Love this place. Can’t beat the view. My partner and I enjoyed a late leisure lunch and enjoyed viewing San Francisco above Bridgeway and away from all the cars, buses, bikes and tourists. We enjoyed their burger, fries and beer. Plan to go back and try more menu items. Would be a great place to dine and watch the sunset as well
Joseph V.
Place rating: 5 Baltimore, MD
The NY strip here is currently the best steak I’ve had in my life. Grilled and sliced to perfection with the perfectly seasoned fingerling potatoes and veg to accompany. The chimichurri was beautifully vibrant and paired well with the steak. The view is unbeatable here during sunset. Anne Burrell spotted here during my visited.
Barb C.
Place rating: 3 Downtown, Vancouver, Canada
The most amazing clam chowder but service was not good. Was it because we didn’t order liquor at lunch? Server was a snob and didn’t let us finish our sentences. Don’t ask anything if you don’t care what people are going to say. My friend got charged $ 8 for her soft drink. Soft drinks comes in a tiny cup. Flatbread was good too. The dishware was lovely and so was the view.
Kirsten M.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Neat place with stunning views of the SF skyline. We only had cocktails but I would definitely go back to try their food which all looked amazing!
Paulina F.
Place rating: 2 San Francisco, CA
I hate to say it, but this place isn’t good. I felt badly the first time because my co-diner caused an inappropriate scene, and I thought my view of the food was tainted by that. I returned with someone else a couple nights ago. Ordered cocktails and a few food items. Food is below average for sure. I was immediately struck by how thin the broth of the clam chowder was. Like, water thin. So not what we craved. And there were sharp – borderline mouth and throat hazards – garnishes in the dish, especially in my co-diner’s. I took bone marrow and flat bread to-go. Ugh. What bone marrow? I was overwhelmed by cooked onions, which I dislike. Onion dish, period. The flat bread didn’t do anything for me. Not worthwhile whatsoever. I’d only return for the incredible skyline and seat placement outside. Sad that such an amazing setting is wasted on sub-par food.
Dan C.
Place rating: 2 San Ramon, CA
Looking for a place to eat after taking the family to the Marin Headlands. Thought it would be nice to hit up Sausalito. Found this place on the water side. Not a particularly busy day being it was MLK Day. We get seated(party of 4) fairly quickly. The kids(17 and 12) enjoying the views. We must have been caught up in the views of the bay because after 10 – 15 minutes sitting there I noticed no one has come to our table yet. It’s not like we were tucked away in a corner. We were seated behind the hostess, next to a drink station and across from the kitchen. Plenty of servers whizzing by. Finally the Hostess comes by to check on us. Turns out she was the Manager and brings water and a drink menu. When the server does come over for our drink orders I’m tempted to just order an app for the kids not knowing how much longer I would see the server again. He drops off the drinks and disappears again. Finally get our order in. Chowder, roast chicken for the kids and ½ dozen oysters for the wife and I. The manager comes over again. The oysters go pretty quick so we place another order with her. Another 20 minutes go by. The server comes back and I ask about them. He goes to a server station and it looks like he putting in the order. No update from him. Ten minutes later they come out. The manager comes back and without us saying anything about the service and she offers a desert on the house. I almost didn’t want to accept it because I didn’t want to waste more time being there. The service was so bad and slow I had to leave to go out and feed the meter. Two hours to grab a quick bite. Food was good. Service was not.
Rockne H.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
After the Bay2Breakers run, I decided to take my friends to Sausalito. Both of them haven’t been here so we decided to make a day of it. After walking around, we decided to try Barrel House. The reviews on Unilocal were great and the second floor joint hinted good views of the bay! I love the vaulted ceilings and open floor plan space. If you’re lucky enough to snag a seat on the balcony, it’s one heck of a view. Our server was super sweet and really helped make our experience great. Not a lot of interaction but when it did happen, it was great. For lunch, I was hungry! I got the side of organic fries for $ 5. It was topped with parmesan truffles and herbs. So flavorful! Lots to an order and worth the price tag. For lunch, I got the Risotto for $ 18. Also a great value. Arborio rice, asparagus, parmesan cheese, mushrooms and basil. LOTS of stuff incorporated into the rice. The bowl was huge and the flavors were on point. Had to have been one of my favorite risotto dishes. Overall, a very good dining experience. I try to make it out to Sausalito at least once a quarter so when I do, this is the place I’ll be coming back to!
Nancy E.
