The Mills Downtown Bistro

Reviews

• Joni S.

  star star star star star 19 July 2026

  Just tried The Mills for dinner. We were pleasantly surprised. We usually don't eat in Elizabeth City but had heard about this little find. It was great. The menu selection is somewhat limited but expected with the small size. Atmosphere was beautiful. I had the chicken cordon blue and husband had swordfish. Lovely presentation and large portions. Dishes are lovely and vintage and eclectic.   Bananas foster crepes dessert was to die for. The only downside would be no rolls served. Highly recommend this nice little restaurant in downtown Elizabeth City

• Kallie W.

  star star star star star_border 16 July 2026

  We did an appetizer and drink crawl here and two other places.
  My margarita was perfect!
  The meat candy was amazing. I was surprised and delighted to see it on the menu.
  Charcuterie was fantastic.
  The loaves of bread were really just three roll type things with three butters. I think I was just excited and hungry, because this was a let down.
  I love the intimacy of this, but I feel as though it needs more tables. The concept is great and the food is delicious, but expand more and utilize the entire space.  Waiting inside for a table to be cleaned was quite awkward because we were standing right beside a table who was trying to eat without our bodies, coats, purses, etc in their face. The server didn't want us sitting down until she went and got a rag to wipe it with (understandable) but then when she told us to wait for her to set the table too, I went and sat down anyway, to relieve those other people of us being on top of them and you could definitely sense her displeasure.

• Tim S.

  star star star star star_border 10 July 2026

  Nice bistro in downtown Elizabeth City.  There were no Yelp reviews (first baby) so we had to take one for the Yelp team.  I'm glad we did.  The food was good as well as the service.
  
  Highlights
  - The place is small. Not a lot of tables. We were seated at the bar.
  - I believe they do take reservations. Call, no Open Table.
  - They have brunch but we did not have the opportunity to try it
  - They take plastic
  - ~ 1/2 dozen beers on draft, okay wine list, good craft cocktail menu
  - Most of dinner menu is Tapas and flatbreads
  - They had a small number of entrees for dinner which I assume changes
  - No private parking, but street parking and parking garages close by
  - They are open for lunch
  
  Additional Tim's Thoughts
  - If you go on the weekend then make a reservation or go early
  - Charcuterie platter was very good.  Hummus was just okay.  I do recommend the flatbreads.
  
  I would recommend this place to others and will be back on my next trip to Elizabeth City

• Robert S.

  star star star star star_border 5 July 2026

  I've never been to Elizabeth City before, and I saw this place while I was walking to the restaurant I originally intended to go to. The atmosphere inside is inviting and relaxing, and they've got jazz music playing quietly in the background.
  
  There was a little bit of confusion on whether the bartender or another person was my server (I sat at the bar). They occasionally repeated each other in trying to take my order, it they were both appropriately attentive and brought my food out quickly. They couldn't find a cocktail menu, but they told me the drinks they had and their prices.
  
  I ordered a cocktail (The Bee's Knees) which was good, and well-sized sized for the price. To eat, I got the Chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates, and also the Clams. The dates were good, and the clams were VERY good. I wish the clams came with twice as much bread for the sauce they come in (they brought me more on request).
  
  Overall, a very good experience. I would definitely come back.

• Southern C.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  Cool little tapas restaurant...although there is much more potential for this space as it currently does not utilize all of the space where the old Thumper used to be. The interior is charmingly decorated with nice touches of candles in the brick wall recesses. I haven't had dinner service here yet so I cannot review such but have had lunch services here and can see great potential for both the foods and restaurant as a whole.
  
  The menu is clean and not too clogged with many items like some establishments try to do. The flat breads were good (I had the opportunity to order/tried the majority on the menu). However, the crust were just a tad underdone during one of the lunch services...would be much greater if consistency can be achieved.
  
  The charcuterie plate is decent although the dated/spoiled sour grapes left little to be desired! If that was fixed, I think it's a solid plate.
  
  Clams were delicious. However, the "spicy" shrimp had NO HEAT whatsoever...which was a disappointment, and the shrimps could probably use about 10 seconds less to cook.
  
  The thick maple bacon strips were probably my absolute favorite...yes, you can order it by itself, but there are also bacon wrapped dates (which were good...better if bacon was more crisp-hard to do with the ooey gooey maple on it), and it comes as part of the charcuterie board.
  
  Things that I'd love to see and try there are paella, grilled octopus (perhaps with a fennel salad), etc..
  
  Things I definitely DO NOT recommend (at least from the lunch menu) are the crepes in their present state. They are too thick and dough-y when eaten (they should be at least half as thick), and the savory crepes are in dire need of seasoning. Definitely could be improved.
  
  That sums up my lunch service experiences; as far as the foods go...solid 3 s.
  
  Service was what pushed it to the 4 level for me. This is because it was a very busy lunch service...albeit there was 1.5 hostess/servers available to juggle the tabled customers as well as those at the high tops and the bar. There were a few mishaps but she was able to manage and stay on top of orders, drinks, and checking on us without a long wait (you know the one...when you look at your friends and ask each other...I wonder where our waiter/waitress went or when will we get refills or our foods?!?). Excellent work on her part!
  
  I would encourage owners/investors of this establishment to first look at perhaps adding to your staff then refine and expand your menu as I think this is a special gem for Elizabeth City, especially the downtown area. I'd definitely look forward to returning to try other items and perhaps breakfast and dinner services.