This is the best place to get breakfast in Marin. I've lived in San Anselmo about two years, and haven't found any place that tops it. Classic diners are absolutely nonexistent in Marin, so this place is a gem. The dishes are all the staples you'd expect from a classic breakfast joint, but done with actual care & fresh ingredients. You can tell the decor is a amalgamation of things they've accumulated over their time in San Anselmo - nothing forced or contrivedly charming, just an unassuming and nice place to sit down at the bar and eat a damn good omelette. The staff is always extremely nice and attentive, the kind of folks who know the names of all the regulars. Nothing is 'reinvented', or 'reinterpreted' or 'deconstructed' at Hilda's. They make delicious eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, oatmeal, or whatever else you decide to order that day. Never been disappointed. The place is usually packed with locals & old timers, and it makes perfect sense: they found the most consistent and unpretentious restaurant in town. My only complaint: they close at 2PM, which is just a few hours too early for me. It'll never be an all-night diner, but having some extra time to run in for something to eat would be awesome.
(5)
Sarah H.
Went here for brunch this morning on my day off. Been going here on and off for years as I live a few blocks down the street. Everything I've had was delicious. Today I ordered scrambled eggs with German pancakes and sausage. It was so amazing! The eggs were perfectly scrambled and the pancakes were so moist and perfectly browned. Complete with lemon and powdered sugar on top! YUM. Service was great--attentive and friendly and I enjoyed sitting at the counter where I could see the kitchen. Definitely is a family owned and run restaurant and has been for years...it's the perfect neighborhood diner. Except now they accost credit cards and makes it even better since I hardly ever have cash with me! Thanks for a lovely meal Hildas
(5)
Spike 2.
My husband and I go here for breakfast We love the pancakes And the place is very friendly
(5)
Christine S.
They have been here for 56 years it's a family owned restaurant and their food is DELICIOUS you have to try their pancakes and the food portions are big and if you look around the room you can tell that the people who eat here are regulars so you know you're in good hands!
(5)
Jesus C.
Excellent service, great food, awesome atmosphere! Ate here yesterday & decided to come back again today!! Had omelettes yesterday with French toast, so yummy!! Today I had the crispy chicken fried steak and pancakes ONE OF THE BEST I've ever eaten by far! The family had also enjoyed all their meals. Highly recommend eating here!
(5)
Goldie M.
Enjoyed breakfast there today for the first time and it was a very pleasant experience, which goes to show...you can't rely on curb appeal. The staff was great...people were happy, food was great, nice portions, and very clean! Will no longer have to drive to San Rafael from Fairfax for breakfast,
(5)
Alex D.
The perfect hangover food. I don't want to call it a greasy spoon, but it kind of has that feel. The breakfasts are reasonably priced and definitely take me back to the midwest. Chicken fried steak is a classic and they do a great job. Get two steaks for a couple extra bucks and you can save half for lunch. The Benedicts are also great. I haven't had lunch here, but I'm sure it's classic American appeal extends there.
(5)
Jake S.
Awesome breakfast spot! great food, great service. Coffee is really good here too. Comparable to Theresa and Johnny's in San Rafael.
(5)
marie b.
German pancakes = BEST pancakes anywhere. No lie. The edges are crispy, and the middle is fluffy. There is powdered sugar and lemon with a buttery taste, so I don't even need the pancake syrup. I crave these pancakes, and I'm not even a pancake person, nor a breakfast person. They're that good! We always sit at the bar, and we always have friendly service. The food I've had has all been good (sausage, eggs, hash browns, oatmeal, etc), but go for the German pancakes. You won't be sorry. (tip: I don't recommend the hot chocolate. It's the powdered packet kind. Stick with the tea.)
(5)
Penelope H.
I think you have to a be a regular to get good service here. I went with a friend and we were ignored for a really long time after we were seated. I believe the waitress was purposefully trying to send us a message. The message was...go away, you do not interest me. the other waitress eventually noticed we were being ignored and stepped in, and was apologetic and kind, but it still was weird and doesn't make me ever want to darken their doorway again. The food was fine. It's the only greasy spoon in town, so if that's what you're after, this is your place! Just don't go if you are on a schedule because it is slow.
(3)
Craig L.
I have been going to Hilda's Coffee Shop for 40 yrs. The hash brown potatoes are worth the trip. Great comfort food, cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for sticking around.
(4)
Jessica C.
Delish! We had brunch here this morning and it was perfect. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee and got ready to read the paper. We soon realized we were actually in a lunch mood so we had a few sandwiches. Really good! I had the turkey melt and Patrick had the angus melt. The sourdough bread is so good. I love the people who work here too. So nice, friendly and personable. We shared some laughs with them. It was really nice. We will be back often!
(4)
Aaron C.
This place doesn't even deserve one star, except for the fact they are providing jobs for some people. My family and I rarely go out, and when we do, we desire: good food, atmosphere, service and price. This place has none of the above. The atmosphere: the run down, dirty, fly ridden, dated, greasy-spoon decor could work if the food and service was good, but it's not. The food: tasted like cheap hormone ridden factory food from Walmart or K-mart. The scrambled eggs looked like the plastic version you'd expect to see in the display window of a cheap asian place. The hash browns tasted like the were thawed while cooking (mushy on the inside and grease on the outside). Everything tasted like it was cooked in butter substitute. The bacon tasted like pork rinds (which I like, when I want pork rinds...). The service: waitress came right away, but we had not yet had time to look at the menu, so said we needed a minute, which actually turned into 15 minutes. We ordered and waited, and waited, and waited and waited. Meanwhile a table of 6, and a table of 3 and a one top (all of which came in after we had ordered) ordered and received their food! Has the waitress returned to check on us, refill water etc? No. When are food finally arrived, our three plates came staggered a few (to five) minutes apart. Two of the orders also had components missing from them, which we then waited another fifteen minutes for (english muffins and bacon). I think the had to slaughter the pig and grind the grain... The price: $50 dollars (which included a below average tip) was ridiculous. No apologies for all the wait/mistakes. No offering a comp of any kind - wow! We are happy to pay that price for good food and service, but not this crap. I didn't want to pay, hell, I didn't even want to eat, but I was hungry when we walked in, and was definitely hungrier when we had to wait, so I ate. We paid, and tipped because my wife works in the industry, but we will never go back and will never recommend this dump to anybody and recommend, if you happen to read this: stay away.
(1)
Emma R.
First, they do take credit cards. We almost didn't go here because of the tips saying they didn't, don't make that mistake! This is clearly a local hangout, and family owned and operated. Our waitress, Kris, was wonderful. She was so friendly to us, out of towners, and knew everyone else there. It was Sunday morning, there was plenty of room, and our food came out fast. The pancakes!!!! Must try. They are seriously so good. Not to say that the other food isn't. We all had delicious meals, but the pancakes. Thin, light, substantial, soft, buttery, and crispy on the edges. All the things you want in a pancake. If you are visiting here, go here. We loved it.
(5)
D R.
Found this place thanks to Yelp while on vacation. Treat youself and go there NOW. The best, most unique pancakes I have ever had! Crispy yet super buttery and soft on the inside. Just amazing. I can't wait to get back to the Bay Area/Marin to have these again. My wife had an omelette and it was quite good as well. Also loved the retro feel of the place, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. San Anselmo "downtown" is really quaint and reminded me of the town centers "back east" where I live.
(5)
Martin F.
We have been going to Hilda's for Sunday breakfast for years... Last week we again went and were shocked at the.. 1. Rude and impersonal server ( only 1of 2) 2. Server #2 chatting excessively to customers at both ends of the shop... who cares about your school baseball game details in a full coffee shop on a Sunday morning? 3. When asked where our food was ( 45mins after ordering) we were told that "oh, it's busy on Sundays" .. Duh! Followed by "well orders with pancakes take longer". The person next to me got her food before we did even though she came in 20+minutes later and ordered...pancakes. She even quizzed rude server #1 as to why she was getting her order before us.. no response from server#1 4. No coffee refills unless persistently asked 5. Server #1 pants were filthy 6. Bus cart full to overflowing 7. Two parties got up and walked out as they "couldn't wait any longer" 8. Person next to me bussed her own place setting at the counter so she could enjoy coffee and read the paper 9. When my order eventually arrived, it was slammed down in front of me with such force the food jumped 10 The vent fan sitting on a chair behind the counter was absolutely filthy. The edges of the fan blades were covered in black grime- as was the cover. Had this device been turned on all that soot(?) bacteria, alien spores and who knows what else would be blown into customers faces, food, drinks, lungs etc. 11.Server#1 tried to take the cash before I was finished eating... so rude. Since our favourite server quit a while ago this was the first time we had been there without her - never again
(1)
David K.
