The Pelican Inn

Once the food arrived it was good, but it was about an hour late. We even had a reservation, but it was over half an hour before we were seated. This, despite the fact that there was an empty dining room full of inviting tables and chairs going unused while hordes of hungry visitors gazed longingly at them. The poor overworked waitress was running around like a chicken with her head cut off, but couldn’t seen to keep up. She could have at least told us it would be half an hour. And when we ordered, she could have told us it would be another half hour to get our food. Instead, we could just gnash our teeth while our hungry children badgered us to know when they would get food.
We have witnessed this pitiable scene before when visiting Muir Beach, but had hoped that having a reservation this time would help. We were wrong. This place needs to get its act together! There are lots of hungry visitors who want to give the Pelican Inn their money, and it is sending them away. I, for one, plan to stay away until they hire more staff and get organized.

Two stars for the authentic look and feel of the pub. And for a few of the accommodating apologetic staff. I am British and have seen and been to plenty of pubs in my time. Sorry to say the food is beyond terrible. We waited 90 minutes for our food and had to send it all back for being cold. We ordered the Guinness beef stew which looked and tasted like what I imagine prison food would be like. We didn’t eat it. The bangers and mash were ok. But cold. The fish and chips were average. Fish was good. Chips were lanky and old. The best part was the kids ham and cheese toastie! A lot of people were also complaining we noticed. And we saw that some people just brought their own food. Smart.
To the owners. Take note as you have an amazing venue but soon enough people will just stop going if you continue to not care.

I have always heard the pelican inn in my heart as my favorite place to vacation. I stayed there over 2016 New Years this year and I am sad to say that it barely resembles the magical spirited hide away in the Muir Woods that it once was. I paid a lot of attention my entire stay and what I observed was not bad service… ZERO management. 2 bartenders (primarily Ben) who maintained a positive attitude the days of my stay, despite the fact that he was literally doing 9 peoples job.
I assume the original owners sold the Pelican Inn and whoever purchased it has no idea how to run a business.
As a business owner the experience gave me serious anxiety. I waited patiently for 4.5 hours to check in and get a key while I watched the bartender do his job, host, bus tables, answer phones, deliver food and train the new server (it was his first day and he was the only server hat would be on that night) it was disconcerting to watch over 100 guests told they could not have dinner on their special occasion, we only have 1 server. Instead everyone gets the pub menu. He whole situation was bizarre for multiple days.
The entire experience would have been blown but the bartender was so nice, apologetic and charming that it continually brought out our forgiving side. I have no idea how the staff keeps it together under these circumstances. My entire stay I never saw a manager, host, front desk person… nothing. So day 2 I asked «is the manager here today?» I received a sheepish reply… he hasn’t been in, in over 2 months. We think he drops the schedule in the middle of the night. Lovely… it’s obvious.
Goodbye Pelican Inn… I will cherish our memories. You were one of a kind!
As for the new owners… shame on you for throwing away the MAGIC.

Despite being a native New Yorker, I am generally a very patient person, especially when it comes to restaurants. That patience came to a very quick end at The Pelican Inn this afternoon (¹²⁄₂₃).
1. It took 15 minutes from the moment we sat down to when our waiter came to take our drink order. During the meal, I saw two other families come in, get neglected, and leave 10 minutes later
2. If you don’t have a good memory or are overwhelmed, maybe write down the orders. 6 of us have our waiter our order and he wrote none of it down, only to have him come over twice over the next 5 minutes to re-​ask us what we wanted.
3. It took another 15 minutes to get our drinks which included 1 beer, 2 Diet Cokes and a tea and only after one of us got up and went to the kitchen to inquire did we get our drinks
4. The food on its own may have been 2 stars if it came out either on time or at an acceptable temperature
Overall, this was the single worst dining experience I have ever had in my life, and it honestly wasn’t close. The place itself is very cute and charming and is in a great spot to get all the run-​off from the hiking trails and I can only imagine if they had even passable food and a wait staff who had half a clue of what they were doing that they would make money hand over fist.
End of rant. Go Warriors

My bf surprised me with an afternoon at Muir Beach which included afternoon eats at the Pelican Inn.
We ordered the fish and chips, cheese plate and I had a pot of chai tea. I’m a huge fan of their fish and chips! Best I had here in Northern California.
If you’re ever in the area. Please stop here and experience this cute and quaint place for yourself! Love the back patio with fireplace.
Great date spot!

