The Hummingbird

Hummingbird is a local neighborhood spot located in downtown Fairfax. Parking is easy and plentiful with a nearby parking lot. Located on Broadway Street, The Hummingbird is popular with locals, especially on the weekend for brunch when we visited, and it’s clear the servers and owners know many of the patrons. It’s a small and cozy space (an old diner feel) with only 4 – 5 small tables for parties of four and bar/​diner seating for single and paired patrons. Our wait time was 25 minutes and most patrons wait outside or peruse nearby shops as there is no place to wait inside.
Once seated, the service is friendly and all smiles and the menu is a good one with breakfast classics (Benedicts, Omelets, Pancakes) but with the added twist of New Orleans classic and inspired dishes. Supposedly, the owner is originally from Louisiana and thus the connection to New Orleans. Drinks were brought out quickly and include coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, but also their popular blood orange mimosa on the weekends.
We placed our order and items were brought out within 10 minutes. It’s a bustling place with families and locals, but very casual with an eclectic décor of items and posters from New Orleans that line the dining space as well as the small corridor to the very tiny bathroom and wash station. High chairs and booster seats are available and several families were there for brunch as well.
The Silver Dollar Chocolate Chip pancakes arrived and they were perfect size and portion for the child audience. Topped with melting butter and filled with melting chocolate chips they were a hit. Same with the side of sunnyside up eggs. The Chicken and Waffle arrived next and it’s a generous portion. The waffle is more chewy and soft than crispy type, but was very flavorful, also topped with a dollop of wonderful melting butter and slivers of garlic between the waffle and the chicken. The fried chicken, unlike the typical whole thigh and wing portion I’ve had in the past, is surprisingly more a breaded chicken cutlet made up of all white meat. It’s flavorful, seasoned well and not overly dry, but not as juicy or crispy/​deep fried as other chicken and waffle renditions I’ve had and enjoyed.
The Everything Gumbo was just a small cup, but $ 10.15, and filled with the requisite oyster, shellfish, and vegetables, though flavors were quite muted. Unfortunately, besides being a bit small, it was also a bit lukewarm, a problem that the chicken and waffle shared. I’m not sure if the temperature had to do with the restaurant itself which was quite cold (similar to outside and most patrons wearing down coats) or if it simply had been left longer to serve all the items at once.
The Crawfish Étouffée wasn’t my dish but filled with crayfish and I had a quick bite. Drinks were solid, especially the refreshing and cold blood orange mimosa, which was quite a generous pour.
Finally, our last dish was their famous beignets for dessert and they were great. Unlike my dishes, the beignets came out piping hot, straight from the fryer, and were soft, moist and covered with a delectable powdered sugar. Although our plan was to bring them home, we finished them all at the table.
Overall, the Hummingbird was an enjoyable stop. I think the niche is that of a neighborhood spot with the added aspect of having a strong menu, especially the New Orleans inspired classics or dishes that you don’t commonly see (oyster and crayfish omelettes). It’s a lively spot and service is definitely with warmth and a smile. I’d say the downsides are that prices were much higher than I expected for the décor and ambiance (especially of those New Orleans classics) and the mixed temperature of the food. If I was in the area, I’d return again and recommend it to a friend but I might try their classic breakfast items (omelettes and benedicts) instead of being lured by all the New Orleans classics.
The Hummingbird is CASH only!

For a NOLA diner in Marin, this is really good! My sister and I sat at the counter which soon got really crowded as did the whole restaurant. And the service was GREAT! The staff are friendly and helpful. And the food was good. My sister loved her chicken hash and I liked (but didn’t love) the huevos rancheros because they just didn’t seem very well-​rounded or something was missing. But it was fine.
This is a very popular spot and if you’re a breakfast person, I’d suggest coming here. We were both unable to finish our meals (lots of food!).

overpriced mediocre food served with a poor attitude.
I’m still not sure what it is they’re calling «chicken» in the chicken and waffles.

The food is absolutely outstanding. I was contemplating 4 stars-​just because we had to wait a little longer for our food to come out. But it was worth it when every bite has so much flavor and definitely cooked to perfection. It’s a small home town feel diner. Super casual atmosphere. Very attentive service as well. Also, was super taken back when we found out it was a cash only restaurant and because we didn’t have enough cash the server told us we can just pay more next time we come to dine! I was beyond surprised to hear that response. So I give 5 stars. Of course we went to an ATM and pulled out more cash.
By the way-​beignets for the win. It was 3 for 5.50. I ordered the crab Benedict’s with delicious hash browns. It tasted like the veggies on the Benedict’s was sautéed with white wine. Very yummy.
We will be coming back.

Delicious! Tiny, loud little hole in the wall coffee shop. If you get claustrophobic, don’t come here.
Shared the beignets, broiled grapefruit, oyster omelette and grits. Everything was excellent, including the coffee. Sat at the counter, not my usual choice but it was worth it! Would definitely come again.

