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Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro Reviews List
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
It is perhaps fitting that the Murphy family motto is "Fortis et Hospitable" which, roughly translated, means brave and hospitable. The process of building a 200 seat contemporary Irish restaurant in a run down, 1920's former funeral home has been a project of epic proportions; definitely not a journey for the faint-hearted. The brainchild of Jim Murphy who, prior to his death early in 2003, had dreamed of bringing a contemporary twist to Irish cuisine in Chicago. Already the owner of the very popular Wrigleyville bar, Murphy's Bleachers, he felt that fine dining had yet to make its debut in his hometown. The building's structure has been painstakingly renovated by Joe Zapora, with many of the best of the original features being preserved. Artisans and craftspeople alike have been involved with the project, blending modern elements with the old to create a warm, inviting and unique environment.
See more Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro details
73 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 73 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(35)
3 stars
(13)
2 stars
(0)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(43)
- good for groups(30)
- great for brunch(27)
- special occasion(19)
- kid-friendly(18)
- great for lunch(15)
Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
brunch at the bar
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had brunch at Murphy's.
Very good service and the Irish fare was very good.
We were lucky to be there on a Cubs game day so the bar was not very busy"
Very good service and the Irish fare was very good.
We were lucky to be there on a Cubs game day so the bar was not very busy"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"this was my 2nd trip to this place, and as before the food was great, and the prices were reasonable. The server was knowable, my only complaint was the wine list was very limited. I'm putting it on my list of favorite's"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
No menu, just buffet.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Didn't know going to restaurant it was only buffet. Would have been nice to have the option of ordering from a menu. Overall it was a nice assortment of food. My favorite was the corned beef, never had it made with brown sugar so it was a nice surprise. It was a bit dimly lit where the food was located. Wish there were a few more choices of grilled vegetables, but overall was a good Mother's Day brunch."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 4 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mrs. Murphy, we heart you!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Decided to go to Mrs. Murphy's on St Pat's weekend, looking for a corned beef and cabbage dinner that wasn't plain and uninteresting. We were very pleasantly surprised by Mrs. Murphy's! The red cabbage was an awesome twist on the traditional, the corned beef didn't make me want to glug down a gallon of water afterward because it's usually so salty. I saw the mac and cheese on the menu, but went with tradition this time. We'll be back so I can did into that comfort dish! Love this place!"
Dined on 03/17/2013
2005
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 5 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
enjoy the neighborhood
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Mary, our waitress, was wonderful! She gave us great suggestions about the beer and food. Good selection of bevs. Food was great. Great neighborhood spot. Parking is a real plus."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A desirable brunch find. Went
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"A desirable brunch find. Went with two other friends after reading about the restaurant on OpenTable. The setting is very casual. It is very kid friendly (there were a number of groups with children there). Service was efficient and friendly. Had the fish and chips...delicious but left wishing there was more fish on the otherwise satisfying platter. If you like mimosas, they have all you can drink mimosas for $12, a good deal. The bloody Murphys were awesome, just skip the corned beef stuffed olive if you are a vegetarian!"
Dined on 04/14/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 7 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
We stumbled upon Mrs. Murphy's
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We stumbled upon Mrs. Murphy's for brunch on Sunday - they were nice enough to even let us in before our reservation with no problems. The menu was a bit small but the food turned out to be excellent. I got a short stack of pancakes and they were delicious. My boyfriend got the beer-battered chicken and he said it was excellent. I would definitely go back to Mrs. Murphy's."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2011
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Review 8 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Easter brunch was outstanding.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Easter brunch was outstanding. Great food and service. The corned beef and horseradish cream sauce were to die for. We will definately be back to try the regular menu."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 9 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Just okay
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We enjoyed our Easter brunch at Murphy's amid many large family groups. One small problem was that the buffet food was like what I could easily cook myself. Of course there were many choices, but all were unimaginative. A tray of small really good sweet rolls would have been nice.
We were surprised that coffee was $3.00 a cup and felt that it should have been free with the $24.95 rather ordinary breakfast.
We enjoyed our Easter brunch because of the people we were with, not the food offered."
