You know that feeling when you walk into a place and just know the butter is real and the grill has seen some things? That’s the vibe here. People don’t just stumble upon the Murphy's Original Steak House menu by accident; they seek it out because it’s a time capsule of what dining used to be before everything became "deconstructed" or "artisanally foraged." It’s located in Winchester, Virginia, and honestly, if you aren't looking for that specific brand of old-school comfort, you might miss the magic.
But let's be real for a second.
A lot of modern "steakhouses" are basically just expensive rooms with white tablecloths where you pay $70 for a piece of meat and another $15 for a potato. Murphy’s isn't trying to be that. It’s a neighborhood staple. It’s where you go when you want a slab of prime rib that hasn't been fussed over by a chef with a pair of tweezers.
The Meats: Breaking Down the Murphy's Original Steak House Menu
If you're coming here and not looking at the beef, what are you even doing? The heart of the Murphy's Original Steak House menu is, unsurprisingly, the steak. But it's the specific cuts and the way they handle them that keeps the locals coming back.
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The Prime Rib is the undisputed heavyweight champion here. They don't just do it on weekends; it's a core personality trait of the restaurant. You can usually get it in different cuts—like the standard "Murphy’s Cut" or a smaller "Petite Cut" for those who aren't trying to enter a food coma immediately. It’s slow-roasted. It’s juicy. It’s exactly what you picture when you close your eyes and think about Sunday dinner at your grandmother's house, assuming your grandmother was a professional grill master.
Then you’ve got the Filet Mignon. It’s lean. It’s tender. It’s the kind of steak you can practically cut with a fork, which is great because sometimes you just want a meal that doesn't require a workout. They also offer the New York Strip and the Ribeye. The Ribeye is for the folks who want that marbling—that fat that melts into the meat and makes every bite taste like a luxury.
Interestingly, they do a "Steak and Cake" combo. No, not chocolate cake. We’re talking a Maryland-style crab cake paired with a steak. It’s a regional flex that actually works. The saltiness of the crab meat against the charred exterior of a medium-rare steak is a core memory in the making.
Beyond the Beef: Seafood and More
Not everyone wants a cow. I get it. Sorta.
The Murphy's Original Steak House menu actually leans pretty heavily into seafood, which makes sense given the Mid-Atlantic location. You’ll find Broiled Scallops that aren't rubbery (a rare feat) and Jumbo Shrimp that actually live up to the name. The stuffed shrimp—filled with that same crab meat used in the cakes—is a sleeper hit.
They also do chicken and pasta dishes, but let’s be honest: you’re at a steakhouse. The Chicken Parm is fine, sure, but it’s like going to a concert and watching the roadies set up—it's functional, but it’s not the main event.
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The Sides and The "Old School" Experience
Here is where the Murphy's Original Steak House menu shows its true colors. You aren't going to find kale chips or quinoa salad here.
- The Baked Potato: It comes wrapped in foil. It’s massive. You load it with sour cream and chives. It’s a classic for a reason.
- The Salad Bar: This is a vanishing breed in the American dining landscape. A real, honest-to-god salad bar. It’s got the chilled beets, the sunflower seeds, the creamy dressings that probably have more calories than the steak, and those little crunchy croutons. It’s nostalgic. It’s interactive. It’s arguably the best part of the wait.
- Onion Rings: These are usually thick-cut and breaded, not that thin stringy stuff you get at fast-food joints.
Why Does This Menu Work in 2026?
We live in a world of digital menus and QR codes. Murphy’s feels like a rebellion against that. The Murphy's Original Steak House menu stays relevant because it doesn't chase trends. It knows its identity. When you look at the prices—which have stayed relatively grounded compared to the astronomical spikes we've seen in big-city bistros—it feels fair.
There’s a sense of reliability. You know that if you order the chopped steak with gravy and onions, it’s going to taste exactly the same way it did three years ago. In an unstable world, there is massive value in a consistent gravy.
The Lunch Crowd vs. The Dinner Scene
Lunch at Murphy’s is a different beast. The menu pivots slightly to accommodate people who have to go back to work and can't spend two hours digesting a 16-ounce ribeye. You see a lot more sandwiches and "Platter" styles. The French Dip is a standout here. It uses the shavings from that prime rib, served with a side of au jus that is salty, beefy, and perfect for dipping.
Navigating the Murphy's Original Steak House Menu Like a Pro
If it’s your first time, don’t overthink it.
Start with the salad bar. It’s the ritual. It clears the palate (or fills you up on breadsticks if you aren't careful). For the main, go with the Prime Rib if it’s available—it usually is, but it’s the gold standard there. Ask for it "end cut" if you like a bit more seasoning and crust, though those go fast.
If you’re feeling fancy but not "full-blown steak" hungry, the Crab Cakes are the move. They aren't filled with a ton of breading or filler. It’s mostly lump crab, which is how it should be.
A Note on the Atmosphere
The menu is only half the story. The physical menu itself—usually a classic fold-out—is your roadmap through a dining room that feels like it has stories to tell. The service is usually "career server" style. These aren't teenagers looking for a summer gig; these are people who know the Murphy's Original Steak House menu forward and backward. They’ll tell you if the scallops are particularly good that day or if you should stick to the ribeye. Trust them.
The Practical Takeaway
When you're looking at the Murphy's Original Steak House menu, you're looking at a piece of culinary history that refuses to quit. It’s about big portions, heavy plates, and a total lack of pretension.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Daily Specials: Murphy’s often has off-menu items or specific deals on certain nights (like Prime Rib specials) that offer even better value.
- Aim for Early Dinner: The salad bar is at its peak freshness right when the dinner rush starts, and the best cuts of Prime Rib are still available.
- Save Room for Dessert: They often have classic pies or cheesecake. It’s the only way to properly finish a meal this heavy.
- Manage Expectations: This isn't a "fusion" spot. Don't ask for sushi or avocado toast. Stick to the classics: meat, potatoes, and seafood.
The reality is that places like Murphy's are becoming rarer. The Murphy's Original Steak House menu is a reminder that sometimes, the original way of doing things—focusing on the quality of the cut and the warmth of the service—is actually the best way. Whether you're a local or just passing through Winchester, it's a meal that feels like a destination.