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    Sam's Anchor Cafe

    3.5 (1.8k reviews)
    ModerateSeafood, Bars, American
    Closed 12:00 pm - 9:00 PM
    Updated 2 weeks ago

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    SAM'S ANCHOR CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    Reviews With Photos - Sam's Anchor Cafe

    Full bar
    E.J. A.

    Good Staff, Good Food, Good Drink, Good Times!!! Full bar Great signature drinks Nice wine list Beer on tap and in cans Raw oysters Clam chowder Homemade desserts Take care of Nelson at the bar!

    Daniel L.

    Ahoy, ye hungry wanderers--lend me yer ears, for I've stumbled upon a treasure not buried in sand, but perched upon the water itself: Sam's Anchor Cafe. The moment ye set foot upon the deck, ye feel the salt-kissed breeze and the call of the open bay, as if Poseidon himself invited ye for a feast. The atmosphere be lively, yet relaxed--perfect for plotting yer next adventure... or simply forgetting what day it be. Now the grub--oh, the grub! Fresh as the morning tide and crafted finer than a well-stolen compass. Seafood that tastes like it leapt straight from the ocean onto yer plate, and fare hearty enough to satisfy even the most ravenous crew. Pair it with a cunningly mixed drink, and ye may find yerself swaying like a ship at sea... though that might just be the rum talking. But what truly seals the legend of this place be the view--the sun dancing upon the water like gold doubloons scattered across the bay. Sit long enough, and ye might forget all sense of duty... not that I'd know anything about that. So chart yer course wisely, matey, and make port at Sam's Anchor Cafe. For good food, fine drink, and a view worth more than any plunder--this be a treasure worth returning to. Savvy?

    Crab covered fries
    Glenn M.

    Incredibly Wonderful Restaurant! Had lunch here with my best bud that I have known since 7th grade, approximately 50+ years! He kept telling me about this place that he and our other buddies go to every year and it was about time I try it as well. This place is fantastic! We started with some very delicious crab covered crispy on the outside and pillowy light on the inside French fries. (Please see the picture below) You gotta order these fries! They are truly to die for!! For lunch we both had crab Louie salads and they were delicious! Crab covered crispy fresh greens! The dressing is like a Caesar style dressing and it perfectly pairs with the richness of the crab and the crispy crunchy greens. So yummy! The service is spot on perfect! Super nice hostess and wonderfully nice servers! Very friendly and personable. The ambiance of sitting outside on a bright warm sunny day is as close to Eden as you can get! Very comfortable and relaxing and leaves you wanting to stay all day long! The view of the City and the harbor surrounded by beautiful homes from the patio is beautiful! You gotta try this place it's AWESOME! I will be back soon or we will be back soon with our lovely wives the next time.

    Sam's Burger

    The food was all high quality and delicious. You can tell each dish was freshly made. The service is great and very welcoming! The ambiance of eating out by the dock with an incredible view makes a visit here worthwhile.

    A martini just feels right when you sit out here
    Amitaabh M.

    Sam's has been our go-to docking spot for years during sailing trips around the bay--a perfect place to grab drinks and snacks before heading back out on the water. While we're not sailing as much these days, this waterfront gem remains just as appealing. The setting alone is worth the visit: sitting outside with a martini or one of their creative house cocktails while taking in the stunning San Francisco skyline never gets old. But it was their clam chowder that reminded me why this place stands out. After a long hiatus, I'd forgotten just how exceptional it is--genuinely loaded with real clams and bacon, not the potato-heavy imposters you find at those other "Sam's" locations (which aren't related, as far as I know). It's so good, I'd come back for just a bowl of that. If you're visiting on a nice day, make an afternoon of it: stroll through Tiburon's charming downtown, then settle in at Sam's for a proper meal with a view. Whether you arrive by boat or car, it's a quintessential Marin experience that's stood the test of time.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    Out front!
    Sarah B.

