Iron Springs Pub & Brewery

From out of town and Unilocaled family brewery spots. We traveled with our son who is 8 and we love spots that have a fun atmosphere where we can enjoy dinner. I was happy to see this place had great ratings. But when we came here, we were not impressed. We came on a Saturday night, busy as expected. We waited for 10 min for 3– not bad at all. When we were seated, we looked over the menu. Not once did a server greet us. We sat another 10 min and still no server. I watched at least 3 servers go by our table, not one looking our way. The table to our left and right were being served by different servers and each time they went by, we looked at them and no look our way. Finally, another 10 min went by and the table to the right of us had left. They came to clean it and I finally asked him if he can get our server. When someone came, he said, «your server is tied up so i will take your order». We placed our entire order from drinks to meal.
We didn’t wait long for the drinks, were served water as well. Shortly after our meal came. It was ok. Btw– Another server (diff male) brought it to us, so I don’t know if that was our original server or not.
Our son had the Buttered pasta with Parmesan, that he ate all of so he really liked it. I had the French dip sandwich which was ok to good. Comes with plenty of French fries and some pickles. My husband had the meat loaf– it was very hearty and came with mashed potatoes and veggies. It was filling for him and he did like it.
While we were eating, another server (female this time) came to check on us– was she our sever? We had no clue. The server who took our order came by once to ask us how we were doing– was he our server? NO IDEA.
We had come to the end of our meal and the female server asked if we wanted to see a dessert menu. She gave us our bill as well– was she our server?!? We checked the bill and her name was listed. So I guess it’s her.
Overall this place is ok. My overall rating is a 2 (due to the service experience) but my husband did like his food and beer. Service did improve towards the end of the meal, but still not stellar. Probably won’t come back here.

We have been here about 100 times, usually with kids. I love that the specials menu keeps it fresh. Their beer, especially the casket and nitro beers, are my pick as the best in the Bay. Prices are reasonable. Kid friendly!

We stopped by this place after a drive through the hills; we were hungry and thirsty, and they did a fine job of satisfying both issues. It’s been around for a while, and for an old-​school microbrewery, they have a surprisingly wide and very good selection of in-​house beers. The menu isn’t especially innovative, but it’s well-​executed; the meatloaf I got was hearty and delicious, and the slaw was tasty and not goopy. It’s a nice location, and while the ambience isn’t really that great, the service is terrific, very efficient and friendly. The bathrooms are kinda hard to find, and you’ll need them but that quibble aside, I had a fine time. Definitely would go again.

Tonight i went into this place as i do sometimes to use the restrooms.
Since they have allowed me to use their restrooms many times before i didnt think it was an issue.
They did seem busy tonight & i guess there was a misunderstanding when i asked if i could use the restroom but a guy who worked there seemed okay with it but when i walked towards the restrooms he walked after me & so that i wasnt allowed in there & that i had been 86ed.
I asked him why & he just kept rudely prodding me to leave.
I just wanted to know why all of a sudden i was told to leave without any reason etc.,
He was so rude i almost cried then & there in front of so many people but i listened & walked out.
Then i called them & he answered & said they had a restraining order against me & that i used to live in the building.
All very strange allegations which i imagined were probably based on the local gossip which permeated the place. But i never ate their food or went to the bar to drink their beer so i guess i was never considered a valueable customer.
But nonetheless still to be so rude & heartless towards me, treating me like a piece of dirt is no way to treat anyone.
I called back again to speak with the manager Jennifer who rudely told me (when i told her there was no restraining order against me nor had anyone 86 me before) that it was because theyd had issues with me before when i had an office upstairs & had to complain because several times while with a client there would be groups of unattended children screaming & running around who had no adults watching them & that often adults would be drinking outside illegally.
But i had let that go years ago, because no one wants to carry a grudge.
Well apparently they hold grudges beyond the expiration date.
Ive never eaten their food because its not good for my health so i cant comment there but i will say that how i was treated there tonight really hurt my feelings & was uncalled for. If they wanted to 86 me they should have done it long ago.
I feel really sorry for those people who cant forgive or let go. Its these kinds who make the world a sad place.

