Sam’s Anchor Cafe sits right on the Tiburon waterfront with views that make you understand why people move to Marin just for the scenery. The back patio—where dogs are welcome—looks straight out at Raccoon Strait and Angel Island, with Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline visible across the bay. On a clear day, you can watch the ferries go by while you eat.

The menu leans heavily on fresh seafood and American classics. Their fish and chips are solid, and they do a good job with their crab offerings when it’s in season. The breakfast and brunch service on weekends includes eggs, pancakes, and the usual suspects alongside some seafood-forward options if you want something different in the morning. They also run lunch and dinner service every day, so timing isn’t too tricky.

The atmosphere is relaxed and casual—this isn’t a white tablecloth place. You’ll see a mix of locals, tourists, and plenty of people who just wanted an excuse to sit outside with a view. The patio is genuinely spacious, which matters when you’ve got a dog in tow. Your pup can settle under the table while you’re eating, and the water views give you something to look at besides your phone.

One practical note: the patio can get crowded on nice weekends, especially during brunch. If you’re planning to show up with your dog then, arriving early or going during a weekday lunch makes the experience a lot more pleasant. The staff seems accustomed to dogs being around, which takes some of the stress out of dining out.

If you want to get a sense of what the place looks like before heading over, Sam’s has a live webcam on their website that shows the patio and bay in real time.