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Great Food, Huge portions and the service it top notch! I would recomend that if you go on the weekend you are prepared for a slight wait cause this place is so good people line up outside just to eat there somedays!
The pancakes are huge and the eggs bennedict is amazing. The menu options are vast and this place has some "diner" apeal to it!
Being an original Novato-an, I have to review this place. When I lived in Novato and worked at the Wells on Grant, I'd stop in here to have breakfast on my own and read the paper. It just feels like home here. I sometimes had the chicken-apple sausage breakfast or just the plain breakfast with eggs and potatoes. For a treat, however, I'd have the Joe's special omelet. I don't think I ever finished it, it's so huge. Marvin's is a Novato establishment that I've been going to since forever. I try to eat here at least once a trip home. Always good food, friendly service, hot coffee and smiles. I especially like having to share a table with strangers. That's how we do it in small towns.
This place is awesome. I went there the morning after having a few too many drinks at a baseball game and their hearty breakfast helped put me on the right track. I had eggs chicken apple sausage and some sourdough toast. The eggs were some of the best I've had in a long time, so fluffy I considered laying my head on them and drifting off into a lovely dream land.
But seriously folks if you'd like a good quality breakfast for a reasonable price Marvin's is the place to go in Novato.
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When we moved to Novato, we wanted a local joint for Sunday breakfast rather than a foo foo expensive brunch scene. Marvins turns out to be just the ticket. We have blueberry pancakes on a regular basis and they are delicious. Trouble is, they offer maple syrup for an additional dollar but are always out of stock. Thus, I bring my own. Not a problem as I bring in organic which really complete the dish. The house special scramble is also great and the service is always exemplary- we have never not had our coffee cup refilled. Locally owned, not a chain and completely one of a kind, a very popular spot in our neighborhood.
Huge portions yes, but I don't equate portion size with value.
I've been a few times and the food has always been good-ish, if a little rushed. potatoes/hash browns are never really cooked properly so there's a lot of hash but no brown. The chicken fried steak is quite good.
Marvin's is always busy and I like the idea of a little local hole-in-the-wall joint I can hit for breakfast, but the slow service, not great coffee and under cooked potatoes didn't do it for me.
Being a resident of Novato I have on many occasions given Marvin's a try, but if you're not a fan of traditional American breakfast fare then you'd be better off elsewhere. Service is characteristically slow (it is often extremely busy and appears understaffed) but the breakfast food I have had there is certainly above average quality if you don't mind the wait. The atmosphere is a typical diner but very crowded, though there is a nice outdoor eating area in front with shaded tables. I would not recommend this restaurant for anything other than breakfast, I recommend the Belgian Waffles with strawberries.
This is a FANTASTIC place for breakfast/brunch. The portions are HUGE, you could easily split one entree with someone else and still leave feeling stuffed. The prices are reasonable too, around $9-12/plate. I had the House Omelet - mushrooms, cheese, spinach, ground turkey (or beef, your choice) and my bf had the blueberry pancakes. We split our plates and everything was SOO delicious! The service is pretty slow (I never had my water refilled), but it was pretty packed AND it was Memorial Day. I would've given 5 stars otherwise.
If it didn't take so damn long to get your food here it'd be a solid 3 star place. On a not so busy day we waited 45 minutes for our food, and while the food was pretty good, it wasn't anything amazing. MEH!
I keep hearing this place is great for breakfast, I should have gone for breakfast. My friend and I really wanted to sit outside for lunch so after walking down Grant for a while we ended up at Marvin's.
First of all, everything seemed dirty. There wasn't food stuck to the table or anything like that, it just felt like there was a film on it that made it a little sticky and very unpleasant.
next problem: we saw our waitress when we ordered and when the food arrived, she never checked how it was or if we wanted refills on our waters. She didn't even come back to pick up our money even though it sat there for some time while we sat and talked.
