Smiley's Saloon, Hotel & Kitchen

I was there briefly for dinner. I had 3 chicken tacos with rice and black beans. Service was quick and good. I would go back and recommend Smiley's to others.

Stayed at the hotel and visited the saloon—both were excellent. The owner clearly communicated the lively atmosphere and nightly music, which added charm without disrupting sleep. The hotel was spotless, smartly decorated, and well-equipped: comfortable bed, plenty of towels, and thoughtful touches like ear plugs. Sound from adjacent rooms was noticeable in wee hours due to thin walls; acoustic improvements could help. The saloon was authentic and welcoming, with genuinely good live music both nights. Smiley’s is absolutely worth the stay—not just for the hotel and saloon, but for its location in the charming town of Bolinas. Great food options are within walking distance, including a standout 6:30am bakery across the street. The town itself is full of character, with cute shops and a warm, down-to-earth community that makes the experience even more memorable. Would absolutely return.

Stayed here for a weekend during a wedding. The rooms are tucked behind the restaurant/bar, secluded enough to feel private (and the music stops at a reasonable hour). The charm is off the charts, and it felt like a very quintessential Bolinas experience to stay at Smiley's. Hospitable staff, too!

We had a blast here! The fish tacos were amazing and my margarita went wonderfully with it. The staff are super kind and helpful. The environment was friendly, upbeat, and full of energy. It’s a place I hope to return to and will be telling anyone I know visiting the area to check out!

If looking for a place to just get away from craziness of life, be around wonderful and welcoming people, minutes walk from the beach, smelling the ocean air, feel a different kind of calm. Our room was more than we hoped for, spacious, comfortable, cozy and inviting. Food was delicious. Produce from the farm stand just minutes away is a must! Delicious coffee across the street. Convenience store full of treasures (olives/hummus/baba ganoush/freshly baked bread,...). People we met were beyond nice. Absolutely nothing negative one can say about this experience. Would and will do it again, for sure. Oh, and dog friendly!! My 3 large dogs had a fabulous time as well, snoring the nights away after days of freely exploring.

Smiley’s Saloon, Hotel & Kitchen is a one-of-a-kind place full of history, character, and charm. As the oldest saloon on the West Coast, it offers a lively, authentic atmosphere that makes a stay here feel truly special. The live music — especially on weekends — brings great energy to the space, and the outdoor patio is a wonderful spot to relax and soak in the local vibe. The location is excellent. Situated in the heart of Bolinas, it’s just a short walk to the beach, local cafés, and small shops, making it easy to explore the town on foot. It’s an ideal base for anyone looking to enjoy the coast in a relaxed, laid-back setting. The staff are consistently friendly, welcoming, and attentive, which adds to the warm, community feel of the place. The kitchen is another highlight — the Mexican-inspired dishes, especially the fish tacos, are frequently praised and well worth trying. The rooms are simple but clean, cozy, and comfortable. The “lo-fi” experience — no TVs or phones — encourages guests to unplug and enjoy the moment, which many find refreshing and perfectly in tune with Bolinas’ spirit. While it can be lively and a bit noisy at times, that’s part of the charm for guests who appreciate music, history, and character. Overall, Smiley’s is a memorable, soulful place to stay, combining great food, friendly service, live music, and a fantastic coastal location. Highly recommended for travelers looking for something authentic and full of personality.

Excellent vegan options and great service! Mole tofu and vegan chorizo tasted fresh, and the heirloom corn tortillas are better than most Mexican restaurants in the US. Definitely worth a visit if you'd like to see a quaint coastal town and get a great meal with great drinks!

We came here for the saloon not the hotel. The saloon was very good, and the cantina was even better. The outdoor patio was amazing, however there were many flies. I'm talkin tens. There was a ping pong table in the patio and there was only one ball to use. The bathroom was surprisingly clean and they had a chalkboard in there to write messages. The chalkboard was a cool touch. I got the nachos, which were very good, especially the tortilla chips. On the other hand, the fish tacos are to die for. There is a small parking lot outside the patio on the hill, and although it is small there are plenty of spaces. Next, our waitress was AMAZING! She recommended the Bolinas Beach which we were never going to check out. 5 stars to her. The food was good, water and parking spots were plentiful and overall a great experience.