I will dream of this steak salad! It was spectacular! Loved the casual vibe outside. Great service

I am forced yet again to leave another subpar review and it's always relating to the service here. Having given up on table dining due to service issues, my husband and I found it a fun pastime to sit at the bar, have a few drinks and apps and call it good. We enjoy the bartenders and really only stay about an hour or hour and a half. The other night though we arrived early - 5:15 - and found the bar full. While trying to figure out our options, two people left so we hurried to grab their seats at the bar only to find a "reserved" sign at the bar. I asked the bartender what the desk was and who reserved bar seats and she said the hostess. We were told we could sit there but had to leave at 5:45pm. The hostess then proceeded to stare us down, pace back and forth behind us and insist to the bartender that we leave promoting at 5:45. This is not the first time this hostess has been rude or dismissive and in fact, we have witnessed many arguments between her and the bartenders and cook staff over the past couple of years. The net of this is: reserving bar seats is in such poor taste but to also have a beyond snippy hostess at the elm is the worst. read more

After a long hike at Mount Tamalpais our group of 11 stopped by the Watershed. We only had to wait 15min to get seated and we got a nice corner bench seating inside. I ordered the Cheeseburger with fries and a couple ciders. The service was a bit slow but good, the burger also felt like it was missing something. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Overall it was a filling meal that left me satisfied! Great cider too! read more

Watershed - Cheeseburger - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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Threw my 4 year sobriety birthday at watershed, so yea I don't know anything about the drinks but they look fancy? Anyway this place has the best ribs in Marin hands down. Expensive AF, worth it. I have never ordered anything and been upset except once when the menu said burrata pizza and it was mozzarella and the manager tried to mansplane how they are almost the same. Wrong! Not if you know food like I do. Anyway, gave it a second shot after that which I almost didn't and now go as often as I can afford. My friends all hate eating with me do to my intense opinions about everywhere I go. My boyfriend even started to tag along on the "you know who could ruin this meal right now, Cherish!" Punch line. However I get two chances a year to make them eat with me. This year I chose watershed as one of the two, that's a big deal. I recommend eating outside, don't tip more than 10% because they have no service (you won't get mad heads up), honestly if you choose to eat here have no expectation of any service. Other than that eat there thicck (with two c's) cut fries, ribs, Brussels sprouts. Your welcome. read more

Watershed - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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I went here today for the first time, it's been on my list so I'm glad I finally had a chance to do so. I had wanted to try the burger because I had read how good it was. Well I had a bit of sticker shock if I'm being honest. It's a burger. I would've ordered other things to try as well but I just felt like all the prices were a bit high. When it did arrive, it came quickly. It looked PHENOMENAL. It tasted even better, even without the added fixing that I normally get. The bread was fresh & flakey. The veggies crisp. The cheese ooie,goodies melted. The burger had a wonderful char on it. It may very well have been one of the best burgers I've ever had. It came with these housemade chips that too were just so good I couldn't believe it. How DO they get the bubbles in the potato like that?? It was quite loud even though it wasn't close to full in there. On a cold & rainy day everyone was forced to sit inside whereas I have only seen people enjoying the outside. That might be better. Our server was friendly & even offered me some extra chips to go when we left. So, Food-great Atmosphere-Very nice just be prepared for a cold & noisy situation. Price-More than expected for what you get Staff-Excellent Will I go again? Probably. I'm just more prepared now. read more

Today I went and had a Chicken Sandwich, I honestly went in not expecting much and enjoyed the experience fully! The sandwich was delicious from the combination of greatly prepared ingredients. It's a different taken the the usual hyped up spicy chicken sandwich with the Louisiana take. Not knocking it but the brioche aioli spread chicken and I believe provolone was a great take and on flavors! Not sure if it was because I was starving and the service was great but ILooking forward to going back and trying the rest of the dishes! read more

