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Bull Valley
Category: Restaurants American (Traditional) American (Traditional) [Edit]
14 Canyon Lake DrPort Costa, CA 94569
(510) 787-1135
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Sun 5 pm - 8:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
23 reviews for Bull Valley
Review Highlights
"My piece of prime rib was monstrous and delicious as was..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...the entrée was a baked potato and cauliflower au gratin."
(in 3 reviews)
"A hidden romantic date spot to add to the repertoire."
(in 6 reviews)
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23 reviews in English
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Review from Dave G.
Concord, CA
7/15/2011
We had the fillet dinner for two.
Really good. My wife said the steak was better than Ruth's Chris...I think she may be right. Good sized portions, steak cooked perfectly (med rare). Baked Potatoes were perfect ... Personally I like my vegis a bit more raw but they weren't killed to the point I didn't finish them.
$12 corkage, great room & atmosphere. Outstanding food. Nice drive.
We will be back...often!!! -
Review from Lorenzo C.
San Francisco, CA
1/30/2012
This place was a big disappointment after much anticipation. If you're planning a first date and you think you'll try someplace different to surprise her/him, trust me, this is not where you want to go.
You walk in thru the bar and it stinks like cigarette smoke! We were seated right away as we were one of FOUR tables total (not a good sign for 7 p.m. on a Friday night). The place looks not just old but dirty and it smells musky. We almost walked out, but decided to be good sports and give the food a try, since so many people on Yelp had raved about it.
Our server seemed scattered and kept forgetting the ONE SPECIAL they had. We proceeded to order wine from a VERY limited selection, only for the server (or the bartender) to forget to bring it. It's never a good time when you have to ask for the wine you've ordered 15 min prior. Did I mention there were only four tables? I had the NY stake which saved this place from a one star rating. But my veggies were overcooked, how can you mess that up? My wife had salmon that was tasteless and a very unappealing green salad. We spent $64 including tip, only because they comp'd us on the wine they forgot.
Needless to say, this place is off our radar. -
Review from Mari V.
Berkeley, CA
Updated - 10/26/2011
Sadly, my update is not a better review, but a worse one!
First, I have to say that our waiter was wonderful--totally accommodating and very willing to package up our leftovers, unlike last time. He gets all the stars.
BUT! the rest of it was terrible! The bread was tasteless and dry, with a "store-bought" quality, and the salad, with "blue cheese dressing," was the worst I have ever had--short of eating leftover salad a day later from my own fridge. A wet, wilted mess, with some chunks of blue cheese on top. With 36 guests (an invasion of costumed revelers who came a few minutes later) I can't imagine why the restaurant didn't plan for fresh salad greens to be prepared.
I ordered my prime rid medium-rare, and was first presented with a well-done piece which went back to the kitchen, followed by another (admittedly huge) hunk with a pale pink interior: the rarest they could find, according to another server. Again, with 36 others about to order, no rare beef available at all?! The meat was coarse and dry--more like chuck than a "prime" cut.
We really want to love this place--my partner lives nearby. But it will be months before we try again. If ever!
(The place is beautiful--genuinely old, not fakey, cutesy B & B old--another reason the poor food is such a shame!)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/13/2010
A real mix of pluses and minuses for us. Pluses: a beautiful genuinely old place, with BEEF--hard to… Read more »
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Review from Joanna W.
Oakland, CA
6/17/2011
We received a gfit certificate and went with another couple. Excited to find a new place. The food was really good and would have come back.
When we tried to use the gift certificate that said it was old and they were new owners and would not honor it. No expiration date!
At least they could have given us the dessert or something. They didn't even say anything when we left. TOO BAD, we will not go back! -
Review from Scott B.
Vallejo, CA
9/19/2010
The wife and I were looking for something different. A friend had mentioned a great restaurant in Port Costa. I was skeptical, thinking he was referring to the Warehouse across the street. Did a search on yel and found Bull Valley.
Saturday evening dinner. Almost missed it as we drove into Port Costa. Walked in and was seated in a quite rather romantic restaurant. Ordered mixed drinks and an appetizer of the goat cheese torte. Good taste, could have had less cheese and more of the pesto sauce.
We ordered the Chateaubriand steak for 2. This included a from scratch ceasar salad prepared table side and it is awesome. (Next time we will try the spinach salad.)
The steak was excellent, some of the best I have ever had with a wine reduction sauce. Our server was very nice and spent some time answering our questions about the place and the food. We will return, not a regular place for us do to the cost, but for special occasions it ranks up their with a couple of our favorites in the Napa Valley. -
Review from Pilar K.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/18/2011 21 Check-ins Here
You must try this place!!! Absolutely fantastic!! Jacob (the owner) is the best chef that I have ever experienced. My man and I go once a week just to eat his food.
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Review from Robb H.
