— TheToothfish

Murphy’s was by no means unique but its kitchen cooked up some tasty fare. The neighborhood distinct and trendy and the decor classy, Murphy’s located in the Virginia Highlands ranks among one of many Atlanta’s very-good-yet-not-unique restaurants. The menu offers an appropriate variety of dishes and although there are numerous influences from other cuisines, the style overall grounds in American focused on local ingredients.

A thick, creamy, and satisfying sweet potato bisque started my meal on the right bite, this bisque conscious not to quench my entire appetite.

I usually stay clear from ordering steaks at restaurants because most are a bore, but this time I caved in, most likely because I hadn’t had a good piece of meat in a while (the Emory cafeteria has its limits). The medium-rare flatiron steak bordered on chewiness but never crossed that line. A sauce rooted in butter made this steak that much more interesting and sides of Yukon potatoes, portobella mushrooms, and carrots filled any room I had left in me.

Then again, there’s always room for dessert. A trio of three were ordered consisting of a bonzo cake, tollhouse pie, and a vanilla bean panna cotta. The bonzo, a chocolate-themed cheesecake, fudge-cake and mousse, did not come across as overly sweet. Enjoyable to the last bite. The tollhouse pie, if I remember correctly, rather aggressively stuck to my teeth. Nonetheless enjoyable. The panna cotta was excellent. Light, fluffy, and comforting, this panna cotta lightened up the trio a great deal.

My total bill came to $35 (not including tip/tax). Service wasn’t memorable but that’s a good thing for the most part. Overall the food here at Murphy’s mirrors a common Atlanta restaurant grounded in local, American cuisine and capable of serving up tasty fare. Nothing on the menu, from what I can tell, is worth a 30 minute drive but the for the experience Murphy’s is worth a try if you’re in the neighborhood.