Murphy's

07/06/2008 Posted by ahaldar

Murphy's brunch came with high expectations, and failed to meet them. The service was very friendly, but slow. The biscuit/muffin basket came so late that we barely buttered them before the food came out. The food was ok, but nothing special. My chilaquiles were ok, but lacked any spice - it tasted like bland salsa dumped over some chicken. Also, it was cold. Like not even lukeward. All in all, disappointing.

Pros: Friendly service, nice atmosphere, biscuits

Cons: Slow service, overhyped food leads to disappointed palates

06/22/2008 Posted by cjamesatl

After living in Atlanta for the past 8 months, and having visited Murphy's on several occasions on trips to Atlanta before moving here, I've found Murphy's to be pleasant. But recently, the service is lacking. Examples are: having to wait several minutes after being seated for your server to initially acknowledge your existence, not listening when you ask for sparkling water, and instead start pouring tap water immediately, runners constantly bumping in your seat, and without apology, and being told "we just ran out" of the entree, dessert, or drink you want to order. If you're going to put popular items on the menu, you had better well not run out all the time, or at least not run out of more than one item. When tipping, I usually always over-tip, and take into consideration that it's not always the server's fault, but when servers don't utilize basic listening skills, and menu items are always "out", then cutting a tip below standard may be the only way to get the message back to management. Keep in mind: TIPS means To Insure Proper Service.

Pros: Friendly staff, nice location, good food

Cons: Tight seating, very loud, long wait for service

05/20/2008 Posted by Abuk

Our waiter was very unattentive. Murphy's dinner menu was very limited -- if you would like to have chicken but dislike the lemon ricotta filling in the Ashley Farms Chicken , then you are out of luck. Things that could go wrong in cooking took place in this restaurant -- the calamari and fries were undercook and not crispy at all; the mashed potatoes tasted a bit sour; and the Guinness Braised Beef Brisket was way too salty. The restaurant looks pretty on the outside, but the food could ruin your appetite and mood for the evening...

04/18/2008 Posted by Impressed18

After reading the previous reviews on this site, I've come to realize that most of the negativities about the servers come from people who don't know exactly how a restaurant works. When a glass of wine comes to your table and you disagree with the pour, it's not the server's fault. They do not pour your wine, the bar follows restaurant regulations on the pours. When your food comes out undercooked or over seasoned, it isnt your servers fault, its the kitchen's unfortunate mis-hap. When the host under-estimates the wait time, dont be angry to your server when you sit down, once again, it isnt their fault. Many unexperienced diners in Atlanta take out their frustrations on their servers when in nearly every case, it has nothing to do with the waiter. In fact, most of you think that it is actually acceptable to tip poorly, based on other reasons than your servers performance. Servers in Atlanta are paid 2.13 an hour and they never see a paycheck -- it goes all straight to taxes. Most servers owe over a grand in taxes at the end of the year. Re-access your restaurant services and if something goes wrong, be sure to blame strictly the party involved. Murphy's has a wonderful atmosphere -- great food -- and impeccable service. If something goes wrong on your first visit, come back. Whether you are from the suburbs or downtown Atlanta, Murphy's is THE place in Atlanta to receive true southern hospitality.

Pros: Valet parking for dinner, new menus every season

Cons: Nada

03/03/2008 Posted by ladieswholunch

We've eaten there a couple of times for lunch during the week with great success. The service is not fast, it is a leisurely lunch, but the food is really good. Top picks: Shrimp & Grits; Crab Cakes; Chicken Salad. MMMM, MMMM, GOOD!

Pros: Really good food in a great atmosphere

Cons: Parking, Parking, Parking and relaxed pace if you're in a hurry!

