FIVE FUN DATE NIGHT SPOTS
By: Lia Garvin | June 24, 2021
Summer is coming and indoor dining is back! What better moment to toss the athleisure wear to the side, dust off a button-down shirt, and grab the world by the horns.
After months of making the best of our weekends with post-bedtime Zoom happy hours and Netflix-induced bottles of wine, it’s time to hit the streets.
Dial up the babysitter and let’s explore five fun date night spots in Marin.
POGGIO
Situated at the end of Bridgeway in Sausalito, this Italian Trattoria does not disappoint. Start your meal off with gooey Arancini Balls and a cocktail as you people-watch the tourists passing by. Finish it off with Tiramisu, an espresso, or if the night is still young, another glass of red. While all of the food is great, I’ve never managed to get out of there without ordering the Gnudi a.k.a. “spinach ricotta pillows.” Cheese pillows? Yes, please! Reservations can book up quickly, so my pro tip is to plan a few weeks ahead, especially for weekend nights.
Photo: @poggiotrattoria
THE FARM SHOP
Because yes, we might find that the only time we can step away for “mommy and daddy time” is at lunch, during naps. Farm Shop is an elegant dining experience in the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, with a recently completed build-out to the outdoor space. When I say elegant, you know that means the wine ain’t cheap but served with a plate of Burrata and Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes, can you really complain? I love this spot because even though you’re in the backdrop of an otherwise busy shopping area, it still feels quaint and secluded.
Photo: farmshopca.com
THE STATE ROOM
For us long-time Marin-dwellers, we remember this spot as The Broken Drum and it has newly reopened as The State Room. This eclectic brewery offers cocktails, beers, delicious apps and bar food staples. It is the perfect spot to pop into for a drink and a snack, or a longer meal. You can’t go wrong with the Brussels Sprouts, or try the Firecracker Green Beans. I’ve enjoyed this spot both on a solo and double date, with a nice strip of outdoor seating. The food comes out pretty quickly if you only have the sitter for a few hours.
Photo: @stateroom
BAR BOCCE
Want a waterfront view? How about sitting directly on the beach? Bar Bocce is another gem in Sausalito, and it’s right on the water. Great beers, wines and sangrias and I’m also a huge fan of the wood-fired Pesto Chicken Pizza with the Kale Salad. They have great tables surrounding fire pits, and others right along the water. You really can’t go wrong seating-wise. They don’t take reservations, so steer clear on a holiday weekend if you don’t enjoy a long wait. We’ve made that mistake more than once.
Photo: barbocce.com
BUCKEYE
Another Marin institution that never disappoints. When I say institution, I’ve been going to this spot since I was in high school...more than a few years ago. Nestled in the trees between Mill Valley and Sausalito sits this California contemporary cozy dining experience, with cocktails, wines and wood-grilled and braised meats. I’m a fan of the Chili-Lime Brick Chicken, but with the Aspen-lodge inspired decor, I won’t fault you for getting the Pork Chop to go all in with the comfort food. It’s also delicious. If you’re meeting friends and are a few minutes early, hit up the cocktail bar. The Absolute Pear-Fection is one of my faves.
Photo: buckeyeroadhouse.com
Enjoy your night (or day!) out on the town!
Lia Garvin, mother of a smiley and rambunctious toddler girl, is on a mission to arm people with tools and skills for living the best versions of themselves. She has almost a decade of experience working in some of the largest and most influential companies in tech including Microsoft, Apple, and Google. As a Senior Program Manager at Google and executive coach, Lia leverages her leadership coaching and program management skills to examine the challenges holding teams back from doing their best work. Learn more about her coaching at www.reframewithlia.com