Favorite No More This family owned establishment was once an out of the way favorite. However, my last two visits have been bleak disappointments due, in large part, to poor food and passive aggressive service by a member of the wait staff. He began his main course of rude conduct by throwing straws at our party when we asked for them followed by the tossing of baskets onto the table. Here's a picture of the "chicken" caesar salad wrap which more closely represented a crouton wrap. It didn't pay to bring it to the attention of"His Rudeness" as neitherme, nor themembers of my party will return. For themoney, quality andservice, you're much better off patronizing Wedl's inJefferson read more

The fish sandwich was excellent! Service was friendly and fast! They have a great selection of malts and sundaes! We will be back!!

This was the hang out/date spot when I was in High School. I only every got their ice cream cones. All their flavors are rich, creamy, and smooth. They do Blue Moon the best. Their Irish Cream holds a place in my heart. They only carry it during the winter months. Flavors change frequently. Service is always friendly and cheerful. Also retro diners hold a special place in my heart too. read more

Oh, Mullens. Such a fun place and a great place to take the kids. I remember going here when I was younger. I've always loved their Blue Moon ice cream. The banana splits are huge. The food is only ok. Burgers are the only thing I would consider eating here. Skip the food and go here for dessert instead. read more

We visited on a steamy hot day and found the old town charm of the 50's soda shop to be a lot if fun. The parlor is set in the middle of the room with seating all around. A mix of bar stools and booths serving ice cream and typical fried fast food type meals. The decor is red/white classic "coke" feel. The walls are starting to show wear, dirt and scuffed paint. The downtown of Watertown is nothing to get excited about,. If you didn't know better you would think this town wont be here 10 years from now. that said, this place is a sure bet if you have kids. We ordered 3 scoops and 4 milk shakes in our group. Everyone liked the scoops. The milkshakes come in lite, medium and thick based on the amount of ice cream. We ordered medium ($4.50) I was disappointed in very little flavor. Tasted very bland and very thin for ordering a medium. I would probably go back but not order the shakes. read more

Very happy with our experience here. The young man taking our order was very accommodating making sure the cook would do his best at cooking my burger to temp. Not just saying oh yeah he will but checking with the cook. The cook was honest too saying he would try but saying he was not sure if he would be able to get the medium rare I requested. Because of that I wasn't upset when it came out a nice medium because I knew he had honestly tried. The patties were nice and juicy and the pickles crisp with a good amount of acid to help cut through the sweetness of the ketchup. My wife really thought her rueben was excellent. She loved the taste of the kraut and thought everything was perfectly proportioned between meat, kraut, dressing, and bread. The fries were crisp and we'll cooked. Not the largest fan of shoestring fries but they worked nice with the type of food we were eating. Shakes were good and served in a cute set up with a paper cone in a cup holder. Very cool. read more

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Love the ice cream. Have not eaten any food but service is always quick and friendly. Homemade Icecream. Great shakes and malts.

Tin roof sundae mixed with vintage atmosphere make this place a must stop destination.

I'd give this a five star rating if I only had to rate the homemade ice cream. But, given I also need to rate the food, if not for the ice cream, they would get two stars (two only because I received good service). My pizza burger, after the first bite, exploded out the backside of it, revealing a greasy filler center that was now completely hollow. Thankfully, I was holding it so it exploded into my basket and not on to my girlfriend. The service and ice cream was great. My advice, eat some where else and then pop by here for dessert. read more

Mullen's is a Watertown institution. It's just a lovely little place. You have to go. It's got a 1950's diner sensibility. Mainly they offer ice cream. That's their specialty. And the ice cream is good, and it comes in many different flavors, including "blue moon," which I've heard is kind of a Midwest thing. They also offer hamburgers and other diner stuff but I can't really comment on that because I only ever come for the ice cream. read more

We like the food and of course the ice cream. I'd go more often if they were not so pricey. Theres some history there which is cool, but still, too pricey for my liking. read more

My first visit here was certainly one to remember. Me and my co workers decided to grad something to eat, but I was already full so I walked in with them. All of us ordered except me. As they are preparing our food, the manager emerges from the back room. Before he even said a word, I could tell from the look on his face that he was angry. He walks up to us and begins yelling at us. Literally yelling. He demands that I leave the restaurant and go eat outside. I was perplexed! It was one of the worst experiences I've had at a restaurant. My friends said that the food was good but like I said, the customer service was atrocious. I would not recommend going here, especially with having other very similar places to eat close by. read more

