When we opened Tam Tavern in Mill Valley this fall, one of the first questions we heard was, “Why Tam?” The answer stretches back more than a century, to the mountain that shaped this town, the railroad that carried people to its summit, and the taverns that welcomed them when they arrived.
Mill Valley: A Town Built at the Foot of a Mountain
Mill Valley grew up in the shadow of Mount Tamalpais. Originally a mill site for redwood logging in the 1830s, the town evolved into a community of artists, musicians, and outdoor lovers who were drawn to the mountain’s trails, views, and sense of escape. By the late 1800s, Mill Valley was buzzing with energy, and a new kind of attraction was about to put it on the map.
The Crookedest Railroad in the World
In 1896, the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway opened, winding its way from Mill Valley to the top of Mt. Tam. The track was famous for its sharp curves — so much so that it became known as the “Crookedest Railroad in the World.” At its peak, the railway carried thousands of visitors each summer, offering them a chance to ride to the summit and experience the Bay Area from above.
It wasn’t just about the ride. The journey created a culture of connection: families, friends, and travelers from across the region gathered in Mill Valley, boarded the train, and spent their day exploring the mountain together.
The Original Tavern of Tamalpais
At the summit, guests found the Tavern of Tamalpais — or “Tam Tavern,” as it came to be known. With sweeping views of the Bay and the Pacific, it was more than a place to grab a drink or a meal. It was a gathering spot, a place to celebrate, and a symbol of community life in Mill Valley.
For decades, the railroad and the tavern made Mt. Tam a destination. Even after the railway closed in the 1930s, the memory of that era — when the mountain, the train, and the tavern brought people together — lived on.
Why We Chose the Name Tam Tavern
When we set out to open our own space in Mill Valley, we wanted a name that reflected both the history of the town and our own mission at East Brother Beer Co.. Just like the original Tam Tavern, our Tam Tavern is about more than food and drink. It’s about creating a space where people gather: hikers coming down from Mt. Tam, cyclists cruising the Mill Valley–Sausalito Path who need a place to refuel, families stopping in for dinner, and locals relaxing by the fire pits, kids and dogs in tow.
From Richmond to Mill Valley: The Same Spirit
Our journey started in Richmond, a city defined by its own icons: the East Brother Lighthouse, the working waterfront, and the grit and pride of its community. With Tam Tavern, we’re tying ourselves to the legacy of Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais. Different towns, different stories — but the same values: timeless places, a sense of pride, and the belief that community comes first.
So when you stop by Tam Tavern, you’re not just visiting a taproom. You’re stepping into a space inspired by a history of connection, built to carry that tradition forward, pint by pint.
