Paper Mill Creek Saloon

One of the best historic dive bars in Marin. Jukebox, pool tables, live music. They carry over 25 popular bottled craft beers to suit every palate. Plus, 12 beers on tap! 

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Places like The Paper Mill Creek Saloon just don’t exist anymore–roadhouses where the drinks are affordable, the regulars are friendly, and there’s music every night. Opened in 1907 as a general store off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Forest Knolls, the building served as a soda fountain until it became a bar in 1937. Back then it was known as The Lodge. By the time Thomasina and Woodrow Wilson purchased the place in 1967, it had become a rough biker hangout with fights every night. Thomasina renamed it after the historic mill in nearby Samuel P. Taylor State Park and transformed the saloon into a warm, welcoming community hub in the heart of the San Geronimo Valley.

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Thomasina became known as “Boss Lady.” Over five decades, she built a reputation as a no-nonsense yet deeply caring proprietor. She fostered a spirit of inclusivity, drawing a vibrant mix of locals and travelers. Under her leadership, the saloon became known for its rustic charm, quirky decor—including the iconic “Pandora’s Box” painting—and lively music scene that continues to this day.