I want to give this place a better review than I actually can. It's awesome to stumble upon this place while traveling, getting off at another exit looking to grab something to eat and finding a local place with this much charm, instead of yet another chain or a generic establishment just taking weary drivers' money. But our experience just doesn't warrant a higher rating.
The local charm also adds to confusion: it was honestly hard to identify the front door, and once we were inside there seemed to be a bar on one side and the restaurant on the other. Since we wanted to eat, we headed to the restaurant. We had no idea until much later that the 'pub' half had it's own, separate menu. (and in addition, one in our party managed to walk into a closet while trying to exit, again thanks to the lack of signs)
The interior is vast, and charming, even if it is a bit dated. There were a large number of cars in the parking lot, but we honestly never saw more than 4 other customers while we were in the restaurant.
The menu, however, looks like it hasn't been updated in 20 years. It reads as 'generic nicer restaurant from the early 90's', which was one of the last times salad bars were popular at steakhouses and seafood restaurants. The salad bar itself was almost a joke while we were there: iceberg lettuce and perhaps 5 other toppings, none of which looked particularly fresh.
We weren't looking for a big meal, so given the dinner options on the restaurant side, we opted to split dishes. (again, we had no idea there was a separate lounge menu) I can't be sure, but it really seemed like at this point our server decided we weren't big spenders, and we got less attention. After our entrees, she even brought the check over and said "I'm guessing you won't be interested in dessert?" One of our party asked to see the dessert menu, and the server disappeared for 5 min and returned without it, asking if we had decided about dessert. We didn't order any.
The entrees themselves were good. The people were friendly. The place was cozy. And if we had had a great experience, we'd just chalk the problems up to the place's 'charm'. But we left feeling like the place was once better than it is now.
It feels weird leaving a yelp review for a place where I'm pretty sure I didn't even have cell service to check yelp, but maybe some people plan out their travel eating ahead of time more than I do.
The building is beautiful and the atmosphere is fabulous. Â I the bar food seems to be better than the restaurant. Â The nachos are amazing! Â While the bar food is great, ordering a martini was a disappointment. Â The restaurant menu has failed to evolve over time ~ while I enjoy eating here and think it is a great place to meet~ there is room for improvement.
Review Source:First off we had a terrific waitress named Leslie. We ate in the bar as the restaurant menu was too pricey for the appetites we had. The dozen chicken wings were excellent. The teriyaki chicken salad was so-so. The breadstick tasted like plastic. Here's the kicker: this touted Irish pub serves Guiness in a can! Really. All in all we felt we could have done better somewhere else in town. Eat here if you must but don't say you weren't warned.
Review Source:This a local favorite of Fergus Falls and has been for years. Â The unique building creates a great ambiance. Â In the summers, enjoy dinner and cocktails on the deck. Â Food never disappoints. Â Ranging from the best salad bar in town, amazing beer cheese soup, best prime rib, seafood, steaks, burgers, salads and macho nachos. Â You are sure to find something you'll love. Â This is a MUST DO if you are visiting Fergus Falls or if you live here.
Review Source:The Fergus Falls area is starting to become one of our favorite areas to grab a bite to eat when we travel to North Dakota. We were looking for someplace different to try this time around for an early dinner. We arrived too early for the main dining room to be open but we were able to sit in the lounge and get something there.
The decor here is rather cozy but seems a bit outdated. The fireplace was a nice little touch though. We sat right by it because it was cold and damp outside. Our server(s) did a good job. I am not sure exactly which one of them was our "official" server as we seemed to have three of them.
The bar menu consisted of standard pub fare. We ordered some fried green beans and I had a burger and fries to eat. I have to say that everything was very good. I left with a full belly and our meal was a great value. I also liked the use of the mason jars for beer mugs! That was pretty darn cool!
Since we are in this area several times a year. I am very pleased that we have tried this place. It was a great visit and i am sure that we are going to be back again!
Torn between a 2 and 3 stars. Â 3 would be for fun and happy hour atmosphere. Â Nice outdoor area also. Â Love the salad bar at noon. Â 2 would be for overall appearance inside. Â Totally needs an update! Â 2 would also be for the food I've ordered off the menu in recent visits. Â The supper-club food (i.e. steaks & seafood) seems more like banquet food to me. Â And not the best banquet at that.
Review Source:Now I will be honest in the many times I have been here it has been for eating once and it was a sandwich at lunch. This review is more for out of towner who want to know where there is stuff to do. This is a great place to just meet people hang out have a few drinks and perhaps belt out some karaoke.
For Fergus this is the place to be. Most of the young people in town frequent here and it kind of reminds you of a place where everyone knows your name. It is is always a decent time and on occasion ends up making some really good memories. The drinks are cheap the bartenders fantastic--especially Jeff and Joe--and the times are always worth a grin.
The great thing about Mabel Murphy's is the salad bar. Â Their prices are supper-club/steak-house, but I've rarely gotten food from them that lives up to the price. Â There are a few bright spots on the menu, although none come to mind right now as outstanding. Â The free 'happy hour' appetizers have not been worth leaving the table for when I've been there. Â Having said all that, it's a fun place for a party or happy hour get-together. Â And, as mentioned, the salad bar is a great thing.
Review Source:
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