Day trip to Point Reyes, California - Where to have dinner afterwards?
 

We live in Palo Alto and are taking a day trip up to Pt. Reyes. Any suggestions for a place to eat dinner after an active day of exploring? I was thinking of something in the vicinity of the park, but it does not have to be. Thanks.
-Bill

Mankas in Inverness is not cheap but they do an excellent job.

http://mankas.com/mankas/home.html

Thanks OBD. That was my first thought too. Anyone else?
-Bill

There is a pub near Stinson Beach you might want to try. It is called the Pelican.
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Eclectic and bucolic, the western part of Marin County is one of the most protected natural areas of the United States. The people who live here are funky, yet sophisticated. Some of the key highlights are the Pelican Inn at Muir Beach for an authentic English pub and B&B, Stinson Beach for some true California beach culture, the cult town of Bolinas (take your first left once you pass the lagoon just north of Stinson Beach - the locals tend to chop down any highway signs pointing visitors to their little hamlet...also keep an eye out for egrets and herons along the way) for a little 1960's throwback hippie culture, and Point Reyes Seashore for one of the best places on the West Coast to watch the annual whale migration in the winter (it's also one of the windiest spots you'll ever experience).

> www.pointreyes.org

iamq: Manka's is great. You'll need reservations. It's a bit upscale.
After teraipsing around Point Reyes all day, you might want something a little more casual. Try the Bistro in Olema. The food is quite good.

The Point Reyes Station Café is very nice--casual atmosphere, good food, pretty patio.

Thanks for your suggestions everyone!
joegri,
Yeah, we will probably be a bit windblown by dinnertime! I can't find any info on the Bistro in Olema, only the Farmhouse Inn and the Olema Inn. Any comments on these places? Thanks.
-Bill

Haven't been to the Olema Inn in quite a while, but it is more upscale than the Farmhouse or Station House (both casual with ok food) and the food used to be quite good.

You are in my neck of the woods here, iamq, so let me offer a couple of suggestions, based on the assumption that you will take Sir Francis Drake Blvd. back to 101 to return home.

Fairfax offers one of our favorite restaurants, Ross Valley Brewing, 415-485-1005. Very casual atmosphere, micro-brewery, and everything DELICIOUS, from the burgers to upscale entrees.

San Anselmo has Insalata, pan-Mediterranean cuisine, 415-457-7700. Less casual, diners often dressed up a bit, but we have often gone in jeans and not felt out of place. The food here is divine. Try the fatoush salad. This is one of our all-time faves in Marin.

IMO, it is worth waiting the extra half hour-45 min for dinner to eat at one of these restaurants instead of Farmhouse or Station Cafe.

If you are ok with something a little more mainstream, the Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley is very good.

Thanks Marilyn for sharing your favs with me! If you're ever down on the mid-peninsula and need dining suggestions, let me know.
I love having all these choices. I can't wait to get up there. It has been years and I love walking the beaches.
Alice: Is the Buckeye roadhouse the place alongside 101 as your heading south?
-Bill

Yes, the Buckeye is the place at the
Stinson Beach exit in Mill Valley.
It's noisy! I'd opt for the bar.
I agree with Marilyn about Insalata,
if you're not going to Mankas-this is
a wonderful restaurant!
R5

There used to be Jerry's Farmhouse in Olema. Not sure if it's still there.

If you're going to have wine with dinner, I'd eat at a place like Buckeye or Piattis so as not to do much driving on the curvy two lane roads in West Marin.

We ate at the Olema Inn in July 2003 and were underwhelmed by the food.