by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
When eating at O’Murphy’s Restaurant people know it is a place where guests can expect an extensive variety of menu choices, hearty food, generous portions and reasonable prices. Located on West Lake Drive near the dock area, it’s less than five minutes from the heart of town. A Montauk staple for over thirty years the restaurant’s owners, husband and wife team, Jan and Chet, are two of the hardest working couples in the restaurant business and oversee all aspects of the restaurant. They say they are lucky to have long time professional staff that are dedicated to making guests feel at home coming to O’Murphy’s. With the help of staff members Jenna, Angela, Jackie, John, Sheila, Anna, Charlotte, Mikaela, Chris, Jose and Francisco, the motto “Come in as a stranger, leave as a friend” is carried out through their combined efforts. Families with children appreciate a full page for “Kid’s Menu” selections. Items are moderately priced and affordable for families to take advantage of while vacationing in Montauk. Coming up with menu selections is lead Chef Daviel running the kitchen with his fine staff Ernesto, Geovanny, Jose, Luis and Nacho. The menu is so appealing that every member in your party will find several favorites prompting revisits to try others. Or as we saw that night, repeat guests returning for their favorites and Jan knew exactly what that was upon greeting her diners and showing them to a table!
We always try something new and our friendly server, Jen, helped by enthusiastically describing the items we considered. Starting with the appetizer menu, there were lobster cakes, coconut shrimp, mussels in wine or marinara, as well as the fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella plate. The night the soup of the day was tomato basil and “the perfect aromatic summer soup”, Jen described. My husband was in the mood for shrimp and opted for the scampi dish. It was a difficult choice because on our last visit the lobster roll sandwich he had was still a vivid mouth watering memory. When in Montauk it is practically obligatory to have lobster and his lobster salad on a brioche roll on that past visit was enormous, overstuffed with chunks of delicious lobster pieces, with a side of homemade coleslaw and French fries complementing his meal. Uncertain what I wanted, the decision was a choice from cornflake crusted striped bass filet with roasted corn and pineapple relish served with mashed potatoes or the pan seared tuna or salmon. The salmon won and when my dinner arrived it included a king sized piece of salmon, perfectly prepared and artfully presented with a mango salsa on the side, rice pilaf and a peasant cut medley of yellow and green zucchini and carrots. My husband’s plate of scampi was huge and every bite a delight! The jumbo shrimp throughout the pasta dish was enhanced by pieces of fresh sliced tomatoes and spinach leaves, adding to its colorful appearance. Dinner entrees range from pasta, poultry, meat or seafood picks, such as fresh fish of the day. The roast duck, Porterhouse steak, Hungarian beef goulash, grilled New York strip sirloin steak or barbequed baby back ribs offer a wide choice for the meat lovers in your group.
Lunch: O’Murphy’s is open for lunch at noon every day except Tuesday, when they open at 5 pm to start serving dinner. With over 35 lunch items, which also can be ordered at dinner time, the selections range from sandwiches to a host of delectable specialties. Famous for their 9 oz O’Murphy’s burger with a list of topping options, the burger can be beef, turkey or veggie. Steak sandwiches, grilled chicken, quesadillas and salads top the list of favorites, too. Of course, with a name like O’Murphy’s, you’d be correct in expecting to find Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Lamb Stew among their trademark dishes. Since they are open year round, there is nothing like stopping in on a blustery, winter’s day, as local residents and guests do for one of these satisfying Irish dishes they come in to enjoy.
Martini lovers will be delighted at the choices for the amazing flavors and other bar specials that makes O’Murphy’s the perfect place to stop in with friends after a busy work day or beach and boat outing. Think about ordering a “Montauk Sunrise, “Montauk Bay Breeze”, “Nuts & Berries Martini” or a “Very Berry Martini” to get your taste buds smiling. Speaking of martinis, the list starts with apple, pear, chocolate, passion fruit and the French Martini to try. Beer drinkers will find something to “wet their whistle” with the vast selection of both American and imported beers. Wine is available by the glass or bottle and there are reds, whites and blush to pick from. Old world cooking, as mom or grandma used to make, is available at O’Murphy’s. The knockout dessert selections are not to be missed and when I dine out, dessert is ALWAYS a must! This visit I went back to their signature house dessert, Bailey’s Heathbar ice cream cake, where the slice was large enough to comfortably share. Other delectable options were Tiramisu, fresh blueberry pie, molten chocolate cake or carrot cake. While you are looking for another great meal ender, peruse their coffee list. They have an amazing selection including Irish coffee and a number of exotic, international concoctions to delight your taste buds.
Musical Entertainment: Every Saturday and Sundays from 7 to 11 pm Michael Dann, vocalist and acoustic guitarist performs for guests. Call O’Murphy’s or check their website for entertainment updates or read their ads each month in The Montauk Sun. The late night scene is a great place for friends to meet or make new friends enjoying a night of terrific food and entertainment.
Information: O’Murphy’s Pub is open year round, every day for lunch, starting at noon and for dinner. Catch their Monday Specials of $43.95 is for two dinner specials, starting with either a soup or salad. On Tuesdays they open later at 5 pm to serve dinner.
Catering: They also are available to cater all sorts of parties such as rehearsal dinners, showers, organizational functions, boat parties, golf outings, holiday parties, etc. The restaurant is large in size with indoor and patio dining to accommodate large parties and functions onsite. Two dining areas can accommodate parties of 36 in one area and 60 in the other. Take-out is available. Group parties or functions can be arranged. Credit cards are accepted. O’Murphy’s is located at 432 West Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954 631 668-5005. No reservations are necessary. Visit their newly designed website at: omurphysrestaurant.com
Enjoy a wonderful meal in a friendly, casual atmosphere, also serving true Irish country dishes and more. Come in for the best mussels, best burgers, best seafood and best steaks. You, too, will come in as a stranger and leave as a friend.