Pancakes really _are_ great, to the point where you stop caring that waffles aren't on the menu. Large portions: a "short stack" was three 7-8 inch wide cakes. Good service at 9:30 on a Sunday morning.
(4)
Dianne Z.
I love this place! Best sausage patties ever! Whenever my boyfriend and I think about trying a new spot, we end up driving around and heading back to Hilda's! Lol! You just can't beat their pancakes! Best in the bay hands down!
(5)
Marisa B.
I love nitty-gritty old school breakfast places. The old-timers are here, the families with kids, the local yogis(it is Marin). Give me some shredded hash browns and friendly service while I sit at the bar, reading the paper. They have about 8 different versions of eggs Benedict and constant coffee refills. I will be back.
(4)
Ken G.
This is a must stop when I am in town to see my dad. The blueberry pancakes are the best. The rude waitress from years past appears to be gone. New waitress was funny and attentive to our table.
(4)
Dawn B.
A proper mom and pop diner with home made food and mis matched holiday cups. Staff was very friendly and our food came quickly. Prices are very reasonable too. I am not a pancake girl so I had huevos rancheros husband had a scramble. We were both pleased.
(4)
Martha D.
Solid small-town diner. Great basic breakfast and fabulous service.
(4)
Mac G.
I've been going to Hilda's for 25 years. This is my go to breakfast spot, and I love the vibe and atmosphere they create in this place. It really feels like a second home. The pancakes are out of control good, crispy edges and soft in the center. My girlfriend likes it with blueberries and powdered sugar. I've never gotten anything I didn't really enjoy here. I usually go for the two egg breakfast with link sausage, hash browns and rye toast. Sometimes I dig an omelette with fruit on the side. The milkshakes are delicious. Highly recommended on days you want to treat yourself. The French roast coffee is what I need in the morning. Finally the service is just superb. I laugh and joke and get chummy with all the servers. They are fun, salt of the earth people. Tip your servers well!
(5)
Vesta H.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet!! My husbands aunt takes us here for breakfast when we go visit her. I haven't found a place I like as much as this one. They have the BEST pancakes in the whole world, I'm not kidding!! They are thin and moist but a little bit crispy around the edges. These people know how to make food! Everything here seems to be good, I ALWAYS get the pancakes though. But I do try my husbands food sometimes and it's REALLY GOOD! I just wish they were closer to where I live so I could eat there every day!
(5)
Dana A.
They have the best FRENCH DIP sandwich EVER!!
(5)
Matt H.
Hands down- best breakfast in San Anselmo!!!! Pancakes are famous! I still have yet to order lunch here! Will soon!!
(5)
Kelly G.
Awesome! Great pancakes and bacon! Order the German pancakes. They are thin, crispy on the edges and lemony sweet! Yum. The omelette was just ok. Too brown for my taste. The bacon was great though, extra crispy. The kids loved the hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles.
(4)
Liz S.
Not sure why these more recent reviews aren't mentioning the poor service of this place. The food is pretty average and a bit on the greasy side. Also service was pretty bad. The servers themselves are nice but it took forever to get beverages, food, our check and even for someone to come to register so we could pay! I get how people like the fact that this is a local spot that has been around for many years, but maybe Hilda's should consider hiring another server - at least to help with the weekend rush.
(2)
Shawn C.
Stumbled across Hilda's on a recent drive to San Anselmo. This place is about as mom and pop as they come. I almost ordered French toast but our very kindly waitress talked me into the pancakes, which I was assured Hilda's was famous for. She wasn't kidding. These were seriously the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. Deliciously soft in the middle and then taking on a crispy crepe-like consistency as you approach the perimeter. The whole experience makes this place worth a repeat morning breakfast visit to San Anselmo.
(5)
Veronica H.
Pancakes with powder sugar and lemon are sooo good and I am not even a pancake fan! Staff treats everyone like regulars. I love sitting at the counter and funding out all the town news. My husband loves that they always have the paper at the counter too .
(5)
Rene C.
Last week I was telling a good friend how my wife and I never buy each other Valentines Gifts. It also happens to be our anniversary which is very weird, I know. Now just so that you know, that the "no gift" policy is something I tend to overlook and always pick up a few small items for my beautiful wife. This year I picked up a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate from Burke Williams. That evening when she got home from work. I had the flowers and a gift bag sitting on our table surrounded by all of our stuffed animals. She had biggest smile on her face and she loved gift certificate. Then my wife excuses herself from the room and walks back in with a huge beautifully wrapped package. "For me" I say. She smiles and hands it over. I rip open the wrapping paper and what do I find inside? A brand new 17" MacBook Pro! That's right, the big one! Way bigger and badder and kicks the 13" MacBook Pro I got her last year. Size matter bitches! And if you are into bigger, then head over to Hilda's where the portion sizes are gigantic. Everything from the omelets to the pancakes are packed with flavor and will help expand your belt line. And if you are not a breakfast person, the lunch menu includes tuna melts, burgers, onion rings and even sweet potato fries. This is by far my favorite breakfast spot in the North Bay.
(5)
Charles D.
I called here, twice, to determine if they'd be open on July 4th, and both times someone picked up, and hung up. Why not invest in an answering machine, where you can leave hours/days open/closed instead of being so snotty and rude? I won't bother you again, either on the phone or in person.
(1)
Josh H.
The place was fun, friendly, and had a local feel. The tuna on my tuna melt tasted freshly made. The french toast was tender on the inside but had a crisp outer shell just as french toast should. The syrup was standard for a diner and unremarkable but I'm a syrup snob. I recommend the orange juice, sweet and flavorful even in the off season.
(4)
Caroline V.
Breakfast just like your mama made, if your mama could cook up a storm! I usually get the 2-egg breakfast (scrambled) with 2 extra eggs to split with my husband and we both walk out feeling satisfied. Once I asked for the secret to those eggs -- so light, creamy, and NEVER runny, but NEVER hard. They told me, but I'll let you ask for yourself when you go. Bacon and the world's best pancakes round it out. Oh, those pancakes -- I have tried so many times to replicate them at home, without success. You'll just have to drive to Hilda's to enjoy their buttery, lacy-edged goodness. Know before you go: Cash only! Breakfast for the two of us might be $20 if we split a meal as I wrote above, but otherwise a bit more -- bring enough to tip your smiling waitress!
(4)
Johanna C.
Hilda's is a GEM! Its been a part of the local community for so many years and their sweet servers contribute every day to their stellar reputation. It looks plain on the outside but the flavors coming out of that kitchen are classic. Had the bacon, chive scramble wrapped in tortillas with fresh pico de gallo - amazing! Great service, good prices and delicious food never go out of style.
(5)
Marcus K.
After seeing the great reviews I thought I'd give em a try. However, I can only give them 3 stars and that just because they were super friendly here and the coffee is really good. The pancakes are wayyyyy overated. I take a star away for that They are way too greasy. If you picked up a chunk of pancake, the oil would just ooze out and drip onto your plate. Menu was bit misleading because I thought I would get a 2 egg b'fast with panckaes and hashbrown. But...they only come with the greasy pancakes. The waitress admitted that its confusing and im thinking ... "then why dont you change the menu so its not confusing". Anyway. Very friendly place but food nothing special or below par.
(2)
Christina K.
I wanted to love this place. It had all the making for a diner and breakfast-lover affair: mis-matched coffee cups, tables crammed close to each other, waitresses calling out orders to the kitchen, sticky menus, the smell of grease seeping into your clothing pores... But good Lord I couldn't get past the service or the not-so-good pancakes. We waited and waited and waited for someone to acknowledge us after we sat. When they did it was to tell us they were really busy and they'd be with us in a bit. Then we waited 20 minutes. Couldn't you have at least poured us a cup of coffee while we waited? The food was meh. It seems the local folks love this place so maybe we'll give it another shot.
(2)
Will H.
I'd have to say this is the first time stepping into Hilda's and it compelled me to write my first review on Yelp. I walked into the establishment and was greeted by smiles from both of the waitresses and was sat down almost instantly at the old school counter. I ordered scrambled eggs with diced bacon in it, hash browns, and an english muffin. While I waited for my lunch (which wasn't that long of a time) I chatted with who I think was the owner and she took the time to explain the history of this wonderful establishment. I was impressed on how it's been in the family for so long. Anyways onto my meal experience. My eggs were made to order and cooked to perfection, the hash browns were very crispy but not burnt and had wonderful flavor, my english muffin was loaded with butter just how I love it. Also I think worth mentioning is that the coffee was just to die for. They offered a house and a french roast and of course a strong coffee lover I went with the french roast. It was absolutely killer. I loved it and refills were free. I also heard they just started to take credit cards a couple of months ago which made a guy like me happy because I do not like carrying cash on my person. I will be back soon I would give my dining experience at Hilda's a 5/5 for the food and a 5/5 for the overall experience.