I had the veggie melt which was soggy and bland. The fries were good and the portion was more than generous.
I suppose I will go back some time for Breakfast since everyone raves about it, but I will stay away for lunch.
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DID SOMEONE SAY BENEDICT!!! This is the place for it. Perfectly soft poached, excellent hollandaise, several different kinds of Benedict to choose from. Great home town feel at this clearly family owned place. My favorite place to eat, sip coffee, and read the paper on a relaxing weekend morning.
In addition to Bubba Benedict, Farmer's Benedict, and Riley Benedict we also enjoy the:
Pancakes which are crazy fluffy
Biscuits and Gravy with home made gravy
Side of Sausage, I think these are homemade too and fantastically sweet and breakfasty!
I had the BEST breakfast today at Marvin's. Eggs benedict with ham, tomatoes and spinach. It was HUGE and so yummy!
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Sadly, we have visited Marvin's for our last time. We have lived in Novato for 5 years, and we have been to Marvins several times, but the huge portions are no longer worth the hassle of poor service and unpredictable food. Definitely ,this is the breakfast place, especially for the drank-too-much-last-night crowd. Heavy, greasy, starchey mounds of food. But unless you are part of that drinkin' crowd, don't expect good service. So why won't we go back? After waiting 15 minutes, we (2 of us) were seated, got our coffees, opened up the paper, and settled in. We were then asked to move to a smaller table because they needed the bigger table for a family of 4. We never asked for that table in the first place. So we moved into the corner, hot, with little air movement, and an annoying mess of gnat-like flies swarming around our legs. When our food did come, I couldn't enjoy it. I couldn't move my elbows without hitting the wall on one side, or someones back on my other. It is impossible to get a coffee refill without a big wink for the waitress. In short, it just isn't worth it.
I have been to this place twice. I usually sit outside to enjoy the good weather. I haven't had the chance to eat any lunch items but the breakfast has been really good. The first time I went here I ordered the Huevos Rancheros and I thought it was like Chorizo. To my dismay I ordered the wrong breakfast. So I was a little disappointed.
Well we went there the other day and I was amazed. I had the Marvin Special, and of course there was chorizo in it! I do admit that this was really good. They give some pretty good sized portions. The special was really good. I ordered a side of corned beef hash. Most restaurants dont use real corned beef, Marvin's did. So I was really impressed here.
The service was good as I got my refills in a timely manner. My coworkers also enjoyed there meals and none of us had leftovers. We were full enough that we talked after our meals before we left. The prices are average and I can't complain because the food tasted really well. It tastes very fresh.
I give Marvin's a 4 star and with summer coming around, I'll have to come back again to enjoy the weather and good food. I will be updating here in the future.
People thought this was:
You know what? I don't even LIKE American breakfast food and at breakfast joints I usually end up ordering a BLT, but Marvin's could change my mind. They have the best pancakes I've ever had (sorry, It's Tops), truly. It might take a second to get that menu and coffee, but what is this, Manhattan? Not. Chill out. The servers have all been awesome and pretty and nice and loaned me pens for my crossword puzzles when I've forgotten to bring one. Everything I've eaten here is top notch - yummy flat bacon, sublime pancakes, perfect hash browns, a great turkey sandwich, etc. This place makes temporarily living in Novato a little less traumatic (adjusting is hard!). Thank you, Marvin's.
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Marvin's, which has been the number one choice of my fiancee since he moved to Novato 10 years ago, is the sort of local place that helps make a community. The food is pretty good, the service is friendly and fast, and you'll run into someone you know more often than not. It's located across from the old Pini Hardware building on Grant Ave., and parking is usually not too much of a challenge.
The menu, which has both breakfast and lunch items, has a nice variety of classic diner fare and some Mexican-inspired dishes. I wish they had some lighter options, but the food is consistently good, and more importantly, comes as described.