Place rating: 3 San Rafael, CA
I really wanted to like this restaurant more, but found the food to be only average, especially for the price. The atmosphere of the dining room and the location and view are really nice. It was too noisy to carry a conversation with anyone but my immediate neighbor, but had a good energy to it. The cocktail and wine selection will find something for everyone. After we ordered drinks, it took quite awhile for them to arrive, as did the appetizers. We had the burrata on some frisée and endive with a smear of balsamic glaze stuck on the plate that we couldn’t get onto the food – so added nothing except making the edge of the plate sticky. My entrée of swordfish with saffron couscous, hazelnuts and fresh grapes had absolutely no saffron flavor, nor any flavor at all for the couscous. The fish was prepared well but it, too, was under seasoned.(And I tend to like less salt than most). My husband’s «Coq au Vin» was sort of a deconstructed version, and not at al what he was expecting. The chicken was well prepared, but there was very little sauce or accompanying veggies. Neither of the dishes seemed to be fully realized and were lackluster. We finished with a chocolate bread pudding with ice cream that again was lacking in flavor. So while I would return here for drinks, I’m not so excited to return for a meal…
Galya T.
Place rating: 5 Sausalito, CA
A beautiful view of the city and the bay bridge. I came here before for drinks but never for an actual dinner or meal. I must say Bravo! I ordered the chicken for the main course and it was very delicious. Not too big and not too small, just perfect. For appetizer my love and I got lemon meat ball with some yogurt on it, which was very tasty and a good way to work out your stomach for the mean course. I highly recommend the fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, which was very good and no bitter at all. If you are visiting Sausalito and looking for a place to grab a meal or drinks with friends and great view of the bay, you must stop by!
Alai F.
Place rating: 1 Corte Madera, CA
This business owner is a slum landlord. People should know. The situation is so bad, the city has declared an emergency and has vowed to take action if Henry doesn’t. Henry promises work will begin on Tuesday, adding that he hired a contractor to start repairs as soon as he became aware of the issue. «I apologize for the situation. I didn’t cause the problem, I’m doing the best I can to fix the whole gas line and make things right,» said landlord Henry. «What matters most is what happens tomorrow and the next day and the next day and whether or not those words are followed with action and resource to make sure these repairs are completed,» said Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin. The city says this is the latest in a string of problems. Henry faces hundreds of violations that range from termites and roaches to asbestos, lead and electrical issues at the property. Henry could face up to $ 250,000 in fines for these violations.
Jordan G.
Place rating: 5 Corte Madera, CA
Went in for a child free afternoon date. Got seated on water front for two. The house cocktails are amazing. The mixologists there are dialed in. Todd, the floor manager was our waiter. He rocked. Very friendly and personable. Food is incredible, but expensive. But it is all very fresh, the garnish is grown onsite. Our clam chowder had unshucked clams… so good! No cans used here! Basic cheeseburger with truffle fries was outstanding. Interior décor is cool too. Can’t wait to go back for a special dinner!
Anna K.
Place rating: 5 Cambridge, MA
A diamond! Best indoor design, spectacular view to the ocean and city wharf. All the meals are decorated nicely, very delicious as well. Love their wine selections. The service is upscale but no dress code is applied. Recommend at any time for any event.
Amy Y.
Place rating: 4 Berkeley, CA
My bf planned a special date for us here and it was amazing! We called ahead for reservation. The restaurant does not take reservations for the outdoor area, so you’ll have to tell the hostess. When we first got here we sat inside with a view to the outside, and we later asked to move outside where the view was GORGEOUS. We ordered a few things, the breakfast sandwich, ahi tuna tartare and salmon tardine. The ahi tuna tartare was amazing!!! The size is on the smaller side but the wasabi aoili was the best thing I have EVERTASTED. It complemented the fish so well and there was a crisp to the nuts inside the fix. The breakfast sandwich was also the BEST I have ever tasted. The egg dripped as you cut it open onto the ham and ciabatta bread. We were disappointed by 2 things 1) there was no ranch and 2) the open face salmon sandwich. The view and service is a 5+!! Such great service and care from the waiters, and the view and architecture was amazing!!! The server let us sample some wine too. Parking is annoying because its hard to find and you have to pay.
Pim Y.