We had a great lunch here! Everyone was really friendly, and the atmosphere was laid back and very comfy for a winter break mid-​week lunch.
We got a couple of sandwiches and a paddle of beers. The chicken sandwich was delicious– grilled chicken, spicy peppers, cheese, and a tasty bun. We also had the French Dip, which was also really good. All very traditional brewery food done well.
In our little flight of beers my favorite was the Kolsch, my husband liked the amber, and we both liked one that had «scotch» in the name, but I don’t remember exactly what it was called.
The only thing we agreed was not the best was the French fries. They were super crunchy, seemed like they possibly were a little overdone.
Overall, a great little lunch date with us and the baby!

Cool cozy brewery with well made food that consists of classics as well as «healthier» alternatives.
Fun staff & most importantly dynamite Oatmeal Stout.
Definitely deserves another visit.

Great beers on tap. Casey Jones is their hands down best and a top shelf double IPA. Burgers, nachos, and Fiji Apple salad are all good choices.

Three stars can be good or meh — for this place, it’s pretty good. I have been there a lot — maybe 15 times.
The atmosphere is fine. If you’re a first timer, just know that this is a family place with a busy bar. Depending on events or fundraisers, there can be just a few kids to oodles of them, running in/​out through the front door. But, normally, there’s just a ‘normal’ amount kids. Oddly enough, while there are kids, the bar is also very packed most nights, filled with what seems like regulars, some of whom swear like nobody’s business with kids just on the other side of the ½ wall and within earshot. If you want to protect your kiddos’ little ears, ask for a seat on the opposite side of the restaurant. But, speaking of the bar — the two bartenders I’ve met (both women) are the best staff in the whole place — sincerely friendly, thoughtful, attentive (unless super busy), and they can anticipate a need.
Since the bar is often full, we usually sit at a table. The table service is meh to good depending on the server, but not particularly quick, and our requests for water have been forgotten many times. Still, the servers are usually very nice people — just not particularly attentive. We have a couple favorite servers.
The food is usually good to very good — but I’m hesitant to say ‘great’ — but my husband might say that. Most things seem quite fresh, colorful. The first time I had the vegetarian chile relleno, I loved it. The second time, it seems like it had been sitting, pre-​made, in the fridge for several days before being heated up. I got it one more time, and while back to seeming fresh, I got a chile that was SO hot I had to scrape out the filling. I realize that can happen now and then. The veggie burger really needs more egg to hold it together, but the flavors are really good. Still, it *always* falls apart in many pieces — that’s why I make sure I request cheese, to help hold it together, but it doesn’t help as much as more egg would.
We’ve also had sausage, meat loaf, regular burgers (veggies ones are better)…many other things. Usually, all pretty good.
Finally, there are lots of different beers there, but they changed their only hard *apple* cider (for good reasons) to a brand I don’t like at all. A recommendation — consider Angry Orchard!

I really really REALLY liked this place.
Now I don’t normally post many reviews, because I can’t usually find the time; and when I do I usually just write about the bad ones.
My mom and I were geocaching in the area on a Sunday and come mid afternoon we started to get pretty hangry. Apparently there aren’t many places in the area open on a Sunday afternoon, which stuck me as weird. I ended up finding this place on Unilocal,but the mixed reviews made me torn. I couldn’t even think anymore, and was craving a beer, so we decided to give it a shot. The atmosphere was expected for a small town at 5:00 on a Sunday evening. Our waitress was nice an attentive, knew what she was talking about, and suggested beer pairings. My mom got a beer flight (we lived 80% of them) and a pulled pork sandwich, on a nice brioche roll she really liked. Because I’m vegetarian and don’t eat a lot, I was psyched when told I was allowed to order off the kids menu. I ordered the kids penne with broccoli and alfredo sauce, which I have to say it was the best alfredo I’ve ever had, and the broccoli was cooked perfectly. I also had the selly (or shelly? something with an se) oatmeal stout that was amazing. I love oatmeal stouts and am usually fairly disappointed with some of them I’ve tried lately.
Anyways I hope to come back soon and get more of that amazing pasta, and try some great beer.

