Where to Eat: Fairfax

Perched on the line between Central and West Marin, the small town of Fairfax comfortably straddles new and old Marin with a mix of bohemian hippies, young families, and trendy hot spots. Noted for its live music venues, mountain bike culture, and independent stores, Fairfax’s dining options are equally diverse, ranging from upscale wine bar to beer hall, and Japanese pub to family-run Italian.

 

Barefoot Cafe | Fradelizio’s | The Hummingbird | Iron Springs Pub & Brewery | The Lodge | Mas Masa | Sorella Caffe | Split Rock Tap & Wheel | Tamal | Village Sake | Way Station |

 

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Barefoot Cafe

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout daily,  8 am-3 pm, and 4-8 pm.

American, 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, (415) 460-2160

Tony Senehi prepares fresh California dishes with local organic ingredients from sustainable sources. A popular brunch spot, this quaint restaurant in the heart of Fairfax serves locals and tourists everything from eggs Benedict to panna cotta dessert.

Fradelizio’s

COVID-19 update: Takeout and contactless curbside available Wednesdays–Mondays, 3-8 pm.

Italian, 35 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, (415) 459-1618

Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian with California-inspired healthy fare, featuring natural beef and free-range chicken dishes.

The Hummingbird

COVID-19 update: Takeout available daily, 7 am-3 pm. Delivery via Grubhub, Ubereats, or Seamless.

American, 57 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax, (415) 457-9866

This New Orleans–style restaurant serves up creole staples like fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, po’boys, gumbo, and beignets. Opt for the spicy syrup or homemade hot sauce to get that Cajun kick. Cash only.

Iron Springs Pub & Brewery

COVID-19 update: Open for takeout, Mondays and Thursdays, 4-8 pm, Fridays–Sundays 2-8 pm.

merican, 765 Center Blvd, Fairfax, (415) 485-1005

Pair your pick from the extensive beer list with an ale-braised barbecue pork sandwich, shrimp tacos or the house-ground-chicken bacon cheeseburger.

The Lodge

COVID-19 update: Open for patio dining and takeout, Tuesdays–Sundays, 8 am-9 pm. Delivery via Uber Eats and Door Dash. Beer, cider and wine to go in Growlers and Cans.

American, 1573 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, (415) 456-8084

From the owners of S.F.’s Big Swingin’ Cycles comes this rider-friendly stop along Fairfax’s main drag. With a menu designed to power you up, The Lodge features all-American eats like a breakfast burrito stuffed with eggs, spinach and salsa; share plates like a sausage board served with Lodge tots and slaw; and pour-over coffee and draft beer for riders and hikers alike.

Mas Masa

COVID-19 update: Takeout available, Fridays–Sundays, 4:30-7:30 pm.

Mexican, 31 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, (415) 529-5444

Chef and owner Patrick Sheehy focuses on the ancient technique of corn nixtamalization, using organic, non-GMO blue corn to make its handmade tortillas. The beer and wine lists highlight local California microbreweries and wineries.

Sorella Caffe

COVID-19 update: Takeout available, Tuesdays–Sundays, 4:30-8 pm.

Italian, 107 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, (415) 258-4520

Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves fresh Italian with a northern influence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padano cheese. Stop by for live music on weekends and every second and fourth Thursday of the month.

Split Rock Tap & Wheel

COVID-19 update: Café and Taproom open for outdoor dining and takeout, Mondays–Fridays, 4-8 pm; Saturdays–Sundays, 12 noon-8 pm. 

American, 2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, (415) 721-7644

The former Fairfax Cyclery space, which had been operating as just a bike shop, has been reconfigured and now also serves food and an assortment of beers. Menu items include pizzas, sandwiches, and snacks like citrus-marinated olives or house-made pickles. Beers on tap are almost all exclusively local favorites.

Tamal

COVID-19 update: Temporarily closed.

Mexican, 23 Broadway, Fairfax, (415) 524-8478

The regional cuisine here highlights coastal regions of Oaxaca and the Yucatán Peninsula. Dine inside or on the patio and enjoy craft Mexican cocktails or some of the Bay Area’s best craft beer.

Village Sake

COVID-19 update: Open for pre-order takeout and delivery bento boxes, Thursdays–Sundays, 4:30-7 pm.

Japanese, 19 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, (415) 521-5790

Beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman opened this izakaya, a Japanese style community pub, with sushi and skewers, salads and small plates, plus tasty sake and craft beers. The daily wait list opens online at 5 p.m. and is somewhat eased on weekends by the addition of Sake Bin, the adjoining small bar with sochu cocktails and a menu of its own.

Way Station

COVID-19 update: Outdoor dining in the beer garden, takeout and delivery available, Tuesdays–Fridays, 4-9 pm; Saturdays–Sundays, 12 noon-9 pm. Delivery in Fairfax and San Anselmo residents via TOWN FLYR program; or GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats.

American, 2001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, (415) 300-3099

Barbecue from a trailer embedded into the wall is the main attraction at this mechanic’s shop turned eatery where tall sliding windows frame washed concrete floors and a craft beer garden with fire pit. The ‘cue gets all the love but salads, flatbread pizzas, and a wide selection of tapped and bottled beers plus wines round out the menu. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly with outdoor seating.