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Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend July 28, 2006 Molly Murphy's Flouting a negative aura that's long hovered over a certain east Medford restaurant location, Molly Murphy's looks like it's here to stay. Experienced restaurateur that he his, owner Glynn Allen apparently didn't want to take any chances where so many others had failed. So he transplanted his tried-and-true menu from Bee Gee's in Central Point to new digs on Barnett Road. Familiarity certainly has its selling points. Molly Murphy's — open since April — has so far been busier than any other establishment to take up residence in the ill-fated spot within the past five years. The most recent, Saucy's Southern Grill, quietly closed after a scant few months. Following on the heels of Sandpiper's 15-year run, Streams, Tutto Bene, Wailea Ranch, Mick's Alehouse, Gum Rai and Sing Thai all have fallen like so many dominos. Optimistically enough, Allen subtitled his new venture, "A House of Fine Repute." Letting his servers pick their own uniforms is another stab at a light-hearted atmosphere. Advertisement Yet the restaurant's theme must leave at least a few patrons scratching their heads. Given its nautical decor (model ships, seascapes, etc.), being greeted by a pirate-garbed waiter upon my first visit wasn't at all surprising. But then the pirate was joined by an Indian and a cowboy. Speculating that maybe we were in the middle of a Village People look-alike contest, my friend and I scanned the dining room for a policeman and a construction worker. The non sequiturs, however, don't seem to faze customers who come for comfort food at reasonable prices. Full lunch and dinner menus deliver classic American fare like chicken fried steak, meat loaf and liver and onions with nothing priced over $15.95. Molly Murphy's is also one of a just a few spots in the valley that serve breakfast all day. If that doesn't sound like such a boon, trust me on this one. On my most recent visit, I saw customers packing away hash browns, pancakes and over-easy eggs at 2 p.m. Preferring our breakfast a mite earlier, I ordered a French dip ($7.50) while my friend opted for the fish and chips ($7.35). For an extra $1.35, I elected onion rings as a side dish instead of fries, potato salad, coleslaw, soup or green salad. Lunch took a little longer to arrive than one would expect. But my friend and I, both former restaurant workers, noted that a wave of customers — in mid-meal when we arrived — had just subsided. The kitchen was probably playing catch-up. Still at the top of her game, the server read my mind when I asked for a side of mayonnaise. "Did you want fry sauce?" she asked, bringing over a bottle. The onion rings proved crispy and the sandwich bun slightly toasted. The roast beef was somewhat tough but tasty. A small side of dill pickles made for a little bonus. As is case with most restaurants that tout a "family-friendly atmosphere," Molly Murphy's food is no better or no worse than expected. It's average fare for the average diner. My take was the same on an earlier visit when I ordered fried scallops with rice pilaf and vegetable soup ($10.20). Customers age 60 and older get a 10-percent discount on regular menu items, excluding drinks, desserts and specials. Checks are not accepted. --- Sarah Lemon Correction Last week's review of Bento Phoenix incorrectly stated that the restaurant is part of Bento Express in Medford and Ashland. Bento Phoenix is independently owned and operated by Lisa Witnauer. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com Advertisement s Advertisement