Oh my god … We had one of the worst dining experiences ever here. I took some my employees here last night, about 10 of them, we were staying in the steep ravine cabins and we came over here for dinner. Our waiter, I think his name was Darren, was so hostile we were all a little terrified. There was lotsa slamming of plates, angry looks, snide comments … It was so bD thst we laughed about it all night and we’re still bringing him up constantly. The food here has always been workman-​like /​average (I’ve lived in Marin for 20 years) but wow that combined w the bad hospitality, m this place is hitting a new low

My husband and I had our first date here, so this place will always hold a special place in our hearts.
But to be frank, our service we’ve received at the Pelican over the last year has been awful. It started at a slow decline and now it’s a place that we don’t even think about going and dining at the Pelican anymore. It’s also safe to say we don’t tell our out of town guests to dine or stay with you either. How awful if I told someone to check out this friendly pub and when they got they learned they had to pay for tap water???
The charge for tap water really did me over. I could have let the noticeable increase in food prices and decrease in portion, the increase in cost of beverages on tap, or even the new stingy wine pours, but to charge for tap water is outrageous. It’s hard to believe it’s because of the drought with all the noticeable corners your business is cutting.
I last dined with you for a friend’s birthday (her choice) at the beginning of October… It seemed like there were 2 or maybe 3 employees working a full pub and a full restaurant. None of which seemed to have an idea of how to do their job. We were awkwardly told we should expect poor service because we came 15 min before our reservation, which was quite a way to start a dinner that was going to cost at least $ 50 a head (with an entrée and a glass of wine).
No amount of hip Instagram posts will get loyal locals back at your pub. Be careful: the quaint environment can only go so far, people return to destinations because of the experience, and
right now that’s lacking.

These guys will steal your money — don’t let them have your credit card details.
It’s a great building in a great location (for the beach), but terrible food and overpriced. Been a few times now, always hope they’ll prove me wrong then I regret going back.
Additionally, this time they overcharged my credit card by another 10% (on top of the good and undeserved tip we already included) — then they didn’t return my calls to explain why. I believe this called theft.
A terrible experience all round; drive back to Mill Valley and go somewhere decent and honest.

Loved them for years, but now cannot recommend.
We have been going to the Pelican Inn for meals for over 15 years now. My sweetie was a fan, so he brought me here for dates early in our relationship. We’ve also been here for holiday meals, and for costuming events held by the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild. We have a lot of wonderful family memories of eating here. For example, one of the last meals we ever had with my sweetie’s father was here — he loved the place, even though he had aphasia and could barely speak or order. He was so happy and smiling. He passed shortly after that; when I think of him, I picture him smiling at the table here, his face lit up by the light of the fire.
We’ve been taking the children here since they were little — they’re now in their mid 20’s. My sweetie brings his mother here regularly, because it’s such a warm spot for our family. So, when I realized a dear friend was moving to Europe and I wouldn’t see her for years, I thought to bring her her for Thanksgiving. Over two weeks before T-​day, I called the hotel using the instructions on the website for the Thanksgiving buffet. I got voicemail. I just assumed they were busy — so waited for a call back. It never came. I called back a couple of days later. Same thing — voicemail. No call back. This has continued for the past two weeks.
Today is Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving. Starting at 9:30 AM, I called and finally reached a person — a young woman, who said she was a junior staff member, and did not know anything about the buffet. She said the only person who could make reservations was the supervisor, who had not been in today and might not be coming in. She suggested I email him directly. I did so. I got no response. No email response, and again, no phone call response to my messages.
However, I noticed at about the same time today, The Pelican Inn posted on Facebook advertising their Thanksgiving buffet and telling folks to call to make reservations. I responded with a comment that I had been calling and had never gotten a response. A short while later, there was a comment, «Sorry for the breakdown in communication. We are sold out.»
I noticed that they also posted on November 23 — so, they’ve repeatedly posted about an event, but are evidently sold out. I am starting to suspect something fishy. This is just really not what I’ve previously experienced in dealing with the Pelican Inn. It is starting to sound like something strange is going on; either there’s not really going to be a buffet, or there’s some sort of selective responding or something. If it’s been available, why not respond to folks trying to make reservations? If it’s sold out, why post about the event inviting reservations?
Now, looking at Unilocal,I see a number of recent reviews commenting on poor customer service. The employee I spoke to about 9:45 AM this morning seemed sympathetic and only said «We are extremely understaffed lately.» I am starting to suspect the Pelican Inn is having financial problems which are affecting their customer service. As such, while I have loved the place, I cannot recommend it to people any more. It’s a terrible shame, but it will live on in our famly’s memories, even if it’s no longer some play where we are welcome or feel comfortable dining.