Place rating: 5 Seattle, WA
Barrel House Tavern is legitimately one of the best restaurants I have ever eaten at. If you’re looking for«the whole package» this is it. Why Barrel House is «THEWHOLEPACKAGE»: LOCATION: extremely scenic beachside Sausalito, almost every seat gives you a view of SF and bay bridge(except the few seats that face the street, which is actually charming as well) FOOD: delicious, many classic dishes presented with a unique twist SERVICE: casual but perfectly paced and extremely well-executed PRICEPOINT: a little higher than my typical, but many establishments that provide such a spectacular view charge the same ore more even if their food/service is not as bomb; this place is just worth it ITEMBREAKDOWN: ALCOHOL — relatively short but impressive list of beverages, I myself ordered the Stone Arrogant Bastard IPA PANROASTEDTRUECOD — chock full of vegetables and fresh flavors, perfectly cooked and seasoned cod HOUSECUREDSALMON(for the table) — honestly the best smoked salmon I have had in a very long time SWEETBREAD — Hawaiian rolls with poppy seeds, delicious and soft and warm with butter I did get to try some of my friends’ dishes. Mary’s chicken had a very unique and delicious sauce. The multiple cloves of garlic were cooked to a sweet and lovely flavor. The clam chowder, although more watery than I am used to, was also flavorful and even slightly spicy. Most of all, I was pleasantly surprised by the light and tart slaw that came with the baby back ribs. Barrel House Tavern was a spontaneous decision for our group but I am so glad we went there. If anything, I apologize for our possibly offensive smell a la Muir Woods hike. Thank you so much for accommodating us anyway!
Ms. P.
Place rating: 5 Dillon Beach, CA
Amazing food, awesome views, excellent service. I love everything about this place! Try the egg sandwich for brunch, de-light-ful!
Tracey A.
Place rating: 4 Marin County, CA
Are you the type who worships San Francisco from afar, preferring not to dirty your pretty little feet with the reality of urban life? Do you drool over photos of San Francisco, sparkling like a jewel-box, when viewed from the Bay? Can you appreciate the rarity of a waterfront restaurant that actually has good food and drink to match? Have I got a place for you. Barrel House Tavern had me at hello. The space is gorgeous, with wine bottles beautifully housed in the curved, barrel-shaped ceiling. The long bar, with its backdrop of decorative jars of colored concoctions is a stunner. A suspended, oval fireplace is stylish and artful, something you’ve seen before yet a throwback to nothing. And I haven’t even gotten to the money shot. Although you could come to Barrel House and enjoy yourself in the bar or at the indoor tables in the center of the restaurant there are two places here which should be what you aspire to attain, your reason for coming here. The first is the row of indoor tables along the south windows of the restaurant. Each comes with a view of San Francisco that might render your meal immaterial. At night, the City lights will dance and sparkle and you almost couldn’t imagine a more romantic spot. Until you see the deck seating. Along the east side of Barrel House is a narrow deck containing a row of two person tables and a bay facing bar/counter. Holy crap. This IS the money shot. It’s got all of what you get at the indoor window seats plus the water below you and in front of you, the sea-kissed air on your face, and gentle heat lamps warming you from behind. If I came here and didn’t sit out here I’m not even sure I’d say I came here. They serve food here, drinks too, all of it quite good. Burrata Mozzarella(about $ 13) was delicious, with a huge assortment of colorful, fresh tomatoes. A Grass-Fed Burger($ 18) served on a home-baked bun was rich and buttery and a great burger for sharing. $ 4 more got me luscious Truffle-Parmesan Fries, an indulgence I didn’t regret. A Grilled Artichoke(around $ 12) was served with pesto-mint dipping sauce but was better just eaten as is, with a large squirt of fresh lemon juice. Microbrews and wines by the glass on tap nicely round out the Barrel House experience. For a bit of San Francisco indulgence from afar, no matter what time of day or night, get on the waiting list for your outdoor seat(or indoor window seat) at Barrel House.
Jeff J.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Lunch for 2. — Ambiance(5⁄5) Really liked the interior décor, and the views can’t be beat. — Service(5⁄5) Speedy, courteous. — Bread(N/A) A bit surprised not to receive bread. — Tuna Tartare, $ 16(4⁄5) A really nice tartare with a great crunch from the hazelnuts. The wasabi aioli was also a nice touch. Only complaint would have been the sweet potato plantains being a bit soft. — Marin Oysters, $ 3.50ea(4⁄5) Fresh and plump, as described, though not quite shucked as cleanly as I’d like. — Seared Halibut, $ 28(4⁄5) Perfectly cooked piece of halibut– not the easiest fish to cook. I really enjoyed the sweet corn as well, though found the dish to have a bit too many herbs. — Value(4⁄5) Good value on the fish, though I found the appetizer prices to be a bit on the high end. — Final Word Great little spot on the main drag for a classy bite.
