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- Nearest Transit:
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Harvard St @ Kent St (66)
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Washington St @ Harvard St (65)
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
189 reviews for Matt Murphy's Pub
Review Highlights
"i especially like the "homemade" ketchup."
(in 20 reviews)
"A fantastic dessert of Bread Pudding."
(in 14 reviews)
"Great live music every night, check."
(in 6 reviews)
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189 reviews in English
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Review from Elle J.
Boston, MA
1/30/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I love this place! The ambiance is great. I went there before the renovations and still go there now. The place used to have more of a rustic look and feel. Now it's more of an upscale pub. The food is really good.. everything tastes fresh and homemade. The staff is really friendly. Portion sizes are generous. Everything that I have tried there has been delicious. On several occasions I have received a complementary dessert. They take care of their regulars! The only down side is that it's cash only but hey it's not the end of the world..
Did I mention the eye candy working the bar? -
Review from Rachel K.
1/30/2012
Not what I'd expect from a Brookline establishment, in a good way. Though not at all fancy, or anything special, I enjoyed the decor/environment of the bar...it was comfy. Unlike recent reviews, I thought the service was good and pretty quick, however most complaints seemed to be lunch-time or after-work. I came for Sunday brunch and the place was half empty.
Good bread assortment, and decent coffee. Didn't get to try any adult beverages, but would love to if I come back! The strawberry infused vodka sounds delish.
I got the smoked salmon omelet. It was decent, but lacked in overall flavor. Home-fries were good, but I was not a fan of their "ketchup" which tasted more like marinara to me. However, the rest of my table loved it....so don't go on my judgement alone. My boyfriend says his grilled cheese was the best he's had in the entire area...and trust me, he gets it everywhere.
While I overall wasn't wowed by my visit, I was intrigued enough to come back. I will either come back for brunch to get the grilled cheese or to try their dinner with their specialty gimlet.
I am sure I will be back... -
Review from Shawn L.
Jamaica Plain, MA
1/27/2012
I loved this place before it became a pretentious $11.00 salad type of place, though when I used to go here it was usually at 10 p.m at night when the kitchen closed and the music STARTED.
This used to be my place to come and hear some seriously talented local and regional bands play. It was a great neighborhood place to meet people, have drinks and dance the night away. The bartenders were friendly and I always tipped them well, and we always had an amazing time there.
Does anyone know WHY they stopped doing the live music thing??? -
Review from Meg R.
Cambridge, MA
Updated - 1/21/2012
I was such a fan. I loved Murphy's. I loved the rabbit-themed artwork. I loved the ketchup. I loved the cheap wine, the bread, the fish and chips, the delicious salads, and the desserts so much that I didn't mind that it was cash only and that it was difficult to get a table on a weekend. It was a place that I had literally written home about.
So much has changed. The service was inattentive at best; it took ten minutes to get the bartender's attention on a Tuesday evening and we were one of two couples sitting at the bar. Food-wise, the ketchup recipe may the same, but the general quality of the food has suffered. The menu has changed and the salads are completely commonplace and uninspired. The addition of bar plates initially excited me and so I ordered the pretzel bits with Welsh rarebit ($13). What I got for thirteen dollars was of less quality than what I could've ordered at Auntie Anne's for $2.50. I got a previously frozen hacked apart pretzel with a two-ounce pan of clumpy, flavorless cheese sauce. My husband's tuna "melt" (also $13) was just a tuna sandwich with a slice of cold, unmelted cheese atop it.
Needless to say, no second drink, no dessert--for two beers, a cocktail, a frozen pretzel and a tuna sandwich, it was $60 (plus the $3 I paid at the Sovereign Bank ATM to pay the check). I could've gone to Brookline Spa and been way less frustrated and paid with my card. What a disappointment.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/28/2009
Don't let the name fool you--this is not your average Boston pub. Small, cozy, delicious food and… Read more »
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Review from Jatin R.
