William Tell House has been operating as Marin County‘s oldest saloon and inn since 1877, which means you’re eating and drinking in a building that’s watched over a century and a half of California history. Located in Tomales, right where the coastal hills meet the agricultural flatlands, the place feels authentically rooted in its place—not trying too hard to be charming, just genuinely old and established.

The outdoor seating area is where you’ll want to be with your dog. You can settle in with a meal while your dog relaxes beside you, and there’s a real sense that this is a working local spot, not a theme park version of an old saloon. The kitchen sources ingredients locally, so the menu shifts with what’s available from the Bay Area. You might find fresh fish preparations that take advantage of the proximity to the coast, or seasonal vegetables from nearby farms. The craft cocktail program isn’t pretentious—it’s the kind of place where the bartender knows what they’re doing without making a show of it.

Tomales itself is a quiet town that doesn’t get overrun with tourists. Being just minutes from the coast means if you wanted to combine a meal here with a beach walk before or after, that’s entirely manageable. The vibe is genuinely low-key. People come here because it’s a real place where real people have gathered for drinks and food for generations, not because it’s on some must-do list.

If you’re exploring the Sonoma or Marin coastline and end up in Tomales, William Tell House is the natural place to stop. Your dog will be comfortable in the outdoor area, and you’ll get a sense of what casual California hospitality looked like over a hundred years ago—and still looks like today. Their website has current hours and information about their reservation policy, which can vary seasonally.