02/15/2008 Posted by stylistocrat

Good Day All. I had two bad experiences at Murphy's. This is odd because the service and food I've had at 2 Urban Licks, One Midtown, and Trios were all great. Anyway, 1st experience was about 2 months ago. I was eating my Sunday Brunch eggs and bit down on what I thought was my tooth... turns out it was a piece of a plate that was chipped and made its way into my omelet. I showed the waitress who took the meal off my bill and said she was sorry, but going home with a bloody mouth isn’t fun. The second experience happened this past weekend. Again on Sunday, we showed up and Murphy's was very packed. We were told the wait would be 45 min to an hour. Ok...what else do I have to do but eat...so we decided to wait. Bad move! 1 and a half hours later I spoke to this lil blonde hostess who was in a real "s**ty" mood. She immediately gave me an attitude. Basically she wanted to get really snotty with me. Now here’s the deal, those that know me in the restaurant business and throughout Atlanta know I'm not a disrespectful man. I own and operate a business that teaches men the finer things from clothes to proper manors and how to be a gentleman. I have never been talked too like this young lady did. Based on the fact that we were there so long and one of the persons was a client I was too embarrassed to leave so we stayed and ate. We ended up being seated outside when their were seats available inside. (It was like 40-50 that day). Clearly she wanted to "get back at us". Needless to say, we wont be going to Murphy's again and it’s a shame because I can deal with a piece of plate in a egg...but rude service....no can do. But you make up your own mind if you visit; this was just my 2 sense worth of visits.

Pros: Local Bistro near shops, Wachovia Bank right next door

Cons: Bad Hostess who needs classes on how to treat customers

02/07/2008 Posted by yumyumrestaurants

I went to Murphy's the other day and tried the tomato and eggplant soup and loved it. The eggplant and tomatoes are heartily chopped, so it's got substance and isn't runny. The croutons on the top added the perfect amount of light crunch. Follow it with the grilled veggie panini (chock full with roasted veggies and FRESH mozzarella) and you've got a great lunch, especially for a cold rainy day!

01/05/2008 Posted by atlwahoo

after hearing great things about this place, especially the brunch, i decided to try it with a friend. we went around 11:15am on a saturday and were seated immediately, despite what we expected. although we noticed that right after we sat down, a crowd formed in the waiting area. we sat out on the patio, which even in the winter was heated and cozy. the service was wondeful and we were offered a complimentary basket of delicious muffins and biscuits - wondeful with buttter and jam! the menu was extensive and it was difficult to decide. i ordered the eggs virginia highlands and my friend ordered the eggs san francisco - with sides of cheesy grits. the food was delicious and not too rich or heavy which tends to be the case with many places that serve southern style breakfast dishes. the cheesy grits were some of the best i have had in atlanta. parking is a bit of a challenge - but that is just the vahi area... i had to drive around a few times to find the perfect spot, but it was well worth it. i am adding this place to my brunch spot list which includes flying biscuit, rita's blue bird, and babettes, and will definitely go again some time!

01/02/2008 Posted by julie_loves

I've been to Murphy's a couple of times, both on a "just in the neighborhood" whim. In my opinion, that's the extent of it -- it's a good neighborhood place. I don't think I'd go out of my way to eat here. The atmosphere is very nice; it's cozy, warm, and inviting -- exactly how a wine bar should be. The wine selection is impressive; I love that there is a little wine shop on the other side of the restaurant. The service here is spotty: the bartenders and wine sommeliers were great, but the hostess and servers were not. The food is good, but again, unimpressive. My date and I started off with the fried green tomatoes (which is not on the menu this season), which were pretty good, but I've definitely had better. My date ordered the filet mignon and I had the seared grouper. Both were fair, but just not creative at all. The desserts are said to be amazing here, and unfortunately, we were too full to try any. Maybe next time I'll come here strictly for wine, coffee, and desserts. Reservations are a must -- but make sure at least 75% of your party arrives on time or else you will never get seated!!! Parking is difficult; must park on the street or nearby public lots and walk.

Pros: Wine bar, good neighborhood place, desserts

Cons: Service, parking

12/14/2007 Posted by atlantaeats

I took my best friend from out of town to Murphy’s Wednesday night, and it is one of my new favorite restaurants. The staff was really friendly and the food was delicious. no matter what you order, be sure to leave room for the Bonzo cake and Tollhouse pie – they’re out of this world!

Pros: great food at great prices