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AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE
Dine
CORTE MADERA
BENISSIMO Italian
“Benissimo” means
“really, really good”
in Italian. Aside from
the daily 4 to 6: 30 p.m.
happy hour, (drinks
$3 to $5, small plates
$5 to $7.50), the menu
offers a large selection
of pizza, pasta and large
plates, like cioppino,
fresh fishes of the day,
T-bone steaks and the
signature Benissimo
Burger or portobello
burger. Specials include
all-day happy hour on
Mondays, no-corkage
Tuesdays, Wednesday
night martinis, and live
music on Thursdays.
18 Tamalpais Dr,
415.927.2316,
benissimos.com
s $$$ S D º
MARIN JOE’S Italian
This Marin mainstay
has been around for
over 50 years. Choose
from a menu of soups,
salads, seafood, mes-quite-grilled or sautéed
meats and a plethora of
pasta options. For a fun
addition to your dining experience, order
the Caesar salad — the
server will prepare the
dressing at your table.
Not looking for a meal?
Enjoy a drink and hear
local musicians at the
well-known piano bar.
1585 Casa Buena Dr,
415.924.2081, marin
joesrestaurant.com
s $$ S C LD
PIG IN A PICKLE
American Fresh local
ingredients and the
highest-quality brisket,
pork, ribs and chicken
comprise the menu of
this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted
to represent the best
American barbecue
regions, from Memphis
to South Carolina.
House-made pickles,
buns and sausages will
keep you coming back.
341 Corte Madera Town
Ctr, 415.891.3265, pig
inapicklebbq.com
b $$$ S Í BLD
THREE BIRDS WINE
BAR California This one-room bar and wine shop
features more than 15
options by the glass and
a selection of bottles
to take home. Enjoy
an array of cheese and
charcuterie in addition
to other bar snacks in
the comfortable lounge.
207 Corte Madera Ave,
415.927.9466, three
birdswinebar.com
b $$ Í º
VEGGIE GRILL Vegan/
Vegetarian Veggie
Grill is a fast-casual
restaurant chain that
celebrates the veggie
WHO Phil Lesh of Terrapin Crossroads
WHAT Live Music with Waterfront Views
WHERE San Rafael
You don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate Terrapin Crossroads in San
Rafael. Opened in 2011 by former Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh, this waterfront venue features live music with views of the canal and a solid menu making
it a favorite for locals who like to chill and take in some tunes. The recently
launched “Backyard” features an outdoor performance stage, bocce ball courts
and a play space for kids. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapincrossroads.net
s $$ Í C D BR º
Oven Roasted Shrimp
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