Restaurant Review / Artwork, Wi-Fi help make cafe a bright spot on Third Street in downtown Niagara Falls
Murphy’s has more to offer than just good food
NIAGARA FALLS — Talk about your one-stop shops, how’s this: Wireless Internet, chiropractic adjustments, wall-ready original artworks and some of the best sandwiches and salads this side of the Big Water Fountain.
That’s Murphy’s Cafe on Third. That’s right, Third Street. Niagara Falls. The American side.
Yes, things are starting to happen downtown . . . good things, no less. Granted, they’re happening slowly, but then Rome wasn’t built in a day.
You have to look closely to find it, but make the effort. Murphy’s is cheaper than other restaurants in the immediate area, the confines are cozier, and the food is worth the trip. And when you’re done, you’re only a block or so from the thundering waters.
And where else can you get your lunch with a side order of post-modern Impressionism?
Let’s just say there were lots of nice pictures on the wall.
Located on the ground floor of the Jefferson Apartments, Murphy’s is a funky, two-story space featuring a loft with a couch, fireplace and large-screen television. The walls are dotted with those original artworks by Michael Kudela (you can check him out online at www.michaelkudelapoetry.blogspot.com ). The first floor has a few tables and comfy chairs and Wi-Fi access for those unable to break away from their work long enough to enjoy a decent lunch. There’s music from a lone guitar playing jazzily in the background (canned, but OK) for those with no one to share conversation.
Murphy’s opened last month and should be a neighborhood hit come summer — that is, if there’s free, accessible parking available. I’m not sure that lot outside the back door will be free once the tourist season arrives, and that could present a problem, because on-street parking is at a distinct premium in that area (if there is any available at all).
That would be a shame to have such a nice place done in by a lack of parking, but then again, it is downtown Niagara Falls. Let’s hope they find a way around that potential obstacle.
Anyway, Murphy’s is a breakfast-lunch place, with limited but excellent options for each. It’s also a gourmet coffeehouse, with all the best that you’d expect from a Starbucks or similar place. You order at a counter, and they bring it out to you; don’t expect it to come quickly, either, but the wait is well worth it.
Our afternoon visit saw us sample the panini sandwiches ($7.99) and the wraps ($6.99). We also went home with some of their fantastic homemade cookies and sponge candy.
My albacore tuna panini featured solid white albacore mixed with mayo, cucumber, red onion, spinach, tomato and American cheese and was quite tasty. Grilled to a deep, crispy brown, the filling remained cool and intact, which is important. There’s nothing worse than a soggy grilled tuna.
The sandwich itself was thick and fairly substantial and was served with a small but excellent side salad consisting of the freshest spinach, onion and tomatoes I’ve enjoyed in some time. The dressing, served on the side, was some type of balsamic vinaigrette and was simply wonderful.
My wife, Teresa, thoroughly enjoyed her Mediterranean chicken wrap, which was easily the best of the day. Consisting of grilled chicken breast, spinach, tomato, kalamata olives, feta cheese and Greek dressing squeezed into a honey wheat wrap, it was heavenly!
The chicken was good, but the olives and cheese just set it off perfectly. Again, the spinach and tomato tasted fresh-picked.
Daughter Steffany’s grilled
chicken Caesar wrap was every bit its match, featuring a Caesar dressing that was “awesome,” she said. Topped with Romaine lettuce, tomato and parmesan cheese, it was a filling experience.
Her boyfriend’s oven-roasted turkey wrap didn’t quite match up, he said. He couldn’t put his finger on exactly what was not to his liking, saying, “It was just kind of bland.”
The sandwich consisted of oven-roasted turkey breast luncheon meat, sweet banana peppers, spinach, tomato, mozzarella cheese and Greek vinaigrette. Maybe a different, tastier cheese would have set it off better?
And what other place has a chiropractor (Mobile Chiropractic Wellness with Daniel B. Woods, D. C.) virtually on call, ready to make a house call and straighten you out? And for only $30? Call 791-3079 or 440-3840 for times or to reserve your table.
One final word of warning: You may need a doctor after you indulge in the wonderful sponge candy available at the front counter.
Well done, Murphy’s.
Murphy’s Cafe on Third
250 Rainbow Blvd. at Third Street, Niagara Falls (205-8341) (Inside the Jefferson Apartments)
★★★z (Out of four) Favorite dish: Mediterranean chicken wrap Needs work: Oven-roasted turkey Healthy choice: Veggie and fish sandwiches Price range: Everything $4 to $8 Service: Good Noise level: Churchlike Wheelchair access: Yes Parking: Connected lot Kid appeal: Limited
• • •Hours: 7 a. m. to 7 p. m. seven days a week.
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