Balboa Cafe Mill Valley

38 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA

Address:	38 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA
Phone:	+1 415-381-7321
Site:	balboacafe.com
Rating:	3.8
Working:	5–10PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–3PM 11:30AM–3PM 5–11PM 11AM–3PM 11AM–3PM

Location

Photos 20

Reviews 25

Lora Kolodny

This place looks lovely. Just homey enough. Spacious. Food wise it lets you down. There was one vegetarian entree option on the brunch menu: juveos rancheros. Ok. Its a simple dish so I ordered it with a side of fries. The fries arrived in a generous little metal basket. They were covered in "seasoning," meaning near-flavorless red powder (too weak paprika?) and chopped up chives. The onion-flavor of the chives was simply overwhelming all other savory flavors that could have been there. The chopped chives also added moisture to the fries making them floppy and unappetizing. At least 1/4 of the basket full of fries were little broken pieces, like 1/4 inch each making it an awkward appetizer to share. Additionally, the "sauces" they serve with french fries were a really horrible stiff, white mayo and a too-shy portion of ketchup. The mayo tasted, somehow, metallic. Moving on... When the juevos rancheros arrived -- they included two exceedingly runny fried eggs, atop a soaking wet pile of black beans and waterlogged soft, white corn and wheat tortilla. There was a tasty deep-fried pepper filled with cheese along with the dish. My friend got a burger, well-done, that arrived extra-extra black. The burger is serevd on french bread not a roll or bun -- and that detail is not specified on the menu nor was it mentioned by the servers. It also comes with a pile of very thinly sliced sweet pickles, and a huge serving of french fries. That also was not mentioned by the server -- though it would have been nice if she guided me to a different appetizer, considering. . . What a crazy disappointment!!! Do not recommend. Gave it a "good" rating on service because the server who waited on us was nice. Sorry! I wanted to love it. Just didnt. Not even close.

Matt Thomas

Outstanding. Weve been eating here for years--since the restaurant opened. The ambiance is lively but if youre in a quieter mood, you can ask for a back table or a booth. The food is consistently good. We try different menu items often and always leave satisfied. Kids are also welcome too as they cover the tables with paper and supply crayons even thought the table setup is very much on the nice side. The kids food is great (I sometimes order it for myself). Most of the menu isnt too pricey but you must remember that its on a scale as this is Mill Valley. The wait staff is also as consistently good a the food. The restaurant and customers must treat them well because many of them have been there for a long time--we do as theyre exceptional, friendly, and fun. 10.07.14 - Just had lunch and after all these years, never sat outside. They have NanaWall doors that open up the inside to the outside patio!

Hugh Durdan

We had a nice table outside on a beautiful summer evening but I guess it was too far for the waiter to bother. After waiting for 20 minutes he finally showed up and asked "oh, have you been here a while" but didnt offer an apology when we said a resounding yes. I ordered the pasta special, which was rigatoni puttanesca. The sauce was watery and pretty flavorless for what is supposed to be one of the more strongly flavored pasta sauces. My wife ordered the salmon, which was dry and overcooked. Our daughter got the burger, which was the only good thing we had (I ate half of it instead of my pasta). But with the pile of fries the small amount of ketchup they brought wasnt enough and I had to go inside to get someones attention to bring us more. The wine selection was good, but overall the food and service were a real disappointment.

Michael Hraba

I dont know what it is about this spot, but I am always having the best time when I end up there. This is an unassuming, non-pretentious dark, old school bar. They will make whatever you want, all smiles, great service. Good bar food, great kitchen, which is sometimes a tad slow. But this place is about enjoying time with friends, conversation, and not much else. Very fair prices.... nice spot.

A Private User

We were very surprised by the small portions and the bland tasting food. They describe it as simple but really it is uncreative and dull. Over priced and poor service. A wonder that people return there. Definitely a rip off.

Karin Judd

Would like to give the Balboa Cafe a Five Star Rating. Yet to Revisit it. Would love to Revisit it. Would Love to Get to know the Owners and Staff. Love Karin Judd

A Private User

Go for the Balboa Burger. Its not for children, coming on a French roll your little ones may be a little freaked out but you will be in love with its flavor.

Samuel Seifer

3rd time Ive been there... Food usually average but then on Saturday night me and 3 of my family members got food poisoning! 1 star.

Jennifer Lopez

The drinks took forever and they were small and taste terrible. The food overall seemed old and not very good

Josef Aukee

Best burger. Best brunch. Great staff. Starters to salads and pasta specials to steaks are all well-prepared.

Jason Zook

Breakfast hash is redic!!!

Urban Carmel

Probably the best restaurant for the price in downtown MV. Specialize in comfort food.

Christopher Sheehan

Great happy hour food and drinks, particularly the hummus and fried chicken.