What a lovely lunch spot on a sunny day! I went to lunch at Watershed with a large group (9 of us!) and was concerned about outdoor seating, but outdoor seating was plentiful all around the lumber yard. (It was a weekday so that also probably helped.) The menu is on the small side but still plenty of options to satisfy lots of different palates. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich which was a more petite sandwich on a soft bun but definitely plenty for me (but not like some of the super large sandwiches you might find at Bakesale Betty's). We ordered ribs and fries for the table, and the ribs are a must. I was super full but I continued to eat those ribs - sweet and tangy, they leave your fingers super sticky in a good way. I had no shame in licking my fingers. Parking is relatively easy with the large lot across the way. read more

This place is always hustling with a fun vibe and excellent local food. The natural wine list is full of hidden gems by the glass and there's a cracking little wine shop next door to buy a bottle or two. The pizzas are great with 'Pesto & Friends' being my personal favorite. There is a full bar and an ever changing local beer selection on tap The restaurant is beautifully appointed with reclaimed wood and huge windows overlooking a creek that runs under the restaurant itself. It's totally worth a visit ! read more

Love my weekend trips to MilL Valley. Watershed has great outdoor seating and a little fire pit if you're cold. The pizza was my favorite but the trout salad left something to be desired. Loved the spicy Paloma they had as a daily special. read more

Watershed - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

The lox toast was perfect. The generous portion of avocado, and of smoked salmon with a few capers underneath topped with shaved fennel, sliced radish, parsley and olive oil was absolutely delicious. Add a side of the best polenta on the planet and you're all set! read more

Watershed - The Lumber Yard with Mt Tam in the background - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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I have been drawn to the Watershed a few times due to it's great ambiance outside in historic, sunny and wooded Mill Valley. The food is creative and good but not the quality you are paying for. read more

Early dinner, indoor seating. We ordered the pappardelle and tagliatelle. First try: pasta undercooked. Not al dente, but crunchy and swirling in cloudy water. Our waitress offered to send both dishes back. Typically, redoes are expedited. But it was a rather long wait for a modestly-improved version. Some restraint with fresh-cracked pepper would be helpful. Mills may have been set to coarse, having bumped into a few almost-whole peppercorns. Flavors were passable but kitchen can't execute on a very basic pasta menu. Food itself seemed arbitrarily portioned and plated (bowl first time, plate the second). For $25-30 a dish, it's sloppy and uninspired. Aside: Scale back the analytics on your website. I shouldn't have to disconnect VPN to view your menu, then nap while the page loads. read more

It was my very first time having drinks with friends in over a year, and I couldn't believe at how lovely the outdoor seating was here. I loved how open and spacious it was, and it definitely helped to see lots of smiling dogs around. I ordered the dolphin hotel cocktail and oooof, this was definitely a hard hitter, but once I stirred it up, it was delicious! I also got to try their Mad River pizza, and it was uhmaaazing. Their sausage is phenomenal and I liked how the crust had the perfect chew. Their menu changes daily, but I have a hunch that all their pizzas are just as tasty! read more

Watershed - Dolphin Hotel (left) - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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The food was ok. What really got to us was the sub-par service and automatically tacked on 20% gratuity. Make sure you count how many babies are being served as this plays into their headcount per table! read more

The food was delish! The burger was full of flavor and the fries were soo good! I ordered the papardelle and it was different than others but a good and lighter different. Really enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant & would go again read more

I first want to name that I love Watershed for its ambience. The reason I feel compelled to write this review, is that I have been consistently underwhelmed by the quality of the food the last few times I've been there. Yesterday I was served a salad (little gem with chicken) that could not have been more bland. The chicken looked old and gray and the salad and its dressing had next-to-no flavor. The friend I was with felt the same way about her salad (we had the same dish). The waiter informed me that he could comp one of our salads (which we appreciated), and said that I had set myself up for failure by asking for the dressing on the side, as the chefs typically throw in salt and what-not when they toss the dressing themselves. This was good feedback, but also confusing as I always get dressing on the side and it has never been an issue in the past. Also, my friend had her salad pre-tossed and also found the salad to be incredibly bland. My recommendation to the chefs is to add some herbs or spices, use freshly grilled chicken and also fresh feta cheese (this also had no taste). read more

