburon and normally go to Sotto Mare on green street for Cioppino but decided to try a new spot and I have to say it was good. The location was great but parking was tricky since the area is pretty popular. We had a great waiter ( Tenby) that tended to us genuinely. She was great. Food came out quickly and tasted perfect. The soup base was not too tomatoii (I know not a word). We had two orders and it was more than enough. We would definitely come back if we're in the area. The place was fairly busy and I'm sure in the daytime it gets more busy with the view. Our waitress informed us that it's more busier in the daytime. Our Sangrias were perfect. Not too sweet or bitter. They play music just not live and not too loud. Great ambiance. But if you do come at night bring a beanie and a jacket. It gets breezy. If you forget a jacket they have loaner panchos.
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Ellen M.

Yelp
Want a wonderful experience at a bar, that is friendly and fun? Go to Sam's Anchor Cafe. We were recently staying in Tiburon to celebrate a birthday--and stopped by Sam's for a cocktail before we went back to our hotel. We were lucky enough to meet and have Nelson as our bartender. Nelson made our simple 'stop in and have a drink' plan turn into such a memorable and fun experience. We're lucky to have met him.
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Robert B.

Yelp
Hosted the company holiday party at Sam's and we couldn't be happier. The food, staff, and space were all fantastic. Can't say enough for the staff - they were attentive to all of our guests, and always willing to help with non-standard requests. They personalized the experience to make sure everyone felt welcome - and we did. The weather was good and there were space heaters on the deck so that we could comfortably appreciate the view of the city from the deck. Would recommend to anyone considering hosting a party.
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Denise T.

Yelp
Ciopinno is one of my favorite foods, so much so that my partner took me and friends for a surprise dinner at Scoma's for my 60th birthday last year. I've had it all over San Francisco at all the iconic places, and Scoma's has been my favorite. UNTIL NOW!!! Your ciopinno beats theirs, HANDS DOWN! Abundant seafood, fresh flavor, perfect dices of vegetables, and just the hint of spicy heat. I took half of it home and am eating the leftovers right now, and I'm so happy. THANK YOU! I'm just up the road in San Rafael, and will be back soon. Especially to share with my out of town guests who love visiting our beautiful home.
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Robert S.

Yelp
Great seating outside on the deck taking in a view of downtown San Francisco when the fog lifts. Food was very good. Fast service. Full bar with plenty of choices. Friendly staff. Always stop when we are in the area. Worth the stop.
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Therese K.

Yelp
Sam's Anchor Cafe first opened in 1920 as watering hole for the workers on the railroad. In 2019 Sam's was remodeled but the charm remains. We walked the Old Rail Trail from Blackie's Pasture to Main Street in Tiburon. A few tables were available on the deck with amazing views of the SF Skyline, Alcatraz and Angel Island. The deck is pet friendly. The waiter was able to accommodate our request for grilled fish in the tacos instead of battered and fried as described on the menu. The Rock Shrimp Louis was generous enough to share, perfectly dressed with a spicy tomato aioli. Sam's has been voted the Bay Area's Best Outdoor Restaurant. "The most non-exclusive yacht club, no yacht necessary."
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Sara S.

Yelp
Honestly, the only thing that I'm giving this place a star for is the view and the really nice hostess. We came here for a couple drinks and enjoy a nice meal with the view, but unfortunately, our server barely came by our table after dropping off some water and drinks. We had ordered a bowl of clam chowder, and for $15. It was probably the smallest and most blandest clam chowder I have ever had and it didn't even come in a bread bowl lol. After finally getting the servers attention we wanted to order the seafood tower, and then 15 minutes later he comes by and he's like I'm sorry the kitchen is out of oysters, but I can still bring out the other stuff on the tower if you had ordered it a couple minutes ago you could've had it. How would we have ordered it if you never stopped by the table? I would probably try a different restaurant when I'm in the area, this place barely has any options anyways and apparently they run out of their specialties pretty fast during the day.
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Andrea T.

Yelp
I came here to rest my feet after taking a scenic walk by the water, and it hit the spot. They had a watermelon slushy as one of their specials that I really liked. It was not too sweet and I liked the balance of flavors. The drink had watermelon, rum, and mint in it. The waiter also recommended the garlic prawns. I loved it! I loved the shrimp and that it came with toast to soak up the sauce. We were outside on the patio to enjoy the sun and views, but it was too sunny. Thankfully, the waiter saw the sun beating down on us and helped us open one of the umbrellas so that we could be more comfortable. Service was excellent!
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Marc L.

Yelp
Went sailing with some friends and we pulled up to the docks at Sam's for lunch. Everyone else had been to Sam's before except for me. I ordered the Fish and Chips. It came with 3 pieces of crispy fish and a good portion of fries. Beer was nice and cold. It hit the spot. The patio was packed. The waiter was very friendly and served us (party of 8) promptly. I would definitely come back.
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KT N.

