Local recommendations in Mill Valley
Neighbors who live here, vouching for people they actually use. No ratings, and nobody paid to be on this page.
- Amphora NuevaLocal ShopsAmphora Nueva is a family owned olive oil and balsamic vinegar company. They have several locations, but I have only been to the one in San Anselmo. they have dozens of barrel aged balsamic vinegars and award winning fused and infused olive oils on tap. You can taste any of them before buying. My favorite is probably the lemon white balsamic vinegar, I actually use it in my soda stream! I only use their oils and vinegar for my salad dressings, chimichurri, dipping sauces, etc.
- Birdland Bike RepairOtherPaul Carroll has been offering reasonable, timely, bicycle tune ups and repairs over the last 14-plus years. He's fast and affordable! He does it all, minor to moderate repairs and maintenance, shift adjustments, brakes, etc. He is also proficient with more advanced work (wheel truing, component replacement, etc.) and works on e-bikes as well. He has spent years making sure all of our family's bikes were in tip top shape! Text him to make an appointment!
- Jamal Barber MarinHair & BeautyI first met Jamal when he used to work at another local barber shop probably a decade or so ago; a couple years ago he quit and launched his own business in Larkspur, and so I followed, along with many of his former clients. Jamal's haircuts are fantastic, but what keeps me going is the personal relation he builds with his clients. Because after all, a proper barbershop is all about the conversation!
- Mill Valley Nursery SchoolChildcare & TutoringMill Valley Nursery School. https://www.millvalleynurseryschool.org/ It is a play-based co-op preschool that has been in MV since 1941. It was the nursery school that I went to and that my 3 kids went to. The co-op structure is an amazing way to be a part of your child's first school environment. Highly recommend!
- Milvali SalonHair & BeautyMilváli Salon is located in the heart of MV on East Blithedale Avenue and has been a trusted, full-service hair and beauty salon for over 20 years. Their talented team of friendly beauty professionals offer innovative hair, skin, and beauty services in a warm, welcoming environment. Walk-ins are welcome! I love the Eminence facials by Jessika and I'm addicted to the Obagi medical skincare products that they sell.
- Mt Tam Bikes CampOtherRyan has been teaching kids to ride safely since 2006!
- Novato Car WashOtherAfter researching different car wash places I finally settled on going to the Novato Car Wash since it was an easy detour right before going to Costco. I honestly did not have great expectations considering the price. I was very pleasantly surprised at the overall clean! I got "The Works" and will definitely start going a bit more often. They have a buy 3 get one free special that I will be taking advantage of. So nice having a sparkling clean car!
- Purple Monkey HairHair & BeautyMy wife and I first discovered Purple Monkey about 3 years ago when we took our then-2yo for his first-ever haircut, and he's loved it ever since. Fariba is absolutely wonderful with kids, and thanks to her, our little guy always looks forward to his next haircut.
- Roxana RodasHouse CleaningRoxy and her team have been cleaning our house since about Nov 2023. Cleaning crews are typically 3-4 people at a time and they’re extremely fast and extremely good. I’ve already recommended them to several other friends and I’m happy to leave a recommendation for them here too.
- Stang's Hot Dogs and SausagesRestaurants & CafesLocally-owned gourmet hot dog and sausage emporium! Located in the Village Mall in Corte Madera. We offer hot dogs, sausages, hot house made pretzels and cold beer! We also have a vegetarian option with the Italian sausage from Beyond Meat. Enjoy happy hour beers M-F from 3pm-5pm. Tired of $20 burritos? Come get an $8 hot dog! Full disclosure, I work there Sundays and Mondays, stop by and say hi!
- TartineRestaurants & CafesTartine is finally in Marin, and pretty much exactly what you'd expect: superb, freshly baked-on-premises croissants, pastries, bread, and more. Also -- to my surprise -- cooked/grilled items too, like Europe-style orange yolk eggs and double smash burgers too. Great to have another alternative on this side of Mill Valley in Strawberry, a sort of "Lagrange" point here in Southern Marin; I trust the science geeks amongst you will get my reference. :)
- The Depot Cafe and BookstoreRestaurants & Cafes"The Depot" is the quintessentially European town square gathering spot; the perfect "third place" after home and work where neighbors gather to socialize, enjoy delicious food and drink, and absorb the sights and sounds of live music every Friday and Saturday night, along with Thursday Trivia Nights, too. Free for all, full of kids and adults alike, it's arguably the finest spot in Marin. Shout out to Marielle, Axel, Paul, and the rest of the team!
- Trio SalonHair & BeautyAs a dude, I'd never gone to a nail salon before. A few years ago, my wife dragged me along with her; said I'd love the experience. She wasn't wrong. Thanks to the family that runs Trio, it's a 30-45 minute experience I look forward to every month or so that rivals any massage I've ever had. I take my MacBook, get comfy, and enjoy the foot massage-like sensations as they clip nails and exfoliate skin. It's such a wonderful little luxury, I'm surprised all men don't want to enjoy this!Kind people who always remember you, beautiful, gentle work, very clean and relaxing ambiance.Read more from neighbors →
- Vintage RuseLocal ShopsJules Mercer is the very talented and kind owner of Vintage Ruse (at the Tam Junktion). She sells vintage clothing, vintage housewares, etc. and runs The Mercery sewing & craft programs, classes and workshops. She is a big proponent of upcycling, repurposing, and reusing which is very important to me. When she first moved into the store she showed my youngest a lot of kindness, and has hired him for many projects. A very special person with a very special shop and creative space. Shop Locally!
