Mill Valley Kitchen — Restaurant in Saint Louis Park

Mill Valley Kitchen: My Go-To Happy Hour Spot with Farm-Fresh Flavors & Cozy Vibes

If you’ve never been to Mill Valley Kitchen in St. Louis Park, stop what you’re doing and go. I’ve been here many times—for birthdays, casual dinners, and of course, happy hour—and each visit just reinforces why this spot is one of my local faves.

Let’s talk about my most recent happy hour adventure. First off, the mussels. Oh. My. Gosh. They come swimming in this rich, flavorful broth that just begs to be soaked up with some grilled baguette. Pro tip: order extra bread. Trust me—you’ll want to mop up every last drop.

Next up: the wings. These aren’t your average bar wings. They come with a tangy sauce, crave-worthy sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, and just messy enough to feel like a good time. Pair that with their salmon sliders (yes, they’re as amazing as they sound) and you’ve got yourself a winning combo.

Now, let’s talk shrimp tacos. Perfectly grilled shrimp, fresh toppings, all wrapped up in a soft shell—these were absolutely packed with flavor. I could have eaten three more and still wanted more!

And while I’m not usually one for falafel, Mill Valley might’ve just changed my mind. Their new happy hour version had my vegan friend absolutely glowing—and after sneaking a bite (okay, maybe two), I can confirm: not dry, not bland. Just straight-up delicious.

The dessert shots here? To. Die. For. Just the right size to satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Whether it’s the chocolate mousse, lemon curd, or whatever seasonal treat they’ve got going—don’t skip dessert. You’ll thank me later.

The ambiance here is a whole vibe. Cozy interiors with chic, modern decor that screams relaxed sophistication. And the patio? Tucked away from the road, it’s peaceful and private—none of that loud, traffic-filled outdoor dining you get elsewhere.

I do have one teeny-tiny complaint: they’ve taken the flatbreads off the happy hour menu. I miss them deeply. But with everything else still this good, I’ll survive.

Whether you're catching up with friends or just need a midweek treat, Mill Valley Kitchen delivers every time. From the fresh, farm-to-table flavors to the warm, welcoming atmosphere—this place just...

First time at Mill Valley Kitchens and we were very happy with our experience. We were two couples who just got together to chat and catch up.

We ordered the smoked salmon appetizer to split between us all. There was a very large portion of salmon, so this worked well. Delicious appetizer. My husband and I split the beet salad, which the kitchen plated separately for us. It was delicious and very full of wonderful beets. I ordered the miso encrusted sea bass, one person ordered the trout and two ordered the pork chop. All of us raved about our food. My seabass was perfectly cooked, which is a real issue for me with fish and seafood - it is so often overcooked. This was just luscious. I had a bite of the pork and the trout and they were also very good. Nothing left on any plates, so this is not a place for splitting a meal. Enjoyed the fluffernutter for dessert, although it was a tad too sweet. Overall - the food was really lovely and fresh. Portions were good sized, but the prices are high.

Our server was a little overzealous, but only one of us four found her annoying. The other three thought she was fun. Unfortunately for us, the table behind us had a gentleman who talked exceptionally loud and we found ourselves having to repeat things as we couldn't hear each other. When he left, the sound level dropped considerably and we enjoyed the rest of our meal.

Our bill was fairly substantial, so I would say I knocked a little off the score for value.

We would go back and we would recommend...

My wife and I have been loyal patrons of Mill Valley Kitchen for years, often choosing it for special occasions because of the healthy options, high-quality food, and excellent service. Unfortunately, our most recent visit, about three weeks ago, was a disappointment, leading us to look for a new go-to restaurant.

We started with the flatbread, which used to be a light, thin-crust appetizer. Now it’s a thick, doughy pizza that could easily be a full meal. Despite requesting it as an appetizer, it arrived just minutes before our entrées, crowding the table and allowing everything to cool off too quickly.

I ordered the seared ahi tuna, which I've enjoyed many times before, priced at $36. This time, however, the rice was cold, and the hearts of palm salad was both sparse and filled with inedible core pieces. It felt like the kitchen simply wasn’t paying attention.

Please note that our server was great! But, when I raised these concerns with the manager, hoping for some insight or resolution, he became defensive. He brushed off my feedback by saying, "Don't let this one experience stop you from trying us again," and walked away. Multiple issues had been ignored, and his dismissive attitude only solidified our decision not to return.

When a restaurant charges premium prices, the quality of both food and service should reflect that. Sadly, Mill Valley Kitchen has raised prices while letting standards slip. We’re disappointed but grateful there are plenty of other options...