Oakland, CA
7/8/2011
A wonderful, romantic and rustic hideaway with a top-notch chef and the highest quality ingredients! Our server was incredibly attentive, pleasant and refreshingly no nonsense. The bread, escargot, caesar's salad, vegetables and fillet were EASILY on par with meals I have eaten at Ruth's Chris. The beef is top quality and the sauce blew my mind. We started with drinks at the Warehouse Cafe where we met some really friendly locals who gave us a mini tour of the town and then moved across to the Bull Valley Inn an hour or so later. When we left, our server packed everything up for us and even included some extra bread. I will DEFINITELY be back! A real hidden treasure!
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Review from TL C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/16/2006
"Situated in the rolling hills of the East Bay, in the city of Port Costa, the Bull Valley Restaurant is housed in a stone building near the center of town. With its historic wooden bar, private brick patio - perfect for summer brunch - and elegant dining area, the 1897 building lends a feel of warmth and charm to the dining experience.
The diverse menu of American cuisine ranges from duck to prime rib including pasta, fish, chicken and steak for dinner, and from quiche to omelets for brunch. Generous portions with rich and robust flavors will satisfy even the hardiest diner." (my Gourmet G. imitation review, seriously I can't believe he hasn't reviewed this yet)
My actual review -- this place is not for the faint at heart. It takes forever to get there. There are only two roads in this town (the one coming and the one going) and leaving late on the dark winding road you might be able to frighten yourself with thoughts about how this town would be perfect for that new horror movie you've been thinking about making.
That said the food is wonderful.
Who would have thought serious American food could be so good (but not good for you, I'm sure.) Huge steaks, roast duck, amazing Caesar Salad, yummy desserts, rather pricy. -
Review from Margaret F.
Benicia, CA
10/21/2008
Bull Valley is back on my radar. Now that J & I are running it, there is a great and decently priced bar menu that includes a prime rib sandwich, meatloaf, crab sandwich, etc. Lovely back patio which is a great place to hide out from the authorities or just have an intimate conversation.
This is one heck of a romantic place to take a date. You can go in here dressed up. Just don't wander around to the Warehouse on the same evening. They aren't copacetic. -
Review from Darryl L.
Port Costa, CA
Updated - 2/24/2011 1 photo
The Bull Valley continues to morph and change for the good with each passing week. Jacob dabbles with new recipes while sticking to what has always been good. The staff is wonderful and the value can't be beat.
Listed in: My Neighborhood, The Places I Go Out
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/27/2008
The forgotten hamlet of Port Costa seems to be experiencing a bit of a "rebirth". For those with a… Read more »
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Review from Noe B.
Rodeo, CA
9/30/2011
I found this place here on yelp and thought u would try it since everyone seemed to like it. To me personally I don't think it's all that. Food was pretty good but the service sucked from the minute I walked in. As soon as I walk in to the bar area and make my way to the hostess I already didnt feel comfortable. I walk up and gave her my name for the reservation and another couple walks in without a reservation and they got sat down first. The hostess apologized but whatever. We sit down and the waitress comes and drops off some waters and no bread. I'm siting waitin patiently for my order and 45 minutes in I get bread. 30 minutes later I got my salad. So it basically took an hour and fifteen just to get my salad. I finally get my food but for some reason my appetizer never showed up. I told the waitress about it an she brought it out with no charge. Foods good.. Service wasn't.. Place is not that nice.. I like the feeling of an old place but not the smell..
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Review from Jake C.
Oakland, CA
11/19/2009
A hidden romantic date spot to add to the repertoire.
Every time I walk into this place, I'm immediately transported to the wild west, circa 1850. You enter into an old Saloon which has a stand up piano and beautiful classic wooden bar. This place is ridiculously far away from anything but the C&H Sugar factory. So, make sure you have reservations if you're gonna' make the drive.
The fare is classic American Steak House. And, as one might expect, the baked potato's are epic (complete with a personal topping bar!) -
Review from Butchpoodle B.
El Sobrante, CA
9/6/2009
I'm a regular at the Warehouse Cafe across the street, but the Bull Valley Inn smartly had a coupon in the Entertainment Book, so we tried it.
The food was excellent. We loved our gay waiter. The service was terrific.
You walk into the place and you're in a bar. The restaurant is through the next door. The atmosphere is a little too pristine for me. I'm more down-to-earth for this kind of place. I was under-dressed in my jeans and t-shirt, for sure.
Desert rocked - I had the creme brulee. That might have been the best part.
My prime rib was tasty. My babe's steak was perfect. They brought salad fixings to our tableside and served us exactly the salad we wanted. It was all very, very good.
It's on the spendy side, and I've already said I'm not the fancy place type. I'm used to the drive, but wouldn't send anyone out to Port Costa that wasn't up for that part of the evening. If you get carsick, please stay home. There's no hope for you.
It's been several years since we ate there. Without the Entertainment Book coupon, the place is just too pricey and fancy for my blood. We can get equally good prime rib and an acceptable (barely) salad across the street for less in an atmosphere that suits me better. -
Review from Tebucky J.
Dixon, CA
2/13/2011
This place is awesome! Not super fancy but super good. An old hotel and bar close to the water. Good place to take a date. Have a glass of wine in the gravel parking lot looking over the bay. You probably won't be the only one! Great ceaser salad and steak medallions.
