What to Eat at Murph’s

Thank you to Murph’s for hosting me for dinner! No other compensation was received, all thoughts and opinions about What to Eat at Murph’s are my own.

There’s a sporty new eatery north of Atlanta that you simply must try. When you’re parking near Sun Trust Stadium, instead of tailgating before an Atlanta Braves game, take the short walk to eat at Murph’s. Dale Murphy, 2-time MVP of the Atlanta Braves, has opened his namesake gastropub to fanfare and plenty of foot traffic as Cobb County welcome the Braves for their 2017 season. When Murph’s came across my radar, I knew I had to stop in to see what to eat at Murph’s and if it really was convenient to the stadium.

Dale Murphy was on site, as he often is, greeting guests and recommending his favorite dishes. I had the great pleasure of taking a photo with him (you’re welcome, as a restaurant guest, to ask for photos and handshakes!) on his powder blue #3 wall, and asking about his favorite menu items. My husband and I routinely visit new restaurants and never know what to order. We’re asking wait staff what the most popular dishes are and having trouble deciding what looks good! This wasn’t a problem when I had Murphy himself visiting my table!

Appetizers

There are endless amazing appetizers on Murph’s menu, and I think that’s why it’s such a great pre-game spot. Bring your friends and order several small plates that will allow you to share and still leave room for that stadium treat. Try my top three small plates to jumpstart your palate! 

Artichoke Quarters

These little “feathered” artichokes are meaty, savory, and hand battered. Dip the quarters into the killer (slightly spicy) comeback sauce and it’ll have you doing just that. Coming back for more.

Cheese Curds

I had never had a cheese curd until this moment, and I was immediately sold. These little, fried nuggets are akin to mini mozzarella sticks with their cheddar tang and melted innards but top the bite-size pieces off with Murph’s indispensable Comeback Sauce and it’s a cheesy flavor paradise.

Mini Crab Kickers

With only five spheres to the plate, you’ll have to fight off your table mates to get one of these savory bites. The Mini Crab Kickers offer gentle medium-heat spice with tons of meaty texture. Ranch dressing on the side will give you a respite from the heat, and the crunchy shell will surprise you as it gives way to a traditional soft interior of tasty crab cake.

Mainstays (Entrees)

There are so many entrees to choose from when you eat at Murph’s, but burgers are king among guests. 8 specialty recipes are the stars of the menu, supported by salads, wraps and excellent sandwiches.

Bourbon Bacon Burger, Murph’s Way

One of the first things I overheard another table talking about was “Murph’s Way.” I could tell it was a menu item, but after scouring both sides of the laminated bill of fare, I still couldn’t find it. When Dale came to our table, I had to ask… “What’s Murph’s Way?” He smiled and told us that it was a secret menu “item” that can be added to any burger. It meant to have a strawberry pepper jelly smeared on the top bun inside and a fried egg placed on the burger. His favorite burger was the Bourbon Bacon Burger, done Murph’s way. I seriously thought it sounded like too much. Bacon, beef, bourbon sauce, egg, pepper jelly, cheddar. Isn’t that too many flavors? BUT NO, I tell you. It was an amazing compliment of spices and essence. The aroma was killer. 

The buns and hoagies that sit atop the patties are brioche style, airy and a perfect complement to the meat, which made it a soft topping to the intense and mouth-watering burger that followed. You simply MUST try this burger when you visit! Murph’s also offers a handmade VEGAN patty, a turkey patty, and a Gluten Free bun, for those that have special diets!

Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Served up on a hoagie bun that’s just as soft and buttery as the burger buns, the chicken is chunked and rolled in a pesto sauce, layered with tomato, lettuce, pickle spear and folded into the tray. It’s much lighter than a burger but packed with zest. Add onto the sandwiches, wraps, and burgers one of the unexpected side items like fried okra, potato salad, onion tanglers or a fruit mix for even more flavor and a taste of home.

Buffalo Shrimp

Simply order a heavy appetizer order of the Buffalo Shrimp and ask for them tossed in one of the delectable wing sauces. The hand-battered shrimp are large, fresh and stick to the sauces like glue. Two bites are all you need to devour an entire prawn, but the flavor packs a punch. On the left are the very spicy honey citrus hot pepper, and the right is my personal favorite, the Teriyaki Shrimp.

Sweet Endings (Dessert)

Deep Fried Twinkie

I’ll admit, I’d never had a fried twinkie either. But I was shocked how fluffy it was! The outer shell is “crunchified” by the Murph’s staff and the inner, softer portion of the twinkie gently melts from the heat. With the artistic chocolate drizzle, the dish reminds me of a Disney Parks churro with chocolate dipping sauce! A taste of “home!” 

Ice Cream Helmet

When I was a kid, I used to visit the Trenton Thunder ball field and get ice cream in a helmet as a stadium treat. Likewise, another restaurant in my NJ hometown offered the dessert; this novelty on the menu made me smile like I was again, six years old. Simple vanilla ice cream with toppings, whipped cream, and a cherry was a perfect ending to a great meal with a best friend and a prize ball player. This classic is worth trying whether you’re an adult or a kid!

Hanging Out

After you’ve decided what to eat at Murph’s, you’ll want to know about the locale. The restaurant boasts two large dining areas, a private room (available for rent for parties of 25 guests), a gorgeous patio complete with TV screens and raise-able garage doors, and artful high bars which are perfect for “tailgating” before the big game. Dale Murphy said that he loves what the Braves have done with the new Sun Trust Stadium; the fan experience is nothing like anything he’s seen, and he knows that it’s really something special. Keep your eyes peeled for small, special details like a concrete “3” in the bar tops and Dale Murphy’s little league photos.

In fact, if you don’t have a ticket for the game, this airy sports gastropub is the perfect place to watch the pitch. And in the baseball “off-season,” you can spot FSU fans cheering on the Seminoles as Murph’s is an official FSU Game Watching Atlanta spot. 

I had a great night with Meghan at Murph’s, and I can’t wait to take my husband here before we hit another Atlanta Braves game for date night. Now that you know what to eat at Murph’s, what will you order when you sit down to dinner with Dale Murphy? Whatever it is… I recommend it Murph’s Way!