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    Garden Cafe

    4.5 (656 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Order Garden Cafe Takeout or Delivery

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    GARDEN CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Garden Cafe

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    5 Hour Robert's Corned Beef with eggs over easy
    Chandra H.

    Food was really good and fresh. The 5 Hour Robert's corned beef special was really good. I had it with eggs over easy. The dish comes with O'Brien potatoes. Definitely a hearty breakfast. The restaurant is in a sketchy area and parking can be a challenge.

    Michelada
    Michell H.

    Absolutely loved our visit! We had a bomb breakfast here -- the crab cake Benedict was rich and perfectly cooked, and the breakfast tacos were packed with flavor. We washed it all down with Micheladas, which were on point, and the lemon water was incredibly fresh and refreshing. Portions were huge, so come hungry! The real highlight, though besides the excellent service, was the garden seating -- super cute, cozy, and such a relaxing place to sit and enjoy a meal. Amazing food, great drinks, generous portions, and a beautiful atmosphere. Can't wait to come back!

    Fish tacos they must try
    Calvin N.

    This spot is an absolute must-visit. The breakfast alone is worth the trip--massive portions and incredible flavor. Do yourself a favor and order the cinnamon roll pancake. No syrup needed; it's perfectly sweet all on its own. The salmon burger is another standout. It's a real salmon fillet, grilled just right and served on a soft, delicious bun. Total yum. Don't skip the fish tacos, either. Honestly, this menu has it all--from hearty breakfasts to filling lunches. Great sandwiches, tasty omelettes, flavorful tacos... whatever you're craving, you'll find something you love here. You won't be disappointed. This place absolutely belongs on your San Rafael restaurant bucket list.

    Melissa E.

    Like being in your own kitchen only we have servers. Staff is friendly, sweet kind and absolutely attentive. Love this place and you will fall in-love with it too.

    Wake Up Scram
    Mark B.

    Had a delicious brunch on Saturday at 12:30. 17 minute wait but worth it. I had Wake-up Scram and GF had Chilliquilies. Amazing sauce and flavors. Strong coffee and amazing smoothie. Had to wait for sourdough toast but they were super-busy. Will be back to try other food options. Everything we saw looked fantastic. 5 star!

    Banana Pancakes
    Carole B.

    The motto on the sandwich board says "Come Hungry and Leave Happy!" No lies detected. Came here for breakfast when I needed to break my fast after a medical procedure that required I abstain from food for over 24 hours. What a fortuitous find! The banana pancakes were fluffy and moist with a lovely whipped cream to top it off along with a decorative orchid. We also shared the garden omelette which is just a twist on the scramble. It was chock full of delicious asparagus, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes and myriad other delights along with feta cheese. The service was friendly and fast, and the decor of the patio was sweet and homey. The only less than perfect menu item was the biscuit that was a bit dry. Also, a few more strategically placed heaters out on the patio would have been nice. Minor quibbles for such a great place -- my new go-to for breakfast in San Rafael!

    Cinnamon Roll Pancakes - soooo fluffy and amazingly delicious. Comes with cinnamon roll frosting on top and maple syrup on the side
    Ariana I.

    Came here for a holiday work brunch and we were seated in their covered, heater filled, patio. The patio even had a water fountain. Super cute. The menu is huge and reasonably priced (about $15-$23 an entree) from several different types of Benedict's, pancakes, French toast, and lots of other specials. They had it all! The portions were also generous so I totally understand why this place is so popular. The service was friendly and efficient too. Parking can be a bit tough but you can snag a spot in the Safeway lot or do street parking (2 hour max on the meter tho).

    Lovely colors
    Elizabeth H.