Oh my pizza! How delightful is this cute place. We ordered 2 unique pizzas and salad from their menu. They have great interesting pizzas that just touched your heart. We would absolutely come back here again and again! Sorry yelpers, we can't even describe the exact taste because it was just so in the moment and sometimes when something is so good it's beyond explanations But the reason why I wanted to give a review because I believe in compliments and it's deserved to be. First the all! The people that worked there were so pleasant and sweet and the man that was in the bar was fun and humorous. It was comfortable, quaint, and clean read more

Great appetizers, drinks, and meal options. Everything was delicious. Staff was extremely nice and professional. I cannot wait to go back!

It was my first time visiting Watershed and I liked it a lot actually. The atmosphere is chill and has a casual hangout vibe which is always the best and relaxing. Hubby and I sat outside by the heaters on a chilly Fall evening. I like the cozy vibe, its very comfortable and makes the spot feel very local and down to earth. I like the tables outside by fire pits, its very casual and very Mill Valley. Got "Herbaceous" Pizza and that was super delicious! I loved the flavors and the cheesiness of it. Husband got Creek Life pizza and he said that tasted amazing and very healthy. He paired it with beer to balance that healthy gut of his. I ordered tequila drinks with lime and jalapeño and it was spicyyyy! read more

Watershed - Herbaceous and Creek Life - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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This place lost me when our waiter picked up one of the slobbery DOG water bowls, refilled it, and replaced it on the ground...without washing his hands before continuing to serve food. $150 for a few drinks and so-so food at best with the outdoor seating area hosting as many dogs as humans. One visit was more than enough for me. read more

We were on our way to Muir Woods National Monument and stopped here for lunch. We got right at the opening so there were plenty of seats available. The staff was very friendly and attentive. My group ordered different entrees and everyone was very happy with their meals. I had the salad with steak which was very tasty. The ribs were also amazing and were "fall of the bone" tender. Try to come here early or make reservations because this place gets busy during the weekend. read more

Watershed - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

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The ambiance of this place is great. It's cozy and kid and dog friendly and service is good. There have been a few misses and overreaches on dishes that just don't work (e.g., bone marrow toast, which I normally love, but here is overcomplicated by too many competing/masking flavors--all you need is salt). The squid and beans on one occasion was fantastic and on another lacking in squid--they must have run out. All in all, highly recommended with a good and diversified wine selections. They should add oysters and more simple offerings so it's not so hit or miss. read more

I had been here a few times and quite enjoyed the ambiance. Food is good but not life changing. But we came back, so clearly good enough. However, last night was the first time we came for dinner and the experience was quite bad. The service and hospitality was awful. The hostess had a terrible attitude and set an unfortunate tone for the entire meal. The waitress had a bubbly personality, but felt overwhelmed. One of the other staff who delivered our pizza scoffed at us when we asked what was on the pizza. read more

Casual restaurant in charming Mill Valley. During my visit, there was live music. Many artists had tables around the area so it was busy and vibrant. I had a hanger steak salad. I asked for my steak to be served separately so that it was hot and they did it exactly as I asked. The meat was tender and juicy. The salad was wonderful with olives, avocado, lettuce, radishes, tomatoes and onions, with a zesty lemony dressing. They have a small but adequate beer, wine and cocktails selection. My order was served in less than five minutes and the staff was friendly and professional. read more

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Cafe is in a great location, which it was better managed. We placed an order and waited much longer than others. The people who ordered before us with a similar order were done before we got any food. When they brought our partial order, we asked where the rest of our order was, they said it was coming. Fast forward 20 min (nearly an hour after we ordered) and we went to check on the food. The order was never even submitted or given to the wrong table. We had to wait for them to remake it and take it to-go. The host didn't take accountability, was defensive and didn't even try to make the situation better. She ultimately gave some burrata when we left and it was pure liquid and not edible. Would not come back. Rude and poor service. Okay food. read more

