After 30 years still going strong and better than ever. If you have lived in the Coachella Valley for any time or have visited it over the years you probably have at least heard of Murph’s Gaslight Restaurant. If you haven’t or have never tried it, you are really missing some great food!

Recently taken over by restauranteur, Josh Rushlow, Murph’s has not changed one iota, and somehow it is better than ever. In 1976, Ralph Murphy introduced a unique way of preparing pan fried chicken and Murph’s Gaslight soon became one of the most popular restaurants in the Coachella Valley. In 1987 Ralph Murphy passed the responsibility of keeping Murph’s Gaslight as one of the best restaurants to John Skoby, who then hired “Chef” Martin Vega and “Manager” Yolanda Wright. As of this year Josh Rushlow, with a promise to change nothing, and to maintain the same staff of management, cooks, waiters and waitresses, took up the gauntlet and lovingly carries on the great tradition of fine service and great food. Chef Martin (now 23 years at Murph’s) still makes sure that every morsel of food leaving the kitchen is perfect and Yolanda Wright (now 19 years at Murph’s) still greets patrons with a genuine smile. People, who may arrive hungry and lost at Murph’s door, will eventually leave, as we did, full, satisfied and smiling.

“Murph’s is a 30 year tradition,” says new owner Josh Rushlow. “Murph’s first opened in 1976, the year I was born. There is no other restaurant like Murph’s out here.” For me,” Rushlow says, “Everyday is an adventure, You get to meet new people every day and enjoy what you do all day.” When we asked Mr. Rushlow, “Josh” (as he wanted us to call him) if he planned to make any changes he quickly answered, “When Mr. Skoby sold Murph’s to me I had to promise that I would keep everything the same and keep the staff as they are. I not only plan to honor my promise, I couldn’t do otherwise. If it ain’t broken don’t fix it! I plan to keep Murph’s as down home as we are, I don’t plan to change anything.”


Murph’s serves nothing but the best. A home style restaurant where the waiters and waitresses serve with a warm smile. While famous for their delicious pan fried chicken, on Tuesday through Saturday the menu also offers such tasty selections as Barbecue Ribs, Stuffed Hamburger Steak, Breast of Chicken Arlesienne, Chicken Dumplings, Chicken Fried Steak and Atlantic Salmon. There is always a Catch of the Day and Specials each night of the Week; Swiss Steak on Tuesday, BBQ Beef Bones on Wednesday, Beef Stroganoff with Pasta on Friday and Roast Turkey & Dressing on Saturdays and believe it or not the faire for these specials is an amazing $8.95. How can you possibly go wrong? Now if these specials are not great enough on Thursday nights, if you are not in the mood for Beef Stroganoff you can order Corned Beef & Cabbage and on Fridays Braised Lamb Shank and Pasta, each of these dinners are only $9.95. All entrees come with homemade soup, hot corn bread, butter and honey, cold crisp salad with their delicious “house dressing” and fruit short cake. Murph’s legendary Pan Fried Chicken is available every night of the week.

On Sunday Murph’s only serves their Original Pan Fried Chicken, Family Style. No matter what day you order your family style Pan Fired Chicken, it always includes homemade soup, hot corn bread, cold crisp salad with their delicious “house dressing”, light as can be, creamy mashed potatoes, a beautiful smooth country gravy, black-eyed peas, fresh vegetables, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, butter and honey, and fruit short cake for two or more for only $15.95 per person. Of course coffee, regular and decaf, tea and soft drinks are available. Cocktails as well as domestic and foreign wines and beers are served in the dining room.

Murph’s has a full wine list with California, Italian, and French wines. Murph’s Pub secluded in the heart of Murph’s Gaslight, sports a full “Irish” bar. For those just looking to meet, talk or have a “wee one” or even a “tall one,” Murph’s Pub is like stepping into the middle of Dublin for bit of Irish cheer. We whole-heartedly recommend Murph’s Gaslight for those of you who want a great meal and smile on your face.

Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM for Lunch and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM for Dinner. Sunday Chicken Dinners Only 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Seating is done in order of arrival. There are no reservations. Take out and catering are available. Telephone (760) 345-6242