What to eat, see, and do in Fairfax and San Anselmo

What are Fairfax and San Anselmo?

Fairfax and San Anselmo are two of Marin’s most pleasant towns. Located within miles of each other, both are laid-back, woodsy escapes from the rest of the county. A little less pretentious than towns like Mill Valley and Sausalito, the pair of towns make a good place to spend an afternoon stopping into shops of even a night experiencing local life. Fairfax is also a hub for mountain bikers with many trails starting close to the small town. It is also the gateway to West Marin with a road leading directly to Point Reyes, Stinson Beach, and the rest of the coast.

If you are interested in experiencing some of the Bay Area’s hippie culture, it is difficult to find a more authentic destination than Fairfax. Come in June during the Fairfax festival for a full taste of the town’s culutre, or stop by any time to see the baseball field home to the famed ’60s game between the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane just down the hill from a retired venue where the two bands once played. Fairfax is by no means a tourist destination, so whatever hippie culture is left there is wholly authentic.

San Anselmo is a bit less alternative than Fairfax. It’s main draw is its main street, great restaurants, and the hiking trails that start in and around the small town. Another place without many tourists, San Anselmo is the perfect place to kick back with a glass of wine on the main, pedestrian friendly street and people watch.

Fairfax

M&Gs

It is difficult to get more authentic than a burger and crinkle fries at M&Gs. This roadside stop is a beloved Fairfax institution known for good burgers, delicious fries, and a delectable house sauce. If you have one night in Fairfax, this is the place to go. The restaurant itself is small and stuffy, but the patio outside is a great place to hang out and enjoy your burger. Do note: M&Gs is cash only.

The Scoop

Fairfax is not a big town, but on any given summer night you can expect to see a line of 20+ people outside of the Scoop. With a menu of flavors that rotates daily, friendly servers, and low prices, the Scoop never gets old. Vanilla honey lavender is probably their best creation, but you can be sure that whatever you order will be delicious. Note: the Scoop is cash only.

Fairfax Theater

Have a free night in Fairfax? Stop by the Fairfax theater for a luxurious movie-going experience in a cool local theater. Recently renovated with luxurious lounge chairs, the theater is a comfortable spot frequented by locals. It is a small theater with a charming feel compared to the larger, corporate theater complexes in other parts of Marin. To live like a local, I recommend starting with dinner at M&Gs, walking for ice cream at The Scoop, stopping by 7/11 for snacks, and heading into the iconic Fairfax Theater to top off the evening.

Gestalt Haus

Gestalt Haus is another Fairfax institution. It is probably the most Marin place in the county, effortlessly fusing mountain bike, draught beer, and Bavarian culture. The best thing about Gestalt Haus is probably its vast, rotating selection of local draught beers served in Oktoberfest steins. Featuring some of the region’s best local IPAs, sours, and lagers, there is something for everyone on draught at Gestalt Haus. If beer isn’t you thing, there is almost an equally long sausage list. The sausages are served hot and fresh, and there is a vast selection of mustards, relishes, and hot sauce to decorate the Bavarian sandwich however you like. Gestalt Haus is always a great stop, but I would especially recommend it after a ride on one of Fairfax’s famed mountain biking trails. The bar has a heavy bike theme and even supplies bike racks on the walls inside.

Nave’s Bar

If you’re in the mood for more of a dive, look no further than Nave’s in downtown Fairfax. Though well decorated the bar is by no means nice or a place for a crazy night out. It is almost always empty and frequently without music. Still, there is something endearing about the cozy local watering hole. With cheap beer, TouchTunes at the ready, and a frequently unoccupied pool table, Nave’s has just about everything one could want in a dive bar.

Amelie Cafe and Wine Bar

If you are in the mood for something classy without breaking the bank, Amelie Cafe and Wine Bar is a good stop. It has an authentic French bistro feel that seems a little out of place in Fairfax at first, but with its great food and atmosphere that is easy to look past. The inside is charming, but on a warm summer night it is hard to beat the atmosphere of the Parisian-style seating across the sidewalk.

Sorella Cafe

Another fairly affordable classy pick, Sorella Cafe is a local favorite for delicious Italian cuisine. The restaurant is almost always packed, and this is another spot where the outdoor experience is better than indoor. Come in the summer to take in a warm Fairfax night in their large outdoor seating area with delectable pasta dishes and wine.

Wu Wei Tea Temple

A relic of a Fairfax that once was, Wu Wei Tea Temple has a very alternative aura. It is a place better experienced than described. With eclectic decorations and an expansive menu of herbal remedies, Wu Wei is an unforgettable experience tucked away in downtown Fairfax.

Peri Park

If you are in the mood for a picnic, Peri Park is the place to go. A short walk down a side street from the town center, the park is shaded by large redwoods next to a babbling creek. There are several picnic tables in the park next to the play area, but I would recommend first stopping at Good Earth for some bread and delicious local cheeses before finding a seat under the redwoods.

San Anselmo

M. H. Bread and Butter

The undisputed best brunch spot in Marin, M. H. Bread and Butter, or MHBB colloq., is the crown jewel of the San Anselmo culinary oeuvre. Everything on the menu here is good, but be sure to order something that includes their homemade bread. A trip to MHBB is also incomplete without their delicious coffee. Come for the food, but stay for the very Marin people watching and atmosphere. Expect avocados.

Comforts

Everyone in Marin knows Comforts. Specifically, everyone in Marin knows Comforts’ chicken okasan and Chinese chicken salad. There is more on the menu, but there doesn’t need to be. Though not the cheapest place in town, Comforts is a staple of Marin cuisine and a true San Anselmo experience. The coffee is also good, but it is really not worth mentioning anything beyond their two signature chicken dishes.

Taco Jane’s

Tucked away on a side street, Taco Jane’s has a different feel than your standard taqueria. It feels at once refined and authentic, with an ingredients-first menu highlighting fresh local flavors. The mateo cakes are Taco Jane’s at its best, but everything here is good.

Mi Pueblo

For a Mexican food experience at a lower price point, Mi Pueblo is a good place to start. The small taqueria serves up no-frills burritos, tacos, and more, and is a good place to stop for an easy to-go meal.

Bald Hill Preserve

If you feel like a bit of hiking near San Anselmo, Bald Hill preserve is a good place to explore. With a few trails all around Bald Hill, the small preserve offers great views of Marin and a good taste of the county’s breathtaking nature.

Phoinex Lake

If you are up for a short drive from downtown, Phoinex Lake offers a beautiful, easy 2.8 mile loop around the lake. It is a nice, leisurely place to bring dogs or catch up with friends while enjoying the beautiful lake and getting some fresh air. Better yet, the drive to the lake is a good chance to marvel at the beautiful estates of Ross, a subsection of San Anselmo home to one some of the wealthiest residents of Marin County—and the country.