Went there for the first time recently and yum! Food is a solid 4 but the bathroom is about a 1 at best — pretty gross — could they spend a few dollars for a new toilet seat? and a few more for a new toilet — yuk.
It’s a tiny place and hugely popular — there were quite a few people waiting outside but we got a table in less than 10 minutes so that was great. It was grand to be able to get Beignets — they were good though less dough than the ones in New Orleans but still good. My friend had their shrimp and grits and liked the dish alot. I had their homemade hash and eggs — yum yum yum. The service was good, the prices very reasonable. I can see why it’s so popular — yummy!

We have eaten here several times as my 5 yr old grandson loves the grits. This time others had corn beef hash, crab benedict, and a couple orders of huevos. One with avocado and one with chorizo. I thought the chorizo was good but not excellent. We had six pair of knees crammed where four should be but the café is very small. I give the food a strong 4 but the experience drags it down. I just hope the kitchen is cleaner than the bathroom.

Called ahead and funny my sis said they greeted with hello yes we’re open hahaha. We stopped there before spending the day at Limintour Beach. Simply Nawlin’ awesomeness! Such a great problem not knowing what to order because everything sounded tasty! And while I came for chicken & waffles, I wanted to have the stomach for more than that. My sis ordered the grilled egg plant and cup of gumbo. I wanted full Orleans experience — decided to go with bowl of seafood gumbo and fried green tomato Bly. They are more than generous with the gumbo full of shrimp, oysters and crawfish. I even shared w my sis with still plenty for moi! The fried green tomato BLT was another masterpiece. There was much bacon, which btw was not your typical bacon. I rather preferred more tomato but no complaint by no means!
Above the 5-​star food was the A+ service. Our waiter Joseph was a superstar, attentive to all the patrons and my coffee was refilled w/​o notice. I had to ask to stop else I’d have overstayed my welcome. When we walked in there was still tables but by the time we finished the country and tables were full with people waiting. The owner Michelle threw a friendly good morning and kinda cool to see her eat there. I joked wouldn’t it be funny if we saw her eating McD breakfast meal lol.
Definitely will come back for the chicken and waffles.
p. s. We had to absolutely order the beignets to go! And with no regrets devoured it not soon after we were in the beach!

Out of this world southern breakfast and lunch. Gumbo, chicken and waffles, and lobster benedict were amazing. Though i have no doubt everything here is!
Next time trying the Po’ Boy for sure!
Also definitely do not fail to try the beignets!

The Hummingbird helped me introduce my boyfriend to chicken and waffle. It’s just one of those dishes that doesn’t quite make sense until it’s inside your mouth and then you taste the magic. Hummingbird’s spicy syrup is legit.
So far we have stuck to the same menu. Chicken and waffles, some sort of omelet and beignets. Beignets are basically little fried nuggets of sweet dough completely covered in powdered sugar. Originally French food but adopted by New Orleans cuisine. So far, they’ve always brought the beignets to the table very quickly as they come out, kind of like a breakfast/​brunch appetizer.
They don’t have espresso drinks, but the coffee shop down the street does and the Hummingbird doesn’t mind. With that said, the Hummingbird’s diner coffee is completely respectable, and the espresso down the street is nothing to write home about.
The waiters/​waitresses are all very, very friendly. Actually, there are a few signs on the lines of «be nice or get out» and I believe it’s written on their shirts as well. They seem to me living by standard and that’s just great by me: D I know that it’s in Fairfax, which is a bit of a hassle to get to if you’re not already living in Fairfax, but Hummingbird is a perfect weekend brunch spot (and then you get to walk around the cute town).

Founded by a family from Louisiana. You need to go to The Hummingbird if you are anywhere close to Fairfax. Period. I love this place and I’ll tell you why below, but in summary this place has the best people making the best authentic cajun food.
I went here with my father and son on somewhat of a whim. He was living in San Rafael at the time and I thought it was somewhat close by and it had good reviews. I wanted to check out downtown Fairfax anyways. It ended up being SUCH an awesome find.
When we arrived I was somewhat pleasantly surprised there was a wait. Good sign, right? The wait wasn’t too long though.
Décor: Once seated, we noticed the simply decorated restaurant. It reminded me of the small town country-​style restaurants in Ohio, actually.
Kid-​Friendly: There were all kinds of young and old people there. The restaurant is definitely kid-​friendly.
Service: Our server was very busy, but still very friendly and attentive.
Food quality: We started out with coffee and it was REALLY good. I was actually surprised by how good it was. I ordered the Gumbo and it was awesome. You got the feeling that it was definitely homemade. I highly recommend it. We also ordered a few beignets. Yum and yum.
Location: It is located in the heart of a fun and somewhat quirky downtown Fairfax. There isn’t too much going on here, but what is happening definitely has some character. It’s worth taking a few minutes walk around to check things out.
In Conclusion. Get to Fairfax. Get to The Hummingbird. I hesitate to say this, but I complimented the owner on the coffee and she actually GAVE ME A FREE POUND OF COFFEE. What!!! I wouldn’t count on this of course, but it goes to show you how awesome these people are.
Looking forward to returning.