(5)
Quynh N.
I love Suzy and her staff. She really makes you feel welcome in the restaurant. They have a lot of great tasting sandwiches, salads, and fries. Hilda's is definitely a blast from the past; it is definitely a local favorite.
(5)
Heather K.
We just sat at a table for 15 minutes straight without an ounce of attention. No water, coffee, not even a hello. Many tables were seated after us and given plenty of attention... even water! After staring at anyone working there many time as they passed us by, we finally got up and went to Bubba's across the street. It was great! Never going to Hilda's again, which is a HUGE shame because we live down the street. BOOOO!
(1)
Knolan H.
Some friends and I meet here every Wednesday for breakfast. I love this place. The food is great (breakfast and lunch), the prices are good, and the service is amazing. Hilda's is a locals favorite. If you go for breakfast, make sure you try the pancakes. Also, the omelets are amazing. If you're there for lunch, the hamburger and reuben are both incredible.
(5)
Crystal V.
Well this place is definitely a mom and pop kinda place. It's obviously a regulars feel to it. i love the giant 3 pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon breakfast. I always have to order extra bacon for my son because he'll eat like 6 strips. Today I went in and we given Xmas mugs, it's the little things that count. Their chicken pesto sandwiches are yummy too!
(4)
Candance S.
What is there not to love about Hilda's? Food is absolutely delicious, Pancakes is all I have to say, SO GOOD! This is my ideal place to eat for breakfast. Sue, Kelsey, and the staff are so welcoming and treat everyone like family, know you by name, and make sure you always leave happy! This is the kind of place you want to go for breakfast, always has me coming back!
(5)
Celeste P.
We go to Hilda's every weekend for breakfast--sometimes on both Saturday AND Sunday, it's that good. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is appropriately homey. The bacon is perfect, the sausage patties are GREAT, and the German pancakes are terrific. Don't get me started on the crispy, shredded hashbrowns! It's a great place to meet friends and bring family, too. Hilda's is also very kid-friendly, if that's what you are looking for. I can't say enough good things about the Hilda's experience!
(5)
Daniel D.
Great coffee shop. I was on an overnight camping trip by bike so I was stinky and sweaty. But the service was still very friendly. One thing I appreciated, your order does not sit around. MY food came out piping hot. I couldn't eat my eggs or hashbrowns they were so hot. . Even my toast was fresh out of the toaster. i don't know if it was just a lucky day. But I've been to a lot of coffee shops and diners, rarely does my food get to me so quckly I can't touch it. Even rarer is hot toast right from the toaster. Hashbrowns were tasty, golden brown and not too greasy. Generoius portion too, I almost couldn't finish them.
(4)
Christina R.
Really like this place, the food was great, I had a egg scramble with jack cheese, spinach, tomato, it was very very good.
(5)
Emily S.
Mmmmmmm mmmm. Mmmmmmm. We all enjoyed a great breakfast in the sleepy little town of Ross this Thanksgiving weekend. Highly recommend the pancakes-wow! Also, really liked the veggie scramble. Two thumbs up.
(4)
Marla S.
OVERALL: Our family dined here today after church and it was great! Reasonably priced, super service, casual/warm environment, and very kid-friendly. FOOD: My husband and I split a Reuben and the eggs benedict - both were delicious, as were the sides - onion rings and hash browns. It all tasted fresh and homemade, and I don't say that offhandedly, as my husband and I are both seasoned home cooks who are passionate about good food, having grown up in the Bay Area in ethnically diverse food-oriented families. KIDS: They have a fairly extensive children's menu on the back of the regular one, so our three kids enjoyed Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes with sides of bacon & fries (from the adult menu). As a special unexpected treat, my tearful five year-old (disappointed she couldn't have dessert even though she was stuffed) was led by the waitress behind the counter to serve her own sprite from the soda machine...on the house! EXTRAS: I liked being able to order breakfast and lunch foods, and that they have both red and green Tabasco (though Frank's Red Hot sauce is my favorite). NOTE: We paid by personal check so bring that or cash, as they don't take cards. HISTORY: Even though this was our first visit, I learned that this restaurant is something of an institution, going back about 50 years, and the waitress told me the staff is like family. My husband's parents are regulars - though we don't live quite as close, I have a feeling we will be too...
(5)
Cindy B.
I had a wonderful breakfast here the other day. Pancakes and hash browns with a french roast coffee. Reading past reviews I grabbed cash at the local quick mart on my walk over - and expected Marin prices... I was super surprised when the coffee was less than Starbucks, my short stack was $5 and my side of hash browns $3.50 both the size of my head. Not only that - the food was amazing and the service was perfect. As the other yelpers said - you can tell the regulars - and it seems the restaurant really cares about them. Will be coming back on a regular basis when I'm home on the weekends.
(4)
Markus D.
just had an order of Chicken Fried Steak and was quite impressed with the quality and value. The staff at the resturant are quite friendly and I'll definitely be back
(5)
Melissa E.
Very good food and service. Best pancakes - didn't even need anything on them. We go back next time we are in town.
(4)
Stephanie S.
I get so excited to go to Hilda's for a quick delicious breakfast before work on the days that allow for it. They're quick with the coffee, its always good and the food is always just how I like it. For breakfast I usually order two eggs over medium with their perfect hashbrowns on the side, & crispy yummy bacon. Me and my boyfriend will also share one of their buttery amazing pancakes that are always a little crispy on the edges in just the right way. I've also gotten lunch here a couple times, veggie burger & the grilled ham & cheese. Fries on the side are so good as well. The ladies that work there are good at what they do. They always get your order right, are quick & super friendly. Stop in to grab some great food & take stroll down the wonderful avenue when your done. :) CASH only is the only thing, but just run to the ATM you'll be happy you did!
(4)
Alan B.
Some people think that when you go to a "greasy spoon" type diner, you're supposed to get five star restaurant level service. Which is just insane. Personally, I relate my experiences based on the quality of the experience for that specific type of place. In the case of Hilda's Coffee Shop in San Anselmo, I say five stars all around. Even down to the fact that my friend's coffee cup initially came replete with someone else's lipstick baked onto the rim. At which point both my friend and the waitress had a good laugh about how some lipstick is just so stubborn to come off of coffee cups when it almost never stays on their own lips! My friend ordered eggs and "German style" pancakes - which I'd never heard of before (German style pancakes, that is). And being curious, I got the same, though I also asked for breakfast sausage. The food was ready in a reasonable amount of time given the crowd, and it was excellent. It turns out that "German Style" means you get your pancakes with a couple slices of lemon - and you squeeze out the lemon juice over the pancakes, and don't use any syrup. And I loved them! They were perfectly cooked and the taste was quite pleasing. My eggs also tasted like eggs should (I'd read in another Yelp review that someone got eggs that were awful). Oh - and the hot chocolate I ordered came with a huge mound of whipped cream, artistically drizzled with chocolate sauce, which I'd never seen done before. The whole time, the waitress was friendly and speedy. Long before we were done, I knew I'd be returning to Hilda's again, especially whenever I want that comfort feeling that only comes when dining at a local greasy spoon! And no, none of the food was greasy! But sitting at the table by the window gave us the added bonus of the sunshine and views of San Anselmo Avenue. :-)
(5)
Josh D.
This is the best brunch place I have ever been. The omelets are the best. The only problem is their pancakes and hash browns are the best so I don't know which one I should choose with my omelet. Over all the foods the best and the service is just as good.
(5)
John K.
Decent food, friendly staff, this place is a great, casual place to eat lunch. Expensive though for what it was, quality didn't match the price.
(3)
Susan K.
Hildas does take credit cards!!!
(5)
Kathleen K.
Best bacon on the planet. Plus they still give you 4 pieces, not 3 like other diners do.
(5)
Stephen G.
4 1/2 stars overall ... good American diner in San Anselmo. We went for brunch on Sunday. Good coffee. Friendly waitress. Excellent, excellent food. Both egg dishes were made to order, as ordered... and the flavor was superb. So why not 5 stars? We had to wait at least 20 minutes for our order to come through! But, as I said, once it arrived it was worth the wait.
(4)
Wizardz G.
