About Sam's Anchor Cafe
Sam's Anchor Cafe - Tiburon's iconic waterfront restaurant with panoramic bay views, a historic Main Street location, and one of Marin's most celebrated outdoor dining decks.
Sam's Anchor Cafe - Tiburon's Most Beloved Waterfront Institution Since 1920, Where the Bay Arrives at Your Table
There is a view from Sam's deck that has been stopping people cold for over a century - Angel Island in the middle distance, Alcatraz to the left, and the full San Francisco skyline across open bay while your chowder steams in front of you.
Founded in 1920 by Maltese immigrant Sam Vella, Sam's is Tiburon's longest continuously operating eatery and a defining part of Main Street waterfront life for locals, boaters, and day-trippers arriving by ferry.
The Deck - Bay Area's Best Outdoor Restaurant
Sam's broad bayfront deck is one of California's great outdoor dining settings, with open water views and heated benches for cooler days. Sam's is also the only restaurant in Marin with a public dock where guests can arrive by boat and tie up for lunch.
A Century of History, Beautifully Restored
Over nearly a century, Sam's has had only a small number of owners. Recent renovations refreshed the property while preserving its historic character - from intimate booth seating to marine-inspired design details and open deck flow.
The Food & Drinks - Classic Bay Area Seafood Done Right
Sam's is known for fresh seasonal seafood, clam chowder in a sourdough bowl, fish tacos, BBQ curry mussels, and signature slushy drinks that pair naturally with sunny afternoons on the water.
Live music appears regularly on weekends and special occasions, with themed events and celebrations throughout the year.
27 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 435-4527 samscafe.com
Open Monday-Friday 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM First-come, first-served (no reservations) Walk-up and sail-up welcome Dog-friendly patio
Pro Tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends - the deck fills quickly. Order the clam chowder and a house slushy, sit near the water, and settle in. If coming from San Francisco, take the ferry and walk straight from dock to table.