Sam’s / Guymas: 2 different waterfront restaurants in Tiburon

The good: Location, location, location! Both of these laid-back patio joints are located right on the water in Tiburon, right over the Golden Gate. Sam’s is where you should go if you want a burger and you don’t mind obnoxious drunkards having obnoxious drunk (loud) fun. Guymas is where you should go if you’re in the mood for a nice light salad and a glass of wine, and you’d like to relax and have a good chat with the person next to you. Can’t count how many sunny days now I’ve longed to sit and enjoy either. Makes for a great Saturday or Sunday afternoon if the weather is cooperating.

The bad: You have to drive there (or take the ferry) so you can’t enjoy your drinks too much.

The bottom line: If you’ve got a couple hours before the sun goes down and you’re in the mood for an outdoor drink, get over there. Sometimes it gets a little windy & chilly when the sun goes in, so bring a sweatshirt. Also keep in mind: you’re sort of a big deal, so don’t forget to flip up your collar and put your shades on.

The bathroom: Don’t go anywhere near Sam’s bathrooms unless it is an emergency. They’re of the public pool-house variety and you’re bound to track something back to your table via flip-flop. The bathroom at Guymas is nice, lots of mirror, and you can chill with the girls and gossip in there no problem.