What can I say but... "Yummy"!! I look forward to coming here @ least one day on the weekend. Love Patty and Lou .. they are the most friendly and outgoing waitresses.. they do their job in welcoming you and your family right on in to their little family inside Hilda's. When we have the grandkids, I ask them where they would like to go and they both say "Hilda's" they make the best hot chocolate with whip cream and sprinkles and if it is for lunch.. milkshakes with whip cream and sprinkles... the food is never disappointing. From delicious burgers, to oversized salads full of yummy toppings, sausage patty's to die for, pancakes with powdered sugar and lemon.. Now I am getting hungry!! Join Patty and Lou on the weekends and you will not be disappointed.... tell them that Bobby and Lori sent you.. it will for sure put a smile on their face. Thank you to Patty and Lou for always treating us with the best service and food.. Smiles to you both!!
(5)
Danielle P.
I love this place, not only for the food and how affordable everything on the menu is but even more so for how nice everyone is who works there! The service is exceptional, everyone working is always kind and in a great mood.
(5)
Talulah B.
Been coming to Hilda's for many years now...almost always have their oh so yummy pancakes. Always full for the rest of the day and swear to start my diet the next....
(4)
Nick L.
Nice street dinner, where they serve breakfast all day long and have really good food. I love their German style pancakes. It's a great place to study, eat, sit and relax. You get good friendly service and the food is well priced. If your a breakfast connoisseur like I am you should check it out when your in San Anselmo. PS: Robin Williams eats there (at least one time when I was there)
(5)
Geno B.
The best pancakes in North America!
(5)
Pam M.
Okay, one year later and I still love this place. I have narrowed it down, what makes the pancakes so tasty is the crispy edges.
(5)
jack w.
All the basic greased spoon classics with some modern healthier choices. Oatmeal is scrumdidliumptious. Service is very congenial. Location is perfect. Cops in area are typical left wing Fascists.
(4)
Shana H.
I used to come to Hilda's as a child, and absolutely loved it then. Unfortunately, it is not as good as I remember. The pancakes are still good, but the corned beef hash actually tasted like dog food and I could not even eat it (this was my favorite dish here as a child, so I was extremely disappointed). The staff is really nice though, and the atmosphere is friendly and very local.
(3)
Miriam S.
Oh man... It's going to be hard to get me to go anywhere else for breakfast anymore!! Their food was EXCELLENT: The pancakes are as good as everyone else says they are, their eggs didn't need anything (no salt no pepper... perfect as is!). I had the bacon scramble, which I almost ordered w/o onions b/c I figured they would let the onion overpower the entire plate.... BUT NO!!! It was a perfect combination. It also came with tortillas and salsa. My hubs had a specially made cheese only omelet, which came w/ his choice of pancakes or toast... he got both! Coffee was good, chocolate milk & OJ were good, service was friendly and attentive. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
(5)
Benjamin C.
Old School! This place is like walking through time to the lunchenettes of old. Good old fashioned American food, with a few dishes from the kitchen staff, such as a terrific tortilla soup. Prices are reasonable and the entire staff is warm and welcoming. Take a moment to look around and see who is eating there, cause chances are when you go back, most of the same people will be there again.
(4)
Brad R.
After years of avoiding Hilda's because it's older and had a bit of a "greasy spoon" vibe in the midst of hip San Anselmo, I decided to give it a try. Wow--was I blown away. Hilda's is a bit of a throwback--you always seem the same waitresses, and they're practically mind-readers. They can be taking an order at another table with their back to you, and yet they somehow sense that you're looking for them. The food is excellent - nice portions, excellent prices for Marin County, and great consistency. I especially enjoy their pancakes. They also offer two types of coffee--a mild and a French roast. It's nice to have that option. Their daily specials can be quite ambitious--unique sandwiches and the like. Because of the excellent food and warm, friendly service, I have become a regular here. Highly recommended. Be aware that they do not take credit cards.
(5)
Phil K.
These are my favorite pancakes and favorite scrambled eggs on the planet. I have the breakfast combo every time I go. This is the place for breakfast in Marin. For what it is worth, George Lucas lives nearby and is a regular customer. I would drive an hour for breakfast there and highly recommend it. If you have to have real maple syrup bring your own as they do not offer it.
(5)
Denise L.
Quintessential greasy spoon, counter service and all. Great service, friendly and fast. Be sure to bring cash-no ATM/CC.
(3)
Kristin P.
Best pancakes ever....what more is there to say?
(5)
Mark B.
I've been to Hilda's a pair of times, but I don't know if I'll be back. Don't get me wrong, it really isn't thaaaat bad overall and I do like the certain charm I haven't been able to find since moving out to CA from the Midwest. Some other pros are the good service, and the real sense of a small town, community feel; most of the patrons are regulars, or so it seems, and are on a first name basis with the staff. The cons are the food and coffee; a little on the pricey side for what you get. When I got my bill I was amazed the coffee costs $2.25! I had the three-egg veggie scramble, with hash browns and the english muffin. I ate every last bit of it, and enjoyed it, but I just didn't feel the food fit the price. If they sourced their food from local farmers, maybe they could justify some of these prices. But, you be the judge. I may go back there and try their lunches, just out of curiosity. Awwuufff, I'm a glutton for punishment.
(2)
Lara J.
I was looking forward to eating at debbie does desserts, but since they dnt open early, my friend and i ventured further down to hilda's. The first red flag was the waitress dressed in flip-flops (i donno something about that grosses me out)... we ignored the warning signs, and proceeded to order. We waited way too long for our food to arrive, and noticed that a table next to us had received an incorrect order. Once our food finally arrived, I was very disappointed. My friend's omelet was paper thin and was missing several ingredients, not to mention that the onions used seemed to be from the bottom of the barrel. I asked for my eggs to be scrambled, and instead I got something that looked like it was cooked in the microwave... After the table near us had left, the waitress came to clean their table and began to talk poorly and disrespectfully of the previous patrons. This was so shocking to hear- we decided not to even bother complaining about our order.... We waited at least 15 mins for them to notice that we were ready to pay, they were very distracted. Lastly, who doesn't accept plastic nowadays?! I would never return here again....
(1)
D Z.
Good breakfast. The pancakes were really good, and the eggs were good as well. You'll get a really good meal here, but I there are lots of other places in the area that offer Hilda's some stiff competition.
(3)
tom h.
Kind of more like a greasy diner type place........which can be great at times!
(4)
S. H.
I love this place. The pancakes are amazing. It doesn't have amazing decor or fancy environs, but the food is great.
(5)
Michael M.
I love this place for breakfast or lunch. Small town feeling and great food! I have not had a bad meal yet and I have been a regular for years. Thank you for the consistency...it shows! Gotta try the skinny fries, pancakes are awesome and the chicken sandwich are among my favorites. Parking in front or in back (with a rear entrance) in the Magnolia Lot around the corner.
(5)
Lori E.
When I am craving meat I come to Hilda's for their french dip sandwiches. The meat is thinly sliced and stacked on a crispy french roll with the au jus on the side. The fries are perfectly cooked, no burnt ones! And the salads are terrific - I had a really good one with apples, pecans and cranberries (?) . The waitresses are super nice and they make you feel right at home. It's really like stepping back in time when you walk through that front door but it's all genuine.
(5)
Grant H.
I've been going to Hilda's for years, and in general I love my old home-town diner. But, as the old adage goes, one bad experience can really tarnish a reputation. I dropped in around 8:15 on Saturday morning, looking forward to a plate of their nothing-to-write-home-about-standard corn beef hash, which I LOVE (just saying it's not a "from scratch" hash, which though no one may write home about, I love!). ANYWAY, I picked a table as usual and sat down. In this 10 table diner, I've always been greeted within a minute or two, even if to just tell me it'll take a bit of time 'cause it's busy. Not today. A good five minutes pass with no attention, even being walked by twice while I sat in a center table! THEN, another guy walks in, takes up an entire four-seat table himself, and not only gets immediately greeted, but gets his order taken, and I'm sitting at a table RIGHT BESIDE HIS! And then, the server walks away without acknowledging me AGAIN! Finally, after FIFTEEN MINUTES (by the way, only about 12 people total in the joint), I just got up, left, went to the grocery store and bought a can of hash and went home and cooked myself breakfast, and saved $15! GRRRR. But, overall, it's pretty good NORMALLY. Just be aware that you may have to wave down your server! The one consistently BAD thing is no credit card. And the prices really don't reflect the savings associated with that, so BOO.
(2)
chris l.
Their "daily special" - fried chicken sandwich turns out to be the same frozen chicken nuggets that they served my daughter! Carpets in restaurants creep me out and they haven't changed the carpet here since before the flood. This place should close it's doors and let someone who cares about quality take it's place in this close neighborhood.
(2)
kristen h.
as greasy spoons go, hilda's is just okay. the decor is pretty bad, and the fact that they only take cash (my husband had to run to the atm to get cash after breakfast) have cost it a star. to be cash-only in this day and age is just ridiculous. The food was not all that memorable. i'd rather go to bubba's across the street.