Kunal T.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
I love this place in Sausalito if you’re looking for a classy place and enjoy the views off the balcony. The wine and cheese pairings are superb. If you’re visiting Sausalito for the first time I would highly recommend coming here and trying the oysters. Great drinks, very friendly service and great proximity(its right next to the ferry terminal).
Sharon K.
Place rating: 5 Arlington, VA
Um excuse me who would give this place less than 5 stars? I am sincerely confused. I am going to assume they are accidental clicking errors! The view in itself gives this place so much value. The food is also just as good as the view, you non-five-star-giving crazies! I am one of the many people who biked the Golden Gate Brdige over into Sausalito and this was the best reward afterward. I have been to many a brunch back in DC and in my 24 years of living, this is the most memorable. Hands down. I made a reservation a week beforehand because I knew we would be visiting NorCal. The problem is, I underestimated how long the actual bike ride would take. I was ambitious and set the brunch reservation to 11:30 am(lol as if, Sharon). We arrived 2 hours later super hungry from our ride and we only had to wait about 15 minutes for us to be seated by the water(just enough time for us to lock up our bikes and walk back). Look at my pictures they are so amazing and the picture does not do the view justice. You can see the San Francisco skyline from where you are sitting. Ok now the food and drink! The drink menu rotates on a theme depending on the time you go there. The week before they had Game of Thrones themed drinks. When I was there they had their cocktails named after all of Robin Williams’ movies(Patch Adams, Mrs. Doubtfire, Genie, etc.) and it was the cutest thing. I ordered the Patch Adams and honestly be careful because the cocktails are strong probably because they know you are taking the ferry back. Boyfriend chose not to carpe diem and ordered a beer(boring). I know they change their menu based on the seasons but I will talk about when I went early June 2015. I just checked and the menu is still the same for now. Starters: Get the Wood Fired Lamb Meatballs and the Local Cheese Plate. We picked the Humboldt Fog goat cheese and the Teleme cow. They serve you pieces of toast and some jam to go with the cheese! Entrees: My boyfriend, the meat lover, got the Grass Fed Burger. Great juicy burger. Classy stuff, whatever. The best absolute best part was the salmon. I ordered the House Cured Salmon from the Starters menu as my entrée and I did not regret it one bit. Maybe it’s because we are in NorCal near the water and the fish is much more fresh than what we have in DC but the salmon was much thicker, juicier, and just BETTER all around. Literally delicious. I’m a lox lover and sort of a lox bagel snob so if I’m saying this salmon is legit… it’s legit guys. Ok yes the tab was expensive but we were on vacation so I considered it money well spent. Pulled out my card and did not even care that my bank account took a pinch in the brunch allocation fund. Absolutely 100% worth it I had never been happier at a brunch with the person I love with a kick ass view, strong cocktail, and mouth watering food.
Shira W.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
Head here for drop dead views of San Francisco, Angel Island, and Tiburon. Best spot in the house is on the deck overlooking the water, where you can choose one of their cocktails or concoct your own housemade soda. This is the perfect place to bring out of town guests for the«wow» view and good food. From the menu, highlights include the following dishes: –Really tasty wood fired lamb meatballs with garbanzo beans –Super fresh, gourmet buratta mozzarella salad –Flatbread with interesting toppings If you’re here for brunch, try the baked eggs. They are a take-off on shakshuka — a Moroccan/Tunisian dish popular in Israel. The eggs are baked in tomatoes, chili peppers, red peppers, and onions. Delicious! Seaside restaurants often rely solely on their views, targeting the tourist crowd. The Barrel House, in contrast, tops their views with the skills of an imaginative chef, creating a winner.
Pierre-François L.
Place rating: 3 Berlin, Allemagne
Super emplacement pour ce restaurant de bord de mer: pour peu que vous ayez une table près des fenêtres(n’hésitez pas à le demander expressément lors de votre réservation, ou au plus tard en arrivant: on est aux US, le client est roi !), la vue sur la baie et sur la ville aura de quoi vous captiver. Heureusement, car ce n’est pas avec le contenu de votre assiette que vous vous occuperez longtemps: les portions sont mini mini, même pour un Européen, alors j’imagine l’effet sur un gros appétit américain quand il voit arriver deux-trois crevettes en plat de résistance… C’est certes bon mais ça bouche tout juste une dent creuse. Et en plus c’est cher ! Donc je donne juste la moyenne grâce au service aimable, à la vue royale et à la bonne qualité de ce qu’on mange, mais le rapport prix-quantité est déplorable.