    Sam's in the lovely Tiburon, CA! My friends, family and I have been coming here for years as I am originally from the North Bay and born in Marin. I think out of all the times we've been? Not once have we dined inside because this VIEW is so refreshing! They even will hook their boats up here and it turns into a whole party on the weekends but it's very fun! I will say it's a bit upscale but you know, that is southern Marin for you so yes dress cute but casual! The service is impressive! We always have the coolest servers working the deck and let me tell you the most recent one I had was SO sweet she recognized the exact highlighter make up brand I had on my face and mentioned she has it too as well as a couple other! I swear there's nothing better than getting to yap with a girls girl during your experience I wish I could get her name but she was blonde like me! Absolutely 1,000 stars for that woman! The food? The food. The FOOD. I have tried just about everything on this menu and I adore their lobster roll, their fries, and their YUMMY crab cakes! As they were inhaled by myself I didn't get a chance to snap a pic but just trust me when I say they're good! They have a full bar inside and outside as well so you never have to ask for a refill they are on it. One more tip: if you're drinking here and don't want to risk driving I swear this lovely place is WALKING distance from the ferry that takes you right to Pier 39 in San Francisco that is super cheap and fun! We can't wait to return one of my FAVORITES in all of Marin, and that's saying a lot because there are some magnificent places here but this place is the best!!!

    menu
    Tessa V.

    Lovely restaurant right on the water and a perfect place to have lunch right after hopping off the ferry! There was a 10 minute wait in line on Saturday 1pm - not too bad. Service was fast and friendly. I got the Crab Toast. Portion (and closing the salad) is definitely small for $32 - I would've loved a larger piece of toast or atleast two of them if they can only be that size, though it has a decent amount of crab salad on top and it was yummy. It was even better after adding hot sauce on top. Overall, pretty good lunch. Pricey, but I guess that's to be expected for fresh seafood and I have no complaints about the taste and quality - only the portion haha. Gorgeous views of the water and they have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.

    Ahi Tuna Poke
    Jackie W.

    Lovely ambiance, great service, and solid food. We arrived at opening on a Friday via boat, which you can dock for 2 hours right behind the restaurant and were seated at the deck immediately, which had large umbrellas for shade. The staff were very kind and brought a water bowl for our pup! We started with the calamari and old bay fries. Both were very hot and fresh and came with dipping sauces that complemented the crispy appetizers well. For my main, I went with the ahi poke, which was underseasoned and a smaller portion than I expected. Alas, you come for views of the bay, which are unbeatable on a sunny day. Highly recommend for lunch, especially with a larger group.

    The staff are so welcoming, fun, and attentive. We've been here before, but this time we stayed nearby for three nights so we were here a lot. They're just a lovely group with delicious food and great service! Especially Manuel! And the view, spectacular! You gotta come here!

    Rebecca B.

    LOVED!!! First time here and it won't be the last. We went on a Sunday, it was crowded but the wait was only about 15 minutes. The patio has amazing vibe with unbelievably stunning views. Oysters were fresh and delicious, and the Fish Bowl cocktail was big, fun, and perfect to share. Service was friendly and attentive even with how busy it was. Can't wait to come back and if I was local I would be there ALL.THE.TIME! Recommend!

    Jenelle G.

    Sam's is that classic seafood you would want from any sleepy sea town. We literally see people docking their boats from across the way to eat here, so you can get here by road, or sea. You have to get the staples of something with crab, a fish dish, and of course clam chowder. This time we got the crab toast, fish and chips, and clam chowder. You can eat inside too but why miss the opportunity to have beautiful sea views they also have heating lamps and blankets if it gets chilly. Already looking forward to my next visit to Sam's!

    Sandy I.

    We had a wonderful lunch at Sam's on a beautiful, sunny day. We docked our boat and enjoyed lobster rolls, Cioppino, and fantastic Mai Tais. Looking forward to going back!

    Lunch
    Cheryl M.

    I've been to Sam's Anchor Cafe on-and-off for the last 35 years. Unfortunately, the last time I visited was about 10 years ago but always enjoy the items ordered: :: Simple Crab Louie - grilled romaine, egg, Thousand Island, Dungeness crab :: Fish and Chips - light and flaky...a good one with slaw and nicely crisp fries :: Fried calamari - lightly battered and not overly greasy with a nice togarashi aoili :: Cioppino - wonderful flavor in a tomato-based broth with scallops, mussels, clams, white fish, crab claws and shrimp accompanied with garlic bread. One of the best. Place is laid back and casual. Service always quick and efficient...no nonsense. Nice patio seating but be sure to bring your sunglasses. Umbrellas available to give you a bit of shade. Pricing on the higher side than most like spots but fortunately, food delicious. I'll need to make a return visit sooner than later and enjoy their other menu items.

    Dungeness Crab Penne

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    6 months ago

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    Michele P.

    Thank you Robert, we can't wait to see you again

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    4 months ago

    Terrible service and a rip off! Additional service charge plus tip. Did not see until I received paper receipt!

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    Page 3 of 46

    Sam's Anchor Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Sam's Anchor Cafe

    Is there a parking lot?

    Yes but it gets full fast is hard to get parking

    Sam's used to be famous for its Ramos Fizz, but I don't see it on the current menu. Do they still serve it?

