So the family came to see our youngest daughter In Elizabeth City. If you have never been to Elizabeth City I can tell you that there is not a lot there but there is this spot called the Mills Downtown Bistro. We visited this eclectic, intimate little spot on a Friday night. We got there just in time to get a table. This place is small, it seats maybe 60 people. It has that homey, country feeling with old style tin ceiling tiles. I felt like we were in a small tavern restaurant in the French countryside. By the look of this little store front restaurant you would think the menu would be the usual bar food. How surprised I was to see a fine dining menu. I order the sweet potato risotto with white wine and rabbit sausage. Let me tell you. This was farm to table fresh. The risotto was a little stiff for me but the sausage made up for it. Savory with a hint of spice on the finish made this sausage melt in your mouth good. My daughter ordered the apple crepe (If you like crepes they have savory and sweet) it was excellent other than the apples weren't peeled so the texture was a little off putting. But I still give them five stars for serving fine french style dining in downtown Elizabeth City! read more

The Bistro - Apple crepe! Delicious! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

See all

My wife and I were in town on business and always make a point of seeking out local restaurants instead of chain establishments. Based on the excellent ratings on both Google and Yelp, we were genuinely looking forward to trying this place. Unfortunately, when we arrived around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, the restaurant was completely closed. The doors were locked, the lights were off, and there wasn't a sign on the door explaining why. What made it even more frustrating was that their website, Google, Yelp, and even their Facebook page all indicated they were open, and there was no post or notice explaining that they would be closed. I don't normally leave reviews for restaurants I haven't had the opportunity to dine at, but keeping your hours up to date is an important part of customer service. If you need to close unexpectedly, a quick update on Google or social media--or even a simple note on the door--goes a long way and saves customers a wasted trip. I'm leaving a three-star review in the hope that this serves as constructive feedback. We'll gladly give the restaurant another chance if we're back in the area, but I hope future guests have a more accurate idea of whether the restaurant is actually open before making the drive. To those about to nosh, we salute you! Hopefully your trip here ends with a meal instead of a locked door. read more

The Bistro - Not accurate hours - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Stopped in for lunch while in Elizabeth City. Just on the corner of Poindexter and Colonial is this little burger spot. It's small inside but relaxing and complements with a little bar. We of course had the burgers and added a side of Brussel sprouts. The burgers were on a nice bun and definitely hand pressed with (our pick) hand cut stake fries. We sat and relaxed while chatting with our server Morgan and discussing areas of interest. We were about to wrap it up and my wife decided she needed to try the peach cobbler! It was warm and had just the right amount of vanilla ice cream. Very good! Everything combined brought this little burger bar to a solid 4 for us. Hope you enjoy it as well! read more

See all

Been here a few times since we moved here over the summer. Honestly I came in because I googled where to get a monte Cristo nearby and this said they had one on the menu. When we got there we were informed it isn't on the menu anymore but there is a similar item on the brunch menu. When we went back the following week for brunch (so that I could satisfy the craving) they said they didn't have it at all anymore. We ordered a variety of food across all of our visits and I failed to get pictures of the food on each occasion. Each time we went there the entire group was disappointed with what we got. The server was nice, the establishment was clean. Each of our visits there were few people dining... so it was kind of quiet. Overall, each dish seemed to be missing the little extra umph that could make an okay something great. read more

We've been to this restaurant twice now and both times the food was absolutely terrible. The service was good, staff is friendly, the esthetic is decent, but the food is so bad. First time I got the mushroom burger and half was cooked and seasoned and the other side was flavorless and almost raw, my bun was soggy, and the fries tasted like old grease. My husband and kids got burgers and fries and they weren't any better though I don't remember their specific experience. The second time I got a salad instead of fries and the lettuce was slimy and old, our glasses smelled like stale beer and fish, my husband got fries and they still tasted like old grease, and the handhelds we ordered were absolutely disgusting. We literally each took one bite of the salad, fries, and sandwich and threw it away. My husband didn't even try his sandwich because he didn't want to get food poisoning. We really wanted to love this place but both of our experiences haven't been good and we won't go back. read more

Went to give this place a try for a date night with my wife. Walked in and we were the only ones there other than some kids at the bar. First strike was the establishment smelled like dirty mop with a hint of sewage. Second strike was when we go to order we were informed that they were working off a limited menu and entrees weren't available. We could order starters and sandwiches and due to our time constraints we couldn't find another spot. So we order sandwiches. They took forever to come out and when they did they were cold and nasty. We ended up running out of time asking for our check and leaving. Won't be returning to this establishment, I wouldn't expect them to be open for much longer under this current management. read more