Somerville, MA
1/8/2012
Vegetarian review
Drinks were great.
Fries were substandard.
Beet salad was fantastic!
The goat cheese tart was really mediocre. The fried component was not impressive.
Thanks for the free chocolate cake!!
**they only take cash!!**. Really annoying, since 1) it's written in tiny font in the menu and 2) it's a nice place and a bit expensive, so they really should take credit card (or at least LevelUp).
The fundamental problem with this place is that it does a poor job defining itself. It used to be a cool pub, apparently. Now's it's a "pub" with fancy cocktails, $11 salads and an eclectic, expensive menu. Not really a pub at all. -
Review from Ronald L.
MA
1/11/2012
My wife was excited for me to try MMP last Friday. She has been there before for lunch and had a great meal. We arrived at 7:30 and didn't have to wait long to be seated. It did take quite awhile to get someone to take our drink order, Someone kept saying, "One moment please" every 5 minutes for about 15 after we sat.
Now here comes the kicker.... We are on a small intimate 4 person table.. then we hear the hostess say "you are sharing a table" with this couple to two women behind us.
Let me tell you we all looked at each other like "What the F*%#?". We had to share a little table with four people and we couldn't even have a personal conversation. The other couple at the table concurred; If we were told BEFORE we sat down that we were going to share a table, that would have been all the difference in the world, NOT "oh by the way"... It was one the rudest possible thing you could to to a patron.
The food was very good. I had Ox tail soup and the mussels
Three stars for the food
I will not go back -
Review from Bobby M.
Brookline, MA
2/3/2012
So I've lived in the Brookline area for four years or so now, yet I had never been here, so I thought i'd give it a try. Seemed to be a nice place at first look- small, intimate, and very friendly. The bartender welcomed us warmly and told us we could sit wherever we'd like. It wasn't until I opened the menu where I noticed that the place was cash only. That caught me very off guard, as it was the first restaurant I've been in many months that didn't take cards, and I think it is perfectly reasonable to expect a place such as this to take cards in this day and age. Anyway, there seemed to be quite a decent and varied selection of food, though I felt that everything was just a tad overpriced from what I would expect them to be. The singular waitress they had on staff was incredibly friendly and polite, but it was obvious that they should have two waitstaff on for the dinner rush, as we saw very little of her (certainly not from any fault of her own though -- she never stopped moving). The food itself was quite good. I got the egg salad sandwich with bacon, and it was delicious. The meal came with a heaping pile of fries, and their homemade ketchup is quite good! One odd thing however happened midway through our meal. The two of us were seated at a four person table, and midway through our meal, two ladies were sat at our table. Now i'm a very go-with-the-flow kind of person and all four of our newly-formed dinner table laughed at the awkwardness of the situation and just made light of it, but I think many people would be very turned off by this kind of action. I understand that it's a small place and all and they need to maximize seating in order to turn a profit and I won't fault them for that, but they would do well to switch all (or at least some) of the four-person tables to two-person tables along the wall and just combine them as needed, so that everyone can have their own space while eating. All in all, I did have a good time, though I think in the future I may go back just for a drink and perhaps a small snack at the bar. And i'll have to remember to bring cash.
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Review from Damien S.
12/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not a total bust, but damn close.
After reading of the best fish & chips in the city, I jumped at the opportunity to feast upon the fried cod and vinegary frites with house-made ketchup. Yay for oily, battered behemoth for one! Yay for a full me on a freezing, overcast day!
Yay for a pub that's... not a pub at all? The name instills a sense of unbridled warmth, dark wood runners and sketchy locals. But no, Brookline Village bares its rough side by offering a gray, artistically nouveau bistro with $7 draft beers and $18-28 entrées.
There's nothing wrong with Matt Murphy's; it's just that there's nothing right. It's not a bar, it's not comfortable, it's not a happening spot to meet with friends and kill a few pints of shite (ie available) brew. It's just a lackluster space gunning to keep the 40+ crowd happy they opted to live here over Back Bay.
