Murphy's Cafe 126 — Restaurant in Riverton

Take our money, dang it!!! I'll preface this review, by saying we're honestly stingy when it comes to tipping and extremely picky when it comes to eating out. We're also familiar with running a small restaurant, so when we say we're impressed, WE'RE IMPRESSED!! Went there with my husband and kid for my birthday dinner. First time going there, wasn't sure what to expect. The owner was manning the register and was enthusiastic to see new-comers. Readily explained the menu with recommendations and answered our questions. It was mere minutes that we started getting our order delivered to our table. Everything was hot, fresh, and sizzling! I got the Honey Garlic Cheesesteak which I was blown away by. I would call it more saucy than cheesy but only by a margin and it was absolutely delightful. IT HAD WHOLE SLICES OF CARMALIZED GARLIC! If you like garlic, get this one. I chatted with the waitstaff girl and she said they slice the garlic themselves. (Mind blown!) But it was a perfect blend of sweet and savory. My husband got the owner's recommendation of the Mushroom Pepper with added jalapeños. It's what a REAL Philly Cheesesteak looks and tastes like. There were large cracked black pepper that made it warm (spicy-wise), but not overwhelming. And the cheese was ooey-gooey. Its really hard to impress my food-critic husband, but he's still raving about his sandwich.

Oh, and both sandwiches were STUFFED with meat and cheese. Murphy's does not cut on quality! We both noted that the vegetables used were fresh and high quality - a choice that not a lot of restaurateurs would make as they would be chopped and cooked.

The quality continued into dessert. My husband was kind enough to return to the register to ask if there was anything they could do for my birthday. The cashier girl was super friendly and said, "I'll see what I can do!" She then came over to our table a minute later and asked us what we wanted and that all 3 of us got one dessert each. (I won't say that your experience will be the same, as we're a small party, and Murphy's likely does not get many people celebrating there.) She good-naturedly went along with my kid who insisted he just wanted a scoop of ice-cream, then clarified his order by asking him again. Of course, he changed his mind and said he wanted a cookie on the side, too. They happily did as he asked. My husband and I got the brownies-and-icecream.

I was 3 bites in before I realized that "I REALLY like this!". (I know desserts! Especially reaturant desserts.) For Murphy's being a place focused on serving Philly sandwiches, they did not cut corners here either. REAL VANILLA BEAN ICECREAM, people! You could see the vanilla bean dots and taste the heavy cream used in the ice-cream. Icecream is an expensive menu item to keep on hand, but it was fresh and not crystallized. Same thing with the brownie. They served a huge square of it, and it was definitely baked that day and of a high quality. (Also, 95% sure their sandwich bread is in-house made and baked.)

The service was amazing. Had a friendly girl check by our table several times to see if everything was good and to take dishes away. Better service than some sit-down restaurants we've been to. Owner came by our table to congratulate me and joked about singing happy birthday, but didn't want to scare us away.

Everyone we saw working there was happy, chipper, and enthusiastic. Soon after we sat down a large group came in with thier own individual orders which might throw off some cooks, but we saw that everything continued to run smoothly. The owner came out to personally greet some people, but just as quickly went back to continue working with the staff. He's clearly someone who knows everything about his restaurant and is willing to work side-by-side with his employees.

We're ashamed that we didn't tip when we ordered, and we tried giving them cash. They refused, saying we didn't need to. We were unsuccessful in leaving a cash tip, but be warned! Next time we come back, ya'll are getting a HUGE tip when we pay!!

And we...

Let me just say it—Murphy’s Café 126 in Riverton doesn’t serve Philly cheesesteaks… they serve legendary life-altering meat magic. If you think that’s dramatic, it’s only because you haven’t tasted one yet. And if you have tasted one, you’re probably already in the parking lot reading this while wiping “boss sauce” off your face and wondering how to explain to your family why you’re weeping over a sandwich.

Now let’s talk about that Philly—it’s a 100% badass tower of thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, melty cheese, and enough flavor to make your tastebuds jump out of your mouth and start slow dancing. It’s juicy, cheesy, toasty, and somehow both indulgent and perfectly balanced. I don’t know what kind of voodoo they do in that kitchen, but I swear the grill has been blessed by the flavor gods.

But here’s the real kicker: the boss sauce. I call it “slap your momma” sauce—not because you should actually slap your mom (please don’t), but because the flavor hits so hard you momentarily lose control of your limbs. It’s spicy, creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. If they bottled it, I’d wear it as cologne and hope for the best.

The owner? Coolest dude in Utah. You walk in and feel like you’re already part of the family. He’s always got a smile, always checking that your order is right, and you can tell—this man takes pride in every single sandwich that leaves that kitchen. It’s like each Philly gets a little pep talk before being wrapped up and handed over. “Go out there and change their lives, buddy.”

So if you haven’t been to Murphy’s Café 126, get in your car, cancel your plans, and get down there. Don’t walk—Philly sprint. You’ll leave full, happy, and slightly emotional. Just don’t forget to order extra boss sauce… and maybe call your mom afterward. She deserves to know what she’s up against.

11/10....

I went here on 1/29/2020 and had read their website extensively before the visit. The information on the the internet talks about how the owner wanted to make good affordable food. However I was a little surprised to see that the cheapest 6" sandwich (with no sides) costs $9.99. The menu boasts that it is the best Philly Cheese Steak in Utah... The cheese steak was good, but best, highly debatable. Worth $10.... No. I am a pretty harsh critique and for me when it comes to reviewing food a number of things come into play but mainly value. When push comes to shove I will probably not be going back. The food was good, but I wouldn't say $10 good.

Response to owners response: I mean no disrespect with my review. I understand that a business needs to make money. For me however, I appreciate good food and value. Yes my sandwich was delicious. I really liked the seasoning on the Cheese Steak. I feel however that there are lots of alternative options for less money that are as good or better. DP Cheesesteaks in South Jordan (only 4.5 miles away) sells a very good Cheesesteak. Their 6" Cheesesteak costs $6.50 and yes they use steak. Furthermore their large sandwich is only $8.49. The Philidelphian which I think is the best Cheesesteak in the valley is only $5.70 for their 6" sandwich (also made to order in front of you) and for $9.95 you can get a 12" sandwich. I am glad that you have customers who appreciate your food and are happy paying your prices. For me however for $10 or more if you want a side, there are a lot of other places I would rather patronize. It is no disrespect to you or your business. Just my...