Address: 20215 Shoreline Hwy Marshall, Ca. 94990
Boat Oyster Bar is a full-service outdoor cafe at Hog Island Oyster Farm. In 1983, started oyster farming in Tomales Bay on five acres of shellfish farm and produced high-quality, fresh Pacific Oysters. The oyster farm grew to 160 acres and raised five farm-raised, edible oysters. The uniqueness and fresh taste of their oysters are credited to their farming techniques and the water they grow. Boat Oyster Bar is situated in a town called Marshall California and is owned by Marine Biologists/Oyster Farmers John Finger and Terry Sawyer. The company is one of the Top Producers of sustainable shellfish. The Boat Oyster Bar is about 1 hour and 41 minutes (57 miles) from San Francisco via US 101 North and CA-1 Pt. Reyes Petaluma Rd.
Our drive to the Boat Oyster Bar in Marshall was a very fun, scenic, and winding road. The relaxing and beautiful view of Tomales Bay during our travel was well worth the drive. We saw a lot of dairy farms, cows, and local stores on our way to the Boat Oyster Bar. We arrived at around 11:30 a.m. and found parking right away. We had to pass through some of the areas where they keep their fresh oysters and a retail window for ordering oysters to go. We were surprised and mesmerized as we walked into the Boat Oyster Bar. The settings were so relaxing and beautiful as there were about 10-15 outdoor picnic tables all overlooking the beautiful Tomales Bay with clear blue skies. There were only 2 couples seated when we arrived as if we have the entire place to ourselves. We had to first place our order at the bar and our food was brought to our table by our friendly server. The cool thing is that we get to watch or see when they were grilling our fresh oysters. The extra small oysters which are called sweetwater were rich, sweet-tasting Pacific Oysters that were so delicious, especially the grilled bbq. The oysters were a little bit spicy due to the Chipotle but very savory with a mouth-watering flavorful sauce.
There were three of us at our party which includes 2 adults and 1 child. We ordered the BBQ grilled oysters with 4 oysters per order and grilled with Chipotle bourbon butter for $17. Daily Raw Oysters served with hogwash and lemon with 6 oysters for $21. (12 pcs for $40, 24 pcs for $80). Charcuterie Board for 4 people with the famous Cow Girl Creamery Mt. Tam, salami, and crackers for $34. And for our drinks, my daughter had the Mexican Coke and my wife ordered the local wine. We ordered the famous extra small oysters (sweetwater) which were so sweet and delicious. My wife loved the savory, fresh raw Pacific oysters served on a platter with ice. After lunch, we walked around the area and took lots of beautiful pictures with the view of Tomales Bay. The taste of Mt. Tam cheese on our charcuterie board was very delicate, cheesy, and earthy that we end up driving to the town and purchased one.
Overall, we enjoyed our fun Father’s Day lunch experience at the Boat Oyster Bar especially eating at their outdoor picnic tables overlooking the beautiful Tomales Bay. Nothing compares to eating outdoors with family on a sunny day with good quality food, wine, and fresh raw and grilled oysters. It’s definitely a unique memorable experience to be remembered.
Tips: Make sure you get there early to find parking and avoid the long lines, especially on weekends. You can reach the Boat Oyster Bar either via Nicasio Valley Road or Tomales Petaluma Road. We took both ways and find that Nicasio Valley Road has more winding roads than the Tomales Petaluma Road. On Thursday they only allow walk-ins and reservations are required on weekends (Fri-Mon). Limited to one party of 2-10 people per table. Behaved dogs on leash are allowed. No outside food or beverages and a $20 corkage fee per bottle for the first 2 bottles. Bring jackets, hats, and sunscreen as the weather changes. They no longer offer the onsite “shuck your own oyster” experience but you can buy fresh oysters to go at their retail window. If you want a full dining experience visit Tony’s Seafood Restaurant a few minutes away. You can buy good cheeses at Cow Girl Creamery which is located at Point Reyes Station about 20 minutes away.
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