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Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Food Breweries Restaurants, Breweries [Edit]
15 Rowland WayNovato, CA 94945
(415) 898-4677
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun 11:30 am - 12 am
Fri 11:30 am - 1 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
174 reviews for Moylan's Brewery & Restaurant
Review Highlights
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174 reviews in English
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Review from Matthew V.
North Hollywood, CA
This places makes some of the best beers from California. We got a chance to have a informative discussion with the brewmaster Denise when she was at the bar. We mentioned we are fans of the Hopsickle so she recommended a limited release called the Harvest IPA which is only sold at the brewery. I had questions regarding distribution since I want to purchase a 1/6 barrel keg of the Hopsickle which is hard to find in general. She provided a name of a distributor in L.A. who can help me get kegs for my kegerator.
Food wise I ordered the Brewin Reuben and the garlic fries. The reuben was good and meets my standards for a deli sandwich (based on my experiences eating Reubens from Jerrys, Carnegie's Deli, and Solley's Deli). Fries were good. Lots of garlic!
We left with a growler filled with the Hopsickle. Now that's good stuff!Listed in: Best Breweries
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Review from kim-van t.
San Pablo, CA
The bf and I were in the area and in desperate need of a television to catch the final game of the World Cup. We stumbled across Moylan's and since it was a brewery we auto-assumed they would have tv's - winner!
We each had a beer and decided to share some nachos. The nachos were meh - chips were greasy and everything was just mediocre.
I did enjoy my pomegranate ale though - very fruity! -
Review from Ben N.
For a few months here in Cincinnati, Moylan's Hopsickle ("Triple Hoppy" Imperial IPA) was our favorite beer to enjoy at home: A robust burst of hoppy, yet smooth, flavor that belied its huge alcohol content (9+ percent). For some reason, though, the only local store to carry Moylan's discontinued it, and we've been looking for a way to get our hands on some ever since.
As a side note, our local beer guy who turned us onto Hopsickle should be a short-story character study: a wildly enthusiastic beer drinker and sampler of all sorts of beer, he had an informed and informative opinion on just about every beer on the shelves of the store his family operated. After quizzing us about what we liked, his recommendations were almost always on the money, and you could tell they came from substantial personal experience with the particular beer involved. But one day we went into the store and the guy was totally down in the dumps, just a shell of himself. As it turns out, his doctor had ordered him to stop drinking, and he was abiding by this decree. Truth be told, the before-version of this guy usually looked like he was sweating alcohol bullets, so it might have been a good idea. But here was this guy, surrounded by the bounty of the craft-beer world that he had lived for, and he couldn't touch a drop of it. A devastating predicament.
Anyway, I had pictured Moylan's brewpub to be located in some rustic NorCal locale, either in a wild and wooly, remote coastal town or, hell, maybe even nestled among a stand of redwoods. (Yeah, a pipe dream.) Anyway, no such luck. In reality, Moylan's nondescript pub sits in a parking lot between a Carl's Jr. and a Staples, at the equivalent of an interstate exit (Hwy. 101) in a Marin County suburb. In short, kinda depressing.
Most brewpub fare is kinda depressing, too: Usually just standard-issue sports-bar grub, sometimes dressed up with a few high-end features. Based on the little we had, Moylan's seemed a bit better than average. Contrary to what one of the other reviewers says, we thought the Irish Stew was pretty great: rich, subtly seasoned, with plenty of tender lamb. My "Octoberfest" sausage plate was pretty forgettable, though.
What you come here to do, though, is sample and drink the beer. Four-ounce samples are $1.75 each, which is plenty fair. The Hopsickle was great again upon our reacquaintance with it. I"m not sure Moylan's other beers are up to that magnificent level--we tried seven others--but I think some are close and that others are very solid.
Our server, whose name I regrettably forget, was as friendly and efficient as she could be.
The bottom line with this visit is that it reminded us that we need to find another place in the Ohio River Valley to load up on the brew. -
Review from Giselle W.
South San Francisco, CA
I love this place. My boyfriend and I come her all the time. My fave is the pomogranite ale and imperial stout. Food is great here too. You wont be dissapointed here!
