Trailhead — Restaurant in Novato

We live in the San Marin neighborhood in Novato and really really wanted to make this our usual neighborhood spot. Unfortunately it’s just too overpriced for what you get on all accounts and a bit of a gamble. From breakfast/coffee to lunch/beers; It’s all objectively 20%-30% too much. It went from ‘we’ll be here regularly’ to realizing ‘it’s a real treat as an expense and not worth it when food is hit or miss’. We’ve had food where we’ve said it substantiated a $18-$20 pesto chicken sandwich (sandwich only, no drink, post tax & tip), and had times were the food/topping portion was so bad and a rip-off we swore to never come back. Sandos are made in front and put in a subway style toaster for quick heating. $6+ coffees and $8+ beers are not the answer either. The focaccia bread is generally exceptional, everything else is mid-tier at best. There appears to be a high turnover of cooks/staff that may allude to the differing service quality. I’d say “check it out if you’re in a pinch and hungry after a local hike on Burdell”. Otherwise I’d say go next door to the market and get a made-to-order sandwich from the deli for $10 and a Pliny for less than the cost of a sandwich at Trailhead.

It is scary because I really believe the place would be slam packed if they just lowered their prices $3-6 on everything (ie, margins), had $7 beers/happy hour, and/or offered the high schoolers a cheap lunch deal and they’d solve low engagement and...

Trailhead Novato has quickly become a cherished spot for many, and it's evident why. From the moment you step in, the staff's hospitality and genuine kindness make you feel right at home. Their dedication to ensuring every guest feels welcomed is truly commendable.

On the beverage front, the latte art is a visual delight, and the coffee quality is consistently exceptional. It's especially gratifying to see them serve Equator, a testament to their commitment to offering top-tier coffee experiences. For coffee aficionados in Novato, this is a must-visit destination.

Beyond coffee, Trailhead's beer and wine selection is both diverse and impressive. It's evident that they've curated their offerings with care, catering to a wide range of tastes.

The ambiance and amenities make it a fantastic spot for gatherings. Whether it's team parties, game watch parties, or simply catching up with friends, Trailhead provides the perfect backdrop.

In essence, Trailhead Novato is more than just a cafe; it's a community hub. A heartfelt thank you to the Trailhead team for enriching the San Marin community with such a wonderful...

We love this place for its charm and quality. It’s a nice place to sit and do some work or chat with friends. A lot of local kids come by after school. I am not yet a regular, but I would like to be. I’ve had coffee and tea. I’ve never had a full meal, but I’ve had some snacks, and a sandwich or two. Truthfully, there is not much around to compete with it so I think they have the market cornered. That said, I think the owners and the managers work hard to stay relevant and stay connected. It feels like a truly community place and I’m grateful for that. There’s also a nice supermarket nearby called harvest which has a nice deli and other items so you can kill two birds...