(2)
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Address :639 San Anselmo Ave
San Anselmo, CA, 94960
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Breakfast Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jason C.
This is the best place to get breakfast in Marin. I've lived in San Anselmo about two years, and haven't found any place that tops it. Classic diners are absolutely nonexistent in Marin, so this place is a gem. The dishes are all the staples you'd expect from a classic breakfast joint, but done with actual care & fresh ingredients. You can tell the decor is a amalgamation of things they've accumulated over their time in San Anselmo - nothing forced or contrivedly charming, just an unassuming and nice place to sit down at the bar and eat a damn good omelette. The staff is always extremely nice and attentive, the kind of folks who know the names of all the regulars. Nothing is 'reinvented', or 'reinterpreted' or 'deconstructed' at Hilda's. They make delicious eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, oatmeal, or whatever else you decide to order that day. Never been disappointed. The place is usually packed with locals & old timers, and it makes perfect sense: they found the most consistent and unpretentious restaurant in town. My only complaint: they close at 2PM, which is just a few hours too early for me. It'll never be an all-night diner, but having some extra time to run in for something to eat would be awesome.
(5)Sarah H.
Went here for brunch this morning on my day off. Been going here on and off for years as I live a few blocks down the street. Everything I've had was delicious. Today I ordered scrambled eggs with German pancakes and sausage. It was so amazing! The eggs were perfectly scrambled and the pancakes were so moist and perfectly browned. Complete with lemon and powdered sugar on top! YUM. Service was great--attentive and friendly and I enjoyed sitting at the counter where I could see the kitchen. Definitely is a family owned and run restaurant and has been for years...it's the perfect neighborhood diner. Except now they accost credit cards and makes it even better since I hardly ever have cash with me! Thanks for a lovely meal Hildas
(5)Spike 2.
My husband and I go here for breakfast We love the pancakes And the place is very friendly
(5)Christine S.
They have been here for 56 years it's a family owned restaurant and their food is DELICIOUS you have to try their pancakes and the food portions are big and if you look around the room you can tell that the people who eat here are regulars so you know you're in good hands!
(5)Jesus C.
Excellent service, great food, awesome atmosphere! Ate here yesterday & decided to come back again today!! Had omelettes yesterday with French toast, so yummy!! Today I had the crispy chicken fried steak and pancakes ONE OF THE BEST I've ever eaten by far! The family had also enjoyed all their meals. Highly recommend eating here!
(5)Goldie M.
Enjoyed breakfast there today for the first time and it was a very pleasant experience, which goes to show...you can't rely on curb appeal. The staff was great...people were happy, food was great, nice portions, and very clean! Will no longer have to drive to San Rafael from Fairfax for breakfast,
(5)Alex D.
The perfect hangover food. I don't want to call it a greasy spoon, but it kind of has that feel. The breakfasts are reasonably priced and definitely take me back to the midwest. Chicken fried steak is a classic and they do a great job. Get two steaks for a couple extra bucks and you can save half for lunch. The Benedicts are also great. I haven't had lunch here, but I'm sure it's classic American appeal extends there.
(5)Jake S.
Awesome breakfast spot! great food, great service. Coffee is really good here too. Comparable to Theresa and Johnny's in San Rafael.
(5)marie b.
German pancakes = BEST pancakes anywhere. No lie. The edges are crispy, and the middle is fluffy. There is powdered sugar and lemon with a buttery taste, so I don't even need the pancake syrup. I crave these pancakes, and I'm not even a pancake person, nor a breakfast person. They're that good! We always sit at the bar, and we always have friendly service. The food I've had has all been good (sausage, eggs, hash browns, oatmeal, etc), but go for the German pancakes. You won't be sorry. (tip: I don't recommend the hot chocolate. It's the powdered packet kind. Stick with the tea.)
(5)Penelope H.
I think you have to a be a regular to get good service here. I went with a friend and we were ignored for a really long time after we were seated. I believe the waitress was purposefully trying to send us a message. The message was...go away, you do not interest me. the other waitress eventually noticed we were being ignored and stepped in, and was apologetic and kind, but it still was weird and doesn't make me ever want to darken their doorway again. The food was fine. It's the only greasy spoon in town, so if that's what you're after, this is your place! Just don't go if you are on a schedule because it is slow.
(3)Craig L.
I have been going to Hilda's Coffee Shop for 40 yrs. The hash brown potatoes are worth the trip. Great comfort food, cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Thank you for sticking around.
(4)Jessica C.
Delish! We had brunch here this morning and it was perfect. We sat at the bar and ordered coffee and got ready to read the paper. We soon realized we were actually in a lunch mood so we had a few sandwiches. Really good! I had the turkey melt and Patrick had the angus melt. The sourdough bread is so good. I love the people who work here too. So nice, friendly and personable. We shared some laughs with them. It was really nice. We will be back often!
(4)Aaron C.
This place doesn't even deserve one star, except for the fact they are providing jobs for some people. My family and I rarely go out, and when we do, we desire: good food, atmosphere, service and price. This place has none of the above. The atmosphere: the run down, dirty, fly ridden, dated, greasy-spoon decor could work if the food and service was good, but it's not. The food: tasted like cheap hormone ridden factory food from Walmart or K-mart. The scrambled eggs looked like the plastic version you'd expect to see in the display window of a cheap asian place. The hash browns tasted like the were thawed while cooking (mushy on the inside and grease on the outside). Everything tasted like it was cooked in butter substitute. The bacon tasted like pork rinds (which I like, when I want pork rinds...). The service: waitress came right away, but we had not yet had time to look at the menu, so said we needed a minute, which actually turned into 15 minutes. We ordered and waited, and waited, and waited and waited. Meanwhile a table of 6, and a table of 3 and a one top (all of which came in after we had ordered) ordered and received their food! Has the waitress returned to check on us, refill water etc? No. When are food finally arrived, our three plates came staggered a few (to five) minutes apart. Two of the orders also had components missing from them, which we then waited another fifteen minutes for (english muffins and bacon). I think the had to slaughter the pig and grind the grain... The price: $50 dollars (which included a below average tip) was ridiculous. No apologies for all the wait/mistakes. No offering a comp of any kind - wow! We are happy to pay that price for good food and service, but not this crap. I didn't want to pay, hell, I didn't even want to eat, but I was hungry when we walked in, and was definitely hungrier when we had to wait, so I ate. We paid, and tipped because my wife works in the industry, but we will never go back and will never recommend this dump to anybody and recommend, if you happen to read this: stay away.
(1)Emma R.
First, they do take credit cards. We almost didn't go here because of the tips saying they didn't, don't make that mistake! This is clearly a local hangout, and family owned and operated. Our waitress, Kris, was wonderful. She was so friendly to us, out of towners, and knew everyone else there. It was Sunday morning, there was plenty of room, and our food came out fast. The pancakes!!!! Must try. They are seriously so good. Not to say that the other food isn't. We all had delicious meals, but the pancakes. Thin, light, substantial, soft, buttery, and crispy on the edges. All the things you want in a pancake. If you are visiting here, go here. We loved it.
(5)D R.
Found this place thanks to Yelp while on vacation. Treat youself and go there NOW. The best, most unique pancakes I have ever had! Crispy yet super buttery and soft on the inside. Just amazing. I can't wait to get back to the Bay Area/Marin to have these again. My wife had an omelette and it was quite good as well. Also loved the retro feel of the place, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. San Anselmo "downtown" is really quaint and reminded me of the town centers "back east" where I live.
(5)Martin F.
We have been going to Hilda's for Sunday breakfast for years... Last week we again went and were shocked at the.. 1. Rude and impersonal server ( only 1of 2) 2. Server #2 chatting excessively to customers at both ends of the shop... who cares about your school baseball game details in a full coffee shop on a Sunday morning? 3. When asked where our food was ( 45mins after ordering) we were told that "oh, it's busy on Sundays" .. Duh! Followed by "well orders with pancakes take longer". The person next to me got her food before we did even though she came in 20+minutes later and ordered...pancakes. She even quizzed rude server #1 as to why she was getting her order before us.. no response from server#1 4. No coffee refills unless persistently asked 5. Server #1 pants were filthy 6. Bus cart full to overflowing 7. Two parties got up and walked out as they "couldn't wait any longer" 8. Person next to me bussed her own place setting at the counter so she could enjoy coffee and read the paper 9. When my order eventually arrived, it was slammed down in front of me with such force the food jumped 10 The vent fan sitting on a chair behind the counter was absolutely filthy. The edges of the fan blades were covered in black grime- as was the cover. Had this device been turned on all that soot(?) bacteria, alien spores and who knows what else would be blown into customers faces, food, drinks, lungs etc. 11.Server#1 tried to take the cash before I was finished eating... so rude. Since our favourite server quit a while ago this was the first time we had been there without her - never again
(1)David K.