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Review from Jean O.
Novato, CA
We eat here very often. They serve the very best corn beef and cabbage dinner. It's exactly like I make it. Also, other great food and very friendly servers.
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Review from Shelley S.
Marinwood, CA
I went here with my husband and two teenaged daughters last Friday night. We were seated and greeted right away. The service was quicker than usual, which I really appreciated. We shared the chili cheese fries, which were delicious. I had the Moylander burger (sauteed onions, bacon, & avocado) and it was sooooo good! One of the best burgers I've had in a long time! My pint of Tipperary was the perfect compliment to my meal. Moylans is just a really fun place to go for a beer or share a meal with the family!
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Review from Lorene H.
Rohnert Park, CA
The food was truly amazing! Had some of their chili, and it was sooooo good! I also shared one of the more festive beers, and I would give it a 7/10 honestly as I wasn't completely impressed. Perhaps I was recommended the wrong beer. But other than that, it was great!
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Review from Monica D.
Moylan's beer may still be a couple steps behind its fiercest competitors (Lagunitas, Russian River, to name a couple) but it definitely has stepped up in terms of food and service!
We always stop here on our way up the 101 North to Santa Rosa. Usually traffic is a bitch and honestly I'm usually the one behind the wheel, so would I rather stop for a bite to eat and some cold ones for my passengers, or sit in traffic for hours without anything holding my stomach down? Yeah, Moylan's is definitely the better alternative.
The day we went, I stopped off with my bro, Bonofide, Paisa Alex and Korean Alex. Our servers took good care of us at the bar -- and they had Kilt Lifter on cask! Loooove love love that stuff. We guzzled down IPAs and other hoppier offerings like it was nothing -- Bono even took down a sampler. What a trooper.
The number one stunner of this whole situation, however, was definitely the food. I always dig their garlic fries, but this time we really indulged -- a pepperoni and jalapeno pizza, and some fish 'n' chips. SO GOOD. Fresh, impressive flavors -- nothing overtly gourmet, but surely well executed.
See you again, Moylan's -- same time, next year! -
Review from Bill K.
Albany, NY
A perfectly average place. Not great, not bad, just average.
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Review from Katherine L.
Novato, CA
My boyfriend and I used to always have Sundays off together so we would go to a matinee movie and then to Moylan's for a late lunch since it's right across the street. The service here is almost always fantastic, especially Colleen, who was one of the first to remember us. Sunday seems to be the best day for the cooks, we've tried other days but it's not always as good, and the Sunday Special Calzone is my boyfriend's first choice. A burger with fries is my six-year-old brother's.
Pricing is reasonable and food great ^_^ -
Review from Cody E.
Petaluma, CA
Went there at about 9:00 pm on a Monday night so service was quick. I ordered the chips and salsa which was terrible. The bagged chips were fine but the salsa was actually pico de gallo which was unseasoned and boring. If you list it as salsa then it should be salsa not pico de gallo. I ordered the bangers and mash. The potatoes were lumpy and scarce on the gravy. The sausage was fine. The beer was good as to be expected at a brewery. It is obvious they have no pride in their food and it will be a while before I return for some tasteless pico de gallo labeled as salsa.
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Review from KC C.
San Rafael, CA
Aaack! This place is AWFUL! The food, beer, & service are all mediocre. I love pubs, but this one seems appropriately placed in a big-box strip mall off the freeway. It's like the Walmart of pubs - plain, basic crap with uninspired staff who are just there to get their check and get out.
Slow service, had to constantly hunt down a server (any server! not just ours...), mediocre food that was so bland it reminds me of hospital cafeteria food. Didn't seem very fresh at all and reminded me of bulk, boxed foods. Not much difference in flavor quality with our beer flights - all pretty much the basic IPA fare with a nut brown thrown in for diversity.
All-in-all I can't recommend this place. Head up to Petaluma or down to San Rafael if you want a real pub that isn't watered down to fit the big box atmosphere.
Ick. -
Review from Brittany H.
