Rickey’s Restaurant at the Inn Marin in Novato, Marin County, has proved to be not only one of the hotel’s most popular features but also one of this California town’s best dining choices. Hotel guests are advised to make dinner reservations, especially at weekends when the combination of live jazz and good American food brings crowds for miles around.
Good American Comfort Food at Rickey’s Restaurant
Rickey’s serves what it calls “good American comfort food.” Here the portions are large, the quality consistently good, and the prices affordable.
But it’s the delicious, expertly cooked dishes that sets Rickey’s apart from other restaurants serving traditional American food. With the vast agriculture landscape of Marin County on their doorstep, the chefs have their pick of the freshest seasonal produce from local growers.
The menu includes such hearty favorites as homemade meatballs, grilled lamb chops, barbeque pork ribs and prime rib, as well as seafood, pasta and salads. There are small portion entrees for those who prefer a lighter meal, and a range of seasonal tapas with a creative mix of flavors.
Rickey’s Restaurant Fixed-Price, Bar and Poolside Menus
As well as a la carte dining, Rickey’s has an inexpensive fixed-price dinner menu, which includes three courses and a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink. There’s usually a choice of four starters, four entrees, and four desserts.
Typical entrees include simple favorites like grilled New York steak, grilled chicken breast, pan-seared salmon, and one vegetarian option.
Rickey’s also has a more casual and inexpensive Bistro menu for those who want to dine at the bar or listen to the jazz from the poolside terraced area. It features easy-to-eat dishes like Rickey’s burger, shrimp cocktail, chicken quesadilla, or a prime rib sandwich.
Rickey’s Restaurant at the Inn Marin
Rickey’s Restaurant first opened in 1957, when what is now the Inn Marin was called the Rancho Rafael. Owner John Rickey created this million-dollar retreat as an alternative convention venue for San Francisco.
The city by the bay is only about 40 minutes away, but here in Novato Rickey wanted to offer visitors the more relaxing Marin County experience, and he knew that couldn’t be done without a good restaurant. Over 50 years later, Rickey’s is still here, though it had a makeover when the Inn Marin was completely refurbished and transformed in February 2009.
Live Jazz and Dining at Rickey’s Restaurant in Novato, California
A Rickey’s tradition is the regular live jazz that draws visitors in on Friday and Saturday evenings, though it sometimes pushes the musical boundaries to blues, too. A regular favorite is Jon Popenoe, who leads the Jon Popenoe Blues Band from Sonoma. Other regulars include Swing Set, Brad Bann, and Go Kat Go, all making sure the joint is jumping from 7-10pm each weekend.
Rickey’s is a smart-casual place where relaxation matters. It manages to combine a touch of formal décor with a more laid-back attitude, with cozy mission-style furnishings, elegant chandeliers, and a service that’s friendly but professional. The mix of nicely-presented, good American food with the fun of a jazz bar works perfectly.
**Update January 2023 – The restaurant states on it’s Google business page that it is temporarily closed.