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May, 2009
Rating : 6 out of 10
Tariff : Lunch/Snacks
for 4
- 1 sandwich
- cookies
- 2 slices of cake
- coffee
- tip (in jar on counter)
- $25
Atmosphere
The cafe is bustling and it couldn't be more at
the hub of Mill Valley's downtown triangle. Not only does it
have a nice outdoor area for good weather, but it is situated in a
large paved park-like area with trees and benches. Everyone
congregates--musicians, couples, parents with little children, older
folks, dog walkers, etc. We stopped by after a hike one weekend and
saw numerous varieties of dogs, a bluegrass band, and children
sidewalk chalking.
Inside the quaint, old train station there
is a jam-packed bookstore next to the cafe. The cafe itself has a
counter--a tall glass case with so many delicious looking desserts
that it is difficult to make a choice. The chalkboard lists the
drinks, soups, salads, and sandwiches that are available. Orders can
be picked up in a
narrow side room `that offers several small
tables. This leads to the outdoor seating mentioned above.
Service
Service is the weakest aspect of Mill Valley's
Depot Cafe. This has proved itself on any number of visits.
Several friends have commented that the staff has an "attitude"....
Patrons wait in line to order at the counter. The person ringing up
the sales often is less than helpful. Behind the counter there is
the appearance of a busy cafe, but service takes forever; the only
thing I can figure is that it is understaffed or completely
disorganized. You wait for your number to be called around the
corner at a pass through window. There is no table service. They
will give you your order in dribs and drabs, leaving you wondering
if they forgot the remaining items. For instance, we got one
coffee and after a bit longer we could see our cakes sitting on
plates but weren't given them until we asked for them. We got
them and the second coffee well before the sandwich. The
sandwich took an inordinate time to make and a few take out orders
for the same sandwich were filled before ours (instead of making 3
at one time,
the server prepared one BLT at a time!). It's a casual atmosphere
and a nice location, so if you can put up with the annoying service
you'll enjoy yourself.
Food
Fortunately
the food is good--the desserts are great and the coffee is good as
well. The BLT was large with crispy bacon that had lots of
flavor. The apple cake was moist and not too sweet. The chocolate
cake was huge and decadent. A small selection of tiny vegan cookies
was way overpriced, but a concession to our family member who
couldn't find anything else to snack on ;-)
The Depot Bookstore and Cafe
87 Throckmorton Avenue
Mill Valley, CA 94942
415-383-2665 |
