Barrel House Tavern - Sausalito's Most Spectacular Waterfront Restaurant with Views of the San Francisco Bay

There are restaurants with good views, and then there is Barrel House Tavern. Nestled in historic downtown Sausalito and overlooking the Bay with breathtaking views of San Francisco's cityscape, Treasure Island, and the Bay Bridge, Barrel House Tavern occupies one of the most enviable dining locations in all of the Bay Area - and it has the food, design, and hospitality to match. This is the kind of place where a casual weekday lunch can feel like a special occasion, and where special occasions become genuinely unforgettable.

A Building With a Story

Part of what makes Barrel House Tavern so compelling is the history beneath your feet. Landmarked as a historical building, this location was once home to the first ferry terminal to and from San Francisco before the Golden Gate Bridge was built. After the bridge changed everything and the building sat vacant for years, owner Chris Henry - who grew up in Sausalito and cares deeply about his town - purchased the building because of its special history and completely renovated it. True to his philosophy of sustainability, he used reclaimed wood throughout - including stunning Curly Maple and California Black Walnut - that give the interior a warmth and craftsmanship that no off-the-shelf design could replicate. The result is a 5,000-square-foot space featuring an enormous Carrara marble bar, a cozy lounge, a wood-fired pizza oven, and waterfront seating with breathtaking views of the Bay.

The Food - California Seasonal, Farm to Table, and Deeply Satisfying

Barrel House Tavern offers a unique farm-to-table experience that celebrates local seasonal ingredients and sustainability in a beautiful setting, focusing on letting the ingredients shine. The menu draws from responsible local farmers and growers, with Seafood Watch-recommended fish, a celebrated grass-fed burger, and a commitment to sourcing all beer and wine from California producers. Standouts include the baked oysters, golden seared jumbo sea scallops, chimichurri steak, lobster ravioli, and a rotating cast of seasonal specials that keep even the most regular regulars discovering something new. The cocktail program features barrel-aged and classic cocktails alongside rotating local microbrews on tap, wines on tap, and hand-crafted seasonal sodas.

Happy Hour runs Monday through Friday and features half-dozen local oysters, draft beers, well cocktails, and select wines - making it one of the best happy hour deals on the Sausalito waterfront.

The Views - The Best Seat in Marin County

The restaurant features an open floor plan offering gorgeous views of the Bay to every seat in the house, and the outdoor deck sits quite literally over the water - putting you face to face with one of the most iconic panoramas in California. The view across the bay to the entire San Francisco skyline is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset, and guests return again and again specifically to experience it in different light and different seasons. On a clear day, the view alone is worth the trip across the bridge.

Perfect for Every Occasion

Barrel House Tavern is an inviting waterfront oasis and a lively destination fit for an intimate dinner for two or a celebratory venue for large groups - from date nights and birthday dinners to corporate events and rehearsal gatherings. The energy inside is lively and convivial without tipping into noisy or rushed, and the attentive staff consistently earns praise for making guests feel genuinely cared for. The food quality and location have earned guests who rarely return twice to the same restaurant on a trip making return visits - perhaps the most honest endorsement a restaurant can receive.

660 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965 (415) 729-9593 barrelhousetavern.com

Open daily Monday-Sunday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Happy Hour Monday-Friday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Reservations recommended, especially for weekend evenings and outdoor deck seating.