The NorCal restaurant chain known for made-to-order, 100 percent gluten-free Vietnamese street food opened at Corte Madera’s Town Center in late September. There’s Chef Gracie’s Grandma’s Pho and lemongrass pork Banh Mi and a complete roster of bowls – ahem!, boxes – including Chicken and Veggie Green Curry with six-spice chicken and broccoli. Or build your own box with numerous base, protein, topper and sauce options.
Fans of wings can lean into the fiery heat of Mango Habanero, the fusion thrill of Miss Jones Sriracha Buffalo, or mellow Garlic Soy. Locals already love Vietnamese Hot Chicken, a riff on Nashville’s famous fry, Green Papaya Salad, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, and boba in flavors like Taro and Strawberry Milk. Order at the counter and behold the goodness.
You can see the old clock from now-defunct Bubba’s hanging above the counter area from anywhere in the 35-seat dining room of the former Hilda’s and that’s just how managing partner Pat Townsley (Creekside Pizza & Taproom) likes it. The fast-casual restaurant is an ode to San Anselmo and to the whimsy of its denizens. On one wall, a hand-painted timeline mural by Stella Prichard creates a narrative history of San Anselmo. Step into the bathroom to behold tiles designed as San Anselmo vignettes, including one of Hilda’s, another of the Seminary, a third a nod to the bear that once passed through town. “We like to honor San Anselmo’s legacy while blazing a new path," Townsley says.
The room works. The high wainscoting and skylight over the bar and other retro-modern touches – vinyl 1970’s orange floral booth-backs and orange creamsicle chairs, orange and cream floors, and orange counter stools – lean into the ‘Hilda’s era’ comfort. In this chill scene, a menu of burgers, shakes, and chicken sandwiches is right at home. “We wanted a $10 burger,” says Marin native and operations manager, Jackson Palmer, who was aiming for family-friendly vibes and a meal with fries under 20 bucks. The Tasty comes in at $10 and Bubba’s with jack cheese and fresh jalapeños is $13. (Sub a black bean veggie patty for no extra charge.)
A buttermilk-brined chicken Caesar wrap carries the moniker ‘The Palmer’ - it’s Palmer’s family recipe, fried in rice bran oil and wrapped in a Sonoma Valley Foods tortilla. A plate of Little Tenders does not require you to be younger than a tween to order it. There’s two types of fries – curly Sidewinders and hand-cut, twice fried – all cooked in a gluten-free fryer with rice bran oil.
A beloved San Rafael institution is serving up a fresh new chapter. Tucked away in the charming Gerstle Park neighborhood, the historic Panama Hotel Restaurant has reopened with longtime chef Hiram Diaz at the helm, bringing new energy to a gathering place known for nearly a century of hospitality and small town charm.
The refreshed menu leans into California coastal cuisine with global influences, pairing colorful, thoughtfully prepared dishes with longtime Panama favorites. Highlights include Maria’s Pueblo Chicken Tortilla Soup; Mini Diver Scallop Tostadas with smashed avocado, red radishes, and pico de gallo;
the Ahi Tuna Ceviche with avocado, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, serrano-lime juice; and a Grilled Pork Chop served with risotto cake, seasonal vegetables, and apple salsa.
With its cozy historic dining rooms and intimate garden patio, the Panama feels both lively and romantic—an inviting spot for date night, dinner with friends or a special celebration.
There’s a new reason to stay out late in downtown Novato. The former Viking Cocktail Lounge has been reborn as Greystones Lounge, a family-run neighborhood watering hole bringing fresh energy—and plenty of live music—to the local nightlife scene.
Named after the small coastal town in Ireland where the owners’ family story began, Greystones mixes a little Irish soul with a distinctly Marin vibe. Think handcrafted cocktails, local craft beer and wine, billiards, art-covered walls and a stage showcasing local and touring musicians every Friday and Saturday, from acoustic sets to full bands.
And if you’d rather be the one holding the mic, Wednesdays are Karaoke Night with DJ Purple from 7–11 p.m., complete with live sax, no slow songs and no cover.
Whether you’re looking to catch a band, shoot some pool or simply settle in with a well-made cocktail, Greystones is pouring some welcome new life into downtown Novato’s after-dark scene.
New ownership, a refreshed dinner menu and new lunch service are among the highlights of changes enacted at the waterfront restaurant.
Brunch has morphed into an any day opportunity with an Adult Happy Meal that includes a BK Smash Burger, skinny fries, and a top shelf martini. The easy-breezy energy rolls through the lunch menu where lobster rolls, fish tacos, and fish & chips are accompanied by a “Full Sail” spritz menu and plentiful zero-proof options (a.k.a. “Dry Dock”).
Under Scottsdale-based Clive Collective, the dinner menu may be even more seafood-forward than before. New dishes like Hamachi Crudo or Herb Crusted Sea Bass with maitakes and pea puree are right at home alongside Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, a Seafood Tower and Local Sole Meunière.
The wrap-around bar, expansive deck, and laid-back coastal seating arrangements remain intact.
