The Bay Area’s Most Beloved Boat Shack Finally Reopens After Devastating Fire
The seaside shack at Nick’s Cove is finally open after several delays.
Nearly two years after a fire destroyed the historic Boat Shack at Nick’s Cove, one of Tomales Bay’s most nostalgic waterfront destinations has officially reopened its rebuilt gathering space on the pier. Set 400 feet down the property’s public boardwalk, the new Boat Shack maintains the same footprint but introduces thoughtful updates that strengthen its sense of place (and its resilience to fire). There’s a large picture window framing Hog Island and the sweeping bay, an expansive deck with two new picnic tables, and a communal table inside that encourages lingering over food, drinks, and conversation. A donated piano anchors the room and the walls are lined with vintage nautical decor, breathing a lived in look the the beloved space.
“The entire family at Nick’s Cove is so happy to see the beloved Boat Shack back when we look out the windows of the restaurant,” said General Manager Wade Nakamine. “It was a hole in our hearts for the last two years, and now that’s been mended.”
Thomas J. Story
Though there’s no service inside the Boat Shack itself, guests can order at the main restaurant bar and carry their local oysters, cioppino, and other accoutrements down to the shack, where a new gas stove provides heat and ambiance. To mark the reopening, Nick’s Cove has brought back its fan-favorite mac and cheese, which was notably absent from the menu for the past two years. The updated version made with orecchiette, smoked cheddar, gruyere, Parmesan, porcini breadcrumbs, and chives is also available with a well-advised Dungeness crab upgrade available for $22.
The timing couldn’t have been more fitting. This past Sunday marked Nick’s Cove’s 15th year hosting Santa Claus for the Tomales Bay community, and the freshly finished shack, which dates back to the 1930s, was decked out in holiday garlands, a tree, and live piano music as families lined the pier for complimentary professional photos.
Thomas J. Story
The Boat Shack is also now available for private events, including the signature Grand Wheelbarrow Experience, where champagne, caviar, and oysters are delivered by wheelbarrow for groups of 8–12. The property, which is home to 12 charming boathouse cottages for overnights, will also be offering lobster roll workshops, oyster-shucking demos, and custom oyster and caviar bars down the line.
