99-year-old Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon undergoes major nautical renovation

Bootlegger Sam Vella used to tell people to “tie up to the pier,” urging them to visit his Tiburon waterfront restaurant by sea, where the docks below his dining deck could accommodate up to 12 boats. On April 18, 27 Main St. eatery Sam’s Anchor Cafe reopened to the public after a major six-week renovation that sought to enliven and revive the near-century-old spirit of the establishment — and, now emblazoned in large type on the rear façade above the deck, Vella’s slogan once again invites mariners and ferrygoers from across the San Francisco Bay. (Elliot Karlan photos / For The Ark)

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