Smiley's Saloon & Hotel

We came for the saloon, not the hotel, and had a great time. The waitress was AMAZING, and her suggestion to check out Bolinas Beach took us somewhere we hadn’t planned to go. There was plenty of water and parking, and even though the lot by the patio is small and up on the hill, it had plenty of spaces. The cantina was even better than the saloon. I got the nachos, which were really good, especially the tortilla chips, but the fish tacos are to die for. The outdoor patio was amazing too, though there were tens of flies. There was a ping pong table out there, but only one ball to use. The bathroom was surprisingly clean, and the chalkboard for writing messages was a cool touch.

The staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive, and the Mexican-inspired food is a highlight. The fish tacos get plenty of praise and are worth trying. In the middle of Bolinas, Smiley’s is a short walk from the beach, cafés, and little shops, so it’s easy to explore on foot. The rooms are simple, clean, cozy, and comfortable. There are no TVs or phones, which makes it easier to unplug and enjoy the moment. The place can get lively and a bit noisy, but that’s part of its appeal if you like music and character. There’s a lot of history and charm here. As the oldest saloon on the West Coast, Smiley’s Saloon, Hotel & Kitchen has an authentic feel, and weekend live music brings great energy. The patio is a nice place to relax and take in the local atmosphere. It’s a memorable place to stay, with good food, friendly service, and a great coastal location.

The staff were super kind and helpful, and the whole place had a friendly, upbeat energy. We had a blast. The fish tacos were amazing, and my margarita went wonderfully with them. I hope to return, and I’ll tell anyone I know who’s visiting the area to check it out!

The mole tofu and vegan chorizo tasted fresh, and the heirloom corn tortillas are better than most I’ve had at Mexican restaurants in the US. The vegan options were excellent, and the service was great too. Definitely worth a visit for a good meal and drinks in a quaint coastal town.