From "Waterfront Restaurants"
"It's not the destination, but the journey." We've all heard that expression. Well sometimes it IS the destination. The adventure of getting there under sail just adds that much more allure.
There so many restaurants that surround the Bay it's hard to imagine that there's only a couple with waterside access.
Sausalito - The ultimate destination for many waterborne events, only has one restaurant with it's own docks. Horizons offers the best views in the Bay, a welcoming staff and a huge dock adjacent to their large outdoor deck. They're happy to hold the dock for your group so you're assured that you can land the yacht and hold your event. (Note: as of presstime, Horizons dock is down for maintenance but they are hoping to get it back up and running late March). Schoonmaker point is the only other dock where larger yachts and commercial vessels can land, for a fee based on vessel length. It's near the Bay Model over a mile from the desirable downtown area so it's not walkable. There's a newer restaurant just across from the harbor Saylors South of the Border that has a private room upstairs able to accommodate up to 40. I haven't eaten there, but will get over soon and report back. Mexican food and sailing DO go hand in hand. This is GREAT news for Sausalito. Now if we can just get Alta Mira or Casa Madrona to figure out some dockspace then Sausalito would truly become a final destination for waterborne events.
Tiburon - Sam's is still "The" restaurant whenever anyone things of sailing someplace for dinner and drinks. They have their own small boat docks but there limit is 40' and the water shallows out at times. This is a GREAT stopover for a Team Regatta, which is hosted aboard boats no larger than 40 but sadly not an option for any of the other 'certified' passengers vessels. For years our workaround to this problem has been to rent the Angel Island Ferry dock which requires that the owners move one of their boats so we can land. It's labor intensive to do this so they offer this service, with a fee the runs over $100 per landing. Sam's has several smaller dining rooms they use for private groups. My favorite thing to do at Sam's is hanging out on the Sundeck with a group of friends on a warm afternoon. Other restaurants with private meeting/dining areas are Servinos and Guaymas. I've eaten at both and they're equally good and perfect for private events!
Berkeley - The only restaurants with waterfront access is the Cafe at the Berkeley Marina Radisson. Not really worth going to. For those who want to go to Skates By The Bay, you can reserve space at the Berkeley Marina fishing dock to drop of your group. It's a 10 minute walk to the restaurant on not one I normally suggest.
Oakland - Jack London Square has many fine restaurants including Scott's Seafood, Kincaid's Bayhouse and Jack's Bistro. A GREAT spot nearby is Yoshi's. This place hosts top name jazz artists and is one of the only spots where you can sail your group to a show! The docks are large and available at JL Square. Sadly the Port of Oakland charges a big landing fee (based on vessel size) AND a passenger fee of $3/person. Add to that the long motor ride back out the Oakland Estuary and the heavy industrial nature of the scenery and we find there's just not that much request for this fun spot. Who knows, maybe the Port of Oakland will see clear to host commercial yachts for free to encourage the added business to these fine restaurants.
San Francisco - South Beach Harbor is it for the City. The only harbor with adequate guest docks is South Beach. Fortunately there's dozens of restaurants nearby. For those looking for lighter (and more affordable fare) there's South Beach Cafe right across the street from our office. Just down the street is the newest addition to the neighborhood Tres Agaves. Momo's, Fringale, Bacar, Java House and Acme Chophouse are also local favorites. The other two harbors in the City, Gas House Cove/Cityfront and Pier 39 don't offer guest docking facilities for charter boats. Wish they did. . . they don't .
That sums up the waterfront dining opportunities in the Bay Area. If you know of others I've missed, please email me their info and I'll included it in a future offering of the Rendezvous Charters Newsletter "By the Bay." |
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