About Millie's
Bringing a slice of the New England coast to Washington, Millie's pairs Nantucket seafood with Baja flavors for a menu that ranges from oysters and swordfish kabobs to fish tacos, quesadillas, sandwiches, and signature salads. The space feels bright, airy, and casual, with many guests describing it as a beach vacation in the city, a relaxed spot for lunch or a meal out with friends.
Food here is consistently described as fresh and well done, with portions that run large, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home. Service earns warm praise for being friendly and quick, even when the dining room fills up, and reservations can come in handy during busy times. A few diners note that prices skew higher and flag a service-related surcharge on the check, so it's worth keeping an eye out, but the overall experience keeps regulars coming back.
4.5 (991 reviews)
2018
Year Established
Founded By
KNEAD Hospitality + Design
The Story
Located in the historic Sears building, Millie's brought a sophisticated all-day cafe to Spring Valley. The restaurant honors the building's retail heritage while creating a new community gathering space.
What Was Here Before
This was the flagship Sears Roebuck store from 1941 until 2001. The art deco building was a retail anchor for the entire northwest DC region, representing the height of suburban commercial development.
Neighborhood Context
The Sears building's transformation into mixed-use space with Millie's represents Spring Valley's evolution from car-oriented retail to walkable neighborhood dining.