Dipsea Cafe

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Conveniently located on Highway One in Mill Valley, the Dipsea Cafe offers one of the best homestyle breakfasts in Marin. The Dipsea Cafe's menu is filled with a myriad of sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. On your drive to Stinson Beach, be sure to stop by and grab a boxed lunch!

AND THE DIPSEA GOES ON…. SINCE 1986
The Dipsea Café was named for the seven mile Dipsea trail which begins in downtown Mill Valley, goes up 672 wooden steps, winds up and over Mt. Tam, and ends at Stinson beach. Held every year since 1905, the Dipsea Race is one of the oldest foot races in the US, second only to the Boston Marathon. Calling themselves the “Dipsea Indians,” the Dipsea Race was started by a group of hikers from the Olympic Club. At the end of the race these hikers would congregate at the Dipsea Inn, where all would partake of lunch and grog.

The first race was run by two of these “Dipsea Indians,” Al Coney and Charlie Boas. Boas was the winner but all had so much fun, they decided to make the race an annual affair open to all comers.
The Dipsea Café is slightly younger than the Dipsea Trail, having been opened in July 1986 by John and Cori Siotos. Its original location was in the El Paseo Building in downtown Mill Valley, and it moved to its present location in July 1991. The Dipsea Café, which like the old “Dipsea Indians” and the Dipsea Inn, has become a place where locals now congregate for home-cooked meals and fresh ground coffee.
Although John and Cori have never run the Dipsea Race, many of their patrons have. “It’s just the first 672 steps that intimidate us,” says John. “Like running the café, we like to take things one step at a time.
John and Cori would love to hear your comments and suggestions about both the food and service here at the Dipsea Café. Please – feel free to phone, fax, or write to them.
Long Live the Dipsea!