Sausalito in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Trident
It was a another time, but the same place... Where you can still channel your inner love child and groove on the original Trident atmosphere and philosophy, which advocated "positive energy projection" and offering "good-tasting, natural, wholesome, organic foods in a living, growing and stimulating atmosphere." And, as in those heady, halcyon days, we invite you to "...take a deep breath, relax and dig on the love and artistry about you. May all our offerings please you. Peace within you."
Perched on the Sausalito waterfront, The Trident occupies a turn-of-the-century landmark built in 1898 to house the San Francisco Yacht Club, in its time the social hub of Sausalito, hosting yacht races, regattas and gala parties. In 1927, the Yacht Club moved to new premises, and for the next couple of decades the building went through several different incarnations, one of them a jazz club called the Yacht Dock.
In 1960, the Kingston Trio purchased the Yacht Dock and kept that name until about 1966. At that point the Beat Generation had given way to the '60s hippie movement, and the club underwent major groovification and a name change to The Trident - a musical entertainment venue, natural foods restaurant and the place to hang out. With their wholesome image and comic folk ditties, the Kingston Trio may have seemed unlikely founders of such a counterculture establishment, but like the times, the Trio's style evolved, contributing to a folk music revival and influencing a new generation of folk icons - who reflected and often impacted changes in the political climate - such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and The Byrds.
In those free-thinking times, the new hippie subculture valued living in harmony with nature, artistic experimentation - particularly in music and the visual arts - and the expansion of the mind through various means. The Trident quickly became a gathering place for like-minded locals and celebrities from around the world, and was known for its its laid-back vibe, healthy, organic cuisine, creative cocktails, comely waitresses, artistic decor, stellar views and its many famous patrons. Janis Joplin (a regular with her own table), Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, Clint Eastwood, Bill Cosby and the Smothers Brothers were often on the scene, and Bill Graham was a frequent patron - most notably hosting parties at the restaurant for the Rolling Stones during their two Bay Area concerts in the 1970s. And In 1971, The Trident was immortalized in film (where you can see the original Trident decor in its entirety) when Woody Allen filmed a scene here for Play it Again Sam.
But times change, and in 1980 The Trident closed its doors and became the popular Horizons restaurant. Now we've come full circle once again to The Trident, where you can enjoy the original decor from the 1960s, including the famous wall (and ceiling) art and rich, warm woodwork featuring voluptuously flowing curves. And following its original philosophy, The Trident offers satisfying and sophisticated fare showcasing local, organic and sustainably produced ingredients. Peace, love and bon appétit!
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 37° 51.213′ N, 122° 28.721′ W. Marker is in Sausalito, California, in Marin County. Marker is on Bridgeway north of Richardson Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is mounted on the wall in the front arcade. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 558 Bridgeway, Sausalito CA 94965, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Tequila Sunrise (a few steps from this marker); Eureka (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sausalito (about 500 feet away); Becker Building (about 700 feet away); Princess Theater (about 700 feet away); Fiedler's General Store (about 700 feet away); Bank of Sausalito (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Sausalito City Hall / 1894 Old City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sausalito.
Also see . . . The Trident's History. (Submitted on September 6, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.