You’d think a restaurant based on a 1980s cult classic golf movie would be a total tourist trap. Honestly, most "themed" spots are. They usually have mediocre burgers, overpriced drinks, and dusty memorabilia that nobody really looks at after the first five minutes. But Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant is a bit of a weird outlier in the hospitality world. It started because the six Murray brothers—Bill, Andy, Brian Doyle, Ed, Johnny, and Joel—decided they wanted a place that felt like a permanent 19th hole.
It’s loud. It’s cluttered. And it’s surprisingly earnest.
When the first location opened in 2001 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, people figured it was a vanity project. Maybe a way for Bill Murray to have a place to grab a drink when he’s in town for a tournament. But here we are, decades later, and the brand has survived the brutal churn of the restaurant industry. It’s survived because it doesn't take itself too seriously. The motto "Eat, Drink and Be Murray" isn't just a marketing slogan; it’s a lifestyle choice for people who think golf is better when you’re not worrying about your handicap.
The Vibe is Pure Bushwood
If you walk into the St. Augustine location or the one in Rosemont, Illinois, you aren't met with a quiet, polite dining room. It’s more like a chaotic basement party where someone happen to have a high-end kitchen.
You’ll see photos of the brothers, sure. You’ll see the iconic "Cinderella Story" references. But it feels lived-in. There’s a specific kind of Midwestern hospitality at play here that reflects the brothers’ upbringing in Wilmette, Illinois. They weren’t country club kids. They were caddies. They were the guys hauling bags in the heat to make a buck, and that blue-collar energy is baked into the walls.
It’s kind of funny when you think about it. Most celebrity-owned restaurants try to be chic. They want to be "elevated." The Murray brothers went the opposite way. They wanted a place where you could spill a little beer on your shirt and nobody would give you a dirty look.
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What You’re Actually Eating (Hint: It’s Not Just Hot Dogs)
Let’s be real—the food is why you stay. You might come for the Bill Murray connection, but you aren't coming back twice if the wings suck. The menu at Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant is heavy. It’s comfort food that understands its audience.
The Crispy Potato Golf Balls are the big draw. Basically, they’re loaded mashed potatoes, breaded and fried. It’s a cardiologist’s nightmare but a hungry golfer’s dream. They serve them with a horseradish dipping sauce that actually has a bit of a kick.
Then there’s the "Double Bacon Cheeseburger." It’s exactly what it sounds like. No truffle oil. No artisanal sprouted grains. Just beef, bacon, and cheese.
The menu is actually quite large, which is usually a red flag in the restaurant biz, but they manage to keep the quality consistent. You’ve got salads, pasta, and seafood, but honestly? Stick to the pub fare. The "Chicago Style" roots show up in the Italian Beef and the sausages. If you’re at the Rosemont location, near O'Hare, you’re basically in the heart of beef country. They know what they’re doing.
The Secret Sauce: Chef Andy Murray
A lot of people don’t realize that Andy Murray—the chef, not the tennis player—is the culinary engine behind the brand. While Bill is the face and the guy everyone hopes to spot at the bar, Andy is the one who actually knows how to run a kitchen. He trained at the New York Restaurant School and spent years honing the menu to make sure it wasn't just "movie food."
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He’s often seen at the locations, making sure the "spaetzle" is right or checking the consistency of the gumbo. Yes, they have gumbo. It’s a nod to the various places the brothers have lived and traveled. It’s that kind of nuance that keeps a place from becoming a parody of itself.
Why Does It Still Exist?
The restaurant industry is notoriously fickle. Most celebrity joints close within three years. Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant has staying power because it occupies a specific niche: the "elevated sports bar with a soul."
It’s a destination for fans of the movie, obviously. Caddyshack is arguably the most quoted sports movie of all time. But the restaurant also appeals to families. It’s one of those rare places where a grandfather can talk about seeing the movie in theaters in 1980 while his grandson plays with a souvenir gopher.
They also lean heavily into events. They host the Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised millions for healthcare charities. This isn't just a business; it’s a hub for the community. When you eat there, you feel like you’re contributing to something a bit bigger than just a profit margin.
Things You Might Get Wrong About the Place
First off, don't expect Bill Murray to be behind the bar every Tuesday. Does he show up? Yes. He’s been known to jump behind the bar, serve drinks, and lead a sing-along. But he’s a busy guy. If you go there specifically to see him, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Go for the atmosphere instead.
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Second, it’s not just a "golf" restaurant. You don’t have to know what a "birdie" is to enjoy the place. It’s a celebration of a certain era of comedy. The walls are covered in nostalgia that spans the brothers' entire careers, not just the one film.
Lastly, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. In a world where a "signature burger" can cost $25 in most cities, the Murray brothers have kept things relatively accessible. They want people to actually eat there, not just take a selfie and leave.
The Rosemont vs. St. Augustine Experience
The two main locations have slightly different vibes.
The St. Augustine spot is nestled in the World Golf Hall of Fame area. It feels a bit more like a vacation destination. It’s sunny, it’s breezy, and it’s surrounded by actual pro-level golf history.
Rosemont, on the other hand, is pure Chicago energy. It’s near the airport and the convention center. It’s where you go when you have a long layover or you’re in town for a trade show and you just want a decent beer and a loud room where you can hear yourself think. It’s got a bit more of that "big city" grit to it, even though it’s technically in the suburbs.
How to Do It Right
If you’re planning a trip to a Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant, here’s the move:
- Don't go during peak "event" times unless you like crowds. If there’s a big tournament nearby, the wait times will be insane.
- Order the "Gopher Sauce." They put it on a few different things, and it’s got a specific tang that you won't find at a chain like Buffalo Wild Wings.
- Check out the merchandise. Usually, restaurant merch is tacky. But the Murray Brothers stuff is actually pretty well-designed. The golf shirts are high-quality, and the hats don't look like cheap giveaways.
- Sit at the bar. That’s where the best stories are. The bartenders usually have some pretty great anecdotes about the brothers or the weird memorabilia tucked away in the corners.
The reality is that Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant shouldn't really work. Themed restaurants are relics of the 90s. But because it's run by a family that actually cares about food and hospitality—and because they happen to be one of the funniest families in American history—it manages to be a genuine experience. It’s a place that reminds you that life is short, golf is hard, and you might as well have another order of potato balls.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Make a reservation if you're going to the Rosemont location on a weekend; it gets packed with travelers and locals alike.
- Look for the "hidden" movie references. They aren't all hitting you over the head; some are subtle nods to the script that only die-hard fans will catch.
- Check the charity calendar. If you can time your visit with one of their fundraising events, the energy in the building is 10x higher.
- Try the Sangria. It's a bit of a sleeper hit on the drink menu and surprisingly refreshing after a round of golf.