That really depends on what they're about. I've been gone so long that most of the places I loved are gone.
How about the Savoy Tivoli? I learned to shoot pool from the cabbies that used to hang out there. I love Michaelangelo's in North Beach, too. The seafood combo is to die for. I tell people to go see The Captain at Forbes Island . . . . on Pier 39. It's cool to go out there and have a drink.
John's Grill on Union Square for the Bogie fans.
Change it up a bit and get mellow at the Japanese Tea Garden.
The shows are always a hoot, even if the food is iffy.
For real food, I tell my friends to see my old pal Kirk Webber at Cafe Kati up on Sutter. He and I went to grade school in SoCal.
Any shows in Stern Grove are always fun.
A climb on the rocks at the old Sutro Baths by the Cliff House.
I send the surf pals to Windmills, Kelly's Cove or Fort Point. Going north, Fort Cronkhite can get pretty good.
The No Name Bar in Sausalito used to be fun for a post-surf cocktail.
The Mountain Home Inn on Mt. Tam is nice for meal with a view.
Grabbing a coffee at the Book Depot in Mill Valley is always good people-watching. Check out the old Gravity Car, just up the street under the Redwoods by the old Mill. When in Mill Valley, the 2AM is a classic watering hole. I heard that the Sweetwater is no more, which is a travesty.
[Editor's Note: The Sweetwater crew is working on opening a new venue in Mill Valley, after a rent increase forced them to leave their historic space.]
If your timing's right, the Mountain Play is not to be missed. Too bad they don't do rock concerts up there since Janis and Big Brother tore up the place in '67.
I can't tell you about my favorite spots on Tam, cuz their private, but explore and you just may find one of your own.
Over the hill, a walk on Muir Beach is always nice. The Sand Dollar (Stinson Beach) is good for quick bite. Live Water Surf in Stinson is cool to check out. Just don't call for a surf report, Kirby will lie and say it's 4-6 foot and perfect with no one out -- just to you to get there so he can sell you some shorts.
You've got to check out the Egrets and Blue Herons around on the road to Bolinas. Check the surf at mouth of the lagoon. Look out for the men in the Gray Suits! Muffins at the Bolinas Bakery, if it's still there.
Check out the old schoolhouse. Drive out Mesa Road and check the surf at RCA beach. More Gray Suits! Be prepared to hike. Jump down the cliffs covered in iceplant and laugh your ass off. On the way out the back way, stop at the Olema Inn for some $$$ food and drink.
Keep driving north and get some oysters at Johnson's (now Drake's Bay), or buy a case and take 'em home to bbq!
Do a run to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Meander back to Marin the back way on Sir Francis Drake. Check out Samuel P Taylor State Park. Nice and green and lush. Make your way though what once was the communal living environs of Janis Joplin and her ilk in Lagunitas and Woodacre.
Then it's over White's Hill into Fairfax. Nave's bar, it's a bucket 'o blood, beware tourists. Check out the ice cream shop, mmmm. Stop in Fairfax Variety for your "Fairfax...It's Mayberry on Acid" tye-dyed bumper sticker. The leather craftsman in Harry's Arcade is the best in NorCal, so give him the business.
Buy a sitar from Silver Bush, the guy across the way from the leather guy. Bike Shops, they've got two, Fairfax Cyclery is huge and Brian is great. Sunshine Bikes has been there since '72, so they remember when.
Iron Springs Brew Pub is the place for lunch and suds. Check out the Dead memorabilia. Try a Casey Jones, but watch your speed. The Cripla' is a way heavy double IPA, for those with strong constitutions.
When the sun goes down, the music goes up, way up in Fairfax. See the same bands you'd pay $30.00 at The House of Blues for $10.00 at the 19 Broadway. English Beat, Dick Dale, you just never know.
Check out the songwriter's showcase at the Cafe Amsterdam ... it even smells like Holland. More fantastic local music can be had at Peri's Silver Dollar. Nice backyard, pool tables, and a staff that takes no guff. Best bathrooms in Marin. Check out the Elvis decoupage courtesy of Rudy C.
Get a room at the Fairfax Inn, but don't expect much, or stay at the quaint San Anselmo Inn and expect more, much more. Don't press your luck drinking and driving in Marin, stay the night.
On your way out of town, stop at the Java Hut for a drive through Cafe Mocha. The girls are cute, and they'll be nice to you as long as you don't linger. Heading to the 101 and the airport, stop at Amazing Grace Music and buy some mandolin strings for that special someone. Have John or Judy tell you how George Lucas saved their Empire. You'll be glad you did.
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Billy Savage is a filmmaker and director of the documentary KLUNKERZ -- about the early days of mountain biking history in Marin County.
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