Walk into the old funeral home on Lincoln Avenue and you won’t find any lingering gloom. Instead, you're hit with the scent of slow-simmered Guinness stew and the immediate warmth of dark wood. Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro isn't just a restaurant. It’s a massive, multi-level testament to the fact that Chicago still knows how to do authentic Irish hospitality without the leprechaun kitsch. Honestly, in a city where "Irish Pub" often just means a place with green beer and a sticky floor, this spot is different.
It's huge.
The building, originally the William H. Scott Funeral Home, was transformed by the Murphy family—specifically Jim Murphy, the man behind the legendary Murphy’s Bleachers—into a refined yet cozy labyrinth of dining rooms. When Jim passed away, his wife Beth and their sons took the reins, keeping the fires burning, quite literally, in the building's five different fireplaces. You've got the downstairs bar, which feels like a local's secret, and the upstairs dining areas that feel more like a wealthy uncle's library. It's a weird transition from "mortuary" to "mutton," but somehow, it works perfectly.
The Architecture of a North Side Staple
Most people don't realize how much history is baked into the walls here. The renovation was massive. They didn't just slap some paint on the walls; they imported bars from Ireland and painstakingly preserved the architectural integrity of the 1920s structure. It’s one of those places where the floorboards creak in a way that feels intentional, adding to the vibe.
If you’re looking for Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, you're looking for the intersection of Lincoln and Byron.
The layout is sort of brilliant. Because it was a funeral home, the space is divided into several "parlors." This means you can have a raucous 40th birthday party going on in one room while a quiet couple shares a bottle of wine by a fireplace in another. You never feel crowded. Even when the place is packed on a Saturday night or during a Six Nations rugby match, there's a pocket of air. It’s spacious.
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What the Locals Know About the Menu
Let’s talk food. People come for the Fish and Chips, obviously. The batter is crisp, not oily, and the chips are thick. But if you're only eating the fried stuff, you're missing the point. The kitchen here leans into "Bistro" more than "Pub."
Take the Shepherd’s Pie. It’s a staple, but they don't treat it like an afterthought. It’s seasoned with a depth that suggests the lamb and beef have been getting to know each other for a long time. Then there’s the brown bread. It’s dense. It’s slightly sweet. It comes with butter that actually tastes like cream.
Kinda makes you wonder why we ever eat "regular" bread.
- The Guinness Pour: They take it seriously. It’s a two-stage pour. If you try to rush the bartender, you’ll get a look that suggests you've just insulted their grandmother.
- The Whiskey List: It is extensive. We aren't just talking Jameson and Bushmills. They have rare bottles that will run you the price of a small car, alongside accessible flights for people who just want to learn the difference between a single malt and a grain whiskey.
- The Corned Beef: It’s brined in-house. It’s not that neon-pink stuff you find in the deli aisle. It’s tender, flaky, and salty in exactly the right way.
Why the Beer Garden is a Game Changer
Chicago summers are short. We treat them like a precious resource. Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro has a sidewalk presence, sure, but the real magic is how the building breathes during the warmer months. While many Irish spots are windowless bunkers designed to keep the damp out, the Murphy family opened this place up.
It feels like a neighborhood living room.
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You’ll see families with strollers at 5:00 PM and then a completely different crowd of craft beer nerds by 9:00 PM. They have a solid rotation of local Chicago brews, which is a nice nod to the city’s massive brewing scene, even if the heart of the list remains firmly rooted in the UK and Ireland. It’s basically the best place in North Center to waste a Sunday afternoon.
Authenticity Without the Gimmicks
What really sets Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro apart is the lack of "O'Irish" branding. There are no shamrocks painted on the sidewalk. There’s no "Kiss Me I’m Irish" merch for sale at the door. It’s authentic because it focuses on the spirit of the pub—which, in Ireland, is the public house. It’s the community center.
The staff usually stays for years. That’s a rare thing in the restaurant industry. When you go back after six months and the same server remembers that you hate ice in your water, it builds a loyalty that money can't buy. It’s that old-school Chicago service that feels increasingly rare in the era of QR code menus and "concept" dining.
Planning Your Visit: What to Expect
If you’re heading there for the first time, don't just walk in and sit at the first table you see. Explore. Walk up the stairs. Check out the different rooms. Every space has a slightly different energy.
- Parking: It’s North Center. It’s tough. Look for spots on Lincoln, but be prepared to circle the block a few times or use a ride-share if you're planning on hitting the whiskey list.
- Reservations: Usually a good idea on weekends, especially if there’s a big football (soccer) or rugby match on the schedule.
- The Sunday Roast: It is a tradition for a reason. Don't fight it. Just order it.
Actually, the real pro tip is to check their calendar for live music. They often have traditional Irish sessions. This isn't a stage show with costumes; it’s a group of musicians sitting in a circle, playing fiddles and tin whistles, usually with a pint within arm's reach. It’s hauntingly beautiful and totally unpretentious.
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The Business of Being a "Staple"
Operating a restaurant of this size in Chicago isn't easy. The overhead on a massive historic building is a nightmare. Heating five fireplaces isn't cheap. Yet, Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro has survived economic downturns and a global pandemic that shuttered half the industry.
How? By staying consistent.
They haven't tried to become a fusion restaurant. They haven't tried to pivot to "small plates" or "deconstructed" versions of classics. They do the basics better than almost anyone else in the city. They understand that people don't go to an Irish bistro for a culinary revolution; they go for comfort, for a heavy glass of stout, and for a room that feels like it’s been there forever.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
To get the most out of Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro, follow these specific steps:
- Request the "Library" or Fireplace Seating: When booking or arriving, ask if a table near one of the fireplaces is available. It completely changes the mood of the meal.
- Order the Whiskey Flight: Even if you aren't a connoisseur, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable. Ask for a "Regional" flight to taste the difference between northern and southern Irish styles.
- Attend a Live Session: Check their social media or website for "Trad Sessions." These usually happen on specific weeknights or Sunday afternoons. It is the most authentic way to experience the space.
- Don't Skip Dessert: Their bread pudding is arguably one of the best in the city. It’s heavy, it’s decadent, and it’s meant to be shared.
- Look Up: Take a moment to appreciate the crown molding and the woodwork. Much of it was salvaged or custom-built to match the original 1920s aesthetic.
The legacy of Jim Murphy lives on in the hospitality of his family. Whether you're there for a funeral luncheon—bringing the building full circle—or a celebratory pint after a Cubs game, the atmosphere remains steady. It’s a place that respects its past without being a museum. It’s a living, breathing part of Chicago’s North Side.