When it comes to cocktails in Marin, California Gold takes the medal (we’ll leave it to our readers to guess its hue). A landmark building poised on one of downtown San Rafael’s one-way thoroughfares, this beloved bar is known for its encyclopedic cocktail menu and neighborly atmosphere.
Inside, the decor is rich with historic charm. A handsome mahogany bar—dating back to 1906—anchors the space, stretching the length of the room and inviting patrons to settle in. Dim lighting, vintage maps, paintings of clipper ships and bronze statuary evoke the aesthetic of a turn-of-the-century gentleman’s study. It’s cozy, classy and full of character.
But don’t let the décor fool you into thinking this is some gold rush throwback. As owner Isaac Shumway once explained to the Pacific Sun:
“People always have this misconception that we’re a gold rush bar. But the real gold of California is its melting pot of people and cultures, how it literally brought people from all over the world.”
That sensibility carries over into the drinks. The classic gin martini here is a masterclass in balance: gin, vermouth, a twist of lemon rind—served ice cold, and with precision. In the colder months, hot spiked beverages—like the spicy Mexican hot chocolate—are seasonal favorites. There is also an equally impressive “Temperance Menu” for those skipping the booze but not bar borne experience.
Whether you’re toasting a special moment or a Tuesday, California Gold offers something elegant, well-executed and worth savoring, until it’s time to order another.
California Gold is located at 848 B St. in San Rafael. californiagoldbar.com.
