Located in the heart of the historic Gold Rush town of Murphys, California, Murphys Hotel offers an exceptional dining experience that reflects both tradition and creativity. The menu is carefully crafted to feature locally sourced ingredients, seasonal flavors, and classic American cuisine with a modern twist.
Whether you are visiting for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration, Murphys Hotel’s culinary offerings promise to delight every palate. a comprehensive overview of the Murphys Hotel menu, highlighting its diverse categories, signature dishes, and unique culinary philosophy.
Philosophy Behind the Menu
Murphys Hotel prides itself on supporting regional farmers, ranchers, and artisans. The menu emphasizes freshness and sustainability, ensuring that every dish is prepared using the finest seasonal produce and responsibly raised meats.
Chef-driven innovation combines with classic comfort food to create a menu that is approachable yet sophisticated. This balance makes Murphys Hotel a beloved dining destination for locals and visitors alike.
“Our menu is a celebration of Murphys’ rich agricultural heritage and the bounty of the Mother Lode region.” – Executive Chef, Murphys Hotel
Menu Categories Overview
The Murphys Hotel menu is thoughtfully divided into several main categories to cater to different dining preferences and times of day:
- Starters & Appetizers
- Soups & Salads
- Main Courses
- Vegetarian & Vegan Options
- Sandwiches & Burgers
- Desserts
- Wine & Beverage List
Each section offers a variety of choices designed to complement the others, making the dining experience both flexible and satisfying.
Starters & Appetizers
The appetizer selection at Murphys Hotel sets the tone for a memorable meal. With a focus on sharable plates and bold flavors, these starters are perfect for whetting the appetite or enjoying with friends over a glass of wine.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Artisan Cheese Board | A curated selection of local cheeses, house-made preserves, nuts, and crusty bread. | $18 |
| Fried Calamari | Lightly breaded calamari rings served with a zesty lemon aioli and marinara sauce. | $14 |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Button mushrooms filled with garlic herb cheese and topped with breadcrumbs. | $12 |
| Golden Beet Hummus | House-made hummus infused with roasted golden beets, served with pita chips and fresh vegetables. | $11 |
| BBQ Pork Sliders | Slow-cooked pulled pork on mini brioche buns with house-made slaw and pickles. | $15 |
Soups & Salads
Freshness and seasonality define the soups and salads at Murphys Hotel. Perfect for lighter meals or as complements to main courses, these dishes highlight local produce and creative flavor combinations.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Soup | A rotating daily soup made with the freshest local ingredients. | $8 |
| Classic Caesar Salad | Crisp romaine, house-made Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons. | $10 |
| Roasted Beet & Arugula Salad | Baby arugula, roasted beets, candied walnuts, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze. | $12 |
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grilled chicken breast, and lemon vinaigrette. | $15 |
| Quinoa & Avocado Salad | Protein-packed quinoa with avocado, black beans, corn, and cilantro-lime dressing. | $13 |
Main Courses
Murphys Hotel’s main dishes showcase hearty, satisfying meals that emphasize quality and creativity. From classic American fare to globally inspired plates, the options cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Ribeye Steak | 12 oz. USDA choice ribeye served with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. | $32 |
| Herb-Crusted Salmon | Pacific salmon filet with a fresh herb crust, served with quinoa pilaf and asparagus. | $28 |
| Chicken Marsala | Pan-seared chicken breast in a rich Marsala wine sauce with mushrooms and linguine. | $24 |
| Vegetable Risotto | Creamy Arborio rice with seasonal vegetables, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. | $22 |
| Lamb Shank Braised in Red Wine | Tender lamb shank slow-cooked in red wine sauce served over creamy polenta. | $30 |
| Seafood Cioppino | Classic tomato-based seafood stew with clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, served with garlic bread. | $29 |
