Tasty's Joint

Inspired by a burger at a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, chef and co-owner Matt D’ambrosi (Blue Ridge Kitchen) paired up with co-owner Nicholas Bonney (Alexander’s Steakhouse, Kaiyo) to bring the joy of smashed, grilled beef topped with smoked Gouda and charred onion sauce to Marin. “I was enamored by this burger,” says Bonney, who opened in downtown Sausalito in July.

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The beef, from Nino’s Fine Foods, is a 75/25 mix of brisket and short rib, which D’ambrosi grills until charred and juicy. Onto a potato bun it goes. From there, you have options: A traditional set-up (All American) with tomato, lettuce, American cheese and Tasty’s special sauce; Tasty Royal with pickles; or marinated and grilled Portobello mushroom with burrata. 

There’s a classic Sausalito Dog with kraut and, in a nod to D’ambrosi’s mom, a British Banger Dog. Look for daily specials on the door-hung chalkboard, then order at the counter. Today’s softshell crab BLT, lobster roll, or oyster po-boy may give way to a shrimp salad roll. No matter what, “we’re doing Fried Chicken Fridays,” Bonney says. 

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To drink, there’s the usual colas and house made lemonade, but why not lean into the retro-fabulous vibes and order an Orange Cream Float? Its color nicely matches the bright orange chairs and vivid yellow accents that frame a room filled with old car posters, 1950’s-style neon signs, a Wimpy statue (IYKYK), and a golden oldie diner tabletop jukebox player, complete with flip cards with song titles. Strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate shakes, hand-scooped ice cream and locally made pies, as well as not-to-be missed sides of tallow-cooked skin-on potato fries and carrot fries round out the menu. “We’re kid-friendly and nostalgic,” Bonney says. Once football season starts, fans of the outdoor patio may be tempted to move inside to watch games on one of the big TVs.