Fish and chips were limp and flavorless, requiring heaps of the tinny tartar sawce to even know it was in the show. The pickled onions dominated, and the rest is mystery, as in, "I'm baffled as to how these got named Best in Show by so many." No crunch, no zip, no thanks.
Service was fine and dandy, but if I just wanted a catered experience, I'd hire a caterer. Matt Murphy's offers absolutely nothing compelling me back through the door, actually painting the completely wrong image for anyone looking to find a rustic, harbor town experience. I'm not a fan at all. -
Review from Peter D.
12/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
First of all, I'd like to take this moment to address the fact that we walked in at 10:55 pm on a Friday night, and we were informed (quite testily, I might add) that it was last call. What kind of city is this?
Boston. Ugh.
That aside, I was completely convinced that I was going to love Matt Murphy's. It's a beautiful space, and a glance at the menu got me drooling like my 7th grade substitute science teacher.* As we were there for a drink (just one, the angry woman at the door insisted), we appreciated that the house cocktails all sounded stellar as well.
Personally though, I'd just spent three days with my family, and I just needed a lot of bourbon. So I ordered a Manhattan. On the rocks. It arrived up. But that's not a big deal at all, especially since it was delicious and bourbony. Unfortunately, my two companions were not so lucky.
Companion 1 ordered a Sazerac. Despite having lived in New Orleans for several years, I am admittedly not a Sazerac expert.** However, Companion 1 drinks entirely too many Sazeracs, and this was simply...not. I don't expect most bars to be able to mix a perfect Sazerac, but when they have a legit cocktail menu, a classic such as this should be part of the repertoire.
Companion 2 ordered a vodka soda. Sounds perfectly simple, but what arrived was what I am absolutely convinced was a gin and water. Maybe their soda is flat, and their vodka tastes like gin. I don't know. All I know is that this tasted like gin and water.
Now, ordinarily I would've let the bartender or waitress know about these issues, but my companions insisted I not make a fuss, and it had already been made abundantly clear that we were less than welcome.
I still regret not saying anything, as I'm sure Mr. Murphy would've liked to know what was going on in his establishment. And most importantly, because I think we deserve to get what we ordered. Especially considering this joint charges $8 for well vodka, AND THEN an additional $2 for the soda.
When your specialty cocktails are also $10, this is a bit galling.
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*Sometimes I make references that nobody understands. But the woman drooled on me. It was scarring.
** Most of my alcoholic beverages during that period of my life fell under the category of "whatever was unguarded," rather than "classic cocktails."Listed in: boston.
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Review from Ashley M.
Portland, ME
1/25/2012
Super lamb burger, like super, you should try it. Also they had Cisco Brewers Old Grey Lady beer on draft, which is excellent. Nice scene to dine in.
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Review from Jenelle J.
Boston, MA
1/22/2012 3 Check-ins Here
A hidden gastropub gem in Boston. Great beer selection (including cider!), quality food, not too steep prices, and a wonderfully relaxed ambiance with down-to-earth waitstaff. Fish and chips as well as the Shepherd's pie - delicious comfort food. Just wish I lived a little closer!
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Review from Sandra K.
Brookline, MA
1/23/2012
Got the mussels here twice. The curry broth with vegetables is truly inspired and divine. It's too bad they overcooked the mussels both times. Ideally, mussels should be removed from the heat one by one as soon as they open. The difference between a plump, juicy mussel and a small, rubbery one is about a minute too long on the heat. Oh well. The younger waitress that once served me was very pleasant. At other times, I found the servers to be a bit chilly and not terribly attentive (not just to me but to other patrons at the bar who wanted another drink or the check). Overall, it's a little pricy for a pub but it does have delicious, well made cocktails, a good menu and nice atmosphere.
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Review from Linda H.
Boston, MA
12/3/2011
This place is fab.