A critical component of a good meal is getting what you expect to get. What this place delivers consistently is well-executed diner food that's both exactly what you want and a little better than you thought it would be. Both breakfast and lunch items are well-prepared with fresh ingredients, generously portioned, and, most importantly for a place like this, EXACTLY what you think they should be. You won't find a smoked trout salad with endive and candied pecans, but what you do find is perfectly prepared, familiar, and satisfying.
Make sure you check the posted specials. There's a special Benedict and usually some other breakfast dish on weekends, and they're always worth a look. There are two specials boards posted inside, one in the back and at the front part of the counter (side wall). If you're outside, it might be difficult to see the one posted by the door, so ask about them.
As mentioned by other reviewers, the place is small and popular; be prepared to wait if you slept in. The tables turn over quickly, though, thanks to a wait staff that knows what they're doing. You'll never run out of coffee, never wait for the check, and never feel rushed.
There are a couple of tables that can accommodate more than four people, but if you have more than six people, it'll be a stretch. This place isn't set up for larger groups - if you have eight, go somewhere else or split up. Come early and be prepared to wait with larger parties.
Marvin's has several outdoor plastic tables (some with umbrellas) in fair weather. It's nice to sit outside and watch the town wake up (or bustle by, if you're a late bird).
I recommend sitting at the counter at least once to watch the mechanics of the well-oiled machine that is the Marvin's kitchen. The impossibly small, impossibly crowded work area is the stage for an amazing amount of activity. No movement is wasted - it's remarkable.
Finally, the bathrooms: tiny closets at the back of the kitchen (one must weave through the busy kitchen staff to the back of the building), but never unpleasant. Too small for diaper changes - you'll have to be creative. Interesting art on the wall...you'll have to tell me what you think.
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Marvin's Mexican omelette is perfect for hangovers. The spicy, greasy chorizo mixed with the sour cream and onions...oh god, I want one right now. The country potatoes are slightly more flavorful than the hash browns. If you order one pancake on the side, it's enough to feed two.
It's always the same people who eat there every weekend. Get there early or you'll have to wait for a table.
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Sometimes the service is a little slow, but usually it's "spot on".
The breakfast is excellent. I don't really like pancakes, but that's what I almost always get here - they are that good.
I also love the cinnamon walnut french toast and the chicken fried steak.
I never have been let down at Marvin's.
Chicken Fried Steak or an Omelette for breakfast, Club Sandwich for lunch are my choices.
Never have to worry about going hungry! Portions are large and a decent value.
Fresh, quality, regular American diner food.
People thought this was:
Having recently moved to Novato, I noticed the wait and hubbub around Marvins, so I and a friend went for brunch (on a weekday). The food was good, the service stunk. It took about 10-15 minutes to get menus although we were greeted and seated immediately. Eventually the waitress came back and said she forgot. We also had to find the waitress to get our check, and again to pay long after we were ready to go. In the end, we forgave her because we think she was the only waitress on duty...but a weekday brunch took over 1.5 hours.
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Coffee is a must for me in the am and this place as AMAZING coffee. Sometimes I will sit and read the paper forever after I have finished my breakfast just to keep drinking more and more coffee. I don't go out to breakfast too often but when I do I enjoy a traditional Ham Eggs Benedict. Marvin's is my favorite place in Novato to indulge in this delicious classic. I always receive great service. Gets crowded and it may not be super quick all the time but this place feels like a small town favorite and you can sense that some of the people at the counter come to eat breakfast here everyday. Was going to give it 4 stars but bumped it up to 5 because of my love for the coffee.
Hey this place is pretty good amidst a big selection of breakie places downtown. I LOVE the outdoor seating. Get there early to nab one.
I had oatmeal with blueberries. I was wondering why it was SO rich and tasty, then halfway I realized I was pouring creamer instead of the milk she brought (they were both in similar containers.) So much for that diet!
It was kinda eclectic and traditional all in one - hard to explain but see for yourself.
