‘Cool comfort foods’ rule menu at revamped restaurant on Redding golf course
2025-07-19
Mulligan's: Where Comfort and Community Collide in Redding
Nestled in the heart of Redding, Mulligan's Bar & Restaurant has become a local hotspot, drawing in a diverse crowd of golfers, law enforcement officers, and families alike. With a revamped menu and a renewed focus on "cool comfort food," the establishment has seen a surge in popularity, thanks to a combination of word-of-mouth and favorable online reviews.
Rediscovering the Joys of Homestyle Dining
A Menu Makeover Brings Back the Classics
When the Blevins family took over Mulligan's, they knew they had to shake things up. The previous menu had become stagnant, leaving customers craving something more familiar and satisfying. The solution? A complete overhaul that brought back the "cool comfort food" the owners themselves grew up with."We brought all the cool comfort food back," says Brad Blevins, co-owner of Mulligan's. "The last menu was getting a little stagnant and people were getting kind of bored with it. We revamped it — brought in some new stuff and it just started bringing people back that hadn't been in for a while."The new menu features a range of homestyle favorites, from juicy Wagyu beef burgers to hearty sandwiches like the Birdie, which boasts a secret ingredient that has customers raving. But the real standouts are the daily specials, such as the Thursday fish and chips and the Friday night prime rib, which have become local legends.
Homemade Soups and Sauces: The Heart of the Menu
At the core of Mulligan's culinary offerings are the homemade soups and sauces, crafted daily by chef Derek Newhouse. From the beloved clam chowder to the cheeseburger macaroni and the Italian sausage tortellini, these homemade creations have become a source of pride for the restaurant."So, we don't do frozen soup. We don't do bags or cans. (Newhouse) makes it daily here," says co-owner Lynn Blevins. "It could be a hundred degrees outside. People still order the soup."The attention to detail and commitment to freshness extends beyond the soups, with the restaurant's signature fry sauce and pesto spread also made in-house. This dedication to quality ingredients and homestyle preparation has earned Mulligan's a loyal following, with customers raving about the "perfectly-cooked" chicken and the "phenomenal" food, prices, and service.
Tapping into Nostalgia: Bringing Back the Classics
For the Blevins family, Mulligan's is more than just a restaurant – it's a reflection of their own upbringing and the comfort foods they grew up with. By reviving classic dishes and embracing the "hometown, comforty stuff," the owners have tapped into a sense of nostalgia that resonates with their customers."All that comfort stuff — open-face sandwiches — that's the kind of people we are. You know what I mean? Bring back that hometown, comforty stuff," says Lynn Blevins.This commitment to honoring the past has not gone unnoticed by the community. Longtime residents have embraced the return of familiar favorites, while newcomers are drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere and the promise of a taste of Redding's culinary heritage.
A Gathering Place for the Community
Mulligan's Bar & Restaurant is more than just a dining establishment – it's a hub of community activity, where golfers, law enforcement officers, and families come together to enjoy good food and good company.The restaurant's proximity to the adjacent Club Tucker Golf Course has made it a popular destination for golfers looking to refuel after a round. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and the lively game of Liar's Dice at one table perfectly encapsulate the spirit of Mulligan's.But the restaurant's appeal extends beyond the golfing crowd, with law enforcement officers, families, and first-time customers all finding a place to call their own. The Blevins' commitment to making every customer feel at home, from the moment they walk through the door, has created a sense of belonging that is palpable throughout the establishment."I make sure to hit every table," says Lynn Blevins. "I want to make a connection with everybody because I want them to come back. We just want people to feel welcome and comfortable. We're not fuddy-duddy at all."This focus on fostering a sense of community has paid dividends, with Mulligan's becoming a beloved gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Whether it's the regulars who have been coming for decades or the newcomers drawn in by the rave reviews, the restaurant has become a true reflection of Redding's vibrant and welcoming spirit.