Friday 4th of June 2010 04:41:47 PM

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I've been in here a couple times, once at the bar, once at a table. When you walk in, there's a stone floored reception area, and the hostess escorts you inside. Very nice interior, cozy, with lots of dark wood and intimate lighting. The bar orientation was a little odd, one side was smoking the other non. I opted for the side with the Matilda tap. A big flatscreen was on the wall, above the kitchen.

Ordered a draught Matilda, and the Guinness and onion soup. The soup was tasty and unique, not to mention filling. Some of the menu items are a bit pricey, but also of high-quality, so you get what you pay for. Also had a De Regenboog Dubbel, which was delivered to to the bar by mistake, but a welcome addition to the nicely varied beer list. Plenty of Irish, German, and Belgian imports, and a nice selection of US craft as well. You can tell the list was compiled by a knowlegeable beer aficionado, and I believe the owner is a BA.

I'd reccomend this place for a fancy date, or if you are on the way to a show at Martyr's down the street. They have a parking lot at the southeast corner of Lincoln & Byron.

Sunday 18th of March 2007 12:00:48 PM

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14 beers and a cider on draft. Three of them Belgian, Two English, Four Irish and the rest are regional Americans.

The House brew, "Murphy's House Ale", seems to translate from gaelic to english as Two Brother's Domaine DuPage. I had a House Ale and a Cane and Ebel. Both beers were in fine shape. The Domaine DuPage might have tasted as good as I have ever had it.

The food was very good and the service was good as well. I went horribly cliche and ordered the special, which was corned beef and cabbage (on St. Patrick's Day). This was probably some of the best red cabbage I have ever had. The corned beef had a maple glaze and there was a tangy horseradish sauce. It was all very comforting and tasty.

Mrs. Murphy's has a nice atmosphere, and it seems like there is a lot of space between tables. They seem to have put a lot of effort into making the place seem to feel familiar and friendly.

As with most places in Chicago, you can get here via public transportation. Mrs. Murphy's is probably 3 blocks west and south from the Irving Park Brown line stop. There is also a parking lot with the restaurant logo on a sign right across the street.

Well worth a stop if you are looking for a good comfort meal accompanying some good solid beers. Check the website for the current menu.