Marina, CA
Awesome local brewery!! They've got 16 different beers, and a great menu. I love coming here to just grab a beer, or to go out to lunch. I've never been disappointed by their food. Last time I had a fried calamari steak sandwich which was amazing!!
Last time I was there I had the beer sampler with my friend and tried them all!! I was pleased to find out that they had a special brew called black and orange in honor of our SFO Giants champions!! (And it's pretty tasty too!)
The staff is amazing and I've always gotten fantastic service. My favorite bartenders are Eileen and Julie.
I've recently relocated, and I'm definitely going to miss that place. -
Review from Sonlay V.
I checked this place last night and I really liked it. Great vibe, great amount of seating... it honestly felt like TAPS from Petaluma to me, but with more seating. Also the beers are really good. Glad to find a microwbrew place like this. The only issue I had was the prices for food. Drinks were fairly priced, but foods weren't so much. Could have been a little cheaper, but they were still tasty. Overall, good experience.
I recommend to try the golden ale.Listed in: Petaluma Area List
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Review from Jonathan J.
Union City, CA
I caught this place on a good night and really enjoyed the Irish Stew. Service was exceptional as well.
My only regret was that I was driving and couldn't sample the beers. Next time I go through that area I will be sure to be a passenger. -
Review from Jessica D.
Novato, CA
Beer - Husband RAVES about the beer. Insists that the imperial stout is delicious. Routinely purchases growlers and bottles to drink the beer at home. (I don't drink beer, so no opinion of my own on this aspect.)
Food - Meh. Overpriced and decidedly mediocre. The fish and chips is good and the pizza is acceptable. Everything else I've tried was not very good (lousy chili, flavorless soup, TERRIBLE Irish stew, etc.)
Service - S L O W.
Overall, we'll still show up here from time to time, but I'm always left feeling like we payed too much for what we got. -
Review from Erin S.
Santa Rosa, CA
Moylan's deserves an update because the brewed a beer in honor of the SF Giants.
Drum roll please....
Orange & Black Congrats Ale: a black ale with orange zest. Didn't sound like it would work, but its really good.
Stop in for a pint, also available in bottles as well.Listed in: IPA Journeys, Giants Torture...Oh So Good!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/5/2010
One brewery that I have heard tons about. I am proud that Novato can claim their own brewery now. I… Read more »
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7/5/2010
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Review from Al B.
Rohnert Park, CA
Ordered my burger medium-well but it showed up rare, and the fries were cold.
But the beer is friggin' fantastic. -
Review from Sandy M.
Novato, CA
I have been going to Moylands since they opened years ago. The beer is freshly made without preservatives, there are at least 10 flavors to pick from in a large range of alcohol content. Everything on the menu has been really good and this never changes. Most of the staff has been there for a long time. On a busy night it can be noisy, and spirits are high if there is a sports game in progress. You can eat outside in the beer garden. I always take my friends from out of town there, the portions are huge and prices are very reasonable. I love this place.
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Review from Natalie G.
San Francisco, CA
Our group of 8 came here on the Bay Area Brew tour and we really enjoyed our tasting. They let us pick from the large list of ales on tap and some standouts were the Orange & Black Congrats Beer (Go Giants!) and the Pomegranate Wheat. The tastings are a good size and there are so many to choose from! They paced them out well and we didn't feel rushed in the hour we were there.
The price for 22oz beers are very reasonable. We all picked up to bring home and the bride even bought a couple cases for her wedding they were such a good deal.
I liked the atmosphere with the wood beams, friendly service and large booths. -
Review from Rob C.
Rocklin, CA
Anytime I pass through the area, we always stop at Moylan's. We LOVE the atmosphere, the food, the excellent service.
Our favorite part is that the bartenders ALWAYS remember us even though we don't frequent often.
Kim and Eileen are friendly, funny and make our passing through town a nice break before hitting the road again.
Hoping we have a reason to be there again soon! -
Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
Didn't have any food, we were just here for the beer. I was nominated to drive and thus not able to more fully enjoy the whole experience.
