This place was such a fun surprise. The location is really accessible, with street parking…read moreavailable, which made getting there easy. I honestly didn't realize how much I'd enjoy playing pinball until coming here--there aren't many spots that have that kind of unique feature anymore, and it really added to the experience. I went for a Yelp Elite event, and it was great. The owner was there and super welcoming, and his staff were genuinely nice and attentive. We were given bracelets that gave us access to two drinks, which was a fun self-pour experience. That said, it would've been helpful to get a quick tip on pouring (like tilting your glass) beforehand--foam can sneak up on you fast , especially with so many people around. Because it was busy, we were also given a card that allowed unlimited access to the games, which was awesome and made the night even better. I definitely enjoyed my time here. The owner also mentioned that you can rent individual tables or even the whole venue for events, which is something I'd absolutely consider in the future. I'll definitely be back.

Visited a friend in San Rafael and her first recommendation was State Room! Nothing like an ice…read morecold hazy IPA on a hot summer day. Staff was friendly and reservations were easy to make. They had huge tvs playing sports which entertained the kiddo quite a bit. Breakfast Bravas ($19): The crispy potato coins + pork + runny egg + avocado + chipotle cream = elite combo!!! Stateroom Burger ($20): Cheese is not included and is an extra $2 (???). It was stacked though and hubby could only eat half before he was stuffed! I will absolutely be back for the bottomless mimosas ($25) and I'm curious about the dirty iced chi tea ($14). My daughter also loved all the magnets on the fence in their mini play area :)

Monk's Kettle is well known in the Bay Area and beyond, but since their SF location has…read moreunfortunately closed, I did not have a chance to try it out. This location in greater San Rafael is a bit out of my way, but a recent trip to Marin was an opportunity to make up for the lost. Located in a business center, parking here is not an issue and they were not particularly busy on a Sunday night. We were seated immediately, noticing how clean and modern the two-story gastropub looks. The food menu is more or less pub food, executed well. Mango-habanero wings were crispy and came with two dipping sauces, both delicious. We also tired the pretzel, which is on a smaller size, so next time I'll take our server's suggestion and order two. It also came with mustard and cheese for dipping. All their burgers are more or less a la carte: no fries, but chips and house pickle on the side. The burgers were fine though, with smash being smaller, but a bit tastier than their signature Monk's burger. Simplicity is sometimes the best. The beer list is expertly curated with focus on other styles besides IPA, but I assume that Russian River's Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig are always on the menu, in addition to ultra-local options. For pub fare, Monk's Kettle is a bit pricy, which is not totally unexpected in today's economy-especially knowing the area. However, elevated food, drinks, and service quality usually comes with the elevated price tag. We might not be back next time in Marin, but this was surely not the last visit to Monk's.

This was my first time at The Monk's Kettle, and the service was excellent!…read more Let me stay by saying that I don't know what the menu title is for what my friend ordered. I'm allergic to seafood, so my mind just goes blank. I can tell you that the meal was enjoyed. I tried the Club Wrap which was delightful, and added a side of brussel sprouts that were savory and a tad too salty, but good. They offer outdoor dining, bar service and an area upstairs as well. It's a fairly large restaurant with great menu options. There are two huge televisions which thankfully didn't have the volume up on. The server was very attentive but not overly bothersome which was a bonus.

Stopped by for a quick bite and drink. My friend and I shared an order of steak nachos and buffalo…read morewings. Everything was delicious and made with fresh ingredients. I had a margarita and of course it was delicious!

The perfect place in San Rafael to come and play some pool and have a few drinks! The staff there…read moreis so considerate and fun and accessible! The place has like a hundred televisions there upstairs and downstairs! The place is comfortable to come in and sit down and have a drink bring your computer and sit down and have a cup of coffee or to even have a hundred people coming and having a party! I go there two or three times a week and I love the place!

Jacob is awesome and funny!!! Cool vibe here. Great selection of beers and 2 ciders for the non…read morebeer drinkers!

