Bayside Café — Restaurant in Marin City

In Sausalito/Marin City and Mill Valley there is not an abundance of places that serve Brunch, and even less that serve a really good one. Searching and trying every place in Southern Marin for about a year I finally came across the Bayside, that was 20 years ago when my wife and I moved across the highway from Mike's Bikes on top of the hill, over looking the area that used to be the Marin City flea market,before they (Marin County) shut it down and developed the Marin City shopping Center. Since that time I have found some really decent places over the years, but they don't seem to last for one reason or another. The Bayside has stood the test of time, and remains Rock Solid. I moved over 10 years ago from Mill Valley to Northern Marin. I will drive from Novato to Sausalito to eat there. Why ??? Because in my opinion they are one of the best in Marin County. Definitely in the top 3 in my opinion. They have an incredible menu and the prices are very reasonable. This is a family owned business and the whole family works there, everyday they are open. The service is fast, and getting seated right away is usually not a problem. They are very busy most of the time especially on the weekends. Large parties should call to make reservations, there tables and booths seat 4-6 people depending on the people. I know they did a remodel and added additional seating off the back around 10 + years ago, but should consider doing another one if possible to do so. I am very critical of restaurants and the food service industry, as a whole, so for me to give 5 stars is a huge deal for me ,so I hope you the reader keep that in mind. The average life span in Marin for a restaurant is measured in weeks/ months if you are lucky, so for the Bayside Cafe to have stayed in business for 20 + years has got to say something about the place, the family, and the employees. There must be a whole lot of people who share my opinion and love this place as much as I do because...

When out for a visit to Muir Woods, we decided to grab a quick lunch in Sausalito. Located just off 101 at the Sausalito/Marin City exit, we just happened to find the Bayside Cafe. And, what a nice find it was. Our server was as friendly as can be, and the food was very good. My wife likes salads, and she was happy with their Sassy Spinach Salad. My son got the Meat Loaf Sandwich - which he enjoyed. I enjoyed a nice hamburger, shake, and, the best Onion Rings I've ever had.

Coincidentally, we stopped by about two weeks later en-route to Tiburon. We stopped by the Bayside Cafe again because we enjoyed it so much the first time around. As we were being seated, the initial pleasantries included us mentioning in passing that we were on our way to Angle Island to celebrate an anniversary. At the end of our meal, they did something special (and very much appreciated) for our anniversary. The staff makes the Bayside Cafe so welcoming. The server even remembered that my growing son likes to get a PB&J Sandwich after he finishes his...

Some of the food here is spot-on outstanding. Especially their breakfast items. However some of their "staple" items leave much to be desired. For example, I can not recommend the sweet potato fries. I've had better fries at potato shack. And the onion rings were simply poor. Old onion, over cooked, too much batter, etc. So I tried the french dip. It was ok. But the Au Jus was on the grocery-store side of taste buds and the heated-up cold-cuts just left you with a "I could make a better sandwich than this at home" sorta feeling. My wife got the corned beef hash with eggs and hash browns - and I've honestly never had better corned beef hash. I think this spot has some great features, but I'm afraid you need to stay away from some of the menu items... It's a shame. The thing I'm most irked about (and the reason for 3 stars) is that the waiter charged us different prices for the food than was on the menu. To the tune of $15 more than we ordered. Sorry, I'll find another breakfast joint and avoid the 20...