California Gold - San Rafael

Realizing we needed milk for the kids for the morning, I headed to Safeway because it was still open at 10:30 pm. I noticed a new place had opened on my drive. The family was fast asleep so I popped in to check out the scene. I can't say enough good things about this place. Very quiet for a downtown night with only a handful of patrons, I was slightly skeptical. The bar and room was strikingly beautiful with quiet nooks, welcoming bartenders, and old wood craftsmanship. The only thing more beautiful was the craftsmanship of the cocktail I was served. Imagine if a chemist made you a cocktail with the finest ingredients? The bartender was just as much the craftsman as the guys who hand carved the wooden bar. Ever drink a cocktail that left you feeling healthier? Everything is fresh...sweet...and not fake, hangover causing, sweet. They are perfect. One who may typically scoff at spending $10-$20 per cocktail, would grin with pleasure as their tastebuds examine the complexity of something they'd ordered before at another bar...left with the satisfaction of that's what this drink should taste like I didn't even order from their pirate themed boutique menu, just the best gin and tonic I had never had before. The only negative feeling I was left with was that I feared this place wouldn't survive based upon the bartender to patron ratio of 1:3. That being said, I popped by a few weeks later (needed more milk) and their Thursday night was packed. I ordered off their menu this time...and yeah, this bartender was a chemist too. I hope to run short on milk again soon.

Large drink card and ambiente. friendly and skillful barkeeper. I would make it to my local bar if I were close to

California gold has an urban san francisco vibe in marin unmatched. they focus on high-quality, creative cocktails with fresh, homemade ingredients and great service. we tried their pina colada and moscou maultier and found them the best we had ever tasted. the service was great and our barkeeper joel could not have been more attentive or helpful.

Manny, Christian and Josh always serve the best drinks Pina colada, daiquiri, and nuestra tropical are our favorites! Relaxing vibe, sweet bartenders, great selection of spirits!

Very good experience. I had my eyes test done there, the eye doctor was very nice professional. I got my glasses there too. The girl who help me there was very good and help me a lot. I really like my new glasses.