Best ice cream in WI! You can't beat their delicious American menu and the hometown feel of this restaurant. Outstanding service and excellent product. Highly recommend! read more

This was hands down some of the worst food I have ever eaten. It was awful. I see many reviews talking about the old time atmosphere and charm which is nice but I don't eat old time charm. We saw Mullen's and the cute soda shop look is what attracted us in the first place. My husband and I took our five year old thinking it would be a nice place to have lunch as it looked very family orientated. Saw the sign that said they've been in business since the thirties so we thought it was a great bet for lunch. Beware of the food! The ice cream was good but I would never get anything other than that. Eat lunch somewhere else and then eat your ice cream at Mullens. Why so harsh? I ordered a burger and onion rings and my husband ordered a patty melt. Unedible. It was like eating a soyburger they serve to you in a grade school cafeteria. There is no way that burger was 100 percent beef. My husband commented after I spit my bite into my napkin that the malts (which were standard) cost more than the burger. Trouble with a capitol T. To top it off we waited 40 minutes for this food. The onion rings were okay, greasy but I was hungry so that was my lunch for the day. The food is not fresh but straight out of a bag and thrown in the fryer. So, if you actually have a pallete and can taste your food my advice is never eat at Mullens. read more

The ice cream is amazing. The customer service, not so much. A handful of teenage girls working and only one talking care of customers. Very poor customer service. read more

Mullen's has been a favorite of ours for years, for ice cream & related goodies. Others have commented on the old-timey soda-shop atmosphere so I'll just say it was still that way and still good. As to the food: Today my companion began with a cup of chili--it was rated as good but not great. However, the Chicago hot dog that she had next was better than any other she's had outside of Chicago. All the trimmings, all the flavor. She had it without the optional jalapeno peppers. (The full experience of a Chicago hot dog includes being IN Chicago!) She finished with a turtle sundae which was up to Mullens' standard, which is to say, superb. Served in an old-fashioned, 6-sided, real glass, sundae tulip glass. I had a malt, extra thick, heavy on the malt powder. It was served exactly that way, and it was one of the best malts I've ever had. Delicious, and smooth all the way through. And served, if you please, in the stainless steel can it was mixed in, with a paper cone in a metal holder beside, to pour it into and sip with a straw. (I always order a malt at Mullen's.) With that I had Mullens' "Value #4," a 1/4 lb. Angus burger with French fries. I ordered raw onions with the burger, and no salt on the fries. The burger came with actual hunks of strong onion, and the fries were non-salted as requested. Burger was nice fresh high-grade beef, cooked through. The fries were hot, fresh, and tasty. Bun was fresh and of good quality. It could have been toasted, but that's really a minor point. So, bottom line, I agree with the above posters that Mullen's really strong point is their soda-fountain specialties, but I must add that (in my opinion) their "burgers-n-fries diner fare" is also top-notch. Super-pros: Best malts I have ever had, anywhere, anytime. Bar none. I defy anyone to suggest a place that does malts better. Pros: First, all of Mullen's fountain specialties are top-notch, and their we-make-it-here ice cream is a great take-home treat as well. They must carefully train all of their staff. Diner fare is high-grade also--IMNSHO. Service was fast and attentive. Cons: Not much. Watertown is a little out-of-the-way, for most purposes. I suggest it's worth the extra drive north of I-94. read more

Only time I was there was with my kids and there were ants crawling all over the window next to us inside the restaurant never been back

The food here is not very good, but the ice cream is great. I sugg3st coming here just for dessert. The old diner aesthetic is a nice touch as well. read more

My recent AND last visit and Mullens just confirmed my poor opinion from the prior visit. This time my hot fudge sundae was gritty, both the ice cream and the hot fudge. Not what you would expect for a premium priced store specializing in and calling themselves a dairy bar. My prior visit was last winter I wrote off as a one off experience that I was willing to overlook - not anymore unfortunately. That evening I had a grilled chicken fillet sandwich. In putting the sandwich back together after a few bites I noticed a ribbon of pink in the chicken. So when the waitress stopped over, I asked if she could take it to the kitchen and microwave it a little bit to make sure it was fully cooked. A couple minutes later the cook came out telling me he knows how to cook chicken and to believe him-it was done. Mind you, this was not done in a friendly or reassuring way either. I didn't ask for a refund or even a different piece of chicken. I had asked for it to be microwaved for a bit! He couldn't have been more condescending or unprofessional. My wife and two of our three kids all watched with amazement as well. Make Mullens great again - Comical. Like potus, try "Make Mullens decent again!" Big disappointment:( read more