Nevertheless, I am coming back when I don't have to drive. Moylan's has a fine collection of brews that are well worth sampling. I was only able to savor a sip or two from the samplers we ordered (price depends on which beer is poured) and I determined that the Double-IPA and Kilt Lifter could have gotten me in trouble if I'd had more than a few sips. The other ones were nice but these two were like the bad boys your mom always warned you about. So bad but so good!Listed in: NorCal noteworthy brewpubs
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Review from John M.
The girlfriend & I were back for St. Patrick's Day. It had been too long between visits last time, so was a fine day to keep that from happening again.
We sat in the bar area again & ordered from their St. Patty's day menu. I went with Irish Stew & the girlfriend picked the Corned Beef & Cabbage Sandwich. For beers, I got the Moylander Double IPA & the girlfriend got a Tipperrary.
We snuck in before the evening rush, so service was fast. We had beers in hand & food shortly after. Our beers were, again, grand.
My Irish Stew was good. It was actually a little reminiscent of the Irish Stew I had in Belfast, but the Moylan's had more rosemary. I tried a few bites of the girlfriend's Corned Beef & Cabbage Sandwich & that was dee-lish-uss! Next time, I'm ordering that.
As we were finishing up, it started getting packed with the St. Patty's day crowd. Service bogged down. We had our fill already, so we checked out.
Moylan's is a good spot for great beers & pub grub. Of course, I'll be back again.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/24/2011
I'm not sure what triggered the realization. Maybe it was seeing my empty growler just enough times… Read more »
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3/24/2011
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Review from Sarah G.
Beverly Hills, CA
Best brewery. Not a bad hamburger either. Good for groups and early in the evening good for kids. Friendly bartenders, warm environment.
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Review from Nathan O.
Columbus, OH
It doesn't touch Russian River in terms of beers and overall quality, but it's a good stop. We hit it up on our way to Russian River and enjoyed the porch seating and IPA options. Location is spotty, as it's near all sorts of commercial businesses and has a very weak brewery feeling. Moylan's lacked the heart and desire that I look for in a brewery personality.
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Review from Mitch L.
San Francisco, CA
One day I played hookie from real life responsibilities and listened to my craving for beer. I ended up at Moylan's in Novato. The weather was hot and the beers were decent enough in helping me through it. I sampled all 11 beers on tap while noshing on the Gongora Nachos, Buffalo Wings and my personal favorite, the Puffed Pastry with Prosciutto and Mozzarella. The beers for the most part were not as good as MBC but 3 stood out enough. The Imperial Stout, The Tipperary Ale(a hoppy pale ale with centenial hops adding a floral/herbal hop finish, 7% alc and the barleywine were worth remembering if I were to return.
Moylan's was a decent place that requires another look in the future. I gladly do so if I had to go to Novato again. -
Review from Alicia T.
San Rafael, CA
I've been here twice and I hate it. The first time wasn't so bad, I just hated the atmosphere. The second time was the dealbreaker. The food was good, but the service was terrible. Our waitress messed up not only our order, but also the table next to us. Oh, and the only time she came to check if we needed anything was to pay the bill.
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Review from Caleb H.
Redway, CA
Went to Moylan's for lunch and some beer and had a pretty good experience. I've bought some of their beer at Bevmo before and never even realized it was a local brewery, so it was kind of nice to get it directly from the tap.
Lots of parking and I liked the look of the place; it was big, wide open, cool decor for a casual brewery. It's a jeans and a t-shirt kind of place so don't expect anything too fancy. The clean bathrooms were nice too.
Service was great, at our table and the bar. We were seated promptly and our server checked on us throughout the meal. She was friendly and cute. It was pretty empty when we went, so service might be worse on a busy night.
Food was alright, I had the chicken sandwich, my buddy had a burger. They were good but nothing to write home about.
Beer was great, we tried almost all of them, their fruity beer was a little too fruity and not enough beer for our tastes but what do expect with fruity beer, right?
Only bad thing was price, the burger and sandwich could have been bigger and the sides were small. I hate having to pay over 10 dollars for a meal I could make at home for 5. But I assume for the area it was pretty reasonable.
