If you are eating a locally-farmed burger in the Bay Area, chances are it came from the pastural farms of West Marin — where cows live a pretty good life. Thanks to UC Davis’ Agriculture and Natural Resources school, we’ve got a list of the various farms and their locations. Marin Sun Farms, Stemple Creek Ranch and Mindful Meats are among them. Being that it’s so close to the source, the North Bay could even be considered to have the lowest carbon footprint. If meat isn’t your thing, you can bet that the veggie burgers will use locally-sourced ingredients and will have just as much flavor. Here are our favorites places — if you haven’t been, go ahead and add them to your Burger Bucket List.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of Edward Franklin/Unsplash
Southern Marin
Ignacio – Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon
American
Kid-Friendly | Watch the Game | Full Bar | Outdoor Seating
A burger at the Buckeye, with a glass of cab or beer (if you’re lucky you’ve showed up before they run out of their Pliny the Elder supply), is a litmus for anyone who claims to know where the best meal in town can be found. Chef Robert Price has curated the menu at Buckeye Roadhouse to capture the essence of Bay Area. If you want the basics, and you want it done well, Buckeye Roadhouse is your spot. Described as “fully garnished” on their menu, the Roadhouse Burger is a formidable player in the burger game by nailing the basics. It involves a solid and simple combination of smoky beef flavors, a black sesame seeded bun, and pickles. Of course, it comes with fries and all the fixings.
15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
New American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Date Spot
For your dose of upscale California cuisine in a burger, look no further than Bungalow 44. Smoked onion rings? Yes, please. Awesome sauce? It’s got that too. White cheddar, shredded lettuce and fries. Need we say more?
44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.2500
New American
Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
Opened in 2019 by renowned Marin restaurateur Bill Higgins (Buckeye Roadhouse, Picco, Bar Bocce, Bungalow 44) General Manager Jim Whaley and Executive Chef Michael Siegel, Floodwater turns out elevated bar fare and fresh pizzas in front of your eyes, courtesy of a wood-fired pizza oven — but it’s not just the pizza that has people talking. The elegantly approachable Californian menu a Waygu cheeseburger and veggie burger. Need we say more?
152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, 415.331.2600
Californian
Date Spot | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Brunch | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
Want to spice it up? Gravity Burger will send your tastebuds soaring. With their seared house grind burger, horseradish aioli, aged sharp cheddar, and little gem slaw, this burger has the praise-worthy ‘salt, fat, acid, heat’ that we have come to deeply appreciate.
38 Miller Ave, Ste. 1, Mill Valley, 415.888.2108
New American
Date Spot | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating | Full Bar | Watch the Game
The bistro along ‘el paseo’ exudes the same charm as its predecessors with a French-inflected menu from executive chef Sylvain Montassier. That translates into dishes of tuna tartare with chicharron and shiitakes, squid ink linguini with local crab and mussels or a Devil’s Gulch pork chop with crispy spaetzle and cabbage. Sip a classic cocktail in the Paseo bar or savor chocolate fondant with salted caramel ganache in one of the inviting exposed brick and wood dining rooms.
17 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.3907
American
Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Happy Hour | Meal Under $20 | ADA-compliant
Best part about of Super Duper in Mill Valley… the drive-thru for their delicious burgers! Almost contactless pick up has the line starting when they open at 12 in the morning. Don’t miss out on their Super Burger, a side of Garlic Fries and home-made pickles! They do not accept reservations.
430 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.380.8555
New American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Brunch | Dogs Welcome
A celebration of local goodness, this burger features a grass-fed patty from Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales and a brioche bun from Parkside in Stinson Beach — toasted to perfection. Thick-cut fries on the side. Add grilled red onion or Cherokee tomato at an additional cost (we recommend both!).
129 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.888.2406
New American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
As the name implies, this gourmet burger spot is all about bringing the flavors of Napa Valley Wine Country to Southern Marin, with an impressive list of wines and brews to go with your meal. Try their Stinson Beach BBQ Burger, with smoked gouda and applewood bacon, or the Yountville with sharp cheddar, roasted garlic aioli, and a parmesan cheese crisp. They also offer veggie burgers! They do not accept reservations.
670 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.332.1454
American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly
A casual waterfront restaurant specializing in rotisserie and local brews, the Joinery fills a tall order in the size and scope of their meals. Don’t believe us? Look at their Joinery Burger, a tall stack made of a sesame seed bun and stacked high with tomato, pickles, onions and beef — all swimming in a pool of mouth-watering melted cheese. You can also choose from a variety of fries, served in massive metal trays, to pair alongside your burger. Pick a fry. Any fry! They do not accept reservations.
300 Turney St, Sausalito, 415.766.8999
Seafood
Dogs Welcome | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room
Sail up to the dock or queue up for a table on the bayfront patio for shared plates of blue cheese garlic bread and a towering seafood platter. The drinks are as popular here as the food, especially the prickly pear margarita bowl (it’s huge) and the original mai tai with lilikoi foam. And of course, try their Sam’s burger – complete with white cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, fries, secret sauce, mushrooms, avocado and blue cheese. Call to make reservations.
