Mulvaney's B&L

We had high expectations for our Valentine's dinner, but unfortunately, it seems they weren’t quite ready for the level of business they had that night. We had a 6:45 pm reservation and were seated at a nice corner table with a red tablecloth. The ambiance was spot-on, but that ended up being the only positive part of the evening. We ordered cocktails and smoked salmon as an appetizer, which was just average. By 7:00 pm, we had our drinks and appetizers, and we placed our dinner order. Our server was attentive, but after waiting 45 minutes for our food, we finally had to flag him down for an update. He explained that they were dealing with three times the usual number of orders, but honestly, that didn’t feel like a valid excuse. To our surprise, it took a full hour to receive our meals: a small plate of angel hair pasta with crab and short rib over polenta. We quickly ate, as we had tickets to an 8:45 pm concert in Old Town Sac, and by then, we were starting to feel stressed. Unfortunately, at no point did anyone offer any compensation for the long wait. A simple gesture like, "Sorry for the delay—here’s a small appetizer on us" or even comping the appetizer or dessert would have gone a long way in showing goodwill. Given the number of restaurants in the area that offer great food, excellent service, and can handle busy nights with ease, it’s hard to imagine returning here anytime soon.

🔥 Mulvaney’s B&L Review: Where Farm-to-Fork Meets Firehouse Chic 🔥 Let’s just say if Top Chef and This Old House had a baby, it’d be Mulvaney’s. I lived here in the 90s. Not literally. But when this location was the New Helvetia cafe (not the one shown in Lady Bird) Housed in a gorgeously restored 1893 firehouse—exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and all the cozy charm your Instagram grid dreams of—this Sacramento staple is serving up locally sourced realness on the daily. Literally. The menu changes every day, because fresh produce waits for no one. Mulvaney clearly said “let’s make farm-to-fork sexy,” and honestly? (cue the Mission:Impossible theme song) Mission accomplished. This place is dripping in warm vibes, thoughtful service, and hella pride in local growers, winemakers, and artisan foodies. 🍽️ What to Expect: - Portions lean “elegant” for the price. - Seasonal ingredients shine like RuPaul on finale night. - Checking your bank account because the menu changes daily. 💋 The Vibe: Think Napa-style date night meets Sacramento soul. Mulvaney’s is perfect for anniversaries, celebrations, or just flexing your good taste. There’s an airy main room, a twinkle-lit patio, and even private dining rooms for when you wanna feel extra. 🚗 Tiny PSA: Midtown parking is a sport. You will circle. But it’s worth it. Throw on a comfy shoe and channel your inner pioneer. Bottom line? Mulvaney’s isn’t just a meal—it’s a mood. A delicious, deeply local, slightly bougie mood that reminds you why Sacramento’s dining scene does not play. ✨ How I break down my ⭐️ reviews: 1 - Not if it was the last thing on DoorDash. 🗑️ 2 - Meh. Maybe if I’m close, and high. 😬 3 - Mid. Not texting the group chat about it. 🤷‍♀️ 4 - Hella solid. Planning my next visit. 😋 5 - Shut up! Take my money. Om Nom Nom. 🔥

I love photographing weddings at Mulvaney's B&L in Sacramento. It is a charming and intimate wedding venue that perfectly blends historic character with warm hospitality. The beautifully restored brick building, cozy courtyard, and elegant dining spaces create a romantic and inviting atmosphere, perfect for capturing timeless wedding moments. The proximity to surrounding streets with vibrant backdrops allow for a short walk to many great portrait opportunities. The exceptional farm-to-table cuisine and attentive staff ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. Whether photographing intimate indoor celebrations or lively receptions under the twinkling patio lights, Mulvaney's B&L offers a uniquely beautiful setting for a memorable wedding day.

Mulvaney's B&L in Sacramento combines fantastic dining with a slice of history. Our group of ten started the evening in the bar area with some delightful pre-dinner drinks, before being led into the main "Apparatus Bay," the dining area. The ambiance is truly one of a kind, as the restaurant is housed in what used to be an old fire station. The history, tied to the group of firefighters who once worked there, as a group of firefighters ourselves, added an extra layer of charm to the whole experience. The service was exceptional from start to finish. Our server went above and beyond to make thoughtful suggestions on starters, wine pairings, and the best ways to explore the menu. It truly made the evening feel special. For the main course, I opted for the pork chop….an all-time favorite of mine here. The size of the dish is always impressive, and while it was slightly undercooked this time, it still lived up to its reputation as absolutely delicious. What made the night unforgettable was the post-dinner tour of the fire station, where we got a taste of its rich history. It's not every day you dine somewhere that blends such a unique setting, impeccable service, and memorable food. I can't recommend Mulvaney's BNL enough…it's an experience that goes beyond just a meal

Not the first time here but yet another review. Great place to have dinner. Service is always on point. Food wise is excellent.

First time dining here and the experience was excellent. Warm atmosphere and the service was warm and friendly from the minute you walked in. We had the Irish bread and salmon plus the charcuterie board to begin with. Irish bread was very moist and the salmon and accompaniments were very good. Charcuterie board was very good. We both had the halibut which was perfectly cooked and seasoned. Deserts were great. Highly recommended.

Met some old friends visiting from out of town. The patio area was fantastic, shielded from wind and street noise but intimate and classy. The menu is fantastic and ingredients are sourced locally. We had a chat with the head chef, who was engaging and fun to talk to. And the food! Everything was delicious! The service was fantastic. Drinks were very well made. Was the perfect evening where the food and atmosphere paired perfectly with old, dear friends. Will definitely be back.

This is a high-end California style farm to fork restaurant. It deserves a Michelin star. Chef Mulvaney and his wife run a tight ship. The food is delicious and the service is excellent. I especially enjoy watching the magic happen with the open kitchen.