Also wish they had more TV's for sports but I guess it's a "brewery and restaurant" and not a sports bar.
Check 'em out! -
Review from Raina C.
Monterey, CA
Went here with my fiance-
I loved how they had tables outside- however we choose to stay indoors.
He ordered a beer. They get 3 stars because i am not a beer drinker what-so-ever but i took a sip and was really impressed.
I ordered a glass of wine. Ok i know its a brewery but the wine was super sour- so i sent it back and recieved another glass of sour wine.
At this pt i was totally turned off :( -
Review from Joe B.
San Mateo, CA
Stopped in today for a quick lunch....
The bathroom was filthy... Smelled of urine... Really disgusting... Kind of put off the whole meal...
They have plenty of beers.. We didn't have any...
Tried some different food items, salads, burger, etc... Ehhh..
Seems like packaged food.....
Maybe a step above Denny's...
Not awful, but you can tell this place is old.... floors, bathroom, plates and silverware.... Needs some money to fix it up....... -
Review from Sean R.
Vallejo, CA
Took my counter staff to Moylan's for a shop meeting.Enjoyed a nice meal.Not expensive at all.Service was good.All the other people and families were in good spirits and being taken care of.Had the "wanna-be Apple-Bee's" but "family owned" sports bar and restaurant vibe to it. Not much of a drinker so cant say anything bout the brew they serve but the fish and chips were pretty damn good.
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Review from KT M.
Novato, CA
I live in Novato and would love to have a place where I could hang out and get a good meal, good beer and watch a good game. Moylans has beer, food and TV's only thing is nothing stands out as cool, lets make this a regular stop on the resturant radar. I have been here probably 6 times in the 5 years I have lived in Novato and each time I feel like, well that was a waste of an evening. Food isn't that good, beer is decent, I do like their beer better than the food, but when you are drinking good beer you want some good food otherwise that spells disaster.. I want to love Moylans it has a lot of potential but each time it falls short.
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Review from Stevie b.
San Francisco, CA
The Tuscan plate was delish. The beers were great. The garlic fries needed some parmesan and olive oil.
The server was very unattentive. We seemed to be waiting on him when it should have been the other way around. We were thirsty for beer and our pint glasses sat there bone dry and all the other tables were getting their checks before us even though we were there first. I wouldn't have been compelled to write such a crumby review if he would have acknowledged that he wasn't on his game.
I will return but not to his section. -
Review from Novato A.
Novato, CA
Actual rating 3.5 stars.
It's Sunday afternoon and you and the huzby are on your way back from a shopping safari where you bagged a snazzy zebra chair to complete the decor of your internationally-themed office. It's a beaut and it was on sale--just 99$ for this elusive, eye-catching tush tender. You feel triumphant, especially since three women made covetous comments about your trophy as you checked out of the crowded line at Marshalls.
It's half past noon and you need to feed your huzby before a disastrous bout of hypoglycemia hits. You've known each other almost 10 years and you still can't figure out how he goes on his long morning runs with no fuel in his tank. Besides that, he's already mentioned his plan to lunch and have a beer at Moylan's on the way back to camp...er...home.
That great grill aroma emanating from Moylan's sucks you into the parking lot. The promise of a beer on the sunny/shady patio makes you goose your gait to the front door. You pick your perfect spot outside--sun for you, shade for huzby--plant your posterior and scan the menu. After a bit of back and forth over what to share for lunch you cave to your huzby's yen for a Reuben and fries. He throws in an offering of salad to appease your cantankerous colon. Marriage means compromise every day in every way--right?
Beer:
Huzby always opts for the IPA and is happy with his choice. (See attached picture. Beer all gone and Huzby wishing he had more.) I'm partial to the darker brews but since it's summer I opt for the pomegranate varietal. Never fear, it's not one of those fruity, sweet beers. In fact, it's more on the tart side. It's very distinctive and ever so slightly lip puckering--in a good way. Absolutely refreshing.