So I just can’t do this place anymore.
The beer is pretty good. I enjoy that part.
The service can be ok and it depends on the server. You ask for water you get a warm half glass???
We had the nachos which were ok.
I ordered the BBQ wings and they were like eating old chicken. I mentioned this to waiter and he was cool with it. I then ordered some replacement garlic fries. They were terrible. Crusty and dry. What is going on with this place? So I spoke to the manager. She was not welcoming. She said We just got the chicken in today (it’s Saturday and no place gets it in that day) and she says we have a new sauce. Yeah that might be it.
To say I will go back or should warn you to skip this place is my advise. Total bummer they have not got it together. Yeah you can bring your dog there but who cares when the service and food is for dogs.
Never again.

The pomegranate apple cider got me a bit tipsy, or at least got my Asian glow going lol.
The chicken sauté was a bit dry & bland. I would pass on that. The garlic fries however, holy moly I enjoyed that A LOT, except the fries were cold by the time it came out.
The Lulu’s habanero wings were alright as well, it was drenched in the sauce, wasn’t as spicy as I thought it would be.
Overall I give this place 3 stars, it was decent.

Iron Springs Pub and Brewery fits just about every Marin stereotype. Low key, relaxed, fresh and family oriented, Iron Springs fits well in friendly Fairfax. Odyssey van driving beer afficiandos pull up outside and try to scope out a table for themselves and their smiling brood. This spot is exceptionally friendly, the beer is excellent, and the food is a-​okay. We ordered brussell spouts with peanuts, marcona almonds (mentioned on the menu, but didn’t end up in our dish) and calabrian hot pepper sauce, and a basic house bruschetta with tomato and basil. The service was low-​key, the food was simple, good (but not remarkable) and the craft beer here is excellent. Iron Springs is a nice spot in the side of the road in idyllic Fairfax, kids with loose, carefree hair, organic cotton clothes and rosy cheeks play next to Marin dogs in a friendly setting full of fresh food, outdoor picnic tables, and tasty craft beer.

Updated 6÷26÷15
I got a message from management that they fixed their wings. He encouraged me to try them again. So, did and I’m much more pleased. The cooking and flavoring of the wings has improved. I like them much better.
5 stars for the customer service and being accurate when they told me it was an anomaly that the wings were bad the day I visited.
Also, I tried the garlic fries. Yummy and powerful garlic.
Thank you!
Original review:
Meh. Beers are very average. The buffalo wings are on par with Dominos. It is a good place to watch a game on their TVs but you might need to explore their menu deeper to find food worth staying for.
Staff is good and they work hard so you can at least expect decent service.

This my favorite place. Great beer– especially Casey Jones imperial IPA. Great food– the chicken bacon burger and Ruben sandwich are musts. Friendly smiling crew always accommodates. It’s on the way back from the lakes, north side of Tam, the coast… all the best places to play. You can sit outside even if it’s cold. They have fancy heat lamps. I got a half growler– never seen that before. Perfect for the always fresh 9+% Casey.

Sampled all eleven beers on tap. I particularly enjoyed the Imperial IPA and the seasonal Biere de Garde.
I also had the bacon cheese burger, which was excellent. Lots of thick cut bacon, super tasty meat. My wife had the crab cakes which were fresh and tasty along with the garlic fries, which were also delicious.
Fairfax isn’t exactly close to home on the Peninsula, but I’ll definitely be back to Iron Springs hopefully sooner rather than later.