27 Main St, Tiburon, 415.435.4527
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
Italian
Dogs Welcome | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game
A mainstay for over 50 years for a reason: the menu calls to you with garlic bread, a calamari sandwich and mesquite-grilled prime rib. Sautéed classics of the Italian-American cannon (I’m looking at you, chicken livers and mushrooms and veal piccata) and oysters doré and a mix and match menu of pasta shapes and pastas have withstood the test of time. They accept reservations for only parties of seven or more.
1585 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera, 415.924.2081
American
Brunch | Watch the Game | Private Party Room | Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Dogs Welcome | ADA-compliant
Often when it comes to chain restaurants, food quality drops as the number of locations go up. But not with Gott’s. Despite the sheer number of burgers they dish out, Gott’s achieves a slam dunk each time with their rendition of the bacon cheeseburger. Toppings include American cheese, Zoe’s bacon, lettuce and pickles stacked on a plushy, toasted egg bun — not to mention Gott’s “secret sauce” (yes, lots of sauce secrecy going on). They do not accept reservations.
302 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.785.4233
French
Date Spot | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room | Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game
An American burger and a French fry? Oui, s’il vous plaît! Served with delicate butter lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a crispy side of frites, this generous ½ lb. burger is guaranteed to satisfy. Sandwiched between a toasted, hearty bun, this meal not only provides the flavor you love but the texture you never knew you wanted.
507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.3331
American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Watch the Game | Dogs Welcome | Meal Under $20
While there are plenty of options to choose from, the classic ShackBurger is the way to go. A few notches above the traditional fast food joints, Shake Shack delivers that satisfaction you’re craving for under ten bucks. Prefer your burger cooked well done? This one maintains its great flavor. Oh, and don’t forget to throw in a shake while you’re at it. They do not accept reservations.
1401 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur, 628.212.2050
American
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Watch the Game
Looking for a classic burger, fries, and shake? M&G serves up quality without the frills at their Larkspur and Fairfax locations. They do not accept reservations.
American
Kid-Friendly | Full bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | ADA-compliant
When you don’t want to stray too far from the traditional taste and look of a burger, Perry’s nails down the art of simplicity by paying attention to quality above all else: “The Perry’s Burger Classic is classic and simple. High-quality meat, handled minimally, seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled and placed on a lightly toasted brioche bun.” — Perry Butler (Larkspur) The burger is served with house-made cottage chips on the side. Spice it up by adding avocado, crispy bacon or extra cheese at an extra cost.
234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.1877
American
Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Kid-Friendly | ADA-compliant
The Hub is a San Anselmo casual burger joint servicing the people of Central Marin with 100% grass-fed and farm fresh beef burgers grilled right in front of you. With a selection of house burgers including the signature “Hub” burger, a basic cheeseburger topped off with caramelized onions and signature “Hub sauce,” you will not walk out of the Hub with an appetite left. They do not accept reservations.
882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.785.4802
American
Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
Discover the bold and bright flavors of Kientz Hall, nestled on San Anselmo Avenue in downtown San Anselmo. Kientz Hall specializes in California-Mediterranean cuisine, where vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients are prepared over a wood-fire grill and rotisserie. If you have cravings anywhere from a hearty fried chicken to a light, flavorful green salad, all paired with a beautiful Marin view, Kientz Hall is the place for you.
625 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, 415.991.1502
American
Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room
Beyond the popular juicy burgers, the Mission Fried Chicken has an ardent following. Like the original in San Francisco, Christian Albertson’s restaurant in the shopping center kitty-corner from the Terra Linda Pool serves quaffable beers (like Pliny the Elder on tap), pub grub and plenty of veg-forward offerings.
655 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, 415.991.5103
American
Kid-Friendly | Outdoor Seating | Watch the Game | Meal Under $20
Flipping patties for the Bay Area for the past 30 years, Phyllis’ Giant Burgers has been inducted into the Pacific Sun’s Best of Marin Hall of Fame in 1997 and serves over 20 types of burgers. They do not accept reservations.
2202 4th St, San Rafael, 415.456.0866
French
Kid-Friendly | Outdoor Seating | Date Spot
When you think of a delicious burger, you might not think of French cuisine, but Le Comptoir can change that. Order Le Burger here for a delightful combination of aioli and caramelized onions within a soft bun, all housemade for the freshest experience. Call to make reservations.
1301 4th St, San Rafael, 415.454.5454
West Marin
Stinson Beach – Point Reyes – Marshall – Tomales – Lagunitas – Forest Knolls – Olema
New American
Outdoor Seating | Happy Hour | Dogs Weclome | Private Party Room | Full Bar | Watch the Game
Located next to Olema House, this modern tavern is all about vibrant fare and local ingredients. With a farm-to-table menu that highlights West Marin’s cuisine, we highly recommend their Tavern Burger, topped with smoked cheddar, chipotle aioli and house pickles. Get it with a side of fries or substitute crispy garlic parmesan fries with Tavern sauce for a bit of extra pizzazz. They also offer lots of share boards for the table, such as California cheeses and charcuterie.
10021 Coastal Highway 1, Olema, 415.663.9000
American
Outdoor Seating | Brunch
There are plans for a bakery program and a backyard beer garden at Executive chef Christofer Gutierrez cool all-day spot on the southern edge of Point Reyes Station. For now, look for California cuisine with Latin American flair for three meals a day (Heart’s Desire mussels, Chimney Rock ribeye) and lighter options (Miwok veggie hash, vegan udon, Olema halibut), wine and beer, while sitting on one of the cozy, sheepskin-draped chairs inside or at a picnic table out front. They do not accept reservations.
10905 State Route One, Point Reyes Station
Californian
Outdoor Seating | Kid-Friendly | Private Party Room | Dogs Welcome | ADA-compliant
Maxine and John Gilbert and have been serving up some really, really good burgers at the Parkside Café for nearly two decades. Their secret? Keeping it local. The beef they use is sourced from only a few miles away, as are many of the condiments. Served on a brioche bun, the delicious, 8-ounce, grass-fed Niman burger comes with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and mustard aioli on the side. Add on Point Reyes blue cheese or Golden Gate bacon if you so desire. Eat inside or in the rambling garden or order take out and venture to the nearby beach or park. They do not accept reservations.
43 Arenal Ave, Stinson Beach, 415.868.1272
American
Full Bar | Brunch | Private Party Room | Kid-Friendly | ADA-compliant
A multi-year retrofit created three dining areas — at the bar, in the sunny, original dining room and in a new room for dining and live music. Yes, the popovers are still here, on their own or in a basket with cornbread, as is the flank steak salad and other classics. Try their Station House Burger, with a sesame seed brioche bun, cheddar, lettuce, pickled onion and tomato.
11285 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.1515
Petaluma
American
Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Grab n' Go | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
It’s hard to say if there is a better presentation of NorCal-Beer-Garden-Cool-Vibe than Brewsters near the waterfront in the historic district of Petaluma. This open-air, 350-seat eatery is dog friendly, and just a super cool place to be. Added bonus: the food is delicious. Topping the list is the Sho-Burger, in honor of the late Todd Shoberg, who made a huge culinary splash in the bay area during his short lifetime and worked with Brewsters’ owner Mike Goebel at multiple locations. Goebel is donating $1 from every burger sold to a college fund for Shoberg’s daughter. The burger itself is a grass-fed ground beef from 4K Cattle Company, served on a brioche bun from Nisi’s Craft Bakery and topped with whatever the chef has found at the farmer’s market that day.
229 Water St North, Petaluma, 707.981.8330
Sonoma
Southern
Kid-Friendly | Full Bar | Watch the Game | Outdoor Seating | Grab n' Go | Brunch | Happy Hour | Dogs Welcome | Private Party Room | ADA-compliant
The comfortable and casual Blue Ridge Kitchen and cocktail bar in Sebastopol’s hip Barlow has a farmhouse vibe and plenty of style. Opt for the basic Barlow Burger — constructed with a potato bun, secret sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion and American cheese — or Matt’s Smash Burger — with caramelized onions, butter lettuce, heirloom tomato, gouda. For those who want to skip the beef, the Wood Grilled Portobello Muffaletta with havarti cheese, lettuce, tomato, crispy onion rings, sweet peppers secret sauce is sure to please.
6770 McKinley St. Ste 150, Sebastopol, 707.222.5040
American
Brunch | Date Spot | Full Bar | Happy Hour | Outdoor Seating | Private Party Room | Watch the Game
Hopmonk Tavern in Sonoma is a laid-back spot with a great beer garden where dogs are more than welcome. The outdoor space is perfect for an afternoon with friends — both human and canine! Grab a craft beer, order a juicy burger, and let your dog relax under the shady trees as live music plays in the background.
691 Broadway, Sonoma, 707.935.9100
Mendocino
14081 Highway 128, Boonville
707.895.3869
Whether you are passing through town or spending some time in the charming town of Boonville, a stop at Lauren’s Good Food won’t disappoint. Their handmade burgers are served on a ciabatta bun with house made aioli and all the usual fixings. Lauren’s burger comes with caramelized onions, but there are bacon cheddar, mushroom Swiss, and veggie burgers on the menu as well.
3 thoughts on “Best Burgers in the North Bay”
Call me crazy, but I still think the best burgers in the North Bay are the ones made at Super Duper. Yes, it’s a fast-food chain, but all their burgers are made-to-order, and the flavor is outstanding (ask for everything on it + cheese and grilled onions). Their fries are fantastic as well. And don’t pass on the chocolate shakes. Dollar-for-dollar, the best burger deal in the Bay Area. – Matt
Matt – You’re not crazy — I love the mini burger, that way I can also have room for a healthy portion of garlic fries! We try to focus on small local companies, not chains, which is why it’s not our list.
If only garlic fries were healthy (sigh).