Parson's Pub is CLOSED. PLEASE REFER TO POOR PARSONS PUB. — Restaurant in Murphy

POOR PARSONS PUB: A Hidden Gem Worth the Drive

I know that this is Parsons, but it’s not giving the option to review Poor Parsons so you will probably find this when you’re looking for them.

Let’s start with this: I’m from Houston — a city known for its high culinary standards — and I’m no stranger to fine food. I cook. I critique. I eat very well. So when I say Poor Parsons impressed me, I mean it literally blew me away.

Because this is on the old name, consider this your sign from the universe. If you’re lucky enough to be near this place, don’t miss the opportunity to go.

Service: Joe, our waiter, was an absolute standout . Attentive, thoughtful, and quick on his feet. Not that we had any issues, but if we had, I have no doubt he’d have handled them with grace and speed.

Food Highlights: Let’s talk swordfish. This wasn’t your average seafood plate — it was tender, buttery, and kissed with just enough ocean essence. The crabmeat sauce elevated it to fine dining territory. One of our group ordered it as their entrée, and yes, we all had another bite. It’s that kind of dish.

Fried oysters? I typically steer clear of them in Galveston, they often miss the mark. But not here. Poor Parsons nailed the texture: crisp on the outside, succulent on the inside. The sauce selection was clever and unexpected. I’ll keep the details a surprise, but don’t skip the butter. Trust me.

I personally ordered The Scott, a 7oz charbroiled filet mignon. It was so tender, it made the swordfish seem tough (and that swordfish was stellar). Clean, delicate flavors paired perfectly with the lobster sauce and tender little lobster bites. It was balanced, refined, and deeply satisfying.

The only note I’d offer is this, when serving a steak this perfect, pair it with a smooth, sharp steak knife. A cut that fine deserves precision.

Lobster mashed potatoes? Rich, indulgent, and unapologetically buttery. Comfort food dressed up for a night out.

And the bisque? Warm, velvety prelude that could’ve easily stood as the star. Honestly, if the meal had ended there, I’d still be writing a rave.

Make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to buy some merch, but don’t forget it!!! But it’s okay, Dusty might hold it for you if ya do!!

My family will have to share their own thoughts but if you’re still reading this, you’re wasting time.

Get in the truck. Go. Now. Poor...

I recently visited Parsons Pub in Murphy, North Carolina, hoping for a delightful dining experience. Unfortunately, my expectations were not met, as the overall quality of the food was quite disappointing. From the moment we sat down, it was evident that much of the menu consisted of items that had been previously frozen. This fact was hard to overlook as every dish we tried lacked the freshness and flavor that one would hope for when dining out.

Our meal began with an appetizer, which set the tone for the rest of our experience. The items were cold in the middle, a clear indication that they had not been cooked thoroughly. Moving on to the main courses, we found that each dish followed a similar pattern. Whether it was the supposedly crispy fried options or the more substantial entrees, everything had a uniformly bland taste that did not live up to its description on the menu. It was as if the flavors were lost in the freezer long before they ever reached our plates.

While the food was subpar, I must commend the service. The staff at Parsons Pub were attentive and friendly, doing their best to make our visit enjoyable. They were quick to address our needs and check in on us throughout the meal. It’s unfortunate that their efforts could not make up for the lackluster quality of the food.

In conclusion, while the service at Parsons Pub was commendable, the food was a major letdown. The predominance of frozen ingredients and the tasteless nature of the dishes made for a dining experience that I do not wish to repeat. I would advise anyone looking for a satisfying meal in Murphy to explore other options. Unfortunately, I will not be returning to...

WARNING What follows is a harrowing tale of desire and addiction that would make E.L. James blush. Be very careful with the first thing you order from Parson's Pub. I ordered a Shepherd's Pie, and have entered a zone of torture ever since.

You see, the pie was so incredibly delicious and the broccoli cooked so perfectly that it haunts my dreams. Bite after bite flowed smoothly, matching the tears of joy glistening down my cheeks and into my beard. Each time I pass through Murphy, I find myself pulled to the pub like the prodigal customer. I eat at other restaurants and have to cry myself to sleep for having cheated on Parson's.

The best worst part, though, is when I finally relent to my baser instincts and return to the pub. I enter the front, where the owner holds the door for me with a knowing smile on his face. The staff, friendly as always, places a menu in my hand. It takes all of my resolve to resist my forlorn expression of grief, as my decision has already been made. No matter what delectible treats emerge from the kitchen - nor the salivatory smells assaulting my senses - I know that I'll be crawling back to my Shepherd's Pie.

So listen closely, reader: Be careful with what you order from Parson's. It may be the last thing you ever want to eat.

(Although some of this review may be exaggerated for dramatic effect, the facts remain; the food is fantastic, the staff is incredible, and I've yet to successfully order anything else. In fact, at the time of this review I'm once again waiting for my Shepherd's Pie to arrive....