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The COVID-19 crisis has ravaged every sector of Mill Valley’s economy over the past seven months, but few industries have faced as many whiplash-inducing fits and starts as restaurants and food-serving businesses.

But as we begin to inch our way toward the orange tier 3 within the statewide Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework as soon as Oct. 27 – such a move would allow several business sectors to move from 25% to 50% density indoors – it’s time to seize some momentum.

Given the multi-layered positive impact that restaurants have on all types of nearby businesses, the Marin Council of Chambers and the Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau (MCVB) are teaming up for “Marin County Cares ~ Restaurant Appreciation,” a more than two-month-long, Restaurant Week-style promotion in partnership with local chambers in Corte Madera, Fairfax, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo, San Rafael, Sausailto, Tiburon, West Marin and the Hispanic Chamber.

“We encourage residents to keep dining at their favorite restaurants while also trying someplace new,” says Corte Madera Chamber Executive Director Julie Kritzberger. “Your business and support will make a difference to our restaurant community, many of whom are family-owned businesses that have contribute greatly to their respected communities and enhance the overall tapestry of what makes Marin County so special.”

“Marin County Cares – Restaurant Appreciation” kicks off October 22 and runs through the end of the year. Each participating restaurant is either showcasing a special offer or an existing menu feature to welcome guests back to their establishments. There are no tickets or passes required and although most restaurants are open on a first come, first serve basis, many do appreciate a reservation for outdoor dining, and indoor dining if available.

Most importantly, if there is a special offer, such as a discount or free item with purchase, customers must mention “Marin County Cares” to their server to receive special offer. The best way to view this promotion is to check out the “Marin County Cares – Restaurant Appreciation” website, which lives on the Visit Marin website.

Important Highlights:

  • Participating restaurants are offering take-out, outdoor dining and some have limited indoor dining available. Most restaurants do offer outdoor dining on a first come, first serve basis, however, reservations are always encouraged, especially if a reservation platform is available.
  • Participating restaurants had a choice on what to showcase for this promotion. Many are showcasing a special offer, such as a discount off or a free item with purchase. For restaurants who cannot give a discount or a free item, a special menu item is featured instead, such as a happy hour with discounted food and beverages, or a favorite menu item.
  • To access the restaurant’s special offer, please read the special offer or feature carefully; it’s very important to tell your cashier, server or bartender that you are at the restaurant for “Marin County Cares” promotion to ensure that restaurant honors the special offer. If the special offer is on take-out or online orders, please use specific codes on the offer or tell the restaurant that you are calling for the “Marin County Cares” online offer.

For customers who love to take pictures of their food and drink while dining, Marin CVB will be hosting social media contests with Marin CVB swag gifts to lucky winners; please take pictures and include #marincountycares and #visitMarin on all posts.

Here are the participating restaurants in Mill Valley. Click on their image below to get more details on their special offer and/or featured item: