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
15 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
415.331.2600
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. Open Monday through Friday 4pm to 8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday noon to 8:30pm.
44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley
415.381.2500
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? Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday through Saturday and 5 to 8 p.m. Sundays and Mondays.
152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley
415.331.2600
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?
38 Miller Ave, Ste. 1, Mill Valley
415.888.2108
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. Hours vary throughout the week.
741 E Blithedale Ave, Ste 775B, Mill Valley
415.354.5974
Part of Local Kitchens, The Melt revolutionizes the classic burger by infusing wagyu beef patties to add that extra fatty, juicy deliciousness in every bite. Their whopper of a BBQ Bacon burger has over a 1/3 lb of wagyu, topped with smoked bacon, crispy onions, and Memphis-style BBQ sauce. They also offer a lot of customization options, including the Impossible Burger for vegetarians craving some cheese-y, melty goodness. Hours are 10:30am to 12am Fridays and Saturdays and 10:30am to 11:30pm Sunday through Thursday.
17 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
415.888.3907
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. Open 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. They are closed the rest of the week.
430 Miller Ave, Mill Valley
415.380.8555
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! Hours are 10:30 a.m. t0 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
129 Miller Ave, Mill Valley
415.888.2406
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!). Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sundays.
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! Hours vary are 11:30am to 5:30pm Wednesdays and Thursdays and 11:30am to 6pm Friday through Monday. They are closed on Tuesdays.
300 Turney St, Sausalito
415.766.8999
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! Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.
27 Main St, Tiburon
415.435.4527
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, sauteed mushrooms, avocado and blue cheese. Open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekends.
Central Marin
Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael
1585 Casa Buena Dr, Corte Madera
415.924.2081
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. Hours are 4 to 10 p.m. every day except Mondays and Tuesdays, on which they are closed.
302 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
415.785.4233
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). Hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur
415.927.3331
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. Hours are 12 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
1401 Larkspur Landing Cir, Larkspur
628.212.2050
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. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
M&G Burgers
Looking for a classic burger, fries, and shake? M&G serves up quality without the frills at their Larkspur and Fairfax locations. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday except Saturday, which hours are 12 to 8 p.m.
234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur
415.927.1877
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. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo
415.785.4802
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. Hours vary throughout the week and each day.
625 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo
415.991.1502
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. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and on Sundays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They are closed on Mondays.
655 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael
415.991.5103
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. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and on Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays. They are closed on Tuesdays.
2202 4th St, San Rafael
415.456.0866
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. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
1301 4th St, San Rafael
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. Hours vary are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
West Marin
Stinson Beach – Point Reyes – Marshall – Tomales – Lagunitas – Forest Knolls – Olema
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. Hours are 12 to 9pm Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 9pm on Saturdays and 11:30am to 8pm on Sundays.
10905 State Route One, Point Reyes Station
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. Open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. They are closed on Thursdays.
43 Arenal Ave., Stinson Beach
415.868.1272
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. Open daily 7am to 9 pm.
11285 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station
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. Open: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, and 4 to 8 p.m. on Sundays. They are closed on Wednesdays.
Petaluma
229 Water St North, Petaluma
707.981.8330
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. Open Monday through Friday 11:30am to close, Saturday and Sunday 11am to close.
Sonoma
6770 McKinley St. Ste 150, Sebastopol
707.222.5040
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. Open daily 11:30am to 7:30pm.
691 Broadway, Sonoma
707.935.9100
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. Open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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. Open Friday and Saturday 11:00am to 9:00pm, Sunday, Monday and Thursday 11:00am to 8:30pm. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
More Local Favorites in the North Bay
Who’s writing these?
Meet our always-hungry team of foodies who compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.
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).