Before walking in, I expected a typical, somewhat grungy, slightly dilapidated pub. I was surprised to find a warmly lit, romantic bar and seating area.
My boyfriend and I were greeted by a very attractive, tall dark and handsome type Irish server, with an accent and all! How charming!
My boyfriend and I shared the mussels appetizer, upon the server's recommendation. DELICIOUS! The mussels were cooked in a coconut milk, curry broth, with just the right amount of savory and spiciness. Had we been at home, we probably would have licked the bowl clean. Boyfriend then ordered the famous fish and chips, which came out wrapped in newspaper. The fish was lightly battered, fried, and so fresh, flaky, and delicious. I got the fried chicken, which was also very good.
Following the meal, our server brought us a delicious complimentary slice of chocolate cake. This server knows the way to a girl's heart. When we were ready to leave, the server personally called us an Irish cab driver from his cell phone and provided the boyfriend with a free beer while we waited. Now that's what I call service!!
Matt Murphy's is a true gem. The food is great and the impeccable service is true to great Irish hospitality. You will leave with a full belly and a happy heart. -
Review from Ryan W.
Updated - 12/29/2011
I no longer worship this place as much as I did when it was, well, the only bar I'd ever been to. Lots of bars are now doing what Matt Murphy's has been doing for a while, but I'd still go to bat for their fish & chips, their friendly bartenders, and their rice pudding as being some of the best in the city. And the atmosphere's still one of the best in Brookline. Even despite the creepy bunnies.
Listed in: Customer Service is #1, Good Libations, Five Stars for Atmosphere, Sure Things, Boston Must-Sees
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/2/2006
I've been a regular of Matt Murphy's for 2 years now, since the night Aaron, a friend of mine, asked… Read more »
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Review from Dave G.
Brookline, MA
11/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Best kept Sunday brunch secret in Brookline, MA - but it only opens a 11am due to their liquor license. If you miss Sunday brunch, go for the fish n' chips.
Listed in: Brookline Restaurants
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Review from K.C. K.
Boston, MA
8/17/2011
I have been to Matt Murphy's twice; once, right after work to celebrate a coworker's acceptance into grad school and today, to have lunch with another coworker.
In short, this place is just okay. It is very small and as such has a small menu and a small beer list. The beer itself is fine, not great but not terrible. I've only had the tuna melt, which was strange. It is served on a bagel-like ciabatta with large pieces of roasted red onion and a strong rosemary and dill flavor. It's not bad, it's just weird. The accompanying mixed green salad is completely overpowered by its dressing.
Probably the worst part about Matt Murphy's is the unbelievably slow service, particularly at noon on a weekday. Clearly we were there from work and we were there for almost 90 minutes. I recall the last time I was there (around 6 pm on a weekday) service was similarly slow.
With so many other solid options in Brookline Village/Coolidge Corner I see little reason to visit here. -
Review from Sue S.
BROOKLINE VLG, MA
1/5/2012
Matt Murphy's is our favorite neighborhood restaurant, but it's worth a trip from anywhere in the the city. It's a class act all around -- welcoming, cozy atmosphere, cheerful but not cloying service, and no one rushes you no matter how busy it is. The food is delicious and inventive, but not to the point of ridiculousness; it retains a wholesome appeal. My favorite are the comfort foods -- the stews, shepherd's pie, fish and chips that come wrapped in newspaper like a pinata. Every time we've been there either the owner or waitress brought over a complimentary appetizer, and in one case, a free dessert. They know how to inspire loyalty here; we'll return every chance we get.
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Review from Mimi W.
Somerville, MA
11/7/2011
I've been here a couple of times. Their poutine is great, and what was especially great about this place was that they gave us complimentary desserts around closing time. Yay!
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Review from Ariana G.
Boston, MA
11/16/2011
Loved this place. Stopped in for a little day drinking and did not want to leave. Interesting beer selection and the world's best Irish coffee!!!
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Review from Jill F.
