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Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed, Mill Valley, CA
Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed, Mill Valley, CA
Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed, Mill Valley, CA
Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed, Mill Valley, CA
Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed, Mill Valley, CA

Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed

4.6
4.6
988 Reviews
$30 and under
American
Located in the heart of Mill Valley, Balboa Cafe serves classic American bistro fare that is featured on our casual lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Diners can also choose from an extensive wine list and a terrific cocktail menu.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm Sunday: 5:00pm-9:00pm Happy Hour: Tuesday-Sunday 3:00pm-6:00pm
  • Phone number
    (415) 381-7321
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    We offer catering services for off-site events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our experienced catering staff will work closely with you to create a memorable event for you and your guests whether in the comfort of your own home, the convenience of your office or staged in a specific venue. Services include: full service off-site catering, experienced catering staff, full service bar, event planning, rental coordination.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the restaurant for more information.
  • Private party contact
    Kara Mibach: (415) 381-7321
  • Neighborhood
    Mill Valley
  • Cross street
    Sunnyside
  • Parking details
    Street parking available.
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 988 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

919 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    So sad to see the Balboa leave Mill Valley. The location just didn't do this fab restaurant justice. Hope they come back in a new bigger location.

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  2. suzanb

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2018

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Saying goodbye to our neighborhood restaurant.

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  3. Vicster

    San Francisco

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2018

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great meal. Server was great but getting drinks and our food was so so slow.

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  4. Marbleguy

    Tahoe

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to eat with changing menu that reflects the season, happy hour is good with changing cocktails and apps that are tasty and good value. Service is always good and bar scene is vibrant. Noise level can get a little loud if a game is on and its a local team.

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  5. benG

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Expensive. However the main dish portions work quite generous.

    Is this helpful?

  6. AmyZ

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience2
    Great service! Good food . A little noisy but lively

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  7. Lovefoodie

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service, excellent food. Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Bcon

    Central Coast

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2018

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    The service and atmosphere were very pleasant. The food unfortunately was nothing special. There was a petite filet that was tough. I found out it is not a true filet mignon but a "shoulder" cut...very disappointing. Overall it's okay...just not great. Too bad...I think it could be great if the kitchen gets a make over.

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  9. lvalleygirl

    San Francisco

    40 reviews

    4.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    When we lived in the City we went to the Balboa Cafe all the time. This location doesn't have quite the same ambience but it tries. We were among lots of locals, like us, visiting with friends and enjoying their afternoon. Cocktails were imaginative and delicious. We shared crab cakes, a salad and shrimp wrap--all yummy

    Is this helpful?

  10. SanDiegoMan

    San Diego

    76 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2018

    overall3food3service1ambience2
    Had brunch. Eggs Benedict was good. Service was poor. Server was nice and friendly. But he was slow, and rarely around. The restaurant was only half full at 12noon on a Sunday. Should've been able to give better service. He didn't know what a Denver Omelet was when I asked to have them make that. Could be a better experience here if the staff was more attentive and better trained.

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  11. Gerry

    San Francisco

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food and service was very good. At times the noise level was high.

    Is this helpful?

  12. SamuelG

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 22, 2018

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    After a lapse in my visits of several years, I was pleased to find Balboa having made significant improvements. The dishes were more creative, better presented, made good use of local produce, and generally seems to fit the atmosphere of Mill Valley very comfortably indeed. It's upscale without being pretentious.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Rhere

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    1.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2018

    overall1food1service5ambience5
    I was really disappointed during my last visit. The Caesar salad was really small and lacking; crummy croutons; shrimp was good. But for what they charged - the salad bar at Safeway is better. Friend ordered the Filet - which was the filet tail and tough to cut and sent back. The Wednesday wine was a buy but won't come back probably.

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  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Patio for our dogs.

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  15. anthonyh

    San Francisco

    57 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2018

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    Waiter certainly wasn't overly attentive. Lobster Risotto was a true disappointment. Cold raw shelled peas in a warm risotto..never had that before. Not a fan. Excellent wines. Miso salmon was nice. Probably the third or fourth time we've eaten there. This is the first time it was a disappointment. Cold raw peas..amazing.

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  16. denisec

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2018

    overall1food1service3ambience3
    the hamburger ordered was not the requested temperature. it was sent back, at the insistence of the manager. the second burger was cooked exactly as the first one. well done. very disappointing.

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  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Love this place! The food is always fresh and delicious. Great menu with so many items to choose from and really good wine list! We dine there frequently and they are always friendly. Super place for everyday or for a date night!

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lucas is great!😀

    Is this helpful?

