If downtown Mill Valley had a bar where everybody knows your name, it would be the bar at Bungalow 44.
Maybe it’s the extensive list of crafty cocktails (their 44 Manhattan is always a winner). Or the natural light that cascades onto the long bar. Or the long-running owner-chef team of Peter Schumacher and Robert Price that ensures consistency, front and back. The revivified $1 Oyster Happy Hour (Sundays Thursdays) adds to the lore, as do the Buttermilk Fried Oysters, the Kickin’ Fried Chicken, and their signature Burger with white cheddar, smoked onion rings, and awesome sauce. That’s the thing about B44: everyone has a favorite here. Even if you can't saddle up at the bar, the outdoor tented area with fire pits, heat lamps and twinkly lights provides a lively setting for a memorable meal and drinks.
Don’t Miss: Buttermilk Fried Oysters, Kickin’ Fried Chicken, Hamachi Poppers, Sticky Toffee Pudding
Blue and green velvet lounge chairs. Sparkly red cloches over petite oil lamps. Perfectly moody lighting. There’s a retro vibe here and it’s fabulous. On the patio, too. Cue the barrel-aged Vieux Carré cocktail and a plate of chilled oysters, stat!
The throwback stylings continue with coq au vin blanc (a refreshed take on the red wine classic), a lobster roll and buttermilk fried chicken. As your Mom always says: “What’s old is new again.” And even tastier.
Don’t Miss: Prime Rib Sundays, Seafood Deviled Eggs, Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Like the Alta California haciendas of days gone by, Paseo’s wood beam-supported brick walls, warren-like dining rooms and bar, and cozy, twinkly courtyard exude the warmth of earlier eras.
New executive chef Sylvain Montassier is making a mark for the well-executed 75th anniversary menus – Sturgeon with Caviar, a perfect Filet Mignon, seared Maine Scallops – currently on offer. in addition to the regular menu, and an impeccable Chocolate Lava Cake.
Don’t Miss: Parker House Rolls, Miso-glazed Black Cod, Chocolate Fondant
Be still my beating heart, there are almost always two (2!) negronis on the cocktail menu. No shade to the Aperol spritz, but a classic (with gin and Campari) and a modern (barrel aged with mezcal and Kina L'Aéro D'Or) Negroni adds a delicious twist to the house’s Italian-themed cocktail list. Just in case you are not a cocktail nerd, there’s plentiful house made pastas, a gluten-free menu which includes the well-made risotto, and seasonal changes that keep the menu interesting as time goes by.
Don’t Miss: Butternut Squash Ravioli, Spaghetti with Clams,
Pizza with Asparagus and Gorgonzola
If you're on the hunt for innovative Mexican food, drinks and fun, then check out the daily fiesta that is Playa.
The lively bar offers an entire menu of mouthwatering margaritas and rosé sangria that boats the flavors of an endless summer. Pair your libation with a plate of Al Pastor Tacos on house made masa tortillas, the Surf n' Turf Burrito, and the Carnitas. And don't forget to get an order of their famous Chips & Guacamole to share with the table. If seating is available, we recommend perching on their back deck under the redwoods.
Playa is also a hoppin' Sunday brunch destination. The menu features many brunch favorites with a modern Mexican twist, including the Huevos Benedictos, Chilaquiles Rojos, and Mexican Smash Burger (Ground Chuck and Bacon, Charred Jalapeno Aioli, Pico de Gallo, Guacamole, Grilled Jalapeños, and Chili-Spiced French Fries).
Don’t miss: Kill Bill Margarita, Chopped Salad, Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos
The in-house restaurant at Sweetwater Music Hall has more spirits and digestifs than you can shake a stick at and a recently enclosed patio with a retractable roof that more than doubled the space for outside meal enjoyment. If the Burrata Grilled Cheese Sandwich is on the menu, don’t miss it. We’re also fans of the Fried Chicken Sandwich with chipotle aioli, the Mushroom al pastor Tacos, and the Pork Chop with lima beans, sofrito, spinach, chorizo, and chimichurri sauce.
Whether there's a show going on or not, the food at The Rock & Rye always takes center stage!
Don’t miss: Hardly Strictly Cocktail, Polenta Fries, Mt. Tam Burger, Meyer Lemon Cheesecake
Living amidst Marin’s splendor, it is easy to forget the appeal of the 1892 former lumber mill that Watershed calls home. Don’t.
The yard’s rustic charm translates to an expansive patio vibe,
maximized by Watershed which flings open its “walls” when weather accommodates. On the patio, fire pits are surrounded by cozy campfire chairs. Consider a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail from the thoughtful beverage list. Order a pizza or a Flannery Beef rib eye. All you need to decide is: should we eat inside or out?
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Don’t miss: Farmers’ Market Vegetable Plate, Bone Marrow Toast, Burning Love Pizza, Hanger Steak Salad