Had a pretty mediocre visit on June 8, 2026. Mostly due to the unfriendly, grouchy condescending…read moreserver. Didn't get his name, but he looks like Zach Galifianakis. Wearing a Hawaiian shirt with cactuses all over it & cassette tape tattoo , really awkward encounter. He kept trying to be funny, but it came off really rude and condescending. I took the high road complimented his tattoo. It seemed to go better, but he was really standoffish and just almost openly. Hostile for no reason. I still left a tip. The other guy had a lot of hip pain. I did have a really nice visit on April 7Th. That server that day was really into the music. There was two Australian guys at the counter. We had a blast but lately the place is just a dump. The side room is just completely a mess. Needs to get blown out with a blower. Nobody's wiping the tables down the grouchy condescending server was a huge turn off. The dreamland spaceport 9% that I had was way better in April now it just tasted really subpar. Stale even. I just slammed it down and got another beer reverse funnel was way more crisp and delicious. Come to think of it the last couple visits I had at the palace or barrels in Petaluma wasn't that great either. The staff just doesn't really care. Hopefully whoever's running this place can turn around. Bring back servers that are fun and care.

Straight up real deal: nice vibe, great service... (Please note that there are new owners and…read morerecently took over in the last few months. Therefore, pricing here could be inaccurate.) Excellent spot for watching the Warriors. Elevated bar food with great pricing. Me likes the Grilled Broccolini in black truffle salsa verde. Doesn't everybody love tater tot's? Nice tap beer selection and full bar. Best hang in Downtown San Rafael... Gets better with each visit ! Bombdigity! Love this joint!!!!

Love, love, love this place. It has a cool dive bar almost feel to it, but also has a great menu…read more Especially, Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour you can eat here and be satisfied with a nice adult beverage for not too much $$

OK, this must be Terra Lindas hidden gem, who knew the hidden between the structures of Northgate…read moreMall is this oasis! A completely outdoor venue where the staff works out of a series of cargo containers is a very cool concept. I went here today because Samantha from Club Pilates a neighbor nearby had a Pilates and pints event ! I'm so happy she organized this and I'm pleased with myself I showed up. After our outdoor workout next-door on the Astroturf, we were invited to appetizers! I looked over the menu, which had some wonderful pint choices from all around the region, but I ended up choosing the rosé slushy ! Yes, it's an adult icee and it's superb ! Never pretty good variety of items on their menu their wedge fries come with an chipotle, awesome dish dipping sauce and the hummus and the olives, especially on the Mediterranean platter were outstanding! Super Duper bonus you can bring your pups along so maybe the next one should be a pups and pints ! Also live music you can check their website for the calendar. I am so grateful to Samantha for turning me and some fellow Pilates practitioners to this lovely laid-back libation station !

DannFest 2024 brought me here and what a fun little local venue…read more Food was tasty. Beer options were sufficient. Service friendly. Fun little spot in the Northgate Mall.

I cannot believe this sweet bar has been here almost 28 years and I, a lifelong Marin resident,…read morenever came across it. Wandered in as we parked to grab some Mex food on the next block and wound up staying to watch the World Series. Great selection of beers on tap, especially loved the District 10 Shadows of Prague Black Lager. What an unusually delicious beer with the best aftertaste. Sadly, the very friendly and informative bartender said the brewery has gone under and we were drinking the last keg of this beer. (Note to self, some back soon to drain this keg!) Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is the cigarette smoke that seems to waft in as we were sitting at the bar. Yuck. Otherwise, what a fun experience. Check them out!

As "San Rafael" as a place gets. This spot has been a gathering place literally for generations…read more The best rotating selection of beers in Marin, wine for everyone's taste, pool and music in an intimate place with fun art. Cool side note, when the juke box isn't playing, it's vinyl classics on a legit tube amp! Many memories, friends and good times have been made and had here. They even throw kick ass street party concerts during late summer and fall.

Awesome local shop! Very helpful and skilled mechanics. I've brought my bikes in for a variety…read moreof work (tune-up, suspension maintenance, new pivots, etc.) and have always been happy with the quality of work and the quick turnaround time. In particular they found a cost-effective solution for a carbon seatstay on a Transition Sentinel that was out of warranty, which I really appreciated. I go out of my way a bit to bring my bikes to them in Fairfax and it's well worth it.

Good selection of things to eat, large selection of craft beers, efficient and friendly staff,…read morefriendly patrons, lots of indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of parking. It's got everything going for it .