Yelp
This place is a must-visit! The dock makes it incredibly easy to access by boat, and the food and drinks are top-notch. The breathtaking views and laid-back atmosphere make it a truly unique dining experience. Been coming here for over 10 years and it never disappoints!
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Derek W.

Yelp
We love to have breakfast at Sam's when we are in the local area. The food is fantastic and the staff is always friendly, helpful, and provides great recommendations. The views are phenomenal. If you get there and it's a bit chilly, they do have blankets you can use to take to your seats. But as you know, the Bay Area can get a bit chilly so dress appropriately as the blankets can go fast. I love the Eggs Benedict....the hollandaise rocks!!!
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Abigael K.

Yelp
Sam's anchor Café is the best place to be on a sunny day. In particular, the best place to sit on the back patio which often times has a weight, but it is well worth it. The food is good, nothing incredibly special. But the atmosphere makes it worth it.
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Brie S.

Yelp
Sam's Anchor Cafe has always been one of my favorite spots in Tiburon! To dine right on the water and enjoy fresh oysters on a beautiful sunny day is the true meaning of happiness. The service is great and we got to witness one of the staff member's last day of work where they have the fun tradition of throwing that team member into the bay. This was yet again another great experience here at Sam's and looking forward to many more!
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Deirdre C.

Yelp
Atmosphere was great on the water, outside. Service was good, very busy as there was a line to get in at opening but they handled it well. Everyone liked their food. I wanted fresh fish, not battered, but only one option.
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Greg C.

Yelp
It's a old local favorite with lots of tourists who come by ferry. I have been going here for at least 30 years. I do think it was better before they remodeled and became more upscale including the prices. We used to come by sailboat from San Francisco for drinks. Yes it has a dock which is very rare in the Bay Area. It can get really crowded on weekends.
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Linda H.

Yelp
A staple of tiburon. A place that has phenomenal views, amazing drinks and delicious food. Def a must when in the area. Tried two of their cocktails - the one with the jalapeño was def amazing then I went with the Negroni. Also ordered the lobster roll which was so good. The buttered bread was def perfection. The clam chowder..bc duh. And also tried the blue cheese garlic bread which was also really good! Sam's def doesn't disappoint.
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Robert H.

Yelp
TL:Dr. Tiburon institution. Just go Parking - always tough. The lot, which can accessed thru the roundabout, is a good choice Ambiance - second to none. Such a spectacular view. While the dock is always full and boisterous it is an amazing spot. On mild days it makes you appreciate living in the Bay Area. Food - always rock solid. The oysters were briny and sweet. Garlic shrimp was stellar. Crab cakes always a fan favorite. Service - prompt and attentive. NOTE - they do add a 5% living surcharge so don't be surprised Bottom Line - cannot beat the scenery and food is really good. Great spot to hang out with friends
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Trish A.

Yelp
The hubster and I drove to Tiburon on a while after leaving SF. As we walked around this quaint town we decided to try Sam's Anchor Cafe as they offered outdoor seating on the marina. We were seated immediately, without a reservation at a table with shade. Which was good when it was over 80 degrees. Our server was excellent and friendly. Keeping our beverages filled. We ordered the peach burrata salad, a burger, a lobster roll, Arnold Palmer, and of course a Shirley Temple. The burger was cooked to perfection, the lobster roll was a bit different, because it was served cold, but delicious. Their kettle chips are FANTASTIC and their fries rival any I have had. Arnold Palmer was clearly made with fresh lemonade which made it taste exceptionally fresh and the Shirley Temple had the perfect amount of grenadine...I was a happy happy girl! A public parking lot is close by and the scenery is hard to beat. If you are looking for seafood or American fare, Sam's is the place for you!
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Michelle P.

Yelp
Loved this place. Dining al fresco on the water is a vibe. Loved our server Diaz. The food and drinks came out promptly. Others who are leaving bad service reviews are not used to the new service style yet. Servers are not there to kiss your feet. They're there to take your order, make sure you're enjoying yourself and keep your glasses filled. American standard of service are wildly inappropriate and often stem from very rude and entitled guests. We share the aperol spritz bowl, seafood and fish tower and the scallop special. Loved every bite. Will be back. PS they have a live stream camera overlooking the dining area which is fun.
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Kathryn C.

Yelp
Hands down, best ciopinno I've ever had. It was very flavorful & there was a generous amount of seafood. You can add pasta to it if you'd like but I passed. The toasted bread they serve it with was plenty & I wanted to save more room for their delicious, crispy old bay fries mmm. My husband's all American breakfast looked good but he said the potatoes were pretty undercooked. Mimosas had a great ratio of OJ & I'm assuming Prosecco too. Views are great & our server was very attentive.
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Denise C.

Yelp
Last year I got a Travelzoo email that mentioned Tiburon lodge and I looked up what I could do in Tiburon. Sam's Anchor Cafe stood out and I finished my day trip to Tiburon Marin Co with a blasting lobster roll! The menu is good and this is a really good seafood restaurant with all the classics. Nelson was friendly. It's bar seating with stools. Pace is good and I want to try more items. This lobster roll was a blast. Check out the neon sign. Tiburon is a nook like England in USA.
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Lisa H.