It's been a while since I've dined out during this damn pandemic. But I was fortunate enough to eat at Watershed on a Saturday night. And with all the crap going on in the world right now, I can't think of a better restaurant to enjoy a meal in a safe, socially distant manner. They really did a great job with this property. Located at the old Mill Valley Lumber Yard, the Watershed and the entire shopping area is about a 10-minute walk from downtown Mill Valley. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with great food and comfortable outdoor seating. You almost feel like you're at a private ranch. And how about the food? It's solid. I don't think it's going to win any James Beard awards, but you'll be quite satisfied with their salads, pizzas, and other small/shareable dishes. Our party of three shared a peach/goat cheese/bacon pizza (with arugula, basil, mozzarella). This pie is a winner. I'd totally return for this dish alone. Their grilled cheese sandwich was fine (but nothing to write home about). I figured that for the $13 price tag they would be doing something special with this dish. But that wasn't the case. It was just a basic grilled cheese with a small side of over-dressed salad. Again, not bad. Just not something I would order again. My cousin wound up getting the ribs, and those were an absolute, carnivorous hit. Service was decent. Given the current Covid situation, these guys are working their butts off. Instead of being served at your table, you now have to order/pay at the store front, take a number, and then wait for your food to be delivered. Truth be told, I didn't mind so much. As of now, Watershed is only doing beer and wine. So if you're looking for a cocktail delight, you may want to head back to downtown Mill Valley. But all in all, I truly enjoyed my outdoor dining experience at Watershed. These guys have truly taken the lemons of this situation and turned it into delicious lemonade. I look forward to coming back and exploring more of their menu! read more

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I love this place. I've come here two weekends in a row. The 6 oysters for 20$ are amazing. I've had both the cheeseburger and SHAKSHUKA from this place and they were delicious. I really love the tomato sauce they use on the SHAKSHUKA it's really rich and the portion size of the plate is just right. The cheeseburger is also delicious and I love how all the food feels fresh and healthy. There is a lot of seating and it shouldn't be too long of a wait to find a good spot. Plus the views and ambience here are a real vibe. You can smell the pines in the air and hear the birds chirping in the distance. Plus it's fun to people watch all the cyclists and tourists. I came in today and they had live folk music. In conclusion, the watershed is a total diamond. read more

Watershed - SHAKSHUKA - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

This is an all time mv lumberyard favorite spot for a bite for dinner or lunch in town. We ordered a burger and the fries that came with it were served cold. When letting the hostess know about the lukewarm fries, she asked if we wanted to put the cold fries back on plate (she was holding the plate with ripped fingertip rubber gloves) to return to the chef in the kitchen so "the cold fries can be reheated." Then she second guessed herself at the table and mentioned that it wasn't covid safe to take the cold fries from our plate and offered us chips instead?! Later, after we finished our meal we spoke to another gentleman host and asked if we could order some new fries, we mentioned the earlier fry mishap and he said he would like to get us some hot fries. When the new fries came out they were old fries again just refried. There was no more potato inside. :( Please Watershed do NOT double fry your fries. That is not a quality thing to do for a quality place like yours. Also, the gloves of the hostess were broken and open at the fingertips, it was not such a good look to see the finger tips come out of the of the gloves. She handled the check and our food bags with these broken gloves. We have been really excited to get out and have dinner since being inside for such a long time. And refried fries was not what we expect from a restaurant like The Watershed. Overall a lively spot. Please keep your basics in check, this is our neighborhood usual spot! read more

Watershed - re-fried steak fries - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Tried burger and steak, will recommend. Restaurant is located at nice little shopping area with nice outdoor sitting. Do not order the cheesecake, very disappointing. read more

Such a cool casual spot for the community. Great food and shoppes in a rustic charming atmosphere. The food was great, good service except for the fact that they forgot my very hungry son's pizza for an hour and a half (despite our several attempts to get it on the table). They didn't apologize nor do anything for the major inconvenience. Anyhow, we still enjoyed the place and will return. read more

