Haus Murphys: The Best German Restaurant in Phoenix
Nestled in the heart of historic downtown Glendale, Haus Murphys stands as my favorite German restaurant, serving authentic German food with a Bavarian flair for 24 years under the skilled hands of owner and chef Brett Hoffman.
Atmosphere and Ambiance
I adore the charming outdoor biergarten, but if the weather is too hot, the cozy dining room and German-style bar with long tables provide a perfect alternative. The warm and friendly atmosphere, or Gemütlichkeit, permeates the place, especially after enjoying one of the Haus Murphys German beers. They offer seven beers on tap, including the popular Warsteiner Oktoberfest and my personal favorite, the dark, sweet, and malty Spaten Optimator.
Food and Beer Pairings
The food and beer at Haus Murphys are a perfect match, highlighting the fine dining that has drawn the attention of celebrity chef Guy Fieri and made it a Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives regular. Saurbraten, a slow-cooked dish taking four days to marinate, is a local specialty, but for the culinary newcomers, the schnitzels are a delightful starting point. A Bauernplatte—a generous platter for two people—offers everything from bratwurst and Kassler Kotelett to Hackbraten and German fried potatoes, all served with Bavarian-style sauerkraut and red cabbage.
For dessert, choose from the flaky apple or cherry strudel, luscious chocolate sauerkraut torte, or the warm bread pudding. The appetizers are also highly regarded, especially the crispy potato pancakes with apple sauce and sour cream, and the giant fresh-baked Bavarian pretzels with spicy mustard. Other favorites include Das Haus Brat and Gulasch Fries.
Special Events and Attractions
Visiting Haus Murphys during Oktoberfest or the Glendale Glitters Christmas light spectacular can be quite the experience. Be sure to book a reservation in advance, as the restaurant books up quickly for these special occasions. During Oktoberfest, guests can enjoy live music and traditional German festivities, while Glendale Glitters offers a visual spectacle that attracts thousands of visitors.
Concluding Thoughts
Wunderbar! You are now likely as hungry for some good German food as I am, remembering my visits to Haus Murphys. Prost! cheers