Atmosphere: In downtown Elizabeth City (Betsy City). A small and comfortable dining room with a bar and light music overhead. The music volume was low enough that you could have a comfortable conversation. Of note, the ceiling is very cool, the tiles used make the room feel more vintage, clean and somehow modern. Food: The menu is relatively light with minimum options but all classic to the area. They serve steak, pork chops, sandwiches, burger, and seafood dishes. Seafood allergies prevent me those options but everything looked good. Service: Service was solid, the man working the dining area was able to rattle off the beers and dessert from memory. Ordered regular fries and they gave me sweet potato fries. No big deal. Overall: Good experience, second time here and was much better than the first time which we can't remember. read more

The Bistro - Local beer and a classic German beer. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

The only positive thing was the people were working hard- 1 server and 1 cook. They do not offer what is advertised on the menu. No steak, no seafood. This was the worst meal we have ever had. A McDonald's hamburger is much better than the burger that we were served. We came from out of town looking forward to the whole dining experience based on the wonderful reviews and it was a massive disappointment all around. The salad was small, missing key ingredients advertised on the menu, chicken portion meager and dry, salad dressing tasted terrible. Even the special seasonal tea was not good. A waste of time and money. Left hungry and wishing we went to a fast food drive- thru instead. read more

Had my first peanut butter burger here. Very tasty. Fries were perfectly oil-fried, crispy outside, tender inside. Brussel sprouts ordered as an appetizer were enjoyed by the entire table. Service was excellent, and the Oktoberfest beer, recommended by the waitress, nicely complimented the burger. Dessert selections were not tempting enough for the splurge, so we stopped after the entree. Glad for the reservation, otherwise the wait would have been at least 30 minutes for a Friday night. Elizabeth City has come a long way since my last visit downtown nearly 10 years ago. I would eat at the Bistro again, although, to be honest, I will probably try a new place when I come back. If you have never been here, though, you should try it. Trust me. read more

When I first dined here a few years ago, I had lunch and the salmon was so so good. I came here and had the omelette and it just wasn't good. Hot cocktails also weren't good (straight coffee and liquor vs an actual cocktail). The service is great and this place is always busy. It's a quaint place in downtown Elizabeth City. But I probably won't be back. read more

The Bistro - Brunch menu - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Good, friendly service. We had delicious burgers. The sweet potato fries are one of the best I have ever had. Unfortunately, I was told they are going away. The fries cooked in beef tallow were not very good at all. A small menu, but overall a good place, except for the fries. read more

After 6 months of visiting the city and checking out different restaurants I finally found an amazing restaurant. The salad was delicious. The tomatoes had a nice sweet flavor that paired perfectly with the balsamic vinaigrette. The bourbon salmon melted in my mouth. The location is small but the cooks and waitresses were efficient in providing quick service and accommodating our party. This is definitely a perfect spot for a family meal. read more

See all

Nothing like it in e city for burger variety and creative flavors. Took the kids and all but one of us were impressed and delighted with our burger; can't always please a kid. My burger was delicious and everyone's looked great. The Brussel side was cokes to perfection. It's cute inside taking advantage of the classic aspects of the building. Our server was attentive and friendly. I hope they survive here. Would love to see more choices of ciders as they only had a tropical flavored choice which was ok. Give it a shot, it's a great burger! read more

See all

Stopped by for dinner after Tarwheels bike ride. Friendly service, excellent burgers and several options for fries and salad. Every kind of burger available. Vegan options too. Several beer, wine and cocktail options. Friendly and relaxed. Downtown near Big Boss Burritos and Ghost Brewing. We will return. read more

This a cute little bistro with a great atmosphere. The service was fantastic and Morgan kept my coffee filled. I ordered an AM breakfast burger. The burger was cooked with a nice char on the outside and juicy in the middle. The egg was perfect. The peppered bacon and cheese sauce were the perfect compliment. I am not a fan of steak fries but the waiter said they were good so I took a chance. They did not dissapoint. They were well seasoned and crispy on the outside. I wish I lived nearby. I would make this a regular brunch place. read more

