By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Photo/Bonnie Adams
Marlborough – After a busy Saturday morning filled with chores and errands my husband Dave and I decided to have lunch at Funky Murphy’s new Marlborough location, 31 Main St., just down the street from the city’s downtown area. The restaurant shares a small parking lot with several other businesses and there are spots out front on the street. For additional parking, the restaurant recommends using the city municipal lot located at 1-37 Bolton St. Ext., which is less than a minute walk away.
As we entered, we were immediately greeted by a pleasant young woman, Britney, who also was then our server. As it was a Saturday afternoon, the restaurant was not yet too busy. There were a few families with young kids and others who were just enjoying a beer with friends on a hot and humid day.
The restaurant touts itself as a “cool and contemporary Irish pub” and indeed it has a casual, fun atmosphere. There are plenty of booths, high tables and seats at the bar, as well as an outside patio. Big screen TVs located throughout make me think it would be a great place to go and watch a big game with fellow fans.
It took a few minutes to decide what we wanted to eat because so many of the options sounded enticing, even for a picky eater like me, who doesn’t eat red meat or seafood.
We decided to share a hummus platter for an appetizer. It came with some delicious red pepper hummus, fresh bruschetta, cut up veggies, a loaf of warm bread and crispy thin bread slices for dipping. It was such a generous size that it could easily be a meal for one.
My husband also got a cup of New England clam chowder which he said was very good, rich and creamy.
For my entrée I decided on the honey mustard chicken salad which was one of the specials that day. It was a beautiful plate of crisp greens with large pieces of chicken coated in a delicious honey mustard glaze. The chicken was cooked to perfection – tender and juicy inside and the glaze was just the right amount, not too sweet or cloying. A light, refreshing dressing was served on the side to go with it. I was only able to eat half of the salad so my husband enjoyed the other half later that evening. We both agreed it was excellent.
Dave decided to order the seafood platter which had an assortment of things such as clams (both strips and full bellies), lobster, haddock and shrimp, accompanied by French fries. He said everything was quite tasty and cooked just right.
Funky Murphy’s has a really diverse selection of soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees as well as weekly specials. They are now also offering Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which we will definitely go back to try out. According to their website, the brunch will include a rotating selection of items such as chef’s omelet, seasonal fruits, chef’s carving station, salads, and lunch specialties. The price is $17.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids ages 4-11 and free for kids ages up to 3 years old.
Funky Murphy’s can also host your function, whether it is a birthday party, graduation, business luncheon, or just a special gathering.
The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. with the kitchen open Monday through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
The restaurant also has a Worcester location at 305 Shrewsbury St. For more information, visit www.funkymurphys.com or on Facebook.
