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 sought a name that reflected both the town's history 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.
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Tam Tavern is a new community taproom and beer garden in Mill Valley, CA, opened in 2025 by East Brother Beer Co. It offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with a curated craft beer menu, local food, and a strong connection to the nearby Mt. Tamalpais community.
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We’re located at 152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941, in the former home of Floodwater. Look for us just off Highway 1, at the base of Mt. Tam.
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Tam Tavern is a collaboration between restaurateur Bill Higgins — the visionary behind Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44, and Corner Bar — and East Brother Beer Co., a craft brewery founded by longtime Mill Valley neighbors Chris Coomber and Rob Lightner. Higgins invited Chris and Rob to bring their classic-style beer expertise to the former Floodwater space, transforming it into a vibrant, beer-forward gathering place that blends elevated cuisine with award-winning craft beer. It’s a true Marin-grown partnership rooted in local connections, community, and a shared love of great food and drink.
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We pour a rotating lineup of East Brother Beer Co. favorites — including Bohemian Pilsner, Red Lager, Gold IPA, and limited seasonal releases. Fresh from the source.
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Yes — and it’s far from your average bar menu. Tam Tavern offers a chef-driven, beer-friendly menu created by Michael Siegel, a Bib Gourmand-awarded chef known for his work at Playa and Corner Bar. The food lineup includes thoughtful pub favorites like a house-made Bavarian Pretzel, Beer-Battered Fish & Chips (featuring East Brother’s Bo Pils), a Double Smashburger, Pork Schnitzel, Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie, and handmade pizzas designed to pair perfectly with your pint.
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Monday–Thursday: 4 PM – 9 PM
Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Sunday: 10 AM – 9 PM
Come early for brunch on Sundays, or unwind after work during the week.
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Absolutely! We welcome families and offer outdoor seating that’s great for kids and adults alike.
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Yes! Dogs are welcome in our outdoor areas. Just keep them leashed and friendly.
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Absolutely. Tam Tavern is perfectly positioned for a post-adventure refuel — just off the Mill Valley–Sausalito Path, and minutes from local favorites like Bootjack Trail, Tennessee Valley, and the legendary Dipsea stairs. Whether you're hiking, biking, trail running, or just strolling with your dog, our upgraded outdoor beer garden with fire pits, cold beer, and a hearty food menu is exactly what you’ll want at the end of the trail.
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📍 152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941
📞 415-843-4545
✉️ info@tamtavernmv.com