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Understanding the importance of diverse dietary needs, Murphys Hotel offers thoughtfully prepared vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options utilize fresh vegetables, grains, and plant-based proteins to create flavorful and nourishing meals.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan Buddha Bowl | Quinoa, roasted chickpeas, avocado, kale, sweet potatoes, and tahini dressing. | $18 |
| Eggplant Parmesan | Breaded eggplant layered with marinara sauce and vegan cheese, baked to perfection. | $20 |
| Stuffed Bell Peppers | Bell peppers filled with wild rice, mushrooms, and herbs, served with tomato coulis. | $19 |
| Vegan Lentil Soup | Hearty lentil soup with vegetables and spices, served with whole grain bread. | $9 |
Sandwiches & Burgers
For a more casual experience, the sandwich and burger offerings at Murphys Hotel are crafted with the same dedication to quality. Served with house-made chips or a side salad, these options are perfect for lunch or a relaxed dinner.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| The Classic Burger | 8 oz. Angus beef patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and house sauce on a brioche bun. | $16 |
| Turkey Club Sandwich | Roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and aioli on toasted sourdough. | $15 |
| Veggie Burger | House-made black bean patty with avocado, sprouts, tomato, and chipotle mayo. | $14 |
| French Dip | Thinly sliced roast beef on a toasted roll with au jus for dipping. | $17 |
| Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup | Classic grilled cheese paired with a cup of rich tomato basil soup. | $13 |
Desserts
No meal at Murphys Hotel is complete without sampling one of their decadent desserts. These sweet treats are made in-house, combining classic recipes with seasonal ingredients to satisfy any sweet tooth.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Warm chocolate cake with a gooey molten center, served with vanilla ice cream. | $9 |
| Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Fresh seasonal fruit topped with a crunchy oat crumble, served with whipped cream. | $8 |
| Classic Cheesecake | Creamy New York-style cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and berry compote. | $9 |
| Apple Tart | Thinly sliced apples baked in a flaky pastry, dusted with cinnamon sugar. | $8 |
| Vegan Chocolate Mousse | Rich and creamy chocolate mousse made with avocado and coconut cream. | $10 |
Wine & Beverage List
Murphys Hotel boasts an extensive wine list featuring local wineries from the Sierra Foothills and California’s renowned wine regions. Complementing the wines are handcrafted cocktails, local beers, and non-alcoholic beverages prepared with equal care.
| Beverage | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Full-bodied red wine with notes of blackberry and oak from local vineyards. | Glass $10 / Bottle $38 |
| Chardonnay | Buttery and crisp white wine with hints of vanilla and citrus. | Glass $9 / Bottle $34 |
| Murphys Pale Ale | Locally brewed pale ale with floral and citrus notes. | $7 |
| Classic Margarita | Tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup, served on the rocks. | $11 |
| House-made Lemonade | Freshly squeezed lemons with organic cane sugar and sparkling water. | $5 |
Murphys Hotel regularly updates their wine and cocktail selections to reflect seasonal availability and new local partnerships.
Special Menus and Events
Murphys Hotel also offers special menus for holidays, seasonal celebrations, and private events. These curated menus often feature exclusive dishes and wine pairings designed to showcase the best of the region’s flavors.
Guests are encouraged to inquire about seasonal tasting menus and chef’s specials when making reservations. The culinary team delights in creating custom experiences tailored to unique occasions.
“Our goal is to provide more than just a meal — we aim to create lasting memories through food and hospitality.” – General Manager, Murphys Hotel
Conclusion
Murphys Hotel’s menu exemplifies the spirit of Northern California’s Gold Country by blending rich culinary traditions with fresh, local ingredients and innovative preparation. From the first bite of an appetizer to the last spoonful of dessert, diners can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted experience that honors the region’s heritage and the art of fine dining.
Whether you are a local resident or a traveler passing through Murphys, the hotel’s restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere and exceptional food that is sure to impress. Explore the menu to find your new favorite dish and savor the flavors of this historic town.
