"Can I get something started for you?" Avoid that familiar…read morephrase from the corporate coffee giant and step into the whale. Wonderful single origin coffees available -pour over style as well as a variety of various espresso drinks, and tea. In the back is the master roaster machinery, and a nice lounge with pinball machines to hang out in and create conversation with other patrons. The staff is real knowledgeable and real personable and frequently make me laugh, and they know their product very well and will share information with the consumer. It's OK to ask a question and they won't yell at you if you want cream in your coffee. They do keep it behind the counter in the refrigerator, by request only. For some reason, coffee always taste better to me on site than at home. Maybe it's the temperature of the water, maybe it's just the ambience and the brief conversation? I don't know but I prefer to have my cup outside of the home. I'm a rather social being. The owner has a knack for hiring, competent, talented and friendly staff! Truly the BEST coffee anywhere, seriously...... maybe that's why they won so many awards?! Beans are available daily and frequently with half-price sale on your second bag. A great gift to send somebody in a different city, throw in a T-shirt or other swag while you're at it. I found that relatives and friends really dig stuff from the Bay Area. There are a variety of "at home barista"accoutrements available for sale to include the lovely Chemex glass coffee maker. Grinders, scales, etc. A coffee paraphernalia shop- "legal speed". Check out the pastry case with some local favorite bakeries representing. In closing, five stars throughout*****! Now get over there, I hope I got something started for you......

This was my first visit to Red Whale Coffee, and I was really looking forward to it. I loved the…read moreatmosphere, especially the pinball machines, and I was excited to recommend this place to my friends. Unfortunately, my experience was disappointing. I ordered an iced mocha with oat milk during a busy time and waited about 20-30 minutes. While I was waiting, I noticed several customers who ordered after me received their drinks. I went up to the counter to ask about my order, and the cashier seemed confused. The barista remembered making my drink and believed someone may have accidentally taken it since there had been a drink sitting on the pickup counter for a while. The barista told me he would remake my drink and even offered the drink to another customer instead of discarding it. However, he continued making other orders before remaking mine. Just as I was about to ask for a refund, I finally received my coffee. I understand that mistakes happen, especially during busy periods, but better communication and order tracking would have made a big difference. Unfortunately, my first experience left a bad impression. As much as I liked the atmosphere, I won't be returning, and I can't recommend this coffee shop based on the service I received.

Solid 3.5 (rounding up for yelp). We were looking for a…read moreplace to stop for coffee on the way up to Sonoma County and came across this place. Cuter than anticipated and it did the job! While we were disappointed there was no cold brew, the iced americano alternative was perfectly good (STRONG). When we asked for double espresso in the large iced americano, they informed us that the it already includes 6 shots- woah! We downgraded to 4 shots in a medium cup, but recommend keeping it in a large cup. Also tried their signature "scmuffin" and it was yummier than it looked! There's a good amount of seating available outside. I'd consider coming back as a stop while taking a trip north. I'd usually look for more of a craft roaster, but there doesn't seem to be anything like that in the area. Also their menu is HUGE. I imagine if you're into smoothies or more flavorful lattes that this would be up your alley.

The gal who was taking my order was very rude. She didn't smile at all and was annoyed to answer my…read morequestions. I asked if they had cold brew; they did not. I asked if any of their smoothies had espresso; she said if I wanted an ice cream with coffee drink, to get their list of blended drinks. I asked if it was actual ice cream as the menu said it was shaved ice. She said yes; I again asked as shaved ice is different than ice cream when she replied it was like a frappe. I stepped away to call my husband for a sec since they didn't have cold brew (I let her know); I came back to the register and she didn't return! There were two other workers, and no one came over. So, I left. They absolutely need better service and to better train their workers.

We went with my family to San Francisco and we decided to stop at this Peet's coffe because was…read morenear to the freeway. It was my first time trying Peet's coffe and I was surprise with the quality of the coffe. I really like the place. It was clean and the music was great. The service was not so amazing I think the staff was tired or I just don't like to go somewhere and the staff are not to nice with the customer. We order with my husband... - Cardamom mocha frappe. I really love it and I was surprise with the citrus flavor. - Ice vanilla latte with ice and 1 extra shop of expresso. We were happy with our order and the flavor of the coffe.

Employees were pleasant. However, the most tasteless matcha…read moreI've had and the bathrooms need a SERIOUS update & deep cleaning. Shocked to see a Peet's bathroom in those conditions.

This quickly became my favorite place in town once I discovered it. It's hard to find fresh,…read morehealthy food in Novato (especially in South Novato) and this checks all the boxes. Great options for vegetarians and carnivores alike! The Acai bowls are yummy (some of the better ones in Marin) but I personally love their Bay Bowl (pictured here) because it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory. I order it almost once a week. I was also hooked on their smoothies while I was pregnant! The staff is super friendly and the food is ready quickly. They also offer curbside pickup through the app!! It's a great spot to hang outside when the weather is nice. We bring many friends and visitors here, and they are always impressed. Truly something for everyone on the menu. They offer local deals a few times a month through their newsletter or text!