Amazing Southern style food. Comfort is the word.
Whenever we have overseas visitors, we always bring them here for a touch of the South. Michele, the owner is an awesome lady and makes sure that you’re looked after every time.
This place does get busy, particularly for weekend brunch. So I would come a little earlier, put your name on the list, then take a walk around the lovely little town of Fairfax and then come back in a bit.
Their beignets are so light and fluffly, just amazing Though they do cover the things in like a bag of powder sugar. DON’T BREATHE IN!
Their chicken and waffles are definitely to be tried. And possibly shared. They are a big meal.
I highly recommend the Dungeness crab Benedicts and if they have it on special, wash it down with some Blood Orange Mimosas.

Visit this place. If you’re ever at Fairfax CA come by and have brunch. If you’re not in town it’s worth the visit.
The food is amazing. I had the gumbo and it was great. I’ve heard (haven’t tried it this time) that the fried chicken and waffles is good as well. They do have a slew of Southern style cooking that has to be explored so taste away and give and tell us all about it. Have a blood orange mimosa with it if available or perhaps a beer.
There’s always going to be a wait and they don’t take reservations. Get your name on the list and one can walk around downtown Fairfax with little shops galore.
Note: Hummingbird only takes cash so prepare accordingly.

I visit a lot of cities for work and make it a habit of finding new places to check out and eat at. Food here was delicious and the atmosphere was really nice and cozy, which is why I was happy to have found this place.
Next time I’m in this area, I’ll definitely be returning.

Best breakfast and lunch restaurant in the SF Bay Area. Maybe the world.
Yeah, I’m nowhere near being a Michelin reviewer. But I do travel a lot, and don’t cook much when I’m at home. And breakfast is my favorite meal. So, you know what? I’m going to make a pronoucement… The Hummingbird is the best breakfast place in the world. Go ahead and try to prove me wrong.

The chicken and waffles at this fine establishment is worth the pain of a hundred soul cycle classes. They’re so good I want to build a time machine to transport myself back to 20 minutes ago so that I could taste them for the first time all over again.
The beignets are amazing too. Currently ordering 5 more portions to go. Clearly I’m doing 5 hours of exercise tomorrow. Worth every second.
Come early to avoid the wait. We did sunrise at the vista point across the Golden Gate Bridge then drove here for breakfast.

I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve eaten out before 9am. I will state for the record, this is one of them. My toddler woke us up before dawn and after unsuccessfully playing dead we mobilised. It seemed like the perfect time to try The Hummingbird. After spending two hours getting dressed we were still leaving the house before anyone on our street. Even at what I feel is an ungodly hour, the Hummingbird was packed. We ordered classic breakfast fare. Pancakes, bacon, eggs and a fruit salad. My son was thrilled when the fruit arrived because it was a bowl of just berries. No fermenting balls of honeydew here. Very good value too considering the time of year.
The food was good quality and delicious. Service was brisk. Prices were typical for higher quality brunch places. Maybe a little high for the diner setting. I think we’ll be back!

My new favorite breakfast diner in Marin hands down.
Do you like Chicken and waffles? How about corned beef hash? Oyster Benidicts? You seriously need to try this spot out! A seriously great classic diner with a New Orleans style right in the heart of Fairfax. Perfect for a stop on your way out to the coast or on your way back in. Friendly staff, great seating arrangements and all the coffee you can drink.
Just make sure you bring enough cash. This place is on the expensive side and they don’t take cards.

Yes, it’s cash only, but that isn’t my gripe. It’s the food — it’s forgettable. I suspicion locals are patronizing their local mom and pop diner that prides itself in serving organic eggs. Kudos, but the food still doesn’t taste very good.
Don’t get your hopes up for authentic New Orleans cuisine. Even for a standard breakfast, go somewhere else.

We showed up at The Hummingbird during prime time, at 10:30 am on a Sunday. Even though the owner said the wait would be only 20 minutes, it ended up being about an hour. The place feels even tinier inside than it looks from the outside. We thought about going elsewhere, but we decided to stick it out at The Hummingbird. The New Orleans themed music played outside helped pass the time and it got us in the mood.
Once we sat down and ordered, the food actually came up quickly. We started with the Beignets, which were little pillows of heaven. They were so light and full of air, and they were covered in a heavy hand of powdered sugar. Fantabulous.
We don’t usually do chicken for breakfast (except chicken eggs, of course), but my wife couldn’t resist ordering the chicken and waffle. Every element was flavorful on its own — the butter was already melted on top before guilt could compel my wife to take it off, the pre-​cut fork-​ready marinated tender cuts of herb chicken were moist and flavorful, and the herbs in the waffle batter made the waffle just savory enough to perfectly complement the chicken. The homemade spicy syrup was also a perfect pairing.
I had the eggs Benedict, which were equally delicious. The hollandaise was fresh and rich, and the greens and ham underneath worked great too. My only criticism is that the eggs were maybe just a bit overcooked — I like to slice into the yolk and have the ooze escape all over — these yolks stayed too intact and there was very little ooze. Everything tasted great and the hash browns were particularly good as well.
One thing though — the bathroom at The Hummingbird needs renovation — it is not up to the quality of the rest of the restaurant, and it certainly doesn’t match the quality of the food.