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Murphy's Bar & GrillA-Worth Trying
2 Merchant St, Honolulu, HI 96813
· Bar & grill, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (900 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Classic downtown Irish pub with lively service, hearty comfort food, and standout pies; great for lunch or after-work pints, but expect crowds at peak times and St. Patrick's Day chaos.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Murphy's Bar & Grill delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by standout dishes like Shepherd's Pie and bread pudding, paired with attentive, personable service. The historic downtown setting creates genuine neighborhood charm that resonates with regulars and visitors alike. Occasional consistency dips during holidays and rush periods and modest space comfort during peak hours prevent grade A territory, but the warm pub atmosphere and loyal following make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a historic downtown corner, Murphy's feels like a warm Irish pub where office workers, regulars, and visitors mingle over pints and pies. Staff are often quick and personable, and the room hums when lunch hits. One diner summed it up simply: "It feels like my neighborhood pub, even on a first visit." The cooking leans classic and hearty rather than flashy—think Shepherd's Pie and corned beef, crispy wings, and an Irish Dip with Guinness au jus. Specials rotate with pastas, chops, and local seafood; desserts, especially the bread pudding and Friday pies, draw loyal fans. It is reliable comfort food, with occasional off notes during big events. For families, the menu is forgiving: sliders, burgers, fries, and mild wings make it kid friendly. There is no formal kids menu, but portions are generous and staff will often tweak orders. Note that holiday events can be crowded and noisy, so earlier visits suit younger diners best.
At a Glance
- Lively historic pub vibe with friendly service and strong regular following
- Hearty comfort food and standout desserts, notably bread pudding and Friday pies
- Parking requires street or municipal garages; lunch rush gets packed
- Holiday events bring billing/gratuity confusion and cramped seating
- Expect classic pub fare; fish and chips use frozen cod per owner response
What Sets It Apart
- historic_pub_setting
- friday_pie_tradition
- community_regulars_vibe
What People Love
- Feeling like a local hangout
- Portions big enough to share
- Friday pie tradition
- Warm service with personality
- Classic pub decor and atmosphere
Points of Concern
- Parking is off-site via street or municipal lots; plan a short walk
- Inconsistent experiences during St. Patrick's Day (limited menu, auto gratuity, split-bill issues)
- Occasional flat draft beer reports and slow service at peak rush
- Fish and chips quality mixed; frozen cod acknowledged by management
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-55 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For lighter meals, pair Burrata ($12.50) with Dinner Salad ($8.50).
- For classics, try Corned Beef & Cabbage ($22.50) or Shepherd's Pie ($22.50).
- Seafood fans: Salmon ($26.50) or weekly Sweet Potato Crusted Salmon ($28.50).
Perfect For
- Business lunch in downtown
- After-work pints and hearty plates
- Casual date with classic pub vibes
- Solo bar meal with friendly bartenders
Location Insights
Area: Historic downtown business district with office crowds and after-work social scene; lively on weekdays, quieter evenings/weekends.
Safety: Generally safe during business hours with steady foot traffic; standard urban caution at night.
Nearby: Near offices, Chinatown arts district, bars, and municipal parking garages; walkable to other eateries.
ChinatownChinatown in Honolulu is known for its vibrant cultural heritage, eclectic dining scene, and lively nightlife. The area offers a blend of traditional Asian markets, trendy bars, and restaurants, attracting both locals and visitors seeking authentic and diverse culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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