Quality of fish and chips have gone done in the last few years. Food came out cold or lukewarm the past few times I have been there. Its still OK, it a good place to relax and have a beer after a long run in Marin headlands. I would not go there for the food though
But this review is about their customer service
This past Saturday (10÷03÷15), I was on a long trail run and was running out of water. Peeked my head in and asked if they could fill my water bottle. In the past they have been really gracious about it. But this time, the bartender told me they will have to charge me for water, and would not fill the water bottle !!! Also, there is no other place where I can get water around that area. I am running dude, and I don’t have my wallet on me
This is insane. I was shocked. Reason: we have a drought, and its the new policy. Its not even a humanitarian thing to do. Ridiculous
I am done with you Pelican Inn, never going back there again and will recommend all my friends to do the same. Food was mediocre to begin with, your new policy is just horrible. Shame on you for not filling a water bottle.

I’ve always wanted to go to the Pelican Inn. Like many people who have driven by and seen what looks like an authentically old English pub in a somewhat remote part of the California coast, I’ve had romantic daydreams of cozying up to a table with a pint and chatting amongst lively people, many with accents.
After a hike near Bolinas, I and an English friend came in for food and drink. The hike was longer than we expected so we were thirsty and starving — having talked about going to the pub for the better part of two hours. I was surprised to discover that the bar is TINY. Super tiny. Let’s say four small tables (barely big enough for two) and one larger table. A huge line snaked into and around the bar to order. While were were waiting, a two-​man band was plugging in guitars to an amp and we looked at each other with shocked looks. «Like there isn’t enough going on in here!»
Most people were out on the lawn as it was a beautiful day but having been outside for so long already, we were excited to find a table in the tiny bar next to an open window that gave us the best of both worlds. The band started up and were surprisingly quiet, totally perfect clarity without the noise. It was nice. But despite the place being busy, it lacked the liveliness I expected. I think it’s because on a summer weekend, it’s all tourists. There are no locals so no one knows each other, everyone’s just passing through. The couple at the next table over tried to make conversation with us – they were staying at the inn and seemed thoroughly bored by the lack of stimulus. They’d already had one round of food and drinks and were starting on their second. Unfortunately, we had to get back to the city and weren’t staying long enough for socializing.
On the way out, the dining room was set for dinner and it looked very inviting. It really did look like an old English home. I’d had bangers and mash which was a fairly small portion. Two medium sausages, a pile of mash and some peas. Granted, I’d been starving but I was still hungry when I finished. The beer was good but overall, it’s a tad on the pricey side. $ 40 for two beers, my meal and a cheese plate. But it’s worth the stop in, for sure, and next time I’ll try to stay for longer.

We stopped here after visiting Muir Woods and Muir Beach. The outside is so cute and well maintained. It looked like the perfect place for a beer! The bar area is tiny with lots of personality.
We liked it so much, we decided to stay the nite! We took advantage of «the snug», a private den for guests with games and a piano. We had dessert in the patio area and sat outside to look at the stars. Our room (room 5) was really nice and had a great balcony. No TV or phones here so be prepared to unwind!
Complimentary breakfast in the patio area the next morning was very nice. They serve excellent coffee. We would definitely stay here again.

