At the end of last summer, Fairfax Brewing Company opened in a location on Center Boulevard in Fairfax long held as a beer nexus.
This brewery space has been operating for a quarter century, starting with Ross Valley Brewing Company, then Iron Springs Pub & Brewery, owned by locals Anne and Michael Altman, who ran it for close to 20 years but retired in 2021, followed by two iterations of Hen House Brewing Company of Santa Rosa.
The launch of Fairfax Brewing marks the town’s first branded beer label, as well as continuing a legacy of Marin County community members coming together to create a locally owned and operated business venture.
While that communal spirit is robust, two people are the driving force behind Fairfax Brewing Co.: brewmaster Larry Berlin (who was actually the original brewmaster at Ross Valley Brewing Co., then continued with Iron Springs before exploring other brewing positions around the state), and chef Dan McGarry, who worked at Duke’s in Huntington Beach and Guy Fieri Signature Restaurants out of Sonoma County. McGarry actually grew up in Fairfax, just a few blocks from the brewery, so it’s definitely a homecoming for him.
McGarry brings his experience as an executive chef to his role as managing partner and has put together a diverse menu perfectly suitable for beer drinking. Hearty options like pork lumpia, nachos and a fried chicken sandwich find a place next to lighter fare like marinated cold cucumbers, yellowfin poke tacos and a green goddess salad.
It’s a bit of everything, and something for everyone, the kind of place we all need in a town.
While McGarry helms a brewery, his drink of choice is not beer. That’s unsurprising, as everyone seems to prefer tequila these days. A man of few words, this one thing shines through…
Amber Turpin: What’s your job?
Dan McGarry: Managing partner at Fairfax Brewing Company.
AT: How did you get into that work?
DM: Passion for food and connecting with people.
AT: Did you ever have an “aha” moment with a certain beverage? If so, tell us about it.
DM: The first time I drank good tequila, I immediately thought, “This is way better than Jose Cuervo.”
AT: What is your favorite thing to drink at home?
DM: Fortaleza Blanco Tequila.
AT: Where do you like to go out for a drink?
DM: Anywhere with a good tequila selection.
AT: If you were stuck on a desert island, what would you want to be drinking (besides fresh water)?
DM: Margaritas.
Visit faxbrewco.com.