Yelp
This classic place is now my kids favorite go to- how lucky am I? They appreciate it for a lot of the same reasons. The fact that they know they will miss it going off to college, I think I raised them right. They have no idea how great the drink menu will be one day! Came in today after a hike. Shared fish tacos & the burger. So perfect & so delicious. I think the burger is better than 25+years ago, it IS uniquely delicious - like up there with Ahba in Laguna Beach's burger! Love the remodel, still delicious and layout is a better use of space. Evenings have heated seats at the bench and blankets. I could spend all day here catching up with a friend rolling from one meal into another. Such a great vibe if you grew up boating or not it's got the lull you into staying with the ambience and fresh ocean air. Earlier in summer time I brought a friend out here for a Birthday lunch early in the week, not busy at all, ate out on the deck, such a beautiful setting and layout! We shared Calamari and Fries and got mains. There was a lovely guy next to us dining along, who drove his boat in for lunch, we had a great conversation and lunch. Love when things work out like that!
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Kelley T.

Yelp
Alright, let's jazz this up a bit: So, my folks were in town and I was on the hunt for a local gem. My neighbors, who could probably double as food critics, pointed me towards this legendary spot in Tiburon. This joint has been around longer than my grandpa's dentures. I was told it'd be packed like a can of sardines, but on a Monday afternoon, it was as peaceful as a yoga retreat. Now, my mom has this peculiar routine where she needs to pop a pill an hour before she eats. Our waiter, cool as a cucumber, served my daughter's meal while we took in the view like tourists at the Grand Canyon. The food? It was more delicious than a forbidden fruit. Mom had a crab cake, I had crab toast, and dad attacked the mushroom ravioli like a hungry bear. He managed to conquer 75% of it before we surrendered and took the rest home. The leftover sauce was so divine. Normally, I avoid crab like it's a ticking time bomb, all thanks to the nightmare that is imitation crab. I once saw a video on how it's made and let's just say, I'd rather eat a cactus. But this place? Their crab was fresher than a prince from Bel-Air. I'd go back for seconds, thirds, and even fourths. I also tried the clam chowder after reading another review. It was pretty good, not quite like the one you get in a bread bowl in SF, but still a solid contender. I don't think it's their claim to fame though. I'm throwing them 5 stars like a rockstar at a concert. The view was like a postcard, the service was smoother than a jazz tune, and the food was on point like a ballet dancer. If you're ever in Tiburon, this place is a must-visit. It's like finding a four-leaf clover in a field of grass.
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Christina J.

Yelp
Great food w/ a solid view Found this place on nudge app Really liked the burger Great place to walk around as well
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Alli W.

Yelp
Had lunch here ~2:30pm on 7/1. We had their calamari, clam chowder, and seafood platter and both of us had diarrhea on the way back to SF. We had to stop halfway to find a bathroom because our stomach was hurting so bad ~40mins after lunch. Made it through the night with 4 more episodes smh. Pretty sure it was something from the seafood platter that caused this. Guess their seafood wasn't fresh at all and definitely not worth the 115$ for the platter.
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Louise N.

Yelp
Sam's is the perfect lunch/ brunch spot. Don't miss getting a delicious cocktail. I like a Ramos Fizz for brunch and their Mai Tai is perfection. Our server was charming and you don't get a better view. The hostess could use a day off and was not friendly.
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W G.

Yelp
So sad to be writing this, because I've been coming to Sam's for +20 years. Today's bill for three came out to ~$150. Prices aside, something changed. - Food was a B. - Service was a C. - View and Reputation may be what keeps this place going, Waiter (in shorts) had a careless attitude (don't care that he was in shorts but this just identifies him). Plus helper who was clueless. I wished I read not just the general reviews but clicked the two stars. Because unsurprisingly, many two stars are from 2024. Won't be back because reading the other reviews, sounds like Sam's has competition.
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Lenore N.

Yelp
Sam's is a perennial favorite for taking friends to lunch with an awesome view. Our visit there was on a perfect day in crab season. I had a lovely fresh salad topped with crab. One friend opted for the chowder and Caesar and the third had a crab avocado toast. Everything was fresh and tasty. The IPA was a great complement. Unable to resist, we shared some Old Bay fries. They were just perfect.
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Afrin K.

Yelp
Overall great food with a really nice view. In generally more on the $$ side, but that being said the fish and chips were delicious, and the lobster roll was nice and juicy. Would recommend adding more chunks of meat to the roll. Recommend if you're looking for a casual atmosphere and decently tasting seafood!
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Ewa U.

Yelp
Lovely restaurant in Tiburon California. With waterfront views of San Francisco, this California fusion is a great place if you're visiting the area, or simply hanging out w your local friends. Outdoor & indoor seating w/ a dog friendly space. Recommend the chowder, beet salad - and we'll- everything else on the menu!! Cheers