Truly great place! I visited with a friend from San Francisco who’d been here before — It was my first time.
First off, the environment was fantastic. It was kept up very well while still retaining the old-​timey, laid back feel. When we first arrived, we walked in the door and were greeted by two ladies who were more than welcoming. One of them was a Washington native, like me, so we stood around and shot the breeze for a while. The bartender had us sample a few different kinds of beer, giving suggestions as we went. When we’d finally decided, they filled a couple pints and we went outside to take a seat in the grass.
The lawn was well manicured, quiet and a great place to sit and enjoy the view. Our food came out shortly after we got comfortable and the waiter made sure we had all we needed. Everything was to die for — great selection of cheeses, you could tell the food was all fresh… Altogether a great experience! Nice place to come and enjoy a day off. Not to mention Muir Beach is like, half a minute away!

This whitewashed, 16^th Century looking inn was built in 1979, but you’ll be hard pressed not to squint and swear that you are at an English countryside pub, complete with hobbit-​like ceilings. Most told us the food here is barely a-​okay (three on a good day) before we set out, but we could not help ourselves because atmospherically this spot is not without serious charm, which is why the four stars. (Foodwise «skip» their fish and chips due to sogginess and let’s be honest, much of the pub food is middling.) To play it safe, we focused our ordering around beer on tap and threw in a fresh basket of brown bread and sweet butter and a nice cheese plate with sweet, spicy mango chutney and blue, farmhouse cheddar and brie. These were harder to miss on, and really hit the spot. Service was slow and chaotic.
Overall, a fun (but also frustrating, given their long, slow line) stop in Marin for an impromptu summertime stop in the grass, paired with a cold Pelican Lagunitas IPA on tap. I only wish their food (meh) and service (slowwww) was up to their stunning location. But once out on the lawn with your blanket and beer you’ll find lots of kids, families, mountain and road bikers, hikers and friendly people enjoying the soft, green grass and the sunshine. A very enjoyable place to hang out.

This place is amazing! Perfect for a romantic getaway or a girls day out. I love this place so much I have them on my website as a venue for elopements.
Check out more photos here:

My time living in the UK gave me an appreciation for British foods so visiting the Pelican Inn was highly anticipated. Although the structure was completed in 1979, it was designed to look like a 17^th century pub/​hotel. I must say, well done! Even the bathrooms had an authentically vintage odour and hovel feel to it.
The bangers and mash were quite good. However, the fish and chips had too much breading, soggy with oil from the frying. As ravenous as we were we couldn’t eat it. It’s hard to imagine a «british pub» getting fish and chips so drastically wrong; but maybe a British staple done poorly is the most authentic part about this pub.

Fantastic location
Fantastic atmosphere
Fantastic décor
Fantastic service
Fantastic food and tea and a big drink list
Thanks Skyler for the great service (I overhead your name so I didn’t have to ask)
I’ve driven by this place atleast thrity times and I finally stopped in with my girlfriend for lunch. IT WAS PERFECT. Super romantic. Right after lunch i went and proposed on mt. Tam and she said yes. The Pelican was a perfect piece of a perfect day. Thanks for being awesome.
And no this review isnt jaded because in young and on love! ;) Im a server andI love eating out, I think im an ok judge of places like this, ane this place is special. Funny thing is one of my customers this morning happened to reccomend this place for next time i go to the coast and I was like, «oh yea, i was just there!»
No seriously, The irish pub side deal they got going on is legit. I wish i woulda known about it sooner cause I would have totally came and shot darts and chilled with the homies on a day off… have you ever heard of a place that could either be super romantic or a chill spot to chill with your homies? Nope? Exactly.
Apparently they get busy. It wasn’t when I went there, It worked well for me ;)