We were surprised that coffee was $3.00 a cup and felt that it should have been free with the $24.95 rather ordinary breakfast.
We enjoyed our Easter brunch because of the people we were with, not the food offered."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
This is one place not to miss.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is one place not to miss. It was the best Easter Brunch we have ever had."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 11 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was delicious. Very reasonably
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was delicious. Very reasonably priced. The only complaint was the service. We had piles of plates stacked on our table for our large group. Eventually there was no room at the table. My husband got up and served himself a cup of coffee because saw the carafe nearby. They needed more bussing staff to clear off the tables. Overall, despite the service we would go again for next year's Easter brunch!!"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2010
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Review 12 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food and service were both
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food and service were both phenomenal. Thank you."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2009
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I went here for Easter brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went here for Easter brunch and was a little nervous before going however the food was excellent. The service was slow at times and I feel like I had to work a little too hard to grab my server's attention. I also had a customer service issue after leaving, but one of the managers handled it in an effective and timely manner. Because of this I would recommend this place. Seriously amazing bacon; my boyfriend and I still talk about it."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
For an Irish bar, we were
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"For an Irish bar, we were very blown away by the quality of the food which was excellent. We went for brunch, and had the vegetable curry omelet and the french toast. Both were very good, and a wonderful price point. We're both vegetarians, and while Irish food isn't always veggie friendly, we were able to find plenty to eat. We'll be back. (Also, they have a small parking lot - score!)"
Dined on 03/24/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
OUTSTANDING UPSCALE IRISH PUB
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food is always outstanding. This time we went for St. Patrick's Day weekend. Do not know how they could run out of green beer by 1:00 PM the day before St. Patrick's Day! Fish & Chips were outstanding, and the Irish Creme cheesecake was the best of it kind we have ever eaten."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great place for St. Pat's
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great place for St. Pat's lunch!"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2000
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Review 17 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went there for St.patrick's
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went there for St.patrick's Day. Great server & food was wonderful:)"
Dined on 03/16/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Had dinner the night before
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had dinner the night before St. Patrick's Day so yes, a little noisy as expected. The staff was kind enough to seat us upstairs away from the bar area which was greatly appreciated. There were bagpipers and Irish dancers which made for a very festive evening. The food was DELICIOUS (highly recommend the mac 'n cheese bites for an app). The corned beef and cabbage was outstanding. Our server Jamie was AWESOME - attentive, sweet and made the experience even better."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 19 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went for a Sunday brunch and
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Went for a Sunday brunch and found a wide array of items on the menu. Smoked salmon bededcit and hash benedict were outstanding. Watch out for the bottomless mimosa's!
Lunches and dinners are equally as good. Attentive waitstaff and after a few visits you'll feel like it's Cheers - they'll know your name. Great place."
Dined on 02/24/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not the greatest waiter in
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not the greatest waiter in the world, but the rest of the staff was great. Great food, good atmosphere, I'll be back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 21 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
nice
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We took our daughter here as it was well rated and in her neighborhood. It was a pleasant restaurant and the food was traditional Irish fair. Nothing special but I could see making a return trip here."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2012
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, great for lunch
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Review 22 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Came here for Valentines Day
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Came here for Valentines Day and it was perfect! Easy to get a reservation, free parking, and no downtown traffic. They ran a special $30 prix fixe that included soup or salad, entree (not pared down at all- I had their cowboy ribeye!) and a chocolate lava cake. A romantic evening for her and a great value for me. We had an amazing time and will be back next V-day and several times between now and then!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 23 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The restaurant was true to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant was true to the UK style. It was very reminiscent of a restaurant that we went to while traveling in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Oscar Wilde Omelet, Irish Meats Omelet, and Bloody Mary's were terrific!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Only went for brunch-it wasn't
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Only went for brunch-it wasn't Tralee or Galway but was an honest meal for an honest price.Service was great as were the drinks."
Dined on 02/03/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 25 for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Decent food. Service was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Decent food. Service was a little impatient."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2010
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro
Based on the average of (48) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic