Way Station

We dropped by Fairfax last Sunday to visit friends who had a group gift certificate at the Way Station for coffee and pastry. Kind of weird because it didn't open until 11 am, and coffee and pastry seemed to be more of a morning thing. The place was also almost empty on a Sunday morning in busy Fairfax, hmmmmm......... Turns out they stopped pastry service months ago because they weren't making a go of it. To their credit they made good by providing us with a lunch selection worth up to $5 each plus coffee. Unfortunately, the coffee service was poor. Weak bland coffee served out of a thermal carafe, and when one of our friends poured cream from a carton at the coffee station into her coffee, it came out slightly solidified.Ugh. We tried the chicken and pork sliders. They were okay, but not much meat, and not impressive at $4 each. I was fine with the service station/food truck décor, and the folks operating the café were nice. It just wasn't enough to make up for the lack of quality in the coffee and food.

The Way Station in Fairfax. A great place to hang out with friends. Awesome food great local beer. With a Fire Pit and Corn Hole outside. Big screen TV inside for sports.

All I can say is. I am definitely coming here again, friendly, down to earth and delicious food. Not mention great games and met chef Max. Great guys and even better experience.

Definitely an “improved” take on a traditional barbecue setting. Live music and sporting event streams add livelihood to a conventional stop and go eatery. Definitely fun for kids and adults with great outdoor family seating.

I had the half rack St. Louis style dry rub - overall standard in presentation and flavor. Prime flavor penetration in the largest and fattiest of my ribs with an easy to enjoy barbecue sauce (which comes in not spicy and mild).

Overall feeling leans towards the touristy side however, I don’t reckon locals find this their go-to joint on the weekends. I’d visit again if I had a craving for ribs in the area.

The Way Station reminds me of when I was a kid in Marin, you could go to a local BBQ joint and feel like you know everyone. The streamlined service, incredible ingredients, and diversified drink selection is future forward. Mission Trail cider is the best in the world, and The Way Station has it on tap. It doesn't get much better than a half rack of ribs, pint of Mission Trail, and a sunny day on the patio at The Way Station. Highly recommend.