    Garden Cafe sits on the alleyway next to Safeway in San Rafael. We lucked out and found a parking spot in the alley. There is a small parking lot, but its has signs saying that the parking is for another restaurant. On a previous visit I was amazed at how roomy the place is, because from the outside it looks as if it might be tiny. There are tables outside under umbrellas, but there is also a large indoor dining area, in addition to the popular outdoor patio seating. I remembered that I had enjoyed myself the first time so, I brought my husband. Service is warm and friendly. We were seated immediately, coffee and water came quickly, and there was not a long wait for the food to arrive. One of the dishes that everyone loves here are the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. But I ordered a bacon, spinach, mushroom, and cheese omelet. It was ok, but the eggs could have used a little more flavor. It seemed as though the bacon, cheese, mushrooms, and spinach were prepared separately from the eggs and then assembled. My rye toast was overdone with a blob of unspread butter on one half of the slices. My husband did say he liked the potatoes. All of that being said, my experience was not unpleasant it just didn't convince me to abandon my usual breakfast spot. I would still like to try the Crab Benedict and the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, so I'll probably go back ;-)

    Leslie M.

    The food and service were amazing. The smoothies and juices are super refreshing. The fries were freshly made and super crispy but tender on the inside. The sandwich was well seasoned and the veggies were crisp and fresh. The potatoes were super tender and the chorizo was nice and crunchy. It's a brunch spot so lots of chatter but it's lively and the employees are all super helpful and attentive. We are from out of town and found this place and they offer indoor seating or outdoor or patio! They even have a furry friend menu. Super cute!!!!

    Side of Sweet Potato Fries
    Dara W.

    We loved this place so much that we came back again and brought the family. They were super accommodating and set up a two tables for our large group. Once again the service was phenomenal. We were greeted with a big welcome back, hugs, and smiles. The staff were extremely nice. Everyone loved the food and the service. One family member even said it's the best breakfast he's had in a really long time. We even got a nice plate of churros to share with the table. Delicious. Again, if you want great food and excellent service then check this place out. When we visit the area again I'll be sure to come back here. Many thanks to the owner and the team here at Garden Cafe. Top notch!

    Maggie W.

    Came here with a group of three and we were promptly seated. The food came out very quickly and in large portions, definitely worth the money. I ordered a smoothie and they used fresh fruit in it, so the texture was a bit different from what I initially anticipated since I expected them to use frozen fruit (gummier and not as sorbet-like). It was really good though, I downed the entire thing. As for my order, I chose a club sandwich with sweet potato waffle fries. It was BIG. I could barely fit the entire thing in my hand. We ended up taking a lot of it as leftovers. The bread was well toasted and the veggies were super fresh. They use real turkey in this, not sliced deli meat!! Such a great order, a classic but a goodie. My friends ordered the salmon benedict with fresh fruit (at an additional charge) and the blackstone eggs benedict with breakfast potatoes. They both were very happy with their orders!

    COFFEE

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    1 year ago

    I ate here recently. I got a salad. It wasn't too bad. I'd like to try the other stuff here.

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    Alexander G.

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    Alexander G.

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    7 months ago

    Tucked away across eden hospital, there are so many options I couldnt decide, so far everything i have tried is really good

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    8 months ago

    Great food and prices were not exorbitant Service was very nice and amounts were a bit above average

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

    Our server anita was amazing! always on top of our needs ! place is amazing and so sweet. food was brought in less than 5 mins !

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    8 months ago

    Excellent good and service, and an extensive menu too. Now our favorite place for breakfast in Marin!

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    1 year ago

    Great service and great food, been delicious every time i've been here. The workers are so kind and food comes out quick and fresh.

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    Page 3 of 17

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    Ask the Community - Garden Cafe

    I stopped by to have breakfast and the restaurant is closed. It's under construction, anyone know when they plan to reopen?

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    State Room

    State Room

    4.2
    (733 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    This place was such a fun surprise. The location is really accessible, with street parking…read moreavailable, which made getting there easy. I honestly didn't realize how much I'd enjoy playing pinball until coming here--there aren't many spots that have that kind of unique feature anymore, and it really added to the experience. I went for a Yelp Elite event, and it was great. The owner was there and super welcoming, and his staff were genuinely nice and attentive. We were given bracelets that gave us access to two drinks, which was a fun self-pour experience. That said, it would've been helpful to get a quick tip on pouring (like tilting your glass) beforehand--foam can sneak up on you fast , especially with so many people around. Because it was busy, we were also given a card that allowed unlimited access to the games, which was awesome and made the night even better. I definitely enjoyed my time here. The owner also mentioned that you can rent individual tables or even the whole venue for events, which is something I'd absolutely consider in the future. I'll definitely be back.

    Visited a friend in San Rafael and her first recommendation was State Room! Nothing like an ice…read morecold hazy IPA on a hot summer day. Staff was friendly and reservations were easy to make. They had huge tvs playing sports which entertained the kiddo quite a bit. Breakfast Bravas ($19): The crispy potato coins + pork + runny egg + avocado + chipotle cream = elite combo!!! Stateroom Burger ($20): Cheese is not included and is an extra $2 (???). It was stacked though and hubby could only eat half before he was stuffed! I will absolutely be back for the bottomless mimosas ($25) and I'm curious about the dirty iced chi tea ($14). My daughter also loved all the magnets on the fence in their mini play area :)

    Photos
    State Room
    The new bar
    The new bar
    Beer menu

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    Beer menu
    Roam Artisan Burgers

    Roam Artisan Burgers

    3.5
    (84 reviews)
    3.1 mi

    Roam Artisan Burgers at the Corte Madera Town Center is doing burgers right. In a world saturated…read morewith burger joints, finding one that's actually worth a sit-down meal isn't as easy as it should be, but this place delivers. The burgers are big, the sides are generous, and everything we tried was genuinely tasty. We split a burger and fries between two people and both left completely satisfied. That's a testament to both the portion sizes and the quality. You're getting real value here. The menu has a wide variety of burger options, and they've put some thought into the kids' menu. They also do catering for birthdays with sliders and different options, which is a nice touch for families. The space itself is versatile. There's a great bar area with TVs if you want to catch a game, but also plenty of seating for more intimate meals or larger groups. It's very family-friendly without feeling like a kid-only zone. The staff was attentive throughout our visit, which made the experience even better. Parking is a breeze since it's right on the outside of the mall. That alone makes it more appealing than a lot of other options in the area. There are plenty of burger places out there, but as far as sit-down restaurants go, Roam is one to watch. It's a great addition to the mall and the Corte Madera dining scene. We'll definitely be back, and I'd recommend giving it a shot if you're looking for a reliable meal that won't disappoint.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

    If you're in the mood for an average yet overpriced burger that doesn't come with fries, this is…read moreyour jam! Service was sub par as well, they messed up my order and my brother-in-laws.

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    Roam Artisan Burgers
    Roam Artisan Burgers
    Roam Artisan Burgers

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    Gott's Roadside

    Gott's Roadside

    3.2
    (491 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    Very large space, modern design, clean, easily accessible, adequate service…read more A nice variety on the MENU and a COOL backbar with wine and beer, sporting events behind the bar on two screens. I had the veggie burger with cheese (MEH) adequate but overpriced by at least $3.00. Nice environment here at the refreshed Bon Air Plaza in Marin County but maybe a little bit bigger than it needs to be? I'll come here again but I wish I had a burrito which was my original goal, but I missed the turn. This looks like a great place to bring your family with little children, etc. I usually have a lot more to say, but frankly, there is not much to add.

