This image is the cover for the book Lost Restaurants of Fairfield, California, American Palate

Lost Restaurants of Fairfield, California, American Palate

Delve into the memories, meals, and the men and women behind Fairfield's' beloved former dining spots.


Since the city's incorporation in 1903, Fairfield's restaurants have reflected the simple tastes of suburban life, serving up good food and great times at places like the Firehouse Deli-Café, the Hi-Fi Drive-In and beyond. Longtime residents knew the best Mexican food north of Tijuana could be found at Dan & Ruth's Café, and Voici, where the movers and shakers met, claimed the crown as swankiest spot in town. Smorga Bob's, the buffet-style family restaurant where locals could let their hair down and get their grub on, is missed to this day.


Join longtime Daily Republic columnist and accidental local historian Tony Wade on a delicious tour of bygone eateries.

Tony Wade

Tony Wade came to Fairfield in 1976 when he was twelve and never left. He attended Grange Intermediate, Armijo High School and Solano Community College. In 2006, Wade began writing columns for the local newspaper, the Daily Republic, as a freelance writer. In 2011, he became an accidental historian when he began writing his "Back in the Day" columns. He is the elder brother of longtime columnist Kelvin Wade and lives in Fairfield with his wife, Beth, and their Chiweenie, Chunky Tiberius Wade.

The History Press