    I was there today and the Ramos fizz was not on the menu. We were disappointed.

    Are there tv's for football games?

    Yes, In the bar area in the front but not outside.

    Do you still serve frozen espresso martinis here? I saw them on social media

    We serve them as a special.

    Should i make a reservation?

    Yes, but if you order a burger, DO NOT agree to the “Secret Sauce”….it is AWFUL!!!

    Do you have a gluten free menu?

    They serve mainly fish & shell fish, as in oysters, the oysters would be gluten-free, but the menu doesn't state anything as to gluten free, so if you in ask. Probably anything without bread or breading would qualify.

    What time to arrive to get in for lunch on weekday?

    We open at 12:00pm

    Are dogs allowed on the patio? Thank you!

    Yes there are we had ours!

    Gluten free options?

    I believe they do. They have a lot of sea food options!

    Are dogs allowed for outside dining?

    Yes

    What are the best bites/drinks here?

    The main attraction is the location on the bay overlooking the marina. The food and drinks are OK, but once again, you're paying for the ambiance.

    Take reservations for the weekend?

    There is new management but I think tradition continues no reservations on the deck. But you may be able to call for reservations in the dining rooms. If you can't get seats outside it really is a good alternative

    Does Sam's allow dogs on the patio?

    By law all patios cafe places in Marin have to offer dog friendly environments. And Yes my dog, Kirby Ferris loves going there often!!!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    Salt & Pepper

    Salt & Pepper

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    First of all, thank you for being open this Fourth of July morning! Most restaurants are closed…read moreincluding next to the Lodge at Tiburon where we are staying. I ordered the huevos rancheros and hubs had ham and eggs. I ordered the ranchero sauce on the side and no sour cream. It came with lots of melted cheese over the eggs so I gave most of it to hubs. Then I was disappointed that there were no tortillas until I started eating and there was corn tortillas under the eggs! I thought that was genius actually because my whole life I've always scooped up everything with tortillas but I like this way too because the tortillas were soft and tasty, not cold! We really enjoyed our breakfast and the subtle background music. Frankie Valley, Mamas and Papas, Beatles, etc. No view of the water but who needs it when you're enjoying a nice hearty breakfast!

    Came here for a post Angel Island hike brunch and it did not disappoint…read more One of my groups comes here regularly so I thought I'd check it out. The location is convenient and the space is super cute. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The service was excellent, my niece and I had a top tier experience. I ordered the crab cakes and a pear salad. My niece ordered the linguini with chicken. My salad was ultra flavorful. Not only was it perfectly put together, but everything from the crispy pears, fresh greens, yummy blue cheese, and tasty pecans mixed with the dressing was a party for my palate. Just delicious. The crab cakes were the perfect texture, but honestly they were so salty I didn't enjoy them. But cleaned my plate anyway. My niece loved the linguini and I tasted the chicken and pesto sauce and thought it was extremely delicious. I could tell the pesto wasn't traditional, but it was so packed with flavor it was a delightful experience for my palate. I enjoyed a nice, fresh strawberry mimosa and my niece liked her mimosa. I would definitely eat here again.

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    Came for valentines special menu had been before Great…read moreservice food was amazing Definitely come back

    Stopped by Luna Blu on Saturday, May 30 on our 6 mile walk and had a pretty good expereince…read moreoverall. The location is awsome, right on the water in Tiburon, and the vibe is cozy without feeling cramped. Seating is a little tight, but honestly it kinda adds to the charm. There's one huge unisex bathroom tucked right behind the bar, which was surprisingly clean and easy to find. The back patio is probly the highlight. On a clear day you get amazing views of Angel Island and SF, hard to beat while having lunch or a drink. Food was solid. Kitchen does a decent job, although they seem to miss order details every now and then. I ordered a medium rare burger and it came out well done. Before I even had a chance to make a big deal about it, our server noticed and brought a replacement burger out pretty quick. That was super thoughtful and showed they actually care about the customer experiance. Not perfect, but good food, great views, and staff that are willing to make things right. I'd definitly come back.

    Photos
    Executive Chef Renzo Azzarello creating culinary magic at the same time wearing a face mask due to the pandemic.
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    Our newly extended patio seating to allow for social distancing during the pandemic.
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    Red wine being poured next to a bowl of rock crab bisque served with zucchini and bell pepper purée.

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    Red wine being poured next to a bowl of rock crab bisque served with zucchini and bell pepper purée.

    Sam's Anchor Cafe - seafood - Updated July 2026

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