Updated - 4/2/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Let me write a new review. This place is delicious first off! But, I have beef with the vibes now. After renovating my favorite little cozy, local pub in ALL of boston...this place has turned into a DATE place. Okay, okay, maybe this makes more money on large orders, and maybe the decor is cleaner and brighter looking but I'm sorry...doesn't everyone just want a little pub next door to go over in jeans and a t shirt and get a beer!?
And also....I used to love how carefree and fun all the employee's were. They would know your drink and treat you like a local. Now, they wear matching clothes and look like they work at a corporate chain.
Matt Murphy's....there is a reason you are not Starbucks. You're food is bomb and your drinks are amazing...but I will choose to go to the Publick House now, I don't want to put on heels and go out with a boyfriend to eat salmon.
I want a beer, as a townie, and I want my sassy bartenders back!Listed in: My Neighborhood of Brookline,…, Classy Cocktails, Beer Queen, The Places I Go Out, Brookline Village Finds
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/29/2010
Okay, I am biased. I know the people who work here and I work across the street in addition to… Read more »
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Review from Joe C.
South Pasadena, CA
10/2/2011
We have been to this restaurant many times and always enjoyed it. The decor was a little quirky but the food was great.... the best fish and and chips and roasted chicken. We visited recently and were initially impressed with the upgrades to the decor. Unfortunately everything else was not the same. The food was not nearly as good as before. The great roasted chicken is now mediocre chicken fingers and the fish and chips even though they still have the same newspaper wrapping are not the same. Maybe the owners or chef has changed. Too bad!
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Review from Nicky M.
Brookline, MA
5/23/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I still miss their nights of music, but I must say that the new interiors are a whole lot better. It's more grownup poised, and it's sooo much better being able to actually sit at the bar, rather than standing.
Today, I discovered another good development, desserts. I don't know what it was called, but I have something like a chocolate mousse soufflé, and it was excellent. Boston restaurants tend to make desserts that are cloyingly sugary; this was the way I prefer, just sweet enough. Finely accompanied by Shoals Pale Ale. -
Review from Lisa S.
2/15/2011
Last Sunday, we decided to go out to dinner in Brookline around 5pm. With the name, I walked in fully expecting to see a normal pub. However, the decor was pretty- grey and black and minimalist. It was on the small side but it wasn't crowded, and we had our pick of tables. One of my friends is pretty tall and said his seat (the bench) was uncomfortable for him- when I looked, it didn't really seem wide enough to be comfortable. Halfway through the meal, he had to pull up a chair and sit at the end of the table.
When I went through the menu, I was a bit disappointed in their lack of vegetarian choices. I can't eat dairy and I'm trying to limit my meat intake (esp. since we had just come from an advanced screening of 'Forks Over Knives', a movie about the benefits of plant-based diets). They did have some sort of yummy-sounding mushroom dish with puff pastry. However, I ended up getting the endive salad without cheese ($10). One friend got the endive salad with cheese ($10), and my other two friends shared the grilled cheese ($10), the scotch egg with grits appetizer ($9), and the shepard's pie ($15?-ish).
My salad was quite tasty, I have to admit. Everybody else seemed to really enjoy their food, especially the scotch egg. The drinks, however, were the standout for me. I ordered the spicebox ($10), which was bourbon/honey/lemon/something else. It was DELICIOUS. I drank 3 of them throughout the meal, and I have to admit that I was 100% drunk by the time I got home. They were strong but tasty, aka the perfect cocktail.
We didn't order dessert, but the waitress actually brought out 2 desserts for us! We had the bread pudding and the chocolate cake. I tasted both, and they were so delicious that I pretended they didn't have dairy in them and kept eating them. The meal was definitely above and beyond my expectations, and I would definitely come back for dinner or drinks.
Pros: strong delicious cocktails, yummy food, yummy desserts, cute decor
Cons: cash only, some food items were a bit pricey, skinny benches, and limited vegetarian items. Also, their website hasn't been working for my friend or me for the past two days. -
Review from Thana T.