Food:
Maybe it's my fault for not keeping my expectations sufficiently low. The Reuben was rather weak on flavor. Sauerkraut kinda tasteless, just taking up space between the bread slices. Meat was dry. Dressing was pretty good. It was edible enough and gone in a matter of minutes. The romaine in the ceasar was limp, croutons, decidedly uncrunchy (and therefore, uneaten) however the cheese was freshly grated and they didn't drown the poor thing in dressing. Good on ya. The garlic fries were JUST RIGHT. Nice and crispy, not too greasy and not too much or too little garlic. Goldilocks would certainly approve.
All in all, Moylan's is a good summer-time pit stop. The patio is the place to be on a temperate day, as was yesterday. You may need to order the "right thing". I can't recommend the ceasar or the Reuben but the garlic fries--just say yes! Pull up a pint and set a spell. A good way to end any suburban safari. -
Review from Shannon M.
Novato, CA
This is the best pub in Marin and likely well into other nearby counties. Needless to say the beer is AWESOME, great selection and there is something for everyone. The food is great and the people & service are first class. You won't be disappointed!
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Review from Chris W.
Santa Rosa, CA
Once a year when traffic is backed up I stop here. There triple hops IPA was good. The food every time I stop here is just poor. They need a chef not a cook, because it is not cheap. I ordered the prime rib. It was not roasted they cooked it in a fry pan and gave me mash potatoes that tasted a week old and it was only 6. The vegetables were done right but 20 bucks from fried prime rib yeck! Nice bartenders though fast efficent friendly. Next time just a beer and maybe I will see if they get nachos right!
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Review from Grace L.
San Rafael, CA
The staff is friendly and efficient, the food is yummy (I love their salads) and affordable and they have great beer. The dining area is clean and spacious with a warm atmosphere. Basically, Moyland's is a great place to go with a group of friends or family, with consistently good food and service.
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Review from D C.
Novato, CA
great beer and really good food. Big fan of the Red Beer and a pizza would be a great meal
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Review from Melody P.
Cameron Park, CA
Food is delicious! I ordered the prawns in garlic sauce. It came with a rice pilaf and veggies. Prawns cooked perfectly. The garlic sauce is one of a kind even though the name suggests something blah. It has a hint of beer, which works perfectly with the prawns. Buttery, savory sauce. Just insanely full of flavor! The rice and veggies were no match for the main event of the dish, but complemented it.
The corned beef and cabbage is... is... Drool-worthy. First thing you notice is the portion. Huge! They don't skimp here. This is a meal for someone with a big appetite. No fluff here. Meat, potatoes and a hunk of cabbage. Eat up!
Clam chowder in a bread bowl was really good! Chunks of veggies and clams. Full of flavor. The bread was not stale. It had a nice crust, while the inside was soft. Great for dipping into the soup. Good sized portion too!
Ambiance is that of a bar and restaurant. Both have their sections. Large dining area and lots of interesting decor. The kitchen is visible, so you can see the flames every so often.
I will definitely return. I wish Moylan's was closer to home. -
Review from Mf B.
Novato, CA
One of my favorite spots in notown. i love their beer, and honestly, their food is pretty good. Top of the lis, they have hands down the best pizza in town. I've had them all, extreme, red boy, boca, round table, etc. This place has the best pizza period. the crust is perfect, and ample toppings. the garlic pesto pizza is a sure hit with anybody. burgers are great, super messy. the salads are meh. the staff s friendly and many of them are easy on the eyes.
the beer. of course, the beer. i am a stout guy, but they have a lot of great beers here. for light, try the helles or xmas if appropriate. for hoppy, the hopsickle is second to none. amazing iipa, especially fresh on tap. dangerous. this is the best beer here. the kiltlifter is also tasty, as is the sullivans stout and chelsea moylands porter(best on no2).
One interesting thing about moylans for beer geeks is 2 rotating cask selections, very cool. they will have unique brews from chardonnay barrel aged hopsickle to raspberry espresso stout.
Overall a great place, nice atmosphere, overall good food, and tasty brews. worth a stop, and its only 1 minute off the 101.
