Lab friendly

Nick’s Cove (Marshall, CA)

GETAWAYS • Tomales Bay

Chicago transplant Matt Alfus recently took over the kitchen at Nick’s Cove in West Marin after a recent stint at Hog Island. Go for the classics, like barbecued oysters from just down the road, clam chowder studded with bacon, and fresh local cod in crisp fish and chips. The burger, featuring Stemple Creek grass-fed beef on a soft brioche bun, shouldn’t be underestimated. All pair well with a bottle of minerally bubbles from the wine list, such as western Sonoma County’s Iron Horse Ocean Reserve.

We recently made a night of it in one of Nick’s 12 charming bungalows, each with distinct personalities. We were handed the keys to the Nicolina, a converted hay ferry that still looks like a boat, complete with porthole windows and a clawfoot tub. The entire property is dog-friendly, and at low tide our Labrador retriever ripped around the beach. By bedtime, the waves rolled in. We lit the wood-fired stove and listened to them lap under the deck.

Freshly baked croissants — delivered to our door in the morning — were a sweet cap on the scene. –Becky Duffett

→ Nick’s Cove (Marshall, CA) • 23240 Highway One • cabins start at $700/night/Aug weekend • Reserve.