Boston, MA
2/23/2011
The first time I was told that we were going to go to Matt Murphy's for dinner, I felt terrible that I couldn't put a face to the name.
For future reference, the face looks a little like a shepherd's pie.
Ok, sorry, that wasn't nice. I'm sure somewhere, there's a Matt Murphy reading this who is terribly offended.
So in we go on a cold winter's night and on an empty stomach and I am presented with the most filling menu choices imaginable. Meat and potatoes. Fish and potatoes. Er, mashed potatoes. You get my drift. It's not a big place and the beer and food menu definitely reflects that, but don't sell it short! For around $20 bucks you'll want to roll yourself home and straight into bed for the most bloated sleep you've had since an all-you-can-eat buffet. -
Review from Jared S.
1/18/2011
I'm really struggling with this review. I live in Brookline Village so this is essentially the only bar in my immediate vicinity, and I still don't come here that often. Matt Murphy's is like one big frustrating premature ejaculation - you're happy you came, but in the end you're still disappointed!
Start with the good - the atmosphere is nice with the new look, they have a good beer and wine list and good food served til midnight.
But I have some major problems with this place too.
Why oh why does it always smell like cleaning products? I mean, I'm glad they keep the place clean, but I feel like every time I step in they are mopping the floors, or spraying down the bar, or otherwise using a bleach-containing product. Yuck.
Why oh why is it cash only? Get with the times.
Why oh why is a cash-only Irish pub that smells like bleach too pretentious to carry mass market liquors and soft drinks? If you want a bacardi and diet coke, you'll have to go somewhere else...
Why oh why are the bar stools so top heavy that they can barely remain upright when you hang a jacket off them?
Why oh why does the bartender have to be a jackass to my out of town friends when I'm trying to show them a good time? Specifically, to my friend from Pittsburgh, he said, "How's your rapist quarterback doing?" C'mon man, be professional.
The attitude in here from the bartender and most patrons just reeks so bad, I mostly avoid Murphy's unless it's a blizzard out and I can't get anywhere else!Listed in: BV
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Review from Mairead N.
Boston, MA
11/14/2010
I've been a regular at Matt Murphy's Pub for well over 7 years. I've brought friends here, I've brought my Mum here, always good food.
I came here last week and discovered that they're in the middle of a complete renovation and it looks good!
The bar is almost the full length of the restaurant and it now has seating, which it didn't before and I love it! I could totally see myself coming here after work some evening and sitting at the bar and having a drink and an appetizer and chatting with the bartender. It still has the same menu, a few changes but not much. Their sandwiches are always toasted just right and so tasty. The cheese plate is great with a glass of wine and a wonderful way to start your meal.
The fish and chips are served in a newspaper, Dublin style, which is a nice touch and their tomato ketchup is homemade and delicious.
We had rice pudding for dessert and it was yummy.
I love this place and my family and I have been coming here every Christmas eve for dinner and a hot port to get ready for Santa's arrival and I always go home feeling all Christmassy and happy.
I want to try their brunch so I'm looking forward to this and will be back soon. -
Review from Dow C.
Brookline, MA
8/31/2011
I've lived in and around Brookline for over 10 years and can't believe I haven't gone to this place before. It'a a pub with a modern menu and great tasting food. My recommendations - the lobster Cobb salad and the pork terrine. A couple of notes - it's cash only and don't expect to get a diet coke.
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Review from Seth L.
Boston, MA
12/2/2011
Sigh, use to love this place now food is a B- and service a C.
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Review from Shelley S.
La Jolla, CA
6/7/2011
This is certainly one of my preferred spots in all of greater Boston. The meals is so great and so original. This is a hidden authentic gem in this area. And go for Trivia Evening on Wednesdays! Definitely give them a try once if your in the area.
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Review from Sally F.
