Smitty's Bar

OVERVIEW

Located at 214 Caledonia Street, Sausalito is the oldest bar in Sausalito to retain its original construction, this building has operated continuously since 1925. Frank ‘Smitty’ Smith — a railroad man — leased the space in 1938, turned it into a bar, and nothing has changed much since: it has 3 pool tables, a shuffleboard table, TVs, and is open daily until 2 AM. Named a San Francisco Chronicle ‘Great Gin Joint,’ it remains the most authentic neighborhood bar and of of Marin's last dive bars.

HISTORY

Sausalito was founded by an Englishman. William Richardson — born in London in 1795, first mate on the British whaling ship "Orion" — he jumped ship 1822, married the daughter of the Commandant of the Presidio 1824, then in 1838 after receiving the Rancho Saucelito land grant, moved full time to Sausalito and built his hacienda right on the grounds where Caledonia Street and Smitty’s resides. He named the bay. He laid out the first streets and influenced the officers and crews of British whaling ships, forming much of Sausalito’s earliest shore community. Upper-class British expatriates later occupied the Victorian mansions on the hills above Caledonia Street. Smitty’s saloon, founded by Frank Smith of English heritage, continues its 80 year operations on the grounds it’s English founder. 

FEATURED WHISKEY - The English Original Single Malt Whisky

St. George’s Distillery, Roudham, Norfolk, England  ·  43% ABV

England’s first dedicated single malt distillery in over 100 years, opened in 2006 on a Norfolk barley farm. Named World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whisky Awards 2024. Gold, San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Unpeated, bourbon-cask matured: vanilla, soft orchard fruit, malt, and a clean dry finish. The most English pour imaginable — on the street its English founder once walked and called home.