    Good, not great. That sums up the new Gott's at Bon Air Center. I'm a fan of the chain and have hit…read morethe Walnut Creek and Napa spots, so when this one opened in Greenbrae I had to check it out. It delivers the Gott's you know, but nothing here pushed past solid. We got an Impossible Burger, a cheeseburger, fries, and the veggies with hummus. The cheeseburger was the standout, classic griddled patty, melted cheese, lettuce and pickle on a soft bun. Tasted good. Not Shake Shack good, but good. The fries were fine. The veggies with hummus felt thin for what you pay. For two people at lunch this added up faster than expected, on par with the other locations but still pricey for what lands on the tray. Ordering was smooth and the service was great. Food came out fast. The space is bigger than you'd think, with indoor and outdoor seating under umbrellas, and we had no trouble grabbing a table inside even with a crowd. It stays clean, and it's not as loud as you'd expect given all the kids and open layout. Beer, wine, and drinks are on offer, and there's a full bar area with TVs running soccer. Parking is easy since it sits in a large center, but watch yourself. People walk right in front of moving cars like the lot belongs to them. ADA spots are up front. Fun place to eat and people-watch. I'd come back if I were in the area, but Bon Air has a lot of other choices, so look around before you commit.

    Photos
    Bar with TVs and draft taps: Full bar, beer and wine, soccer on
    Bar with TVs and draft taps: Full bar, beer and wine, soccer on
    Soft shell crab special
    Soft shell crab special
    Order counter with staff: Ordering was quick and friendly

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    Order counter with staff: Ordering was quick and friendly
    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart

    Shake Shack Marin Country Mart

    2.9
    (640 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    So, it has been a while since we were here, and things have changed - overall, for the better…read more We came at lunch time (about noon) but the place was not at all busy. A few folks outside some inside. This made ordering quick and easy, and the food was prepared quickly; a benefit for us, perhaps not for the business. The place is still attractive and clean, with plenty of tables outside and inside. I did not that, as my last visit, there is no shade really provided for the outside seating, save ONE small umbrella. Ugh - not sure what the issue is, and being it was a sunny day, we opted to sit inside as much as the patio called to us. The inside is nice, too, though, and there is easy access to the soda fountain machine and condiments. There are still self-ordering kiosks, large digital menus, and of course, you can also order through the app (even if standing inside!) or at the counter. We ordered a bit of each - side, main, and dessert! There was a portabella "'Shroom" burger (with a crisp-fried portobello mushroom filled with melted muenster and cheddar cheeses, topped with lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce on a toasted potato bun), cheese fries, a mac 'n' cheese, chicken bites, and a Key lime shake, a special offering! Damn the calories, full taste ahead! The food was indeed prepared quickly and served hot. The Shroom burger was my favorite last time, and for taste and texture this time was also delicious and good. The cheeses inside were melty-gooey, and the mushroom crispy. It was, though, much smaller than I remember - it fit within my hand! A con, against the price, for what is a nice option for veggies or anyone wanting a change in their burger. The chicken bites were smaller than expected in size, more like nuggets, but tasty. The mac 'n' cheese was also tasty, but also a bit small for the price. The fries are always good, and in this case, you need to dig to the bottom early on to scrape some of the melted cheese that dripped down back onto the fries. Very yummy. But the best part was the Key lime shake, a flavor I just love (cheesecake is my favorite iteration of this flavor) but this milkshake satisfied me greatly. A little pricier than their everyday shakes, but how often so you find a unique flavor like this! A win! Overall, a solid 4-stars for food flavor and quality, and also for ambience and environment. Price wise, it was about $40 for two of us, so not a great bargain, but given the economy today I have the same financial shock at other places as well. Still, a nice treat and we left happy.

    Can't say too much about this because we only had an iced custard but it was great. Ferry ride back…read moreto SF was delayed an hour because of the holiday so we sat in air conditioning and enjoyed a chocolate and vanilla iced custard. Absolutely delicious! I never realized they offered things other than shakes and burgers so you might want to know......

    Photos
    Inside, soda fountain machine and condiment counter.
    Inside, soda fountain machine and condiment counter.
    Key lime shake. Oh myyyyy!
    Key lime shake. Oh myyyyy!
    'Shroom burger and the back-up mea!