Brookline, MA
8/19/2010 ROTD 11/6/2010
Desperate for food, but well past the time when most people are munching on brunch (listen, it was a late night, okay?)...I found myself in here, hoping to god that they could make me something I could eat and that the kitchen was still open. After the initial pang of fear when the (adorable!) server said, "I'm sure the salads are fine," things went swimmingly. There was actually only one salad on the menu and I just wasn't in the mood for healthy rabbit food that afternoon, so I asked if the kitchen could do two sides: roasted potatoes and scrambled eggs. "No problem!" the server assures me.
My god, those eggs and potatoes were the best things I've ever tasted! And I wasn't even hungover, honest. You know how you can go in for crazy expensive brunches and are then served somewhat unappetizing rubber eggs? This was the opposite of that. They were cooked just enough to hold together and have thoroughly cooked whites, infused with cheesy and butter gorgeousness and served in an insanely generous portion. The potatoes? Warm and cozy like reading your favorite book in your grandpa's worn-out armchair during a rainy day. They were cooked up with caramalized onions, salt, and pepper, and that's it. Nothing fancy...just straight up comfort food done shockingly well.
They've also got two types of Original Sin cider and any of you who know me know about my deep, deep affection for that elixir of life.
In short, if you're ever in Brookline, head over here to get yourself some cheap, delicious eats. Also, bring cash...they don't take cards. There are ATMs across the street, if necessary.
They also have some great, eclectic live music that's worth checking out at night.Listed in: Gluten-Free Friendly
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Review from Katie W.
Boston, MA
12/29/2010
When I lived in Brookline Village this is one of my fav spots to meet friends for drinks or a fun dinner. The dark decor is very inviting and cozy. They have great beer selection--love that they serve Cisco brewery's beers.
Love their Potato Leek Soup and they have great Irish inspired creations. Only qualm, its cash only--but there is an ATM across the street! -
Review from Allison G.
Boston, MA
4/8/2011
I went in for Linner, dunch threesies... whatever you want to call it. Its between 3 and 5 and i want to eat and drink. I went there for the first time the other day and what a pleasure.
The food is made with love and the service is real. You know real people hanging with you and bringing out some food to you like you're family. It is one of those hidden gems I'd been in search of close to home.
Man that beef stew is silly good! And I'm not really a beef stew kind of girl but I can't stop thinking about it ... i also had some type of bread pudding and i would have put my face in the bowl to lick it clean if i had a couple more beers... See you next time around 330... -
Review from Erin H.
8/19/2010
This place is so tucked away, but still manages to be in the middle of Brookline!
I went here with the lovely Mairead :) and had a glass of Riesling white wine (which was sweeter than expected in a VERY good way!) she had a warm cup of tea, and we split their cheese platter which came with 3 types of cheeses, walnuts, little pickles, and a red wine and honey sauce for the cheese...and for consumption of said cheese little triangles of Toasted and buttered and ever so crispy pieces of thick bread.
Terrific snack with wonderful company...needless to day, I will certainly be back for more!Listed in: Eat! Mangia!
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Review from Kelly O.
Updated - 5/29/2011
Deservedly upping my review to 5 stars. The boy and I stopped by on Friday night for a drink at the bar and ended up staying a few hours (honestly, their house-made strawberry vodka gimlets are absolutely heavenly, and their beer selection is thoughtful), and not only did the staff deliver us a plate of complementary curry fries, but when we finally asked for the check, the bartender provided us with a complementary full glass of port each. All totally unprovoked and unexpected, and just for us hanging out and enjoying the atmosphere and eachother's company for a few hours? Now this is a true neighborhood place. Love.
Listed in: Welcome to Brookline, C-Line Bites, Delicious Cocktails, Beer Bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/18/2009
Went with coworkers for a few post-work beers the other week. Small cozy dark homey/rustic… Read more »
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Review from Shannon M.
Boston, MA
1/22/2011
Loved the atmosphere, but the food was only okay.
I ordered the cod fritters, and it was a little on the salty side. The fries were good, but after taking a bite of the salt fritters, the last thing I wanted to eat was something salty like fries. Not the best pairing.
The best thing about Matt Murphy's is that fact that they are open until 2am Monday through Sunday!! And their kitchen is open late...which around Brookline there are very limited food options past 11pm. -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
5/5/2010
Matt Murphy's Pub can now be counted among the many businesses that speak to me and say, "You must come to this area of the city more often!" an interior like an old farm house, service reminiscent of what service was meant to be (helpful, timely, familiar) and simple food with prices congruent to portion size and taste.
At Matt Murphy's on a weekday evening, you'll notice regulars, newbs, dates, families and friends, commiserating at scattered tables, drinking cocktails and brews, filling the atmosphere with warm and welcome conversation. Though we contributed more than our fill of talk to the soundtrack that evening, the staff allowed us to linger without a hint of rush or a mention of the check until we were ready.Listed in: Comfort Food in Boston, Beers in Boston, Brookline Eats
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Review from fiddos j.
Allston, MA
6/17/2011
The place I went to last night wasn't the same place I went to a year ago. That place was a rustic pub - with roughly hewed wood tables and dishes like rabbit, shepherd's pie and calf's liver sandwich all of which tasted like a million dollars - not to mention the exceptional bread that they'd bring out before the meal.
The place I went to last night was a yuppy joint that served run of the mill slop - badly seasoned and exceptionally mediocre fare. The only things that remained were the high prices and cash-only policy. Unfortunately, that is tolerable only if you have something extraordinary ... not if you're running a yuppie pub.
I want the old matt murphy's back ! -
Review from Martha D.
Boston, MA
7/22/2010
Three words- strawberry infused vodka. That's what Matt Murphy's uses to create their vodka gimlet and it is heavenly. Mixed with lime juice, it honestly tastes like candy which is both exciting and really really dangerous!
Their drink menu has other creative options (mango infused whiskey anyone?) and tasty food options. The bar is very small and intimate and it doesn't take much trying to believe you're whiling away your evening in a genuine Irish bar. Don't forget though- it's cash only! -
Review from Cheri H.
Brighton, MA
6/3/2010
When I lived right in Brookline Village, this place was my "go-to" spot. Live music every night and $8 strawberry-infused vodka gimlets? Yes, please. The food is pretty decent, if you're into the Irish pub fare, though it can get a little pricey. Cheery, "off the boat" accented bartenders, a variety of local musicians, and delicious original cocktail selections are all pluses for Matt Murphy's!
My only qualms would be about seating -- this place is SMALL, especially later in the evenings. You have to walk through the kitchen (where they stack all the dinner chairs/tables) to get to the restrooms. Although it deters the frat-party college types, come armed with bills -- this place is CASH ONLY! -
Review from Brett D.
North Waltham, MA
8/12/2011
My little brother was in town and wanted some solid fish and chips. On his last trip he tried them at The Druid and was impressed, so I found this place with the hopes that we'd be able to beat it.
In short, the crispy cod and chips was !@$@# amazing. Homemade ketchup and tarter sauce, hardly greasy, super fresh, really tasty. Comes wrapped in newspaper too. Fries were a bit on the greasy side, but that's a small gripe.
Wife had a salad and she said it was great as well, flavor was balanced and full and the ingredients were fresh. The menu overall is pretty interesting and they have a great number of tasty beers on tap. I'd recommend the Paulaner hefe weissbier, paired nicely with my meal. Dessert was solid as well, chocolate truffle cake.
The decor and of the vibe of the place was very nice, and the staff was friendly. We spent last summer in NYC going out to eat a ton and this was the first place in Boston that really put us in that same frame of mind and was at the same level of quality.
Keep in mind the 5 stars is adjusted relative to Boston, but it's an awesome place and we'll be coming back and bringing friends here many times to come.