I don’t hike. And I haven’t been to Muir Woods or Muir Beach in ages. But my father was born in London, & I’m a real Anglophile. So if I’m not coming here specifically, I at least come to The Pelican Inn on my way to or from Stinson Beach, automatically, for the last 2 decades.
I was actually brought here for a first date by a young lad trying to make an impression on me when I was only 22. That was 20 years ago. Rather than the guy, it was the Pelican Inn that made the impression…
It’s friggin charming. As all get out.
The pub is dark, woody, & comfortable.
The restaurant is tiny, romantic, & intimate. A great fireplace oversees the space.
There’s a patio. Great for day, & lit up w white lights for night.
Did I say that it’s charming?
The whole thing, from the moment you set eyes on it, is like walking into a Charles Dickens piece.
If it’s just a pub visit, I like the cheese plate. With a nice vino.
But Dinner? Then it’s the Beef Wellington.
I’ve never spent the night here. They say it’s haunted. I was given a tour of the rooms once…& I believe it. But, I’m not completely chicken s***. I might stay one of these days. Maybe.
5 stars.

I was only here for the pub so I can’t speak to the accommodations.
This place has some of the best quality British fare I’ve had along with a great selection of ales from the UK.
Interior is a time capsule back to an old style pub with beautiful wooden floors and tables and lots of candles! Staff were friendly and food came out pretty quickly. Perfect post-​Mount Tam hike hang out spot!

We had our wedding and reception at the Pelican Inn and could not have been happier. It was the most perfect day. Very quaint, small and intimate even amid the crowds from the pub. Our entire wedding party and guests was under 45.
Working with Andrea everything went seamlessly. Communication was great with her. I was not an overly controlling bride, left a lot of the specific details open and she and her team did amazing. Everything was beautiful
We rented all the rooms (recommend reserving all rooms the night before your event and day of). Ceremony was in the conservatory followed by champagne and apps in the snug. Dinner and reception was then back in conservatory. We loved staying at the inn as well. Breakfast the next day was included and a great end to a wonderful weekend!

Am letzen Wochenende war ich mit Freunden mal wieder wandertechnisch unterwegs und hier im Pelican Inn haben wir unseren Boxenstopp gemacht. Und ich muss sagen, ich war ganz begeistert davon, wie gemütlich es hier ist. Es schaut hier aus wie in einem typisch Britischen Pub: kleine Räume, niedrige Decken, ein offener Kamin, zu Trinken wird an der der Theke bestellt… und Fish & Chips gibt’s natürlich auch noch!
Da es ein herrlich sonniger Oktobernachmittag war, haben wir auf dem Rasen vor dem Pelican Inn gesessen. Ich hatte ein Picknick vorbereitet und so war für das leibliche Wohl schon gesorgt, aber uns allen dürstete nach einem kühlen Schluck Bier. Und da ich ein kleines wenig Heimweh hatte, habe ich mir ein Radler bestellt — hier gibt’s nämlich Paulaner Helles!
Das Pelican Inn liegt aber auch wirklich einfach sehr günstig: Muir Beach ist gleich um die Ecke, dann ist das Green Gulch Zen Center auch noch in der Nähe und ganz zu Schweigen von Muir Woods. Obendrein ist das hier auch noch ein Dreh-​und Angelspunkt für verschiedenste Wander– und Radwege.
Apropos Wander, hier ist meine Empfehlung für einen tollen Tagesausflug (ca. 9 Meilen oder 15 Kilometer):
1) beim Tennessee Valley Parkplatz starten
2) dem Miwok Trail folgen (Richtung Dias Ridge)
3) dann auf den Coyote Trail «umsteigen»
4) anschließend auf den Coastal Trail in Richtung «Muir Beach» abbiegen
5) im Pelican Inn einkehren
6) einen Abstecher zum Strand machen
7) den Coastal Trail wieder zurückverfolgen
8) diesmal nicht den Coyote Trail nehmen, sondern dem Pirates Cove Trail folgen
9) anschließend den Coastal Trail wieder aufnehmen
10) zurückkehren zum Tennessee Valley Parkplatz