Scenes from the former Paseo, a California Bistro at 17 Throckmorton.

With a heavy heart amidst the holiday season, Paseo Bistro, which opened five years ago with lots of excitement, has decided to close on December 20th. 

Here’s a reminder of the recent history: “In the case of longtime Mill Valley resident Ki Yong Choi, the wait to open Paseo Bistro in the midst of then-global pandemic in 2020 was interminable at times, but he noted that it sure was great to be the one to re-open one of Mill Valley’s iconic restaurants, set in the historic El Paseo space at 17 Throckmorton Avenue.

The move came on the heels of legendary Mill Valley musician Sammy “the Red Rocker” Hagar’s decision to close his El Paseo restaurant in the space, citing his need to tend to his myriad business, media and musical interests, Choi’s group took over in 2019 and was very much on track to open Paseo: A California Bistro, featuring “locally sourced, naturally harvested New American cuisine.”

Then a relentless public health crisis arrived. “Despite the pandemic and the delays of the earlier year, Choi was determined to see this project through for the people of Mill Valley, and they were proud and humbled by the outpouring of community’s support,” said-then GM Kevin Pacotti, a longtime Bay Area marketing consultant and restaurateur. 

Paseo Bistro opened on Dec. 10, 2020, facing the same staffing shortages every restaurant across the country navigated and unsure how the community would respond after such a lengthy hiatus. They were overwhelmed with the response at that time, serving a packed house Saturday night.

Apologies for the earlier confusion on this post. Paseo Bistro opened in 2020, and will close on December 20th, 2025.

Stay tuned here to find out what happens next for this beautiful space.

Want to know what’s happening around town? Click here to subscribe to the Enjoy Mill Valley Blog by Email!