Balboa Cafe Mill Valley

Outstanding. We've been eating here for years--since the restaurant opened. The ambiance is lively but if you're 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 isn't too pricey but you must remember that it's 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 they're 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!

I don't 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.

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 didn't 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 wasn't enough and I had to go inside to get someone's attention to bring us more. The wine selection was good, but overall the food and service were a real disappointment.

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

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

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

Pricey for ho hum food. If you want anchovies on your Caesar salad, it's $1.50 extra.

Good food, good service. GyPSy gave misleading directions at destination but found it after conferring with a local.