Pancakes really _are_ great, to the point where you stop caring that waffles aren't on the menu. Large portions: a "short stack" was three 7-8 inch wide cakes. Good service at 9:30 on a Sunday morning.
(4)Dianne Z.
I love this place! Best sausage patties ever! Whenever my boyfriend and I think about trying a new spot, we end up driving around and heading back to Hilda's! Lol! You just can't beat their pancakes! Best in the bay hands down!
(5)Marisa B.
I love nitty-gritty old school breakfast places. The old-timers are here, the families with kids, the local yogis(it is Marin). Give me some shredded hash browns and friendly service while I sit at the bar, reading the paper. They have about 8 different versions of eggs Benedict and constant coffee refills. I will be back.
(4)Ken G.
This is a must stop when I am in town to see my dad. The blueberry pancakes are the best. The rude waitress from years past appears to be gone. New waitress was funny and attentive to our table.
(4)Dawn B.
A proper mom and pop diner with home made food and mis matched holiday cups. Staff was very friendly and our food came quickly. Prices are very reasonable too. I am not a pancake girl so I had huevos rancheros husband had a scramble. We were both pleased.
(4)Martha D.
Solid small-town diner. Great basic breakfast and fabulous service.
(4)Mac G.
I've been going to Hilda's for 25 years. This is my go to breakfast spot, and I love the vibe and atmosphere they create in this place. It really feels like a second home. The pancakes are out of control good, crispy edges and soft in the center. My girlfriend likes it with blueberries and powdered sugar. I've never gotten anything I didn't really enjoy here. I usually go for the two egg breakfast with link sausage, hash browns and rye toast. Sometimes I dig an omelette with fruit on the side. The milkshakes are delicious. Highly recommended on days you want to treat yourself. The French roast coffee is what I need in the morning. Finally the service is just superb. I laugh and joke and get chummy with all the servers. They are fun, salt of the earth people. Tip your servers well!
(5)Vesta H.
I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet!! My husbands aunt takes us here for breakfast when we go visit her. I haven't found a place I like as much as this one. They have the BEST pancakes in the whole world, I'm not kidding!! They are thin and moist but a little bit crispy around the edges. These people know how to make food! Everything here seems to be good, I ALWAYS get the pancakes though. But I do try my husbands food sometimes and it's REALLY GOOD! I just wish they were closer to where I live so I could eat there every day!
(5)Dana A.
They have the best FRENCH DIP sandwich EVER!!
(5)Matt H.
Hands down- best breakfast in San Anselmo!!!! Pancakes are famous! I still have yet to order lunch here! Will soon!!
(5)Kelly G.
Awesome! Great pancakes and bacon! Order the German pancakes. They are thin, crispy on the edges and lemony sweet! Yum. The omelette was just ok. Too brown for my taste. The bacon was great though, extra crispy. The kids loved the hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles.
(4)Liz S.
Not sure why these more recent reviews aren't mentioning the poor service of this place. The food is pretty average and a bit on the greasy side. Also service was pretty bad. The servers themselves are nice but it took forever to get beverages, food, our check and even for someone to come to register so we could pay! I get how people like the fact that this is a local spot that has been around for many years, but maybe Hilda's should consider hiring another server - at least to help with the weekend rush.
(2)Shawn C.
Stumbled across Hilda's on a recent drive to San Anselmo. This place is about as mom and pop as they come. I almost ordered French toast but our very kindly waitress talked me into the pancakes, which I was assured Hilda's was famous for. She wasn't kidding. These were seriously the best pancakes I've ever had in my life. Deliciously soft in the middle and then taking on a crispy crepe-like consistency as you approach the perimeter. The whole experience makes this place worth a repeat morning breakfast visit to San Anselmo.
(5)Veronica H.
Pancakes with powder sugar and lemon are sooo good and I am not even a pancake fan! Staff treats everyone like regulars. I love sitting at the counter and funding out all the town news. My husband loves that they always have the paper at the counter too .
(5)Rene C.
Last week I was telling a good friend how my wife and I never buy each other Valentines Gifts. It also happens to be our anniversary which is very weird, I know. Now just so that you know, that the "no gift" policy is something I tend to overlook and always pick up a few small items for my beautiful wife. This year I picked up a bouquet of flowers and a gift certificate from Burke Williams. That evening when she got home from work. I had the flowers and a gift bag sitting on our table surrounded by all of our stuffed animals. She had biggest smile on her face and she loved gift certificate. Then my wife excuses herself from the room and walks back in with a huge beautifully wrapped package. "For me" I say. She smiles and hands it over. I rip open the wrapping paper and what do I find inside? A brand new 17" MacBook Pro! That's right, the big one! Way bigger and badder and kicks the 13" MacBook Pro I got her last year. Size matter bitches! And if you are into bigger, then head over to Hilda's where the portion sizes are gigantic. Everything from the omelets to the pancakes are packed with flavor and will help expand your belt line. And if you are not a breakfast person, the lunch menu includes tuna melts, burgers, onion rings and even sweet potato fries. This is by far my favorite breakfast spot in the North Bay.
(5)Charles D.
I called here, twice, to determine if they'd be open on July 4th, and both times someone picked up, and hung up. Why not invest in an answering machine, where you can leave hours/days open/closed instead of being so snotty and rude? I won't bother you again, either on the phone or in person.
(1)Josh H.
The place was fun, friendly, and had a local feel. The tuna on my tuna melt tasted freshly made. The french toast was tender on the inside but had a crisp outer shell just as french toast should. The syrup was standard for a diner and unremarkable but I'm a syrup snob. I recommend the orange juice, sweet and flavorful even in the off season.
(4)Caroline V.
Breakfast just like your mama made, if your mama could cook up a storm! I usually get the 2-egg breakfast (scrambled) with 2 extra eggs to split with my husband and we both walk out feeling satisfied. Once I asked for the secret to those eggs -- so light, creamy, and NEVER runny, but NEVER hard. They told me, but I'll let you ask for yourself when you go. Bacon and the world's best pancakes round it out. Oh, those pancakes -- I have tried so many times to replicate them at home, without success. You'll just have to drive to Hilda's to enjoy their buttery, lacy-edged goodness. Know before you go: Cash only! Breakfast for the two of us might be $20 if we split a meal as I wrote above, but otherwise a bit more -- bring enough to tip your smiling waitress!
(4)Johanna C.
Hilda's is a GEM! Its been a part of the local community for so many years and their sweet servers contribute every day to their stellar reputation. It looks plain on the outside but the flavors coming out of that kitchen are classic. Had the bacon, chive scramble wrapped in tortillas with fresh pico de gallo - amazing! Great service, good prices and delicious food never go out of style.
(5)Marcus K.
After seeing the great reviews I thought I'd give em a try. However, I can only give them 3 stars and that just because they were super friendly here and the coffee is really good. The pancakes are wayyyyy overated. I take a star away for that They are way too greasy. If you picked up a chunk of pancake, the oil would just ooze out and drip onto your plate. Menu was bit misleading because I thought I would get a 2 egg b'fast with panckaes and hashbrown. But...they only come with the greasy pancakes. The waitress admitted that its confusing and im thinking ... "then why dont you change the menu so its not confusing". Anyway. Very friendly place but food nothing special or below par.
(2)Christina K.
I wanted to love this place. It had all the making for a diner and breakfast-lover affair: mis-matched coffee cups, tables crammed close to each other, waitresses calling out orders to the kitchen, sticky menus, the smell of grease seeping into your clothing pores... But good Lord I couldn't get past the service or the not-so-good pancakes. We waited and waited and waited for someone to acknowledge us after we sat. When they did it was to tell us they were really busy and they'd be with us in a bit. Then we waited 20 minutes. Couldn't you have at least poured us a cup of coffee while we waited? The food was meh. It seems the local folks love this place so maybe we'll give it another shot.
(2)Will H.
I'd have to say this is the first time stepping into Hilda's and it compelled me to write my first review on Yelp. I walked into the establishment and was greeted by smiles from both of the waitresses and was sat down almost instantly at the old school counter. I ordered scrambled eggs with diced bacon in it, hash browns, and an english muffin. While I waited for my lunch (which wasn't that long of a time) I chatted with who I think was the owner and she took the time to explain the history of this wonderful establishment. I was impressed on how it's been in the family for so long. Anyways onto my meal experience. My eggs were made to order and cooked to perfection, the hash browns were very crispy but not burnt and had wonderful flavor, my english muffin was loaded with butter just how I love it. Also I think worth mentioning is that the coffee was just to die for. They offered a house and a french roast and of course a strong coffee lover I went with the french roast. It was absolutely killer. I loved it and refills were free. I also heard they just started to take credit cards a couple of months ago which made a guy like me happy because I do not like carrying cash on my person. I will be back soon I would give my dining experience at Hilda's a 5/5 for the food and a 5/5 for the overall experience.