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I love this place! Anytime I head up to Mt Tam or come back from the headlands, I stop here. Great beer selections. Awesome burger, and delicious pizzas. Plenty of open space and social distancing is practiced well here. Plenty of parking and very picturesque outdoor setting to go with the great food and drink. read more

Watershed - Cheeseburger - New American Near Me - Mill Valley, California

Luke this place for lunch and a quick bite we usually stop there after a bike ride, but we met friends last night for dinner, and the quality of the food just fell short lovely ambience great service, but I had a dish with the black cod and clams the clams smelled fishy tasted fishy not good should not have been in the dish I believe is a $34 dish. Very disappointing, the pizza is OK I think they could do better on the crust. The toppings are wonderful the crust is flavorless and they overcooked my husband's hamburger and all the extra toppings did not help it either , so just they need to step it up if they want repeat customers , more attention to details and quality read more

Rude didn't want business. Guy at hostess stand nice enough but seemed overworked. Kept coming back and saying he would come back. Tall gray guy with flowered Hawaii looking shirt came over and basically yelled at me and then stomped off read more

We like their pizza! Also nice to visit for lunch with an indoor or outdoor option. Opted to visit on a week day for a quieter indoor lunch and with the family in a busy (almost always) weekend. read more

From entrance to exit, Watershed hits all the right marks, in the right ways. The building and area itself is warm and welcoming, inviting diners into what used to be an old lumber mill (the restaurant has that kind of feel within the current design, too). The outdoor seating is fantastic, but if you want a more personal experience you can always sit at the bar or inside. The servers and bussers are consistently kind and thoughtful, rarely overstepping. The vibe from the staff is overall very positive. The food is AMAZING! Any of the pizzas are a great way to start if sharing with others, and the cocktails/draft beers are incredibly delicious (I highly recommend the bootjack sour, if you like a classic whiskey sour). The burger is great, so are the fries, and the tagliatelle crab pasta was mouth watering and unforgettable. Whenever you're in Mill Valley, whether you live there or are just stopping by, Watershed is a non-negotiable, must try restaurant. Simple delightful. read more

Chicken breast in the salad is not fully cooked. The portion is tiny. Not worth it. I came in at 12 on Saturday. No table is available but there are many empty table for the reservation. The hostess asked us if we can finish the meal in one hour. I said yes. As soon as I sat down , they are rushing us to order. When we want our check, it takes forever to get. Terrible service. The ambiance is ok. read more

Fantastic food in a beautiful space. Staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I had a tangy blood orange margarita to start with very tasty grilled sardines on toast with greens. Then I popped next door to a great wine store to grab a bottle from the helpful sommelier to enjoy with my main course: freshly-made pasta with Dungeness crab. It was absolutely perfect. The pasta had just the right amount of chew and the crab was wonderful. It's a beautiful space in a grove of trees with lots of free parking. read more

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A great place to go and get a glass of wine or cocktail. I wish the food was better. The menu is so bland and unadventurous. I recently went for lunch and had a cup of chicken soup that was so unflavorful and expensive, I thought they made a mistake with the pricing. The pizza was really hard and too many odd toppings that didnt taste great together. There are so many delicious local fresh produce options, I see this as a total missed opportunity for the community. The staff is very nice. I did have a grilled squid salad type thing several months ago that was good. Other than that, everything I have tried isnt worh it. read more

I had the veggie bowl. It was pretty good. Also had some french fries. I like the outdoor area, but it would probably be better to eat indoors at night. read more

This place is adorable!! I'm a fan of the rustic barn style decor. The service was incredible from the moment we walked through the door until we left. .. the food was delicious but not great. I will try something different on my next visit. The chicory salad was huge, more than a Meal for 1 person. The dressing was super yummy, but the chicken was sparse and really dry. I also got the fried chicken sandwich, which again, had very little chicken that was dry and over cooked. ... everything was tasty enough to go back and try other items, but I have to admit I had higher hopes for the food. read more

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