Steeped in rock n’ roll royalty lore, this historic waterfront restaurant and bar — once owned by The Kingston Trio — used to be a popular hangout for the likes of Janis Joplin and The Rolling Stones. It's also the birthplace of the Tequila Sunrise - a cocktail created by bartender Bobby Lozoff when Mick Jagger requested a tequila drink that wasn't a margarita. One shot of tequila, a shot of orange juice, and a dash of grenadine over ice later... a star was born! The tasty result inspired the 1972 "Cocaine and Tequila Sunrise Tour." (Read the full story here).
Nowadays, The Trident has settled into its place in Sausalito’s salt-edged firmament, nodding as much to its partying past as its sun-bedecked present.
On fog-free days, the awe-inspiring bay and city views are visible from every seat, sweeping from Belvedere Island and the Oakland docks to the tower atop Twin Peaks. The view of Sausalito’s southern hills is said to remind guests of the Amalfi Coast, the steep descents and wildly curved roads a doppelgänger for the renowned Italian region.
Below, at the water’s edge, sits sculptor Al Sybrian’s sea lion. Installed in 1957, recast in bronze in the 1960’s, the statue was swept of its perch in a winter storm in early 2023. In conjunction with the Sausalito Foundation, The Trident raised over a third of the reinstallation costs on sales of the Tequila Sunrise alone to return it to the shore. The "Unsinkable Sea Lion" was reinstalled in the summer of 2024 and swiftly became part of Trident lore.
No matter when you visit, global flavors infused into a classic San
Francisco seafood menu is The Trident’s calling card. Of course, there is The Trident Cioppino, the definitive San Francisco treat, Shrimp Louie, and Trident Baked Oysters with just enough chipotle and Pernod to taste 100% Californian.
Hungrier groups would do well to order the Classic Fish House Captain’s Platter. Larded with fish & chips, jumbo prawns, crab cakes and baked oysters, plus all the sides, it’s a “classic” that endures.
If your palate leans more turf than surf, you can't go wrong with the Steak Frites, the Grilled Pork Chop with sauteed spinach, caramelized apples, golden raisins, and mashed potatoes, or a good ol' Cheeseburger. The family-friendly, all-day menu is stacked with familiar favorites that only enhance the view.
Many come to The Trident for weekend brunch with their pooch (the patio is dog-friendly) to sip a mimosa or a Bloody Mary and watch the kayakers go by or for a chance to enjoy a bowl of Clam Chowder – the recipe hasn’t changed in 60 years. The kitchen serves up weekend specials for Father’s Day (hint hint... it's coming up soon!) and other brunch-y events. Keep an eye out for plates of Biscuits and Sausage Gravy and The Trident’s take on Green Eggs & Ham.
Have a sweet tooth? You won’t want to miss the Layered Fantasy Cake, which hearkens back to an era even earlier than the Summer of Love. Layers of chocolate, vanilla and cheesecake, brought together with fresh strawberries and chocolate mousse, the cake was created especially for Frank Sinatra. Forget Marilyn Monroe – Sinatra was fantasizing about cake.
Ponder that as you pair a slice with a Buena Vista Irish Coffee, brought over to The Trident from the original Fisherman’s Wharf cafe by Bob Freeman, who owns both properties. The unsinkable cream and tulip shaped glass are dead giveaways that this Irish Coffee is the real deal.
Whether you come here for the classic seafood, signature cocktails, or sweeping Bay views, The Trident is delicious, retro-fabulous fun. Discover for yourself why this place has been making waves since the 1960s.
Located at 558 Bridgeway in Sausalito, The Trident serves lunch, dinner, cocktails, and weekend brunch. For more details, visit www.thetrident.net or call (415) 331-3232.
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