(5)Quynh N.
I love Suzy and her staff. She really makes you feel welcome in the restaurant. They have a lot of great tasting sandwiches, salads, and fries. Hilda's is definitely a blast from the past; it is definitely a local favorite.
(5)Heather K.
We just sat at a table for 15 minutes straight without an ounce of attention. No water, coffee, not even a hello. Many tables were seated after us and given plenty of attention... even water! After staring at anyone working there many time as they passed us by, we finally got up and went to Bubba's across the street. It was great! Never going to Hilda's again, which is a HUGE shame because we live down the street. BOOOO!
(1)Knolan H.
Some friends and I meet here every Wednesday for breakfast. I love this place. The food is great (breakfast and lunch), the prices are good, and the service is amazing. Hilda's is a locals favorite. If you go for breakfast, make sure you try the pancakes. Also, the omelets are amazing. If you're there for lunch, the hamburger and reuben are both incredible.
(5)Crystal V.
Well this place is definitely a mom and pop kinda place. It's obviously a regulars feel to it. i love the giant 3 pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon breakfast. I always have to order extra bacon for my son because he'll eat like 6 strips. Today I went in and we given Xmas mugs, it's the little things that count. Their chicken pesto sandwiches are yummy too!
(4)Candance S.
What is there not to love about Hilda's? Food is absolutely delicious, Pancakes is all I have to say, SO GOOD! This is my ideal place to eat for breakfast. Sue, Kelsey, and the staff are so welcoming and treat everyone like family, know you by name, and make sure you always leave happy! This is the kind of place you want to go for breakfast, always has me coming back!
(5)Celeste P.
We go to Hilda's every weekend for breakfast--sometimes on both Saturday AND Sunday, it's that good. The staff is friendly, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is appropriately homey. The bacon is perfect, the sausage patties are GREAT, and the German pancakes are terrific. Don't get me started on the crispy, shredded hashbrowns! It's a great place to meet friends and bring family, too. Hilda's is also very kid-friendly, if that's what you are looking for. I can't say enough good things about the Hilda's experience!
(5)Daniel D.
Great coffee shop. I was on an overnight camping trip by bike so I was stinky and sweaty. But the service was still very friendly. One thing I appreciated, your order does not sit around. MY food came out piping hot. I couldn't eat my eggs or hashbrowns they were so hot. . Even my toast was fresh out of the toaster. i don't know if it was just a lucky day. But I've been to a lot of coffee shops and diners, rarely does my food get to me so quckly I can't touch it. Even rarer is hot toast right from the toaster. Hashbrowns were tasty, golden brown and not too greasy. Generoius portion too, I almost couldn't finish them.
(4)Christina R.
Really like this place, the food was great, I had a egg scramble with jack cheese, spinach, tomato, it was very very good.
(5)Emily S.
Mmmmmmm mmmm. Mmmmmmm. We all enjoyed a great breakfast in the sleepy little town of Ross this Thanksgiving weekend. Highly recommend the pancakes-wow! Also, really liked the veggie scramble. Two thumbs up.
(4)Marla S.
OVERALL: Our family dined here today after church and it was great! Reasonably priced, super service, casual/warm environment, and very kid-friendly. FOOD: My husband and I split a Reuben and the eggs benedict - both were delicious, as were the sides - onion rings and hash browns. It all tasted fresh and homemade, and I don't say that offhandedly, as my husband and I are both seasoned home cooks who are passionate about good food, having grown up in the Bay Area in ethnically diverse food-oriented families. KIDS: They have a fairly extensive children's menu on the back of the regular one, so our three kids enjoyed Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes with sides of bacon & fries (from the adult menu). As a special unexpected treat, my tearful five year-old (disappointed she couldn't have dessert even though she was stuffed) was led by the waitress behind the counter to serve her own sprite from the soda machine...on the house! EXTRAS: I liked being able to order breakfast and lunch foods, and that they have both red and green Tabasco (though Frank's Red Hot sauce is my favorite). NOTE: We paid by personal check so bring that or cash, as they don't take cards. HISTORY: Even though this was our first visit, I learned that this restaurant is something of an institution, going back about 50 years, and the waitress told me the staff is like family. My husband's parents are regulars - though we don't live quite as close, I have a feeling we will be too...
(5)Cindy B.
I had a wonderful breakfast here the other day. Pancakes and hash browns with a french roast coffee. Reading past reviews I grabbed cash at the local quick mart on my walk over - and expected Marin prices... I was super surprised when the coffee was less than Starbucks, my short stack was $5 and my side of hash browns $3.50 both the size of my head. Not only that - the food was amazing and the service was perfect. As the other yelpers said - you can tell the regulars - and it seems the restaurant really cares about them. Will be coming back on a regular basis when I'm home on the weekends.
(4)Markus D.
just had an order of Chicken Fried Steak and was quite impressed with the quality and value. The staff at the resturant are quite friendly and I'll definitely be back
(5)Melissa E.
Very good food and service. Best pancakes - didn't even need anything on them. We go back next time we are in town.
(4)Stephanie S.
I get so excited to go to Hilda's for a quick delicious breakfast before work on the days that allow for it. They're quick with the coffee, its always good and the food is always just how I like it. For breakfast I usually order two eggs over medium with their perfect hashbrowns on the side, & crispy yummy bacon. Me and my boyfriend will also share one of their buttery amazing pancakes that are always a little crispy on the edges in just the right way. I've also gotten lunch here a couple times, veggie burger & the grilled ham & cheese. Fries on the side are so good as well. The ladies that work there are good at what they do. They always get your order right, are quick & super friendly. Stop in to grab some great food & take stroll down the wonderful avenue when your done. :) CASH only is the only thing, but just run to the ATM you'll be happy you did!
(4)Alan B.
Some people think that when you go to a "greasy spoon" type diner, you're supposed to get five star restaurant level service. Which is just insane. Personally, I relate my experiences based on the quality of the experience for that specific type of place. In the case of Hilda's Coffee Shop in San Anselmo, I say five stars all around. Even down to the fact that my friend's coffee cup initially came replete with someone else's lipstick baked onto the rim. At which point both my friend and the waitress had a good laugh about how some lipstick is just so stubborn to come off of coffee cups when it almost never stays on their own lips! My friend ordered eggs and "German style" pancakes - which I'd never heard of before (German style pancakes, that is). And being curious, I got the same, though I also asked for breakfast sausage. The food was ready in a reasonable amount of time given the crowd, and it was excellent. It turns out that "German Style" means you get your pancakes with a couple slices of lemon - and you squeeze out the lemon juice over the pancakes, and don't use any syrup. And I loved them! They were perfectly cooked and the taste was quite pleasing. My eggs also tasted like eggs should (I'd read in another Yelp review that someone got eggs that were awful). Oh - and the hot chocolate I ordered came with a huge mound of whipped cream, artistically drizzled with chocolate sauce, which I'd never seen done before. The whole time, the waitress was friendly and speedy. Long before we were done, I knew I'd be returning to Hilda's again, especially whenever I want that comfort feeling that only comes when dining at a local greasy spoon! And no, none of the food was greasy! But sitting at the table by the window gave us the added bonus of the sunshine and views of San Anselmo Avenue. :-)
(5)Josh D.
This is the best brunch place I have ever been. The omelets are the best. The only problem is their pancakes and hash browns are the best so I don't know which one I should choose with my omelet. Over all the foods the best and the service is just as good.
(5)John K.
Decent food, friendly staff, this place is a great, casual place to eat lunch. Expensive though for what it was, quality didn't match the price.
(3)Susan K.
Hildas does take credit cards!!!
(5)Kathleen K.
Best bacon on the planet. Plus they still give you 4 pieces, not 3 like other diners do.
(5)Stephen G.
4 1/2 stars overall ... good American diner in San Anselmo. We went for brunch on Sunday. Good coffee. Friendly waitress. Excellent, excellent food. Both egg dishes were made to order, as ordered... and the flavor was superb. So why not 5 stars? We had to wait at least 20 minutes for our order to come through! But, as I said, once it arrived it was worth the wait.
(4)Wizardz G.