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Review from Daniella E.
Crockett, CA
4/3/2010
I love the ambiance here. The building is so old...the bar is ornate and gorgeous. The servers are kind and attentive. I just like it. It's a great place to go for a special occasion.They make the cesar salad from scratch at your table! Great place for a romantic dinner. I even went to a wedding here years ago. Just another wonderful spot in the lovely town of Port Costa.
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Review from Madam L.
Port Costa, CA
4/20/2009
Amazing dinners, and great atmosphere. friendly service and very romantic. Great place to eat! They also make an amazing eggs benedict for sunday brunch.
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Review from C B.
CA
7/30/2009
We went here for my birthday and had a fantastic time. The ambience is old, old school with lots of character! We ordered the Chateaubriand for Two which was fantastic. It starts with a tableside produced caesar salad that is big enough itself for an entire meal. Then they carved tableside a one pound filet mignon with baked potato and veg. The filet was melt in your mouth perfectly cooked and the cabernet wine reduction sauce served with it was the best we have ever had.
But equal to the food was the service! Our server, Adrian, was one of the best servers we have had in recent memory. He remembered me mentioning my gluten intolerance when whipping up the salad and was extremely helpful with our wine selection going out of his way to have us have little tasters of our two selections giving us his expertise on all of the different varietals and what would serve the filet well. He was very friendly and attentive.
And all of this for the cost of a filet "only" at another restaurant. Thank you for making my birthday memorable and it is definitely worth the drive from Oakland! -
Review from Aric W.
Berkeley, CA
7/13/2007
It's worth a trip for sure. If you havent checked out Port Costa, you might like it. Kinda spooky and definately neat. Food is good, drinks are good. Warehouse bar across the streat is fun. Go there with no expectations.
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Review from Bill M.
Orinda, CA
12/7/2008
Over the years we've visited the Bull Valley Inn for nice dining experiences on many occasions. Nothing exceptional. Well....... all that has changed. Carol and I decided to spend our 17th Anniversary at the Bull Valley, after also considering Hotel Mac and Vic Stewart.
We arrived at 6 pm and were treated to a very special corner table in the delightfully decorated dining room. We ordered cocktails and were immediately treated to fresh, warm sourdough. We also selected a Prawn w/lime sauce appetizer. The Appetizer knocked us off our feet. It was so warm and delicious. I ordered the Prime Rib (generous) entrée and Carol had the Tarragon Salmon Special. We both opted for the dinner salad included with the entrée and again we were delighted by how fresh and unusual the salad was. Fresh spring greens with tiny sweet tomatoes, mushrooms and a blue cheese dressing unequal to anything I've ever experienced. The salad alone made the rather long foggy drive to Port Costa totally worth it.
Everything came exactly at the right time. Dinner followed minutes after we finished our salads and we had already decided it was going to be wonderful. We were not disappointed. My piece of prime rib was monstrous and delicious as was Carol's Salmon. Complimenting the entrée was a baked potato and cauliflower au gratin. Again, unbelievably tasty. We've had great meals but none quite as excellent as this was.
Coupled with the cool history and setting of Pore Costa, Bull Valley is the true Diamond in the Rough of the East Bay. This was our best Anniversary yet. Thank you Bull Valley. -
Review from Kara V.
3/28/2010
For some reason I thought I'd already reviewed this place, but I guess not. My BF and I came here a few months back. I've been here many times before and my BF even more, since before he knew me. I can see why, this has got to be one of the most romantic places for a nice dinner. I even have a friend who received her engagement ring and proposal right here in this place. Its not your usual romantic restaurant, being that's it way the hell out in the middle of nowhere, and the roads are really curvy to get here from, well anywhere! The most romantic tables are the ones at the front of the dining room, which are the ones at the far back as you enter. The partitions make like a little private space. The food has changed over the years as has the ownership. But the quality has not ( thank the restaurant gods). We always get the Caesar salad made table side from scratch...no bottled dressing here. THE best Caesar I've had. The brochettes of beef are super and have a flavor that I love but cannot place what the exact flavor comes from...I asked...they won't tell. The also have a Chateaubriand for 2 carved tableside.....gotta love it. After the romantic dinner, you can stay at the Burlington Hotel next door! If you don't want to face the drive outta here. The Hotel is another review.
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Review from andy r.
Oakland, CA
6/28/2010
like taking a space ship back in time. perfect place to eat or drink across from the warehouse.
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Review from Shielaugh D.
Crockett, CA
1/12/2009
The Bull Valley Inn is a hidden gem, I honestly had no idea that they existed until my friend started working there. I stopped by a on nice Sunday afternoon, which made the 25 minute drive from home worth it. There was no crowd but it has a friendly/cozy atmosphere. We both ordered a yummy madras' and had a kielbasa sandwich and prime rib sandwich, both of which were amazing. The staff is cheerful and friendly. The prices weren't to bad either. I'll visit again for sure.
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Review from Michael E.
Richmond, CA
1/19/2010
classic old staekhouse, small menu, descent food and an incredible beer selection from the farthest reaches of the globe