I have been thinking about posting this for a few months, but have withheld since I knew it would probably take a large toll on Mullen's. However, I have recently decided that it may be quite beneficial for current and prospective customers to know. When I was there over the summer, I was sitting at the counter waiting for my food to be made, and I saw something horrendous happen. I was watching the girls create ice cream treats and noticed that when making a shake, they would open a small cooler lid, lean down, and scoop out the milk to add to the shake. It seemed like a very unique, efficient process, until I saw something that turned my stomach. It was quite busy and there were many waitresses opening and closing that cooler lid and there was this one blond waitress in particular that was scooping milk (I assume, as I couldn't see much since her back was to me) and then I saw her lean back up, pulling out a rag dripping with milk. She then looked from side to side, probably to see if anyone saw, and rang the milky rag out in the sink adjacent to the cooler compartment. If I'm not mistaken, that rag, used to wipe down counters and booths, was dropped in the milk. The worst thing is, I didn't see her switch out the milk after. I left after a few minutes of watching to see if she did anything about it (which she didn't) and haven't gone back since. I realize I should have said something earlier, but I didn't want to bring any evil among a new, blossoming business. read more

Awesome childhood memories were had here! Definitely old-school with its 50's like appearance, and the ice cream cones and sundaes were always worth the bike ride into downtown. read more

i don't think there is much else to say. hands down, no questions asked, best ice cream in the world. this place is family run and i mean family run. locally sourced farm and dairy cows. they milk cows in morning and the milk is ice cream by evening. if you are within 100 miles of watertown, you must go! read more

Great throwback ice cream and burger joint. Probably one of the best cheeseburgers I have ever had. Great malts and some pretty rockin' garlic fries. If you are near Watertown, make this place a priority. read more

Eating at Mullen's is like stepping back in time--I love the nostalgic feel of the restaurant! The burgers, fries and ice cream are delicious. Great service and friendly faces--I will be back! read more

Literally the best ice cream of my life! Homemade, consistent and delicious!!!! This is easily the best ice cream in Wisconsin!

We visited Mullen's twice during our visit to Watertown. The first visit was for lunch, and the burgers, fries and malts/shakes were very good. The retro atmosphere was really cute. We liked the fries so much that we came back for an afternoon ice cream and fries treat the next day. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town! read more

Just went there for first time, burgers were amazing! The homemade sauces were better than anything I would have imagined! Try the buffalo and spicy ranch. Kitchen staff was very helpful and great staff all around. read more

Our first time going back after re-opening was the week of spring break. My parents and I went with my kids for dessert. We were very happy to find non-dairy options on the menu so no one had to feel left out. The service was quick and friendly. We will definitely be going back soon. I'm very glad they're under new management! read more

I was finally able to visit Mullen's under the new ownership. When I visited (12 noon), it was busy, and I waited about 5-10 minutes for a seat at the bar. First and foremost, I wanted to see if the ice cream tasted any different, so I ordered my usual, a raspberry malt. I was confused because others around me had the traditional Mullen's metal cup and funnel, yet mine was served in a paper cup. I thought the malt tasted as delicious as previously, just some of the "charm" was lost in a paper cup, so ask for metal if you want it served that way. For lunch, I tried the day's special, a chicken salad sandwich. It was delicious and I appreciated that I could somewhat control what was in it, as I held out the celery. The fries were good, but were a bit high on the salt, especially once ketchup was put on them. The decor was more modern than the old Mullen's, and I liked the color choices so artifacts such as old calendars and bottles could be showcased. It was also cleaner than the old place. Service was excellent. I usually come for an ice cream, and I got a delicious one at that. Great to see a reopened Mullen's in Watertown. read more

Love the ice cream and cheese curds, great customer service, fun atmosphere and low prices. Plus if you're a geocacher there's a nifty little cache near. read more

