ATMOSPHERE
This place oozes elegance without having to shove it in your face, dressed up or down you'll feel equally as welcome here. I particularly enjoy the multiple levels and the elevator ride up to the cozier dining areas. Rich polished woods along with muted greens give enough of the “irish” feel while warm lighting and warm orange/red accents warm it all up a bit. Seating is comfortable and innovative. I particularly enjoy the bench seating in the Elizabeth room, which also features exposed brick, wood floors, and doors that open up onto Lincoln ave. Check out their website for more on their other unique rooms, including The Nautical Room and The Capone Room.
CROWD
The crowd is friendly and diverse with a mix of couples on dates and groups meeting for dinner. This is probably not the college crowd, but more of the sophisticated 25 and up group. Most everybody seemed friendly, but keep in mind, people are mostly here for dinner and not the happening singles scene, so don't expect any hook ups; not that it couldn't happen, I'm just saying…
SPIRITS
Defined by equally intelligent wine and beer lists, Mrs. Murphy and Sons is definitely a cut above the rest, compliments to the efforts of James and Brian Murphy. Don't be afraid to ask for suggestions, the wait staff will not disappoint you. I absolutely adore the Murphy's Bleachers House Ale. Also, you might enjoy whiskey and other spirits from their full bar.
GRUB
Chef Jeanne Carlson heads up an amazing kitchen here, pouring heart and soul together with expert culinary craftsmanship to create one of the best dining experiences in this or any other city. The inventive menu pairs traditional Irish ingredients along side what some would consider to be very “anti-irish” choices to reflect the rebirth of cuisine in Ireland. Picking the best of exotic and local foods for the menu allows the diner to have combinations they might not have any place else, like Atlantic Salmon or Rack of Boar with potato dumplings. You'll find everything from tasty roasted duck to sea scallops on a menu which will make it hard to choose and keep you sampling your date's plate. I have to mention that this is a complete menu with Appetizers, Salads, Soups (I loved the Guinness Onion and Cheese Soup while my date enjoyed the soup of the day, a fennel soup with plantains), Entrees and Desserts. Everything is absolutely fabulous and it all just works, you must try it.
PRICES
Well, if you want quality, you have to pay for it. Mrs. Murphy and Sons is not cheap, but it is not going to put you over the barrel either. The prices are more than reasonable for the quality of food and service you should expect to receive. While dinner for two can be rise around one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars with drinks, this will be a dinner neither one you will forget.
WHY IT'S UNIQUE
Built in a renovated 1920s era funeral home, The brainchild of the Beth and the late Jim Murphy is an entirely one of a kind dining experience, no detail has been spared in its creation, including two bars imported from Ireland. This place is right at home in North Center, but would fit equally as well in The Loop or The Magnificent Mile. This is a phenomenal experience and should definitely not be missed.
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