  19. EdfromWalnutCreek

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    We drove over from Walnut Creek for an early afternoon Mothers Day brunch, and it was well worth it! We dressed casually and brought our small dog, we sat out on the patio and had a lovely quiet family brunch. The service was good, although we asked three different people to turn on the heater above us and it never happened. Food was excellent - my wife got a special quiche and I got eggs benedict, my daughter (14) got a BLAT sandwich and my son (12) got the cornflake crusted French toast. Plus two starters - avocado toast and cronuts. Everyone was happy and stuffed. Not cheap but not outrageous either. We would (will!) definitely go back.

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  20. melissa

    Sacramento

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Celebrated Mother's Day here. The food and environment were great! Everyone was nice and welcoming.

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  21. Marinfoodie

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Absolutely love the burger here!

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  22. mscrabtree

    San Francisco

    57 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    57 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Always a good neighborhood standby!!!! Food and service are always consistently good.

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  23. Roadrider125

    San Francisco

    47 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    47 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2018

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The Balboa Cafe is just not a particularly good value -- okay food at inflated prices. My burger was small and the swiss cheese not properly melted. The mass of fries were limp and lacked the crisp texture that most restaurants can achieve. A disappointing experience.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2018

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    Should remove the carpet and put hardwood floors. Yucky

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2018

    overall2food1service2ambience2
    The waiter was very loud and a bit intrusive it took about 10 minutes to get our first drink order even take them much less delivered. The Rizzuto was quite good but my tuner was overcooked and the dessert was very very good

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2018

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Server awesome! Thanks- and sorry his name slipped my memory. He is a nursing student at COM😀

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  27. MichaelM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our 2nd time and was as good as the 1st time. Will bring our family next time.....

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  28. 46redhead

    San Francisco

    23 reviews

    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Love the Balboa, great crowd. Food excellent.

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  29. Food4all

    San Francisco

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great lunch at Balboa Cafe after a hike in Muir Woods. Service was spectacular and food was delicious and presented beautifully. We will be back!

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  30. lm2083

    San Francisco

    16 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2018

    overall2food3service3ambience3
    Balboa Cafe in SF used to be the place to go in the 80s and 90s. Either drugged out haze made it better or they've gone downhill. Had 4 drinks between us at $10/each and they wanted to charge $1.50 when I ordered anchovies for my anchovy-less Caesar salad. Service a little weak and overall, only go here if you can't get into D'Angelo's.

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  31. SUSANM

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent in every way. We love going back to Balboa

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  32. TedS

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated a special night here and were well taken care of!

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  33. opentabler7

    San Francisco

    190 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    190 reviews

    Dined on April 12, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Known for the omelets and burgers at lunch, dinner was truly special. Out of this world lobster risotto and 1/2 off wine bottles on Wednesday with purchase of an entree. Great personal service and large tasty salads.Drinks are always very good. Nice to have the S.F. based Balboa in Mill Valley!

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  34. Firefly

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love this restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  35. kathleenn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Loud kids nearby, parents weren't doing a good job of controlling them. Unfortunate. Otherwise great experience. It was a Sunday night, maybe this is a family time?

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  36. Ckh10

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Food was good, we got a table in the corner but it was still difficult to hear until the early diners finished and left. Not the restaurant's fault. Mark was a great waiter!

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  37. KCCali

    San Joaquin

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 30, 2018

    overall2food1service5ambience3
    Food was meh but staff was fabulous. I wasn't impressed with the lunch at all and probably wouldn't come back.

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  38. toadtastes

    San Francisco

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Celebrating a girlfriend’s birthday. The waitress offered a complimentary dessert which was lovely.

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  39. doyle

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent service. The best and most professional servers town. Thank you Shellen, Adolpho, Rene, Jennifer and mark. Five star all the way.

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  40. DineDontEat

    San Francisco

    43 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This was the first time we dined at Balboa Café. Food was very good. We will be back.

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FAQs

Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed is rated 4.6 stars by 988 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

Google Map for Balboa Cafe - Mill Valley - Permanently Closed

38 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Sunnyside
  • Neighborhood
    Mill Valley
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch: Tuesday - Sunday: 11:30am - 3:00pm Dinner: Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm - 9:30pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00pm - 10:30pm Sunday: 5:00pm-9:00pm Happy Hour: Tuesday-Sunday 3:00pm-6:00pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street parking available.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (415) 381-7321
  • Catering
    We offer catering services for off-site events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Our experienced catering staff will work closely with you to create a memorable event for you and your guests whether in the comfort of your own home, the convenience of your office or staged in a specific venue. Services include: full service off-site catering, experienced catering staff, full service bar, event planning, rental coordination.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the restaurant for more information.
  • Private party contact
    Kara Mibach: (415) 381-7321
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