The first time I went here, several of us ordered the same thing, but I got fruit instead of potatoes... the waitress said: "Who is the fruit?" I said "I am the fruit!" And she replied, "I can see that." Pretty f*ing hilarious. :-)
I'm really not a fan of breakfast. I don't like pancakes/waffles or hash browns. What i really like about Marivns is their house specials. My favorite is named, the "house special". It is a scramble of sorts. I get it with egg whites and turkey patty. but you could have it traditional with the ground sirloin and eggs. Its mixed with chopped spinach, onions, and sliced mushrooms. I like it with rye toast-it comes with sourdough. And that's another great thing about them, you can make substitutions like that with out them rolling their eyes and the "um I'm like not sure if I can like do that or not."
As mentioned, tables out front on the weekend between 8-11am are hard to come by and generally require a wait. Seems to be a good hangover spot.
Their club is excellent as well!
Went to Marvin's for lunch, had a Ortega Burger. Which was a little pricey but reasonably good. Unfortunately this place does not compare to Boca's Burger which is far tastier and more delicious, but that's another issue. The burger came with a potato salad that was enormous, there's no way a human can eat the whole burger and whole potato salad without wrecking his/her plumbing.
I've heard the grilled ham and cheese was fabulous, especially with some tomato in it. Similarly the grilled veggie won accolades from my co-worker. A reasonable diner to go for lunch, just a block or two down from Mi Pueblo.
Wow was I excited to cure a nice hangover with Marvin's! This place had a nice table for me outside and coffee a plenty. I had the Spanish Omelet and it was incredible with a totally homemade tasting spanish sauce. Unfortunately I was still a little drunk while I sat and ate so I can't quite remember the service but the people I was with thought it was top notch as well.
We liked it. The service wasn't top-notch, but the food was excellent. Unfortunately, it took them about 10 minutes to bring me the cup of coffee I asked for when the waitress first took our order, then I had to beg for my first refill about 1/2 hour after that.
The outside seating was nice and they were fine with our dog sitting with us.
I had the chicken apple sausage, scrambled eggs, hash browns and sourdough toast. My wife had the Farmer's Benedict -- neither of us finished it all and we're pretty big eaters.
Best parts of the meal: the hash browns and having leftover sausage to share with our dog.
I'm not sure what it will take for an American Diner to get 5 stars from me, Marvins comes real close but I dont know if I can do it. Nope, not yet. 4 it is.
This is a great little place, packed whenever we're passing by but didnt have to wait long. very friendly staff and fast service. Tasty food fo sho, real good breakfast options. Perhaps the only thing that took them down a star was the french toast- very good but a little soggy- not quite crispy enough- very fussy yes yes, thank you, but it has to be just right in the middle, and it wasn't, so only 4 stars. That said we did love the food and were very impressed by the speed and workflow of the cooks, fun to watch em goin for it!
Well worth it. Not that it's expensive, just not budget, excellent.
Breakfast and lunch done right! It's crowded, it's noisy, but goddamn this place is lovely.
If you're an early riser, or just a nightowl, you should check this place out when they open... I think they're open as early as 4:30 or 5:00 on some days.
My favorites include their pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers and fries. Always top notch food, never disappointing.
I dropped in for the first time about a month ago and am now a "regular", going twice a week for breakfast. The food is great, with big portions making it a good value. The staff is very friendly and personable, which gives the place a good vibe. It seems like most of the guests dine there on a regular basis, which implies high customer satisfaction. I eat out often and the two key questions I always ask myself after a meal are - 1) Would I order that again? 2) Would I come here again? Marvin's passed both questions with flying colors. Check this place out if you like quality food, service from people who enjoy being there, and want to avoid the chain restaurant trap.
This place is almost always busy, but the food has always been worth the wait. Sunday brunch is a good time to go.
Weather permitting, opt for an outdoor table.