Loveeee Active Culture! I work down the street and love to…read morego here for a filling, healthy lunch. Their salads and food are so fresh, are made with quality ingredients, and are served in large portions as well! The Eastern Trade Winds salad is my absolute favorite - the dates in this salad add the perfect amount of sweetness! Staff is always kind and attentive. Definitely recommend trying their salads and soft serve! Only downside is that it's kind of pricey (average salad is about $20 and shake is $13ish), but worth it once or twice a week!

Ample street parking with not much of a crowd. Could have been off peak hours. A weekday perhaps…read more Had one thing in mind, a gift for family overseas. Not just any gift, but "locally" tied to Northern California. Unfortunately left empty handed but their online site did not disappoint. "Cookie Lovers Crate" included a variety with excellent presentation. "Ginger Snap" was a favorite of theirs. Given the positive feedback, there's no hesitation on future gifting.

There's something special I feel when I walk into Rustic Bakery. Perhaps part of it is its classic…read moreCalifornia breakfast cafe vibe. While it seems as if the menu is limited, when I review it to make a decision for that visit, it's actually kind of challenging--so many options sound appealing! This visit I chose Avocado Toast; I'm grateful that gluten-free bread is an option. I also chose the chai with almond milk. The other non-dairy option is oat milk. We found a quiet table in the back. The metal chairs are hard on one's backside, and I imagine it's so there's quicker turnover since it's a smaller-sized cafe. You bus your own table into the plastic bins as you exit.

Completely rude and consistently poor service on multiple occasions. I gave this place a second…read morechance thinking maybe someone was just having an off day, but the follow-up experience was even worse, this time with someone who appeared to be the owner. I walked out and will never spend another dollar here. The cafe is frequently dirty, disorganized, and oddly empty for good reason. Staff act like taking your order is an inconvenience, show little patience, and seem openly uninterested in basic customer service. The food is mediocre at best, and whatever value it might have is ruined by the sour aftertaste of dealing with the people behind the counter. There are too many better options nearby to waste your time or money here. The taco truck around the corner is better, and Michael's makes a far superior sandwich while treating customers with actual courtesy. Spend your money somewhere that appreciates it.

One of the best old school delis left in Marin. I've been coming here for 25 years and the large…read moremenu of fresh selections and daily specials keep me coming back. From all star Reubens, spicy fried chicken sandos, homemade soups and salads and robust breakfast offerings as well, there's always something to interest everyone. Mangia my friends!

Great place to sit outside (weather permitting) and enjoy some fresh bakery items, or savory items…read moreand refreshments. I love their half soup and half sandwich combo. I get the egg sandwich. Iced tea etc. Service is kind and quick.

We recently stopped by and tried a few items, and overall it was a bit of a mixed experience…read more The iced vanilla latte was pretty good--smooth and enjoyable--but it's also a drink that's hard to get wrong, so it didn't really stand out. We also ordered the almond croissant, and this is where things fell short for me. It was much heavier than expected and not at all the light, flaky texture you typically want in a croissant. The inside was very dense and almost custard-like rather than airy. If that's the style you prefer, you might enjoy it, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. My husband had the ham and cheese croissant, which we asked to be heated. Unfortunately, it ended up soggy throughout, which took away from the experience. On top of that, the selection of bakery items felt pretty limited, which was a bit surprising. Overall, I'm not quite sure what the hype is about. It might just not have been the right fit for our preferences, but it didn't quite live up to expectations for us.

Birthday cake? Well I would like to have a variety of flavors so .... My…read moreDaughter-in-law introduced me to this gluten free bakery!! Love their creation of flavor !!! I got 5 of the 3" tortes and it was so practical instead of just one flavor cake ! My favorite was the Lemon Coconut ! Other Purchased tortes are Carrot, Linzer, Pure Chocolate and the Rapture!!!! Friendly service with a smile!!!

This was my second time at Flour Chylde. First I'm thankful for any business that provides gluten…read morefree, & dairy free products. I checked their website first to avoid disappointments. Im super impressed that the ingredients were listed on each of the baked goods. As someone with multiple food sensitivities this is SO appreciated. I tried multiple items since I don't live close by. The shortbread / iced heart cookie was beautiful in presentation & taste. Crispy and delicious. I also ordered the meatloaf Sami. Very tasty & the bread was very moist. My family enjoyed sharing the chocolate stout cup cake. Wow! So moist and delicious. Lastly the coffee cake. I'm saving that one for later- and hope it's as good as I remembered. Clean & neat establishment, and helpful staff. They were able to answer each of my questions to help me avoid certain ingredients. It also helped they have items marked vegan, nut free options etc. highly recommend. Note: I arrived after the lunch hour so a lot of things were sold out- but still epic choices.