Great thing about Fairfax is that almost all restaurants and shops are in a half mile radius. Last time when we visited this picturesque small town in MArin County, it was for the annual brew fest in March 2014. Even though we wanted to try Iron Springs, they were so busy and we ended up elsewhere. Almost a whole year later, a day trip to Mt. Tam and subsequent hunger+thirst that will necessarily arise, brought us back to Iron Springs.
This time it was late Sunday afternoon but they were not too busy so we got seated immediately inside in the booth. We also considered sitting outside but the breeze was a little bit too much for the kids. Once we got our table our server was over in no time to take the drink orders. We went with a paddle, which consists of 6 house-​made beers you can check off the list, each one in cute 4oz mini-​mug. After the beer came we ordered some grub. The menu is mostly standard American fair but they do have daily specials that are a bit different. I went with Baja Style Fish Tacos, wife got French Onion Soup+Hot Wings, and kids got regular and chicken burger. The food was surprisingly good and my two fish tacos were stacked with fish (cod.i think), coleslaw, radish, onion and topped with chipotle aioli. I also got a side of black beans for $ 2 and was full. French Onlon soup and wings looked and tasted good and the kids were happy with their burgers too.
As for the beer the clear standout was Crippla, classified as double pale ale and weighing in at 7%. I totally dig the German malt backbone, combined with CTZ, Citra, and Sorachi Ace hops. There is something about Sorachi Ace that makes any beer taste unique and Iron Springs nailed it with Crippla. No other beer was as good but all of them were more than solid: there was not one brew out of 8 I tried that I would say no to if offered a pint. Nice job Iron Springs.
Clearly it would all be 5 stars as the ambiance, service, and food and beer were all awesome but there are a couple of small things that I would like to see happen in order to bump up a star. There is only 1 unisex restroom so the wait is substantial and with all the beer being poured any wait is too much. Not sure, but they might be doing some work in the back on that so the next visit this might be resolved. Also, they have super cool mini-​mugs for «paddle», why not offer individual tasters too? And yes, they don’t take AmEx so that’s a bummer but it’s not that unusual nowadays. All combined though, Iron Springs exceed the expectations and I am looking forward coming back as soon as in few weeks after the Farifax Brewfest. Let’s just hope they’re not as slammed as last year!

It’s always nice to stop by a burger place after backpacking.
I often stop at Fairfax after hiking in Point Reyes.
Today after overnight backpackin there, we came here. Actually one of hikemates needed to see football game, this place was chosen.
I ate BBQ pork sandwich with fries. As a typical American place, hearty and filling. Good after workout. If I went to this place on a weekday, probably 3 stars.

3.5 stars
Pretty sweet little spot not too far from San Rafael. We had a sampler and all the beers were in the 3 – 4 star range (out of 5). The service was kind of absent, we ordered a sampler and they forgot to come back with the sheet, so I had to go order it at the bar. The wife and I shared a small bowl of fries and the french onion soup. Both were very good, the hand cut freis are always delightful when done correctly. Besides the slowish and forgettable service I still enjoyed myself and though it was very price/​value friendly. The sampler, an extra beer and the food worked out to just about $ 25 with tip. I found this to be very reasonable and am looking forward to going back and trying more food.

All around great place. The service was so friendly, the food was very tasty and the beers were all very good. I LOVED their porter and my boyfriend was a big fan of the Casey Jones Imperial IPA. The samplers are only $ 8 for 5 very generous portions and there’s a lot of beers to choose from!
The menu has some really great options and my turkey sandwich was outstanding! Fairfax is a cute little town and this is the perfect edition! Make sure to stop by and grab a pint!

Great beer, nice outdoor seating, and dog friendly!
Our group stopped by Iron Springs after work for an early dinner last week. Usually brew pubs tend to have limited food selection or questionable quality.
Not the case with iron springs, the food was very good albeit a little pricier than what I’d expect. Think ~15 $ for a burger or sandwich.
The beers here were great. I tried the Kent Lake Kolsch, a mild and refreshing blonde ale. Highly recommended for relaxing outside in the summer months.
I also tried the Casey Jones imperial IPA. Very hoppy, full bodied with an interesting hint of fruit in the taste and smell. Delicious, full of flavor, and not an overwhelming bite that usually comes with double IPAs. Also recommended.
Iron Springs Pub & Brewery has a great mix of great beers, great food, and good service. Give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.