Wanted to get out of Suffolk, Va . And change up our scenery. Found this brunch spot in our neighboring city and decided to take the ride. Atmosphere has a southern feel with a southern style country cooking menu. I had the downtown brunch platter while the Mrs ordered the Bistro club sandwich. A side stack of pancakes and a margarita mimosa for the wife. The brunch platter was simple but well portioned. Eggs, potatoes, bacon, and a very delicious biscuit. Nothing special about it, your traditional breakfast items. The Mrs, however, went out on a limb ordering the bistro club. If looks alone was all you measured this sandwich by, it would be a 10! However, the pesto was overpowering in the sandwich and killed the ability to taste anything else. Now if you love the taste of pesto you will love this sandwich, for me and the Mrs we can "leave it." Well we can say we tried the food her and it was just ok. No need to return due to the failure of first impression. read more

See all

I have been to this restaurant three times including twice this past weekend. My wife and I really love the menu, there are a lot of great options on there. We went Saturday, October 11 around 11:30 AM. When I walked in another customer told me that they had been there an hour and had not received their food. We decided to wait anyway. There was one young lady covering the bar and all the patrons. There were two cooks in the kitchen. We waited an hour and 15 minutes before we received our food. I ordered the French toast sandwich, and when it was brought to the table, it looked good initially. The bottom of the sandwich had been burnt pretty significantly and it was turned face down, so I wouldn't see it. So I had to order a replacement sandwich and that came pretty quick in 10 minutes. Sunday morning, we decided to give it another go and we came in at 10:30 AM. We still had to wait about an hour and five minutes for the food to be delivered, and there were two cooks in the kitchen and two people covering the floor. I'm not sure what causes the delay, it seems like the cooks can only handle one meal at a time and they put it together and send it out. Then when they finish that one they start the next meal. We watched the time period between each meal being delivered and that's what seems to be going on. I really like this restaurant and think the food is good, but they definitely need to work on their time to get the food at the table. read more

Cute place with tasty food. I had the French Dip with sweet potato chips. The chips were amazing. My husband had a burger and steak fries. Service was good. read more

The Bistro - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Fast, friendly service. One of the best burgers I've had in a while. Steak fries are great too. Sweet tea like mom used to make. I'll be back. Maybe I'll try brunch and mimosas next time. read more

Stopped in on a Sunday evening with two friends. Had the Brussels sprouts appetizer and shepherds pie. Both were amazing. I believe our server was Andy? and the service was excellent. The atmosphere was so chill. I would highly recommend! read more

Wonderful place for Sunday breakfast. Quality is excellent. I had the French toast and a coffee with Bailey's. A friend had their burger. Both delicious! read more

The Bistro - L to R: coffee with Bailey's, bloody Mary, coffee with Kahlúa - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

See all

Update: we've gone back several times since last posting and I have to say, they've got it straightened out. Our latest visit included the biscuits, shrimp & grits (without chorizo gravy), grilled Brussels sprouts, steak done rare & eggs scrambled, soft. Those last two items not always successful but the kitchen nailed it today. Our server, Morgan, is always helpful and accommodating. Now we know what to expect and are looking forward to our next visit. And a burger! read more

Used to be great before it was sold. If you want a burger with the smallest burger pattie on it this place is for you. Also "steak fries" are just potato wedges that taste like fryer oil that needs to be changed. Drab interior slow service. read more

The Bistro Burger Bar has delicious burgers. We've gone a few times and it's always been really good. We usually get the brussel sprout appetizer which is fantastic!! The burgers are cooked perfectly and the fries are always hot and flavorful. It's a quaint little spot with great food! The service is pretty quick and the staff is friendly! It's the place to go for when you're wanting a good burger! read more

We had some phenomenal gluten free burgers at this restaurant recently. Being Celiac, it is NOT easy for me to come home as often as I would like to see family because there are so few restaurants in town that offer gluten free food. Thank you so much for providing gluten free food in this town and I want especially thank you for giving us some a memorable culinary experience. It is greatly appreciated. read more

Great burgers and fries, awesome staff. Only downside is that this place is rather small, so probably not good for large groups. Highly recommend! read more

I love this place! I had the chefs pasta. So disappointed, they have new ownership and have stopped serving the chefs pasta

