The Mullin Wine Bar — Restaurant in Los Angeles

The Mullin Wine Bar, under new ownership as of September 2025, was the pleasant option after not being able to secure reservations at the nearby restaurants before the grand opening of the 2025-2026 LA Opera. The bar offers a nice reprieve for a low-key place to grab a bite or drink before going to any of the shows at the Music Center. Note it opens for just two hours before showtime.

My hubby and I arrived shortly after opening time, 4 p.m. or two hours before showtime, based on previous years when we tried to get a drink there to no avail. The place was packed! (Sadly, I didn't get the names of the bartender, hence the reference by gender). The female bartender immediately offered us the menus and water. While the food options are limited (personal size pepperoni and Margharita pizzas) and homemade brownies and cookies, the Margharita pizza was delicious. The marinara sauce wasn't tart, perfectly seasoned and the pizza crust was soft in the center with a slight crunch on the edges. My hubby and I had plenty to eat by sharing one pizza. It has eight slices, so it's a decent amount of food unless one is famished. A second, male, bartender arrived shortly after we got there. The two-member staff was plenty busy with a line out the door about an hour before showtime. Plenty of basic drink choices are available. One bartender even made a mocktail upon request by another patron. The male bartender jumped at the chance to make me an Aperol Spritz after asking how he made them. It hit the spot! It was refreshing and balanced with just the right sweetness.

Intrigued by the homemade cookies, I had to try one. 😋 It was worth it as it was perfectly sweet with the right amount of chocolate chips. Its center was fluffy and moist, not soggy. To add to its perfect taste, the crust offered a soft crunch, if that makes sense.

Overall, we will return. The bartenders were personable, knowledgeable and made the entire experience a welcoming one, ideal for a place that can often be pretentious. They were both lovely individuals!

I would highly encourage the new owners to consider opening after the shows for a couple of hours as guests often want to grab a drink to wind down or debrief. Likewise, they're often hungry for something light; the pizzas and cookie combo would hit the spot. They should at least consider opening after the shows on opening nights. For most people, going to downtown LA is a chore, especially the parking. The Mullin Wine Bar is the most logical venue for patrons to grab a night cap after a show, especially on the season opening night. Not everyone has $3,000 per person to attend the Opera Ball for dinner. Likewise, with the limited restaurant options nearby, this bar is the perfect compromise. On nights when the shows start unusually early or mid-day, offering a choice to grab a bite and drink after hours is not only a convenience to patrons but good...

Service is horrible. I’m a local resident. I walked around the area and thought of getting a drink to enjoy the afternoon. The bartenders had the laziest attitude. I asked for a martini. He put it in a cup. I asked for a cocktail glass just to be told that they are closing in five minutes and that I have to take this to go cup and sit outside. I’m pretty sure this is against the Californian law not drinking in a designated area with license. Moreover, why would I even buy anything if I knew the bar is closing? Then another blonde lady walked in shortly after and got a glass to sit outside. The bartenders gave this lady all the attention while looking like they were trying to shoo me away. Then trying to ask for 20% tips. I would advise not to wine and dine here. I feel discriminated and disappointed when I wanted to support...

The Mullin Wine Bar sits right in the middle of the The Music Center. It is off to the west side and between the Mark Taper and the Dorothy Chandler. It is a lovely spot with the wide glass doors usually open. There is bar seating and some tables. There is also outside seating.

They have more than just wine. They have a great wine and liquor list, but they also have food.

You can stop there and get cookies and sandwiches to just take away or you can sit and order. They have great food.

They make a mean burger and a lot of small plates. Call them as to opening time, it may change depending on whether a show is up at the Music Center.

They have a happy hour and since they serve food, kids are allowed. The service is...