It’s the most important meal of the day! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick cup o’ joe and a croissant or a longer sit-down meal, Marin has it all. But when there’s a cute coffee shop on every corner, you might need to narrow it down, and that’s where our shortlist of the best breakfast options can help you out.
Feature Photo: @Salt-Pepper on Facebook
800 Grant Ave, Novato
415.246.7347
A favorite amongst locals, Dr Insomniac’s is the best place to grab a cup of gourmet coffee and a freshly baked pastry. Grab one of their popular ‘scuffins’, a part scone and part muffin delight, with flavors such as blueberry and cream cheese, blackberry and strawberry, and chocolate chip, and with new combinations on the way. They also offer hot, savory items, like their chorizo breakfast burrito or classic sausage and egg muffin sandwich. Hours vary throughout the week.
1719 Grant Ave, Novato
415.892.7655
Consistency and quality are the two words that come to mind with Creekside Bakery. For something savory to start your morning, go for their highly-praised smoked salmon toast, with herbed cream cheese, radish, pickled shallot, and sprinkled with everything seasoning. And of course, you simply must get a pastry from their extensive selection. Try a peach and brie croissant for a sweet and salty combo, or a flaky morning bun for an oldie-but-goodie. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday.
Marin Coffee Roasters
466 Ignacio Blvd, Ignacio
415.884.9400
With three locations across Marin and diligently sourced coffee beans, it’s easy to see why Marin Coffee Roasters is the go-to coffee shop for so many. Stop by for breakfast and have a cup of coffee while you tuck into their veggie omelet with crispy pan-fried potatoes or pesto poached eggs on toast. For something sweet, try their moist blueberry crumb muffin or their rich maple iced scone for some fall flavors. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except for Sundays, on which they open at 6:30 a.m.
1 Gate 6 Rd, Sausalito
415.331.2313
Calling this homey café “Southern-inspired” captures the chicken-fried steak and eggs vibe as well as the from scratch biscuits. But that would leave out the Smokin’ Philly Omelette and breakfast nachos with bacon or chorizo so let’s just agree on “all-American.” Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day except Tuesdays, on which they are closed.
1917 Bridgeway, Sausalito
415.332.4575
In addition to the deep-fried French toast, there’s one thing regulars will never let a newcomer walk away without trying at this no-frills café: Millionaire’s Bacon. Thick-cut bacon finds a new level when it’s baked for four hours with brown sugar, cayenne, chili flakes and black pepper. We’d call the sidewalk seating “à la Parisienne,” but that seems too fancy for a café that offers bottomless mimosas. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.
1311 Bridgeway, Sausalito
415.331.3034
Breakfast is served all day and while most of the Danish dishes the restaurant is known for are only on the lunch menu, you can still get the Danish meatballs as a side order at breakfast. Omelettes are a signature, and the Mickey Mouse-shaped pancakes are a hit with kids of all ages. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
31 Sunnyside Ave #1, Mill Valley
415.326.5159
This brunch stop brings some gourmet to your morning with options like Dungeness crab hash, cornflake French toast, eggs Florentine and bottomless mimosas. Lunch choices like paninis and burgers are also available for enjoying on the open air patio. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.
250 E Blithedale, Mill Valley
415.888.3695
French fare and pastries, including an inimitable quiche and a proper Croque Madame are just part of the appeal. The umbrella-shaded patio is a morning hot spot when the weather cooperates. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
221 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley
415.388.9085
Oozing egg yolk and melted cheddar, an egg-a-muffin is a breakfast sandwich tilts Mexican with cochinita pork instead of sausage while a Shoreline sandwich leans into the traditional flavors of pork belly bacon. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.
38 Main St, Tiburon
415.435.3594
We know its dessert, but an affogato espresso could stand-in for brunch with its topper of ice cream and whipped cream on the side. For something a little easier on the waistline, you can’t go wrong with a tofu scramble or spinach frittata. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m and 5 to 9 p.m. every day.
25 Ward St, Larkspur
415.891.8577
Though inside is cozy on chilly days, the covered, enclosed back patio is a major draw for regulars who come for the Bicycle Coffee and homemade biscuits with sausage gravy. The menu changes with the seasons but house made gravlax draped over a celery root pancake is eternal. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m every day.
Half Day Café
848 College Ave, Kentfield
415.459.0291
Breakfast at lunch is definitely a thing and you can have all the eggy goodness — coffee-Kahlua battered French toast or green eggs and ham — weekdays, just like you can on the weekends. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends.
335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo
415.454.9840
Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Their large takeout section offers a wide selection of house-made bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and family meals for dinner at home. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. Catering services are also available. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
639 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo
415.457.9266
Serving San Anselmo since 1960, Hilda’s is a go-to stop for breakfast, brunch, or casual coffee. Their diverse menu has all your favorites for the best way to start your day. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on weekends.
101 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo
415.755.4575
A one-stop shop for everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread, with a seasonal brunch menu. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. A “front porch” patio bustles during the morning hours. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
2130 4th St, San Rafael
415.454.7700
Craving anything brunch? Miracle Mile is sure to have it. Beyond serving freshly made benedicts, omelettes, pancakes, sandwiches, waffles, and more, they also offer the Bay Area’s largest gluten free menu for gluten free choices. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on weekends.
57 Broadway, Fairfax
415.457.9866
Beignets and fluffy waffles topped with fried chicken (try it with the spicy syrup) are just the tip of the New Orleans-themed iceberg at a long-running café where a seat at the counter is the go-to move for regulars. A new fried avocado appetizer melds over the top NOLA with sensible California produce, and there’s a weekly special of two for one chicken & waffles on Wednesdays. They even adjusted their cash only policy and now accept Venmo, too. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day.
1112 Grant Ave, Novato
415.892.4482
A cult classic for about half a century, the restaurant is currently owned by Chuck and Nichole Drefs, whom you can find pictured in the menu as characters from Conan the Barbarian. The restaurant is known for their corned beef — try it on the Julia Benedict or alongside eggs your way and shredded hash browns. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except for Mondays and Tuesdays, on which they are closed.
1500 Grant Ave, Ste. 1400, Novato
415.892.9900
You’ll find bacon throughout the menu in Benedicts and frittatas, on salads and burgers, and so on. Be sure to check out the special Honey Bee Bacon: slabs are coated with brown sugar, chile flakes and cayenne plus a little bit of honey added during baking. Hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except for Fridays, on which they open at 9 a.m.