Nice bistro in downtown Elizabeth City. There were no Yelp reviews (first baby) so we had to take one for the Yelp team. I'm glad we did. The food was good as well as the service. Highlights - The place is small. Not a lot of tables. We were seated at the bar. - I believe they do take reservations. Call, no Open Table. - They have brunch but we did not have the opportunity to try it - They take plastic - ~ 1/2 dozen beers on draft, okay wine list, good craft cocktail menu - Most of dinner menu is Tapas and flatbreads - They had a small number of entrees for dinner which I assume changes - No private parking, but street parking and parking garages close by - They are open for lunch Additional Tim's Thoughts - If you go on the weekend then make a reservation or go early - Charcuterie platter was very good. Hummus was just okay. I do recommend the flatbreads. I would recommend this place to others and will be back on my next trip to Elizabeth City read more

See all

I have mixed feelings about this place, the first time the burgers were good but the fries were super greasy and we got a skimpy serving. The second visit the burgers felt mushy like there was some kind of filler added but the fries were good and a generous amount. However the burgers do not include fries and are extra. Total bill for 2 burgers with fries, a kid's meal with tip and only water was $50 for a quick lunch, they also apply 3% credit card surcharge. The place was clean, wait staff was friendly & food arrived quickly and as ordered. read more

We stopped here randomly on the way to the OBX. The place was packed. Menu was small, but you can easily find something on the menu. I had the spicy chicken flatbread. You could tell it was home made and it was delicious. Service was also great too!! read more

Fabulous service, delightful atmosphere and delicious food. I loved the crepes with artichokes, spinach and Brie. read more

See all

Food was amazing, I had shrimp and grits and Dave had French toast sandwich. Very quaint ambience and service was excellent. We will return.

This is the first time I ever posted a review for anything, but I had to this time. We went to the Mills last night and it was the worst service I have ever had. It took us 1.75 hours to from the time we were seated until we paid the check. We had to wave the waitress down twice. She was more interested in being the bartender then serving our table. I noticed there were 2 other tables that came in at least 15 minutes after us and were finished 45 minutes before us. There were also 2 couples who came in after us, ate at the bar and were gone within an hour. The other waiter did a nice job serving them, but our waitress was horrible. The flatbread was good, but the main dishes were only ok. We were excited to go there for a birthday dinner and left disappointed. Needless to say, I will not go there again. read more

I've never been to Elizabeth City before, and I saw this place while I was walking to the restaurant I originally intended to go to. The atmosphere inside is inviting and relaxing, and they've got jazz music playing quietly in the background. There was a little bit of confusion on whether the bartender or another person was my server (I sat at the bar). They occasionally repeated each other in trying to take my order, it they were both appropriately attentive and brought my food out quickly. They couldn't find a cocktail menu, but they told me the drinks they had and their prices. I ordered a cocktail (The Bee's Knees) which was good, and well-sized sized for the price. To eat, I got the Chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates, and also the Clams. The dates were good, and the clams were VERY good. I wish the clams came with twice as much bread for the sauce they come in (they brought me more on request). Overall, a very good experience. I would definitely come back. read more

The Bistro - Clams - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

This place was amazing. Completely great experience from beginning to end. The best Bananas Foster was the most enjoyable dessert I've ever had. The tuna was fantastic. The shrimp and grits was fantastic. I'll definitely be back. read more

The Bistro - This Bananas Foster is beyond comment. It was hands down the best dessert I've ever enjoyed in any restaurant anywhere - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Saturday brunch is great, I recommend the French toast! Our server was great, she checked on us multiple times and even had a nice conversation about the history of the place. Quant, cozy, & clean! read more

The food was nice but not hot due to them cooking most of the dishes and then leaving it sat in the hatch while they made the last dish in our order. Some items were missing from the plate which they were happy to discount. Service was very slow but they were friendly read more

Delicious and reasonably priced. Large portion sizes and unique menu items makes this place a stand out in Elizabeth City. read more

The Bistro - Chefs Pasta and side salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina

See all

So good, we went twice! We had an early dinner before the Coast Guard half marathon. Great food and great service! The charcuterie plate shouldn't be missed! The next day we went back and had an amazing brunch! Can highly recommend the Cocktails and the flatbread! Will definitely go back to the next time we are in the area. read more

Been here multiple times while staying in Elizabeth City. If you go when James is cooking and Alice is serving, you'll never have a better experience anywhere else. There's daily specials throughout the week, so you could go many times without ever having to eat the same thing. read more

The Bistro - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Elizabeth City, North Carolina