Been here with my kids quite a few times through the past 16 years. Not happy with the cleanliness of this place. They don't care! Here is why I say this. Quite a while back I was here and it is the last and final time I will be there. I know this took a while for me to post, but better late then never. When I walked in with my kids the older lady (the one who's been cooking at this place for many, many years and acts like the boss) was cooking again as usual. I am one of those kinds of people that NEEDS to wash up before I eat. Anyway, I went down those stairs to get to the bathroom to wash my hands and once again, NO SOAP! No bottle, none on the wall. When I got back up the stairs, I said to her "there's no soap in the bathroom" and her reply was "someone stole it again" and I said "do you have any I could use" and she said "no and we won't be getting anymore because they keep stealing it". kind of bothered by her response, I then asked, "what if you or someone else takes a big crap, How do they wash up after they are done" and she said with a sarcastic smile "they wash when they come back into the kitchen". Wow! So they spread all those germs throughout the restaurant. I think this is disrespectful to do to paying customers as well as a health concern. I know old people don't like to get their hands wet because its hard on the old thin skin but is she for real or really that dim? By the way, I never got the felling that she is the sweet old lady type. Kinda the opposite. Anyway, I guess she is going to punish me and everyone else because of a couple soap thief's? It costs less then a buck lady to replace!! The fact she would say that to me is really a spit in my eye...and maybe some fecal matter too...I know this place is a landmark business from the 30's but you don't have to run it like they did in the 30's. Why didn't the owner himself care to address this issue? He also has no respect for heath rules or his customers! What else do they do in regards to cleanliness in back where the public can't see?? I'm sure the many past employee's have some story's to share! Shame on her and the owner for treating people this way! One more thing I have to add... The building and fire inspectors are so strict to some business owners, but they will allow a restaurant to have bathrooms down a steep stairway with dim lighting and a steel bar attached. First, people with most impairments in no way couldn't even use it, no hand washing station at least upstairs for people to use. Also, lets say an elderly person does in fact manage to make there way down there and their is a fire in this very old building, how in the world are they going to get up in time? How can they allow this! After someone dies then they will all say why! Plus, someone with very limited mobility could easily fall down that long and steep stairway! I guess Mullen's gets special treatment from the city! read more

Love, love, love their ice cream! Who doesn't love a small town tradition ?!?! Their prices are on the high end. The staff is not very friendly, which is disappointing especially when so many families go here. I gave them 4 stars simply because their ice cream is that great! If you have some extra time and don't mind a wait, check them out. You will it be disappointed by the ice cream! read more

Had a great meal and sundaes for desert. Grandma had a bowl of the mac and cheese. My husband and I had burgers. But all 3 of us had sundaes. Everything was great. Our server was Maggie and she was wonderful. She was plenty busy but never made us feel it. Fun place. read more

No better place to be on a hot day in Watertown! The cookies N Cream sundae was great and the prices aren't too bad!

I have only been here for dessert but that has always been great. I wouldn't be afraid to try the food anytime. Overall it's a great Watertucky classic. I'm sure I'll be back. And don't forget a free scoop of ice cream when its 20 degrees below zero! read more

The atmosphere is very cute with a 50s diner vibe, and I love the food. Usually the service is great, even when they are busy. It can get crowded, but I think that is a good sign indicating they are very good and popular. read more

Disgusting. If you are going to eat here, don't look too closely at the floor, the counter, the bathroom, etc. is it nostalgic to have mold and dirt from the year you opened? It's cute from the outside. The girls that are working there are so sweet. I wanted to like it, I really did. But then I saw what appeared to be the manager or owner basically berating the girls. They work their butts off and he was so mean to them. He should be ashamed. I'd rather have McDonald's ice cream. read more

If you like home made ice cream and nostalgia, you'll get the best at Mullen's. Newly renovated, but still very much a blast from the past, and a yummy menu with such things as Vienna Chicago hot dogs, Ruebens, burgers, sweet potato (& regular) fries, sundaes, and a very long list of ice cream flavors to choose from! Staff is mostly made up of high school kids needing after school and weekend jobs, but they always have the best manners and always very helpful. Not many places like this are around anymore, so I love to see that they're busy enough to hopefully stick around for many generations to come! read more

When I was in Mullen's the other day I witnessed an employee get harassed by a customer with racial slurs and bigoted comments. Meanwhile, none of her coworkers, managers, etc. said anything to back her up or stand up against the rude customer. The employee seemed pretty upset and I can't believe nobody bothered to do anything about it. I won't be eating at Mullens if they can't even stand up for equal opportunity employees. read more

Ordered a birthday cake on Tuesday for pickup on Saturday. Arrived at 11:00 to pick it up and they could not find it, manager then stated they were having trouble with their frosting delivery and I should be understanding that it would take more time the party was at 1:00. He might get a shipment of frosting by 12:00 o'clock, maybe. It sounded like a excuse to me and I had a 10 year old waiting for her cake. They then double checked and guess what they found it. With all the excuses the manager gave me, I felt he would have done better just being honest with me. I explained I would be going back to using Dairy Queen. read more