Ive lived in the Downriver area for a number of years, and after reading a few reviews of R.P. Murphy's, I thought I'd share my experience. Let me first explain that the intent was not to have an extravagant dinner, it was merely to have a few drinks. However, because of where I was seated at the bar I had an opportunity to watch the cooks prepare the food and it looked like they were very confident.
As a few of the other reviewers have noted, the ambience is wonderful, particularly if you are a fan of historical architecture. It might be an ideal location to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or another day of significance.
One may wonder, why the 3 stars? My response has to do with what I thought was an unruly patron. While seated at the bar, a person sat down and proceeded to take the empty glasses, and bang them down in front of the bar maid, as if they were disturbed. I didn't know if he was intoxicated or just rude. Later, I found out that he was the owner of the establishment. His reaction left an impression of unease.
Furthermore, if I was the owner and present, I would have went around and introduced myself to the guests to make sure they were having a spectacular time. Particularly given what was offered on the menu and the cost associated. It would've been nice to to know that the owner appreciated the patronage that was occurring!
Perhaps this was an anomaly, and if I visit again the owner or chef will introduce themselves and thank the customers for...
   Read more9/13/13 I arrived to a very dimmly lit, understaffed, but friendly eatery. I order the Wing Dings, Calm Chowder and Lake Perch. The service was very slow I waited acutaly 10 minutes before I was even greeted. After placing my order, I witness the two cooks (high school kids or very young adults) horseplaying in the small kitchen.
The calm chowder cold tin and was brought out by and older worker who had on dirty cloths with food stains all over. The server dipped my soup out of the cold container then placed it in the microwave. Horrible!!
The bread was then brought to the table, hard like rocks. The server inquired how the soup was I told her it was terrible.
Another 10 minutes goes by then my lunch is presented. The fish was under cooked, the mash potatoes were grey and smelled funny. I asked the server to wrap the food up and bring the check.
Although, I gave a $5.00 tip, I left the food behind. My ticket number was Order #103 server Debra. The kicker is the owner or which appeared to be, disappeared either upstairs or downstairs. Totally disappointed with the food and the kids in the kitchen.
For all the rich history which I heard this place had they didn't live up to the hype.
Mark...
   Read moreRP McMurphyâs is a premium americana pub with a classic old-school dining experience. Established in the 70s, RPM retains that 70s feel, while being attentive and proper like a new restaurant might be.
The wait staff is plentiful, attentive, and well dressed, in a refined, upscale sort of way. The menu is a bit pricey (we spent $75 for 2 for dinner) but the experience makes it worth it.
RPM is a slower dining experience...which has a bigger focus on seafood and specialty dishes not often found elsewhere. Throw out expectations of chicken âtendiesâ and get ready for Steak Debra instead or fresh mussels.
The salads were made with real mixed greens (not gross iceberg), the soups were flavourful, and my Steak Debra had a deep, rich flavour to it. Our meal took time (1.5 hours) but the staff kept us informed and refreshed. It was a really nice way to spend a Friday night, and screams âspecial date or special occassionâ for future dinners. Weâll...
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