14 Best Bars in San Rafael

Above Fifth Cocktail Bar • $$
1201 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

“Above Fifth is the rooftop bar of the AC Hotel in San Rafael, CA. The hotel is part of the Marriott hotel franchise. Yes, a franchise hotel is in downtown San Rafael. Times are a changin'.

Anyways, the bar is open 4pm-11pm Wednesday-Sunday, closed on Monday - Tuesday. The hotel is about 54 feet tall so it is not particular tall, but tall enough for some awesome views of downtown, surrounding hills, and Mount Tam. The seating area, like the hotel, has modern upscale aesthetics with relaxed vibes.

The views are gorgeous. The staff are sweethearts, five star service. The drinks and tapas menu price points are of course pricey. But what was up with the stained paper menus. Eww. Anyways, the fam ordered drinks (cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks) and tapas of olives, hummus and pita, and fingerling potatoes. The olives were delicious and it was a good medley of various kinds. The fingerling potatoes were a bit boring tasting, it could use more seasonings for added zing. Not sure how the green hummus tasted, I snoozed on that one.

Overall, the drinks are good, ambiance fantastic, and the food is meh. This is a type of place I would go for special occasions and not on a regular basis, my wallet cannot sustain it.“

3.7 Good53 Reviews
Pete's 881 Club Bar • $
721 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
Classic Cheese Burger
Sweet Potato Fries
Chicken Wings
French Fries
Texas Burger
French Dip
At the Bar
Food

“Pretty interesting place with poker, darts and pool. You'll find an unusual but friendly crowd here. The food is pretty good with mostly burgers and such with rotating specials. Thursday is Prime Rib! Bar is pretty good with standard cocktail fare and beers on tap. My only complaint is the atmosphere which feels mildly uncomfortable. I can't say why exactly, but the feng shue is off.“

4.5 Superb67 Reviews
Pint Size Lounge Bar • $$
1615 4th St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Guinness Draught Nitro

“unbelievable experience, the bartender was more than friendly and I would recommend to all my friends and family“

4.6 Superb14 Reviews
Il Davide Italian • $$
901 A St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Double Chocolate Brownie
Linguine with Clam Sauce
Spaghetti and Meatballs
Fried Calamari and Aoli
Bruschetta Al Pomodoro
Linguine Alla Vongole
Insalata Alla Cesare
Steak and Potatoes
Carpaccio De Manza
Seafood Fettuccine

“Wonderful food and service. Highly recommend!“

4.7 Superb141 Reviews
Julie's Hummus Bar & Grill Mediterranean • $
1026 Court St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Kabob Platter with Rice Mediterranean Salad and Hummus
Falafel Sandwich and Fries
Chicken Shawarma Plate
Lamb and Beef Shawarma
Salad and Baba Ghanouj
Chicken Kabob Plate
Falafel Platter
Falafel Burger
Garlic Hummus
Baba Ganoush

“The great tasting fresh healthy food made with love by this small business is all you could ask of it. Everything costs a fortune these days but at least your happy and full when you finish here. And to the owners, please keep up the great work, thanks!“

4.6 Superb75 Reviews
Cafe Villa Italian • $$
1602 Lincoln Ave, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Roasted Chioggia Beets & Burrata Cheese with Arugula Pistachios and Truffle-Honey Vinaigrette
Mista Salad with Baby Lettuces Radishes Cucumbers Cherry Tomatoes & White Balsamic Dressing
Local Rock Cod with Shrimp Fingerling Potatoes Spicy Tomato-Fennel Broth with Grilled Bread
Crispy Local Rock Cod Sandwich with Green Goddess Slaw on Bordenave Sesame Brioche Bun
Roasted Chioggia Beets & Burrata with Arugula Pistachios and Truffle-Honey Vinaigrette
Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Marcona Almonds Pecorino Mint and Lemon Dressing
Spaghetti Carbonara with Trumpet Mushrooms Spinach Peas Bacon and Farm Egg
Pork Ossobuco with Parmesan-Creme Fraiche Mashed Potatoes & Braised Greens
Spaghetti Carbonara with Trumpet Mushrooms Spinach Peas Bacon & Farm Egg
Eggplant Parmigiana with Seasonal Vegetables and Fettuccini Alfredo

