670 Bridgeway, Sausalito CA 94965 (See Map Below)
Phone: 415-332-1454
Neighborhood: Downtown Sausalito (Ferry Pier). Website is here. Parking at nearby city lots, limited metered street parking one block south on Bridgeway.
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Napa Valley Burger Co.
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Napa Valley Burger Co. replaced the landmark Winship Restaurant in downtown Sausalito in 2012, after Winship’s run of close to 50 years (starting with its original name of Sausalito Sweet Shoppe).
Napa Valley Burger Company’s home is the oldest brick building (built in 1875) in Sausalito. The new layout is pleasant and inviting and the burgers are chosen from a diverse menu and well prepared. They also have salads and items such as fish and chips, which on our last visit were made with mahi mahi.
I mentioned above that Napa Valley Burger Company is a “secret” well-known local restaurant. Here’s my reasoning: Many of us in Sausalito can be guilty of dismissing Sausalito’s downtown restaurants as being “for the visitors” or “fast food.” NVBC is close to the Sausalito ferry and (though this place does not have a Bay view) to the incredible views of the Bridgeway Promenade. For some locals just the word “burgers” on that block will be greeted with disdain, especially because (in non-pandemic years) it’s a really busy restaurant… and thus well-known.
The sometimes secret part: despite its downtown digs, Napa Valley Burger Co. is not fast food and not just for visitors — they use high quality ingredients and have excellent service. You can see all their trophies at the top of this page. It’s arguably one of the best places in Marin County that specializes in burgers, and one of my favorite places in town for a business lunch. So now you know our well-known local secret!
One more comment, lest you think that downtown Sausalito is filled with bad restaurants: the 2008 recession and the 2020-21 pandemic swept away the weaker players. What survived was a diverse set of restaurants with a high average level of quality.
Something else that people should know about Napa Valley Burger Co.? Wondering if any zoning laws are violated by calling a Marin County Restaurant a Napa County name? Should we counter-attack and start a Sausalito Burger Co. in downtown Napa? Disagree with any of our suggestions? Please let us know!
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