The greasy American goodness will have you coming back for more.
good luck getting a seat here.. it's THAT good! luckily, i used to work next door, so to-go orders were a must. i have to recommend a few amazing dishes (for under ten bucks each!)
*eggs benedict with house potatoes & english muffin (hear music..)
*grilled cheese with tomoato and onion rings.. talk about cure for a hangover.. or intense hunger.
*denver omlette (add mushroom/no ham) with hashbrowns
*tuna salad (huge!)
*oatmeal. really. bowl or cup.. just plain yummy. it's like 4 bucks, too!
chuck and nichole have maintained the true marvin's name. cheers.
Love to dine outside! Yummy!!!
People thought this was:
Great diner. I originally went here several years ago when the original owner's had it. The new owners were smart enough to keep things as unchanged as possible. You may have to wait a little while for seating if you go for brunch on a weekend, but it usually doesn't take long to be seated and this is probably the best breakfast in town. There is a pretty big menu so you will have lots of choices. They also have outdoor seating with umbrellas, so you can enjoy the weather without baking in the sun. Good for small groups, couple or individuals.
People thought this was:
So as far as breakfast joints go....I'm still trying to find a better place. This is a small place, closes early, almost always a wait...BUT IT IS WORTH IT. This is diner food at it's peak. My favorite dish is the Julia Benedict, which takes 2 of their best dishes and combines them. They have AMAZING corned beef hash and great benedicts, so they put them together. This is a local favorite because of the food. Just remember, limited seating, usually a wait, closes early but the foood isss greaaat.
If you have time on your hands on a weekend, this is the BEST place to go in Novato for BREAKFAST (and better than probably all but Crepevine in San Rafael). I've gotten several things there (pancakes, chicken apple sausage, scrambles), all fantastic. The place gets absolutely slammed for breakfast but the service is still amazing. Very nice, and you're never left hanging for long.
As long as you expect this to be busy going in, you can't walk away unhappy. The business kinda adds to the allure and ambience. It feels the way a great diner should, with the kitchen right next to you, kids coming in in their baseball uniforms, a few hungover 20-somethings. It's just great.
As my last true great test of a breakfast place: they have great decaf coffee. I'm a caffeine-wuss so it's rare I can ever find decaf that doesn't suck.
I concur with all the other YELP! reviewers, this place is a great Novato Breakfast spot. My corned beef hash here was superior to anyplace else that I can remember. Not greasy, right amount of fresh green onions and moist potato hunks to balance the juicy corned beef. Portion size was very generous! With 2 eggs, lots of toast, hash browns and small bit of fruit for less than $8, that's a great value!
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Also known as Marvin's Breakfast Club. This busy, breakfast/lunch hotspot in downtown Novato always gets it right. If the weather allows, avenue-side tables are one wonderful way to enjoy their various dishes. And thank goodness, they serve real maple syrup (from a tree), not that corn-syrup laced forgery. It can get busy, so off hours are best. I am happy to be a member of this Club!
People thought this was:
This is my favorite spot to have breakfast or lunch with my husband in Novato. It is down to earth and consistent and the staff are friendly and attentive. Old style homey food - don't look for anything fancy. Love it!!!!
Best breakfast place ever!! I have been out to breakfast at tons of places all over the place, and Marvins is by far the best. The service is great, and the food is always awesome. I have yet to be let down. Awesome place to eat. 5 stars for sure!
Ever been to a place that's too popular?
Or too small to be this popular?
Ive lived in Novato for a long time and finally went into marvins for
b'fast. It wasnt bad. I wouldnt wait for a table.
I had the eggs benedict with bacon (ham is yucky) and the eggs
were perfect. the sauce was a little too lemony for me.
Better to drive down to san rafael for benedict at the station cafe.
The best breakfast in Novato period.
Novato, CA
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Novato, CA
Category: Restaurants
Novato, CA
Category: American (New)
Novato, CA
Category: Italian
Petaluma, CA
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
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