“Delicious food! Very unassuming, we were so happy we stopped in, food and service were top notch 🍝“

4.6 Superb47 Reviews
Mi Pueblo San Rafael Mexican • $
5800 Northgate Dr Suite 138, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Tortilla Soup
Burrito Padre Macho
Breakfast Burrito
California Burrito
Seafood Burrito
Chicken Fajitas
Shrimp Fajitas
Chicken Nachos
Super Nachos
Steak Fajitas

“Best Mexican food I've had in a long time!“

4.5 Superb84 Reviews
Gaspare's Pizzeria Ristorante Pizza • $$
200 Merrydale Rd, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Calamari Fritti with Lemon Tartar & Cocktail Sauce
Penne Alla Vodka with Spicy Sausage & Arugula
Arugula Beet Fennel Salad
Terra Linda Trojan Pizza
Grilled Seafood Salad
Chicken Parmigiana
Fettuccine Alfredo
Half-Order Ravioli
Minestrone Soup
Veal Parmigiana

“Great services, friendly“

4.5 Superb40 Reviews
Kamikaze Sushi Bar & Cuisine Sushi • $$
223 3rd St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Sushi & Sashimi Combo
House Salad
Miso Soup
Yakitori
Tonkatsu
Albacore

“Was here on Christmas Eve, and the food, service, and ambience couldn’t have been better. Had clay pot dishes, both beef and tofu, assorted nigiri, Dragon roll - all wonderfully fresh, edamame, a shrimp tempura roll, and sake. We we all delighted. Thanks for adding to a beautiful Christmas Eve!“

4.5 Superb17 Reviews
RangeCafe Bar and Grill American • $
337 Biscayne Dr, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Tacos Tortas
Pepperoni Pizza
Cheeseburger
Mixed Greens
Margherita

“Beautiful atmosphere. We sat inside thinking it would get cold but when we left at 7 we saw the wonderful large heater lamps and wished we’d sat outside. Our server was so friendly and attentive! All food exceptional.We’ll definitely be back

Vegetarian options: Portabello mushroom sandwich fabulous“

4.4 Superb15 Reviews
Hillside Tavern American • $$
1010 Northgate Dr, San Rafael
4.1 Good9 Reviews
The State Room Brewpubs • $$
1132 4th St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Round of Beers for the Kitchen
The Pesto Wood Fired Pizza
Crunchy Chicken Sandwich
Fire Cracker Green Beans
Bang Bang Calamari
Handmade Dumplings
State Room Burger
Spicy Green Beans
Cubano Sandwich
Garlic Noodles

“the food is real!!!!!!!!!“

4.3 Superb88 Reviews
Le Chalet Basque Restaurant Basque • $$
405 N San Pedro Rd, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Grilled Lamb Chops Bordelaise
Chicken Cordon Bleu
French Onion Soup
Potato Leek Soup
Beef Bourguigon
Soup of the Day
Poached Salmon
Creamed Spinach
Soupe Du Jour
Rack of Lamb

“Have dined at Le Chalet Basque for more than 20 years. Our recent meal with lamb chops, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and split pea soup served with crumbled blue cheese salad couldn't have been better. Fresh ingredients, great wine and excellent service will keep us returning again and again.“

4.3 Superb175 Reviews
Café Arrivederci Italian • $$
11 G St, San Rafael

Customers` Favorites

Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Calamari Fritti
Salmon Dinner
Carpaccio
Ravioli
Gnocchi

“Went ar Arrivederci at around 3 pm on Sunday. Not that busy. We got seated and got our drinks right away. We ordered Gnocchi and Risotto con brasatto. We also got a complimentary focaccia bread with garlic/herbs olive oil dipping. The Gnocchi was very creamy and has rich flavor. The Risotto was creamy and the 2 piece of beef short ribs were tender and juicy. The portion is a bit on a small side and a bit pricey ($28 each). I gave 4 star because the server was not attentive.“

4.1 Good67 Reviews

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