What can I say but... "Yummy"!! I look forward to coming here @ least one day on the weekend. Love Patty and Lou .. they are the most friendly and outgoing waitresses.. they do their job in welcoming you and your family right on in to their little family inside Hilda's. When we have the grandkids, I ask them where they would like to go and they both say "Hilda's" they make the best hot chocolate with whip cream and sprinkles and if it is for lunch.. milkshakes with whip cream and sprinkles... the food is never disappointing. From delicious burgers, to oversized salads full of yummy toppings, sausage patty's to die for, pancakes with powdered sugar and lemon.. Now I am getting hungry!! Join Patty and Lou on the weekends and you will not be disappointed.... tell them that Bobby and Lori sent you.. it will for sure put a smile on their face. Thank you to Patty and Lou for always treating us with the best service and food.. Smiles to you both!!
(5)Danielle P.
I love this place, not only for the food and how affordable everything on the menu is but even more so for how nice everyone is who works there! The service is exceptional, everyone working is always kind and in a great mood.
(5)Talulah B.
Been coming to Hilda's for many years now...almost always have their oh so yummy pancakes. Always full for the rest of the day and swear to start my diet the next....
(4)Nick L.
Nice street dinner, where they serve breakfast all day long and have really good food. I love their German style pancakes. It's a great place to study, eat, sit and relax. You get good friendly service and the food is well priced. If your a breakfast connoisseur like I am you should check it out when your in San Anselmo. PS: Robin Williams eats there (at least one time when I was there)
(5)Geno B.
The best pancakes in North America!
(5)Pam M.
Okay, one year later and I still love this place. I have narrowed it down, what makes the pancakes so tasty is the crispy edges.
(5)jack w.
All the basic greased spoon classics with some modern healthier choices. Oatmeal is scrumdidliumptious. Service is very congenial. Location is perfect. Cops in area are typical left wing Fascists.
(4)Shana H.
I used to come to Hilda's as a child, and absolutely loved it then. Unfortunately, it is not as good as I remember. The pancakes are still good, but the corned beef hash actually tasted like dog food and I could not even eat it (this was my favorite dish here as a child, so I was extremely disappointed). The staff is really nice though, and the atmosphere is friendly and very local.
(3)Miriam S.
Oh man... It's going to be hard to get me to go anywhere else for breakfast anymore!! Their food was EXCELLENT: The pancakes are as good as everyone else says they are, their eggs didn't need anything (no salt no pepper... perfect as is!). I had the bacon scramble, which I almost ordered w/o onions b/c I figured they would let the onion overpower the entire plate.... BUT NO!!! It was a perfect combination. It also came with tortillas and salsa. My hubs had a specially made cheese only omelet, which came w/ his choice of pancakes or toast... he got both! Coffee was good, chocolate milk & OJ were good, service was friendly and attentive. HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT.
(5)Benjamin C.
Old School! This place is like walking through time to the lunchenettes of old. Good old fashioned American food, with a few dishes from the kitchen staff, such as a terrific tortilla soup. Prices are reasonable and the entire staff is warm and welcoming. Take a moment to look around and see who is eating there, cause chances are when you go back, most of the same people will be there again.
(4)Brad R.
After years of avoiding Hilda's because it's older and had a bit of a "greasy spoon" vibe in the midst of hip San Anselmo, I decided to give it a try. Wow--was I blown away. Hilda's is a bit of a throwback--you always seem the same waitresses, and they're practically mind-readers. They can be taking an order at another table with their back to you, and yet they somehow sense that you're looking for them. The food is excellent - nice portions, excellent prices for Marin County, and great consistency. I especially enjoy their pancakes. They also offer two types of coffee--a mild and a French roast. It's nice to have that option. Their daily specials can be quite ambitious--unique sandwiches and the like. Because of the excellent food and warm, friendly service, I have become a regular here. Highly recommended. Be aware that they do not take credit cards.
(5)Phil K.
These are my favorite pancakes and favorite scrambled eggs on the planet. I have the breakfast combo every time I go. This is the place for breakfast in Marin. For what it is worth, George Lucas lives nearby and is a regular customer. I would drive an hour for breakfast there and highly recommend it. If you have to have real maple syrup bring your own as they do not offer it.
(5)Denise L.
Quintessential greasy spoon, counter service and all. Great service, friendly and fast. Be sure to bring cash-no ATM/CC.
(3)Kristin P.
Best pancakes ever....what more is there to say?
(5)Mark B.
I've been to Hilda's a pair of times, but I don't know if I'll be back. Don't get me wrong, it really isn't thaaaat bad overall and I do like the certain charm I haven't been able to find since moving out to CA from the Midwest. Some other pros are the good service, and the real sense of a small town, community feel; most of the patrons are regulars, or so it seems, and are on a first name basis with the staff. The cons are the food and coffee; a little on the pricey side for what you get. When I got my bill I was amazed the coffee costs $2.25! I had the three-egg veggie scramble, with hash browns and the english muffin. I ate every last bit of it, and enjoyed it, but I just didn't feel the food fit the price. If they sourced their food from local farmers, maybe they could justify some of these prices. But, you be the judge. I may go back there and try their lunches, just out of curiosity. Awwuufff, I'm a glutton for punishment.
(2)Lara J.
I was looking forward to eating at debbie does desserts, but since they dnt open early, my friend and i ventured further down to hilda's. The first red flag was the waitress dressed in flip-flops (i donno something about that grosses me out)... we ignored the warning signs, and proceeded to order. We waited way too long for our food to arrive, and noticed that a table next to us had received an incorrect order. Once our food finally arrived, I was very disappointed. My friend's omelet was paper thin and was missing several ingredients, not to mention that the onions used seemed to be from the bottom of the barrel. I asked for my eggs to be scrambled, and instead I got something that looked like it was cooked in the microwave... After the table near us had left, the waitress came to clean their table and began to talk poorly and disrespectfully of the previous patrons. This was so shocking to hear- we decided not to even bother complaining about our order.... We waited at least 15 mins for them to notice that we were ready to pay, they were very distracted. Lastly, who doesn't accept plastic nowadays?! I would never return here again....
(1)D Z.
Good breakfast. The pancakes were really good, and the eggs were good as well. You'll get a really good meal here, but I there are lots of other places in the area that offer Hilda's some stiff competition.
(3)tom h.
Kind of more like a greasy diner type place........which can be great at times!
(4)S. H.
I love this place. The pancakes are amazing. It doesn't have amazing decor or fancy environs, but the food is great.
(5)Michael M.
I love this place for breakfast or lunch. Small town feeling and great food! I have not had a bad meal yet and I have been a regular for years. Thank you for the consistency...it shows! Gotta try the skinny fries, pancakes are awesome and the chicken sandwich are among my favorites. Parking in front or in back (with a rear entrance) in the Magnolia Lot around the corner.
(5)Lori E.
When I am craving meat I come to Hilda's for their french dip sandwiches. The meat is thinly sliced and stacked on a crispy french roll with the au jus on the side. The fries are perfectly cooked, no burnt ones! And the salads are terrific - I had a really good one with apples, pecans and cranberries (?) . The waitresses are super nice and they make you feel right at home. It's really like stepping back in time when you walk through that front door but it's all genuine.
(5)Grant H.
I've been going to Hilda's for years, and in general I love my old home-town diner. But, as the old adage goes, one bad experience can really tarnish a reputation. I dropped in around 8:15 on Saturday morning, looking forward to a plate of their nothing-to-write-home-about-standard corn beef hash, which I LOVE (just saying it's not a "from scratch" hash, which though no one may write home about, I love!). ANYWAY, I picked a table as usual and sat down. In this 10 table diner, I've always been greeted within a minute or two, even if to just tell me it'll take a bit of time 'cause it's busy. Not today. A good five minutes pass with no attention, even being walked by twice while I sat in a center table! THEN, another guy walks in, takes up an entire four-seat table himself, and not only gets immediately greeted, but gets his order taken, and I'm sitting at a table RIGHT BESIDE HIS! And then, the server walks away without acknowledging me AGAIN! Finally, after FIFTEEN MINUTES (by the way, only about 12 people total in the joint), I just got up, left, went to the grocery store and bought a can of hash and went home and cooked myself breakfast, and saved $15! GRRRR. But, overall, it's pretty good NORMALLY. Just be aware that you may have to wave down your server! The one consistently BAD thing is no credit card. And the prices really don't reflect the savings associated with that, so BOO.
(2)chris l.
Their "daily special" - fried chicken sandwich turns out to be the same frozen chicken nuggets that they served my daughter! Carpets in restaurants creep me out and they haven't changed the carpet here since before the flood. This place should close it's doors and let someone who cares about quality take it's place in this close neighborhood.
(2)kristen h.
as greasy spoons go, hilda's is just okay. the decor is pretty bad, and the fact that they only take cash (my husband had to run to the atm to get cash after breakfast) have cost it a star. to be cash-only in this day and age is just ridiculous. The food was not all that memorable. i'd rather go to bubba's across the street.
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