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    'Shroom burger and the back-up mea!
    Barefoot Cafe

    Barefoot Cafe

    4.4
    (1.2k reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    I created a yelp account just to leave this review. We ordered the Gemelli and Chicken Parmigiana…read moreto go. The food was ready very quickly and was exceptional! The orders came with bread, and when we went to pick up the food, they gave us a free salad that they had accidentally made. The service from everybody in the restaurant was exceptional in the very short time that we were there. Specifically, the chef and Tay made our experience wonderful. I would give the food a 10/10 and the customer service a 12/10. Highly recommend, will go back if we're ever in the area again!

    The food was absolutely amazing, the service was fast even though it was a hopping Saturday night,…read moreand the chefs were zipping through orders. Tye, our server, was friendly and kind and on top of refilling waters, offering drink suggestions, and grabbing to-go boxes before we even asked for them! I had the chicken parmigiana, which was light and flavorful, and the steamed spinach that went with it was delicious (and I HATE cooked spinach, but gave it a try and actually enjoyed it for the first time ever!) The andouille sausage that was served with the pesto risotto was smoked and you could really taste it, and the spicyness was just perfect. The pesto sauce was heavy on the pine nuts in the best way. It wasn't oily or heavy on the basil or garlic like a lot of pesto sauces can be, and that left the risotto so light and almost citrusy. My cousin had the harvest garden dish, and they were stunned by how delicious it was. As a vegetarian, they are particular about their veggies, but everything was 'perfectly cooked'. At the end of the meal we were surprised by the panna cotta with the fruit remoulade, which we devoured in like three minutes haha! We really enjoyed all of the food, the service, and the ambiance. We only wish we lived closer, but might make the 90+ mile trip from Sacramento just for the amazing food now and then.

    Photos
    Barefoot Cafe
    California scramble
    California scramble
    Table setting

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    Table setting
    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda

    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda

    3.9
    (193 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Monk's Kettle is well known in the Bay Area and beyond, but since their SF location has…read moreunfortunately closed, I did not have a chance to try it out. This location in greater San Rafael is a bit out of my way, but a recent trip to Marin was an opportunity to make up for the lost. Located in a business center, parking here is not an issue and they were not particularly busy on a Sunday night. We were seated immediately, noticing how clean and modern the two-story gastropub looks. The food menu is more or less pub food, executed well. Mango-habanero wings were crispy and came with two dipping sauces, both delicious. We also tired the pretzel, which is on a smaller size, so next time I'll take our server's suggestion and order two. It also came with mustard and cheese for dipping. All their burgers are more or less a la carte: no fries, but chips and house pickle on the side. The burgers were fine though, with smash being smaller, but a bit tastier than their signature Monk's burger. Simplicity is sometimes the best. The beer list is expertly curated with focus on other styles besides IPA, but I assume that Russian River's Pliny the Elder and Blind Pig are always on the menu, in addition to ultra-local options. For pub fare, Monk's Kettle is a bit pricy, which is not totally unexpected in today's economy-especially knowing the area. However, elevated food, drinks, and service quality usually comes with the elevated price tag. We might not be back next time in Marin, but this was surely not the last visit to Monk's.

    This was my first time at The Monk's Kettle, and the service was excellent!…read more Let me stay by saying that I don't know what the menu title is for what my friend ordered. I'm allergic to seafood, so my mind just goes blank. I can tell you that the meal was enjoyed. I tried the Club Wrap which was delightful, and added a side of brussel sprouts that were savory and a tad too salty, but good. They offer outdoor dining, bar service and an area upstairs as well. It's a fairly large restaurant with great menu options. There are two huge televisions which thankfully didn't have the volume up on. The server was very attentive but not overly bothersome which was a bonus.

    Photos
    The Monk's Kettle Terra Linda
    Lamb burger
    Lamb burger
    New favorite place

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    New favorite place

    Garden Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated July 2026

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